Exmouth Town 4, Ottery St Mary 0

Even though the scoreline suggests that there is no improvement in Ottery St Mary's fortunes, there is much to be said about the way the team is playing and fighting to gain that elusive first win of the season.

Exmouth are a good side and high on confidence, whereas Ottery, although filled with plenty of enthusiasm, find it difficult to cope with sloppy mistakes that lead to them going behind, Ottery were set up to have a go at their hosts but losing skipper Ben Woolley earlier in the morning and Dan Churchill breaking down in the warm up, and news that Russell Coombs’ delayed transfer will go on for another week all added to an already difficult game.

From the start it was obvious Ottery were going to have to dig in and weather a series of attacks. For 20 minutes, the Otters defended well until they conceded their fourth penalty in as many games under Mel Coombs. Ottery continued to restrict Exmouth to efforts outside the penalty area but, just before the break, a slip from a defender allowed Exmouth to double their lead.

The second half was much the same, but another error allowed the home side to extend their lead, and another penalty conceded, with 15 minutes to go didn't stop the Ottery side from competing for everything.

Manager Mel Coombs said: "I just can't believe our luck at the moment, but I cannot fault my players for their attitude. They just don't stop working and, when we turn this run around, we will be in great shape to finish the season strongly.

“We just have to learn from the mistakes. We have three tough games coming up but, in the next two weeks, I should have the squad I want to make Ottery a competing force.”