Budleigh Salterton exited the Devon Football League Cup after a disappointing 5-2 defeat against Paignton Saints at Coach Road in Newton Abbot.

In a poor first half, the Robins conceded the opener after just five minutes, when a ball fired in from the left cannoned into the net via the post. A couple of minutes later, Paignton doubled their lead following a mistake in the Budleigh midfield.

While the Robins were not at their best, they were also the victims of a controversial decision. A Paignton forward tumbled in the box after an innocuous challenge but Budleigh felt justice was served when Tom Pryke saved the spot-kick.

The second-half display was a lot better from the Robins. Jack Hocking forced the home goalkeeper into a top save, tipping the ball on to the post, and he repeated the trick to thwart a Finley Doyle-Stott effort.

Paignton took advantage of the reprieve to edge further ahead but the Robins responded with a goal from Hocking on 75 minutes, finishing off a super cross by Oscar Walsh.

The momentum shift was sadly brief. Paignton made it 4-1, Hocking replied to bring the scores to 4-2 but the scoring was completed by the hosts notching a fifth on the break.

Budleigh return to league action this weekend with a difficult game at North Molton, who are chasing hard to catch leaders Beer Albion.

With the Budleigh Salterton Women having completed their season, plus the Men 2nds and the Veterans games being called off, it was left to the U9s youngsters to provide football away from the first-team over the weekend, writes SpursTom.

It was a Saturday morning local derby for those of us present at the Greenway Lane home of BSFC U9’s, to watch them take on Sidmouth Town U9’s. Whilst Budleigh Reds played Sidmouth Raiders, Budleigh Robins locked horns with Sidmouth Warriors. These were then followed by the Reds versus the Warriors with the Robins facing the Raiders.

Once again, those of us in attendance for these learning matches for the youngsters, were treated to some competitive encounters with all those on the field putting their heart, soul and enthusiasm into it all. Congratulations to both clubs for cheering up a cold morning.