A disappointing display led to a disappointing result as the reserves tumbled to a three nil reverse against a solid and spirited Tipton St John side.
There were no excuses as Tipton deserved the result in good conditions, on a superb playing service and under the watchful eye of an excellent referee.
Cullompton started promisingly, exerting the early pressure that looked likely to develop into chances as the game went on. However, ten minutes in and a long ball forward resulted in Clarky limping off and the ball in the back of the net. However, with plenty of time and a high quality player coming on (Dave Hawes), all was far from lost. Young Haweser slotted in at right back, trying to discover if over 20 years of senior football had taught him how to take a throw in. Unfortunately not.
Periodic pressure was applied by Cullompton but no real chances created, the closest being a Tom Broome effort from the edge of the area which went just wide.
The second half continued as the first had ended, but gradually became increasingly sloppy as a Cullompton started to chase the game, with the only chances coming from free kicks. As the game became stretched Tipton players started finding space, and when their midfielder collected the ball on the edge of the area he curled an exquisite finish into the top corner.
That seemed to kill the game as Cullompton continued to be unable to create a chance, let alone a goal. A late third goal sealed a deserved victory for Tipton.
With 9 games left, 7 of which are at home, the title remains in Cullompton’s hands, although they’ll need to step the quality when meeting the same opposition at home next week.
The best performance of the day came from the Referee who controlled the game from the first whistle to the last. Having said that, it was a nice game to referee and, as my English teacher used to say, there is no bigger criticism of something then to call it nice.
FINAL SCORE: Tipton St John 3 – 0 Cullompton Rangers
Match Report by Dave Hawes
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