Sat 8th Sept 2007..... League  v Central Spitfires

Rovers season got off to a flyer against Central Spitfires in their first ever 11 a side league match.

Kieran Murphy opened the scoring after 10 mins when he thundered home from on the edge of the box. Harry Wright added a second soon afterwards.

Daryl Young did well in the Rovers goal when called upon but with Man of the Match Ben Logan, Daniel Greenland, Connor Long, and Toby Bouganeau all playing well in front of him he had little to do.

Rovers third came from a neatly placed penalty from Toby Bouganeau. Billy Reed, Cody Northcott and Scott Redman came close to adding to Rovers lead before Harry Wright added a fourth after some neat work by George Hathaway and just before the half-time whistle Kieran Murphy made it five.

Scott Redmans run from midway in his own half deserved a goal but was thwarted by the post and Ben Kidson almost scored on his league debut. Ryan Dunne added a brace in the second half only to be bettered by Liam Barribal's hat-trick.

A great all round performance from Rovers which saw them totally dominate this game and run out comfortable winners.

  Sat 15th Sept 2007..... League  v Crediton Youth

Although this game started slowly, it soon burst into an action packed game that had everything.

Rovers were given a couple of warnings of how strong and well organised this Crediton side are down their right side. Both sides had chances early on but when Crediton broke down the right it took a brave save from keeper Daryl Young at the feet of the Crediton forward that kept Rovers level, but the Rovers keeper was injured and unable to continue.

A freak bit of misfortune led to Crediton taking the lead, but this only seemed to spur Rovers on, their pressure finally payed off when Harry Wright equalised at the far post for Rovers from a Scott Redman corner.

Crediton scored another to take 2-1 lead going into the half time break. For the first 15 mins of the second half it was all Rovers and they were unlucky not to get the equaliser on a couple of occasions. However against the run of play Crediton broke down the right and scored a lovely goal to make it 3-1, but the game was far from over.

To their credit the Rovers heads did not drop, and they got themselves back into it when Billy Reed fired home from the edge of the box to make it 3-2.

Rovers in their efforts to get an equaliser rode their luck at the back when Crediton came close on a couple of occasions. Billy Reed then pounced on a loose ball and lobbed the keeper to pull Rovers level.

Rovers legs began to tire in the last 10 mins and Crediton began to dominate with all their threats on goal coming down the Rovers left, the woodwork kept Crediton at bay 3 times, before they finally managed to score, which was  in all honesty a deserved winner.

Having said that Rovers surely can only take positives out of this performance, and I believe the season bodes well for the boys.

What a great advert for youth football this turned out to be, and our congratulations to Crediton.

  Sat 29th Sept 2007..... League  v Bradninch

Rovers bounced back to winning ways with this very convincing win over Bradninch and at times the football played was a joy to watch.

Rovers threatened the Bradninch goal on a couple of occasions early on before they got their just rewards when a nice exchange of passes led to Cody Northcott finding the net from just inside the box.

The goal now seemed to spur Rovers on, and some of their passing play was cutting the Bradninch defence open. Connor Long found Billy Reed, who knocked it outside on the left to Kieran Murphy, he beat the defender cut inside and slid the ball to Harry Wright who made no mistake in front of goal to make it 2-0.

Georgie Hathaway as usual was causing all sorts of trouble on the right and it was he that layed the ball back to Aaron Pearse who then put Harry Wright through on goal, and he beat the on coming keeper to make it 3-0.

Ben Logan and Daniel Greenland were having good games in the Rovers defence and on the one occasion they were beaten Scott Redman chased back and done very well clear the ball off the line just before half time.

The second half saw Rovers make a number of changes and it quickly payed off when Ben Kidson scored his first league goal to put Rovers four to the good.

Harry Wright scored his hat trick and Rovers fifth midway through the second half and Rovers nearly added to their tally on a couple of occasions. Bradninch scored a good consolation goal, but the day belonged to Rovers who played some wonderful football in patches and fully deserved their win.

  Sat 6th Oct 2007..... League  v Twyford Spartans

Another good all round display from Honiton Town Rovers saw them beat a very hardworking Twyford side.

