DOLTON stepped up their push for promotion from the Journal League Senior Division with victory over Chittlehampton on Tuesday night.

A vicious strike from Ben Mardon deflected in off a defender to seal a 2-1 win.

Ben Lake gave Rangers the lead but they were pegged back by a Liam Craze equaliser before half-time.

Chasing the game, Chittle's task became harder still when Barry Lessiter was sent off for a last-man foul.

The win moves Dolton up to third while Chittle have lost two in a row after Saturday's defeat to Braunton.

Player-boss Robbie Murch put them one up against the leaders.

But Braunton, playing at home because the fixture was switched, eased clear thanks to six different goalscorers.

James Scott and James McDonald made it 2-1 by half-time, then Tom Hunnibell, Matt Hunt and Mark Sanders put the hosts in control.

Although Dale Sawyer and Chris Dent cut the deficit, Tom White settled a 6-3 win which extended Braunton's lead to 12 points.

It was an up-and-down weekend for Pilton Academicals. Thumped 7-3 by Shamwickshire Rovers on Saturday, they responded with an 8-2 win at South Molton the following day.

At Pollyfield, Matt Downing scored twice and Ryan West hit a hat-trick as Shammy ran riot.

Chris Allan and an own goal completed the scoring after Ben Evans-Loude rattled the bar.

Some fantastic saves from Joe Robinson kept the damage below double figures and the visitors added consolations from Antony Higgs (two) and a James Gregory penalty.

The Accies took their frustration out on South Molton when Gregory opened the scoring after just 42 seconds.

Another Higgs double and Gregory made it four by half-time, while Tom Nash grabbed a second-half brace, taking his tally to 20 for the season.

Adam Gregory and Quyen Tran (penalty) completed the job.

Northam Lions warmed up for the Holman Cup final with a 4-3 win over North Molton.

Leading 3-2 courtesy of Rob Crump's double and an own goal, they were pegged back before James Harold clinched the points with his first of the season.