Charity Shield Winners!

East Allington Utd won the SDFL Charity Shield for the first time in the clubs history beating Premier Division holders Ashburton FC 4-0.

Playing with a new formation and system it took Allington a while to settle as Ashburton had the better of the early stages. Once Allington had settled they grew into the game and put in an outstanding team display creating a host of chances.

The first saw a Simon Hannaford low shot well saved by the Ashes keeper with his feet. Andy King and Andy Davis both had efforts that just went wide as Allington increased the tempo and pressure.

They deservedly took the lead after 26 minutes, superb work by the impressive Jamie Batchelor saw him go on a surging run before laying the ball to Josef Sita on the edge of the area who calmly placed his right footed shot into the bottom corner.

It was 2-0 after 42 minutes when a brilliant team move ended up with Sita supplying the pass just outside the 6 yard box for Hannaford to neatly slot home.

On the stroke of half-time goalkeeper Richard Teague pulled off a brilliant save from an Ashburton free kick to ensure it was 2-0 at half-time.

Allington started the second half quickly and on 50 minutes increased the lead to 3-0, Andy Davis supplying a fine through ball to Josef Sita who scored with an exquisite left footed finish from a difficult angle.

Rob Tapper then nearly scored his first goal for the first team but saw his shot well saved.

Ashburton nearly pulled one back in the 75th minute but the striker headed wide from a corner.

The game was made safe on the 78th minute when Davis played through Hannaford who showed his class with a delightful dinked finish to put the seal on an excellent East Allington performance.

Andy Davis was awarded the man of the match by the match sponsors with a typical all action display, he was the first to acknowledge that it was a superb team display.

Teague having a very solid game in goal, the back 3 of Josh Pascoe,Dan Hurrell and Sean Raymont reading the game very well and competing for every ball, Wingbacks Batchelor and Tapper showing impressive energy to get up and down the pitch, James Ivatts and Andy King worked tirelessly in midfield to get control of the game and free up attacking midfielders Davis and Sita to create and score goals. Captain Hannaford led the forward line with his unselfish running and work rate and was rewarded with his goals.

Subs Pete Grafton,Jon Davis and Matt Shaw all played their part in securing th victory as this was a true squad effort.

The players would like to thank the great support they got again,kit sponsors Start Point Finance and Totnes and Dartington FC for their hospitality..