West Hill Wasps started very strongly and by half-time had raced into a 5-0 lead, despite Zak Oldfield in goal playing very well.

During half-time we had a good discussion and the performance in the second half was far better only conceding one more goal and having created a number of chances to score ourselves.

So if we take our second ½ performance into next weeks game I am sure we can look to win against Sidmouth.

Nigel

Above & below: Action from the game.

Central AC got off to a winning start to the new season, coming back from 2-1 down to beat Brixington Blues 3-2. Two goals from Sam Gard and a winner from skipper Harry Vicary sealed the points in a cracking, end-to-end game that could have gone either way. Although the whole team deserve huge credit for a gutsy second-half display, keeper Louis Wenley gets special mention for a string of brilliant saves while Ollie Lawrence slotted into an unfamiliar midfield role with total assurance.

Tom

Action from the match against Cullompton

Central AC edged a well contested game thanks to second half strikes from Harry Vicary and Brent Wright. Central went two up in the first period thanks to Sam Gard and Danny Broome, but found themselves pegged back to 2-2 at the break. However they held their nerve in the second half and came out worthy winners.

Tom

Despite losing our 2nd game of the season our team’s improvement was there for all to see with our 1st goals of the season being scored by Jacob Carah & Ben Harrill in our 4-2 home defeat. At half time we were 4-1 down but in the second half we dominated the play and scored our second goal and had numerous chances to score more.

Nigel

Central AC's defence proved unusually fragile as they allowed Crediton United to put seven past them. The home side were never out of the game though thanks to two goals from Sam Gard , one from Jordan Fewings and an own goal

Tom

It took going 3-0 down in the opening stages to wake Central AC up. Goals from Harry Vicary and Jordan Fewings brought them back to 3-2 at the break and from then on Central dominated, further strikes from Vicary, Shaun Wonnacott, Danny Broome and James Slater sealing the win.

Tom

First division Central AC simply overwhelmed their battling second division opponents. Two goals from Shaun Wonnacott and one apiece from Harry Vicary, Danny Broome and Jack Blight meant they were cruising 5-0 at the break. They refused to take their foot off the pedal and added four more in the second through Sam Gard's solo effort, two own goals and Wonnacott again - completing an excellent hat-trick.

Tom

Central Redstar gained their first win of the season over Broadclyst. Redstar took the lead in the 2nd minute through Harry Macrea-Smith and then created at least another 15 good chances but at half-time found themselves 2-1 down to Broadclyst who took both their chances.

In the second half again after missing many chances and a penalty Redstar ran riot with hat-tricks from Jacob Carah and Keanu Clarke and a goal from their captain George Goodchild. Broadclyst scored their 3rd goal near the end of the game.

Action from the match against Broadclyst




Above: A Central Corner. Below: Central take a penalty.

Nigel

Central AC got their season back on track with a well deserved victory over Willand Rovers. A Paul Martin penalty and a second from Sam Gard just before the break put them in the box seat. Harry Vicary sealed the points early in the second half, and had it not been for a hat-trick of borderline disallowed goals and a series of missed guilt-edged chances the scoreline, against a Willand side who kept going to the end, could have been even more decisive.

Tom

Back to back wins for high scoring Redstar as they record their second win of the season against Exwick 2 - 7.

A 2^nd hat-trick in as many games by Keanu Clarke along with a pair from Jacob Carah and with George Goodchild and Harry McCrea Smith each scoring wiped out Exwick's 2 goals but my player of the match for Central was Isaac Harroway Moore, his defensive performance was faultless and when he went forward he help set up goal scoring chances.

Central now have to 2 of the top 3 teams in their games but with confidence high I am sure they will put up a good show.

Nigel

Despite Central Redstar’s winning steak being broken by high flying Pinhoe Spitfires, Central reacted to being 0-4 down at half time to storm back to 3-4 in the second half with goals but despite creating chances to equalise it was Pinhoe who scored next and despite a great effort from Central, Pinhoe went on to win 4-7. The goal scorers for Central were Keanu Clarke, James Deeshapland, George Goodchild & Harry Macrea Smith.

