It’s been a challenging week for the Exmouth Town management team as they have seen their squad decimated by a combination of injuries, holidays and work commitments.

Having started the same side for the previous three games they were forced into six changes for the re-played Brixham cup tie with five making their first starts of the season. In contrast their visitors were able to bring in four players to strengthen their team and two goals in a four minute spell midway through the first half gave them a deserved half time lead. Whilst Town improved in the second half they were unable to breech a well-disciplined defence and exited the FA Cup in disappointing circumstances considering they were leading 3-0 when the initial match was abandoned following the injury to Town striker Jack Thorne.

Town then travelled to Melksham who had scored ten goals in their previous two home games and whilst Tom Bath was added to the unavailable list they were able to welcome back Louis Morison, his International clearance following his spell in Australia last season finally coming through.

Town started this game well, missed a couple of gilt edged chances, including a penalty, before Morison headed home a Joe Belston corner. A goal ahead at the break with their hosts down to ten men following the penalty incident they were rocked with two excellent strikes within six minutes of the second half. Worst was to follow when a thirty five yard screamer found the top corner with seventy two minutes played.

Town had been playing good controlled football, patient in their build-up and reduced the arrears when Tom Gardner forced the ball home in a goalmouth scramble on seventy five minutes. Four minutes later when another Belston corner was fumbled by the ‘keeper Nelson Iscguan was on hand to volley home and earn Town a well-deserved point and preserve their unbeaten start to their league campaign.

Town were in action on Monday at Yate Town who have won all three league games this season as well as two cup ties. Following their Cup exit Town have no scheduled game this Saturday although they are trying to re-arrange a league fixture.