Halwill where on their travels yet again, this time away to league strugglers Langdon. Although Langdon where bottom of the league, Halwill could not afford to let their impressive run faulter if they wanted to keep near the top of the table. There was many changes to the side that won at Amory as four regular players where missing.  

 

Halwill where slow getting in to the game and it was the home side who had much more of the ball but struggled to create any chances. Halwill's football was sloppy at times but eventually started to create chances mid way through the first half. Jimmy Sowden rounded the keeper after a great run but his shot rebounded off the post when it looked like it was going in. In form striker John Jamison finally put Halwill a goal up when he beat two defenders to a through ball and slipped his shot underneath the keeper. Halwill applied more pressure for the rest of the half but could not add to their lead. At half time, the players knew they where not playing anywhere near how they had been doing over the last few games. 

 

In the second half Halwill pushed hard for the second goal and created many chances but their final shots struggled to find the target. Jimmy Sowden, Charlie Nicholas, Mark Pilbrow and Rob Woodgates all came close to extending Halwills lead. As the home team had no joy at the other end, Jimmy Sowden finally got Halwills second goal and was the decisive goal in the game knowing Langdon would not find two goals in the time remaining. Jimmy's determination to keep the ball whist being surrounded by defenders paid off as he managed to squeeze in a shot in to the botton corner. Substitute Greg Hutchins killed off the game with a delecate lobbed header over the Langdon keeper for his second headed goal in two games. At the final whistle, Halwill where happy with another victory on their travels but where let down by their overall performance.  

 

Team: Pete Holland, Mark Pilbrow, Mark Wonnacott, Ryan Hauerslev, Geoff Moorse, Jonathan Finch, Charlie Nicholas, Andrew Moorse, Rob Woodgates, John Jamison, Jimmy Sowden 

Subs: Mark Morgan, Greg Hutchins 

 

Goals: John Jamison, Jimmy Sowden, Greg Hutchins 

 

A long trip to Tiverton awaited Halwill as they visited a young Amory side. There was a few changes to the team that won at Bow but Halwill still manged to field a strong team. Tony Knight, Greg Hutchins and Jonny Knight where all welcome additions back in to the team. 

 

The home team applied all the early pressure as their quick wingers put Halwill under pressure early on and where soon in the lead when a simple cross was met at the back post for the striker to side foot the ball low in the corner. Halwill seemed to step things up after that goal and started to create chances for themselves. The Amory defence seemed to struggle with the series of corners from John Jamison and it was from one of these that Greg Hutchins headed the ball over everyone direct in to the top corner from a deep cross and they where soon in front when Phil Wonnacott headed Halwill in to the lead from another corner. Halwills defence seemed to cut out any Amory attacks as the home side grew frustrated with the lack of chances and things got worse for the home side when just before the break, John Jamison floated the ball over the keeper from the edge of the 18 yard box for a well deserved goal for the hard working Irishman. 

 

The second half was much like the first as Amorys attacks broke down in the final 3rd of the pitch and as they pushed more men forward it gave Halwill more chances to break and striker Jonny Knight had lots of the ball to run at the home defence. It was some clever work from winger Charlie Nicholas who slotted a great ball thorough to Jonny Knight who cleverly and calmly rounded the keeper and tucked the ball away in to an empty net. The home side continued to try and find a way back in to the game but Halwill killed the game off when Jonny Knight was brought down in the box and skipper Mark Wonnacott cooly slotted the ball home straight down the middle to give Halwill a 5 - 2 lead. Amory could not find anyway past the Halwill players as they finally ran out of steam and at the final whislt Halwill knew what a great result this was. 

 

Team: Pete Holland, Tony Knight, Mark Wonnacott, Richard Wonnacott, Geoff Moorse, Jonathan Finch, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Wonnacott, Greg Hutchins, Jonny Knight, John Jamison. 

Subs: Shaun Knight, Andrew Moorse,  

 

Goals: Greg Hutchins, Phil Wonnacott, John Jamison, Jonny Knight, Mark Wonnacott 

 

After the Christmas break and recent bad weather it was nice to finally have a game for over a month and after their recent run of form, Halwill where confident but where up against a strong Bow team. 

