Recap

Sunny afternoon in deepest Devon saw us take on Newton Abbot Spurs in what proved to be a tough and competitive encounter.

Blustery conditions and a firm pitch made for a challenging surface, but we started brightly with some neat combinations between McKenna, Cussans and Mead. Despite this positive opening, we fell behind in unfortunate circumstances. A clear shirt pull on Kearley went unpunished, allowing the hosts to play forward. Breslan-Aggrey threaded a pass through our defence, and although Ollie Murray advanced well to deal with the danger, Bond’s attempted lob was caught by the wind. With Hayward recovering and applying pressure, the ball was eventually forced over the line by Pullman to give Newton Abbot a 1–0 lead.

We were nearly caught out again shortly after with a loose clearance, but Sidhu reacted sharply to dispossess the striker as he attempted to cut back inside. As the half wore on, we adjusted well to the direct approach, with Murray organising Hayward, Prowse, Ward and Sidhu effectively to deal with balls bypassing our midfield.

Going forward, we continued to create. Kearley and Cussans combined to provide Mead who tested the keeper with a strong left-footed effort, while Gilbert was denied after attempting to shift the ball onto his stronger foot. Townsend’s work rate in midfield, alongside McKenna, helped limit the hosts’ opportunities as we grew into the game.

At half-time, we introduced Riley Willis to add width, and our play began to better reflect our strengths. With increased composure and creativity, we pushed for an equaliser, later bringing on Rozalski to enhance our distribution from deeper areas.

The leveller came through a well-worked move. Townsend regained possession in midfield and fed Mead, who produced a perfectly weighted through ball for Willis. His delivery across goal was met first time by Connor Cussans, who finished confidently to make it 1–1 — a deserved reward for our improvement.

We continued to press, introducing Sammy Scott and promising 16-year-old Jack Collins as we searched for a winner. Newton Abbot remained a threat, with Pullman, Noyce and Lobb keeping us alert, but we matched their intent while building momentum in attack.

Our second goal was a superb team effort from back to front. Sidhu recycled possession to Murray, who calmly played out to Hayward. On the half turn, he found Rozalski, who opened his body well to receive. As Collins checked short to draw the defender, Cussans timed his run perfectly. Rozalski’s pass split the defence, and Cussans showed strength and composure to win the duel before rounding the keeper and finishing into an empty net to make it 2–1.

With 15 minutes remaining, the hosts pushed hard for an equaliser, throwing bodies forward and earning several corners. However, our organisation, determination and improved resilience — particularly in dealing with second balls — ensured we held firm to secure an excellent away victory.

Man of the Match: Connor Cussans — two well-taken goals and an outstanding all-round performance.