Ottery St Mary FC have a real chance to salvage some Carlsberg Peninsula League East points tomorrow when they are away to Exeter Civil Service.

But their chances depend solely on player availability as the side is once again struggling for quality players and is up against the clubs paying players cash to play.

ECS are just above Ottery in the table, dividing them and Sidmouth Town.

Last week Ottery lost 3-0 at home to Crediton and, for the first time since boss Mel Coombs has been in charge, were completely outplayed.

Russ Coombs and Ben Clay we were their ‘get out of jail’ card as, without them, it could have been a hammering.

Manager Coombs said: “It was as much as we could do to hold them until the 35th minute. It was only 1-0 at half time but the effort put in by my players took its toll against a quality side that all get paid silly money, and that is what we are up against at the moment. Clay has left for Exmouth and others are just not up for the challenge.”

“We need players that want to enjoy the challenge of going up against good opposition. I wouldn't say Crediton were ‘big time Charlies’ because they were very professional, but where is that attitude gone from today's game? I find it disappointing.”

“After saying all that, it was pressure that beat us really, as none of their goals were of any real quality.”

Crediton are currently seventh in the league but have up to seven games in hand over teams above them, five in hand of the league leaders.