Beer Albion produced the shock-of-the-day in the Macron Premier Division as they defeated reigning champions Topsham Town 4-3 on their own ground, writes Richard Honnor.

The result all but puts paid to any chance the Tops had of retaining the top honour.

The Fishermen, having lost their first five league matches, are now on a run of six games without defeat and have won four of those six matches.

What made this result more remarkable was that Beer were well under strength through injuries and unavailability and travelled with no substitutes. It was a brave with The Fishermen fighting a rearguard battle for long periods, but when the chances came they took them.

Beer got off to a great start when they were gifted a penalty for hand-ball within the first minute which Simon smith coolly slotted home.

The Fishermen increased their lead midway through the first half when wily player-boss Richard Walker with a feint and a drop of the shoulder sent the Topsham defence one way and the keeper the other to create himself the room to slot home the second goal.

Topsham responded strongly to reduce the score to 2-1 at the break but Beer went 3-1 soon after when quick counter-attack saw Chris Long complete the move by chipping the keeper.

The Fishermen then had to withstand an onslaught and inevitably Topsham reduced the arrears and then drew level at 3-3.

But in another isolated breakaway Long looking very comfortable playing further forward alongside Walker netted his second goal and the winner for Beer.

The Beer Man of the Match award winner was midfield dynamo Alex Hunt who worked tirelessly in front of his backline to break up the Topsham attacks.

Beer’s next match is at home to Feniton on January 7, when the Fishermen will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run and make further progress up the table. Kick-off at the Furzebrake is 2:15 pm.