Exmouth Town thirds shared eight goals when they travelled to Bickleigh in Mid Devon to face higher ranked Elmore thirds in a pre-season friendly meeting.

Town began with a good tempo to their game and fashioned a couple of early opportunities before they took the lead with Mat Peligry pouncing on an error from the Elmore govesman to stab the ball home in the 10th minute.

It would have been 2-0 soon after, but goalkeeper atoned for his early error by producing a stunning full-stretch save to keep out a 25-yard strike by Max Reader.

Just before the break Elmore levelled, cashing in on some poor marking in the Town back line and the sides trooped off at the interval all square.

Town began the second half with a tactical switch and reverted to their tried and tested 4/4/2 formation.

It paid quick dividends and the added pace and movement gave them a greater and more attacking shape and it began to take its toll on the Mid Devon men.

Kyle Pearcey fired Town into a 2-1 lead, but parity was swiftly restored from the penalty spot – young Archie Clements, who took over from Ben Vine for the second half, having no chance with the spot kick.

At the other end of the pitch Rob Chidgey made a great run and squared the ball to young Charlie Skinner, but a home defender was in the right place at the right time to deny Town a third. However, Town continued to press and duly edged ahead once more with Sam Cox the scorer.

Once again the home side hit back to make it 3-3, but Town were soon back in front when Pearcey scored his second of the game.

It was from the very last play of an absorbing contest that the match official gave another penalty to the home side for a ‘handball’ offence and the spot kick was rifled home to leave honours even.

The Town Man of the Match award went to young centre back Brad Worthington, but everyone who pulled a Town shirt on deserves credit for the way they performed.