Southern 1

Truro 1, Taunton Vale 2nds 3

VALE had an early start, travelling away to Truro.

They knew the game would be well contested and were determined to come away with three points.

The first half was evenly balanced with both teams having chances but some solid defending from Dan Rogers and Rich Edwards and outstanding goalkeeping from Oscar Smith kept the score at 0-0 going into half-time.

Vale knew they had to step up their game in the second half, playing some nice hockey and making some good breaks.

Unfortunately, Vale gave away a penalty flick early into the second half which the Truro player scored.

Vale then upped their game and quickly managed to level the score.

They were then able to convert again, this time through a short corner and a solid drag flick from Alec Sprague giving Vale the lead.

Vale managed to convert a third, this time through Jonty Lawford finding himself one-on-one with the keeper and calmly tucking it into the back of the net.

Man of the match: Oscar Smith.

Vale 2nd XI have a double header this weekend, facing North Devon on Saturday and East Devon on Sunday.

South East 1

East Devon C 1, Taunton Vale 3

VALE continued their winning run with a third consecutive victory away to East Devon C on Saturday.

Vale started brightly and went 1-0 up within the first 20 minutes after some good work from Jon Pike.

Goalscorer turned provider after half-time as Jon Pike unselfishly squared to Freddie Wolfenden to tap in his third goal in as many games.

The second goal sparked East Devon C into life as they responded with a goal of their own from a short corner to set up a potentially nervy finish.

A good strike from James Dakin from a short corner relieved the pressure in the final 10 minutes as Vale ran out worthy winners.

Man of the match: Freddie Wolfenden.

On Saturday, Vale entertain Yeovil & Sherborne.

South East 2

Taunton Vale 5th 1, Chard 0

VALE started positively and quickly looked to be in control of the game.

However, while maintaining the lion’s share of possession, Vale were unable to capitalise on attacking positions, with Chard looking to attack, breaking play and aerial balls played over the top.

Vale’s persistence paid off when James Waterman broke the deadlock with a well-worked goal.

The second half continued in the same vein, though increasingly cagey as the half wore on.

Chard B looked to have evened the score with a strike from a short corner, only for the decision to be reversed as the initial hit was adjudged to be too high.

Chard continued to push for an equaliser but Vale saw out the final passages of play to hold on to a well-deserved victory.

Man of the match: Mariusz Mankau.

Verde Recreo Championship

Taunton Vale 1sts 3, Plymouth Marjon 2

VALE overcame a stubborn challenge from mid-table Marjon to maintain their promotion challenge.

With leaders Cardiff winning convincingly and third-placed Truro beating Swindon 2-1, the win keeps Vale’s hopes of promotion high.

On Saturday, Vale travel to Truro for what could be a season-defining match.