In a thrilling advert for Devon & Exeter League Football, East Budleigh Reserves shared out a six-goal special at Dawlish Reserves. 

It was the Jays that struck first in this Division 4 encounter as Nathan Penhallurick’s high press and charge down allowed Dan Atkinson to head his 9th goal in six games. 

 The momentum of the game then changed as the hosts took control to score two goals in quick succession. 

 Tom Christian then had a good chance to score but blazed over, before Atkinson turned provider with a brilliant cross for Penhallurick to head in at the far post. Dawlish began the second half well and their possession told as they took the lead at 3-2. 

However, after some gritty defending from Lewis Fletcher and good saves from keeper Chris Wardle, Budleigh were rewarded late on. A long ball from Nick Tweedie sparked a counter-attack, from which player of the match Penhallurick scored his second of the game and earn his side a point. 

It was a very hard-fought game against a Dawlish side who fielded a number of first team players. 

This Saturday Budleigh host Culm for their league match. 

East Budleigh’s first-team will be disappointed at a lot of their defending in losing 9-1 against league leaders Winkleigh. Rian Hill grabbed a late consolation that his hard work deserved. They will hope for better when visiting Newton St Cyres on Saturday in the East Devon Cup. 

The win for Winkleigh keeps them at the top of the division, with Upottery chasing hard after a battling 3-2 win over Bow AAC. Chard Town moved to fourth with a 2-1 victory against the University. 

In the Premier Division, Lyme Regis cut the gap on leaders Alphington, who had no game, with a 3-1 triumph at home to Sandford. Kentisbeare won by the same score at Colyton and Clyst Valley were too strong for Sidmouth Town Reserves. 

St Martins are flying in Division 2, as they made it ten wins from ten with a 4-1 defeat of Feniton Reserves. The leagues are certainly heating up ahead of the Christmas break.