 

Halwill started the strongest with plenty of action down both wings, Mani Wonnacott and John Jamison where working well together up front and caused the home team early problems. Bow then scored from their first attack of the game when a low cross was met by a unmarket striker at the back post. This only helped Halwill step up a gear and levelled the score soon after when John Jamisons in swinging corner flew straight in to the goal over the heads of everyone and was well deserved after some good football. Halwill continued to work hard and reached half time knowing the game was theirs to be won. 

 

The second half begun with Bow pushing hard for a second goal as they started strongest with some nice passing but Halwills defence worked hard to clear the danger. As Halwill started to get back in to the second half they capitalised on another perfect cross from a corner. Left back Jonathan Finch nodded the ball home from 6 yards as he met John Jamisons corner low down right in front of the keeper. Bow quickly got their equaiser from a corner as Halwills defence where out jumped by a Bow player but Halwill refused to let their heads drop and pushed forward once again. They got the winner 15 minutes from time with a superb finish by John Jamison as he slid the ball under the Bow keeper. Halwill saw out the last remaining minutes defending late pressure from Bow but managed to hang on for yet another hard fought victory. A great result after a long christmas break. 

 

Goals: John Jamison (2), Jonathan Finch 

 

After a long break without a game, Halwill where on their travels to Dawlish to face a team who defeated them 5 -2 in the cup only weeks before. Some familiar faces where back in the team and Halwill fielded a much stronger side to the last time. 

 

It was the home side who saw much of the ball in the first half and where soon a goal up as Halwill go out numbered in a quick counter attack and a simple tap in was easily converted. Halwill where soon 2 nil down after a back pass fell short of keeper Pete Holland and was a simple chance taken by the Dawlish striker. Just before half time, Jimmy Sowden pulled a goal back as he was first to a long ball and managed to lob the keeper from the edge of the box and at half time Halwill where lifted and ready for the second half.  

 

Halwill where like a different team in the second half and forced Dawlish deeper in to their own half and created some great changes. After a series of attacks Halwill scored the equaliser from a corner when a failed clearence fell to the feet of Charlie Nicholas who calmly slotted the ball in to the bottom corner. Soon after Halwill had come from 2 goals down to take the lead when Mark Pilbrow timed his run to perfection to meet a freekick at the back post to smash the ball in the top corner for his first goal of the season. Dawlish applied lots of pressure in the final 15 minutes but Halwill hung on for a very well deserved victory. 

 

Goals: Jimmy Sowden, Charlie Nicholas, Mark Pilbrow 

 

A reverse fixture from the previous week saw Bradninch travel to Halwill where Halwill got beat 3 - 1. Bradninch came to Halwill with eyes set on another victory but Halwill knew their superb home form would make this a tough game for both teams. Again with many key players missing for Halwill, they still got together a strong team. Geoff Moorse was replaced with Richard Wonnacott in the centre of defence and Johny Knight came in for John Jamison. 

 

It was the away side who came out of the blocks quickest and soon put the home team under pressure. It took 15 minute for the first goal to come as the Bradninch striker latched on to a ball over the top of the defence to make it one nil. 5 minutes later the away side were 2 nil up when a similar attack opened up the defence again and let the away player strike a simple shot pass Pete Holland. Halwill did not let their heads drop as there was alot more football to be played. The home team pulled a goal back though Tim Shaw when some great work from Johny Knight set him up for a low shot. Quickly after, Halwill found a equaliser which stunned the away side. A goal mouth scramble was cleared only to the feet of Charlie Nicholas who drove the ball home from 12 yards out. Halwill's team spirit showed again as the away team where on the back foot and hoping for the half time whistle. Just as half time approached, Bradninch found a 3rd goal from nowhere when a lack of concentration undid the defence once again.  

