Devils started sluggishly and fell two goals down owing to a combination of lack of concentration and not picking up their players.

However, determination and spirit shone through as they got back into the game and it was no surprise when Sam Foster scored to halve the deficit after 22 minutes.

A half-time discussion seemed to work for Devils were a yard faster after the break,. But some poor defending resulted in a third goal being shipped and there were two further goals scored by the Exmouth side before Devils again seized a measure of control.

A period of sustained pressure ended with a penalty that was saved. At the other end Devils glovesman Joe Evans performed heroics to later win the Devils Man of the Match award.

Devils boss Sean Brown said: “I am gutted by the result as the score line does not reflect the part we played. The boys are holding their own at this level and I was very encouraged by what we delivered in this game.”