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The Otters finished their Peninsular League campaign when they travelled to bottom of the league Buckfasleigh. Unlike the previous visit to neighbours Liverton where the pitch was immaculate Buckfasleigh’s pitch was bumpy and resembled a flower meadow covered in buttercups & daisy’s.
The Otters were without Captain Adie Pullen in goal and drafted Matt Slarke in between the sticks, Jac Civill & Dave O’Connor returned after missing the last two games into midfield and as sub respectively.
Against week opposition and playing down the slope the Otters were expected to start strongly but failed to stamp their authority on the game, when as early as the 7th minute Wood was put though and with only the keeper to beat managed to loft the ball over the bar.
It took the Otters 21 minutes to break the Buckfastleigh defence down when good work down the left hand flank resulted in a corner for the Otters, once again the set piece brought the Otters opener with a “trade mark” Stephen Hitchcock goal, the pin point corner from Oli Burns was met by Hitchcock who gave the keeper no chance (a carbon copy of his Tuesday night goal at Liverton).
It took the Otters until the 40th Minute to increase their lead, good work down the right hand flank resulted in the ball being parried by the Bucks keeper, Civill’s resulting shot rebounded to Harry Taylor who made no mistake to put the Otters two up.
Taylor put the Otters further ahead with 1 minute to go to half time when put though one on one for a 50/50 ball with the Buckfs keeper slide the ball into the net.
The second half saw Buckfastleigh pull a goal back when the Otters defence was caught flat footed.
It took the Otters 10 minutes to restore their authority when Harry Taylor should have been awarded a penalty the ref waving play but fortunately the ball fell to Barry Woods who duly obliged and scored from close range.
Dave O’Connor was brought on to try and bring some stability to midfield, after good approach work by O’Connor, Harry Taylor finished well to score his third of the afternoon.
With 5 minutes to go the Otters allowed Buckfastleigh to pull back another goal.
In the 90th minute Potter completed his brace of goals and the Otters Sixth to make the final score 6-2 for the Otters to finish the league campaign on a high note.

The Otters travelled to Liverton for this evening game and after a day of torrential rain in the area expected to find the pitch heavy/ under water but credit to the Liverton Ground Staff the pitch was one of the best the Otters have played on this season (away).
The Otters line up had Aaron Carpanini returning from suspension in at full back and Chris Ibbeson partnering Steve Hitchcock in the centre of defence it was also strengthened by some of the reserve team with Dan Gill in Midfield; Barry Wood up front and Mam and Ash on the bench.
The Otters soon got of the mark when in the 15th minute after good work by Dan Gill down the flank the Otters were awarded a corner, Aaron Carpanini’s resulting pin point kick was meet by Steve Hitchcock who gave the Liverton keeper no chance with his powerful header.
Unfortunately it was not long before Liverton opened the otters defence to equalised.
Within 2 minutes the Otters were back in front when Oli Burns’s good work down the right flank found Harry Taylor, who turned the Liverton defence only to find his shot blocked by the Liverton defence but Julian Bolt was on hand to drive the ball back into the Liverton net.
The Otters nearly went 3 up when Potter sent Taylor away only for the striker to watch his shot go just wide of the post withg the keeper beaten.
Liverton equalised with one of the best goals scored against the Otters this season when the Liverton no 10, their liveliest player took the ball/ pivoted and shot all in one motion to leave Pullen in the Otters goal routed to the line.
Unfortunately the game then deteriorate when after a bad tackle on Hitchcock two Liverton players were booked and Hitchcock was booked for retaliation. Minutes later a Liverton player was shown a straight red for a very bad tackle on Leigh Begam. At this stage the Referee seemed to have lost total control.
The Otters really did not take advantage of the extra man in the second half the only notable chance falling to Oli Burns who shot over when well positioned and a blantant penalty appeal which the referee got all wrong (seen lesser things given on TV).
Apart from the final score being 2-2 the Referee managed sizeable score count in his book; 5 bookings for the Otters and 4 bookings and a straight red for Liverton, he also managed to baffle all the spectators and both management teams with some very strange decisions, that appear to be taken from his own rule book, unfortunately he lost the game just before Half Time.

The Otters visited Galmpton’s Memorial Ground on a very rainy and windswept day and came away with a 3-3 draw.
The Otters won the toss and elected to play down the slope with the wind.
In very windy conditions both sides found it difficult to play good football and keep the ball on the ground.
The Otters started well using the slope to their advantage and after only 10 minuets leading goal scorer Harry Taylor was put through only to find his shot come of the inside of the post and across the goal, Leigh Begam’s resulting strike was then cleared off the line by the Galmpton defence.
Then in the 14th minute Leigh Begam sprung the Galmpton off side trap and one on one with the keeper coolly rounded him to slot the ball into the net to put the Otters 1-0 up.
In the 35 minute the Otters where award a penalty , when from a corner Steve Hitchcock rose above everyone and with his sights on a certain headed goal was blatantly pulled to the ground, leading scorer Harry Taylor dually stepped up and made no mistake from the spot kick. to take his seasons tally to 10 goals from 11 games.
The Otters then rounded off a good 1st half in the 44th minute when after good work down the right Harry Taylor delivered a perfect cross for Oli Burns to slide the ball into the net to go in at half time 3-0 up.
The old saying “a game of two half’s” certainly applied to this game, after the interval Galmpton came out and took advantage of the slope and the wind.
The Otters where unlucky to conceded the first Galmpton goal, when clearing their lines the resulting clearance struck an Otters player with so much force it rebounded from all of 10 yards back into the Otters own net.
Galmpton continued the pressure down the slope and scored twice more but the Otters hung on to finish 3-3 at full time.

The Otters returned to winning ways on a rain soaked pitch at Washbrook Meadows in one of only 3 games played this weekend in the Eastern Division of the Peninsular league.
The Otters drafted two of the reserves, Sean Duirkin and Harry Mills, into the starting line up and it was the in form Harry Taylor who netted a brace to give the Otters a comfortable win over Appledore.
The Otters started brightly with both Olie Burns and Mark Simic going close but the teams went into the break goal-less.
Taylor broke the deadlock in the 20th minute of the second half when he raced onto a Jac Civill through ball to exquisitely lob the ball home over the advancing keeper. Taylor sealed the points for the Otters with 10 minuets to go interacted well with and firing home after Potters shot had been parried by the visiting keeper.
The Otters looked strong in defence with new signing Spencer Giles developing a formidable partnership with Steve Hitchcock at the heart of the defence, continuing a partnership they had formed in their university days. In goal Adrian Pullen returned from injury and brought off some stunning saves to keep the Otters clean sheet. First Team debutant Harry Taylor had an excellent good game in midfield teaming up with the tireless Jac Civill to nullify the Appledore midfield, Mills was awarded Man of the Match for his efforts.
This was a much improved performance from the Otters with everyone determined to put last weeks defeat behind them.

Joe Bushin struck four goals for Liverton as they proved Too strong for a de-pleted Otters side at Wash¬brook Meadows who had to field first-choice goal keeper Adrian Pullin as a sweeper.

Martin Ware rifled Liverton into a-third minute lead and Bushin forced home the second. Two minutes-later Bushin was again on target and in the 15th minute he completed a first-half hat-trick.

Harry Taylor pulled a goal back for the Otters after his penalty kick had been par¬ried by the Liverton keeper but the Taylor re¬acted first to the loose ball to score.

With 15 minutes remaining Bushin grabbed his fourth to complete Livertons scoring and Taylor grabbed his and the Otters second five minutes from time after good work by Barry Potter.

A local derby as the last game of the year was eagerly anticipated as second-placed Ottery played host to fifth-placed Exmouth.

With Town playing down the slope in the first half, the opening exchanges were evenly contested with the clearest chance falling to Adam Turner, who should have been more selfish in front of goal rather than trying to play Ben Shepherd in to score.

Ottery started to gain control of midfield, where Jack Civill was having a fine match, and the attacking skill of Dave O'Connor caused Town's defence problems.

As the first half wore on, Ottery were clearly the superior team with better movement and use of the wings. A warning for Town came when a shot hit the top of the visitors' bar and flew over.

After 20 minutes Ottery took the lead when a queue of attackers were waiting at the far post for the ball to be delivered from the right wing. The ball fell to O'Connor who clinically beat Tony Ali in the Town goal.

Despite dominating possession for the remainder of the first half, Ottery failed to create any more clear-cut chances and Town were grateful to be only behind by a goal at the interval.

The start to the second half mirrored the end of the previous 45 minutes with Ottery camped in the Town half and Adrian Pullin a virtual spectator in the home goal.

However, a fierce battle in midfield was being played out that led to some heavy tackles and resulted in a number of bookings.

Ottery still dominated the possession and two clearances off the line by McManus and Rollason kept Town in the match.

Midway through the second half another heavy tackle saw a number of players get far too over excited as the festive spirit game to a premature end.

The referee rightly booked a number of players with two lucky not to have been red carded. With 20 minutes left the flu-stricken Tom Lowe was replaced by Adam Rowden, who made an immediate impact on the left side for Town. He started linking with Dan Plater, who had one of his best games so far this season.

Up to this point you were more likely to see Elvis or Lord Lucan in the Ottery half than a Town player. Suddenly, Kerry Butler and Andy Rollason started to assert their authority in midfield and Shepherd, who worked tirelessly, started winning balls in the air.