 

At half time some strong words from manager Alan Knight got the team revved up for the second half. Straight away Halwill looked like a different team and where winning the ball all over the field. Half way through the second half, striker Tim Shaw scored a superb diving header at the back post from a inch prefect free kick cross from winger Gareth Hutchins. Halwill pressed more and battled for the ball as both teams got given a few words from the referee. With 15 minutes left, Rob Woodgates won the ball in midfield to set up a curling shot for Johny Knight who's shot was saved and came off the post where Man of the Match Charlie Nicholas was there to tap in Halwills fourth and his second of the game to give Halwill the lead. Bradninch pushed forward in the remaining minutes but Halwill stayed calm and cleared any danger subjecting the away team to long shots to no avail. At the final whistle, another great team performance from Halwill saw them beat top of the league! 

 

Team: Pete Holland, Shaun Knight, Richard Wonnacott, Mark Wonnacott, Jonathan Finch, Charlie Nicholas, Rob Woodgates, Greg Hutchins, Gareth Hutchins, Tim Shaw, Johny Knight 

Subs: Mark Pilbrow, Tony Knight 

 

Goals: Tim Shaw (2), Charlie Nicholas (2) 

 

Back to top >>  

A long trip away to league newcomers Buckland & Milber awaited Halwill who had a few players missing from the previous weeks game. Johny Knight, Richard Wonnacott and Tom Coe where a few of those key players unavailable. 

 

Straight from the kick off and with the wind against them, Halwill where on the back foot as Buckland's quick strikers enjoyed long balls over the top of the defence and where 1 nil up after 20 minutes. A long ball bouned nicley and the home striker had a simple shot on goal which keeper Dean Rogers could do nothing about. The home team soon grabbed 2 more goals before half time. A defensive and goalkeeper mix up cost Halwill a goal and a long cross aided by the wind flew into the top corner for number 3. Halwill struggled to get any grip on the first half and had a up hill battle in the second half. 

 

Halwill started the second half like a different team with some simple on the floor passing which they lacked in the first half and plenty of determination. Halwill got on the score sheet early in the second half when Tim Shaw latched on to a Greg Hutchins pass to rifle home his 4th of the season. Halwill began to trouble the home defence much more and soon pulled another goal back. Gareth Hutchins took on a long freekick and with his right foot found the top corner with the home keeper left flat footed. Halwill where back in the game and had most of the second half left to find the equaliser. Halwills scoring came to the end as the home team grabbed a 4th to restore a comfortable lead when a unmarked player had a free header at the back post to score for Buckland. Their 5th goal killed off the game when a long ball deceived the defence again and left a easy one on one chance for the home striker. 

 

Halwill's players where down after their first defeat of the season with having such a impressive start to the campaign. 

 

Goals: Tim Shaw, Gareth Hutchins 

 

Back to top >> 

Halwills impressive start to the season continued as they hosted local rivals North Tawton. A few changes to last weeks team saw John Jamison back and Greg Hutchins and Fraser House making their first start of the season for the second team. Shaun Knight and Bert Woodgates where missing for the home side. 

 

The first 10 minutes where very even with both sides seeing much of the ball but it was Halwill who soon started to create chances through John Jamison who shot wide from close range. John soon opened the scoring with a calmly taken shot into the bottom corner with some great work from Charlie Nicholas an Tim Shaw on the left. Halwill where soon two goals up as Fraser House stormed in to the box beating 2 defenders to smash the ball low and away from the keeper. With more pressure from the home team Halwill grabbed a third right on the stroke of half time. A long ball from midfield put John Jamison clear with only the on rushing keeper to beat as John lifted the ball over the keeper to a superb finish and his second of the match. 3 nil at half time and Halwill where not finished! 

 

North Tawton started the second half with a lot more urgency but still struggled to break down the home defence and did not test keeper Pete Holland who was carrying an injury from the first half. With Johny Knight and Greg Hutchins working hard in midfield, they had chances to push up and some great team work led to Halwills fourth of the match. Johny Knight got on the score sheet when he picked the ball up on the corner of the 18 yrd box and headed towards goal and slotted the ball in the back of the net. With 15 minutes left Jonathan Finch added the 5th and final goal, his first for the club. From a free kick on the edge of the box, Tim Shaw decided to roll the ball wide where Jonathan Finch waited to drill in into the right of the goal. 

