Bill Treeby Cup

Babbacombe Corinthians 1

Dittisham United 4

 

On Saturday the mighty Plums travelled away in the quarter-finals of the Bill Treeby Cup to face last season's winners Babbacombe Corriers.

The Plums welcomed back Marcus Copeman after a six-week absence and Dean Nettleton returned to the fold for the first time since December.  

On a poor playing surface at Barton Downs, Ditts started the brighter and managed to maintain a good level of possession. It took the plums no more than five minutes to break the deadlock after a defensive header from Martyn set Bruckner away and he made no mistake in lobbing the 'keeper.  

Ditts were now really taking the game to their opponents and a great run from just inside his own half saw Rowdon hit a low effort from 20 yards, only for his effort to rebound off the foot of the post.

Moments later it was Chris Fisher's turn to have a headed effort that landed just over the bar. A few minutes later Ditts did double their advantage when some good build-up play in the midfield between Blamey, Copeman and Rowdon, the ball fell to Bruckner 25 yards from goal.

His first-time effort bobbled and deceived the 'keeper and nestled in the bottom corner. 

At times Babbacombe looked unable to cope with Ditts, with wingers Kirby and Blamey constantly finding space on a small and sloping pitch.

Within half an hour Bruckner completed his hat-trick and his 25th goal of the season after yet another driving run from Blamey down the right flank produced a low cross which he converted.  

At times Corries were showing some neat touches when in possession, but never really put the back line of Bastin, Collett and Martyn under any consistent pressure.

Just before the half-time whistle Bruckner latched on to a through pass and finished low to send Ditts in to the interval four goals to the good.  

Comapred to the first half the second half was much more of a non-event as Ditts looked to freshen up their team with some early changes. Ditts did continue to push and went close early in the second half with efforts from Rowdon, Copeman and Kirby. Youngster Redford was introduced and showed some good touches.

With 15 minutes to go Corriers managed to grab themselves a consolation when some neat footwork from their forward beat the Ditts defence and the forward finished past stand-in 'keeper Nettleton. 

On Saturday Dittisham are at home to Broadhempston, 2.20pm kick-off.