A SOLID home win for Braunton on Saturday brought big smiles at Camp Lobb and the North Devon outfit now has more wins than defeats in the North & East Division of the Scott Richards Solicitors Devon Football League.

Exmouth Town Reserves were the weekend visitors and a side sitting a couple of places higher in a congested mid-table, but it was an indication of the competitive nature of this league that Braunton were able to grab the three points, thanks to an own goal and Ben Aiken’s second-half effort.

At the top of this intriguing division, it is looking like a two-horse race, as Exwick Villa reminded leaders Newtown that they still have work to do. Villa were excellent in winning 5-2 at an Alphington side also riding high. Mark Saunders scored the opener for Villa and then doubles from Nathan May and Sam Johnson sealed the win.

Newtown, meanwhile, do still enjoy a healthy lead at the top after a ruthless 8-0 triumph at Topsham Town. Sam Stapleton, Cory O’Donoghue and Ben Howard all got two each, with Dale O’Donoghue and Darren Osmond also on target. It was a score almost matched by the University of Exeter, who ran out 7-0 winners at home to Witheridge.

There was an incredible game at Heavitree United, where Liverton emerged with a 6-5 victory. Livvy came back from 3-0, 4-1 and 5-3 down to somehow triumph, with Neil Last scoring a hat-trick and also goals from Dejan Maric, Sam Hebbes and player-manager John Fleet.

James Bowden and Nick Garrett scored the Chudleigh goals in a 2-2 home draw with Budliegh Salteron and the final two games in N&E ended in 2-1 wins for Bovey Tracey Reserves at Clyst Valley, and for St Martins at home to Teignmouth.

Tavistock Reserves were the big story and the big scorers in the South & West Division, as they produced an extraordinary attacking performance to win 10-2 at Roselands.

While the scoring was nothing like the Tavvy game, a 1-0 victory for Plympton Athletic at a muddy Watcombe Wanderers was just as important. Dan Edwards scored the only goal for Plympton and a great result against a team above them in the table.

Waldon Athletic remain in the title hunt after a hardworking 3-2 win at Paignton Saints, who themselves are enjoying a decent debut campaign at this level. Paignton Villa, meanwhile, battled to a hard-fought point at fellow struggles Lakeside Athletic. Tom Parvin scored for Villa and Joshua Lashbrook for Lakeside.

Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves were excellent in recording a 4-1 victory at Plymstock United. Callum Noyce opened the scoring for Spurs but Cayleb Needham brought Plymstock level at the break. The second half, however, was all Spurs, as Noyce scored his second, debutant Carl Roles made it 3-1 and Jake Elms completed the scoring. The final game was an entertaining 2-2 draw between Ottery St Mary and Bere Alston United.