Kieran Murphy opened the scoring for Rovers when the ball dropped to him inside the box after some great work from Georgie Hathaway. Not long after that Aaron Pearse made it two nil after a great solo run down the left.

Rovers certainly did not have it all their own way however. Connor Long, Daniel Greenland, Ben Logan and Aaron Pearse all did very well at the back, containing a well-organised Twyford team, and anything else was confidently dealt with by keeper Liam Barribal.

Cody Northcott almost added to the score line and Harry Wright came tantalisingly close, but a quickfire brace from Toby Bouganeau before half time gave Rovers a comfortable lead.

Jack Ainsworth, Scott Redman, Ben Kidson and Tom Cligg worked tirelessly in midfield, all of which helped to set up chances in the second half.

Midway through the half, Harry Wright popped up in the box and added a fifth from close range and shortly after that when the ball dropped nicely for Ryan Dunne inside the box, he volleyed home a sixth for Rovers. Kieran Slumen in goal for the second half dealt very well with everything he had to do.

Then, right at the death, the Twyford keeper made a great save from a Rovers penalty, but Toby Bouganeau reacted quickly and found the net from an acute angle for his second hat trick of the season.

The match was played in tremendous spirit and is a credit to all the boys that took part.

  Sat 20th Oct 2007..... League  v Exwick Youth

This was a great match which was played in a tremendous spirit, a very entertaining game which Rovers did not deserve to come away empty handed but despite the result can take many positives from their performance.

The first half was a closely fought contest in which both sides had chances but neither could quite get the better of the opposing defence.

Both keepers made some fine saves but none better than when Daryl Young dived to his left and tipped the ball onto the post from a great shot from an Exwick player.

It was Exwick who took the lead early in the second half, after a goalmouth scramble when Rovers failed to clear the ball following a corner.

Rovers heads did not drop and in fact were unfortunate not to get a quick equaliser when Georgie Hathaway saw his shot hit the bar. Rovers continued to put pressure on the Exwick goal and were finally rewarded when Aaron Pearse' shot took a deflection and found the back of the net.

In the final minute Exwick scored the winner from the edge of the box, it was a cruel blow for Rovers but one which I'm sure the lads will bounce back from.

Both teams and the match official should be applauded for their performances.

  Sat 27th Oct 2007..... League  v St Martins

Rovers bounced back from last weekends defeat in great style against second place St Martins, putting in a fantastic second half performance which saw them run out comfortable winners in the end, but they far from had it all their own way.

The first half was a very evenly fought contest with both sides coming close on several occasions. Georgie Hathaway and Man of the Match Kieran Murphy battled well in the outside right/left of midfield roles and kept the Saints defence busy.

Ben Logan had an outstanding game at right back, Daniel Greenland, Connor Long and the dependable Aaron Pearse all put in strong defensive displays.

It looked as though both teams would be going into the half time break all square but just before half time St Martins took the lead from a great shot which left keeper Daryl Young no chance.

Liam Barribal on as a second half sub was causing the St Martins defence all sorts of problems and it was he that pounced on a loose ball from a Rovers corner to give Rovers a deserved equaliser. Cody Northcott also had an impact on the left as Rovers now seemed to start playing with some new belief.

It was now all Rovers and it was from another corner that was not cleared that Rovers went ahead, the ball was rifled in and took a deflection which left the keeper no chance. The St Martins keeper pulled off three blinding saves as Rovers went from strength to strength. Billy Penwarden, Billy Reed and Ben Kidson all came close to adding to the score.

Harry Wright showed his strength when he held off the St Martins defenders and then beat the keeper to make it 3-1, the Honiton side were now rampant, and when the ball fell again to Harry Wright he made no mistake to put the Honiton side into an unassailable 4-1 lead.

Ben Logan and Toby Bouganeau almost added to the Rovers tally but the boys can be immensely proud of this performance.

  Sat 3rd Nov 2007..... Friendly  v Broadclyst

Rovers played Broadclyst in this entertaining friendly match, and the opponents who play their football in the league above Rovers showed their class straight from the start.

Broadclyst took an early lead from some well worked interchange of passes which cut the Rovers defence open. Midway through the half and Broadclyst doubled their lead with a very similar goal.

