NEWTOWN extended their lead to 13 points at the top of the North & East Division in the Scott Richards Solicitors Devon Football League after a 2-1 win over second-placed Exwick Villa last weekend.
In a thoroughly entertaining and highly competitive encounter between two top sides, a brace from Dale O’Donoghue proved enough for Newtown, despite Villa going ahead through Nathan May and pushing their hosts to the very end in search of an equaliser.
Alphington are in third place after their goal-fest at home to Witheridge. Connor Saunders scored twice and Tom Beddow, Mark Saunders and Bailey Jason-Ryan also scored for the Alphas in a 5-3 win, while Tom Williams, Ashley Harrison and Matt Pengelly notched for Witheridge.
St Martins are another side riding high following their 7-1 trouncing of Liverton and there was also a comfortable 4-1 triumph for Teignmouth at Heavitree United. Bovey Tracey Reserves defeated Chudleigh Athletic 3-0 and a brace for Charlie Nichols, and teenager Tor Swann also on target.
Clyst Valley finally got their first point of the campaign and fully deserved in a 3-3 draw with fellow-strugglers Topsham Town. The last game in the N&E Division ended in a 3-1 win for Exmouth Town Reserves over Budleigh Salterton.
In the South & West Division, Buckland Athletic Reserves consolidated their lead at the top with a battling 2-1 triumph over Watcombe Wanderers, thanks to goals from Dan Rankin and Jacob Scotte, while Joe Constantinou notched for Watcombe.
Waldon Athletic moved into second with a 2-1 win over Lakeside Athletic but Kingsteignton Athletic continue to struggle for consistency after being held to a 3-3 draw at lowly Ottery St Mary. A late winner from Lewis Edwards gave Plympton Athletic a 3-2 home win over Totnes & Dartington.
A double from Jamie Micklewright was a key factor in Paignton Saints winning 3-1 in the local derby with Paignton Villa, but another tough day for Roselands, who were thrashed 8-3 by Bere Alston United. The final game in S&W ended in a 2-1 win for Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves against the Plymouth Argyle Development side.