UPLYME 1sts look a trip to Cullompton Rangers 2nds. Debuting three new signings, Oliver Gunstone, Dan Collins and Jack Holmwood, the Swallows started brightly if a little disjointed as the new players bedded in. 

The lead was taken when striker Jamie Gunstone unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the box that cannoned off both posts before hitting the back of the net.

The heavy, uneven pitch proved troublesome and led to centre-back Josh Lawrence turning his ankle, Tom Fitzgerald taking his place.

Cullompton equalised from a smart run and finish from the Cully winger. Just before the break, a run and low shot from Joe Urquhart almost beat the keeper whose touch sent it tantalisingly wide.

Cullompton started the second half on the front foot and took the lead when a low cross was swept in. Uplyme responded swiftly. Marcus Symonds, Joe Urquhart and Dan Collins, with striker Gunstone using his physical presence, causing problems for the opposition and numerous chances were created, the keeper pulling off a string of saves to deny the Swallows.

Gunstone was fouled on the edge of the area and took the ball, powering the free kick into the corner to level up. Jack Holmwood was proving tenacious, forging an impressive midfield partnership with Connor Tate.

A clash of heads lead ultimately to his exit with concussion with five minutes to go. Deep into injury time, the game was lost. A Cullompton corner was bundled in to give the hosts all three points from a 3-2 victory.

Maager Pete Blandamer's commented: "This was a frustrating afternoon. We deserved to come away with at least a point. Cullompton were good across the back with an excellent keeper but we just don't seem to be getting the breaks that our play deserves.

"Once again, we came up against a team bolstered by their !sts not playing, with two of their squad having 31 games between them this season at South West Peninsula Premier level."