APPLEDORE are the surprise early leaders in the North Devon League premier division.

Two wins in the last week, both by a 2-1 scoreline, have seen Kevin Fishwick's side maintain their excellent start to the campaign.

And a shock defeat for Boca Seniors against Barnstaple AAC last Wednesday means the Fishermen are the only side yet to taste defeat.

Goals from Steve Skinner and Dave Brown rewarded their neat football in the first half against Ilfracombe Town.

Byrone Montague pulled one back but the Bluebirds were denied their first point by a key save from third-team goalkeeper Dave Stevens.

Not everything has been going Appledore's way though. Rob Avery's twice-taken penalty was brilliantly saved by Ki Standley at Combe.

And Skinner had a spot kick saved by Will Radford as Brown and Phil Kelly wrapped up the win against Bradworthy. Nathan Bonney scored for the visitors.

Barnstaple AAC's penalty-saving expert, Shaun Walker, denied Jon Lloyd from 12 yards as his side battled for a draw at North Molton.

A powerful drive from Kyson Chugg looked set to give them all three points but the pressure finally told when Scott Bryant grabbed a late equaliser.

Chugg fired the Ammies to a dream 3-0 lead over a stunned Boca Seniors.

Shaun Lewis, helping his old side out, opened the scoring, Ed Yeo made it 2-0 and Jordan Charran hit the fourth after Richard Shannon pulled one back with a penalty.

Despite losing their first two fixtures, Shamwickshire Rovers are still two points better off than this time last season.

The champions have three points from three games after scoring in the first and last minutes in the 2-0 win over Braunton.

Ben Evans-Loude slammed home a penalty to get them going and James Bateman settled a tight contest.

A free kick from Evans-Loude gave Shammy a first-minute lead at Bideford too, but they were undone by their neighbours for the second time in five days.

Rick Davey and Alex Farmer gave the Robins a 2-1 win at the Sports Ground.

Their record of three wins from the first four games is matched by Torridgeside who were buzzing after their own derby triumph, 4-2 against Torrington.

Nathan Walter and Rob Holland gave the Donnacroft boys a 2-0 lead before the Greens came roaring back through Carl Mott and Rik Williams

The match turned when Torrington had Malcolm Stewart sent off and substitute Marc Bettiss struck twice to seal it for the visitors.

Torridgeside's unbeaten record was ended on Saturday by a determined display from Combe Martin.

Defending superbly, the visitors took the points with a goal in each half from Andros Stavrinou, his fourth of the season, and Pete Varley.

Torrington scored twice late on through Dean Johns and Dan Bishop to salvage a draw with Georgeham after the referee threatened to abandon the game due to abuse from a small section of the crowd. Andy Bwye (two) and a sweet volley from Alex Marks put the Hammers in control, while Mark Hill replied for Torrie with a penalty.

Much-improved Bradworthy raced 2-0 ahead against Dolton thanks to a powerful header from Gary Clarke and Michael Sampson.

Charlie Tubb and Will Clark hauled the visitors level after half time but a deadly finish from Carlo Chandler restored the lead.

Brad made sure of their first points as Craig Darby scored twice, including a penalty.

Dolton missed out against North Molton too, with Greg Holland and Matt Coombes giving the Stags their first win.