League leaders prove too strong for ND Hockey

North Devon Hockey Club put up a valiant effort before slipping to defeat against league leader Exeter.

The visitors had a slight upper hand in the early exchanges but resolute defending from Mike Cuthbertson, man of the match Ben Cox and goalkeeper Sam Wormington kept the visitors in check.

The first goal came with ND losing possession in their own half and a quick counterattack saw an Exeter player tap-in at the far post. Poor discipline from the visitors, however, saw them reduced to 10, which allowed ND to grow into the game and start to create chances.

Unfortunately, the visiting goalkeeper was on top form, saving impressively against Guy Cockcroft and Tom Ware. The first half finished 1-0 and the Reds felt they were in the game but another quick counterattack at the start of the second half saw ND go two behind with another far post tap-in.

Despite great work rate and effort from the home side, they just couldn't quite find the formula to breach the Exeter defence. ND went on to concede a further three goals, all in similar fashion to the first two.

After the game, skipper Ash Thorne said: "It's amazing how the small margins led to such a one-sided result, but I'm proud of how the boys played and look forward to getting back on track next Saturday."

For their first away match of the new year, North Devon M2 travelled to meet Exeter M3 in what would prove a clinical display in which the visitors ran out 0-4 winners. The scoreline reflects strong work across the park, characterised by excellent passing, positional awareness and attacking flair, particularly in the second half.