The penultimate Fresha League match day before Christmas proved to be a good one for Ottery St Mary as the first team put Hatherleigh Town to the sword and the Reserves picked up their second point of the season – and kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.

The Ottery first team were 7-1 winners with their goals scored by Tom Williamson (2), Tom Collins (2), Jordan Rogers and Benjamin Evans.

The victory, a fourth in eight Fresha League Division Five outings, leaves the Otters sixth in the table. On Saturday (December 19) they travel to second bottom Halwill.

Ottery Reserves made the short trip to Lympstone where they drew 0-0.

Having shipped 46 goals in their first 10 games - none of which they have won - a 0-0 draw can be considered a huge step forward for Dave Fairweather’s side.

Indeed, had it not been for the frame of the goal on two occasions they may even have been celebrating a rare victory! They also created other chances in a much-improved all-round display. The best of the chances fell to teenager James Hepworth, but the youngster was unable to find the target.

Rob Smith, in an attacking midfield role, was the Man of the Match and Hugh Court, who began the season in midfield, was the goalkeeper who richly deserved his clean sheet.

On Saturday (December 19) the Reserves have a local derby when they entertain Cranbrook.