Exmouth Town will be hoping they can rediscover their goal scoring ability in their home games when they entertain Malvern Town at the Circle of Care Community Stadium this Saturday, writes John Dibsdall.

Last Saturday, Town dominated their match with Tavistock for long periods, created good goal scoring opportunities but, for the third home league game in a row, failed to score and succumbed to the typical “smash and grab” scenario with the visitors claiming victory in the 87th minute.

From the start, Town pushed forward with Ben Steer forcing the first of many saves from Aaron Dearing in the Tavistock goal. Steer’s desire to close down a defender, win the ball and drive into the penalty area resulted in a penalty after he was bundled over. Having scored from the spot last week, he took responsibility again but his tame effort was comfortably saved.

As Town opened up the Tavistock defence again, Steer shot straight at Dearing, while Ace High and Mike Landricombe had efforts blocked. When Dean Billingsly outmuscled a defender to set up Callum Shipton Dearing again came to the rescue with an excellent save.

The second half continued in a similar vein with High and Landricombe having free headers from corners without hitting the target and Tavistock being restricted to long-range efforts.

Dearing made another fingertip save to deny Levi Landricombe and, having accepted that the game had 0-0 written all over it, the inevitable happened and Tavistock scored following their first shot on target.

Alex Battle forced his way into the area, his firm shot bobbled in front of Andrew Sowden-Bird who failed to gather cleanly and the rebound fell kindly for Dan Koita to ram home the winner.

News came through on Friday that Hamworthy United had withdrawn from the league. Their home ground is owned by the Dorset FA and the club had failed to meet the required grading requirements and had been playing their home games at Weymouth.

Without the income generated from home games their financial position had become untenable to retain their Southern League status and they felt they had no option but to resign. We assume their playing record will be expunged and that only one club will be relegated this season but that has yet to be confirmed.