During the last week, Exmouth Town have completed a remarkable turnaround that has seen them ensure Southern League football at their Circle of Care Community stadium next season, writes John Dibsdall.

When Town hosted Larkhall Athletic on February 24, they had failed to win a league game at home all season, were five points adrift of safety, firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and had lost four consecutive games.

It was 0-0 at half time but the floodgates opened and Town ran out 5-0 winners to set in motion an incredible run that now sees them 12 points above the bottom side. Ironically that side, Paulton Rovers, are the visitors this Saturday, who still have all to play for as they try and chase down Westbury United.

It was a 2-0 victory at Westbury last Tuesday evening that all but ensured survival and whilst Town lost 1-0 at Cribbs last Saturday, a 1-0 victory by Larkhall Athletic over Paulton meant safety was assured.

At Westbury, a strong first-half performance saw Town go into the break two goals ahead. A fine drive from Ben Steer opened the scoring and a piece of trickery from Aarron Denny doubled the lead.

Important saves from Chris Wright kept the lead intact and whilst the crossbar also came to Town’s rescue, their ‘keeper had to make a superb save to deny Joe Belsten scoring from the penalty spot.

The 1-0 defeat at Cribbs was very much an anti-climax affair. Cribbs, third in the table, will finish in the play offs, are an uncompromising side and, on the day, wanted the win more. Town were outplayed for most of the first half and were undone by a superb strike on the stroke of half time.

The second half performance was better. Steer had Town’s best chance but shot across the face of the goal when clear, but all the time Town knew that Paulton were losing and that they were safe from relegation.

At the Paulton, match the Town’s Supporters Player of the Season will be presented with the Trophy and then on Tuesday evening, Exmouth will complete their season with a visit to Mousehole.