Braunton go clear at the top

Mark Jenkin

BRAUNTON have opened up a five-point lead at the top of the North Devon League premier division with a 3-1 win at Torridgeside.

TRIP HAZARD: Torridgeside's Martin Boundy challenges Tom White, of Braunton, at Donnacroft. Picture: Rob Tibbles. To order this photograph call 0844 4060 269 and quote Ref: BNRT20120128C-013_C

Something had to give at Donnacroft with the visitors protecting their unbeaten away record and Torridgeside yet to taste defeat at home.

And Mark Harris's team always looked the more likely winners after Russell Harrison seized on a defensive lapse to open the scoring midway through the first half.

With a three-pronged attack of Harrison, Elliot Whitecross and Simon Townsend, the visitors showed their skill and speed in the final third.

Townsend took a pass from Whitecross, dropping his shoulder to drive the second before half time.

At that stage Torridgeside were not competing but they gave it a real go after the break when Marc Bettiss met a corner from Nathan Walter to score with a powerful header.

Jay Sullivan, the 16-year-old substitute stepping up from the second team, was part of their positive response.

Tempers flared as the tackles flew in and both sides had penalty appeals turned down.

But Braunton made sure of their tenth straight win when Torridgeside lost possession and Tom Hunnibell picked out Harrison to hammer his seventh goal in six games.

The leaders face another key match on Saturday when second-placed Ilfracombe Town travel to Lobb Field.

Combe, who look set to be without their top scorer Mark Gilfillan, have signed Gavin Pincombe from Combe Martin.

Torridgeside hope to bounce back in their derby against Torrington. Darren Parish, signed from Ilfracombe, will provide experience in defence for the run-in.

Torridgeside: Lee Cockwill, Ian Cockwill, Matt Bolton, Darren Parish, Dan Andrew, Cory Hynd, Richie Bright, Martin Boundy, Nathan Walter, Marc Bettiss, Kyle Paine. Subs: Jay Sullivan, Jack Gilbert, Jethro Kimber.

Braunton: Jon Vaughan, Joe Seldon, Dave Bennett, Radley Watkins, Jake Barwick, Ben Layland, Tom Hunnibell, Tom White, Russell Harrison, Elliot Whitecross, Simon Townsend. Subs: Scott Maynard, James McDonald, Dan Roberts.

Referee: Ian Gilmour.