Budleigh Salterton fought hard to secure an entertaining 3-2 win over North Molton in the Devon Football League.

The Robins took the lead when Oscar Walsh fired over a cross from the right for Morgan Pearce to convert on 15 minutes but the visitors responded almost immediately, Ollie Stevens hitting the net after a free-kick was poorly defended by Budleigh.

Ten minutes into the second half, North Molton grabbed the lead with a goal from Joe Southcott after a corner had only been half-cleared by the hosts.

To their immense credit, Budleigh swiftly regrouped and restored parity following more good work from Walsh, releasing Jacob Tinsley to provide the pass for leading scorer Jack Hocking to finish with customary composure.

Hocking was also the man to grab the winner from the penalty spot nine minutes from time, impressively holding his nerve after a handball by the visitors. Budleigh will finish their campaign with a return trip to North Molton on May 6.

Budleigh Salterton 2nds kept up the hope of finishing their league season strongly with a thrilling 5-4 win at Colyton 2nds, as witnessed by SpursTom.

The match began under overhead rain clouds with the hosts starting the strongest on the attack with the wind in their backs, deservingly taking the lead on 12 minutes through Billy Knox.  

As the half progressed, the visitors were putting some passes together especially down the right wing, before forcing home an equaliser from Will White on 42 minutes, quickly followed by their second coming through Jack Bungay almost on the stroke of half-time for a 2-1 advantage.

Colyton levelled with a Kian Bedwell penalty and he then edged his side in front from a free-kick. Jacques Vissiere’s skilful jinks and finish brought the Robins level at 3-3.  Still more goals arrived on 80 minutes the Robins got their noses in front through leading scorer Matthew Lidstone.  

On 84 minutes, it was all even again when Archie Clode fired home (4-4). Substitute Danny Marish then ghosted in at the far post for Budleigh’s winner.