The gulf between the top and bottom clubs in this season’s Southern League Division One South was amply demonstrated last Saturday when Exmouth Town succumbed to a 4-1 home defeat to league leaders Wimborne Town, writes John Dibsdall.

Despite their success in their Christmas period games, Town were soon on the back foot and fell behind in the fifth minute, with Wimborne’s Jack Lovell receiving the ball back to goal, turning and shooting into the bottom corner.

With Town unable to get a foothold in the game the lead was doubled with another well worked goal from Harry Morgan on 18 minutes. Driven forward by the sponsors, MB Electrical, Man of the Match, Ethan Slater, Town then responded well and were given a lifeline when a left-foot drive by Aarron Denny deceived the ‘keeper to reduce the deficit.

As Town had finished the first half in the ascendency, hopes were high that Exmouth would continue to push forward and gain parity. These hopes were dashed within 20 seconds of the restart when a driven cross from the right was turned home at the near post by Lovell to restore the two-goal lead.

Unlike the FA Trophy tie, when Town had recovered from a similar deficit to equalise and win a penalty shoot-out this time, there was no way back as Wimborne comfortably managed the game, keeping possession well and, apart from a Nelson Iscguan shot saved at the near post, Town never threatened to score.

As the game drifted into added time, a fine shot from 20 yards by Lewis Beale took a slight deflection to add gloss to the score line for Wimborne.

This defeat leaves Town five points adrift of Yate Town at the foot of the table, who have a game in hand and have also strengthen their squad with two recent signings from National League South side Taunton Town.

This Saturday, Town make the trip to Tavistock hoping for a repeat of their 2-0 success this season in the St Lukes Bowl and atone for their 1-0 loss in the league back in October. It is then back on home turf for the visit of Bishops Cleeve on January 20 and the month ends with a crucial visit from Yate Town on January 27.