Exmouth Town start 2022 with a trip to Shepton Mallet on Saturday. They were due to travel to Mousehole on New Year’s Day but that game was postponed by the home side due to Covid.

Ironically, ‘The Mallet’ had their scheduled New Year game with Street also called off with the opposition suffering with Covid.

Shepton Malley closed 2021 in style with victories over Helston Athletic (3-1) and Bridgwater United (2-0). They were also successful when they visited Southern Road back in September, ending Town’s involvement in the FA Vase with a 1-0 victory.

With the results over the Christmas period going their way, Town are third in the table although Bridgwater and Ilfracombe could go above Town if they win their holiday games but Town would have games in hand over both clubs.

Tavistock remain the side to catch with 52 points from 23 games played, 14 points ahead of Town, who have played three games less.

Town’s first competitive game of 2021 was their opening match of the Western League 2021/22 season a 2-2 draw with Clevedon Town.

This was followed with a 4-0 win at Street with Ben Steer scoring twice to add to his brace in the opening match.

A 2-1 FA Cup win at Buckland Athletic led to Town defeating Bristol Manor Farm 2-1 in the next round before losing 3-1 to Truro City. Highlights of their league campaign are 11-0 and 8-1 victories over Brislington and Cadbury Heath respectively, as well as coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Tavistock and notable victories on the road at Keynsham, Saltash and Bridgwater.

Jordan Harris is the leading goal scorer with 20 in all competitions followed by Ben Steer with 14 and Aarron Denny with 10. In 13 home fixtures 3,537 have watched Town an average of 272, the highest being 450 for the Boxing Day fixture with Bridport.

Whilst the Exmouth first-team are on their travels, Town Reserves are home to Liverton United, kick-off 3pm, looking to complete the double having won 2-0 at Liverton in December.

Exmouth Journal: General view of Exmouth Town during pre season match between Exmouth Town and Verwood Town at Exmouth Football Club, Exmouth, Devon on 3 July 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUKGeneral view of Exmouth Town during pre season match between Exmouth Town and Verwood Town at Exmouth Football Club, Exmouth, Devon on 3 July 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK (Image: Pinnacle Photo Agency Ltd)