GoCrea8 Premiership
Exeter University A 1, Taunton Vale 0

TAUNTON travelled to Exeter Uni to take on the student team at their impressive water-based turf.

The first encounter earlier in the season was one of the most exciting games of the season, Vale taking the win. 

This contest was quite the opposite, as both teams defended hard and struggled to create any decent chances, so it was goalless at half time.

The second half created a few more shots on goal for both teams, with Vale keeper Dickie Smith making a few clean saves to keep the score level. 

However, Exeter broke away while the visitors were waiting for the whistle to blow for the ball hitting a foot; Exeter completed three quick passes and fired home to go 1-0 up. 

The game had little more to offer and Exeter held on for a dour victory. 
Taunton are still dangerously close to the relegation zone and need points from the tough fixture schedule ahead.

This week, Vale have a Friday night fixture as they host Cardiff Met A under the lights.

The fifth team are putting on a BBQ for the fixture, which begins at 8pm.

Championship

TAUNTON Vale Mens 2s had two league games over the weekend, both resulting in 6-0 defeats.

On Saturday, they entertained Plymouth Uni 1sts and let in six, and on Sunday it was the same outcome against second-placed Westbury & UB 1sts.
 
Central 1
Old Bristolians 2, Taunton Vale B 2

VALE Men’s 3rds were denied a victory with the last touch of the game against relegation rivals Old Bristolians.

In a tense first half, neither side could get on top; Vale’s defence looked strong, with Ed Whittle and Charlie Axon making interceptions and tackles. 

With Tom Tridgell pulling the strings in an advanced position, both Calvin Bull and Colin Jewhurst went close to opening the scoring. 

Against the run of play, Old Bristolians won a penalty corner which was duly despatched just before half time.

The second half continued in the same vein, neither side dominating, until skipper Axon found Alistair Goodall, whose cross was finished off by Jewhurst from a tight angle. 

Vale then took the lead when Bull found an opposition foot in the D to win a short corner, which Jewhurst dispatched with an unstoppable hit.

Vale held firm, with debutant keeper Dan Diggins making a couple of smart stops, but with a minute to go Vale lost the ball and OB’s skipper equalised with the last touch of the game.

Men of the match: Colin Jewhurst & Ed Whittle.  

Vale go into Saturday’s home game against Sidmouth & Ottery looking for three points to almost guarantee safety.

Southern 2
Taunton Vale C 1, Caradon 3 

VALE’S large squad, which was made up of a good mixture of youth and experience, gave them a lot of confidence. 

This was turned into stylish play, with Vale securing a lot of possession in the early exchanges.

Against the run of play the opposition led, after converting a short corner. 

Yet fine link-up play all over the pitch resulted in a Vale equaliser, finished by veteran Stuart Morling. 

Caradon came out strongly after the break and two goals gave them the win.

Man of the match: Ivo Maxwell.