 

A great result for Halwill against local rivals and another impressive team effort made it 3 league wins from 3.  

 

Team; Pete Holland, Karl ?, Mark Wonnacott, Geoff Moores, Jonathan Finch, Charlie Nicholas, Johny Knight, Greg Hutchins, Fraser House, Tim Shaw, John Jamison. 

Subs; Richard Wonnacott, Gareth Hutchins, Tom Coe 

 

Goals; John Jamison (2), Fraser House, Johny Knight, Jonathan Finch 

 

Back to top >> 

 

Halwill hosted Langdon for their first home game of the season. After winning their opening game of the season, Halwill where keen to keep their winning start. With a few players missing, the home team where forced to change things around but still boasted a strong line up. 

 

Halwill where on top of the game right from the start with Tim Shaw and Tom Coe causing the travelling defenders all sorts of problems. Out of nowhere, the visiting side took a shock lead when a long kick from the keeper bounced over the defenders heads and Langdons striker was first to the Ball to slot it past Pete Holland. Halwill where unlucky not to have equalised straight after when Charlie Nicholas scuffed his shot but still managed to aim it towards goal only to see it bounce off the woodwork. With 1 minute left of the first half Halwill got back on terms and it was great work again from Charlie Nicholas who forced the keeper into a low save where charging Tom Coe was there to smash in the rebound. 

 

At half time, Halwill knew they had been the better team and knew the game was theirs to win although the visitors took the lead again early in the second half. A long ball was mis-headed right in the path of the Landon striker who's fine shot struck the back of the net. Halwill gathered themselves again and pushed for the equaliser. Tim shaw hit the post with a first time strike and chances seemed to be resulting in anything but a goal. The equaliser finally came when Tim Shaw beat his defender and slotted a low strike past the keeper. Halwill then began to press for more and soon where in the lead through Tim Shaw again. He was quickest to pounce on a loose ball that was scrambling around the area and a cool headed Tim took his time to turn and slot the ball in the bottom corner. Halwill then finished off the game in style when substitute Gareth Hutchins took the chance to finish off a brilliant counter attack down the right wing and drilled a low shot passed the keeper. At the final whistle, the home side where well deserved winners although going behind twice. 2 wins out of 2 for the new season! 

 

Goals: Tim Shaw (2), Tom Coe, Gareth Hutchins 

 

Back to top >> 

 

Halwills first game of the season saw them visit newly promoted Sandford. Halwill had some fresh faces in the squad for the new season in John Jamison, Geoff Moorse and Rob (Bert) Woodgates. 

 

As the game kicked off it was the home side who applied most of the pressure as they drove at the Halwill defence who themselves seemed to struggle to get hold of the game. Halwills keeper Peter Holland was kept busy as a few through balls slipped through the Halwill back line. As the first half progressed, Halwill started to find their feet and played some nice football down the wings. Charlie Nicholas and Mark Pilbrow worked hard as wing backs with Bert Woodgates commanding things in midfield. The best chance of the first half fell to Charlie Nicholas when his 25 yard strike rattled the crossbar with the keeper completely beaten. 

 

At half time Halwill knew they had stepped up their game and now also gained the advantage of the wind. Straight from the kick off it was all Halwill and created attack after attack. A few substitutions brought a freshness to the Halwill game and they broke the deadlock on the hour mark. A quick throw from Mark Pilbrow was flicked on by new boy Ryan Hauerslev and a familiar name got on the score sheet, Tim Shaw, cooly slotting the ball past the keeper. The home side stated to create a few chances as they searched for the equaliser but Halwill kept them at bay for a well deserved win at the start of the season. 

 

Team; Pete Holland, Mark Pilbrow, Mark Wonnacott, Geoff Moorse, Jonathan Finch, Charlie Nicholas, Shaun Knight, Bert Woodgates, John Jamison, Bevill, Tim Shaw. 

Subs; Tom Coe, Ryan Hauerslev, John Richards 

 

Goals; Tim Shaw 

 

Back to top >>