Uplyme 1sts suffered back-to-back defeats in the Devon and Exeter League Division Four, going down 5 - 2 to league leaders East Budleigh.

They were well in the game going into half-time at 2 2 with goals from James Beddows and skipper Fin Mclean, but a collection of defensive errors gifted the home team chances far too easy to miss.

"We shot ourselves in the foot," agreed managers Pete Blandamer and Steve Gillan. "We took the lead at 2-1 and had found a rhythm, but gave them four gifts which they finished off.

"I think they scored one fine goal and the rest were head-in-hands moments. It didn't help that our keeper played through the pain barrier which clearly affected his movement and we lost influential youngster Connor Tate after 20 minutesas through injury.

"We need a little bit of inspiration, right now, as our Firsts are experiencing tough times keeping the same 11 every week. Last week, we lost two more quality players to overseas travel, which adds to numerous lads at uni. But, we'll roll up our sleeves and keep working hard in Division 4 and there's plenty more games to go."

If any experienced, quality players feel they could strengthen the Firsts, the squad train in Axminster on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.

The two defeats see Uplyme drop down to fifth place. On Saturday they are away to Budleigh Salterton 2nds, who are seventh in the table.