Ottery U15s returned to competitive football on Saturday with a stunning 4-2 win over League One hotshots South Molton.
Manager Addy Carpenter used the long-lay-off to strengthen his side, signing three new players from rivals West Exe. The move paid off with the East Devon side brushing aside South Moulton with some fast flowing football.
Making the long journey to North Devon, it was Ottery who started the strongest, racing into an impressive 3-0 lead before half-time.
New arrival Tom Maynard settled into a central midfield partnership with Rowan Hewitt, with the talented Fin Lashbrook moving to right back where he could use his pace down the flanks.
Striker James Blain made his debut, linking up with Finn Upsher up front and the combination made an immediate impact. With 16 minutes on the clock, Blain fed Upsher who crossed for Seb Copp to score from close range.
Ottery doubled their lead on the half hour with a bit of good fortune. The side were awarded a free kick when a South Molton player picked up the ball before it had gone out of play. Left back Sam Gleeson stepped up to beat the South Molton keeper from a good 35 yards, lofting the ball into the net for 2-0.
Copp and Blain then combined for the third with the former West Exe front man lashing home from 15 yards out on the left.
After the break South Molton pulled a goal back and then were handed a slice of good fortune when the referee failed to spot a foul on Ottery keeper Jack Hembrow and instead pointed to the penalty spot after the glovesman retaliated with a push.
Ottery responded well and sealed the win ten minutes later when Blain held up the ball well before slipping Jake Blackmore in with a delightful pass that the midfielder tucked away beautifully.
Ottery boss Addy Carpenter praised new boy Tom Maynard for a solid display at the back and the third West Exe signee Levi Burt provided metal in midfield linking up with Jack Carpenter.
Goalkeeper Hembrow looked solid in between the posts and there were also good performances from Jake Johnson and Ollie Milton.