Axmouth United 0, Henry’s Cronies 4 What should have been a landmark day for Axmouth United will probably be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

That’s because the first ever game for United in the Fresha Devon and Exeter League Division Three saw a visitg player pick up a double leg fracture.

United took on Exeter-based Henry’s Cronies who won the match 4-0.

The injury incident struck on the half hour after which the game was held up for almost an hour as the unfortunate player received on the spot assistance prior to an ambulance removing him to hospital.

Despite the lengthy hold-up both teams were happy to re-start and the game was level at half-time.

The deadlock was broken when a long punt up-field from the visitors half which a Cronies player got to, albeit with an element of a raised boot, to lift the ball over home gloves man Brad Cross.

The goal broke the resistance of United who then conceded a soft penalty before shipping two more late goals.

United manager Laurie Forino said: “Fair play to Cronies who look a very slick outfit. They deserved to win. I do think the injury to one of their players affected us the most as I felt post injury we simply did not play as well as I know we can. However, they (Cronies) clearly are a strong, fast, fit and physical side that I expect will be challenging for the title and we knew this would be a tough season having moved up again.

Having said that, right now our concerns and best wishes are for the injured lad and we all wish him well in his recovery. I’d also like to say thank you to all who helped look after him especially Mandy Challis who was fantastic.”

On Saturday United are again at home when they entertain a Chagford side who, just a few seasons’ ago, were visiting Axmouth with their second string. The visit of a Chagford first team underlines the great strides United have made in the past few years.