An evenly contested first half saw chances few and far between. South Dartmoor with the first real opportunity, with the ball whistling over the bar from a Marcus shot, which was struck from distance. Just before the break, Paignton upped the pressure and certainly found another gear. With the frame of the goal left rattling on two occasions, Paignton’s perseverance paid off, when their number nine raced on to a defence-splitting pass, before calmly slotting past the impressive Aaron R, in the South Dartmoor goal. 

Half time – 1-0

Following a team talk and a couple of substitutions, South Dartmoor took to the second half. Paignton frustrated the away side, with a disciplined display, again reducing the game to very few chances. Quick feet in the South Dartmoor box, by the Paignton number nine again, resulted in an unfortunate deflection and an own goal. Twenty minutes remained and South Dartmoor found themselves 2-0 behind.

With a plucky attitude, South Dartmoor produced the move of the game. A free kick just inside the opposition’s half was played into the box and with a flick on, the ball found itself at the feet of South Dartmoor front man, Luis. With calm precision, Luis slotted the ball past the helpless keeper. Back in the game with 15 minutes to go, Paignton 2 – 1 South Dartmoor.

The last 15 minutes was a tense encounter, with South Dartmoor knocking on the door, following a spree of well delivered corners. Throwing caution to the wind, it was the home side who hit South Dartmoor on the counter-attack and a ricochet in the box, fell to Paignton striker’s feet, for an easy tap in to wrap up the tie. The full time whistle went, with the hosts progressing to the next round. A valiant effort from South Dartmoor and a game played in good spirits, with a competitive nature.

Man of the Match – Aaron R. An assured display in goal, with a young man playing beyond his years. Aaron commanded his box confidently and kept the team in the contest, right up until the end. 

Final score - Paignton CC 3 – 1 South Dartmoor CC

Mr Cox