Uplyme 1sts welcomed neighbours Colyton 2nds to Venlake on Saturday and ran out comfortable 3-0 victors.

Connor Tate started the scoring midway through the first half, with a drive from the edge of the box from a pinpoint Oli Alner corner.

Colyton worked hard with early long balls down the flanks, but the Swallows' back-four were organised effectively by Rikky Toyer and Todd Lowe was largely unchallenged in goal.

Although the home team were struggling to find their range with passing, the second goal scored by Marcus Symmonds early in the second half gave Uplyme the cushion and deflated any idea of an equaliser from Colyton.

His long-range drive caught the keeper in no man's land and the home team then started to move the ball much better.

Connor Tate scored again to put the game beyond doubt and Uplyme move to fourth in the very competitive division.

"An attritional performance," commented manager Steve Gillan. "We struggled to find a rhythm in the first half due to a couple of hardworking veterans in the opposition midfield and some good, young players willing to do those hard yards. We always had the collective dominance, but just needed a bit of patience.

"Nate Gillan was outstanding at left back and Rikky Toyere brings a super, cohesive attitude to our defence. A fourth clean sheet for Todd is a great stat. The lads are working so hard. We lost three excellent players from our midfield at the start of this season - and any team losing a core like that could crumple - but our principles have remained and we continue to work hard for each other."