DULVERTON Town played their first home game of the 24-25 season in Division Two of the Taunton & District Saturday League against an experienced Old Inn outfit - and triumphed 4-3.
The home team lined up in their usual 4-3-3 formation, and although they were missing Toby Wilson - out to a long term injury - the veteran Carl Hooper returned between the sticks on his birthday.
Dulverton Town started off well, providing the Old Inn back four with a challenge as Adam Chamberlain spearheaded the home side’s attack.
Chamberlain got a few half chances and was unfortunately given offside when blasting a shot home. Fewings on the right hand side was also linking up well with the striker.
However, against the run of play, it was a mistake by birthday boy Hooper that allowed Old Inn to take the lead,
Town levelled the game shortly after though when winger James Kelland was taken down in the box and he stepped up to slot the penalty home to make it 1-1.
Blundell Harrison and Carey were starting to control the midfield and shortly after the break this continued. George Gabb and Dan Eales were brought on at half time and Eales made an immediate impact down the right.
The visitors could not live with his pace and after a cross from him caught the stray arm of an Old Inn player Town were awarded their second penalty of the game. The same result this time round with Kelland again slotting it home to put the hosts 2-1 up.
Wales deservedly grabbed a goal midway through the half with a smart run and strike and Town looked home.
However with Gabb getting sin binned midway through the half, Old Inn pushed forward with nothing to lose. The wise heads of Dave Kelland and Glyn Jones were being severely tested and Bobby Burke and Jack Kelly either side of them having to dig in deep.
However Old Inn’s pressure eventually paid off with Town unable to clear the ball on two occasions which put them back level with 15 mins to go.
Town then introduced Toby Cottrell, Vince Towers and Ellis Thomas to freshen things up.
With Old Inn pushing for the winner the energy from the subs put pressure on the Old Inn back four to create a great chance for Chamberlain who smashed the ball home with a few minutes to go to put Town 4-3 up.
Town stood their ground in the final few minutes and grabbed a great win in front of the home crowd.
Dulverton Town are at home again this coming Saturday when they entertain Bridgwater and Albion in another league game.