Rovers competed well and almost pulled a goal back when Ben Logan saw his shot hit the post.

The second half started much as the first, and when Broadclyst got a third goal it looked as though it would be a case of damage limitation for Rovers but quite the reverse happened.

Aaron Pearse pulled one back for Rovers with a great solo effort, this seemed to spur Rovers on and they began playing like a team with something to prove. Ben Kidson had an effort come back off the bar and an unmarked Kieran Slumen cooly headed in the rebound.

There were chances at both ends which was understandable because with Rovers now going all out for the equaliser they left themselves vulnerable to the counter attack, but  Man of the Match Cody Northcott was in superb form in the Rovers defence.

With just two minutes left to play Rovers never say die attitude, paid off when Georgie Hathaway fired in the equaliser, and it could have been worse for Broadclyst because Ben Kidson almost sneaked a winner right at the death.

  Sat 10th Nov 2007..... League  v Hemyock

This was only Rovers second away game of the season and although they were never entirely at their best they notched up their first away win in a close game.

Ben Logan and Georgie Hathaway both came close to opening the scoring early on. Rovers took the lead midway through the half when  Billy Reed fed Kieran Murphy who beat the defender and put in a fine ball for in-form Harry Wright to slot the ball home.

Hemyock had an effort hit the woodwork before they equalised just before half time with a very well taken goal.

Ben Kidson, Toby Bouganeau and Aaron Pearse almost regained the lead for Rovers in the second half. Rovers finally re took the lead when a great move down the right saw Liam Barribal put Harry Wright through who rounded the keeper and brilliantly slid the ball in from an acute angle.

Daryl Young pulled off a great save when he managed to get his fingers to push the ball past the post for a corner.

Billy Penwarden put Rovers 1-3 to the good when he cooly slotted the ball past the Hemyock keeper with 10 minutes to go. Man of the Match Daniel Greenland done a great job in the Rovers defence as did Cody Northcott, Aaron Pearse and Ben Logan.

Hemyock scored a cracking goal just before the full time whistle, giving Rovers an anxious last two minutes, but they battled well to see out the win.

  Sat 17th Nov 2007..... League  v Pinhoe Spartans

Honiton Town Rovers were made to work very hard in this very entertaining game at Pinhoe.

Rovers had the better of the game early on and came close to going ahead with efforts from Kieran Murphy and Billy Reed, but the Rovers defence had to be at it's best as Pinhoe began to assert themselves.

Billy Penwarden opened the scoring on 20 minutes when he met a Georgie Hathaway cross and slotted the ball passed the keeper. The game really opened up from then on and became end to end stuff.

Man of the Match Aaron Pearse, along with Ben Logan, Cody Northcott and Tom Cligg were immense at the back for Rovers, and they had to be as Pinhoe pressed for the equaliser.

The second half was much the same as the first with both teams contributing to a very good game. Pinhoe really piled on the pressure but Rovers really dug deep and soaked up everything that was thrown at them.

Scott Redman came close with a great run, but the game was finally put to bed when Ryan Dunne finished off a great run when he cooly slid the ball passed the keeper to put Rovers 0-2 to the good with just minutes left.

A special mention should go to Todd Lewendon making his debut who had a great game and goalkeepers Daryl Young and Kieran Slumen who were both very competent in between the posts.

  Sat 1 Dec  2007..... League  v Brixington Utd

League leaders Brixington Utd were Rovers opponents today and what a cracking game of football we were treated too.

Rovers knew that they had to be at their best to get anything from this game and they did not disappoint, infact they can count themselves very unlucky not to have come away with all three points.

Goalmouth scrambles, goal line clearances, great saves and some very near misses, this game had it all and it would be fair to say that the Brixington goal saw most of the action.

Harry Wright came close to scoring from a Billy Reed corner, from another corner Cody Northcott's shot was not cleared and fell to Aaron Pearse whose shot came tantalisingly close to opening the scoring.

Connor Long and Daniel Greenland were immense in the heart of the Rovers defence and with Scott Redman and Todd Lewendon battling away in midfield Rovers held their shape well.

