GoCrea8 Premiership
Taunton Vale 1, University of Exeter A 2

THE young Taunton Vale 1st XI are growing into the league this season, and are getting ever closer to their first points.

Exeter University were the visitors last Saturday, for a fixture which has been very competitive over recent seasons, and this one was no exception.

The students took the lead after 15 minutes, but Vale soon equalised, with a well-worked short corner that Sam Young got the last touch on.

Exeter then regained the lead just before half time.

The second half was very evenly contested, with neither attack able to break down the other team’s defence, meaning a third straight loss for Vale, who travel to second-bottom Westbury & UB this Saturday (5.30pm start).

Man of the match: George Retter

Conference South
Duchy 6, Taunton Vale A 1

THE men’s 2nd XI travelled down into Cornwall to play Duchy’s 1st team last weekend.

Vale only had a bare 11, so did incredibly well to end the first half at 1-1, following an excellent open play goal by Mark House.

However, House then suffered an injury, and although he soldiered on Vale were effectively down to 10 men.

As a result, the second half was a very different affair, as Duchy ran out easy winners.

On Saturday, 12th-placed Vale A entertain ninth-placed Yeovil and Sherborne (4.30pm).

Central 1
Westbury & UB A 4, Taunton Vale B 3

THE men’s 3rds were left disappointed at letting a two-goal advantage slip, as a poor second-half performance cost them dearly at Westbury.

Vale started slowly and fell behind, as Martin Lawrence was wrong-footed from a strike at the top of the D.

With their new defence settling, Vale began to look dangerous, with Charlie Axon’s aerials proving effective.

One of these found Dave Tarr, who managed to make his way to the Westbury D and win a penalty corner, which was despatched by Colin Jewhurst.

Vale dominated the rest of the half, and Tarr produced a moment of magic, beating the Westbury defence and rounding the keeper to score from a tight angle.

A third followed, as interplay between Tarr and Alex Sprague set up Jonty Lawford, who finished from close range to give Vale a 3-1 lead at the break.

Vale knew the next goal would be pivotal but struggled after the restart, as Westbury pressed and scored two contentious set-piece goals to level.

Vale were rocking and the hosts scored a fourth goal through a penalty flick, after George Hebditch’s foot stopped a goal bound effort on the line.

The away side went forward searching for an equaliser, but in vain.

This Saturday Vale 3rds are at home to Clifton Robinsons B (3pm).

Man of the match: Dave Tarr

South East 1
Taunton Vale C 4, Minehead A 1

VALE C hosted Minehead A, looking to retain their unbeaten start to the season.

The home side got off to a flying start, as skipper Chris Foster collected Arthur Whittle’s fine through ball and finished into the corner inside the first minute.

Minehead exerted a huge amount of pressure, but the hosts were very clinical on the counter-attack.

James Hebditch found the top corner from a Freddie Wolfenden cross, and Wolfenden scored the third himself for 3-0 at half time.

The second half continued much in the same vein, with Vale soaking up waves of attacks and limiting the visitors to one goal.

Any hopes of a Minehead comeback were quashed when James Duder linked up with Stuart Morling to make it 4-1.

With three wins in a row and sitting third in the table, Vale take a lot of confidence into this Saturday’s game at second-placed University of Exeter F (4.30pm).

South East 2
Taunton Vale D 0, Sidmouth & Ottery B 2

THE Men’s 5ths were defeated in a close encounter, meaning they remain without a point after three games.

Vale made all the early running, with some sublime passing, but they struggled to test the visiting keeper.

The away team then took the lead, against the run of play, shortly before half time.

In the second period, the game swung in a 30-second period, as Vale failed to capitalise on a one-on-one with the keeper, and the visitors then scored with a clean strike from the top of the D.

Vale could not respond, and this weekend they are away to East Devon C (2.30pm).

Man of the match: Jon Pettitt

***

Central 2
North Wilts 3, Taunton C.S. 1

TAUNTON Civil Service men’s 1st XI remain rooted to the bottom of Central 2 after their third successive defeat.

Simon Jones scored their goal from a short corner after they fell 2-0 behind, only for the hosts to seal the win.

This Saturday C.S. host Bristol University C, who are three points and two places above them (1.30pm start).

South East 2
Taunton C.S. A 3, Bridgwater C 3

CIVIL Service 2nds sit fifth in South East 2, following a thrilling draw at home to Bridgwater 4ths.

The visitors went ahead, Lee Slade equalised, but Bridgwater scored again.

Conor Neal and Bill Horner put C.S. ahead for the first time, yet Bridgwater hit back again to draw.

It’s an away trip up next for C.S., as they travel to second-placed ECV Hornets B on Saturday (3.30pm).

***

THERE were mixed fortunes for Taunton Vale’s ladies this weekend, with the 1sts beaten 5-3 at Cheltenham, the 2nds winning 3-2 over Bude and the 3rds losing 3-1 at Bristol University 3rds.

Sedgemoor Division 1
Winscombe 2nds 1, Taunton Vale 4ths 2

VALE Ladies 4ths travelled to Sidcott School with their newly reformed side.

It was a tough, physical game which started with the Taunton side going one up through forward Talia Bird.

Winscombe equalised, but Bird’s strike partner Sophie Walker ensured Vale went home buzzing as she slotted home the winner.

Vale now look forward to their home game on Saturday against ECVH at 11.30am.

Player of the match: Alice Murray Gourlay.
Team: Chantelle Lawrence, Anne Balderstone-Dowds (Captain), Jane Berry, Maria Sennett, Bronnie Seeger, Becs McDonagh, Alice Murray Gourlay, Ellie Wood, Ellie Booth, Talia Bird, Sophie Walker.

***

Sedgemoor Division 1
Taunton C.S. 2, Mid Somerset 0

TAUNTON Civil Service ladies 1sts sit top of the table after beating fellow title hopefuls Mid Somerset.

Tash Hole scored both goals, with Alice Brayley voted player of the match.

Sedgemoor Division 2
White Eagles 2nds 7, Taunton C.S. 2nds 0

THE ladies 2nds had a tough day at table-topping White Eagles 2nds, losing 7-0 despite a dogged defensive effort.

Steph Vincent was awarded player of the match.

***

Sedgemoor Division 1
ECVH 0, Minehead 3

MINEHEAD ladies 1sts travelled to Exe and Culm Valley Hornets this weekend, and came away with a hard-fought victory. 

The team started brightly, with the midfield and forwards working hard to apply pressure, and the breakthrough came from a short corner, as Lan 

A direct shot on goal from Lancaster rebounded into the path of a grateful Cape, who slotted the ball home. 

Minehead doubled their lead soon after from another short corner. 

This time a slick passing move between Perkins and Lancaster forced an opening for a shot on goal which was saved, but again Cape was there to stick the rebound home. 

Before half time, ECVH piled the pressure on in search for a route back in to the game, but were denied by an unbelievable diving stop by Weetch on the stroke of half time. 

In thesecond half, Perkins made a strong run in to the box and pulled the ball back for Cape to complete her second hat-trick in two games. 

ECVH continued to press, but strong defending from the back line and midfield ensured Minehead kept a clean sheet.