Central started their season brightly with a hard fought victory against a big Westexe side. A good interchange between Luke Somerwill and Pip Arnold set up Rhys Beauchamp who finished with style. Central spent much of the first half soaking up pressure and only a classy diving save from Ben King kept the scores level.

However, Central were the stronger team in the second half. Beauchamp struck again, following good approach work from Joe Robertson and a neat interchange with Arnold set up Tom Short who shot for 3-0. Luke Somerwill completed the scoring, pouncing on a loose ball for 4-0.

There were outstanding performances from James Mitchell and Rob Somerwill in defence.

Richard

Although defeated today, this is a result the boys can take pride in. From the start, Central built well from the back with short passing and created possible openings, but often this ended with a rush of blood when trying to put in a killer pass. West Hill started to take control and their off ball movement was superb, but the boys were equal to the task and proved tricky to break down Sam Chamberlain was superb in midfield, fighting for every ball. If they did break through, Ben King was a reliable presence in goal.

Turning round at 0-0, West Hill should have gone 1 up almost instantly, missing a simple chance. This just motivated Central even more, and after 8 minutes they took the lead. Barnaby Harris’s corner was won in the air by Rhys Beauchamp, despite being up against a defender 6 inches taller than himself. After a little penalty area pinball, the ball fell to Pip Arnold who volleyed high into the net.

West Hill were shaken by this, but within 5 minutes they were level. They won a corner on the left, which Central attempted to clear 3 times, and they scored from an angle. A few minutes later, they were 2-1 up, their quick right winger bringing the ball along the goal line and playing the ball in for a tap in, despite some of the boys calls for offside.

Central struggled against the horrendous slope, but in the end did well to keep the score to 2-1. In 3 meetings last season we lost 6-0, 5-2 and 6-2, so this should give us hope for the season.

Finally, great credit to Sam C and Ben for their performances.

Richard

Stoke Hill had to work hard for their win, holding a slender 2-1 lead into the end of normal time, before 2 late goals added gloss to their result.

Stoke Hill took the lead after 6 minutes with a supreme 25 yard strike from Jake Allen. Central kept a grip on the match and were unlucky not to equalise when their keeper showed great agility to tip Luke Somerwill’s goalbound header onto the crossbar. Stoke Hill went straight up to the other end and scored again, taking a 2-0 advantage at half time.

Central came back to 2-1, when Sam Perry expertly lobbed the keeper from 25 yards. Minutes later, there was a great opportunity to level the score when Pip Arnold beat the keeper to a through ball and set the ball for Perry once again, who this time couldn't find the target. With 3 players carrying injuries, Central battled on, but the late goals robbed their chance of a point. Great credit goes to Charlie Greenslade, whose reading of the game and timing of tackles denied Stoke Hill on many occasions.

Keep your heads up boys, that was a real battling performance, it will come good again soon!

Richard

With 10 minutes remaining, it looked as if Central were going to take the points, with a 2-1 lead, but 2 late goals, the winner with 2 minutes left, spoilt their day.

Exmouth took the lead on 12 minutes with a shot from outside the area, skidding across the greasy surface eluding the keeper. But minutes before half time, Central levelled the score when Luke Somerwill picked up a poor clearance from the keeper to find the open goal from 40 yards out.

Exmouth had a strong spell of pressure following the break, but Central’s defence was well organised and goalkeeper Ben King was on form. Their failure resulted in a lack of discipline, which Central exploited, Sam Perry finishing to give Central a 2-1 lead. However, Exmouth scored from a quick break, and a tap in goal followed King’s good initial save. Central searched for a winner again, and Rhys Beauchamp broke well from Rob Somerwill’s long ball, but just failed to lob the keeper. The sucker punch was then delivered, and seconds later the final whistle went, following a mystifying 30 seconds of added time, robbing Central of the chance of what would have been a richly deserved point.

Credit to Kinger in goal, Luke and Tom who fought hard in midfield, but most of all to Sam C who would have died for the cause today.

Richard

Central showed great spirit to come back from a goal down to beat Broadclyst 2-1.

Central began the game the stronger, spurning 2 early chances, but allowed Broadclyst back into the game, and with 20 minutes gone, they took the lead when an inswinging corner was headed home.

This only served to spur on Central, who scored minutes before half time after a spell on top. Tom Short did well to beat his defender on the right, and his cross was dispatched into the net by Luke Somerwill.

This was a tremendous game, with chances for both teams, but it was settled by the quick witted Sam Perry, who lobbed the keeper from outside the penalty area to give Central a 2-1 lead.

Broadclyst put Central under pressure for the last 5 minutes, but unlike last week when Central allowed a similar lead to slip, they held out for a deserved 3 points.

