Axminster Town v Galmpton United from Saturday 15th September. Picture by Andrew Graham. Ref mhsp Axminster Town v Galmpton United2

Axminster Town 2, Sidmouth Town 1

Axminster Town booked a Throgmorton Cup visit to Exmouth Town thanks to goals from Jonny Hurford and Danny Beer.

The contest was typical of a derby encounter with no quarter given by both sides. There was also a thrilling conclusion with Sidmouth halving the deficit in the closing stages to set up a frenetic finish, but the Tigers new-found spirit and confidence saw them through.

The opening goal arrived midway through the first half when the impressive Lewis Couch delivered a free-kick that Johnny Hurford volleyed home.

It was not until 15 minutes into the second half that the second goal arrived and again Couch was the provider as his cross-field pass found the over-lapping left back Danny Beer who rifled the ball home.

Sidmouth set up a tense finish with a late goal, but the Tigers were good value for the win as their bright start to the new term continued. They now travel to Exmouth Town for a 2nd Round tie at Southern Road on Saturday, October 20.

Tigers chairman Ray Self said: “It was a more comfortable triumph than the score line suggests. Lewis (Couch) was very lively and Danny (Beer) produced an exceptional performance at left back. From my point of view the most encouraging thing is that we are going into games expecting to win. That’s a far cry from twelve short months ago!”

This Saturday Paul Ashford’s upwardly mobile Tigers, they sit just three points off leaders Teignmouth having played a game fewer, travel to Okehampton Argyle.