TOOLSTATION WESTERN LEAGUE – PREMIER DIVISION
DAWLISH TOWN 4 STREET 2
This victory over a spirited Street side saw Dawlish move up to sixth in the table with games in hand on the leading clubs.
After last week’s terrific away win at Bitton mager Chris Myers had no hesitation in naming an unchanged side and so fit again Antony Lynch and Darren Vickery had to be content with a place on the subsitutes bench.
A torrential hilstorm just before kick off made for slippery conditions but Dawlish were quick to find their feet and an early cross saw Liam Moseley plant a header just over the bar. Street were making this a good contest and Ryan Draper had to be alert to save a close range effort. Just before half time Dawlish looked to have scored the opener when Moseley fed Jamie Mudge but the striker’s goal bound shot was tipped over by a flying save from the Street keeper.
Dawlish assumed greater control at the start of the second half and the midfield trio of Gary Head, Derek Fields and Adam Shearer began to dominate possession. The breakthrough finally came on 56 minutes when Mudge fired home an unstoppable right foot shot from 20 yards. In the 60th minute it was 2-nil as Mudge added his second after neat link up play with Moseley. Dawlish made it three goals in an inspired ten minute spell when left wing back Dean Stevens picked up the ball near the corner of the area and struck an accurate left foot drive across the keeper low into the far corner.
With the game seemingly safe Myers took the opportunity to introduce all three substitutes and now it was Lynch playing up front alongside Mudge. The Street defence was still on the back foot and Mudge was able to complete his hat trick as he neatly sidestepped the keeper to roll the ball into an empty net.
As Dawlish continued to press for more goals they lost their defensive shape and Street were able to gain some consolation for their efforts as they pulled back two goals in the dying minutes. One last chance fell to Dawlish when Moseley was upended in the area. The normally reliable Lynch stepped up to take the kick but fired the ball high over the bar.
The loss of two late goals was a disappointment to the home side but the result was never in doubt and Dawlish can gain great confidence from scoring four goals for the second successive game. Five of these goals have been scored by Jamie Mudge and the club will hope to fight off the interest from other clubs and win the battle to retain his services.