Nigel

Central's topsy-turvy season continued a they went down to virtually the last kick of the game.

Having finally woken up in the final stages, a Danny Broome brace seemed to have rescued a point for the visitors, only for them to give away a cheap free-kick in the final seconds which the home side duly converted to snatch the win.

Tom

A scrappy close game was won by Pinhoe 5-1 with Harry McCrea Smith scoring Redstar's only goal. With the Pinhoe manager and the referee both admitting after the game that the final score failed to reflect how close the sides were it was very pleasing that Redstar gave a good account of themselves to a team that has only lost once all season. The result could have been different if Redstar had taken their chances but with a combination of good goal-keeping and wayward shooting we were limited to Harry's single strike in the game.

Both Charlie Rush making his full debut for Redstar and Howard Parker playing only his 3rd game in goal were the pick of the Redstar players.

Both teams played in odd football socks to raise money for Children in Need with a total of £33.08p being raised - Thank you all for your contributions.

Nigel

Once again Redstar found themselves playing yet another top 4 team, West Hill Wasps.

Playing on the great playing surface at Lympstone inspired Redstar and after 10 minutes found themselves 0-2 up with goals from Keanu Clarke and Jacob Carah, however this was followed by 2 unfortunate deflected headed own goals by Redstar and with Wasps scoring a 3rd soon after, at half time Redstar found themselves 3-2 down.

Redstar started the second half as they did the first and with Keanu Clarke scoring his second of the match the game was quickly brought back to 3-3.

The game then slipped away from Redstar with Wasps showing why they have only lost one game all season and the match finished 9-3 to Wasps.

In my mind the entire back 4's performance was an improvement on the week before and Keanu and Jacob were a constant threat to Wasps but because of his non stop tackling and measured passing Mark Hattersly was Redstar's man of the match.

Nigel

A complete team performance gave Redstar their biggest win of the season 0-9 against a hardworking Beacon Knight’s team.

From goalkeeper to defence and from midfield to the forward line every Redstar player gave a great performance.

Redstar team captain George Goodchild scored 4 goals and Charlie Rush got his Redstar goal scoring started with a hat-trick, further goals were scored from Keanu Clarke and a first of the season for Mark Hattersley.

However, in my view, two of our unsung players deserved to share the man of the match title and they are Jonny May and Luke Dracupslee who both failed to put a foot wrong throughout the game and had by far their best games of the season to date.

Well done Redstar

Nigel

After a difficult couple of weeks, Central showed what they are capable of with a spirited display and were very unlucky not to have come away with at least a share of the spoils. Down to the bare bones, Central bossed the first half, hitting the bar before Sean Wonnacott put them ahead.

They were to regret missed chances as Heavitree came out strongly in the second half and equalised half way through the period. Even so Central looked on course for a well deserved point until the atrocious conditions contributed to a freak late winner for the visitors.

Tom

The best 35 minutes performance of the season to date saw Redstar take a commanding 4-0 lead against West Exe (who were themselves on the back of 4 match unbeaten run) in the 1st half of the match. If it was not for the West Exe goalkeeper’s heroics and a number of near misses the score could have been a lot more by half time. The passing tackling and over all team shape and determination was faultless.

The second half was more of closer affair and the match ended 5-2 to Redstar.

Man of the match Harry McCrea Smith had his best game to date and scored 2 goals with the remaining Redstar goals being scored by Ben Harrill, Keanu Clarke and James Deeshapland.

The result puts Redstar in 5th place clear and brought 2007 to a great conclusion. Happy Christmas and see you in the New Year

Nigel

After a rocky end to the old year, Central showed they mean business in the new one with a gutsy second-half comeback. Despite hitting the woodwork twice in an evenly contested first period they found themselves two down at the break. Central threw everything at St Martins in the second half, but it wasn't until centre-half Jack Blight was thrown up front with time running out that they hauled themselves back into the game, Blight charging through the opposition defence to set up a grandstand finish. Minutes later Harry Vicary struck to earn a deserved point. Special mention should go to second half substitutes Dean Cocks and Phillip Kessler, on his debut, who helped turn the tide in Central's favour.

