Exmouth got their Southern League Division One South season off to a winning start with a 3-0 win against Thatcham Town at the Complete Infrastructure Stadium.

Josh Cann, Jack Thorne, and an own goal saw Town come out with all three points to open the 24/25 campaign.

It was a cagey opening ten minutes, with both sides figuring each other out, with the hosts getting the first opportunity, after an interception from Ben Griffith saw Town spring into action, which ended up with Ollie Knowles putting a free kick into the wall and firing a second effort wide.

With 17 minutes gone, Exmouth took the lead, as a Josh Cann free kick was flapped at by the goalkeeper, and it found it’s way past the goal line.

It should have been 2-0 just moments later, as Thorne was played in on goal, but he couldn’t keep his footing and his shot trickled past the post.

Town hit the woodwork as they continued to pile on the pressure, as Tom Bath’s shot looked destined for goal, but it struck the post and bounced out.

Thatcham started to grow into the game, with Oliver Bourne and Kyle Tooze having headers that were no trouble for Frankie Phillips.

Joe Belsten and Bath linked up on two occasions for Town’s next chances on goal, with crosses finding the tall striker, with both efforts going off target.

Mike Landricombe was next to come close, after getting on the end of a Knowles free kick, although his header was wide.

Thorne almost got Town’s second at the end of the first half, as he snuck in at the back post, but the goalkeeper was aware enough to make the stop.

Exmouth started the second 45 well, but it was the visitors who had the chances, as Sam Tanner burst past two Town defenders before shooting at Phillips.

The game broke down into a bitty affair, with both sides picking up yellow cards and struggling to break each other down.

Thorne helped Exmouth break from a Thatcham free-kick, and tried an audacious 40 yard lob, which came close to being on target.

Cann would once again provide the cross for the hosts’ second goal, with it being a more definitive own goal this time around, as Bourne rose high and headed the full back’s cross into the back of the net.

Exmouth would make it three just moments later, as Thorne came out with the ball following a scramble and calmly slotted the ball past James Sharlott.

It was a strong performance from Town, who will aim to take that into this Tuesday’s game away at Bideford.