UPLYME 1sts suffered their third away defeat in a row, losing 3-2 to Budleigh Salterton 2nds, but they came away in high high spirits and praise from the referee on the quality of the overall game. 

Budleigh's 1st team had a cancelled game, so a number of players from five divisions above featured in the starting 11, making it very hard work for The Swallows early on.

The sharp passing and movement from the home team resulted in a quick 2-0 lead which lasted until half-time. However, Uplyme pressed midway through the first half and won a penalty through the direct running of Joe Urquhart, who would feature heavily later in the game. The keeper pulled off a good save from hardworking skipper Fin Mclean, but the team talk was upbeat at the break due to the chances now being created.

It seemed all over early in the second half when Budleigh grabbed a third, but Uplyme refused to go quietly. Urquhart sprang into action with two excellent goals, including one rasping drive from the edge of the box, and firing into the top corner. He could have sealed an incredible fight-back, but squared a ball to no one when he could have gone for goal himself, after a brilliant run and dribble past the advancing keeper.

The whistle blew on another loss but the whole team, including the management team, were upbeat: "A bit of bad timing, to meet a team whose 1st team were available for selection. They had a number of them in key places and their three goals were scored by those players.

"Having said that, what a brilliant effort from our lads and coming away with a point would have been reward for that effort, today. The ref was full of praise for the standards on show and, even with so many good lads missing, we still played to a competitive level. Joe was brilliant, today, and his desire reflects in every other player. Hansford had his best ever game at left back and we brought in some Reserves who stepped up magnificently. We are delighted with the effort and spirit that was shown."