Beer Albion made an inauspicious start to their Macron Devon and Exeter Premier League campaign with two heavy defeats in the course of four days, writes Richard Honnor.

On Wednesday, the Fishermen went down 4-1 away to Exmouth Town Reserves under the floodlights at a Southern Road.

After conceding two early goals against their impressive opponents, Beer got themselves back in the game on 18 minutes when striker Chris Long scored at the near post after a cleverly-worked free-kick.

For the remainder of the first half the Fishermen matched their excellent opponents, but after the break they were overwhelmed in midfield and conceded another two goals. Beer had no answer to Town’s one-touch give-and-go football, but centre backs Joe Adkin and Kieron Love, the latter returning after a serious leg injury battled hard to keep the Fishermen in the game.

Another bright spot was the performance of young Jack Harwood who was making his debut for Beer. He worked non-stop for his team and gave The Seasiders plenty of problems down the right flank.

Beer’s plight did not improve on Saturday when, with several players unavailable due to a local wedding, they were trounced 6-0 at the Furzebrake by another impressive outfit, Elmore.

The Fishermen were again overwhelmed in midfield and consequently the back line was overstretched as Elmore were able to attack in numbers.

With twin-striker Chris Long absent, Beer’s Richard Walker ploughed a lonely furrow up front with no one able to capitalise on his clever hold-up play and neat through passes.

The Fishermen can thank keeper Mark Rooke and centre backs Joe Adkin and Andrew Foster that the score line wasn’t greater. Midfielder George Harwood also put in a good shift.

In fairness to Beer, they were probably unlucky to meet two of the strongest teams in the Division at this stage of the season.

A more realistic assessment of how the Fishermen’s season is likely to progress can be made on Tuesday evening (August 29) when they play Upottery. Kick off at the Furzebrake is at 6:30 pm and the Match Sponsor is Beer Fish and Chip Shop.

Tuis coming Saturday (September 2) Beer are at home to Hatherleigh Town in the 1st round of the East Devon Senior Cup. Kick Off is at 2pm and the match sponsor is Steamers Restaurant in Beer.

Meanwhile, after taking a 3-1 lead, Beer Reserves started their Macron League Division Four campaign on the wrong end of a 7-4 thriller at Winkleigh last Saturday. They travel to Ottery St Mary next Saturday for Bill Slee Cup 1st Round tie.