Good news at last!

Tom

The first game back after the Christmas break against the top of the league side Alphington Wolves was always going to be tough challenge for Redstar. On a bog of a pitch Alphington showed why they are top of the league running out winner's 9-1 with a lesson in how to shoot high into the top of net. Despite the score line Redstar did not give up and especially in the second half where they battled well and matched Alphington in many aspects of the game. Redstar's only goal was scored by Jacob Carah. A number of Redstar players played well including Ben Harrill, Captain George Goodchild and 2nd half substitute James Deshapland however my Redstar man of the match was Joe Moran showed great strength in the mud.

Redstar's improvement since the start of the season is there for everyone to see and I am confident with all the matches against the top 3 now having been played Redstar will continue to improve and finish strongly in this season.

Nigel

Redstar returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 1- 9 victory over Broadclyst.

On a good surface Redstar’s passing game enabled them to create a hat full of chances.

Redstar’s Captain George Goodchild turned in a man of the match performance by netting 4 goals, from his new right wing position Charlie Rush excelled and picked up his first hat-trick for Redstar and top scorer Keanu Clarke got a pair to maintain his great goal scoring record.

Two other players who deserve mention were Mark Hattersley who dominated the midfield and made a number of excellent passes, the other was goal keeper Howard Parker who had little to do but still managed to be fully prepared to make a rapid fire "quadruple" save.

Overall a great team performance that maintains the teams rise up the league.

Nigel

With both teams battling for 5th place in the league this game was what is commonly known as a “6 pointer." In the first minute of the game Exwick were awarded a penalty and despite the Redstar keeper Howard Parker saving the initial kick Redstar failed to react and Exwick scored on the follow up to take an early lead. Redstar’s top scorer Keanu Clarke equalised by coolly rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into the net. With both sides matching each other on many areas of the pitch the next goal was always going to be important and it was Redstar who got it - centre back Joe Moran lobbing the ball from the edge of the area into the top of the net.

The second half continued with both sides giving everything to win the game and with both keepers being kept busy. Redstar held out to secure the 3 points and maintain their 5th place and now setting their sights on 4th spot.

Redstar’s top performers were Mark Hattersly who won every ball in midfield but it was James Deshapland whose performance highlighted his rapid improvement throughout this season.

Nigel

After a 4 week gap Redstar returned to action against Sidmouth Vikings who had just won 4 games in a row to take themselves to 6th in the league, one behind Redstar. With Redstar reduced to just 11 available players it was important to that Redstar started well and after an even 10 minutes it was Redstar who took the lead through their captain George Goodchild which set Redstar on their way to a 5-1 lead at half time with further goals from Keanu Clarke, Ben Harrill and George Goodchild completing his hat-trick.

The second half with the 11 players of Redstar struggling to maintain their 1st half performance the game was a lot closer with side scoring just the one goal each, Keanu Clarke scoring his second and Redstar’s 6th.

The final result of 6-2 to Redstar continues Redstar's push for 4th spot and their desire to obtain an end of season positive goal difference. All eleven players gave everything For Redstar, but for his commanding, powerful performance Joe Moran was the man of the match.

Nigel

On a small pitch and with a strong wind Redstar battled hard to keep their unbeaten run going. At half time after playing against the wind Redstar found themselves 4-1 down with George Goodchild scoring the Redstar goal.

The second half with the wind behind their backs and being rattled by some questionable referring decisions Redstar forced their way back into the game. Redstar scored 2 more goals through Ben Harrill and a 2nd for George Goodchild before Sidmouth scored their 5th. However, the never say die spirit of the Redstar players saw them draw level with Joe Moran and a 3rd from George Goodchild, completing his hat-trick with fantastic flicked header.

With the game at 5-5 it was Sidmouth who took a 6-5 lead but once again through grit, determination and good football Redstar levelled the game at 6-6 through Ben Harrill’s second goal of the game. With the final score of 6-6 it was clear to see that the Redstar team ethic of playing for each other was the dominant factor in battling back form 4-1 down and having to compete with a number factors against them not just the 11 players of the Sidmouth!

