OTTERY St Mary are looking forward to their big derby Devon Cup third round match against Budleigh Salterton in a fortnight’s time, confident that they have made huge strides this season.

And much of that confidence has come from a terrific effort against Exmouth Town last Saturday which, while in ended in defeat, had shown a great deal of brilliance in the first hour.

Ottery were 3-2 up with just a few minutes to go and were beaten by Exmouth’s total commitment and stubborn refusal to accept defeat.

Manager Dane Bunney said: “It has been a real sickener this week, trying to get over the defeat. For the first hour, Ottery were brilliant - and played the best of any team I have watched this season.”

The midfield trio of Michael Burke, Chris Sowden and Dan Jewell were the lynch pins of a great team effort which only faltered due to poor defending. Bunney reckons he has seen enough in 14 games to know that the young backs need an experienced defender to keep them on the straight and narrow and he is currently in the process of signing one.

“They played so well, passed so well, that it’s gutting to be let down at the back. We can score goals, but won’t win until we stop conceding them,” he added. Ottery weren’t helped by having Daryl Johnson sent off in the second half.

Goals were scored by Ash McDiarmid, Dan Jewell and Lee Withy and, even at 3-3, they had a further chance to win.

This Saturday, they travel to play Bickleigh away.