Ben Kidson and Ben Logan had shots that narrowly missed the target, Kieran Murphy had an effort cleared off the line, and second half sub Liam Barribal almost hit the target late on.

Brixington almost nicked it late on but a great save from Daryl Young ensured Rovers kept another clean sheet and earn a well deserved point.

This thoroughly entertaining match was a credit to both teams, and a magnificent advert for youth football and the Exeter Friendly League.

  Sat 15 Dec  2007..... Cup  v Lympstone

Honiton Town Rovers were knocked out of the cup by a very strong and well organised Lympstone side.

Lympstone took the lead in the first minute after great move down the Rovers left, and finished with a great strike. Lympstone caused Rovers a few more problems before they slowly started to get back into the game.

Kieran Murphy put Georgie Hathaway through on goal and with the keeper advancing toward him, George cooly lobbed the ball over the keeper and into the net for the equaliser after 20 minutes. It was the same two who combined a few minutes later that resulted in Rovers taking the lead, when the Lympstone defender unfortunately turning the ball into his own net.

Lympstone equalised and then took a 3-2 lead just before half-time. In the second half Lympstone began to stamp their authority on the game and their pressure paid off midway through the half with a great strike that left the keeper no chance. Lympstone got a fifth a few minutes later.

Despite the defeat, Rovers should not be too down hearted, this was a very good, and very well organised Lympstone side with which Rovers gave a very good account of themselves.

Tom Cligg, Harry Wright, and Kieran Slumen all had great games.

  Sat 12 Jan  2008..... League  v Kentisbeare

Honiton Town Rovers were beaten by two cracking goals, one in each half by a big, physical and well organised Kentisbeare side.

Rovers started well and dominated the in the first quarter of the game, and were unlucky not to be two up within the first 15 mins but the Kentisbeare keeper was in great form pulling off great saves from both George Hathaway and Kieran Murphy.

Kentisbeare began to get a foothold on the game and came close on a couple of occasions. A couple of excellent last ditch tackles from both Cody Northcott and Aaron Pearse kept them at bay until a great strike from the edge of the box gave Kentisbeare the lead.

Ben Logan, Connor Long, and Daniel Greenland had to be at their best to keep out Kentisbeare in the second half, Keeper Daryl Young pulled off some great saves including a penalty, which maybe should have been re-taken.

Scott Redman, Billy Reed, Toby Bouganeau all battled well in midfield, and the hard working Harry Wright did well as the lone striker.

Rovers did come close to getting back in the game but fortune did not shine on them as Aaron Pearse saw his shot go narrowly over the bar, and Kieran Murphy and Ben Kidson had efforts cleared off the line.

Subs Todd Lewendon, Liam Barribal, and Billy Penwarden all contributed when given the chance, but it was not to be Rovers day when Kentisbeare scored another cracker from the edge of the box, for a deserved victory.

  Sat 19 Jan  2008..... League  v Crediton Youth

Honiton Town Rovers started the better of the two sides in this action packed game and created some good early chances with their slick passing.

A great move down the right saw Scott Redman feed the ball to Georgie Hathaway who knocked the ball down the line for Todd Lewendon, Todd beat two defenders and then put the ball across the keeper into the path of the inform Harry Wright who made no mistake from 5 yards to give Rovers the lead.

Rovers then went two up with a near on identical goal as the first, with Man of the Match Todd Lewendon again feeding the ball to Wright. Crediton Youth though were also causing the Rovers defence all types of problems and were soon back in the game when they scored from the edge of the box.

Rovers Keeper Daryl Young pulled off some good saves and defenders Ben Logan, Cody Northcott, Aaron Pearse and Toby Bouganeau did well to ensure Rovers went in at the break still at 2-1.

Crediton scored two quick goals in the second half but the Honiton heads did not drop and in fact they came close to scoring another on a couple of occasions. Billy Reed had a thumping goal bound shot bravely blocked by a defender and Ben Kidson also came agonisingly close.

Rovers finally got an equaliser when a shot by Kieran Murphy was cleared off the line by a defenders arm, and the resulting penalty was scored by Toby Bouganeau.

