East Budleigh kicked off the new season with a nail-biting 4-3 victory over Tiverton team Elmore, clinching the win with a last-minute penalty.

The match was a feast of goals, sparked off by a successful shot by Brad Hill 15 minutes into the game, following a productive exchange with Jack Greenslade.

Just six minutes later, the Jays doubled their lead when Mark Lever, who earned the Player of the Match title, set up Greenslade for his first goal of the match.

In response, a startled Elmore fought back, scoring twice to even the match at half-time.

Budleigh regained their lead four minutes into the second half, courtesy of an angled shot from Brad Hill, this time assisted by Jack Howarth.

Regardless, Elmore wouldn't say die and managed to level the playing field once again eight minutes later with a well-executed header from a free kick.

The game approached its conclusion with both teams sensing victory within their grasp.

Jack Rowland, Budleigh's goalkeeper, made an impressive save, while Lever barely missed scoring at the other end.

The match was yet to see its last drama: four minutes from the whistle, the ball was kicked by Greenslade from a corner, leading Toby Hill to be fouled in the box and setting up Greenslade for his decisive penalty goal.

Fresh from their thrilling win, Budleigh steamrolled Okehampton the following week with a resounding 8-0 triumph.

Greenslade and Adam Wilkinson both scored hat-tricks, accompanied by goals from Brad Hill and Mark Lever.

Player of the Match went to Alex Manning this time around.

Meanwhile, East Budleigh Reserves suffered two defeats.

They lost 5-2 against a formidable Heavitree side, with Joe Bowden and Tom Christian managing to score a couple of consolation goals.

Their next game was even more challenging, with a rampant Halwill side defeating them 6-1.

Despite going down with four goals from their opponents, Budleigh managed to claw back a consolation goal, thanks to a combined effort from Ben Wilks, Lewis Fletcher and Dan Atkinson, resulting in a well-deserved goal for Joe Bowden.

The teams are now set to face off against Uffculme and Liverton in their respective upcoming matches.