Awliscombe 2, Axmouth United 1 The long weather-enforced break certainly hasn’t helped Axmouth in their Fresha League Division Four title challenge.

Having been beaten just once in 15-games before the rain forced a near total two-month wipe out of fixtures, United have returned to action and lost both games they have played!

They followed the previous weekends defeat at the hands of Lords XI with a narrow defeat in an East Devon derby at Awliscombe.

Having shaded the better of the first half they deservedly took the lead following sustained pressure although Scott Dyers opener was a result of a keeper mistake than power or placement of his shot.

More opportunities were spurned and they paid the price as Awliscombe equalised inside the last five minutes of the half.

After the break the game continued in similar fashion as Axmouth found the woodwork denying Asa Sandman giving them the lead and the home defence stood firm until a counter attack saw the Awls steal a winner with eight minutes remaining.

United boss Laurie Forino cut a disconsolate figure post match. He said: “It’s a case of being frustrated and disappointed at the same time. I thought we did enough to get, at the very least, a point. Sadly we have come away empty handed. Awliscombe always put up strong opposition and it’s usually a good game between the two sides as was this latest contest and we have to give them credit for taking their chances.

It’s been a harsh return to action and we need to get back to winning ways to maintain our challenge. Hopefully we can pick ourselves up for the next game.”

Next up for United is a meeting with a North Tawton side that has won both matches they have played since they too suffered a lengthy break from action.

Forino also explained why he hoes for a larger than average crowd to see his team in Saturday’s home game. He said: “We are looking for a good turnout as one of our top fans-Jim Fossey has pledged to help our fundraising effort by running a sponsored lap or two of the pitch in a mankini after the game!”