SDFL division four

Dittisham United 6, Babbacombe reserves 1

After a week off the Plums returned to action with a fixture that is always difficult.

The fixture was made more difficult with many absentees, leaving veteran legend Mark Riley as the only substitute.

The pitch was in fantastic condition thanks to the hard work of the terrific ground staff.

The Plums did not start the game as though this was the case, however, with several misplaced passes in midfield inviting the physical and hungry Babbacombe attackers on to the greens defence.

Ross Williams in the net was called on a couple of times to take the pressure off the defence of Jake Blamey, Deano Marino, Hank Bastin and Robson Chater.

Somewhat against the run of play, Ditts broke the deadlock with their first attack of any note.

A quick free kick from Marino found winger Chris Fisher, whose touch was fantastic to give him all kinds of space to drill a shot hard and low across the 'keeper from the edge of the box.

This seemed to liven Ditts up and less than 10 minutes later they were 2-0 to the good.

The excellent Joe Kirby drove at the heart of the midfield before slipping an accurate ball into the path of forward Sammy Bruckner, who touched the ball effortlessly under the onrushing 'keeper.

As seems to be the pattern lately, Ditts all but put the game to bed before the half hour mark after a loose ball in the box dropped to the in-form Fisher to strike his second.

This was not the end of the goals before half time but the next was to be in the Dittisham net, a defensive lapse allowed the busy forward with little to do and he duly obliged.

It wasn't long into the second half before ditts reestablished the three-goal cushion.

A long ball out of defence found its way to Bruckner, who showed blistering pace and ice-cool composure as he chipped the ball over the charging 'keeper.

With the game won there was still time for Fisher to notch his hattrick. He fired a ferocious drive into the bottom corner from all of 30 yards.

There was also time for Mark Riley to score his first goal in 15 years as a goalkeeping error saw his tame effort somehow dribble over the line, forcing the biggest celebration of the afternoon.

The man of the match went to Chris Fisher after his sensational trio of goals and an all-round fantastic performance on the wing.

The winners of this game were never in doubt after the 20-minute mark. Next up for the Plums is the visit of Paignton Villa reserves.