Chudleigh Athletic U14s 2

Dartmouth AFC 14s 1

Dartmouth again missed out on a semi-final spot when they were beaten by top-of-the-table Chudleigh.

In a very even contest, the home side opened the scoring in the 15th minute when a deflected cross looped over Aaron Morrison in the Dartmouth goal.

The 'keeper did well to parry the initial effort, but the rebound landed kindly for a Chudleigh striker, who blasted home his shot.

Much to the young Darts' credit, they raised their game for the remainder of the first half and carved out numerous chances.

Jamie Burrows saw a shot flash wide of the post, then Kieran Doyle fizzed a stinging volley inches over from a Liam Wadeson corner.

Wadeson's dead ball delivery was superb throughout the match and in the 27th minute Dartmouth equalised from one of his deadly corners.

A deep cross was sent all the way to the far post where Cameron Webb bravely stooped to head home via the upright. Tom Matthews and Henry Rodwell-Lynn both went close but the score remained 1-1 at the break.

The second half was free flowing and chances were arriving at both ends. Dartmouth went close from a couple of Wadeson free-kicks and the home side saw a drive from distance bring the best out of Morrison, who dived full length to tip it round his post.

The all-important third goal of the game arrived in the 55th minute when the big centre half was allowed to run through the midfield too easily, before teeing up a team-mate who slammed his shot past Morrison.

It proved to be the winner, although with just one minute remaining, another Wadeson corner was headed narrowly wide by Webb, who was unmarked at the far post yet again, and the full-time whistle sounded.

Dartmouth's coaches were full of praise for the boys' efforts, but it wasn't to be and they must now turn their attention back to the league programme, when they travel to Ipplepen Athletic this Sunday for a 1pm kick off.