Offwell Rangers went down by the odd goal in five at Exwick Village where events off the pitch played a big part in proceedings.

Upon arrival at the ground Rangers found that the home dressing rooms – provided by the council - were locked and there was no key available which meant a walk back to the car park to get changed in cars!

The delay also meant there was no time for the usual warm-up and the Rangers performance was typical of the troubled start off the pitch! Indeed the start was poor and they fell behind within two minutes.

Rangers eventually found their feet in the contest and a Liam Spiller goal had things all square at half-time.

The start of the second half saw Rangers dominate the ball – and chances – but no second goal was forthcoming. They were denied what looked a clear-cut penalty and then, to add insult to injury, a similar incident in their own penalty area led to a spot kick from which the Exeter side took a 2-1 lead.

Rangers’ heads dropped and a third was conceded. That was followed by good period for Rangers and a second Spiller goal set up a frenetic finish, but time ran out on the bid for a third and Rangers were left to reflect on what might have been. Two-goal Spiller was named the Rangers Man of the Match.

On Saturday (October 8), Rangers begin a run of five successive home Macron League Division Six games when they host Elmore Reserves.