HARTPURY FC extended their unbeaten home run to five games as Billy Osborn’s dramatic stoppage-time winner secured a 2-1 victory over Barnstaple Town.

The Acorns fell behind after just eight minutes at the KMM Energy Stadium, with Oscar Knight rolling the ball home from an angle to give the visitors an early lead.

Hartpury responded strongly, with Nathan Jenkins heading wide from Louis Manning’s cross before Osborn and Manning both dragged efforts narrowly past the far post.

The equaliser arrived after 27 minutes when Manning was brought down inside the penalty area. He picked himself up to take the spot-kick and calmly found the bottom corner to send the sides into half-time level.

Barnstaple threatened early in the second half, forcing goalkeeper Seth Locke into an excellent reaction save to turn Brodie Montague’s volley over the crossbar.

Hartpury then began to create the better chances. Noah Coates was denied from point-blank range by James Hamon, while Morgan Ewing’s header and a low Manning strike were also kept out by the Barnstaple goalkeeper.

The visitors thought they had snatched the points five minutes from time when Montague found the net, but his effort was ruled out for a high boot on Locke.

Hartpury pushed for a winner and their pressure finally paid off in the third minute of added time.

Osborn capitalised on a defensive mistake, rounded Hamon and rolled the ball into an empty net to spark late celebrations.

There was still time for Locke to make one final save in the 96th minute as Hartpury held on for all three points.

The result provided a response to Tuesday night’s defeat and continued Hartpury’s impressive home form this season so far.

The Acorns return to Southern League Division One South action on Tuesday night when they travel to Tiverton Town.