Colaton through to semis as Lympets' Cup comes to an end

LYMPSTONE 0-2 COLATON RALEIGH: Two goals at key moments in Lympstone gave the East Devon visitors Colaton Raleigh safe passage from the quarter-finals.

In a cup run that included victories over Upottery and Chulmleigh, this was Lympstone's first challenge against higher tier opposition.

These two sides may well meet again next season with the Lympets aiming for promotion from Division Three of the Devon and Exeter League. The Division Two visitors, who netted twelve goals in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of this year's cup, made the short journey this Sunday afternoon from the small village of Colaton Raleigh to the Exe Estuary's ground.

A normally sun-bathed Cliff Field had a bleak overcast from the offset. This may have been the reason for Lympstone keeper Scott Clayton's error, allowing the visitors to take the lead in just the eighth minute.

After going behind Lympstone turned on the attack though - forcing several corners and coming close from a free-kick only to be denied by Colaton's Ace Keast.

This last eight cup tie proved it's importance for both sides, with some heated challenges, although referee Dave Pointing managed these well - dishing out cards where appropiate.

Colaton needed their second goal which killed off the tie, but credit goes to Lympstone who did their lower division proud by creating numerous opportunities on the Cliff Field, overlooking the village harbour. This was a thrilling cup tie attracting the locals, but it is Colaton Raleigh who are now in the pot for the semi's.

They are joined by fellow Division Two team Halwill, who enjoyed a 4-1 victory at home to Dawlish United today. Both Colaton and Halwill, and whoever emerges from the other quarter-finals, are now just two wins away from silverware in the Bill Slee Cup.

ATTENDANCE: 26 BY ROBBIE JENNINGS, AT CLIFF FIELD