Honiton’s crowning as Fresha league Division One champions was followed by a blast of reality as they came crashing back down to earth, losing 3-1 at home to an Exwick Villa Reserves’ side that will line up with the Hippos in the Premier Division next season.

Town started brightly, but a glorious chance that fell to the normally clinical finisher that is Lewis Couch was spurned. Had that gone in then some of the wind might have been blown out of the visitor’s sails – Exwick pitched up at Mountbatten Park having to win to keep their hopes of second place very much on the front burner.

As it was, when the full time whistle was blown to put the Town faithful out of their misery, all they had witnessed was a Tom Perryman goal and another fine individual shift from skipper Darren Witt against the three goals an Exwick side that dominated for long periods, scored.

Town boss Kev Blackwell said: “Well, that certainly was a big helping of ‘after the Lord mayor’s show’! What came shining through was that we approached the game as if our season was done and they (Exwick) were at it from the off. They were more aggressive, passionate and efficient with and without the ball. I can not be too hard on my lads given how they have performed over the season. However, it was a really disappointing performance and one that thankfully has been a rarity in this wonderful campaign.”

He continued: “What did concern me was that the lads did not put in that extra yard that has been so evident throughout the season. They were not tracking back and, as a result of what seemed a lack of urgency all over the park, had to play second fiddle for much of the contest.

“Next season every match is likely to be like this one was. The lads will need to match the opposition work rate each time. If we play at that level in the top flight then we certainly will not be amongst those leading clubs for long!”

Town, who complete their home fixtures on Tuesday night with the visit of Lympstone (6.30pm), bring the curtain down on their season at Lympstone on Saturday (3pm).