HEMYOCK FC played their first two pre-season friendlies last week with home fixtures against Tipton St John and Chudleigh.

Tipton travelled to Longmead on Thursday for new manager Sam Iddon’s first competitive game in charge. The match ended 2-2 with Tipton equalising with the final kick of the game. Iddon used 21 players as he began to work out what he has on offer. Goals came from captain Josh Essex, who scored a stunning free kick in his first game back following a two-year sabbatical, and Fin Buckley.

Chudleigh made the trip up the A38 and M5 to Hemyock on Saturday and got off to the worst possible start. Having kicked off, they gave the ball away and watched on as the ball eventually made its way to Josh Duncan at the back post to tap in after 30 seconds of play. By half time Hemyock had raced into a 3-0 lead with further goals from Callum Shenton, who scored with his back, and a Pete Woodberry penalty following a push on Duncan.

Duncan increased Hemyock’s lead to 4-0 before Iddon made wholesale changes and watched on as Chudleigh pulled the game back to 4-3. Then, with ten minutes remaining, young Buckley pounced to make it 5-3 with his second goal of the week.

Iddon will be pleased with his players’ efforts over the games but now must build on a positive start.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Hemyock have their third home pre-season friendly when Wellington A make the short trip over the hill (2pm).

PHIL BELL