SEATON Town moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier Division - rivals Sidmouth being on cup duty - with an impressive 6-3 Colyford Road success over last year’s champions, St Martin’s.

A Dan Norman double and other goals from Josh French, Ben Ede, Miles Alphonse and Ollie Highett sealed Town’s 16th success in 21 league outings.

After watching his side labour in the first half and go in at 1-1, Town boss Josh Stunell tweaked things at the break and watched his side take the visitors apart in the second half.

It was not all one-way, though, and Dan Stapleton had a fine game between the posts for Town. Stunell said: “It was a superb second half and showed just what we can do to very good opposition. Now the way ahead is clear, we have effectively nine single cup finals to negotiate between now and what we hope will be a glorious end to the season.”

Beer Albion were edged out 2-1 by visiting Clyst Valley. John Cooper netted the Fishermen’s goal with a second half penalty to make it 1-1, but the visitors won it, on the break, late on.

After being unbeaten all season long at their Furzebrake home, the Fishermen have now lost twice in succession. Boss Mark Ward says: “It’s a confidence issue. Suddenly we don’t look as assured as we have been at home. We have not become a bad side overnight and will, I am sure, show a response this Saturday when we travel to face the best team to come to Furzebrake so far this season, Sidmouth Town.”

Honiton picked up only a second win of the season thanks to a 2-0 success at fellow Division One strugglers Halwill. Shaun Lapping and Dan Broom netted the Town goals.

There’s still much to do for Town to avoid a bottom three finish, but one defeat since November suggests a great escape is still possible.

Feniton eased their relegation woes and can begin to look at a mid-table finish after they beat Heavitree Social United 2-1 at Acland Park.

Paul Dowling and Jamie Easterbrook netted the Blues goals. Boss, Mark Kingdon, said: “It was a very dominant performance and the margin of victory does not reflect how controlled we were. Both goal scorers had not played the week before, back they came, and goals they scored!”

It was also a very good day for Colyton as the Tanners defeated Broadclyst. To make matters even better for Colyton, they were the only side in the bottom half of Division Two to pick up all three points and, as a result, they climbed out of the bottom three places.

Colyton’s goals were scored by winger Nathan Maddocks and Ed Busby.

Maddocks was named as the Colyton Man of the Match.

Joy too, of sorts, for Axminster Town Reserves as they banked a rare point from a 1-1 draw at Newtown.

Upottery continue to press for a Division Three promotion berth after a 2-1 win at Winkleigh.

Catalan Pislaru was the goal hero with a brace, but the star of the villagers show was regular striker Matt Frost who put in a sterling shift at left back.

Seaton Town Reserves returned home with a Division Four point from a 0-0 at St Martins.

Dunkeswell Rovers were beaten 3-0 at home by Lords XI and, as a result, the Dunks remain just above the Division Five drop zone.

Beer Albion Reserves were beaten 2-1 at University. Robert Adkin got the Fishermen’s goal. Boss, Ross Moughton, said: “I had an eye on the following day’s cup tie and left a couple of players out.” The manager’s younger brother, Josh Moughton, again caught the eye on the left of midfield.

Axmouth United’s Division Six promotion bid was given a boost, not only by their 3-2 win over Chagford but also by news that none of the three teams immediately below managed to win their games. Honiton Town Reserves were beaten 2-1 at Silverton

In Division Eight, Feniton Thirds beat Okehampton Argyle by the odd goal in five. Offwell Rangers Reserves went down 1-0 at home to Tipton St John in game that saw the hard working Dan Edwards awarded the Man of the Match award by match sponsors, Powershoes. Colyton Reserves went down 2-1 at Met Office.