Subs Billy Penwarden, Connor Long, and Liam Barribal all contributed and had an impact when they were called upon. Crediton though proved too strong for Rovers when they scored twice more towards the end of the game. A great effort from the boys and a result I'm sure they will soon bounce back from.

  Sat 26 Jan  2008..... League  v Central Spitfires

Honiton Town Rovers were quick to stamp their authority on this game, with some great attacking football, and nearly scored on several occasions early on.

The breakthrough finally came in the 20th minute from a Billy Reed corner when a Central player unfortunately headed into his own goal. Shortly afterwards Harry Wright scrambled the ball home to make it 0-2. Then a good move saw Scott Redman give the ball to Kieran Murphy who in turn knocked it nicely into the path of Harry Wright and the in-form striker neatly put Rovers three up.

Aaron Pearse made it 0-4 just before the half time break with a shot from the edge of the box. Any threat that Central caused Rovers was aptly dealt with by the Rovers back four of Toby Bouganeau, Ben Logan, Cody Northcott and Aaron Pearse.

The second half was much the same as the first, most of the Rovers  threat was coming down the right side where Todd Lewendon and Georgie Hathaway were causing the Central defence all kinds of problems. It was these two who combined to set up Harry Wright for his hat-trick, who obliged with a sweet left footed lob over the keeper.

Keeper Daryl Young played as an outfield player in the latter stages and it was his free kick that set up Billy Reed to slot home Rovers 6th, before a great double by sub Ben Kidson who smashed home two cracking strikes. In between these goals there was a cracking effort that hit the inside of the post then rolled along the line before hitting the opposite post and then safely into the arms of the keeper.

Connor Long and Liam Barribal also influenced the game on the Rovers left when they came on as second half subs. Well done lads and back on the winning trail.

  Sat 9 Feb  2008..... League  v Central Spitfires

This was a very tough game for Honiton Town Rovers and one that was played in great spirits and a credit to both teams.

Rovers took an early lead from a Billy Reed corner which Georgie Hathaway flicked on and Todd Lewendon scored his debut goal from close in at the back post. Rovers then came close to adding to the score when Kieran Murphy had a long range shot that the keeper did well to save.

Bradninch where a constant threat to the Rovers goal, but birthday boys Ben Logan and Toby Bouganeau, along with Cody Northcott and Daniel Greenland stood firm in the heart of the Rovers defence.

Some good work down the left saw Rovers add a second before halftime, the ball eventually fell to Todd Lewendon who made no mistake from close in.

Keeper Daryl Young pulled off a fine double save early in the second half to thwart the Bradninch attack and Man of the Match Scott Redman, who must have covered every blade of grass on the pitch, had a great effort from outside the box which the keeper did very well to hold on to.

Bradninch managed to score midway through the half, a reward for the pressure that they put on the Rovers goal, and made for a tense last ten minutes.

Connor Long, Liam Barribal, Ben Kidson and Billy Penwarden all on as second half subs contributed well to the Rovers performance.

Rovers thought they deserved a penalty late on after Harry Wright won the ball and put Todd Lewendon through on goal and he was brought down inside the box however the ref waved play on, and Rovers managed to hold on for a well fought win, in a very close game.

  Sat 16 Feb  2008..... Friendly  v Okehampton Argyle

Honiton Town Rovers took on a strong Okehampton side who are doing very well in their respective League, and came out comfortable winners in an entertaining match.

Harry Wright opened the scoring for Rovers after some good work down the right from Georgie Hathaway. However Okehampton equalised 10 minutes later after a shot from the edge of the box left keeper Daryl Young no chance of reaching.

Rovers then seemed to increase the tempo of the game and it was not long before Todd Lewendon restored Rovers lead after being put through on goal by a lovely pass from Man of the Match, Cody Northcott.

Aaron Pearse and Connor Long did well in the heart of the Rovers defence to thwart the Okehampton attack. Ben Kidson had a shot which the Okehampton keeper did well to save, before Kieran Murphy put Rovers 3-1 ahead after Billy Reed slid the ball through to him and he cooly beat the keeper.

The second half was much the same as the first with Rovers controlling the game for long spells, and was just a matter of time before Rovers added to their lead.

