There was a special local derby on Friday evening, as Budleigh Salterton 2nds hosted East Budleigh 2nds in Division 4 of the Devon & Exeter League.
Before any thoughts of football, both teams gathered in the centre circle for a minute’s applause in memory of East Budleigh legend Dave Pratt and Budleigh Salterton’s much-loved Claire Pannell, two stalwarts for their clubs who sadly passed away recently.
The football match itself was one to savour, the visiting Jays wanting revenge, and the Robins wanting to rule the roost.
In the swirling wind, it was East Budleigh showing the more attacking approach, with Matthew Brown the busier of the goalkeepers. He somehow pulled out an amazing save on 29minutes, but he was helpless to stop Owen Corrick netting the first goal of the game from the resulting corner.
The awakened Robins fought back, but they were again grateful to Brown for pushing a shot around the corner. Almost on the stroke of half-time, Will White got the equaliser.
There seemed to be a lot of discussion coming from the dressing rooms, and whatever was said stirred up the hosts. On 46 minutes, they went ahead through leading scorer Matthew Lidstone.
East Budleigh were now under pressure and conceded again on 54 minutes, Jack Hocking finishing well. It was noticeable the dropping of heads before Jack Manning got the Robins 4th.
What began so promising for the Jays had now become a stroll for the Robins with Hocking getting his second to complete a 5-1 victory, bragging rights and a successful evening for Budleigh Salterton. There was a very good attendance, which is always welcome.
Squads:- BSFC 2nd (RED ROBINS) - Matthew Brown (G.K), Jamie Crossman , Harry Gibbings, Joe Graham, Samuel Hollis, Matthew Lidstone (1), Jack Manning (1), Ryan Mitchell, James White, Will White (1), Harry Williams. Subs: Jack Hocking (2), Danny Marish, Samuel Pratt, Max Robertson, Ryan Tullett.
EBFC 2nd (BLUE JAYS) - Drew Shorrock (G.K), Ben Hobbs, Ross Bright, Ben Wiltshire, Lewis Fletcher, Dan Atkinson, Ben Wilks, Tom Christian, Owen Corrick (1), Ryan Britton, Nathan Penhallurick. Subs: Curtis Frazer, Joe Bowden, Toby Hill, Will Price, Kyle Barnsley.
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