CHRIS Long took his goal tally to eight in ten games as Honiton Town beat University 7-2 in Division One.

It seemed a good time to play University as five minutes before kick-off they only had nine players until another car load rolled into Mountbatten Park.

Despite scoring seven goals, the overall performance of the table-topping Hippos was below par, complacency crept into play and it was rather a disappointing display.

“To be fair, given the characters in the side, I have no doubt it would have been easy to go up the gears had the need been there,” said manager Kevin Blackwell. “That said, the lads scored some quality goals.”

Joe Mulhall kept up his return to goal-scoring form with a deft volley after Tom Perryman had hit an exquisite cross.

An own-goal and a Lewis Couch finish took Town into half time three goals to the good.

Blackwell spelled it out during the half-time break that standards were below par, and despite the goals and never being troubled the lads should maintain their performance regardless of the opposition.

Long scored two goals, one a cracking team move, then Couch added his second and Andy Isaac confidently struck home with arguably the best finish of the game.

Sloppy defending saw Town concede twice when a clean sheet was attainable, which took the gloss off a fine scoreline.

Said Blackwell: “Six games left, and there will be tougher games but I will urge the lads to stay focused and approach every game in the same way if they are to realise their rewards.”

The Hippos don’t play again until Newton St Cyres visit on April 11.

? HONITON Town Reserves got back to winning ways with a 5-2 win over Winkleigh.

Manager John Lewis was pleased to get a potential promotion charge back on track.

A tough, boggy pitch aligned with terrible playing conditions showed how well the Town lads played.

Particular mention should go to Ryan Dunn, Joe Dixon and Louis Grant, although everyone played their part.

Blake Freemantle, a fledgling from the youth team, put in a fantastic performance and looks an extremely hot prospect.

At only 16, Freemantle increases the already bulging ranks of youngsters in Lewis’ squad.

The goals were scored by Grant (2) and teenagers Dunn, Aaron Pearse and Owen McCreadie-Taylor.

Goal of the game was an athletic diving header scored by Grant after fine build-up play by Freemantle.

Lewis is keen to build on this victory and is aware he has five massive games left in the league.

He will urge his young team to give their all for the club to give them the best chance for promotion.

The reserves are home to Starcross this Saturday.