Honiton Town continue to search for that elusive first away success in the South West Peninsula League Eastern Division campaign after they were edged out in a seven-goal midweek floodlit thriller at Bovey Tracey.

If Saturday’s visit to Torridgeside had seen the Hippos have a first win ‘pinched’ courtesy of a last gasp penalty for the home side to secure a 1-1 draw, then this midweek defeat will arguably hurt just as much for the Hippos had led 1-0 and 2-1, only to be pegged back by half-time at 2-2, then fallen behind only to quickly level, but ultimately succumb to a late fourth goal for the home side.

The Hippos made a bright start with Ben Ede rifling a terrific 30-yard strike fractionally wide of the goal after just three minutes. Minute’s later teenage striker Blake Freemantle provided a neat pass into the feet of Andy Thomson who drilled his effort just wide, but in the 11th minute the bright Town start was rewarded when Ede curled a corner kick straight into the net!

Town glovesman Ben Kayes was called into action a number of times and made a number of fine saves before he was beaten from close range in the 32nd minute. Town though were straight back on the front foot and, just a minute after being pegged back, regained the lead with Freemantle providing the assist for a Joe Dixon goal. Five minutes before the break the home side struck their second to leave things all square at the interval.

There was more of the same end-to-end action throughout the second half. Thomson fired just wide before, in the 56th minute, Town fell behind for the first time on the night. Showing great spirit and resolve, the Hippos were soon back on level terms with Ede scoring his second from another set-piece – this time his well-struck free-kick arrowed into the net beyond the despairing dive of the home goalkeeper.

The referee became a busy person later in the game as both Ben Clay and Joe Dixon picked up yellow cards and Bovey were reduced to 10 men with the issuing of a straight red. But it was the home side who ultimately took all three points when they netted a late fourth.

Defeat was harsh on another excellent all-round show from Town who will surely be celebrating that first away win at this level sooner, rather than later.

Next up for the Hippos is a Throgmorton Devon Premier Cup tie this Saturday (November 4) when they travel to face an Elburton Villa sided that are currently sitting eighth in the Western Division. Kick-off on Saturday at Elburton, is 2pm.