Beer Albion inflict ruthless 8-3 defeat on Plymstock

In truth, Beer were so much the better side on the day that the 8-3 scoreline somewhat flattered the Stockies who had no answer to the Fishermen’s twin strike force of Josh French and Aaron Daniels.

The hold-up-play and incisive passing of man-of-the-match French was superb throughout, not to mention his striking capabilities earning him two fine goals. Daniels was also in fine form and his power, pace and work rate resulted in a well-deserved hat-trick for Beer forward.

Within 10 minutes, Beer were 2-0 ahead, first through a close-range effort from skipper Charley Skilton. Then, Charlie Ledger was on hand to force the ball home after Jake Rowe’s teasing corner was not dealt with by the Stockies defence.

Plymstock reduced the arrears on 21 minutes with a penalty but Beer went 3-1 up on 27 minutes after a flowing move involving Jake Rowe and Liam Cox had put French in the clear. The Beer centre forward made no mistake with a clinical finish from 10 yards.

On 41 minutes, another mis-timed tackle presented Plymstock with a second penalty but this time, fortunately for the Fishermen, the spot-kick was placed narrowly wide of the target. Daniels rubbed salt in the wound on the stroke of half time, notching the first of his three goals to put his side 4-1 in front.

After the break, both sides continued to attack and it was Plymstock who had first joy reducing the arrears on 60 minutes when they were given another gift after a defensive misunderstanding. 

The Fishermen responded with three superb goals. Daniels made the score 5-2 with a spectacular curling shot from 25 yards, French delivered a beautiful turn and finish and substitute Alfie Matthews struck a lovely goal into the bottom corner.

Plymstock managed one more consolation before Daniels completed his hat-trick and a breathless game. The Fishermen are at home to Plymouth Marjon this weekend.