It is now ten games since Exmouth Town won at home in the Southern League, their last success coming on April 1 when they defeated Tavistock 1-0.

Of the ten games played since, three have been drawn with five of the seven defeats being lost by the odd goal.

The latest setback came with a 3-2 defeat to high flying Cribbs FC when Town had led, gone behind, equalised and then fell to another quick counter attack.

The neutral would have struggled to see which side were bottom of the league, as Town were the better team for the opening half-hour, taking the lead on 24 minutes. A lofted Ace High pass, a deft header from Levi Landricombe that set Tom Bath clear to round the ‘keeper and shoot pas tthe covering defender.

There had been signs that Cribbs were quick on the counter-attack and, after one attempt had been saved, they equalised on 36 minutes. Two minutes before the break, another swift attack left Town exposed with the resulting clean finish giving the visitors the lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Town battling hard and putting pressure on the Cribbs goal without creating any clear-cut chances in open play. There were a couple of near misses before another scramble led to Tom Gardner forcing the ball home.

Looking to continue the momentum, Town were undone in the 75th minute when the pace of the Cribbs counter-attack gave them a two-on-two situation and they again made no mistake, firing home what proved to be the winning goal.

Whilst Town never let their heads drop, they were unable to create a real opportunity to give them another equaliser their overall play deserved.

With confirmation finally being received that only one side would be relegated this season, other results were in Town’s favour, as Paulton Rovers were defeated 4-0 by Town’s conquerors last week, Larkhall Athletic, and Bashley lost 3-1 at home to Bideford.

It doesn’t get any easier for Town, as they travel to Frome this Saturday who are also riding high and with games in hand could go to the top of the league. They are also enjoying a fine run in the FA Trophy where they have reached the third round proper.