Seaton Town’s tough start to the season continued as they exited the East Devon Senior Cup at the hands of an impressive visiting Cronies outfit, who beat them 5-0.

For the first 25 minutes of the match, Town gave as good as they got, keeping their shape well and moved it about the pitch with crispness and precision.

However, their initial downfall was a lapse in concentration that left a Cronies attacker with a chance he needed no second invitation to take, giving Town glovesman Dave Perham no chance of keeping it out. It was a similar story of defensive frailties that led to an unmarked visitor heading his side into a 2-0 lead.

What held Town back was their lack, on the day, of an outlet for Josh French became isolated, stranded up top with little support and, what chances he did fee doff, were well dealt with by a confident Cronies glovesman and disciplined defence.

In the second half, the pattern of play was similar to the first with Town matching the lively visitors, but never being able to threaten the cronies defence.

After falling a third goal down, Town manager Brendon Willey threw caution to the wind and played a second striker. The four-four-two shape seemed to have an impact and they began to threaten the Cronies goal as Will House, Max Richardson, James Hill and Josh French combined well down the right side, but lady luck was not smiling on them and a home goal was not forthcoming.

Cronies are a classy side and they picked off Town twice more relate on to seal a comfortable win.

Town have another tough task on Saturday (October 7) when they travel to Plymouth to take on Mount Gold in a Devon premier Cup tie (2pm). Seven days after the cup tie they will again have to face Cronies, this time in a Macron league top flight game at Topsham Town’s Coronation Field home.