Tale of two Towns
Hippos grab draw after two goal deficit
Honiton Town 2 - 2 Ilfracombe
Yet again it was another tough week with selection problems - and it was unfortunate for a couple of lads who had performed so well find themselves in the Reserves through no fault of their own. Again the starting line up caused a head ache, with the substitutes frustrated and itching to get out onto the pitch.
I decent chat and warm up set us up for what we knew was going to be a tough game against a well drilled Ilfracombe side who had put us to the sword earlier in the season. Ilfracombe gave us a massive reminder on how good they are when they scored two early goals with us fearing the worst again. Again we had to alter the shape of the side after a poor start. When availability is more consistent I do feel that I can retain a settled team and shape for the entire 90! - which will help the squad no end also!
However what transpired was a real collective effort from the lads, they all dug in and showed their worth and commitment to the team. A long free kick saw Centre back Darren Witt rise highest to beat the keeper and Aaron Doble made sure by forcing the ball over the line at close quarters.
We went into the break 1-2 down but with our tails up. Myself and Nick urged the team to be patient, to trust each other and chances would come. The very next chance did come early, and fell to Liam Dingle, who making his debut slotted the ball home with a cool finish and arguably justifying his selection.
The game stayed a very close affair with to be fair both sides looking to win the game, but no real chances being created but possession was shared between both teams. There was some terrific individual performances. I think that perhaps because both Chris Long and Lewis Couch play at such a high and consistent level, their performances can be overlooked however yet again they game immense performances. I would also like to highlight two of the young lads that we have at the club, Blake Freemantle and Jack De winton gave very mature performances, and have to say their attitudes were first class.
Joe Gamblin from Chippie Joes had, yet again the tough call for MOM honours and he chose debutant Liam Dingle who's non stop running and cool touch ensuring a terrific performance. Joe chose G Robertson from Ilfracombe and was impressed with his timing and felt he was often in the right plaice at the right time.
It was a very important point for us, and again a point in the right direction - unfortunately we dont have a game this week and we set off for Brixham on 19th January.
By Kev Blackwell
Key moments
Highlights
As it happened
- Honiton Town
- Ilfracombe Town
- 0
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Goal 15:00'
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Goal 16:00'
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Aaron Doble Goal 44:00'
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Liam Dingle Goal 47:00'
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Aaron Doble Yellow Card 55:00'
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Tony Cox Sub On 75:00'
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Aaron Doble Sub Off 75:00'
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Jack De winton Yellow Card 76:00'
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Ben Ede Yellow Card 83:00'
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Tom Perryman Sub Off 85:00'
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Riki Pitter Sub On 85:00'
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Team selection
League round up
Other Div 1 East results
Comments
League table
| # | Team | Pl | Pts |
| 12. | Newton Abbot Spurs | 34 | 42 |
| 13. | University of Exeter | 33 | 36 |
| 14. | Honiton Town | 34 | 31 |
| 15. | Waldon Athletic | 34 | 29 |
| 16. | Alphington AFC | 34 | 26 |
| 17. | Liverton United | 33 | 6 |
| 18. | Budleigh Salterton | 34 | 5 |
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