Richard

Central’s solid start to the season was just a distant memory by the end of 70 minutes, as a ruthless Brixington team took them apart in the first half. Lacking the ever-reliable James Mitchell and 2 key players playing but ill and injured, they never looked like coming back from 2 goals in the first 5 minutes.

In the 1st half there were no tackles, little marking, no passing, 1 shot from Central, who were like rabbits caught in the glare of headlamps as Brixington passed through them, ran past them and stuck in 6 goals.

The second half was a much improved performance, with a little more conviction from the boys, who were reminded of the fact that they could tackle and had every right to compete for 50-50 balls, and could manage without James at the back.

A massive disappointment, the next match will be a big test of character.

Richard

Central put in a well disciplined performance to beat Tedburn St Mary, with goals shared throughout the team. Tom Short, Sam Perry, Pip Arnold, Miles Woolnough and Barnaby Harris each scored 2, others coming from Joe Robertson, Jonny Stamen, Luke Somerwill, Tom Bland, Charlie Greenslade, Robert Somerwill and an own goal.

However, the day belonged to Charlie Greenslade and Robert Somerwill, both players choosing the same match to score their first goals for the club in their 7th season.

Credit to Tedburn, who kept battling and especially to their goalkeeper - none of the goals were down to keeper error.

Richard

Central drew a blank against Pinhoe in a tight match. The difference was the finishing of Pinhoe’s Harry Rogers, who took both his opportunities well. Central matched Pinhoe throughout, but despite numerous chances could only hit the crossbar through Sam Perry’s shot. However, credit to both teams who played good football in a competitive and entertaining match.

Richard

Central shot themselves in the foot today, as they proceeded to give Crediton a goal from a defensive error, and then compounded it by gifting them 2 more.

However, even without the errors, Central would not have been worth a point today, as Crediton were given far too much space to play the way they wanted. Whenever Central attacked, they opted to go through the crowded middle ground rather than using the available width.

Central were unlucky not to score on 2 occasions when the ball would not break for them in goalmouth scrambles following corners, and there was a bright moment near the end when Sam Perry and Luke Somerwill linked up beautifully to fashion an opening. Olly Johnson’s introduction in the second half gave Central teeth at the back and was one of the highlights of a trying morning.

Richard

It all went wrong for Central in the last 15 minutes, as they let what was a close game slip away. Kentisbeare took the lead 2 minutes from half time when a partly cleared cross fell advantageously to Jamie Salter who finished well.

Central worked hard to get back into the game and good pressure from the forwards chasing down seemingly lost causes resulted in Sam Perry’s through ball. Luke Somerwill controlled it, outpaced his pursuing defender and finished well for 1-1. At this stage, the match was on a knife’s edge. Both sides spurned chances, but when a Central attack broke down, a Kentisbeare defender was allowed to run 70 yards before laying off a pass to score and take the lead.

At this stage, Central appeared to wilt and Kentisbeare added 3 more goals in the last few minutes to give them a hard fought 3 points.

Credit to goalkeeper Jack Hunter, who stepped in for his first game of the season and the ever reliable Rhys Beauchamp at right back.

Richard

This match looked in doubt on a very wet morning, but the King George pitch held out well as Central and St Martins played out an entertaining match, with much to be admired from both teams.

St Martins got the early breakthrough, poor marking allowing a free header at a corner, but this was not enough to wake Central up. 2 further goals left them trailing 3-0 after 15 minutes, St Martins playing the type of football which won them last season’s championship. At this stage, Central started to fight back, with Tom Short looking dangerous on the right and Sam Perry hitting the crossbar from a free kick. St Martins added a 4th goal, but still Central did not give up, clawing a goal back from a Perry lob from outside the penalty area. Both goalkeepers, Rhys Beauchamp (Central) and Matt Lloyd (St Martins) played superbly, Beauchamp at one stage making a triple save to deny the opposition. As Central pushed forward for another goal, they were twice caught out, with breakaway goals. Credit to Central’s full backs, Will Greenslade and Rob Somerwill who performed to a high standard, and Pip Arnold who gave a high energy performance in closing down the defence and deserved better luck today.

Richard

Central continued their toughest run of fixtures this season, this week meeting unbeaten Brixington. Brixington took the lead within the first 10 minutes, when a weak shot from the right ran to an unmarked striker, who simply had to sidefoot home. The 2nd came from a misunderstanding, as Central pushed up thinking they had been awarded a free kick for a handball offence, however Brixington took a throw in quickly and the right winger had a free run on goal. Central had chances, Sam Perry hitting a post and although not looking particularly threatening in the second half, at least looked strong and well organised at the back, James Mitchell giving an outstanding performance and Miles Woolnough looking solid at right back. Brixington scored a well worked 3rd goal and a defensive mistake gifted them a 4th. Central got a much deserved consolation goal, when Rhys Beauchamp’s pass set up Sam Perry, who scored with an excellent lob, for the 2nd consecutive match!

