Time for Seaton Town youngsters to shine

ON paper, bottom-of-the-table Axminster Town’s trip to runaway League leaders could not have proved a tougher way to complete what has been a tough season for the Tigers.

And so it proved, as the record-breaking hosts went goal-crazy smashing through the 100-goal barrier with an 8-1 victory. Terry Emmett netted the Tigers’ lonely looking consolation.

Manager Nick Ogden was realistic about the result, he said: “It was a typical end of season game. We only had the bare 11 and three of those were walking wounded! But they deserve praise for the effort they have put in right to the end.”

Meanwhile, after a really difficult season Axminster Reserves completed their Devon & Exeter League Division Two campaign with a win and a draw to finally move their points tally into positive figures!

On Saturday goals from Adam Downes (2) and Leo Maguire earned a 3-1 win at North Tawton whilst on Monday the Tigers’ second-string battled back from 3-1 down to pinch a point after a 3-3 draw with mid-tablers Westexe Rovers. Ben Turner (2) and Ben Vine scored the goals.

SEATON TOWN

SEATON Town’s title ambitions received what could prove to be a fatal blow last Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 at title rivals Sidmouth Town in the first of three crucial East Devon coastal derbies.

Andy Thompson gave the Vikings the lead midway through the half but Mark Hancock stepped up to level with a crisp 20-yarder 10 minutes before the interval.

But the strangely lack-lustre hosts conceded again after the break when Ben Ashford netted what proved to be the winner.

Forty eight hours later a Sam Dibling goal gave Seaton a half-time lead in front of a large crowd at Beer Albion’s Furzebrake ground. Dibling scored again after the interval and further strikes from Alex Wheatley and Ben Ede rounded-off a fine win.

And so to the third game. Manager Josh Stunell and his face what looks to be a must win game in the reverse fixture with Sidmouth tomorrow.

Stunell has urged his players to give a good account of themselves, he said: “Whatever happens tomorrow I hope that it is a great game of football played in the right way and officiated properly.

“I want everyone present to be able to go home and be talking about a fantastic game that is won by a piece of team or individual magic.

“I want my players to give their all and come off the field with no regrets, too often this season I have felt that we have not done enough and ultimately have paid the price for that against; Topsham, Newtown, Heavitree & Alphington away.

“Having said that we are top of the league for a reason and the players have shown desire, commitment and experience beyond their years and that has resulted in some incredible football displays: Both Clyst Valley games, Wellington away, Topsham home and more recently Beer away.

Eleven of tomorrows squad have come through the youth ranks and I know the players will try their best to beat an experienced battle-hardened Sidmouth team that is guided by two very good managers.”

Squad: Stapleton, Alphonse, D.Perham, Mowbray, Highet, Cross, Hayes, Vere, Hancock, Fellingham, Wheatley, Dibling, French, Durrant, Norman, Ede.

BEER ALBION

THE Fishermen will look to bounce back from the local-derby defeat to Seaton when they round off their season with the visit of Willand Rovers tomorrow.

This is followed by Thursday’s trip to Heavitree SU. Two wins could see Mark Ward‘s team secure a seventh placed finish.

FENITON

FENNY completed their league season with a 2-1 win at Witheridge. Manager Mark Kingdon is hopeful that a final points tally of 32 will be enough to stave off the threat of relegation, he said: “Hopefully we can stay up. It's still possible that we could go down if the others win, we will know more by Saturday night.

“We also have the Morrison Bell semi-final next Wednesday at Ottery St Mary against Sidmouth plus the Seaton Cup Final on Friday, May 27th against Seaton to look forward to.

When asked about his plans for next season Kingdon told Weekender Sport: “I maybe in charge, we are expecting our second child this month so it's going to be a busy time. I will be considering everything and making my decision over the next month or so.”

HONITON

A 6-3 win at Elmore on Monday has given Honiton Town renewed hope of beating the drop.

Manager Paddy Thomas takes his side off to Bow AAC tomorrow knowing a win will secure their place in Division One next season.

Squad: Kayes, Bowles, Lapping, Witt, Thomas, Woodman, McKay, Banks, Broom, Farmer, Lane, Dixon, Rampaul, Urquhart, Genders, Price, Sluman.

COLYTON

COLYTON moved up to the dizzy heights of seventh with a 4-0 win at Newtown on Saturday. Three more points tomorrow will see the Tanners leap-frog over opponents Westexe.

Colyton FC’s Wine & Cheese with history exhibition on Friday. May 13th has been switched from the Town Hall to the Primary School.

AXMOUTH UNITED

THE Hammers’ promotion push suffered a set-back with a 4-1 home defeat by champions-elect Exmouth Town on Wednesday. Tomorrow’s trip to rivals Hatherleigh now appears to be a win or bust affair.

Squad: Smart, Dack, Challis, Sweetland, Sweeney, Burridge, Braga, Gould, Hughes, Sandman, Clarke, Taylor, Poynton, Aykroyd

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