HOCKEY: Taunton Vale men hit back to defeat Plymouth University

VALE men’s 1st XI travelled to Plymouth for their third game of the season, with both teams on full points.

The visitors started brightly and pinned their opposition back, but they were dealt a sucker-punch when a Plymouth forward ghosted behind the Vale defence, latched on to a big aerial from the Plymouth centre back, rounded the keeper and scored.

As Vale regrouped, Plymouth hit them with a second, a powerful reverse stick finish into the far corner.

Despite the score, the away side continued to play their brand of hockey and were rewarded following a barrage of short corners, as Martin Johnson rounded the first runner before being cynically fouled.

Karl Trunks stepped up to take the penalty flick and calmly finished.

Vale continued to press, and Ethan Permafresh scored a fantastic deflection after good work from Tom Russell.

As the half drew to a close, Plymouth again mounted an effective counter-attack, to lead 3-2 at half time.

In the second period, Vale continued to toil but were unable to break down a resolute home defence, until Angus Chapman picked up the ball near the baseline, cut inside and finished from a near impossible angle.

The visitors were in the ascendancy now, and with 20 minutes left Trunks scored his second of the game, showing good skill to beat a few defenders and hammer the ball home.

With Vale now in the lead, Plymouth began to chase the game, leaving space for their opponents to play.

Vale captain Ross Hardwick took advantage of the gaps, driving down the centre of the pitch before releasing a wahoo into the top left corner.

Man of the match: Angus Chapman

This coming Saturday, Vale are at home to Cardiff & Met B (noon start).

Southern 1
Taunton Vale A 2, Dart 0

THE 2nds faced league leaders Dart in a tough game at home.

Vale were determined to get their points of the season and started well, retaining possession and looking dangerous in attack.

It wasn’t long before player/coach Elliot Foweraker found the goal to put Vale 1-0 up, that scoreline remaining the same at half time.

The hosts started the second half quickly and remained in control; a scramble in front of the opposition goal led to Vale going 2-0 up, with the final touch coming from Mark House.

Defender Dan Rogers made some fantastic tackles as Vale saw out the win.

Man of the match: Dan Rogers

Vale A go to East Devon this Saturday (2.30pm).

Central 1
Somerset Gryphons 5, Taunton Vale B 0

VALE’S 3rd XI travelled to a blustery Clevedon to play Gryphons’ first team.

On a tricky surface, Vale started slowly and soon found themselves behind.

As the half wore on the visitors began to take a hold on the game, with the front three of Matt Osmant, Ned Aspden and Freddie Stevens linking well.

Stevens was unlucky not to score his first league goal, hitting the post and going close with a number of efforts.

The second half remained a pretty even affair, with George Hebditch and Charlie Axon repelling Gryphons, and Chris Foster man-marking their influential playmaker.

Osmant had a shot saved on the line and a goal disallowed as Vale threw everything forward.

Injuries then began to take their toll, with tired legs and minds seeing Vale concede four goals in the last 10 minutes as they were clinically picked apart by Gryphons.

Man of the match: Freddie Stevens

Vale B travel to Chippenham A on Saturday (3pm).

South East 1
Taunton Vale C 5, Minehead A 1

VALE C got their first points of the season with a convincing 5-1 win at home to Minehead A on Saturday.

The away side took an early lead, but goals from Kyle Wheaton and Rich Stock ensured Vale ended the half 2-1 up.

Another goal for Wheaton early in the second half, and two further strikes from James Duder and John Jackson, ensured a comfortable victory.

Man of the match: Matt Chandler

This Saturday Vale welcome Sidmouth & Ottery A to Gipsy Lane (3pm).

South East 2
Taunton Vale D 2, North Devon A 4

THE men’s 5ths took on North Devon A in a well-contested game, Vale taking an early lead via a superb strike from James Waterman.

North Devon soon equalised, however, before going two ahead shortly before half time.

Vale fought back in the second half, and reduced the deficit to one courtesy of a rare Dan Low goal.

Despite the robust efforts of Vale’s defensive line, North Devon restored their two-goal lead midway through the second half, and took the victory 4-2.

Man of the match: Edd Waterman

Next up for Vale D is a trip to Yeovil and Sherborne B on Saturday (2.30pm).

South East 3
Taunton Vale E 2, Minehead B 1

VALE defeated Minehead by a single goal in a early season table-topping clash, to maintain their 100 per cent record.

The game was hotly contested, with numerous cards spread across both teams.

Smart finishes from Ross Smith and Daniel Donovan gave Vale the victory, with both goals set up by man of the match Tom White.

This Saturday sees Vale go to East Devon D (1pm).

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BEATEN: Sarah Hawkins in action for Taunton Vale ladies 1sts against Cheltenham. Pic: Steve Richardson

TAUNTON Vale ladies remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division 1 table, after losing a fourth straight game on Saturday.

High-flying Cheltenham proved too strong, winning 3-1 at Gipsy Lane.

Vale 2nds’ match at Bude was postponed, but there was a big win for the 3rd XI, who beat Winscombe 2nds 6-1.

The 4ths are still looking for their first points, as they lost 4-2 at ECVH.

In Sedgemoor Division 2, Vale 5ths came away from Bridgwater 2nds with a 2-1 win, but the 6ths lost 6-0 at home to ECVH 2nds.

This coming Saturday, Vale 1sts go to Bristol University (11am start) and the 2nds host Isca 4ths (1.30pm).

The 3rds are at Mid Somerset (2.30pm), the 4th XI entertain Burnham-on-Sea (4.30pm), the 5ths host Sidmouth & Ottery 2nds (10am) and the 6ths are away to Minehead 2nds (10.30am).

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TAUNTON Civil Service men’s 1sts made it three wins from three in South East 1 with a 2-1 victory at Sidmouth & Ottery A on Saturday.

The men’s 2nds also remain unbeaten, after an 11-0 romp at home to Sidmouth & Ottery C.

Things are going less well for CS’s ladies sides, with the newly-promoted 1sts still looking for their first win after a 2-0 loss at Knowle.

The ladies 2nd XI are without a point to their name, having lost 4-3 at home to Taw Valley 2nds at the weekend.

This Saturday, the men’s 1sts host West Dorset (noon start) and the A team go to Bridgwater C (12.15pm).

The ladies 1sts entertain Team Bath Buccaneers 3rds (1.30pm) and their 2nds are away to Winscombe 4ths (2pm).