SDFL division two
Paignton Saints 1,
Following their excellent win over Staverton the previous week, Salcombe travelled to fourth-placed Saints with confidence high.
That said, with their opponents having only lost one game this season, Town were expecting a tough match
The first half was a pretty even affair, with Salcombe having the better chances.
They took the lead around the half-hour mark when Angus Johnstone whipped in a superb low cross from the right, enabling Ashley Yeoman to score from close range.
Paignton pressed for the equaliser and were looking dangerous down the right-hand side, but failed to create any clear-cut chances.
They did, however, threaten to equalise just before half time, but Matt Thorn was able to avert the danger with an excellent sliding tackle.
Salcombe had chances at the other end to score the second goal and put the game beyond Saints, but had to settle for a slender half-time lead.
Town went out for the second half looking for the early goal, knowing that they could then sit back and allow their superior fitness to catch Saints on the break.
The second goal duly came when full-back Lee Merchant made a storming run down the right, beating several players before crossing to allow Luke Milton to convert at the far post.
Further goals followed, with Yeoman scoring an excellent solo goal and Charlie Barnes beating the ‘keeper with a well-judged chip. Paignton got back into the game with 15 minutes left with a well-taken finish and their appeals for a penalty just after were waved away by the referee.
Yeoman completed his hat-trick just before time, taking advantage of a flick on from a long goal kick to outpace the Saints defence.
This was an excellent all-round performance from Salcombe, with Luke Milton and Willie Giffen winning everything in the centre of the defence.
Town were able to bring on substitutes Duncan Scales, Ben Lee and Jim Norton in the last 10 minutes to add some energy to a tiring midfield and see out the game.
This gives Salcombe their third consecutive away victory over teams in the top four of the table, and they now have an eight-point lead at the top.
Salcombe would like to thank the Island St Bar and Grill, who sponsored the match in memory of Denzil Corbin.
Town are away again tomorrow against their local rivals Dartmouth AFC reserves, with a 2.30pm kick-off at Longcross.