A difficult start to the season continued for Budleigh Salterton with a 4-2 reverse at Elmore in the Devon Football League, writes Alan Beer. 

The Robins are now down to 14th in the table and face a tough trip to second-placed Lakeside Athletic this weekend, although refereeing decisions went against them on Saturday in a game where nine players were unavailable for selection.

A deflected effort from Mason King gave Elmore the lead on six minutes and a harsh penalty made it worse for Budleigh on the stroke of half-time, Matt Pengelly converting from the spot for the hosts.

Another deflected shot fell kindly for Lewis White to increase the lead before further frustration for Budleigh, when an Elmore player escaped a red card after an off the ball incident.

A fourth goal from Brandon Parsons, pouncing on some slack defending from a corner, just added to the Budleigh irritation but they did rally in the closing stages.

Oscar Walsh pulled a goal back for the Robins and there was hope for a fightback when Jack Hocking made it 4-2. Budleigh battled to the end and given more time, might have pinched a point from a difficult day.