A high-tempo performance from Teignmouth enabled them to take the points, although the win only moved them up one place to ninth in the table and six points behind leaders Galmpton.

Having two matches in hand on most of the teams ahead of them and five in hand on the team in eighth (Exmouth), Teigns are in a good position to climb nearer the top, should they win their games in hand.

The hosts opened the scoring in the fourth minute, player manager Geoff Breslan combining with Craig Stonelake to release Adam Hill on the right. Hill made no mistake, driving the ball home from the edge of the penalty area.

The early goal gave Teigns confidence, and slick passing between Adam Fay and Paul Tucker set up Stonelake, whose shot was saved by visiting keeper Sandy Allen.

Exmouth were by no means on the back foot and showed their intent, testing home keeper Darren Shrubb with a couple of long range efforts.

In the 11th minute they levelled when their number nine, Ben Shephard, got in front of the home defence to steer the ball into the bottom corner.

However, within three minutes Teigns had restored their lead, Jamie Surman rising to head home Geoff Breslan's corner.

Teigns kept the pressure up and Fay lobbed the ball inches over after being put through by Geoff Breslan.

Andy Breslan filled the right back spot for this game but still managed to join the attack. Surging down the right, he fired the ball across the face of goal but Allen stole the ball off Paul Tucker's toe.

A super pass from Ian Wilkinson gave Geoff Breslan time to pick his spot and shoot from 25 yards, but his effort came back off the post. Tucker knocked in the rebound only to be denied by the offside flag.

Teigns were creating chances but not taking them. When Hill chipped over it looked as if the squandered chances could cost them as Exmouth came back into the game, but Shrubb saved a 30-yard free kick with ease.

Teigns finished the half well but couldn't get the goal their play merited. Allen saved a scorching shot from Fay and Wilkinson's jinking run took, him through the visiting defence but his shot fizzed across the area.

Early in the second half Teignmouth went close to extending their lead through Stonelake and Geoff Breslan, and again Tucker was foiled as Allen saved his shot on the turn.

Wilkinson then saw his effort saved after leaving three defenders trailing in his wake.

Hills tenacity and persistence took him clear on the right, but his cross was plucked of Fay's head by Allen. In the next attack, Fay's header put Hill clear and his cross was deftly headed into the back of the net by Stonelake to put Teigns 3-1 ahead.

Lee Willis made a welcome return to first team action in the 60th minute when he replaced Surman.

Exmouth tried to get back into the match, but Willis and captain Alex Blackburn were strong at the back, and Shrubb was rarely called upon as the hosts closed down the game.

Tucker and Geoff Breslan had chances before Stonelake waltzed through the visiting defence in the 72nd minute and dinked the ball past Allen to double his tally and give Teigns their fourth.

With 15 minutes remaining, Leon Saint came on for Terry Breslan and almost added a fifth, but his chip went high and wide.

As the game drew to a close Shrubb fisted clear a rasping drive and Stonelake was denied his hat-trick by yet another save from Allen.

Tomorrow, Teignmouth visit Liverton, kick-off 2.15pm.The following Saturday hey are away to Totnes & Dartington, kick-off 11am.

l Teignmouth's first team players and management made a collection for charity and will be donating the money raised to the Louisa Carey Ward at Torbay Hospital. It is hoped that this will become an annual event.MORE SPORT IN OUR ONLINE EDITION