With 10 minutes left, Town began to look like getting a goal. With five minutes left, a fine ball from Rollason over the defence gave Turner a great chance, which he took by coolly lobbing the advancing keeper.

The final few minutes could have seen Town score again. But this would not have been a fair reflection of the game and Ottery must be disappointed they were unable to convert so much possession into goals.

The Robins travelled to Ottery St Mary knowing another win would lift them clear at the top of the table by 3 points over Newton Abbot (who were in cup action) and 4 points clear of the Otters with 4 games in hand. But it took nearly half an hour to break down the stubborn Ottery defence. Then man of the match Anthony Osbourne chipped the ball into the 18 yard box for Danny Williams to hook the ball over Adrian Pullen for a 1 – 0 lead. The home side forced an equaliser when a slip in the Robins defence allowed Danny Minto to to go clear on goal. His chip over Chris Wright came back to him off the cross bar for an easy chip in. The Robins were unlucky not to retake the lead when a 25 yard shot from Hall cannoned back off the cross bar.

Chris Wright again did well on the hour mark when he saved an 18 yard shot from Minto. The Robins secured all three points when on 75 minutes Stuart Francis floated in a cross from the left and Hall was well positioned at the far post to bring the ball down and fire it home.

Report by John Carey

The Ottery St Mary faithful were treated to a memorable game of football, and one that might prove to be the turning point of the season. The visitors were top of the table Newton Abbot, fancied by many as champions-elect. They were also the team that denied the Otters an early season win, when their comeback from 2-0 down dented Ottery hearts and hopes.

In a furious start to the game it was a fairly even contest. The weather had left the pitch in a slippery and fast state, which reflected the style of play. As if that was not bad enough Ottery were then thrown a banana skin and slipped behind to a controversial Abbots goal. A cross from the left was helped past the defence with the assistance of a hand and slotted into the net. Despite the linesman signalling for handball the referee bizarrely chose to ignore his partner and awarded the goal.

Luckily justice was swift, and once again controversial. How often do we see referees evening-out poor decisions? A good free kick into the danger zone by Channing resulted in a melee of bodies challenging for the header. Out of the ruckus the referee spotted a pull on the ever-improving Potter and awarded a spot-kick. Maybe that moustache made it easier for the ref to spot? Clean-shaven Mark ‘Jesus’ Simic stepped up to take the penalty, but finished in less than clean style! The keeper guessed right and was only beaten by Simic’s unplanned scuff which slid over his body!

It was half-time which proved the real turning point for Ottery. Their fight-back from a goal-down gave them spirit. And out from the rain came a rusty-headed spirit called Dave Court who tipped the balance for Ottery in the second-period. Court and Bolt got hold of the midfield allowing the hard-working Channing to do some graft up front. Bolt was particularly aggrieved when a characteristic move led to a shooting chance from the edge of the area. He was brought down and while the Otters were debating whether he was inside the area or not the referee waved play-on!

Channing was nearly rewarded for his industry when the twinkle-toed O’Connor sparkled his way down the right, and like he had been doing all half, gave the Abbots a real problem. O’Connor slotted a perfect through-ball to Channing, whose problem will be working out how he skied his effort over from close-range!

It is worth mentioning at this point the sterling job performed by the Otters defence. Facing the highest scoring team in the league, and the league’s top goal scorer, the new-look back five were titanic. Hitchcock and Darke were the steel in the middle, Ibbeson and Wilson were reinforcing them down the outside and Pullen like iron in goal. On the one occasion they allowed Newton Abbot to get a shot-off Pullen saved spectacularly. Darke decided the defending job was too easy, so he broke out of defence and unleashed a belting shot from all of forty yards, only to see it go agonisingly millimetres over.

As the game was closing into the last ten minutes Ottery got their just-deserts with the winning goal. Court made a telling pass down the left flank which was chased down by Simic (yes, that did say chased down). Beating his defender for pace (yes, that does say beating his defender for pace) he found the area, before holding the ball up for the incoming Danny Minto. Minto then sent the ground into raptures as he wrapped his foot around the ball and drove it in off the post from twenty yards out. A goal worthy of the Ottery performance.

One last scare for the Otters before the final whistle as an Abbots goal was ruled out, rightly so, for a hand-ball. The Ottery defence held resolute during injury time as Newton Abbot tried their best to throw everything at the Ottery goal. But it was Ottery arms thrown into the air as the ref blew the whistle and claimed a crucial win for the Otters.

This win could prove the turning point if the Otters can now beat new leaders Budleigh in two weeks time. They are just one point off the top going into the difficult Christmas period. But with the new look defence looking solid, the midfield strengthened by Court and Minto, and the amount of goal scoring chances the Otters are capable of creating this might be a very festive period!

Ottery St Mary FC: Pullen, Wilson, Darke, Hitchcock, Ibbeson, O’Connor, Bolt, Channing, Burns (Minto), Potter (Court), Simic. Sub not used: Carpanini.

Mini report by John Carey

Ottery St Mary welcomed league new boys Buckfastleigh Rangers to Washbrook Meadows and duly despatched five goals with just one in reply.

The step-up in standard proved too much for Rangers, who were treated to some impressive first-half moves from the Otters. Without Mark ‘Jesus’ Simic up front it was Potter and the busy O’Connor leading the line. Burns was back to his best down the right and a constant headache for the Rangers left-back. If Burns was a headache, then it was Bolt, and the returning Court, who were a brain tumour to the Buckfastleigh midfield. Court was in imperious form down the middle, and it was his shot that led to the first goal. Rebounding to Potter, the bearded striker headed over the keeper for 1-0.

Somehow Rangers were given a life-line, when minutes later an unmarked forward was allowed to head over Pullen to level the scores.

Ottery replied before half-time through an unlikely poachers goal from Hitchcock. A long punt up-field by Webber was spilled by the keeper, where the bungee-man reacted with snake-like speed to toe-poke past the keeper. Court was then rewarded for his hard-work when he got around to the back post to meet an O’Connor cross and the score was 3-1.

The second-half was one-way traffic, allowing Ottery to improve their goal difference. First a burst out of defence by the Darke man gave Bolt the chance to feed O’Connor. A constant thorn in the Bucks defence, O’Connor prickled them further with a classic finish under the keeper. The scoring was completed five minutes from time. Channing put an inviting corner to the far post where Hitchcock arrived to hammer a header past a flapping goalkeeper: 5-1.

Furthermore, Hitchcock was aggrieved his hat-trick effort was ruled out, when it clearly crossed the line; Bolt hit he bar with a rasping drive; and the Otters could have converted more possession with a bit more quality in the final third. As poor as Buckfastleigh were, it will not be good preparation for this weekend’s game. The Otters will not have half as many chances when they face top of the table Newton Abbott.

Ottery St Mary FC: Pullen, Ibbeson, Webber (Carpanini), Darke, Hitchcock, Channing, Bolt (Andrews), Court, Burns, Potter, O’Connor (Frankpitt)

Ottery St Mary FC made their longest journey of the season to North Devon Appledore, and returned empty-handed. Robbed in fact, by a smash and grab goal from Appledore’s only shot on target!

The Ottery back four of Wilson, Hitchcock, Darke and Ibbeson were looking as impenetrable as Fort Knox. However, as they were visiting the opposition penalty area for a corner they left the back-door open and allowed Appledore to pinch a goal on the break.

And Ottery had been looking like nimble-toed cat-thieves themselves. Potter was guilty of sporting a horrendous moustache and missing a horrendous one-on-one. Channing was as cunning as a pick-pocket with his clever runs but as sinful as a convict with his woeful finishing. And they were not the only ones.

That was the story of the game. Mischievous play all-round, but no one was able to make a heist on the Appledore keeper and his water-tight goal. The ball hit the bar from Stealer-Simic; it could not be toed in by Highwayman Hitchcock; and goodness knows how Burglar-Bolt managed to miss!

In the end Ottery played well, better than for many weeks, but were more petty-theft than grand-larceny. They have a break now before facing league new-boys Buckfastleigh on Wednesday.

Ottery St Mary FC: Pullin, Wilson (Andrews), Hitchcock, Darke, Ibbeson (Carpanini), Burns (Minto), Bolt, Channing, O’Connor, Potter, Simic.

Report by John Carey

Ottery St Mary FC proved they still have some fire in their bellies after being trounced by University just seven days ago. The students, like some modern-day Guy Fawkes (well, only more successful) blew the Otters apart with pace, movement, skill and fitness. Today the Otters managed to produce some sparkle with a sound 3-0 win at home to Alphington.

The Otters were no dummies today, welcoming back the always-impressive Peter Darke, and the central midfield pair of Nigel Vaughan-Rhyll and Julian Bolt. The former fitted into the new-look backline of Wilson, Hitchcock and Ibbeson to good effect, keeping the Alphas at bay like stewards at a bonfire party. And it was the latter pair who would provide the fireworks for the afternoon, building attacks and keeping the Ottery fuse burning.

In the first half it was a wonder the Otters did not score. Their display was bright and colourful, but lacked BANG! Simic went close, and was left aghast, when his lob from eighteen yards had too much whizz and somehow bounced over the crossbar. Wilson was providing some delightful rockets into the area, none of which could be exploded into the net by the Ottery forwards.

