Exmouth Town will welcome Sholing to their Circle of Care Community Stadium this Saturday for their final game of their first ever season in Southern League football.

Sholing are assured of the runners-up spot and inflicted on Town their heaviest league defeat of the season back in November, when three of their four goals were worthy contenders for goal of the season.

Last Saturday, Town did their utmost to spoil the party when they travelled to champions-elect AFC Totton but a 17th minute penalty was enough to seal victory and the league title in front of an official attendance of 1727.

The Hampshire-based side have only lost three league games all season, ironically twice to Sholing and at Hamworthy United, who will finish third in the league and are unbeaten at home since January 2020.

The hosts dominated the early proceedings and deservedly went ahead but Town came back strongly and closed the half having come close to scoring with the best chance falling to Aarron Denny, who weaved his way through the defence, only to be denied by a fine save.

The second half continued in a similar vein with Town looking more likely to score but with the home ‘keeper in assured form, they couldn’t find the elusive finish that may have dampened the spirits of the partisan crowd.

On Easter Monday, Town ensured they would be playing Southern League football next season when they shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw with Bideford in front of a crowd of 400.

A gusting wind made life difficult and, after having strong shouts for handball in the area turned away, Exmouth deservedly took the lead with Ethan Slater’s finish at the far post after a fine move involving four players on 35 minutes.

Bideford equalised with a disputed penalty on 55 minutes, Robbie Powell bringing down the player but appearing to have played the ball first. As Town pressed for a winner, Denny saw his shot rebound from the foot of the post but the point gained ensured Town would finish above the bottom four and outside the potential relegation places.

Devon rivals Bideford and Willand are just above the relegation play-off zone but do have games in hand on the teams below them.