Saltash United 2 Exmouth Town 0

Saltash moved up to third place in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League premier division on Wednesday night after a depleted side saw off in-form Exmouth at Kimberley Stadium.

Right back Dave Barker set them on their way with a 38th minute strike and youngster Shaun Cleary made sure of three points with a confident finish in the 89th minute.

The Ashes were without eight of their first team squad, including top scorer Ryan Richards and influential central defenders Callum O’Brien and Lewis Russell, but the youngsters who came in did the club proud.

Manager Matt Cusack, who played the last 30 minutes in place of Caleb Summerfield, who was having chest pains, said: ‘This result is bigger than Saturday’s (FA Vase win against Westbury) due to the circumstances.

‘It was an outstanding result for our team. We were missing eight players, which shows how well our young players have done.’

The opening 30 minutes were very subdued as both sides struggled to make an impact but the Ashes grew in strength as half-time approached and deservedly broke the deadlock in the 38th minute.

Barker played a ball along the ground into the feet of Sam Hughes, who laid it into the path of the onrushing Barker who fired a fierce low shot into the net.

There was concern in the 42nd minute for youngster Summerfield, who had complained of short breath earlier in the game. He went off for treatment, which continued during the break, but he emerged for the second half looking better.

Unfortunately he went down again on the hour and this time he had to be replaced. He later received treatment from paramedics after complaining of chest pains.

Back on the pitch, Exmouth were fuming when the referee waved away their strong claims for a 61st minute penalty after Ace High went to the ground under a challenge. The visitors appeared to have a good argument for a spot kick but the official thought otherwise.

Soon afterwards, Exmouth goalkeeper Robbie Powell pulled off a magnificent point blank save to keep out a Hughes header from Callum Martindale’s left wing cross.

Jimmy Hinds then fired a 25 yard rocket shot which flew inches wide of the Saltash goal with keeper Ryan Rickard struggling to get across as Exmouth stepped up the pressure.

There was some heroic defending in the late stages, particularly from Chris Menhenick and Danny Lewis, as the Ashes clung on to their one goal advantage.

Bu they were able to relax a minute from time when Cleary capitalised on a poor pass out by Exmouth keeper Powell to produce a confident finish, sparking wild celebrations.

Saltash: R Rickard, D Barker, C Martindale, C Menhenick, H Wilson, C Summerfield (M Cusack 60), S Cleary, S Farrant, S Hughes, J Simmonds (J Tapp 90), D Lewis. Sub not used: D Trott.

Goals: D Barker (38), S Cleary (89).

Yellow cards: S Farrant (68), H Wilson (75).

Exmouth: R Powell, S Merritt, K Williams, M Lever, D Rowe, J Durran, A Denny, J Hinds, A High, N Cooper, K Rickard. Subs: L Durham, S Avery, M Gillard, S Withers.

Yellow cards: K Rickard (2), A Denny (55).

Referee: A Clements.