After a long, hot and dry off season a large crowd gathered to watch the first match of a new season as league newcomers Winkleigh played host to Boca Seniors on a Thursday night. The traditional opening match of a new season saw a good turnout as the crowd were treated to a return of competitive football, and this match was definitely competitive.
The new season was barely three minutes old when the deadlock was broken as the hosts raced into an early lead with their first ever goal at step seven. A ball from the left dropped to James Eggington in the box who fired past the visiting keeper.
The visitors reacted quickly and equalised just moments later with the hosts having only had the lead for four minutes. A cross from Finlay Clark was finished from close range by Calvin Townend.
The game soon opened up to an end to end affair with neither team really able to create many clear chances in a match which was typical of an opening day game. Both teams were able to put the opposition defence under pressure but couldnβt find anything meaningful to put the keepers under pressure.
Ten minutes before the break the home keeper Will St Pier kept his side level as Townend was played through on goal but his shot was well saved.
With time running out in the first half the home side had a great chance to take the lead as Matt Kneller was sent racing through on goal. Kneller fired a shot low from the left which was saved well by Luke Dabney with his feet.
The second half once again saw two teams not creating many serious chances and the second half soon flew by before anything of note had really happened. The best chance of the second forty five came to Boca Seniors who almost won the fixture with quarter of an hour left to play. The ball fell to Ciaron Lishman but his effort from close range was cleared on the line by St Piers.
Overall both teams will be happy to get a point on the board on the opening day in a match which wonβt last long in the memory.
Winkleigh team: Will St Pier, Nick Anderson, Jeremy Catling, James Eggington, Sam Redford, Tom Robinson, Freddie Finch, Lewis Heywood, Matt Kneller, Robin Knight, Aaron Beel
Subs: Ciaran Nicks, Mark Tucker, Chris Burrow, Ben Di Salvo, Will Folland
Boca Seniors team: Luke Dabney, William Clarke, Finlay Clark, Stuart Cameron, Lewis Langley, Bailey Robertson, Samuel Stephens, Jordan Thorne, Calvin Townend, Corey Turner, Kyle Yeo
Subs: Jake Hawkins, Callum Heighton, Ciaron Lishman, Kyle Spear, Carter Ward