If the crowd had seen the tar-barrels in the week then they were treated to some more mind-boggling madness shortly after. Burns (no pun) was having fun on the run, and his fine pass put Bolt in. He squared the ball to Potter, who had an empty net to himself. Unfortunately, he put too much trajectory on his connection and put the ball over the bar from the impossible one yard (or was it six?)

At half-time the Otters took stock. Had their bonfire burnt itself out? Or had the players some more fizzle in store?

For the first fifteen minutes of the half it was Alphington who started strongly, but found the back four as resolute as the Houses of Parliament on November 5th. Pullen was (again) reduced to the role of a dummy.

However, Alphington fire officers were soon reaching for their fire blankets as Burns was menacing them again. He released Potter, whose shot looped its way onto Simic’s head, and then over the bar. Further troubling the Alpha’s was O’Connor down the left. He was starting to crackle and pop like a hard-working roman candle and he was soon rewarded with an effort that struck the bar.

Not to be put-out, it was the D.O.C. who at last provided the gunpowder for an Ottery goal. From one of their many corners he found Bolt whooshing into the near post unopposed. He let out a pop with his left foot and steered the ball into the net: 1-0.

That seemed to deflate the Alphington eleven, and a defensive mistake minutes later let Potter in to brighten the autumn crowd. One-on-one with the keeper, he deftly put the ball away with a well-timed detonation.

So it was left to Simic to end the show with a goal five minutes from time. A well-taken corner from Channing arced through the night sky, onto Simic’s head and into the net from three yards.

The Ottery display may not have been well-timed, or as spectacular as previous performances, but it did serve as a pick-me-up from recent defeats. They will need some snap, crackle and pop next weekend, as they take the long trip to Appledore.

Ottery St Mary FC: Pullen, Wilson, Hitchcock, Darke, Ibbeson (Towers), Burns (Andrews), Vaughan-Rhyll, Bolt, O’Connor, Simic, Potter (Channing).

Report by John Carey

‘Say we are top of the league, say we are top of the league’ sang the Ottery faithful, as they convincingly beat a poor Teignmouth team at Coombe Valley.

‘Pass, pass, pass the ball’ sang Otter supremo Pete Begam before the game, and it was the Otters who had the Teigns dancing to their tune in the first half. Moving the ball swiftly around, things seemed to be going well for Ottery, but it soon became apparent that something was out of harmony. And on closer listening the Otters were having problems with their instruments – the pitch and the ball.

But a good workman never blames his tools, and after many botched attempts Ottery final hit the right note in the final third with a goal from Oli Burns. A long through-ball eluded the Teignmouth defence, allowing Burns to advance one-on-one with the goalkeeper. With a rhythmic twist of his hips he out-foxed the stopper, who completely missed his attempted save, allowing Burns to toe the ball home: 0-1.

Later in the half fellow [com]poser Dave O’Connor got in on the act by ‘scoring’ Ottery’s second. Carl Wilson was the conductor, putting in a brilliantly angled cross for O’Connor to control in front of goal. His quick feet danced in front of the keeper, who went completely off-beat, fell over, allowing O’Connor to tap in: 0-2.

The first half had been superbly produced by the midfield pairing of Julian Bolt and Nigel Vaughan-Rhyll. However, in the second-half Ottery muted their volume, allowing Teignmouth to up their own performance. Luckily for the Otters they had a band of merry defenders at the back who were in-tune with each other. Darke, Towers and Rowsell were Top of The Pops, whilst Pullen was putting in a good imitation of a certain opera singer. A virtuoso save, pushing a near certain goal past the post, hit the top note for the Otters.

Ottery were able to contain the Teigns and made numerous attempts to extend their lead. O’Connor had the ball at his feet and was building to a crescendo when he was cruelly hacked down for a free-kick. It was Mark Simic who showed why he is the current number one scorer, with a twenty five yarder that fizzed past the keeper: 0-3.

The Otters did hit one bum-note that cost them a clean sheet in the last few minutes. Losing the ball in midfield, the Otters allowed the Teigns to advance unopposed. A rasping shot from the edge of the area flew past Pullen, to give Teignmouth a consolation.

With just seconds to go, Ottery were singing for one final time with a goal through Matt Channing. He raced clear of the defence and danced away merry after finding the back of the net.

So for the first time in many seasons Ottery sit at the top of the league. Will they be one hit wonders and crash down the charts? Or can they maintain album sales and aim for the Christmas number one? The next challenge will come from Axminster Town on Saturday, when they come to Washbrook Meadows in a mouth-watering local contest.

Ottery St Mary FC: Pullen, Rowsell, Darke, Towers, Wilson (Channing), Hitchcock, Bolt, Vaughan-Rhyll, Burns (Ibbeson), Simic, O’Connor (Andrews)

MP’s, members and associated press were treated to an all-action Party conference in Bournemouth this week. For once the political puritan was rubbing his greasy hands, as policy was debated left and right, with no sign of the usual dirty tricks.

Read: Players, supporters and press were treated to a blistering game of football at Washbrook Meadows this week. For once in a local derby, their was no dirty play, just lashings of good old football!

The main talking point was the surge in backing for the ruling party Ottery St Mary, which lasted barely half the time, before voting swung back towards their opponents Budleigh Salterton.

Read: Ottery were thoroughly on top in the first half; Budleigh more-than-thoroughly in the second.

As the conference began, Ottery St Mary were in buoyant mood. Prime Minister Pete Begam showed he is more than a grizzly-faced, chubby, whisky drinking premier by shifting his cabinet in an early reshuffle. He brought in Minister for Sweeping, Rt Hn Wayne Rowsell MP, who delivered a key-note speech with his partners from the Ministry of Defence: the Right Honourable Peter Darke and the Less Than Honourable Stuart Towers. Those three hardy politicians snuffed-out all the holes in the tardy Budleigh manifesto, and sent them packing.

Read: Ottery played a sweeper system that worked very well, with Rowsell, Towers and the impressive Darke keeping shape at the back.

Those radicals in the party were also enjoying the limelight. It was a three-line party whip of Minister for Goals Mark Simic MP, Minister for Pace Oli Burns MP, and Minister of Skill Dave O’Connor pushing all the new policy forward. Political commentators were particularly impressed by the speech from Simic, which scored him a metaphorical goal with the electorate: “Engine, Engine, Engine” was the sound-bite partisans will be quoting for years to come.

Read: Ottery’s forward line were looking extremely bright, with pace, skill and goals likely from all of them. In the end it was Mark ‘The Engine’ Simic who scored with a wonderful turn and finish through a crowded box.

The modern party-political animal is full of spin, counter-spin, denial, and flat-out rebuttal. Just so, as Ottery were right-up in the face of their political adversaries. Junior Minister Andrews was working hard supporting his Minister Julian Bolt. On the right wing of the party Carl Wilson MP was sticking to core-party values, while left-winger Steve Hitchcock MP was causing a stir.

Read: Ottery’s midfield were just as crucial; keeping at their opponents; denying them space; starting attacks and supporting each other.

However, politics is a fickle business. What goes up must surely come down. As the Ottery policy, spin and electioneering ran out of steam, the once proud political party suffered a humiliating defeat. As the polls came in things got worse and worse for Begam’s party.

Read: After half-time Ottery completely ran-out of steam. Things for worse and worse.

It soon became clear that the opposition, Budleigh, have thick political skins and an efficient policy machine of the their own. Then a series of embarrassing gaffs from the Ottery cabinet saw a swing in the polls from bad to worse. First Stuart Towers MP was unwittingly caught with his trousers down in an incident with a Bournemouth pensioner. Then Carl Wilson MP committed political suicide by claiming there should be a tax on haircuts. It got worse when yet-to-be-heard-from Minister without Portfolio Adrian Pullen swapped jobs three times in a week! The final nail in the coffin was completed when MP Bolt fell asleep towards the end of the conference; luckily MP Matt Channing was able to catch him to retain some dignity.

Read: Budleigh proved tougher opponents in the second half. Ottery forgot all the good things they did in the first period and allowed Budleigh back into the game. Four goals later and they were absolutely devastated.

Some observers will tell you that the swing in opinion is more exaggerated than it appears. If there was an election tomorrow then Ottery would fair just as well as Budleigh. Some observers have commented that it seems to be the Ottery way at the moment. Superb, sublime and silky half the time, and then slow, sullen and sad for the other half. What Ottery needs is a dose of political experience and a dash of longevity!

The Members of Parliament for Ottery St Mary FC: Pullen, Rowsell, Darke, Towers (Carpanini), Wilson, Hitchcock, Bolt (Channing), Andrews, Simic, O’Connor (Ibbeson), Burns.

Saturday 15^th September 2007

South West Peninsular League

East Division

Plymstock United 1 Ottery St Mary 2

Reports compiled by John Carey

Ottery St Mary FC took on tougher opposition this weekend, as they made their longest journey of the season to sunny Plymstock, to play the team sitting third in the league.

Unfortunately, this reporter was away on holiday, walking in the Lake District with fellow-reporter Stuart Hall. However, I have faithfully trawled the local papers to give you the run-down on events at Dean Cross.

Plymstock Gazette: “….and so Plymstock United were left to rue a game where they completely dominated the first half….”

