SDFL division five
Stoke Fleming and Strete 5,
Chudleigh Athletic thirds 0
Once again for successive Saturdays Stoke hosted a league match, this time coming up against Chudleigh.
A team we had previously beat 6-4 away from home. It’s was perfect conditions for knocking the ball about Saturday and the team did just that.
After 10 minutes they had already established their passing game, with new ‘keeper Aaron Morrison setting the tone, rolling it out to a confident back four of Eddie Church, Ciaran Daniels, Jake Blamey and Aaron East.
However, the opening goal came from a Chudleigh error as a scuffed clearance was intercepted by Red Hogben, who carried the ball to the edge of the box then in typical Red fashion smashed it low into the corner of the net.
Stoke continued to press forward in search of the killer goal but after multiple missed chances, it was actually Chudleigh who went closest when they caught Stoke overplaying in their own half and the visitors’ centre-forward pounced on a loose ball and fired goalward, only to see his well-struck effort rocket back off the bar.
Stoke maintained their 1-0 lead at the break and after yet another tongue-lashing from gaffa Dean Martyn the lads came flying out the blocks.
They added to their lead not long into the second half ;after a brilliant one-two between Marcus Copeman and Dan Bastin, the latter rolled the ball past the ‘keeper to double Stoke’s lead.
From that point on their was only one winner. When Stoke managed to get their third it was Marcus Copeman again being the provider; he controlled the ball with his back to goal just six yards out and rolled it to a grateful James Shepherd for a tap in.
Chudleigh were wishing the game would finish as Stoke’s impressive performance meant they chased shadows for the reminder of the game, though Stoke only managed to add another two goals to their tally for the match.
One came from prolific striker Sam Bruckner and the other from in-form winger Red Hogben for his second of the game.
Man of the match, with a hat-trick of assists, was Marcus Copeman.
Many thanks to JD Construction for their matchday sponsorship.
Next week is Stoke’s final game before Christmas, away to the title challengers AFC Brixham.