Westexe Rovers 1, Colaton Raleigh 3 During a hectic spell of eight games in 16 days, Colaton Raleigh have experienced more highs and lows than sometimes seen in a complete season.

Three away league defeats in succession saw them slide in to the drop zone, and at the same time lose the services of highly rated Jake Boyland (groin) and Adrian Parr (ankle).

With holiday and work commitments reducing the squad to bare bones, and games coming thick and fast, player-manager Riki Pitter called on the remainder of his young squad to step up to the plate.

Last week, the Raleigh youngsters gained a fine 3-2 league win against Honiton Town. Mark Pavey scored the opener, and Pitter then fired the team to victory with two crucial goals late on, to take his team out of the bottom three.

On Saturday morning Pitter had only ten players available, and no goal keeper for the trip to fifth placed Westexe.

17-year-old keeper Dec Lines was able to join up with the team following a cricket match cancellation, and he produced a stand out performance, as did young centre half Dan Corrick, who received the Man of the Match award.

The Newton Poppleford based team played some excellent football, dominating the first half and creating what chances there were.

Right back, Ben Farrington, gave the visitors a 1-0 lead after the break, before Westexe came back strongly and levelled the scores.

Clinical finishing from Mark Pavey and Mark Tett, then made it 3-1 to the visitors, who finished comfortable winners.

With ten league games remaining, and games in hand on most of their rivals, the Colaton Raleigh players still have much to play for.

In the Seaton Challenge Cup, current Cup holders Raleigh have drawn a semi-final tie against Perry Street Premier Division side Combe St Nicholas, who last week beat Seaton Town 1-0.