Plymouth Non-League Footballer (Headline): “Dean Cross team cross with defeat to Ottery.”

Kingsbridge Telegraph: “Ottery player Stuart Towers was left red-faced, after finishing a game against Plymstock, he drove the wrong way home and ended up on the Kingsbridge-Salcombe ferry……”

Stocker Free Weekly: “A below-par Ottery team smashed and grabbed three points against Plymstock United on Saturday. A first-half Ottery lead was cancelled out before half-time, only for Ottery to come back strong and secure a second half win…..”

Honiton Pullmans: “Local Honiton hero Mark Simic was once again the saviour for the Otters, after a disastrous performance against Plymstock United. Simic converted a Carpanini cross in the first half, only to see Plymstock score a deserved equaliser. Poor Ottery defending allowed them to waltz into the area and easily convert past a hapless Pullen. Ottery rolled their socks up in the second half and fought hard for the win. Hard work down the left by Dave O’Connor saw the ball rebound to Simic, who scored from close range…..”

Ottery Investigator: “….and so the mystery deepens. How did five Ottery players come down with a stomach bug at the same time? Was it those sausages? It certainly affected their performance against Plymstock. So this Investigator recommends a new diet from now on!”

The Daily Mirror: “’Bolt makes Ottery come-back’…….former Otter Julian Bolt was reunited with his team-mates for an emotional return after a year playing for Australian team Billabong AFC. Bolt managed sixty minutes in his encounter with Plymstock, and was involved in the build-up for the second goal…..”

The Exmouth News: “……and so Ottery manager Jerry Sharland had this to say on his team’s performance: ‘It wasn’t the prettiest game we’re going to play this season. But we can’t expect to play well every week, and so you need to be able to grind-out results against teams like these. I’m just worried we won’t get Towers back from the Salcombe ferry in time for next week’s game against Stoke, at Ottery’……”

Ottery St Mary FC: Pullen, Hitchcock, Webber, Darke, Towers, Carpanini (Marks), Wilson (Ibbeson), Bolt (Andrews), O’Connor, Simic, Burns.

Ottery travelled to Dartington Hall and the Totnes & Dartington team, in a very early reverse fixture. However, the result was not to be reversed, ending up in another draw.

The heat was stifling for both teams, and it was the Otters who were left off the boil as the match kicked off. Unable to get hold of the ball, or their markers, Ottery were on the back foot. Fortunately, their defence was made of stern stuff, as Ibbeson, Webber, Towers, Darke and Carpanini snuffed out any T&D efforts.

It was a surprise when Ottery went from a simmer to a boil with a rolling move. Simic was the architect of a delightful cross for O’Connor to build his first chance of the half and also a goal: a super header from ten yards.

However, just like their first encounter, Totnes & Dartington were able to come back in the second half and snatch a draw. Ironically, it was the Otters who played the better second-half football. The heat was definitely a factor in Ottery’s lethargy, as they only fashioned a few chances. Simic and Hitchcock had headers, and Burns, O’Connor and Vaughan-Rhyll always looked threatening.

So as the match drew to a close, T&D snatched a chance, as Pullen spilled the ball to a T&D midfielder and scores were level. Pullen made up for his mistake moments later to make a good save and deny the Darts a win.

So Ottery were brought back down to earth after some glowing recent performances. Maybe the glowing sun was the reason, or maybe ‘over-glown’-confidence? Saturday’s trip to Plymstock will be their hardest game of the season so far.

OSMFC: Pullen, Ibbeson, Webber, Towers, Darke, Carpanini, Hitchcock, Vaughan-Rhyll, O’Connor, Simic, Burns. Subs not used: Marks, Andrews.

Wednesday 5^th September 2007

South West Peninsular League

East Division

Ottery St Mary 5 Galmpton United 1

Match report by John Carey

Ottery ‘mechanic‘ Pete Begam tuned with team to perfection, as the Otters finally played football for 90 laps, and outpaced league new-boys Galmpton.

They came racing out of the pits, with some very slick, fast-paced moves. Galmpton were unable to cope with the Otters, who seemed to have several more gears. Two of the most effective cogs in the team were O’Connor and Burns, playing as old-fashioned wingmen, revving their way past the Galmpton defence at will. They were more than ably assisted by the engine of Simic, who was linking well with the midfield and forwards.

Quicker than Schumacher in a Ferrari, the Otters were building wave after wave of attacks, and taking their chances (for a change!). O’Connor recorded the fastest lap, brilliantly turning-in a cross from the left with a side-foot finish: 1-0.

Then a turbo-charged Towers was hitting the accelerator, charging onto a ‘Car’panini corner, and glancing it in the net: 2-0.

Not to be outdone, Mark ‘The Engine’ Simic got in on the act, revving himself up to power a header home from an O’Connor cross.

Ottery did slip the clutch a few times, and were guilty of the odd miss. But on the whole Ottery were running on menthol and putting in some exhilarating play.

At the half-time pit-stop the Ottery defenders had not yet been called into play. However, Galmpton did move up a gear in the second-half, after a good ticking-off from their mechanic. Pullin, the old double-decker in the Ottery goal, was still unused though. Darke, Towers, Webber and Carpanini were as safe at the back as a set of Bridgestone’s.

After weathering some of the storm, Ottery continued to play good football, and were rewarded with a penalty when a Galmpton player ‘crashed’ into Burns and a stop-go penalty was given. Mark ‘The Engine’ Simic stepped up and the score was 4-0.

The Ottery scoring was complete when Hitchcock was released from the half-way line by his co-pilot Vaughan-Rhyll, to swerve around the Galmpton chicane and roll the ball into the empty net: 5-0.

OSMFC did take their pedal from the metal, and allow Galmpton to scream past them and score an unstoppable drive into the net. But the podium finish was still saved for the Otters, with their best performance of the season, and some of their best football in a long time. Ottery mechanic Pete Begam was delighted after the game, but had this to say: ‘It was a cracking performance by the lads, but the sad news is that Towers burst a gasket after the game due to over-celebration of his goal.’

This Saturday Ottery seek to avenge their 2-2 draw at the beginning of the season, as they face an early reverse against Totnes & Dartington.

OSMFC: Pullin, Darke (Ibbeson), Towers, Webber, Carpanini, Hitchcock, Vaughan-Rhyll, Burns, Simic, O’Connor (Potter). Sub not used: Andrews.

The Otters were joined at Washbrook Meadows by league new-boys Okehampton Argyle, who left lucky to lose by only two goals.

Ottery have failed in their first two games to put teams to the sword, after twice leading 2-0 at half-time. And worryingly today, the Otters squandered chance after chance to leave their manager and supporters fretting.

The first half ended 1-0, with a defender having to come up with the goods and give Ottery the lead. This reporter does not want to bore you with all the missed chances that Ottery squandered. In fact, it is hard to remember them all. It is suffice to say that every team member, bar Pullen in goal, had a chance to notch.

And so onto the goal. Burns was better deployed down the right, and making a nuisance of himself. A cleared corner was returned to him, and his centre found Webber on the edge of the area guiding the ball, side foot, into the corner of the net. A sublime finish, from a player who is in irresistible form at the moment.

The other notable, non-boring-chance-wasted headline of the first half was a disallowed goal from Mark ‘Jesus’ Simic. His far post header was adjudged, somewhat harshly, as a foul.

And so the second half of the game followed pretty much the same vein, but with a few more talking points. Ottery nerves were soon settled when they went 2-0 up. Quick thinking by Hitchcock from a free-kick put Minto in, and his cross found Burns, who tapped in after the keeper saved his first effort.

You will not want to read about the missed chances *yawn*, but will be harrowed to know that straight from one of these Oke scored. The keeper, rushing from his line, cleared the ball right through the Ottery defence, leaving the Okehampton forward an easy run at goal, and 2-1. That was a shame for the Ottery defence, who had looked solid all game. Webber of course was infallible, Darke an old head on young shoulders, and the superb Wilson at full-back, who was snuffing out chances left, right and centre!

Ottery were given a helping hand (they hardly needed it) mid way through the half when an Argyle player was sent off for a second bookable offence. Later in the half another player was given his marching orders, for a alleged misdemeanour on Carpanini. And so matters were wrapped up when Ottery finally decided to do the simple thing and pass the ball! A five-man moved culminated in Simic providing a nice finish and securing all three points.

And so I have not troubled you with all the missed Ottery chances. It is depressing enough to have to put up with Webber talking about his goal. However, if some of the players had followed his finishing prowess it is no exaggeration to claim the score could have been 13-1. Next up are Galmpton, also new to the league.

Ottery St Mary FC: Pullen, Wilson, Webber, Darke, Towers (Andrews), Burns (Ibbeson), Vaughan-Rhyll, Hitchcock, O’Connor, Minto (Carpanini), Simic. Subs not used: Slark.

There are two certainties about this summer. The first, is that we certainly have not had a summer of sun. The second, is that the Otters are worse than useless in the second half of a game of football. One of these things changed today. And this writers suntan can attest to which.

Ottery travelled to Coach Road outfit Newton Abbot, in the rarefied beams of glorious summer sun. Too hot perhaps to be chasing a hot potato around a field with no shade. But one nevertheless that mad dogs and Otters were ready to face, after the humiliation of last week’s draw, (leading 2-0 at half-time.)

