Taylor Rooke hit a hat-trick as Beer Albion put on a much- improved performance to take all three points in a 5-2 Devon League win at North Molton Sports.

Beer created the better chances in an even first half with Billy Knox especially unlucky when he hit both posts.

The scores were level 1-1 at the break before the home side went 2-1 in front against the run of play.

Some dubious decisions from the official then caused problems. A North Molton defender was sent off with twenty minutes left and from the free kick that followed Beer got level.

There was a further setback for the home side when another player was sin-binned and Albion exacted full punishment with three quick goals.

George Richards got the other two Beer goals and Taylor Rooke picked up the Man of the Match Award for his treble.

Commented Beer manager Mark Rooke, “Although we were the better team throughout and I do feel we would have got the better of a tiring North Molton team, I have to admit the referee’s decision making in the second half killed the opposition.”

Elsewhere Budleigh Salterton lost by the odd goal in five at Appledore and Ottery St. Mary were beaten 2-0 at Dartmouth who scored twice through Stuart Bowker.