Dartmouth reserves 1, South Brent reserves 2

With Dartmouth firsts game against Buckland Athletic postponed, this was the reserves' chance to grab the spotlight and secure a place in the next round of the Les Bishop Cup.

However, their lengthy eight-week absence due to the storms partly contributed to a defeat to the hands of South Brent reserves.

The visitors, who currently lie fourth in division four, started the game anxiously, allowing the Dartmouth midfield to dictate the early possession.

Forwards Ed Armitage and Lee Prestage looked threatening up front, and their endless energy was nearly rewarded when a fierce Armitage strike lashed across the face of the goal.

The defensive unit of Carl Woodgate, Jack Berry, Dan Drury and Alex Buscombe began the game solidly, preventing goalkeeper Dylan Wild from being called into any serious action.

On the 25th minute a floated cross from Woodgate was brought out from the air by Prestage, who controlled and swivelled superbly before seeing his shot ricochet against the legs of the Brent goalkeeper and away to safety.

This missed chance was soon punished, when against the run of play the visiting striker found himself unmarked at the back post to slot beyond Wild and into the net. This didn't deter the Dartmouth side, and they responded to the goal well with a series of attacks from wingers Richard Yeo and Rhys Morrallee.

The last action of the half produced a glorious opportunity for the hosts to draw level, but Morrallee's effort rolled wide of the post after a delightful through ball by central midfielder Chris Hooper.

The second half promised to be one to savior for the Longcross crowd, with a rejuvenated Dartmouth side returning fastest out of the blocks.

Long periods of possession failed to result in any real goal scoring chances for the Dartmouth front line, with the visiting defence standing firm and leaving the hosts frustrated.

With the home side pushing for the elusive equalising goal, gaps began to appear in their defence and the visiting striker was hauled down by Wild in the penalty area.

However, they were let off the hook when the resulting penalty kick struck the post, but this miss was soon forgotten when the visitors doubled their lead with 20 minutes to play after a swift counter-attack.

Dartmouth appeared deflated, and the boggy Longcross surface was getting the better of the players after a long period without a match.

However, Charlie Smith nearly reduced the deficit when his run into the box created an opening at goal, but under pressure from the away defender he shot wide.

With a minute to play, Dartmouth finally got on the scoresheet, but Hooper's long-range strike came too late for the hosts to mount a comeback.

The whistle sounded to leave Dartmouth frustrated, considering what went wrong, but credit must go to South Brent who made it difficult for the hosts to play their typical fluent football.

According to the league website the reserves are without a game this weekend, but the firsts face East Allington at Longcross where a place in the final of the Devon Senior Cup awaits the winner.

Kick-off is at 2pm.