With all the Redstar Players giving 100% my man of the match was Luke Dracup-Slee who, with his "new bright orange boots", played a flawless game. Well done Redstar.

Nigel

Central AC proved what a good team they can be by giving high-flying West Exe Athletic a real scare at King George's Playing Fields. Central took the lead thanks to a long-range Jack Blight effort and, battling like their lives depended on it, looked good for all three points until the visitors were given a seemingly innocuous penalty mid-way through the second half. West Exe, with their slick football, piled on the pressure in the later stages but Central keeper Louis Wenley made a string of superb saves to ensure the home team got the share of the spoils they deserved.

Tom

On a day more suitable for ducks than football Redstar entertained a Beacon Knights in a match with lots of swings and roundabouts. Redstar lost their Captain George Goodchild prior to a ball being kicked after getting injured in the warm up! The 10 remaining players lined up against the 10 players of Beacon Knights in the worst conditions of the season to date. After an even start it was Beacon Knights who took the lead with Redstar’s goalkeeper literally frozen to the spot failing to come out to clear the through pass. However Redstar players rallied and took the lead through goals from Charlie Rush & Keanu Clarke by halftime.

Beacon equalised almost straight from the kick off but once again Redstar battled and re took the lead with a 2nd from Charlie Rush who also turned provider with a whipped in corner for man of the match Mark Hattersley to send a powerful header into the top of the net to give Redstar a 4-2 lead with 15 minutes to go. However with the all the players struggling in the worsening conditions it was Beacon Knights who finished strongest and bringing the score back to 4-4 which was probably a fair result despite the fact that Redstar missed a hatful of chances throughout the game.

I was pleased with all 10 players commitment throughout the game despite the wind and the rain making it very difficult to play the passing game Redstar have tried to employ this season.

Nigel

Central AC confirmed their recent good form with a hard-earned victory over Willand Rovers under the lights at Silver Street last Thursday night. Sam Gard put the visitors ahead only for Rovers to draw level before the break. Both sides created chances after the restart but it was Central who held their nerve, Sean Wonnacott putting them back in front midway through the second half. Shortly afterwards Harry Vicary sealed the win with a superb volley from outside the box.

Tom

Redstar’s last game of the season turned out to be a wet & soggy defeat 3-2 despite out playing and creating at least 20 goal scoring opportunities! The game was played on pitch covered in 75mm high grass and with a storm raging for the majority of the game but despite this the football played by Redstar was of high quality and if it wasn't for the West Exe goal keeper who was simply brilliant Redstar would have the won the game comfortably.

Once again Redstar played with passion and as a team but despite their best efforts they were unable to get past the West Exe goal keeper and unable to direct more of their shots on target. After going 1 nil down, against the run of play, to yet another breakaway goal Redstar equalised early in the second half with a West Exe own goal. With Redstar pushing for the win and despite the Redstar goal keeper Howard Parker coming and clearing the ball well through out the game West Exe scored a further 2 breakaway goals to take a 3-1 lead. With numerous attempts on the West Exe goal from what seemed every member of the Redstar team it was not until a last minute with penalty from top scorer Keanu Clarke (getting his 20th goal of the season) that Redstar got back on the score sheet.

Redstar’s man of the match was Ben Harrill who's constant long range shots, corner delivery and all round play was of a high standard despite the wind & rain. Despite the defeat this season has seen Redstar develop as a team and has given everyone great confidence for further league climbing next season.

WELL DONE TO ALL THE REDSTAR PLAYERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS THIS SEASON

Nigel

With only ten players available due to holidays and illness, Central showed amazing spirit to get a really hard earned result out of this fixture. Twyford started strongly and took the lead early on, only for Harry Vicary's great finish to a lovely move by Central to bring it level. Although Twyford always looked a threat going forward, missed a penalty and a number of other close misses, Central's defence, marshalled superbly by Paul Martin, held out even after Jack Blight was shown a second yellow card for a number of mis-timed challenges (the first cards the team have incurred all season). Both stand-in goalkeeper Stephen Goodings and defender Phillip Kesseler, on his full debut, deserve special credit, but this was a real team effort.

Tom