With Apollo sending down blistering rays, the Otters were bright, and opened with God-like determination to put things right. Mark ‘Jesus’ Simic looked like he was forming a good partnership up front with the Mercury-like Dave O’Connor (The DOC). Winged shoes or not, it was wing play from Minto, the God of Carling, that produced the first goal. Crossing to Hitchcock in the area, the lanky midfielder was felled in the box by a thunderbolt of a challenge. Or did he want to lay out and sunbathe? Anyhow, ‘Jesus’ Simic, back from his holiday to Jerusalem, put the ball in the back of the net. 1-0.

It was soon two. This time from the other wing. Burns, like a Nymph down the right, collected a flick-on and flowed towards the goal. His shot was saved, but despatched by ‘Jesus’ Simic for his and the teams second. Something of a miracle, seeing as it was courtesy of his regularly redundant right boot.

Hitchcock, Burns, Simic and the DOC all had chances to further the score in this legendary half. At the other end of the pitch the Herculean Webber was once again bossing the defence, made stead-fast by deities Towers, Wilson and Darke. Rowsell was like Hermes directing play in the centre of midfield, allowing Hitchcock to keep his head in the clouds of Mount Olympus. And then Pullen, Hades himself, was called upon on only one occasion, to keep the ball from his underworld with a magnificent tip over the bar.

While the first half was pure myth, the second was pure pulp fiction. Was it the soaring heat? Was it the psychological damage of the week before?

Whatever the reason, Simic was banished, out of fuel, after he missed a certain one-on-one with keeper from the restart, and then narrowly missed a header he had no right to get to. A fitter Simic would have eaten them up like mead and olives.

And then the Otters, like all great powers, were toppled by just three shots, albeit after a sustained period of pressure. First, a mistake in defence as rare as the sunshine allowed the Abbotmen to score. Then a screaming, unstoppable shot from heaven left Pullen with no chance. And to really rub salt into the wounds, Newton Abbot scored the winner with a soft shot from the edge of the area.

Was that sunburn on the Otters faces, or embarrassment? Not even the introduction of Vaughan-Rhyll could save the Otters (his snake-hips normally entrance defences). But lots of positives to take out of the game, if only it could end at half-time. Somebody, somewhere in Ottery needs to make a sacrifice to appease the Gods. This reporter suggests the whole of the Ottery team….unless they beat Okehampton at home this Saturday.

OSMFC: Pullen, Wilson, Towers, Webber, Darke, Minto (Carpanini), Hitchcock, Rowsell, (Vaughan-Rhyll), Burns, Simic (Potter), O’Connor. Subs not used: Andrews; Slark.

It’s all change at Ottery this season. New manager, new players, and a new league to play in. The Otters entertained old foes Totnes & Dartington in their first outing into the newly formed South West Peninsular league.

So things are looking up for OSMFC, and speaking of which, looking up into the August sky saw rain making it’s way down onto Washbrook Meadows. The pitch is looking the finest for many decades, thanks to the hard work of grounds man Robin Perrymen and his band of merry helpers. So could the Otters do it any justice?

The first half was very encouraging. The Otters were straight out of the traps, forcing the Darts defence onto the backfoot. Up front, new signing Dave O’Connor looked very sharp, but it was some Ottery old boys that did the business. Hitchcock fed Carpanini down the left, and instead of returning the ball he drove for the by-line and got a cross into the box. Waiting was postman Danny Minto, who ‘delivered’ a killer shot and scored with a ‘1^st class’ finish.

Down the right, it was new signing Oli Burns making headway, and it was from this side that Ottery scored again. The same combination of players combined: Carpanini’s smart pass found Hitchcock in the area. He jinxed his defender and his cross-come-shot was slid into the net by the oncoming mail train Danny Minto. 2-0.

The Darts had very few chances, and the one’s they did have were easily cleared-up by keeper Pullen, or the imperious Webber at centre-back. So at half-time the teams turned around with the Otters comfortably in the lead.

Too comfortable? Well, the second half saw T&D use the slick Ottery pitch to their advantage. Ottery were unwilling to hold onto the football, and let their opponents command the play. It was a big disappointment to see the Darts score, when some sloppy marking and tackling allowed them one-on-one with Pullen and they pulled a goal back.

Ottery continued to make chances, but were too reliant on O’Connor up front. He was making himself very busy and was unlucky not to score with some of the half-chances he had.

Just when it looked like Ottery might scrape a win, the Darts provided another goal to further dampen the day. Several times the Otters failed to clear, and the ball was eventually crossed the far post, where amongst the confusion the ball was stabbed home from close-range: 2-2.

The final whistle went, with the Otters disappointed with their sloppy second half. Teams in the Peninsular league punish play witnessed in that 45 minutes, so the new Ottery set-up must learn it’s lessons quick before they visit Newton Abbot next week. Two points lost……

OSMFC: Pullen, Wilson, Webber, Towers, Darke, Carpanini, Rowsell (Hughes), Hitchcock, Minto (Potter), Burns, O’Connor. Subs not used: Jones, Marks, Slark, Hudson, Channing.

Report: Tim Mills.

Newly promoted Senior 5 champions Phoenix Club were the visitors to Washbrook "the home of Devon football" today and they were trying to preserve there formidable record of 24 wins and 1 draw.

Manager Tim Mills was pleased to name his starting line up with his regular players containing two players who still play for the Under 16, two coaches from Ottery youth FC and 9 players in the squad were Ottery born and bred; making this reserves side full of local talented footballers.

Ottery had played the champions twice this season giving them a good game both times but ending up losing them both 3-0 and as Assistant manager Richie Underhill had been saying all season no team has beaten Ottery twice this season , making the Otters determined to keep this stat alive.

This was always going to be a good game of football as since November these two teams form would place them 1st and 2nd, but due to the Otters poor start they found themselves in 9th place and seemingly nothing to play for.

The champions scored first with a deflected goal which James Hudson tried to get the ball off the line but couldn’t manage it. The Otters responded with impressive Number 9 Scott Haliday working hard and 5 mins after conceding found him self on the right wing position crossed for Felix to miss hit shot just wide. Greonemeyer worked hard all game and his lightning pace was unsettling the champions back four all day. Halfway through the first half the recently wed and fresh from his Honeymoon stateside Nick Searle found himself in center field and unleashed a slapshot goal wards only for the goaltender to tip it over the upright, with all that holiday weight it must have stung the keepers hands. The Otters had there tails up and were pushing the normally unflappable Phoenix Hard the breakthrough came when Scott got slotted through and rounded the keeper to score to level up the score. The Otters went into the break at 1-1 not before a point blank magical save from Dale Strawbridge to keep the otters in the game.

Second half and the Otters were all prepared to whether a Phoenix rise from the flames but it turned out it was the Otters turning up the heat, Ottery were pilling on the pressure forcing corners and the Champions defenders to work hard, Ottery were searching for that goal that would mean so much for this side in its first season to beat a team which they would like to emulate next season. Just after Dan Jewell had a header go wide he worked hard to cross the ball right in front of the keeper and it fell to Jack Collins who took his time and hit a superb half volley that had the Phoenix Keeper beat it dipped towards the goal only for it to hit the post and fly out of the goal past the oncoming Felix and Haliday. Ottery had literally thrown everything thing into this game from Dale Strawbridge making two Goal saving saves , Sean Durkin hurling himself in front of shots to block and Mahmut Olmez who was having his best game in a long time going in where it hurts. Twenty minutes from time Matt Bull came on and could have had the last laugh when he found himself on the right wing coming in and hit a beautiful volley only for it to whistle just past the post and wide. It could have been so different if the luck would have been with the Otters today but to draw against a talented Phoenix side that had only dropped 2 points all season and won the Cup this season Tim Mills and Co couldn’t have been prouder of the team.

“Next season at Washbrook could be a great year for the reserves provided they I can keep the outstanding young players we have at the club and progress the side at the rate of their talent. The big factor is that facilities and set up we have at Washbrook meadows is outstanding, there aren’t many Reserves sides around that can boast playing and training on a such a great pitch, have qualified coaches and physio’s who put the time and effort we do into not only matches but training as well, since July we have only never trained once” Tim Mills

End of the season and the sun was shining at “The home of Devon football” Washbrook Meadows. Otters Reserves were in action against Legends FC, this would be there last game ever as a team as the Exmouth college based team are moving to Plymouth.

Otters lined up in there usually 442 and with Dan Gill back after an operation playing a striking role and Aaron Carpanini was back after 33 days out due to suspension. Otters started sluggish to casual with passes going a stray and to much time spent dwelling on the ball. Otters got a break when James Hudson threw himself at corner taken by Scott Haliday and this goal proved to be the catalyst to a great Otters performance. Jack Collins was having a great game down the right, tracking back well and linked up well in attacks and was a constant threat. The Otters second came from a beautiful through ball from Dale Strawbridge the Student defender missed judged his header and the gambling Dan Gill benefited by going through and coolly finishing striking the ball over the keeper and putting the otters 2-0 up. Half time came but not before James Hudson had a great chance to add to his goal tally heading over from 4 yards!

