East Budleigh Reserves moved into the third round of the Devonn Intermediate Cup with a fine all round team display to knock-out Paignton Villa, beating the South Devon outfit 2-1 at Vicarage Road last Saturday, writes Mark Auton.

The first half hour was an even affair with both sides having their share of the game and chances, but neither finding a breakthrough. After 32 minutes it was the away side who came closest from a corner that saw Jack Rowland come to Budleigh’s rescue clearing off his own line.

As the half drew to a close a long ball from Lewis Fletcher picked out the run of Corbin Couch who was tripped inside the box giving Budleigh a penalty; Unfortunately Couch was unable to convert as the sides went in level.

Budleigh began the second half in determined fashion and it was Madison Shaw worked a goal scoring opportunity only to be denied by the Paignton stopper on 51 minutes.

Six minutes later the deadlock was broken by Shaw who produced a confident lofted finish when latching on to the perfect pass from Steve Davey.

The Budleigh defence of Joe Day, Rich Wyatt, Rory Waite and Fletcher were working hard, but it was keeper Drew Shorrock who preserved Budleigh’s lead with a fine save.

Back at the other end Dan Atkinson flicked a header just wide from Davey’s free-kick before Budleigh went two ahead; Couch deserving his goal with a well struck shot past the Paignton keeper.

The visitors got a lifeline with an 83rd minute penalty to set up a tense finale, but Budleigh held on to book their place in the next round. The Man of the Match for Budleigh was Waite.

This Saturday (Octobet 22) Budleigh visit Tedburn St Mary in the league with manager Colin Jeans asking for similar commitment. The first team host Axminster Town Reserves at Vicarage Road.