That honour was taken by Todd Lewendon who added a fourth after Billy Penwarden had put him clear through on goal and with just the keeper to beat and Todd made the task look easy.  Liam Barribal was unlucky not to add to Honiton's lead when his shot hit the post.

The game was put out of Okehampton's reach when Ben Logan had a long range shot deflected into the net off a defenders head to put Rovers 5-1 to the good, to cap an excellent all round performance.

  Sat 23 Feb  2008..... League  v Exwick Youth

Honiton Town Rovers put in a fantastic team performance to beat Exwick and move above them into third place in the League.

Rovers had an early opportunity to take an early lead when Cody Northcott floated in a great free kick and Aaron Pearse was bundled over inside the box, but Rovers saw their penalty smash against the bar.

Rovers defence of Daniel Greenland, Toby Bouganeau, Cody Northcott and Aaron Pearce dealt well with everything Exwick threw at them. Ben Kidson had a shot well saved by the keeper, but with the defences of both teams playing well both sides were contained to half chances in the first half.

Early in the second half Kieran Murphy battled, and won the ball in midfield then put Todd Lewendon through on goal, and with only the oncoming keeper to beat, Todd cooly lobbed him to put Rovers one up.

Daryl Young then pulled off a good save to his right to maintain Rovers lead. Scott Redman found Billy Penwarden in midfield who knocked the ball through to Todd Lewendon who once again lobbed the oncoming keeper to put Rovers two up.

Ben Logan and Connor Long added even more steel to the Honiton defence, the hard working Billy Reed instrumental to everything in their midfield and with Liam Barribal a constant threat on the left Rovers played out the last ten minutes pretty comfortably, to seal an magnificent away win.

  Sat 8 March  2008..... League  v Twyford Spartans

This was a very entertaining game and one in which Honiton can count themselves very unlucky to come away empty handed.

Rovers took an early lead when Harry Wright latched onto a Todd Lewendon pass and cooly placed his shot passed the Twyford keeper. Ben Kidson and Billy Reed both nearly added to Rovers lead but for great saves by the keeper.

Twyford caught out Honiton twice in quick succession on the break to take a 2-1 lead. Georgie Hathaway almost equalised with a great volley from well outside the box, and Rovers came close on a number of occasions but the Twyford keeper was having a great game.

Early into the second half Honiton equalised through a spectacular Aaron Pearse free kick and within minutes they thought they had taken the lead, when Aaron Pearse thundered in another free kick straight into the back of the net only for the referee to judge he had awarded an indirect free kick.

With just minutes remaining Twyford scored a cracking goal from outside the box which left keeper Daryl Young absolutely no chance. So going down 3-2 at the final whistle, Rovers can count themselves very unlucky to come away from the game empty handed.

  Sat 22 March  2008..... League  v Hemyock

Honiton Town Rovers bounced back from their last result with a thoroughly deserved victory over Hemyock at a very blustery Mountbatten Park.

Rovers playing with the wind in the first half created the early chances, with Scott Lewendon and Billy Reed coming close. Georgie Hathaway lobbed the advancing keeper from a Todd Lewendon through ball to put Honiton in the lead.

Scott Redman saw his effort saved by the keeper after a neat exchange of passes. Billy Penwarden doubled Honiton's lead when he was put through on goal and cooly finished.

Rovers never had it all their own way and Hemyock almost scored on a couple of occasions. Early in the second half Liam Barribal increased Rovers lead with a well taken goal.

Hemyock then pulled a goal back when a great shot came back off the bar and was eventually scrambled into the net. Five minutes later Hemyock scored again when a free kick was unluckily deflected into his own net by a Rovers player.

Harry Wright restored Rovers two goal cushion with a marvellous solo effort when he won the ball in his own half, shrugged off two challenges and run at goal, he thought about lobbing the keeper before cooly rounding him and slotting the ball home.

  Sat 29 March  2008..... Friendly  v Sidmouth Town

Honiton Town Rovers took a large squad over to a rain swept Sidmouth for this exciting and entertaining friendly before they go to Newquay to take part in the West Country Cup.

