BRAUNTON won the big match of the day in the Journal Senior Division.

Louis Murrell, Matt Hunt and an own goal fired the leaders into a 3-0 lead at second-placed Bratton Fleming.

And despite a late consolation from Joe Gillard, they stood firm to open up a nine-point lead at the top.

With games in hand, the four teams directly below can still close the gap as the season reaches the business end.

Dale Sawyer's first hat-trick of the season got Chittlehampton back on the winning trail. Marc Palmer wrapped up their 4-1 win against Bude Town after Jason Stewart scored from the spot.

Second-half goals from Barry Camp, Karl Smith and Charlie Logie gave Barnstaple AAC the edge against Kilkhampton.

The Cornishmen had to settle for a late consolation from Liam Bunning.

Things are tight too at the wrong end of the table where Landkey Town's persistence was rewarded with a point at Combe Martin.

The home side, playing some neat football, looked set for their second win when Will Lovett pounced on a goalkeeping error. But Jamie Hutton followed up Claudio Pinto's shot in the dying seconds, giving the visitors a valuable point.

Combe Martin were caught out by an audacious effort from South Molton's Michael Gill on Sunday. His long-range lob in the 35th minute was the only goal of the game.

A sweet derby victory over Northam Lions has given Shamwickshire Rovers some breathing space.

Ryan West struck twice and Mike Wills added the third as they brought a halt to Northam's five-match winning run.

Rob Daniels, answering a late call to play in goal, was denied a clean sheet by Rob Crump's penalty.

Early goals from the Gregory brothers, James and Adam, set Pilton Academicals on their way to a 5-2 success against South Molton.

Tom Nash made it 3-1 by half-time and James Gregory added his second before Stephen Robinson rounded off a flowing move. The Images replied through Sam Runnalls and Colin Kennerson.