A superb 4-1 victory at Clyst Valley has confirmed Exmouth Rovers as champions of Division 1 East in the Devon and Exeter League.
It is an amazing achievement for a club that only came into existence in 2019 after a group of players came together to embark on a football journey that has a long way to run.
“We’ve had five games since we came back and managed to win every one,” said manager Tom Matthews.
“It’s taken us two years to finish a season but, when you think we were originally supposed to start in Division 8 of the League, it is a great achievement for the lads.
“We asked the League to place us higher because of the players we have at the club and the reshuffling of the divisions has led to us winning Division 1 East.
“I’m hoping they look at how well we’ve done in this league and we can possibly start next year in the Premier Division.
“The club only formed a couple of years ago, when a group of lads who weren’t playing decided to get together.
“The lads contributed money to get things started and we pretty much made the club from nothing. It was just a bunch of guys who weren’t playing football.
“A lot of us used to play for Exmouth Amateur FC and we just wanted to form a team together, which I was happy to take on as manager.
“We’ve also had a lot of younger lads join the team, so a nice blend of youth and experience.
“We’ve managed to play 27 league games since we formed, won 25 and drawn twice, so we’ve not lost in the league yet.”
The title was secured in customary style from Rovers, with Cubby Tinsley opening the scoring from close range and an own goal doubled the lead.
Clyst managed to pull one back but that merely spurred Rovers into action, restoring their two-goal lead with a penalty from James Clarke. Karl Riddell headed in a fourth and celebrations could begin properly when the final whistle sounded.