The width of the crossbar prevented Exmouth Town from taking their exhilarating FA Vase tie against Cadbury Heath into extra-time as they finally succumbed to as narrow 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Western League Premier Division outfit, writes John Dibsdall.

With a strong wind at their backs Town struggled to cope with the conditions at the start with far too many passes being over hit.

With their higher level opponents showing more composure they took full advantage of hesitancy in the Town’s defence opening up a two goal lead by the 30th minute.

However, just as they had shown the week before at St Austell, Town once again displayed what an excellent spirit there is in this current Southern Road side as, just five minutes after shipping the second they were back in the contest Ace High headed home at the far post from a Nathan Cooper corner.

A good interchange of passes between Jimmy Hinds and Cooper ended with Cooper being felled and Karl Rickard made no mistake from the resulting spot kick to send the sides into the break on level terms.

Two minutes into the second half and Town were ahead as High again rose highest to head home another corner, netting his 19th goal of the season from just 17 starts!

Three minutes later and another excellent move saw Rickard flash another header narrowly wide, but thereafter chances for Town were almost non-existent as the visitors began to use the wind to more telling affect.

Brave and resolute defending kept the lead intact until the 84th minute when a splendid overhead kick brought the away sides level.

Then, three minutes into added time, the constant pressure told again as a fourth goal was bundled over the line.

Straight from the kick off Town attacked and were awarded with a free kick some 25-yards from goal.

Up stepped Hinds to smash the ball against the crossbar, but as it flew to safety the final whistle was blown.

Obvious disappointment at the result but another successful day for the club with another healthy crowd present that saw further evidence that Town are equipped to play in a higher division.

Another stern test of those credentials awaits this Saturday (November 10) when Tavistock are the visitors and their league record boasts eleven wins on the bounce and one draw, on the opening day of the season, from their twelve games played including a 1-0 victory over Town back in August. Town are also home next Wednesday (November 14) when they meet Elburton Villa (7.30pm).