Goal-shy Robins

Appledore 3,

Budleigh Salterton 2

BUDLEIGH Salterton did not deserve to return home empty-handed from their trip to an Appledore side that, in winning the contest 3-2, became the latest side to top the South West Peninsula League Eastern Division table, writes Alan Beer.

The Robins were the better side in the game for large periods of play but, once again, the season-long nemesis of a lack of a finish in front of goal struck with painful consequences.

The hosts went close after 12 minutes when Marc Bettis saw his goal-bound effort headed over the bar by Craig Higham. Five minutes later, it was Budleigh who were unlucky when a 20-yard shot from James Turner was deflected by the home keeper's foot.

Appledore took the lead when a corner fell for Sam Stephens who hit a curling shot to beat Matt Slark and a defensive error saw Steve Skinner chip the stranded Slark from 18 yards, allowing the Fishermen to go into the break 2-0 up.

Budleigh were again unlucky eight minutes into the second period. Paul Rowsell picked up the ball from a corner and went just wide.

Four minutes later, Skinner picked up the loose ball after a poor defensive header and notched his second to put the home side into a three goal lead.

Budleigh staged a comeback and a good move involving Grant Vanson and Danny Williams through the midfield put Khaled Badani through on an individual run, ending in a shot which beat the home keeper at his near post.

Danny Williams reduced the deficit further from the penalty spot after he had been brought down.

This gave Budleigh 20 minutes to get another and a share of the points, which would have been very well deserved, especially on the second half showing, but it was not to be.

This weekend the Robins travel to meet Bickleigh at their Happy Meadow home (3pm).