Rovers defence was weakened early on when Aaron Pearse had to go off through injury, but Connor Long, Daniel Greenland, Ben Logan and Toby Bouganeau all battled well at the back and all making some decisive tackles.

However, midway through the half, stand in Keeper Cody Northcott stood absolutely no chance when Sidmouth took the lead from a great shot from the edge of the box.

Rovers came close to equalising on a couple of occasions, Kieran Murphy floated over a lovely free-kick which Billy Reed headed on but the keeper was well positioned. Scott Redman was relentless in midfield and along with the other Honiton midfielders pressed for every loose ball.

Todd Lewendon latched onto a Georgie Hathaway through ball thought about chipping the keeper before taking an extra touch and neatly beating the keeper with a very well taken finish.

Harry Wright hit the post early in the second half, in fact Harry may have scored an hat-trick on any other day after some prolonged Rovers pressure. Debutant Jamie Bagge had a positive game in midfield, Ben Kidson did well on the right and with the tireless Billy Penwarden up front Rovers continued to look for a winner.

Daryl Young back between the posts in the second half pulled off a fantastic save when he somehow tipped the ball around the post. Sidmouth scored the winner a minute from time, but despite the result and the weather this was a fantastic game and one which Rovers can take many positives from, and hopefully carry them forward to what promises to be a very tough tournament in Cornwall.

  Sat 19 April  2008..... League  v Pinhoe Spartans

Honiton Town Rovers and Pinhoe played out a fantastic match in the pouring rain and should be applauded for the entertaining football which both sides dished up.

Honiton created some early chances, and played some wonderful football. Billy Reed, aided by Scott Redman was controlling the Honiton midfield and spraying the ball about well. With Kieran Murphy and Georgie Hathaway playing the outside midfield roles, Honiton looked dangerous going forward.

Rovers back four of Ben Logan, Daniel Greenland, Connor Long and Aaron Pearse all played well and needed too, because Pinhoe are a very organised and attack minded side.

Rovers pressure was eventually rewarded when Connor Long finally put them 1-0 up when his long cross/shot somehow found the net with just minutes left of the first half.

Honiton knew the second half would be tough playing slightly uphill and against the wind and rain. Pinhoe equalised ten minutes into the second half and went 1-2 up shortly afterwards. Stand in Goalkeeper Cody Northcott who had commanded his area very well for the entire game was not given much chance on either of the goals.

However instead of their heads dropping this seemed to spur Honiton on and give them a second wind. Todd Lewendon was a constant threat up front, and again Rovers began to apply pressure to the Pinhoe goal.

Harry Wright pulled Honiton level with a fantastic solo effort when he showed his strength to win the ball, then his power when the ran at the Pinhoe defence, and finally had the skill to round the keeper and finish.

Rovers almost got the winner on a couple of occasions, Harry Wright again went close as did Ben Kidson, but the way both teams played in the difficult conditions a draw was a very fair result, and despite the conditions was a delight to watch.

  Sat 26 April  2008..... League  v Brixington Utd

This was always going to be a really tough game for Honiton away to the League leaders, especially without their choice two forwards and that's how it proved.

Brixington are a big and very good footballing side, and both teams deserve recognition for the display they gave. Brixington took the lead midway through the half with a shot that left the keeper no chance.

Honiton rallied and gave as good as they got and were unlucky on a number of occasions, Aaron Pearse, Kieran Murphy and Ben Kidson were unlucky not to equalise, but the ball just didn't seem to falling kindly for Rovers.

Daryl Young pulled off a blinding save on the stroke of half time to keep the deficit down to one at the break and Cody Northcott, Connor Long, Daniel Greenland, Ben Logan and Aaron Pearse were all immense at the back.

Brixington added to their lead midway through the second half, George Hathaway and Scott "Straight in" Redman worked tirelessly throughout. Rovers could consider themselves unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Toby Bouganeau was bought down in the box.

Billy Penwarden caused Brixington problems up front as did Ryan Dunne when he came on, and when Brixington finally cleared a goalmouth scramble Rovers knew lady luck was certainly not shining on them today.

Rovers can consider themselves unfortunate to come away from the game with nothing, but that's football.

  Sat 10 May  2008..... League  v St Martins