Teignmouth returned from north Devon after putting in a powerful performance to take all three points from an in-form Appledore side.

Playing up the slope and against the wind in the first half, Teigns coped with the difficult conditions much better than their hosts, whose long-ball tactics were easily dealt with by Teigns' back three of Jaime Dodge, Alex Blackburn and the tough-tackling Matt Boyer.

With keeper Liam Jones commanding his area, the visitors grew in confidence, keeping the ball on the ground and playing neat controlled football.

Geoff Breslan, Andy Breslan and Ian Wilkinson had the run of the midfield, switching play to wide men Terry Breslan and Ashley Webber.

Teigns' attacks were incisive and soon tested Appledore, Webber driving in a cross to the near post that the home keeper fumbled and conceded a corner.

Up front, Adam Hill and Rob Perry caused problems, exploiting the gaps in the home defence and only some last-ditch tackles prevented Teigns taking the lead.

Perry hit a volley over the bar with the goal gaping and long-range efforts from A Breslan and T Breslan flew high and wide.

Appledore tested Jones with a few shots from distance but assured goalkeeping prevented them from opening the scoring and Teigns' well-marshalled back trio caught the home forwards offside on many occasions.

A 0-0 scoreline at half-time did not reflect Teigns' dominance of the first period and they knew they would have to put in the same commitment in the second period to take anything from the game.

From the kick-off G Breslan ran through and shot from the edge of the box, but his effort cleared the bar by inches. Ten minutes later the same player volleyed home from 30 yards to give Teigns the lead.

Appledore responded and equalised, Skinner breaking clear and beating Jones with a neat finish.

In the 65th minute Teigns restored their advantage, Webber's corner beat the home side's near post defender and Hill was on hand to finish.

Teignmouth were in no mood to let victory slip from their grasp and kept the home side under pressure.

With 15 minutes remaining, a foul on Webber on the left wing resulted in a free-kick. G Breslan, seeing the home keeper off his line, curled the ball home into the top corner to put Teigns 3-1 ahead.

A spell of Appledore pressure was easily dealt with and Teigns could have increased their lead with A Breslan going close with a 25-yard strike, before Wilkinson weaved his way through only to see his shot blocked.

Hill was then the recipient of a reckless challenge and Tristan Dorey came off the bench to replace him for the final five minutes.

This was an impressive display from Teignmouth against a side who, in their prevous two home games, had knocked second placed Stoke Gabriel out of the Devon Premier Cup before beating the same side 5-2 in a league match.

Tomorrow, third placed Bovey Tracey visit Coombe Valley, kick-off 2.15pm.