Torrington forced to settle for a draw

WHATEVER Torrington tried at Woolsery, they could not grab a winning goal.

The Journal Intermediate One leaders had to settle for a 1-1 draw on Saturday — despite throwing everything at their resilient young hosts.

Depleted Woolsery snatched a first-half lead when a cross from Luis Wilkins eluded everyone and dropped straight into the net.

And although a barrage of pressure brought an equaliser from James Bateman, Torrie were thwarted by poor finishing and last-ditch defending.

Boosted by the inclusion of Ryan Moon, home from America for Christmas, Woolsery also had excellent contributions from reserve-team players Richard Cleave, Steve Langbridge and Xion Witt.

Cross-town rivals Torrington Admirals are now just six points behind the leaders with two games in hand after their sixth consecutive victory.

They outgunned High Bickington for the second weekend running when Gary Hill, George Dymond, Sam Pett (two) and an own goal wrapped up a 5-2 win.

Chris Hutchings and Rick Galbally claimed High Bick's goals either side of half-time but it wasn't enough to avoid their fifth straight defeat.

With title-chasing Landkey not playing, North Molton moved within a point of second spot with a fine 6-1 win over Sporting Barum.

Playing some tidy football on a frosty pitch, the hosts eased clear courtesy of Rupert Smith, Dan Bruce (two) and a hat-trick from Dan Chalk.

New signing Danny McFarlane grabbed Sporting's consolation, while both sides praised referee Fred Saunders for contributing to a match played in good spirits.

Braunton needed a late winner to overcome an Equalizers side hit by an early injury to centre-half Chris Living.

The home side raced two goals clear through Ross Jones and a penalty from Adam Pugsley before Equalizers fought back with a pair of fine finishes by Andy Parkhouse and sibling Wayne. But it wasn't enough as James McDonald pounced to secure a valuable 3-2 win.

Less dramatic but equally important was Martin Ford's late leveller to rescue a point for Northam Lions against Anchor.

Anchor led on three separate occasions thanks to Tim Durbin, Gordan Harrower and a cracking volley from the edge of the box by Danny Murch.

But the home side responded well and twice drew level through Tom Butler and Mark Hallett before Ford's late equaliser secured their first point in five games.

Bude Town recorded their first clean sheet since September in a resounding 5-0 win over Hartland.

Keith Feltham opened the scoring with a low drive on 25 minutes, before an own goal doubled their lead.

Second-half strikes by John Clayton and Jordan White sandwiched a superbly executed half-volley by the ageless Dave Ward.

Merton beat Park United 3-2 and with just one defeat in six games are really finding their feet in the division.

After trailing to Steve Flood's opener, their cause was helped when United keeper Ben Stephens was sent off for a last-man foul.

Paul Sullivan tucked the resulting penalty past replacement goalie Pete Yarde who was soon beaten again by Nathan Delaune's superb volley at the end of a four-man move.

Craig Milburn's cross-shot flew in from the touchline to increase the advantage before Flood pulled one back in the closing stages.

In Intermediate Two, Buckland Brewer remain second after a comfortable 4-1 win over Northam Lions.

Simon Adams opened the scoring with a 30-yard lob and Vinny Bott capitalised on a goalkeeping error to add a second.

Matt Horn slotted home a third goal before 16-year-old Sam Phillips reduced the deficit with his first goal for the Lions.

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed as Bott rounded off a fine move to secure the win.

Pilton produced a stunning response to rescue a point in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Chittlehampton.

Chittle looked on course for their first win of the season when Matthew Rippon, Tommy Murch and a deflected effort from Mark Heale opened up a 3-0 lead.

But Wayne Burbidge and two goals from Gary Grant either side of half-time helped the visitors grab a point, leaving them in touch with the chasing pack.

Ben Davey's long-range shot set the tone for South Molton's surprising 5-3 win at Ilfracombe Town.

Dave Isaac and Tony Burgess both hit doubles as the Images became the first side to win at Combe's Killacleave fortress this season.

The hosts kept it close thanks to Dean Hill, Andros Stavrinou and a wind-assisted own goal.

Gary Sleep converted his fifth penalty of the season and Will Hodge put Bradworthy 2-1 ahead against Putford.

But it wasn't enough for a derby win as Dave Richardson and Tom Gleeson both stepped off the bench to score in a dramatic 3-2 turnaround for the visitors.

Putford saw John Slee's early penalty saved by Chaz Balsdon but responded well with an equaliser from Dan Wilson.