Exmouth Town Reserves have opted against participation in a mini tournament devised by the Devon Football League to bring some competitive action over the next two months.
It was obviously not an easy decision for the Southern Road hierarchy, but one that is completely understandable at a time when the club is unable to recoup any of the costs that come with staging matches.
The second-team are instead focussing on preparations for a new campaign in the League next season.
“We have decided against entering the mini tournament for the Devon Football League,” said Exmouth Town reserves manager Tim Wright.
“With all the restrictions still in place, no clubhouse or the bar not being able to properly open, or supporters being able to attend, it just didn’t feel like a viable option for us.
“Our thoughts have turned toward next season already, getting the club ready for what will hopefully be a normal year of football.
“It’s a friendly tournament for the League and we wish everyone well, but not something we felt was right for Exmouth Town.”
The mini tournament has been devised with five different groups spread across the region, all comprising four clubs.
In the East division, Ottery St Mary will take on Clyst Valley, Topsham and the University of Exeter, with each team playing one another home and away.
The Exeter West group involves Alphington, Newtown, Exwick Villa and Okehampton Argyle. Group West will be Plymstock, Lakeside, Plympton and the Plymouth Argyle development side.
There are two groups from the South, including Buckland Reserves, Teignmouth, Roselands and Watcombe, plus Chudleigh, Liverton, Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves.
Once the group format has reached a conclusion, the five group winners and top three runners-up will advance to the quarter-finals, currently scheduled for May 22.
The semi-finals will be played on May 26 and a grand final on May 29.
The Devon Football League was formed two years ago as a new bridge between regional divisions and the Peninsula League, although Covid restrictions has sadly forced the main competition to be cancelled for two successive seasons.