Otters came out searching for more goals and from another set piece Durkin thought he might have finally got the goal he has been searching for after he touched the ball goal wards only for Carpanini to stab it home to make sure. Man of the match Chris Ibbeson added a fourth with a tap in after Captain Harry Mills went on a march through the Legends back four. Matt Bull got on the end of a great cross from Haliday but directed his header over the bar rather than under, so the score ended up as 4-0 and a good clean sheet for the Otters. The Otters now have only lost 2 games in the league since November and have an impressive goal difference of +24.

In their last game of the season the Otters are at home against Senior 5 undefeated league champions Phoenix FC, should be a great game and would like to see as much support as possible to celebrate Otters Reserves first season in the Devon and Exeter League.

High flying St Martins were visiting Washbrook this season in search of three points that would take them to 2nd in the league. The two teams had played each other a couple of weeks ago in terrible conditions but today there were no excuses as the weather was perfect for football. The teams kicked off to the tune of the wedding bells to celebrate the Otters left back Nick Searle Marriage who would be sorely missed this afternoon, with him were Andy Davey (Chauffeur), Rob Minto (Best Man) and with Dan Gill
(Ankle) Dan Jewell (Foot) out with injuries the squad again was down to the bare bones.

For most of the 1st Half the Otters back four were under the pressure, St Martins were pushing forward but the Otters defence were dealing with it. On the counter Ottery were threatening and a few half chances were coming their way on the break, both teams came in at half time with the chance of winning it.

2nd Half came and the Otters chances were coming regular now and Scott Halliday came closest hitting the post after lobbing the goalkeeper. The Otters goal came ten minutes from time, hard work from Mahmut 30, winning the ball and then being fouled by the left hand corner flag. The St Martins Culprit then talked himself into a red card and to rub salt in the wound Chris Ibbeson scored from the resulting free kick arriving at the back post.
St Martins were down to 9 men after the goalkeeper talked himself into a red card as well, the pressure was getting to St Martins and Halliday went through and had a chance to finish them off but his shot was agonisingly close. It left to referee who had already had a big say in the match to make another surprising decision giving a foul against John Watson that left the defender who was 2 meters from the St Martins player baffled and he wasn’t the only one. From the free kick the Otters went to sleep and St Martins were allowed back into the game in the last minute.

Another lesson learnt for the Otters and with 2 more games to go Otters will try and finish the season on a high.

Tim Mills’ side today were determined to prove that the Colaton defeat last week was a blip, a few players were disappointed this week as Mills rung the changes “complacency got the better of all of us last week including me, a few players have been getting away with below par performances but my judgment has been clouded by this great run we have been on” Mills told www.otterystmaryfc.co.uk.

Otters were fast out of the blocks straight away attacking the Kentisbeare back four, Gilly who replaced Mam this week crossed for Carpaweeni to head home and start the ball rolling for the Otters, soon again Carpanini added to his tally firing home a shot that was to hard for the keeper. Gilly had slotted Scott in for a goal and Halliday added to his impressive tally again moments later when it looked like he had taken the ball wide he fired a rocket into the back of the net, “Scott was given the task to fire in 24 before the end of the season and he looked up for it today linking up well with Gilly and Hudson” Mills told Glen Salter on the sideline. Big Sjohn Watson moved up from right back to deliver a peach of a cross for Potter to head home and to round the half off in style Hudson who had been running the midfield fired in a left footed volley from the edge of the area to take the half time school to 6-0.

Half time Mills was determined to not let the complacency slip in and for the Otters to continue to punish the many Kentisbeare mistakes and the Otters came in and an impressive Gilly scored an easy tap in to round of a good day and Man of the Match Hudson also got a tap in and a 30 yard screamer to make it 9-0 to the Otters.

Manager Tim Mills was happy with the win again a poor Kentisbeare side and hopefully this will spur the team on to finishing the Otters first season with a respectable points tally.

Missed chances, Sean Durkin and Barry Potter were guilty of missing a fair few chances today and Gilly, Scott and even Hudson also but that didn’t stop everyone on the team trying, “As a manger to see your places missing chances you start to get worried but when the players come back again and again regardless that is what you want” Mills told the linesman.

Next week is a cup ¼ final against neighbours Sidbury and should be a thriller.

Otters travelled to Colaton Raleigh this week and returned home with nothing, Otters were complacent right from the word go as 2 goals were scored in the first 10 minutes Otters replied with a fortunate corner going in from Nick Searle but then another 2 goals went in and the Otters came in losing 4-1 at half time.

The Otters team talk looked like it had sunk in when Scott Halliday Scored but then for another half an hour of the Colaton Midfield Running over the Otters and they had got their 5^th Goal and the 3 points were secure, Hudson got a late reply but it was too little too late for the Otters.

Next game is against a battling Kentisbeare who do not want to go down, so it will be a tough game for the Otters who still despite their great run are in 9^th place.

Motel and Offwell bottom of senior 3 and only 1 win this season must of thought they were in with a shout playing Senior 5 outfit Ottery St Mary but they were in for a shock. Otters were without 16 goal striker Barry Wood but Dan Gill came in to replace him a scored Straight away with a great finish from a lovely Nick Searle cross. Motel replied immediately but with a soft goal it was more of the bad defending than good attacking, but the Otters reacted positively to letting in a goal and Scott Halliday lofted the ball over the keeper after Dan Gill shoot rebounded to him to make it 2-1 at the break.

After the break Scott scored again and Man of the match Dan Jewell making his first start Scored at the second Attempt to round off a man of the match performance, Jake Freeman came on to score a great goal with his weaker left foot and Scott Halliday celebrated a Hat Trick with a penalty at the end to take him up to 16 goals this season level with Potter.

A good win for the Otters who really want to do well in this cup as Manager Tim Mills won it last season won it as a player and there are many local derby’s left in the quarter Finals one of them being Otters game against Sidbury.

Winning XI ; Starting XI : Strawbridge, Watson, Hudson, Durks, Searle, Olmez, Mills, Bridson, Jewell, Halliday, Wood Subs: Jo, Felix, Freeman and Minto

Thorverton were the visitors at Washbrook this week and after their last encounter it was going to be a tight game this afternoon. The 9th placed Otters were looking to extend their 9 game unbeaten streak in the league and close the gap on the mid table placed sides.

Ottery started brightly creating a couple of half chances, but early on it was plain to see that Scott Halliday and Potter were targets for some big challenges from the Thorverton Defenders and judging by the Referee’s early decisions he was going to let things slide. The Thorverton goal came much against the run of play with a harmless long ball hit into the Muggy Gray sky rolled through to Strawbs who rushed of his line to claim the ball in two hands only for the Thorverton Striker to leave a foot in and win the ball and poke it home again the referee offered no protection and the goal stood. In the first nine games of the season the Otters had let in 27 goals, 10 games on and a rearranged back four meant that the Otters had only let in 11 in the last 10 games and with 4 of the sides played being in the top four it’s a clear fact that the back four have been a major part in the Otters recent form. Five minute later Ottery were back in it, Durks kept his eye on the ball as the Thorverton Striker were unable to hold the ball up and lofted the ball into the path of Barry Potter and shifting the ball onto his left he scored from the edge of the area.

Half time and the Otters had to take the game to Thorverton; Dan Jewell came on for Jody Freeman and was immediately involved taking on the full back and offering a good attacking option down the left as Nick Searle was once again using the space he had to fill the Thorverton box with crosses but it was Searle defensive contribution that was catching the managers eye this week, Searle constantly broke up play down the right and didn’t put a foot wrong the whole game and deserving his Man of the Match award. The game was now firmly inside the Thorverton half and it looked like there was no way through for the Otters but when the ball broke inside the area Scott Halliday was alive and ready to dispatch his 12 goal of the season. The capacity crowd didn’t have to wait long to see his 13th as well as Scotty was played through and rounded the keeper to win the 3 points for the Otters.

Starting XI : Strawbridge, Watson, Hudson, Durks, Searle, Olmez, Mills, Bridson, Jo, Halliday, Wood Subs: Jewell, Felix, Freeman and Minto

A Nil Nil draw in amateur football is hard to find but today was the day it happened to the Otters and for Tim Mills and his assistants Richie Underhill and Mark Murrin it was a hard watch.

The first half was scrappy with misplaced passes a plenty and a plethora of half chances for the Otters, Jody came close with two chances in the box and long range efforts from Ash and Mam 30 didn’t test the Legends keeper, Felix had the best chance one on one on the edge of the box but the Legends keeper got down well to deny the Canadian sounding German.

The second half was much of the same with a midfield battle going no where and with no support for Felix and Scott this game looked destined to end in a scoreless stalemate, Nick Searle came closest with a free kick that hit the bar. Mills made 3 subs and a change in formation bringing on Dan Jewell, John Watson and Dan Gill in a 352 to see if they could inject some life into a lack lustre performance but again it was to no avail with Scott Halliday going on a mazy run but wasn’t able to finish and again half chances for Felix and Scott were not put away.

Only St Martins were able to capitalise on the Otters dropped two points in the Mid table race, so to look on the bright side the Otters had a good clean sheet courtesy from a solid display by Durkin (MOM) and Hudson at the back with Dale only called into action twice he did well to remain focused, also Ottery remain on their unbeaten streak in the league which is up to 9 games now.

Ottery are in action at Washbrook on Saturday against a Thorverton team who managed 9 against a struggling Exmouth Ammies, it was 3-1 to the Otters last time they met so it should be a good game, Otters could be in action earlier than that if Motel and Offwell get their act together and arrange a time to play their Grandisson Cup tie.

