Hatherleigh Town . . . . . . . . . 4

Budleigh Salterton . . . . . . . . .0

WITH captain Simon James laid low by a virus, the team was sent out in a 4-4-2 formation with Stu Dymond and Paul Harris leading the line.

Simon Ward and Trev Cleave returned to the defence, allowing Neil Vernon to return to his preferred midfield role.

The opening exchanges were even, with some good passing from both sides. Budleigh proved themselves a useful side who were not going to be beaten without a fight.

Some neat Hatherleigh build-up play down the left by Vernon and Dymond saw the latter force a corner. When Dymond then swung over the kick the ball dropped invitingly on the edge of the six yard box.

First to react was Vernon, who swivelled and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

The goal settled Hatherleigh down and although Budleigh pressed constantly they never really troubled Sandercock's goal. So, Hatherleigh went in at half-time with their one goal lead still intact.

The second goal was always going to be crucial and Budleigh tried hard to score it.

The closest they came was when a high ball came in and Jamie Bruce decided to head towards his own top corner, producing a fine tip over by Sandercock in goal.

Midway through the second half saw the return from injury of last season's player of the year, Simon Pearson, who replaced new boy Lloyd Chapman on the right.

A low cross by Vernon was half cleared to Matty Adams on the edge of the area. One touch to set and the volley struck sweetly into the corner of the net.

Goal number three soon followed. A fine passing move involving several players ended with Dymond slotting the ball home.

Goal four came after a cross evaded everyone in the middle and dropped at the far post. There lurked Adams, who crashed home his second goal of the game.

Budleigh, to their credit, kept going right to the end and only a final goal-line clearance from Cleave kept Sandercock's clean sheet intact.

This Saturday sees Pinhoe visit Hatherleigh and the chance to gain another three points.

Team: S Sandercock, A Tucker, S Ward, S Cleave, J Bruce, L Chapman, P Endacott, M Adams, N Vernon, P Harris, S Dymond. Sub, S Pearson.