Match report ©Tom Besford. Photo from Ipplepen’s County Cup game against Budleigh Salterton earlier in the season ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

An end of season fixture between two clubs at the bottom of the table had the makings of a poor game, but the fans in attendance would’ve been shocked by the one-sided outcome which occurred.

Plymstock United came into this game just one point and one place above their hosts in the league table but it wasn’t long until the visitors were in front with just over two minutes played. Jordan Hogan managed to beat the defender and cooly finish from close range, the dream start for his side.

The dream start only got better and just four minutes later Plymstock had doubled the lead with a scrappy goal. Jake Howson flicked the ball past the home keeper Toby Benett before casually rolling it into the bottom corner. Two soft goals in the first couple of minutes and the hosts suddenly had a mountain to climb.

The hosts slowly got back into the game and started to create a few chances of their own, Toby Pullman hit a first time shot which was spilt by visiting keeper Liam Hooks but the keeper reacted quickest to gather the ball at the second attempt. Pullman was the biggest threat for the home side and he came close again shortly after, this time firing a shot wide from the edge of the box.

With just under half an hour played and albeit the hosts trying their best to get back into the game, Plymstock added a third and with it virtually guaranteeing the three points. Mike Burke hit an outstanding first time volley over Benett and into the back of the net.

Cayleb Needham struggled to get a corner into the box at the end of the first half as the ball was cleared by the first man but it came straight back to him for a second attempt, this time finding the head of Mark Louden who could only head wide of the target.

Callum Nightingale dragged a shot just wide of the target for the hosts who searched for a route back into the game before the visitors came close again down the other end as Kian Berry lobbed the keeper but could only watch as the ball went wide.

Ipplepen had a lot to do in the second half to get back into the game and they came out fighting like a completely different side. Drew Cove fired a shot straight at the visiting keeper at the beginning of the second half before half time substitute Zak Carnell hit a volley from the edge of the box which bounced off the crossbar.

The strong start to the second half by the home team only lasted a couple of minutes and as the game hit the fiftieth minute Plymstock added a fourth. Drew Cove was caught taking too much time with the ball on the edge of the six yard box by Kian Berry who fired into the bottom corner from close range.

Cayleb Needham almost added a fifth as he sent a curling effort from distance over the bar before a first time shot by sub Charlie Mahoney was saved comfortably by Benett down to his right hand side.

With slightly over twenty minutes to go Berry found the back of the net once again, this time hitting a low shot from distance which went straight through the legs of home custodian Benett much to his frustration.

The game had turned into a very one sided match with an unexpected score line but the hosts were determined to prevent their visitors from getting a clean sheet and with five minutes remaining the consolation goal was scored. A ball from the left found Toby Pullman who calmly finished into the bottom corner.

It would be Plymstock who had the final say though as less than a minute from the restart they restored their five goal lead as Berry completed his hat-trick, firing into the bottom corner from distance.

Plymstock remain in fourteenth spot but open up a four point gap on their hosts Ipplepen who had an evening to forget. An entertaining match with plenty of goals for the neutral.

Ipplepen Athletic team: Toby Benett, Josh Hurren, Callum Nightingale, Lee Fenner, George Clark, Drew Cove, Tyler Joint, Nick Edmunds, Billy Courtier, Toby Pullman, Josh Haynes

Subs: Zak Carnell, Mason Joint, Jack Palmer, Chris Currie, Kieren Savage

Plymstock United team: Liam Hooks, Shane Hawes, Freddie Chapman, Mike Burke, Sam Romang, Jordan Hogan, Jake Hawson, Mark Louden, Lewis Dickson, Kian Berry, Cayleb Needham

Subs: Carson Wheeler, Charlie Mahoney, Chris Harvey, Jayden Preece, Sam Dovey