Exmouth Town gained another crucial point in their fight for Southern League survival with a hard earned and richly deserved goalless draw with table-topping Frome Town on Saturday, writes John Dibsdall.

With Paulton Rovers losing 2-1 at promotion-chasing Wimborne Town, an Exmouth victory tomorrow night at Westbury United would virtually assure Town of Southern League football next season.

With great credit given to the volunteers that had worked tirelessly on the pitch to ensure it passed the referee’s inspection, both sides provided good entertainment to the 353 spectators.

Whilst both defences were generally on top, there were chances for both sides with Tom Bath unlucky not to continue his goal scoring run. In the 32nd minute, his well-struck shot hit the underside of the bar and was eventually cleared.

In a first half that saw Exmouth generally in the ascendency, Bath and the sponsors, Exmouth Town Youth, Man of the Match Callum Shipton also went close but it needed a timely block by Tom Gardner to take the sides into the half-time break on level terms.

The second half started in a similar vein with Bath being set clear but unable to get his shot away before being tackled and Aarron Denny was denied at the death by another good save.

Whilst the threatened gale force wind never really materialised, the breeze did increase and Town did find it difficult at times to clear their lines but the back four, in particular, stayed firm and resolute.

As Frome pressed for the winner, Chris Wright made one crucial stop and blocks by Joe Belsten and again by Gardner kept the goal intact.

This was another excellent performance by Town in difficult conditions against a side sitting at the top of the table and continues the improvement shown since a 4-2 win at Evesham on December 23.

Prior to that game, Town had six points from 16 games they now have 24 points from the next 16 games, a remarkable turnaround.

It won’t be any easier this Saturday as Town travel to Cribbs FC, who are third in the League and whilst it is unlikely they will replace either of the top two, they will be looking to ensure their place in the end of season play-offs for the remaining promotion slot.

With Town’s game at Mousehole on Easter Monday being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, that match will now be played on Tuesday, April 23.