SDFL division one

Teignmouth reserves 2

Dartmouth kept their title aspirations alive when they recorded their third successive league win with a not-so-straightforward 7-2 victory against second-from-bottom Teignmouth reserves.

Managers Gary Lobb and Chick decided to rest the influential Mark Forrester in midfield, replacing him with the returning Liam Ford. Jordan Frost regained his place in the starting line-up after recovering from an injury, deputising for Eric Thompson at the heart of defence alongside Lee Haywood.

An unorthodox formation allowed winger Josh Webber to push forward and support the forwards, and it was he who came closest to opening the scoring when a fierce drive from outside the area struck the crossbar.

Teignmouth then began to impose themselves on the match by maintaining possession for long periods, although Sam Davies in the Dartmouth goal had little to deal with as the home defence dealt well with the threat of the away strikers.

With top scorer Karl Baker in the side Dartmouth always knew they would create chances and after good play from Webber, Dartmouth must have thought they had taken the lead, but Baker's effort rolled agonisingly wide of the goal.

They weren't to be denied for too long, Baker unselfishly laying off to Liam McAuley, who saw his improvised effort nestle in the back of the net in the 20th minute.

This goal settled the Dartmouth nerves, and the central midfield trio of Ford, Scott Mcroy and Alan Savage began to dictate the tempo of the match.

Just before half-time Dartmouth had their second goal, when Baker clinically finished off after more good play from Webber.

The second half started with Teignmouth pressing for a route back into the match, and fifteen minutes into the half they were rewarded for their efforts.

The visiting midfielder got his toe to the ball after Dartmouth failed to deal with a corner at the front post, reducing the score to 2-1.

After a series of wasted Dartmouth chances, Teignmouth grabbed an equaliser after an unlucky deflection off Ryan Frost saw the ball loop over the despairing Davies and into the net.

This equalising goal against the run of play appeared to galvanize the hosts, and with around 15 minutes remaining a floated ball from Webber into McAuley resulted in the latter smashing home an expertly controlled volley into the corner of the net.

Forrester and Mark Sneap were then introduced to see the Darts over the line, and it was Baker who put clear daylight between the teams with a clever finish after some good defensive work from brother Richie.

Not long after Baker collected the match ball with a decisive finish to complete his hat-trick after the Teignmouth goalkeeper had produced a fine stop, and shortly after the restart the 'keeper had a moment to forget when he presented Baker with his fourth goal after a scuffed clearance.

It was Baker who rounded off the scoring with the last kick of the game to give Dartmouth their seventh goal and another important three points, although it could be argued that the scoreline flattered the hosts, who were made to work hard by the battling Teigns.

This week the firsts travel to Buckland Athletic in the league, kick-off is at 2.30pm.