Kingsley League win Pivot Trophy

By [mjenkin]

THE HODGSON Insurance Kingsley League regained the Pivot Trophy at Torrington's Vicarage Field last night.

Phoenix Rising striker Dave Sharp struck the decisive goal midway through the second half, giving the Kingsley representative side a 4-3 win over the North Devon Journal League.

Both teams contributed to the excellent entertainment in the annual charity game.

Managed by Mike Tape of Bridgerule and Black Torrington's Bob Colebrook-Clark, the visitors gelled impressively despite featuring players from six different clubs.

North Devon, represented by Intermediate One champions Landkey Town, produced a fully-committed performance to lead 2-1 at the break.

Kyle Aldridge got Kingsley off to a great start when his cross from the left flank sailed beyond goalkeeper Matt Bufton and in at the far post.

Missing attacking player Mark Rippon who broke his toe against Shamwickshire Rovers on Saturday, Landkey recovered from the early setback as Rob Paton's 20-yard shot squirmed past Patrick Karkeek to equalise.

Moments later Lifton goalkeeper Karkeek did well to beat away a drive from Craig Scott but could do nothing as Jon Madge forced home the rebound.

A brilliant headed goal from Kingsley captain John O'Donoghue levelled the match five minutes after the restart and seemed to give his team renewed belief.

Pushing forward for a free-kick from Black Torrington team-mate James Berry, he scored with a towering near-post effort.

Another ball pumped forward from Berry and another superb finish, this time from Daniel Andrew, put the visitors 3-2 up on 52 minutes. After an excellent first touch as the ball dropped from the sky, Andrew's close-range lob crept over the line.

But North Devon were not done yet and Claudio Pinto met a free-kick from Richard Andrews to head his team level at 3-3 with half an hour still to play.

Scott then had a shot palmed away by substitute goalkeeper Josh Croxton after playing a swift one-two with Madge.

For Kingsley, young Week St Mary midfielder Jake Cartwright remained at the heart of the neat approach play, and the winner came from a typical flowing move.

Sharp got on the end of it, jinking on to his left foot and drilling low into the net.

A successful evening raised £214 for cancer charities, including an £83 donation from Landkey Town FC.

North Devon League (Landkey Town): Matt Bufton, Mike Reed, Matt Titmus, Richard Andrews, Martin Elston, Matt Evans, Rob Paton, Claudio Pinto, Jon Madge, Craig Scott, Wayne Hommell. Subs: Scott Paton, Dave Willoughby, Jon Baines, Jamie Hutton.

Kingsley League: Patrick Karkeek (Lifton), Kyle Aldridge (Phoenix Rising), James Berry (Black Torrington), John O'Donoghue (Black Torrington), Nathan Cox (Phoenix Rising), Jake Cartwright (Week St Mary), Ricky O'Donoghue (Black Torrington), Adam Crab (Phoenix Rising), James Lock (Black Torrington), Dave Sharp (Phoenix Rising), Daniel Andrew (Black Torrington).Subs: Josh Croxton (Kilkhampton), Matt Tape (Bridgerule).

Referee: Andy Woolf.