Alphington 2 - 1 Galmpton 19th January 2008 - Devon Premier Cup quarter final

Today saw the Alphas put their name in the history books with it being the first time they reached the semi-finals of the Devon Premier Cup. Galmpton obviously came to the Chronicles believing they could get a win and for the first 15 minutes of the game it was looking like they could be right. They started strongly and after 10 minutes they opened the scoring when some sloppy defending allowed a mediocre cross from Matt Brooks to be headed home by Scott Dodgson. It was the wake-up call the Alphas needed.

The Alphas were awarded a free kick in the 16 minute just outside to the left of the Galmpton penalty area which was floated into the danger area of Gary Hayes and met by Jason Warren who forced the goalkeeper to make a superb save with a well headed strike. The majority of the first half was spent in the Galmpton half with the Alphas constantly pressurising. Scott Forster was on fire down the wing, sending in some fine crosses, one of which connected with Warren's head yet again around the 23rd minute which narrowly went wide. Only moments later Warren again had a chance to bring it back level with another shot narrowly missing the target. The first half ended with Galmpton maintaining their lead and the Alphas made life difficult for themselves in the last few minutes as they were allowing the Galmpton players far too much space and it was looking like they needed half time to come.

The second half started with the Alphas looking like they had had a Robbie rocket at half time and it was a constant flow of one way traffic. The midfield started to get hold of the game and were winning more of the balls as Galmpton appeared to be getting frustrated. This allowed for Hayes to continue to spread the ball wide for Forster who continued to menace the Galmpton back four with his pace and accuracy. Finally the break came from a deflected shot which gave the Alphas a corner that was duly dispatched into the area by Hayes for the onrushing Leigh Atkins to tuck away.

The equaliser appeared to settle the Alphas who played with a great deal more confidence which clearly unnerved the Galmpton side and forced them into bringing on another attacker leaving them exposed at the back and Scott Forster took full advantage 10 minutes from time when he sent a great through ball that Ryan Leverton latched onto, beating the defender and the goalkeeper with ease.

In summary this was a great game to watch with the Alphas showing a display of determination and desire that would be hard to top by any team.

Eds man of the Match: Scott Forster - for sheer work rate and effort in both positions he had to play

All first team reports are written by and are the sole view of Russ Murch, they are in no way endorsed by Alphington AFC