Jack Frost took much of the weekend football in its grip but from those pitches that did thaw enough for some action, there was tremendous drama across the region.

Two Devon clubs took to the FA Vase and it was a mixed outcome, as Barnstaple Town were beaten at home by Falmouth Town but Brixham, quarter finalists last season, continued their love affair with the competition by beating Downton 3-2.

Tiverton Town missed the opportunity to open a cushion of safety near the bottom of the Southern League Premier, as they were beaten by a solitary goal at Hungerford Town, and the story is looking increasingly troubling for Exmouth Town in Division One South.

Exmouth led high-flying Frome Town at half-time but the hosts battled back to win 2-1, leaving their East Devon visitors rooted to the bottom. Bideford, on the other hand, climbed into the play-off positions with a powerful 4-1 defeat of Bishops Cleeve, thanks to a fine hat-trick from Matt Buchan.

In the Toolstation Western League, Buckland Athletic spurned a big chance to close the gap on the top three, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to struggling Wellington.

The Devon Football League continues to provide wonderful entertainment and a title race that could, potentially, involve as many as ten clubs. However, when considering games in hand, Appledore and University of Exeter are the duo in pole position.

Sam Fishwick smashed home an incredible five goals for Appledore in their 6-2 demolition of Ottery St Mary, a result that moved the North Devon club on to 31 points from 13 games. The University, who beat Budleigh Salterton 1-0, are a point behind and have a played a game less than Appledore, with the chasing pack all having played more than the top two.

Beer Albion remain a major factor down in sixth, as they have also only played 13 games, the latest of which was a tense 2-2 draw with third-placed Lakeside Athletic. Mount Gould sit in fourth following a 5-3 win over Thorverton, while Plymouth Marjon, in fifth, defeated a dangerous North Molton 2-0.

Newtown and Elmore are another two sides with an outside chance of mounting a challenge, and Newtown took the spoils on Saturday, beating the Eagles 2-0. In the big game at the bottom of the division, Topsham Town edged past Feniton with a 2-1 victory.

The one game played in the Premier Division of the Devon & Exeter League carried plenty of significance, as Kentisbeare moved level on points with Alphington at the top with a tight 2-1 triumph at Sidmouth Town 2nds.

In the Devon Cup competitions, it was a mixed weekend for East Devon clubs. Central beat Heavitree United in a local derby, Hatherleigh Town beat Lakeside 2nds by a solitary goal and Halwill overpowered Combe Martin with a 4-1 win.

The first blip was a 4-3 defeat for St Martins at Newton Abbot Spurs 2nds. Bravehearts lost 4-2 against a very strong AFC Dumnonii team from North Devon, while Honiton Town 2nds went down 7-2 at Paignton Saints.

In Division Two, Seaton Town took a big step away from the danger zone with a thrilling 4-3 victory at relegation rivals Tipton St John. Witheridge closed the gap on Budleigh Salterton 2nds at the top of Division Four with a 6-3 win over Hemyock and there was a six-goal cracker at Lyme Regis 2nds, who shared the points with Broadclyst.

Otterton are in the top three of Division Six, Simon Holwell, Matt Lidstone and Luke Smith scoring the goals in a 3-1 win over Exeter Royals, while Sandford 2nds celebrated their first victory of the season, beating Beacon Knights 1-0.

Only one game survived the chill in the South West Peninsula League, Cullompton Rangers beating Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police 2-1 to move up to fourth place in the East Division.