Budleigh Salterton climbed to seventh in the Devon Football League with an impressive 7-0 demolition of Barnstaple Town 2nds on a difficult surface in North Devon, writes Alan Beer.

Hat-tricks from Jack Hocking and Oscar Walsh took the headlines but this was a tremendous all-round display from the Robins, who are looking an improved unit as we head into the second half of the campaign.

The first goal arrived inside ten minutes, Walsh cutting in from the right for a near-post finish and he soon doubled the tally after good work by youngster Fraser Pearce. Budleigh led 3-0 at the break, thanks to Hocking converting a Walsh cross.

The Robins stepped on the gas even harder in the second half, Walsh completing his treble from the penalty spot. Hocking added two further goals to a dominant display and scoring was completed by substitute Paul Barnes.

Budleigh host bottom club Feniton this weekend.

In the Devon & Exeter Football League, Division Three match, heroics by goalkeeper Matthew Brown, saved Budleigh Salterton 2nds from a heavy defeat at the hands of the University of Exeter 5ths, writes SpursTom.

For the second week in succession, table toppers Budleigh Salterton came up against a determined team, and the Robins were under the cosh from the beginning, as their opponents seemed to know exactly where a team member would be to collect a pass.  

This radar effect led to visitors taking a 16th minute lead.  This setback acted as a wake-up call, as the game now became more open, with more counter attacks coming from the Red Robins, who eventually equalized near to the end of the first period through the reliable Greg MacMartin.

Once again, the visiting students were quicker into their stride at the start of the second period, taking only six minutes to regain the advantage with a solo effort. The Uni continued to press but, thankfully, goalkeeper Brown was on the top of his game, putting his body on the line on to prevent at least five more goals being conceded, keeping the score at 2-1 to the University of Exeter.  

Budleigh remain at the top of the table after the weekend results, but sadly, it looks very unlikely they will remain in that position for very long.