1st Team Vs Taunton Vale A

Cuthbertson’s ‘Dark Arts’ see North Devon climb the table

A second home win of the season, over Taunton Vale A, saw North Devon climb four places to Joint 6th in the GoCrea8 Conference South League.

A brace from talisman Guy Cockcroft saw the home side take a 2-0 lead early in the first half. His first goal came from a break against play, instigated by a forty yard deft pass by defender Mike Cuthbertson and the second displayed all the trademarks of vintage Cockcroft, striking triumphantly from a well worked short-corner.

North Devon were unlucky not to have had a third in the opening half when Ashley Thorne struck the backboard, only to see the umpire rule the goal out after an injury to an away player in the build-up.

A Taunton Vale strike just before half-time led to a nervous second half for the North Devonians. Goalkeeper Sam Wormington was frequently called into action and was unfortunate to have a flick given against him after a scintillating tackle, but he responded by saving the penalty, giving his side a much needed confidence boost. The home side were able to see out the final twenty minutes with some robust defending, carefully marshalled by Mike Cuthbertson at the back, whom time and again made significant interceptions and strong clearances.