Starting XI : Strawbridge, Minto, Searle, Hudson, Durks, Mam, Mills, Brids, Freeman, Halliday, Groeneymer Subs: Gill, Jewell, Millz and Watson

Attendance 30

With no game this week it was chance for all those with limited action for the reserves and some impressive Under !6’s to put on a show and impress So called Player / Manager Tim Mills and Assistants Mark Murrin and Ritchie Underhill.
This was going to be a tough game for Ottery as Hamworthy play in the same league as Exeter City Under 18’s and Ottery started off shaky as Hamworthy pressed and Captain Dale Strawbridge was called into to action on many occasions. He could only keep them at bay for so long before they put one past but Ottery replied instantly with a beautiful cross from Matt CS was finished off by Jody Freeman, Hamworthy scored another just before half time. The second half was scrappy Hamworthy scored again but they never really took over the game, Potter in goal was impressive making a few good saves. Ottery had their chances with Felix going close and Dan Gill snapping at a couple of chances. Wegner could have closed the gap but his shot from distance failed to hit the target. The Otters played really well considering they were thrown together and it was the first time some of them had played with each other. Dan Jewell was impressive and earn’t himself the man of the match with some strong challenges and some good passes out of defence. The game finished with a penalty shootout, which the Otters won with 5 penalties scored with the most impressive being a cheeky chip from Crouchy’s lookalike Dale Strawbrigde and to celebrate was an equally impressive robot.

Dale ©, Dan Jewell, Dan Hastings, Jake Freeman, Rob Wegner, Glen Mclovin, Chris Surridge, Jody Freeman, Dan Gill, Felix Greonmeyer, Jack Collins, Tim Mills, Dan Clarke, Matt CS, Barry Potter

In summary a good performance and some performances for Manager Tim Mills to ponder for the next match away to Legends.

OSM came to King George Playing Fields ready to extend their 7 game unbeaten run against Lords XI who had rose to second in the league after the Otters had done them a favour by beating Thorverton last week. But there were to be no favours this week. After weathering the storm for the first five minutes Ottery started to attack the Lords back four Potter was lively up front looking to add to his 11 goals this season for the reserves, it wasn’t long before a indecisive Lords back four were breached, a mix up between Keeper and Centre back meant the always alert Scott H nipped in the poach the first, just after that Potter Nipped in and headed another similar goal just over the goal keeper who was caught in no man's land. On the half hour mark Potter bagged his second from a corner. The Otters were punishing every mistake and Minto and Harry were winning possession with some well timed challenges.

Goals have been coming from everyone in the team this season apart from Sean Durkin and he felt today was his day, the ball was played down the right and a perfect cross was whipped in, the under graduate seeing this develop busted a gut to get in a great position, just as you thought the ball was going to flash across the goal unattacked Durkin leapt like a Canadian mongoose and delivered a bullet header pass the keeper which happened to be Dale Strawbridge the Ottery goalkeeper, Durks had managed to given Lords a lifeline with a magical own goal. Two minutes later Ads Bridson hit a screamer into the goal from 25 yards only in a bizarre twist it perfectly good goal was ruled out by the referee who had given it took it away for a crazy offside decision.

At half time Ottery regrouped and had to focus on seeing out the game which is no mean feat against a team who have scored nearly 50 goals this season, the second half was scrappy for the first five ten Minutes but Ottery started to impose themselves into the game. Cometh the hour cometh the wise old man Mahmut Olmez neatly finished an attack down the right to slot home his 6th goal of the season and making it 4-1. After that Mam was replaced and on came another graduate of the James Hudson's school of football Dan Jewell 16 for his Ottery Debut, he came on at left wing and immediately got into the game with some terrific mazey runs and almost got himself a goal, also Jake was invited on to join his brother Jody who had switched wings from dancing down the left to the right side, hopefully the Freemasons could link up and add to the score line but that was left up to Felix also making his debut he came on and impressed with some neat footwork and good running with the ball, the debutant capped a fantastic 15 minutes with a beautiful half volley right into the postage stamp corner of the goal. Lords XI did score another goal with the Ottery teams concentration slipping but the damage had been done and the unbeaten run in the league had stretched to 8.

Man the Match- Potter doing the damage finishing off his chances at the first time off asking.

Ottery went into their game with Thorverton today 6 games undefeated and with Thorverton on a good run this match was going to be a good encounter.
Thorverton were riding high 2nd in the table but Tim Mills' Otters nowadays are a match for any team in the league.

The first half started with both teams settling in with Ottery pushing towards the Thorverton goal but things were breaking up once they got near the Thorverton goal so not many chances were created, Mamut Olmez 30 was seeing lots of the ball down the right but wasn’t crossing as well as we know he can. Chris Ibbeson was deputising for Hudson at the back and was doing his job well against a tricky center forward. The first half ended with Rob Minto clearing off his line from a corner which kept Ottery in the game.

Ottery came out the second half well again camping themselves into the Thorverton half with play going down both wings but again the crosses were lacking quality. Scott Halliday was a constant threat dropping into the hole and linking up play well. Soon another corner came and Nick Searle delivered a quality ball into the box for Potter to head home. !0 mins later thou Thorverton were back in the game where a sloppy clearance led to the Thorverton player punted it over Dale head for a fortunate equalizer. This was harsh on Durkin and Dale Strawbridge 16 who were fighting for another clean sheet, Dale denied Thorverton a moment later with another certain goal save to keep the carrot off three points alive. Halfway through the second half Thorverton failed to clear a corner and Ibbeson hit a shot at goal bound until Aaron Carpanini to poke home on the goal line for his 4 goal for the Reserves, before that Mam had a chance cleared of the line and his partner in crime Sean Durkin received a blow to the head which caused a bloody nose but he fought through the pain and carry on with another good performance. Into the last minutes of the game and it was up to Potter to finish off Thorverton, veteran Mam caught Thorverton on the break and finally delivered a cross of quality into the box and Potter struck a sweet side footed volley home for the victory. Mam could of struck four but like a jigsaw went to pieces in the box and ended up tackling the goalie. Lots of good consistent performers today and the Ottery Players keep setting the bar higher and higher so while they won 3-1 they know there was still room for improvement.

The pitch was sticky and heavy and with a mixture of rustiness from the Ibbeson, Carpanini and Potter who have had limited football for the 1st in current weeks and the fact that the team haven’t played for a while the game started quite slow for Ottery. A mix up between captain Harry Mills and 17 yr Old Ash Bridson meant there was a huge hole in the Otters midfield and Sidbury exposed this with a through ball flicked on unchallenged and then the Sidbury striker jabbed the ball just under the advancing Dale Strawbridge in goal. Ottery started to panic, losing possession and positioning had gone out the window, but with time Ottery calmed down and started to come back into the game with Nick Searle Providing an outlet at left back he used the space well to delivering his trademark pinpoint crosses. Ottery came painfully close with Hudson hitting the bar, Brids having a free kick expertly saved and Davey Just dragging one wide it looked like another one of those days where the Otters were freezing up in front of goal. On 40 Minutes the ball went out wide to Olmez and he got the ballit out of his feet quickly and delivered a low cross to Carpanini who shinned it into the Sidbury Net, that was Olmez 30 third assist in three weeks add that to his 5 goals this season and the Veteran winger is in good form.

Half time came with the Otters having to replace Andy Davey for Dan Gill after Davey was on the receiving end of a bad challenge. Again the Otters started the half sloppy letting sidbury in early goal doors to give the Seagulls the upper hand. Otters were lively and starting to play better football. Carpanini crossed low only for Dan Gill to slide in dangerously close, Potter had a header saved on the line then had a clear shout for a penalty denied, meanwhile at the other end Vice Captain Hudson had to clear off his own line and Stawbs pulling of a spellbinding save to keep Ottery in the game. Disaster struck on 75 minutes as a carbon copy of the Sidbury First goal occurred putting Sidbury 3-1 up. The Otters looked down and out with a 5 game unbeaten streak to protect they were not to be beaten, 5 minutes after the Sidbury 3rd Ottery went to 4-3-3 to give the Sidbury Back
3 some problems and it worked, the ball was played across to a unmarked Carpanini 18 to strike sweetly right under the Sidbury Goalkeeper to start the comeback. With literally the last kick of the game Potter was played through he jinked past the Defenders and with the goal keeper coming out he lifted it over the keeper to get the point for the Otters and keep the now 6 game unbeaten streak alive.

Man of the match - James Hudson's performance at the back typified the bouncebackability of the Otters performance.

Otters Reserves Up to 9th!!

The Otters continued there unbeaten streak going with a 2-2 all draw with league leaders Oakwood. The Otters now are unbeaten in there last 5 games notching up 13 points in the last 5 games.

Last weeks goal scorer Tom “Rocket” Rookes made the starting XI this week a repaid his managers faith with a great performance, nicknamed “dopey” by best mates he was far from this today his pace and skill was always a threat to the Oakwood back four. The first half was eventful with the Ottery defence dealing with Oakwood long throws well and hitting on the break, but it was the Oakwood keeper with a little help from the bar who was keeping them in the game, the Otters went close through Davey heading just wide and Mam hitting the bar and again Davey having one saved that rolling agonizingly across the line and then kick away to safety.

