The Budleigh Salterton Reserves in their new kit kindly sponsored by Santander Bank. Many thanks to Debbie Everest for the Printing and Embroidery.

Thorverton 2, Budleigh Reserves 1

A controversial late goal put the Robins into further danger as the possibility of another season in the higher region of the Fresha Devon and Exeter Football League took a turn for the worse on Saturday, another result also went against them too with Clyst Valley’s shock victory at Seaton, write SpursTom.

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At the start of the day both Thorverton and Budleigh were on 11 points, with Clyst on 9, and the bottom club Exmouth Ammies on six.

For a match as important as this it was disappointing that Budleigh travelled from East Devon having only 12 players available, plus they left much earlier than they needed to for the 3pm fixture having to wait about 45 minutes in the cold at the hosts deserted Raddon Road venue.

When play eventual began both teams started brightly with Budleigh forcing the first corner, the hosts gradually came more into it going close and Zack Pearce cleared off the line.

Most of Budleigh’s attacks were coming from the right with both Martin and Shipton heavily involved, but the opening goal, netted by Richard Higham was hatched from the left of midfield, giving the Robins a half-time advantage.

The first 20 minutes of the second period was perhaps the best footballing session of the match for the visitors, though, frustratingly, they were unable to find the back of the net.

A tactical change was made with a 70th minute substitution, for perhaps a more defensive approach.

A few minutes later it was all level; a midfield tussle was won by Thorverton in the centre and off they charged, feeding Lee Radford and his low shot evaded goalkeeper Jordan Hockold to nestle in the net.

They all knew a draw was not what either side wanted and the hosts, with their experienced player/manager now on the field, were motivated, battled harder, winning more tackles and setting up more attacks.

A goal had to come, and when it did in the 87th minute it was controversial. A ball on the right side of Budleigh’s goal should have been a goal kick but seemed to be prevented from being so with the scooping of the hand, the Budleigh defence stopped, expecting the whistle, but play was allowed to continue with Adam Langabeer scoring to seal victory. All protests were in vain, leaving them to travel home empty handed and downcast.