Feniton 3, Heavitree Social United 1 Feniton reclaimed top spot in the Fresha League Premier Division game as they comfortably saw off the challenge of the Exeter-based visitors.

There were no goals in an even first half which saw Dave O’Connor and Mark Simic both denied by smart saves by the Heavies keeper.

A half-time tactical switch paid dividends as Blues boss Mark Kingdon put himself on in a holding-midfield slot and it did not take long for the deadlock to be broken as Charlie Selley rifled a left foot shot home after a superbly delivered Ben Ede free-kick and a flick-on by Paul Dowling.

The visitors levelled courtesy of a large slice of good fortune when a Simic clearance cannoned back off a visiting attacker to fall neatly for the ball to be tucked past Feniton keeper Matt Kingdom.

The Blues keeper then made a stunning save to deny the Heavies a second before O’Connor was felled in full-flight and Ede slammed home the resultant free-kick.

A clinical header from Selley then enabled the Blues to see the game out in some comfort.

Ali Sawyer made an impressive debut at centre back alongside Mark Simic whilst another player to make his first appearance for the Acland Park men was Eliot Dyer who came off the bench to get his first taste of Feniton action since his move from Axminster Town.

Feniton boss Mark Kingdon said: “It was a good solid all-round show against one of the top five in the League. They (Heavitree) are a useful outfit who caused us plenty of problems so to bank all three points is very pleasing. I was also delighted to get Ali (Sawyer) playing – he and Simmo (Mark Simic) looked solid as a pair. We are looking very strong with good cover in all areas of the pitch. Hitting top spot at the end of January is great, now the task is to stay there for the last three months of the campaign.”

On Saturday Feniton travel to Newtown and are also in action tonight (Wednesday) when they tackle Seaton Town at Ottery St Mary’s Washbrook Meadows ground in an East Devon Senior Cup last eight game that kicks off at 7pm.