In the second half it was Ottery pushing for a goal with Ash scanning the midfield for passes he was working hard trying to checkout his options before taking payment and Harry Mills working hard to switch pay and get attack running down both sides. The first Otters goal came from a ball into Bristowe refrigerator cool feet that teed up Andy Davey to curl he ball into the top corner, a great finish. So with Ottery 1-0 up against league leaders who had racked up 51 goals this season was a great position but it only lasted 1-0 Otters failing to deal with a header at the near post 1-1. The Otters in previous weeks have not responded well to letting goals in went straight up the other end and Hudson roofed a stray ball into the net 2-1 Otters. Oakwood with the Phoenix Manager on the side lines put the pressure on and after an offside goal had been disallowed Birthday old boy Mam dived in and with minimal contact the Oakwood player went down, Oakwood converted the penalty to make it 2-2. Jake Bristowe who had a tough but good game was replaced by Dan Gill and Jody replaced an injured 30 year old Mam who had his Horlicks waiting. In the last 5 minute Ottery had 3 excellent chances to win the game, Rocket sliped in Gilly who went past the defender but met the goalkeeper, then Davey cross to a sliding Gilly who couldn’t get enough on it the ball and it hit the post and then Ash produced a Finest shot that just couldn’t get the 3 club points we needed.

A good result for the Otters could have been 3 points but away against league leaders the Otters Management will take it!! Up next is St Martins at home before the 7 game road trip.

Star man – Rocket Rookes.

Part 2 of the Ottery / Exmouth double header today at Washbrook, Otters were relaxed and showing signs of being far too comfortable as many people were late and missing vital parts of kit!! With Durks missing at the back and no signs of Jake Freeman "Mr Versatile" had to fill in at the back and Jo returning on the left with double goal scorer last week Gilly moving to his preferred forward role.

Strawbs, Nick, Minto, Hudson, Millz, Jo, Mam, Mills, Ash, Scotty, Gilly Subs: Jack, Bristowe, Surridge, Rookes, Bull

Exmouth had a few fresh faces and with their first team not in action this was no surprise, they looked more comfortable in possession and some early attacks fizzled out, the Otters weren't looking themselves the pace and quick movement was sporadic, the first goal was vintage Otterian Football. The Ball came on the Scott's reliable feet he knocked the ball out to Mam who maroarded towards the Vatican of space left by the Full Back who was now starring at Mam's Heels, he cut into the edge of the box and delivered majestic cross right to Scotty who had continued his run to calmly finish off a delightful first goal and take his tally to 10 Goals for the Season. You could tell that the Ottery side thought they were in for a game like last week but Exmouth battled on and again another scrappy attack ended with failed clearance and the Ammies players produced a magical strike into the top right hand corner of the goal leaving a bewildered Dale very upset. Till half time it was scrappy with the Ottery back for doing more defending than they hoped but dealing with ease the Ammies Attacks.

Half time came and went with the Otters knowing that things must improve and sharpen up. The Pacey Tom Rookes came on for a tiring Olmez (must be getting old!) Exmouth Ammies Huffed and Puffed but again nothing was getting near Dale in Goal as he just watched the Millz and his moaning Wife Hudson deal with the threats, Minto was listening today and was now supplying Rookes with some good balls down the line and down the left Chin was getting forward and getting involved in attacks, Bristowe came on to replace Scotty (ankle) and Jack Collins Replaced Jo (Shoulder). Harry Mills was now beginning to tackle his way through the Ammies Midfield one run ended with a sweet drive that took a deflection taking it past the Ammies keeper and into the net 2-1 Otters and everyone was relieved, chances now started coming with Dan Gill heading one into the keeper hands, Mills trying to putt the ball in with his left foot was covered, but the undertaker "Rookes" hit the last nail in the Coffin when he went through and smashed into the keeper but followed his shot and scored the third.

Otters battled to win 3-1 and stay in 10th place 1 point behind Legends they face top of the table Oakwood away next week , Happy Christmas!!

"if your not first your last"

5 COLATON RALEIGH 13 8 0 5 49 30 19 24
6 SIDBURY UTD 2ND 15 7 1 7 39 30 9 22
7 ST MARTINS 2ND 13 6 3 4 36 37 -1 21
8 DAWLISH UNITED 12 5 4 3 36 26 10 19
9 LEGENDS 13 5 0 8 32 38 -6 15
10 OTTERY ST MARY 13 5 3 5 36 29 7 14

Otters get another 3 Points

The reserves were away at lowly Exmouth Ammies last Sat and with Tim "the Gaffer Mills away on a scouting mission it was down to Assistant manger Richard and Muzza to get the lads in the right moad to get three vital points.
On a very cold day and a pitch that would not look out of place growing cabbages the reserves did Tim proud with a 6-0 victory.
Two nil up at half time with an Ok performance the half time speech was to keep it tight for the first ten and not to concede.
The lads went on to romp another four goals in the second half, goalscorers being Scot Halliday hat-rick, Dan Gill two and Andy Davey one.
Great individual performances from Harry Mills and Dan Gill and in general a good strong team performance from all of the reserves the team were were never in danger with Muzza only having two shots to save.
With Sampford loosing, the team jump one more place away from the bottom three.
Next week sees the Ammies visiting Ottery in what the club all hope another three points.

Ottery Turned up at Phoenix in high sprits and ready to try and put some pressure on the Unbeaten Senior 5 outfit.
Things didn’t start well with Phoenix going one nil up due to an Ottery Mistake but untill half time every got tight and Ottery started to create some chances but were just not putting them away.

After half time Ottery came out and were inside the Phoenix Half for 10 Mins trying to forge an opening but with chances going wide and the Phoenix keeper playing out of his skin this looked like it wasn’t going to be Ottery's Day. After Ottery had thrown the kitchen sink at the Phoenix back four Phoenix counter twice to make it 3-0 and to put Ottery's Cup Ambitions out off the window.

Again the Ottery Back four was good with James Hudson Man of the Match the voice at the back was committed and determined and showed all the characteristics that the Otters need this season.

Next up Ottery can again concentrate on the League With a visit from Colaton Raleigh who are up to fourth with an 8-5 win against sidbury at the weekend.

The Ottery faithful streamed through the gates at Washbrook this Saturday to watch an Otters side determined to get themselves up the right end of the table. The Rafa factor did not occur, with the starting eleven being the same as the side that comfortably beat Kentisbeare last week.

Ottery scored first within six minutes with Brids with the outswinging corner to Durks who lept like a Gazelle to nod it down to Scott H who pushed it home. Ottery then went on the Attack in search of even Goal difference their quest was going to frustrating but not impossible. Dan Gill's tireless running up front meant that he was creating chances and he went through and knocked the ball across goal for Scott H to score his 5th for Otters in 3 Games. Ottery began to try and force goals and in return trying to hard and began to get frustrating for Coaches Richie and Tim Mills to watch after chance after chance went begging.

Half time came and went rapidly as the bell went early obviously the ref had better things to do than watch the Otters in full stride but the 25 Fans didn’t!! After a ten minute mild breeze that Broadclyst through up after half time settled Gilly went through from a delight full pass from Durks and scored and Scott H completed his Hat Trick from the moment of the match, While Durks and Hudson were discussing how many tackles they had made in the game Strawbs had run through them and knocked the free kick for offside 40 yards into the stride of Scott H. The defence have to get a mention as they were solid all game its no coincidence that Minto and Durks are now playing their best football since Hudson moved back to Center back and Strawbs in has come in goal. Meanwhile the manager brought of Scott H and Gilly who were both disappointed to come off they had won us the match and with both of them previously carrying injuries there was no point risking things. It was time for Andy Davey and Potter to reform a partnership that had threatened to kill of teams in pre season but the Magic had fizzled out with Potter getting called up to the Elite and Davey getting called to the crèche. The magic returned Potter bagged 2 goals and Davey aka Burglar Bill stole one of the Works who had run (jogged) 80 (20) yards to make it in the penalty area, Goal difference was now at -1 and when Jack Collins replaced Mam and went through he nearly put it back to zero!! End score 7-0 to the Otters and now it's on to the Devon Express cup and a tie away to Phoenix!!

Strawbs - Not much to do but when called upon took crosses cleanly and a great assist for Halliday's Hat trick
Minto – Listened, carried the ball well and gave the ball easy when required.
Hudson – Strong, commanding and even managed a few step overs !
Durks – Determined never let the strikers settle on the ball won all the headers from defending corners.
Searle – Man of the Match, Did all the easy stuff all game plus put in some great crosses, didn’t let his marker have a sniff.
Mam – At times didn’t give the ball east but rectified it with hard work and listening.
Jo – Work rate was excellent and his first touch this week was quality.
Brids – Easily could have been MOM short and long passing today was excellent and the turnover from tackle to attack was important in our win
Mills- Golum control of the ball this week was improved so much he had time and space to pick people out.
Scott H – Movement off the ball is why he is getting so many goals, unmarkable. Constantly demanding the ball and at the heart of every attack.
Gilly – Closing down of the back four was excellent worked hard for his goal and linked up with Scott well.
Davey, Potter & Collins – All came on and impressed good Davey get a goal.
Big mentioned to Sheriff and Bristowe who’s attitude