North Devon Men’s 2s record fine pre-season win over Culm Valley

Braving blustery winds and pluvial rain, North Devon Men’s 2s took to the pitch with renewed vigour for their final pre-season friendly before next week’s season opener.

Characterised by the sage wisdom of more experienced players and the effervescence of their young counterparts, North marked their return to action with steadfast purpose, trouncing visitors Culm Valley Men’s 2/3s by 10 goals to nil.

Wasting no time getting on the front foot, North bore down on the away side’s defensive line, hemming them in and leaving nary a gap to launch a counter.

This paid dividends straight away as, latching on to a shot that had crept between the keeper’s legs, Micah Upward gave North a deserved early lead.

Not content to rest on their laurels, the hosts maintained their ravenous early press in search of more, with Craig Carruthers and Zachary Johnson adding two more to the tally in quick succession, assisted by a stalwart midfield.

Despite easing the intensity slightly and straying into a narrower shape towards the end of the first half, Culm’s scarce forward forays did little to alter the dynamic and North, keen to put the affair out of sight, added two more from Ethan Jones and Bradley Bellingham to make it five without response at the break.

Changing formation to a 1-3-3-3 arrangement for the second half, North resumed the match in style, creating a cohesive outfit to close off any gaps that Culm might have hoped to exploit.

Bradley Bellingham and Lewis Hathaway converted early on to bolster the scoreline further, benefitting from excellent support down both flanks. Moving gracefully in sync as a unit, North staved off some spirited moves from the away side.

Unwilling to cede any control throughout, the hosts added three more from Ethan Jones, Bradley Bellingham and Micah Upward respectively to take the final result into double digits: 10-0.

With fantastic displays all round, particularly from joint MOM winners Per Hampton and Sam Sampson, the team will go into next week’s first competitive match with confidence and gusto in abundance.

Elsewhere, North Devon Ladies’ 1s and 2s recorded fine wins of their own against Culm Valley’s corresponding sides, winning 1-5 and 4-1 respectively, while North Devon Men’s 1s lost narrowly by 6 goals to 4 in a spirited display against Culm’s robust first team.

Strong hockey all round to build on when the season begins next week!