Having gone through a spell of tough fixtures, Central will now hope to get some wins on the board in the next 3 fixtures as they meet teams below themselves in the league.

Richard

Both sides were delighted to be taking the field after a long weather-induced lay off and it was Central who set the pace early on. 3 clear chances were created in the opening 5 minutes without a result, but following a corner, James Mitchell poked the ball home to put Central 1-0 up. It was soon 2-0, as Tom Short’s measured cross was met by Pip Arnold’s head. From this point, it appeared that Central would cruise to victory, but Heavitree dug deep and on winning a corner, played the ball back for Adam Smallridge to drive home for 2-1. They equalised following a break out from defence, again instigated by Smallridge, a shot taking a telling deflection off a Central defender for 2-2.

Central responded by exerting further pressure on the Heavitree penalty area, and just before half time, a neat link up between Luke Somerwill and Sam Perry resulted in Perry blasting home from 20 yards out for 3-2. In the second half, Central tried hard to kill the game off, but couldn’t add to the score, giving the match a tense finish. 5 minutes from time, after an extended spell of pressure, Perry looped a ball over the defence for Tom Short to run onto and score. Within less than a minute it was 5-2, as Rhys Beauchamp scored with a screamer of a half volley from 25 yards. Credit to both teams for an entertaining game, to Olly Johnson who was a rock at the back for Central and to James Mitchell who ran the game from midfield.

Richard

Central appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory at 3-0 up with half an hour to play, but contrived to throw 2 points away.

Central opened the scoring after 10 minutes, when James Mitchell bundled the ball home when following up his header which was blocked on the line. They extended their advantage when a well worked move ended with Luke Somerwill’s precise angled header beating the keeper. When the 3rd goal went in it looked like game over. Again, Central retained possession when an attack broke down, and Mitchell headed his second from Sam Perry’s cross.

Westexe’s first goal appeared to be merely consolation, as Central continued to create chances, but Westexe took their next 2 chances to equalise. Central were stunned, but were unlucky not to win it when Somerwill hit a post, but in the end had to be satisfied with a point. Rhys Beauchamp gave a great performance at centre back and Mitchell shone throughout.

Richard

With both sides minus a league fixture this weekend, this was a worthwhile run out for both of them. St Martins, current league leaders and Juventus champions, lined up without 2 key players and Central took the early initiative. They almost took the lead when a free kick was parried by the keeper, the onrushing Luke Somerwill just unable to steer the ball home. However, it was St Martins who took the lead when keeper Ben King uncharacteristically spilled the ball into the path of Ben Friend, who scored.

Central were soon back in the game, when Sam Perry was set up to shoot from 25 yards, his powerful shot ending up in the top corner. Both sides had chances to win it in the second half, but it was St Martins who were exerting the greater pressure. Rhys Beauchamp and Olly Johnson played well in central defence and Rob Somerwill thwarted the supply of crosses from St Martins' dangerous right winger. Central had two great chances to win it near the end, St Martins keeper saving them when firstly he clawed away Tom Short's goalbound header, and then did well to stand up to make a good save in the closing seconds.

Central can take great pride in this result, it was good to watch some intelligent passing and a number of good performances, particularly Joe Robertson's first game as a striker and James Mitchell's captains performance from midfield.

Richard

Central remain unbeaten in 2008 thanks to a workmanlike victory over Sidmouth. The first half was a procession of Central corners, none forthcoming, until 5 minutes from half time when Olly Johnson’s goalbound header was scooped away by a Sidmouth defender. Sam Perry scored the resulting penalty.

In the second half, Central struck early with Sam Chamberlain benefitting from a free header from a corner, then Sam Perry side footed home Tom Short’s precise cross.

Once again, there were solid performances at the back from Central, with the uncompromising tackling of Rob Somerwill and the strength and industry of James Mitchell.

Richard

Central put Sidmouth under the cosh from the first whistle, being first to the ball and setting up quick attacks. Luke Somerwill was unable to finish 2 early chances, but on 14 minutes, Pip Arnold latched on to a through ball and finished sweetly with the outside of his right foot.

There was no further score in the first half, which did not reflect Central's dominance, and the manager demanded an early goal in the second half but got 2. So within 5 minutes of the second half Central were 3-0 up, Tom Short scoring both, the first a rasping finish from a cross by Arnold and the second picking up a through ball from Sam Perry.

