BUDLEIGH SALTERTON 2

AXMINSTER TOWN 4

AXMINSTER survived late withdrawals of right-back Connor Hannaford (illness), Connor Swingler (holiday) and Nathan Antat (Suspension) to ease to a 4-2 win over Budleigh Salterton in the Southwest Peninsula League East Division.

As expected, Axminster started brightly taking the game to the nervy Robins, but as progressive as the Tigers were they struggled to create a real goalscoring opportunity until the 25th minute, when left-back and joint-boss Jonny Hurford delivered a terrific cross that found Ashley Small at the far post.

However, Small could not adjust his feet quick enough and the ball went out for a goal-kick, much to the relief of the young Robins.

The game saw its first goal in the 35th minute, when Hurford powerfully headed home from 20 yards out and in the process giving the Tigers a 1-0 half-time lead.

The opening 10 minutes of the second half were fairly even, but then the Tigers stepped up a gear and added two quick goals through the in-form Small for his 17th goal of the season in the 65th minute.

Ben Allen added a fourth goal in the 70th minute from long range, as the Tigers were now coasting.

Budleigh deserve a lot of credit as in the 80th minute, they found their second wind.

This resulted in George Pannell losing his marker in the 18-yard box and then smashing past Axminster goalkeeper Ashley Smith.

Budleigh went onto score a second goal in the 87th minute as Axminster momentarily switched off.

The Tigers then decided to shut up shop with skipper Darren Hutchings and centre-back partner Cameron Vere professionally closing the game out and not giving the Robins anymore encouragement.

The referee blew for full-time in the 92nd minute having officiated the game superbly. Budleigh will take a lot of positives out of the game and with a bit more belief will start moving up the table.

As for Axminster, they remain unbeaten in their last six games with this result cementing second place in the table.