Déjà Vu for Exmouth Town last Saturday, as they missed another penalty, took the lead but lost by the odd goal in heartbreaking circumstances four minutes into added time, writes John Dibsdall.

Town travelled to Paulton Rovers knowing that a win was vital to kickstart their season and close the gap at the foot of the table. Two minutes into the game, Ben Steer was scythed down but Louis Morison saw his firmly struck penalty saved by the debutant goalkeeper and, not for the first time this season, the opposing glovesman was named man of the match.

Town continued to press and took the lead on nine minutes, Aarron Denny closing down a defender, winning the ball and crossing for Tom Bath to side-foot home.

Paulton then came more into the match and had strong shouts for a penalty waved away before equalising on 29 minutes with a glancing header from a corner.

The second half followed a similar pattern with neither side able to create any clear chances from open play but both looked dangerous from set pieces.

Nelson Iscguan and Denny had half chances but failed to trouble the home ‘keeper, who was able to adequately deal with the many crosses that came his way.

As the match drifted into added time, Paulton created one good chance that brought a terrific save from Chris Wright, clawing the ball away when destined for the top corner and you thought that Town had done enough to deserve a point.

It was not to be, as from the resulting corner, Paulton attacked the ball and headed home the winner.

A win for Town would have seen them reduce the deficit at the foot of the table to two points, the defeat now leaves them eight points adrift of their victors with Yate Town now their nearest rivals at the foot of the table, six points ahead of Town having played two games less.

This Saturday, Exmouth travel to Evesham with whom they drew 1-1 on the opening day of the season thanks to an Ace High goal. On Boxing Day, they are home to Mousehole when the kick off will be 1.00pm. Their two opponents are currently 9th and 10th in the table with 21 points from 16 and 15 games respectively.