UPLYME 1sts began their Devon and Exeter League 2022 adventure with a solid 4 - 0 win away to a spirited Colyton Reserves team.

Even with a number of key players missing, the team went into the game with a positive attitude and ready to start a season that has seen them jump up two full divisions to the highest position in their 100-year history - pretty inspiring for such a small village - and still have just enough support to run two teams.

From front to back, Uplyme controlled the flow of play and Colyton replied with a direct style to a very effective veteran striker, used to the route-one style and he looked to turn inside on every occasion. However, James Hansford proved up for the role and did a brilliant defensive job on him.

At the other end, Niall Fifer turned out and scored a hat-trick, his his typical of his tenacity as he never gave up through two big hits and still then went 50-50 with the keeper, for the ball to come out his side and he slipped it in.

Marcus Symonds also scored - a sharp finish into the bottom corner - to clinch Uplyme's first points of what promises to be an exciting season.

Manager Steve Gillan said: "The end score didn't overly-compliment Uplyme and was a reflection of the game as a whole. A super start to the new campaign and next up is a trip to Sidmouth a week Saturday. Man-of-the-match goes to Fifer and Hansford for their respective success in very different roles."