Vicarage Road played host to a hard-fought local derby last Saturday, as East Budleigh grabbed the points with an 88th minute header from Jack Hocking to beat Lympstone in the Devon and Exeter League.
It was the away side that had a lot of first half possession, but it was the Jays that had the better opportunities. Both Jack Howarth and Hocking could have opened the scoring.
At the other end, Darren Everest was marshalling the Budleigh defence alongside Gareth Morrey, Joe Thompson and Alex Manning and, when called upon, goalkeeper Drew Shorrock handled well.
A minute before the break, Hocking was sent clear but was denied by the Lympstone ‘keeper who smothered his effort well.
Budleigh began the second half with intent and when a deep cross from Alex Manning dropped to Jacob Rice, his shot was charged down.
As with the first half, the visitors again had their share of things and had chances to score, but Budleigh stood firm.
It always looked likely that a set-piece could be a way through for the home side; Manning was getting his delivery right and saw Joe Thompson denied on 73 minutes when meeting his corner kick.
This was a warning for Lympstone who then conceded when Manning got his delivery spot on for Hocking to joyfully head home.
In a fine all-round display, Hocking picked up the Man of the Match award for Budleigh who go to league leaders Exmouth Rovers this Saturday.
The victory keeps Budleigh six points behind Rovers in Division 1 East, making this weekend’s encounter an absolute must-win for the Jays, if they are to overhaul their neighbours at the top.
While Budleigh were fighting to this narrow victory against a spirited Lympstone outfit currently propping up the table, Rovers were ruthlessly efficient in their 3-1 win at Dunkeswell.
Felix Ford, James Clarke and Simon Withers scored the goals for Exmouth, who were initially pegged back by their hosts before a tweak in formation and personnel ensured two decisive strikes in the second half.