Exmouth Town are still looking for their first home league win of the season as they went down 2-1 to the in-form side in the division, Yate Town, who extended their winning streak in 2024 to four matches, writes John Dibsdall.

When you are at the bottom of the league, the breaks don’t go your way and that was the case in the 12th minute of this game. Town were denied a certain penalty and a possible sending off when a Yate player handled the ball almost on the goal line to prevent a certain goal. Not in the eyes of the officials.

The let-off spurred Yate into action and two goals in a three-minute spell effectively sealed victory. A driven cross was half cleared, only to be returned with interest with a powerful header from Jo Guest with 26 minutes played.

Three minutes later, the lead was doubled when a ball over the top caught Town flat-footed and Nick McCootie raced clear to score. Both goals coming from players recently signed from Taunton Town and their National League experience was evident for all to see. McCootie could have made it three but his shot came back off the inside of the post.

The second half saw Town huff and puff and two goal line clearances from Dave Rowe and debutant Jacob Mead, match sponsors Corver Ltd man of the match, kept the score to two but as Yate created the better chances, they also hit the crossbar and had a goal ruled out as the referee had blown for a head injury.

As the game drifted to added time, a mistake from the Yate ‘keeper saw him throw the ball to Tom Bath but his effort narrowly missed the far post and with virtually the last kick of the match, Levi Landricombe finished off a fine move for a consolation goal.

With the other sides at or near the bottom of the league losing, it is status quo for Town as they remain five points adrift of Paulton Rovers and Bashley. This Saturday, they travel to Worcestershire side Malvern Town.

When the sides met in the reverse fixture, a Ben Steer goal gave Town a half time lead but three second half goals secured a Malvern win.