Colaton Raleigh took on North Tawton winning 7 - 1. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref exsp 3242-07-12AW. To order your copy of this photograph, go to www.exmouthjournal.co.uk and click on myphotos24

Colaton Raleigh 3, South Zeal 2

Colaton Raleigh survived a late rally from a stubborn South Zeal outfit, to claim a crucial three points in their final home game of the league season.

The victory leaves Raleigh requiring just one more win from their remaining two games to clinch a place in the Fresha League Division Two next season.

The villagers had two of their youngest followers amongst another healthy turn-out six-day-old Lily-May Armes, and four-month-old Reece Boyland watching over proceedings at Newton Poppleford.!

Player-boss Riki Pitter gave his team the lead when he turned his marker just inside the box to score with a fierce right foot shot. On the half hour, Pitter brushed off challenges from three defenders, got to the dead ball line and cut the ball back for Mark Pavey to side foot home to make it 2-0.

Just before the hour mark the visitors missed a gilt edged chance, but scored with their very next attack when a looping header from a corner just cleared keeper Liam Keast to reduce the arrears.

Man of the Match Jake Boyland restored the two goal advantage when he flicked the ball up with his right foot, and volleyed in an unstoppable shot from twenty yards with his left foot after sixty five minutes. South Zeal hit back again when their striker showed a blistering turn of pace to break clear of the Raleigh defence and slot home.

However that was to be the final score as Colaton Raleigh’s superb defence shut the door on any further opportunities for the visitors.

A delighted Pitter said: “We want to get promotion in style with a good performance at Tedburn St Mary and then celebrate in style at our final game at Offwell Rangers the Saturday after. The lads are all looking fit, confident, and certainly seem to be raring to go”.

Colaton Raleigh have two to play to bank the three points they need starting with that visit to Tedburn St Mary this weekend.