With the wind at their backs, Sidmouth did not give up and threw everything at Central. Rhys Beauchamp was in form in the Central goal though, and stunned his team mates with a superb save, clawing away a goalbound header.

Sidmouth scored from a break out of defence to set up a good finish at 3-1, but Pip Arnold sealed the game when the Sidmouth keeper made a rash decision to chase down a ball well outside his area. Arnold beat him to the ball, rounded him and finished coolly from 40 yards.

Central remain unbeaten since 15th December, today’s game seeing an accomplished performance from Rhys Beauchamp in goal and a typical battling performance from Olly Johnson.

Richard

Central remain unbeaten in 2008 thanks to a workmanlike victory over Sidmouth. The first half was a procession of Central corners, none forthcoming, until 5 minutes from half time when Olly Johnson’s goalbound header was scooped away by a Sidmouth defender. Sam Perry scored the resulting penalty.

In the second half, Central appeared to have consolidated again, but a great strike from outside the area levelled the scores. 2 minutes later, Exmouth went 2-1 up with a free header as Central’s marking left much to desire at a corner.

At this stage, Central woke up again and pressed hard for an equaliser. Finally, Sam Perry’s through ball was taken on the run by Luke Somerwill, who slid the ball under the keeper for 2-2. There were late chances for both sides but Central were the happier with the draw.

TEAM: Ben King; Miles Woolnough, Rhys Beauchamp, Oliver Johnson, Robert Somerwill; Barnaby Harris, James Mitchell, Tom Short, Sam Perry; Luke Somerwill, Pip Arnold. Subs: Jamie Pryse, Jonny Stamen, Will Greenslade.

Richard

Super sub Jamie Pryse won this game with a top drawer finish as Central continued their good run of results with 1-0 victory over Heavitree. Playing on a soft pitch and with a strong wind in their favour, it was Heavitree who looked better in the first half, showing greater determination and winning most 50-50 balls. However, they failed to take the clear chance that fell to them and in the second half Central looked a different team. Driven on by midfield dynamo Sam Chamberlain, Central got on top and created the chances, and when Pryse came on he was able to cut in from the left and lob the approaching keeper to score his first goal for the club. Central continued to threaten and it was only a fine save from Heavitree keeper Dave Moorcock from Barney Harris’s header denied Central. This was a great advert for youth football, played in the right spirit, and well refereed by Ray Grimwood.

TEAM: Ben King; Charlie Greenslade, Rhys Beauchamp, Oliver Johnson, Robert Somerwill; Barnaby Harris, James Mitchell, Sam Chamberlain, Sam Perry; Luke Somerwill, Pip Arnold. Subs: Jamie Pryse, Jonny Stamen, Miles Woolnough.

Richard

Still unbeaten in 2008, Central take their record into a 4th month as they dispatched Tedburn today. In a scrappy first half, Central took the lead on 13 minutes when Miles Woolnough shot from inside the area. Tedburn fought hard, and were unlucky not to equalise with a header across goal. However, their keeper was in fine form, saving three one-on-one situations.

In the second half, Central retained the ball far better, and benefitted when Jamie Pryse’s classy finish put them 2-0 up. Luke Somerwill scored the third, holding the ball up well in the area before spinning to lash it into the bottom corner.

Pryse’s corner foxed the Tedburn defence who helped Central’s cause with an own goal, before Will Greenslade was brought down in the penalty area, Pip Arnold’s resultant penalty being placed right in the centre of the goal for a 5-0 victory.

Tedburn can take pride in a determined performance in which they never gave up.

Richard

Central saved the best until last, putting in a top quality performance in their final game of the season. They took the lead on 6 minutes, when Luke Somerwill was quickest to react when the Exmouth keeper could not hold James Mitchell’s shot. Exmouth played long balls to their centre forward who was always a threat, and on 20 minutes, he capitalised on a mistake to level the scores. Rhys Beauchamp, ‘Player of the Year,’ in the Central goal, had to be sharp to let Central get to half time on level terms.

Back row, Luke Somerwill, Robert Somerwill, Tom Short, James Mitchell, Pip Arnold, Jamie Pryse, Olly Johnson. Front row, Miles Woolnough, Joe Robertson, Charlie Greenslade, Rhys Beauchamp, Sam Perry, Sam Chamberlain.

But the second half was a different matter. Central controlled play for long periods, with Pip Arnold and Joe Robertson a constant threat in attack. The winning goal came from a free kick, when Sam Perry’s well struck free kick was glanced home by James Mitchell. Central continued to threaten, looking for a decisive goal, and overcame a nervy last 5 minutes to take the points.

Richard