GoCrea8 Championship

Exeter University 2 Taunton Vale 3

CONSISTENCY is something that the Taunton Vale haven't become accustomed to this season.

A traditionally strong Exeter University side, who managed to scrape a 2-2 draw against Vale earlier in the season, were in for a tough battle for the return fixture last Saturday.

On a plush water dressed surface, Vale opened the game with strong periods of possession, penetrating deep into the Exeter half.

With great success, Taunton secured an early short corner – and up stepped Karl Trunks to slot the ball past the keeper’s right side with another deceptive drag flick.

The Uni team began to grab the momentum back, however Vale keeper Dickie Smith was in strong form alongside his committed unit of defenders.

Having soaked up some University pressure, Vale defended a short corner and spread the ball quickly up the pitch, allowing a first time pass from Ian Haley to be picked up by rising star Will Abell, who competently walked around the keeper to give Vale a 2-0 lead into half time.

At the beginning of the second half, Exeter scored from two short corners to bring the scores level. Undeterred, the game never felt in doubt as Vale stuck to their game plan and out performed a fit university team.

A final short corner, converted once again by Karl Trunks sealed the game at 3-2 to Vale and Exeter failed to reply for the remaining minutes of the match.

With strong performances from many individuals, the player of the day was Paddy Free with superb support play which looked flawless from every angle.

Taunton Vale face league leaders Bristol University at Taunton Vale Sports Club on Saturday at 4.30pm.

Taunton Vale A 2 PGSOB 1

SECOND-place Taunton Vale played third-place PGSOB in a very competitive game.

Early on Vale, took the lead through David Gibson.

The two teams played with different styles - Vale made short passes, PGSOB played more on the break.

Both styles were effective and both keepers were busy all afternoon - Martin Lawrence, for Vale, made a number of good saves at close range, while Sam Rixon, Vale's central defender, also made an incredible goal line save.

In the second half, PGSOB had the opportunity to score from a penalty flick, but it was pulled wide. There were half chances for both teams, but the defending was tight.

The last two minutes saw the most exciting part of the game - PGSOB scored from a carefully worked penalty corner, but Vale earned a penalty corner and on the second attempt and on the final whistle, Gibson flicked the goal into the back of the net to give a very exciting 2-1 win.

Vale maintain their second place position and keep pressure on leaders Plymouth Uni to increase their chances of promotion.

Taunton Vale B 2 Plymouth University A 3

TAUNTON Vale men’s third XI promotion push hit a bump as they were defeated at home by Plymouth University.

Plymouth dominated the first quarter hitting the post on two occasions.

Vale held firm and took the lead through Liam Elliott who finished from a tight angle after nearly losing the ball to the opposition keeper.

In the second half, Vale paid for a poor five minutes defensively as they conceded three goals in quick succession to leave them reeling.

Vale pulled back a goal with five minutes remaining through Ben Luxton but were unable to pick up an equaliser.

Taunton Vale C 7 Taunton Civil Service 2

TAUNTON Vale thrashed Taunton Civil Service 7-2 in Saturday’s big hometown derby at Heathfield School.

Civil Service though, scored to draw first blood, but Stephenson slotted an equaliser for Vale and then shortly after, a second goal.

This was followed by a third shortly before half time by Owen Thomas.

At the beginning of the second half, Civil came charging out and exposed the Vale defence to bring the score to 3-2.

While Civil Service continued to be dangerous on the break, Vale would work their way up the pitch -and while the Civil Service goalkeeper was outstanding, it didn't stop Owen Thomas getting his second and young Ben O'Neil getting two.

Dom Drew also got in on the action with an individual dribbling play from the half way line.

Taunton Vale D 0 North Devon 3

Vale D travelled away to North Devon for their last away match of the season at table-topping North Devon.

The hosts demonstrated why they are likely to get promoted, retaining a lot of the possession throughout the first half.

However, Vale were excellent in defence and even created the best chance of the half to score with Val Similien hitting the post.

The score remained 0-0 until an unfortunate mistake gave North Devon a penalty flick which was duly scored.

Vale then had a man yellow carded and North Devon took advantage with the extra man to score again. A third goal followed as Vale chased a goal.