SDFL Division Two
AFC Staverton 1,
Salcombe Town 3
Salcombe increased their lead at the top of the table with a hard-fought win over second-placed Staverton.
On a wet surface Salcombe started at a fast tempo, playing their usual quick passing football.
With Lee Merchant and Callum Nolan causing the Staverton defence problems down the right-hand side, it was no surprise when Salcombe took the lead after 10 minutes. The move began with goalkeeper Ewan Grewal and was played through Merchant and Nolan to Ashley Yeoman, who flicked on for Charlie Barnes to volley past the home ‘keeper.
Salcombe suffered a blow five minutes later when Nolan suffered an injury and was replaced by the returning Angus Johnstone.
This seemed to unsettle Salcombe and they allowed Staverton back into the game.
The Staverton forwards wasted at least three clear-cut chances and Grewal had to be at his best to tip a sliced clearance from a defender around the post.
Staverton finally got the equaliser in the 35th minute when the referee awarded a penalty for handball. Salcombe’s play became more ragged after that and they were hanging on until half time.
Both sides came out for the second half looking for the win and it looked like Staverton would go in front when a further penalty was awarded, but Grewal was able to make a superb save, tipping the ball over the bar.
This seemed to galvanise Salcombe into action and they began to get their passing going again and were rewarded on the hour mark when Barnes bundled a Yeoman cross in for his second goal.
Staverton now had to push forward and Salcombe were able to exploit this when Yeoman and Barnes combined to set up Ryan Colmer for a well-taken third goal to seal a hard-fought victory.
Town expect another hard game tomorrow away against Paignton Saints, with an earlier 2pm kick-off. Salcombe Town would like to thank their match day sponsor Malborough Garden Services.