Axminster Town players had been challenged by their management duo of Josh Stunell and Johnny Hurford to ‘do a number’ on visiting Plymouth Marjons and banish the memory of the midweek defeat at Sidmouth, and the Tigers, to a man, served up a performance that spoke volumes for their character – and quality.
After an initial shaky opening few minutes when the student side missed a golden opportunity to net first, the Tigers settled into the game and were soon dominating both possession and territory.
First-half goals from Dan Beer, Jacob Rowe and Dan Peach gave Town a 3-0 interval lead and afforded the management duo the opportunity to 'rest' Tony Pinder for the second half after the striker picked up a first-half knock.
After the break, Richard Hebditch and Ben Allen added further goals to send a good Tiger Way attendance home happy.
Joint boss Stunell said: "It was a fine all-round performance and the lads certainly atoned for the Wednesday night defeat at Sidmouth.
"At Manstone Lane we failed to reach the levels of play that Johnny and I know we have in our locker now.
"However, on Saturday, after getting over an early lethargy that lasted no longer than 10 minutes, the lads were superb."
He continued: "We scored some quality goals and the most encouraging thing was that even at five up we kept our shape and looked for more goals whilst remaining solid at the back."
One new innovation this season at Tiger Way is a TV gantry from which the club will be filming all their home matches.
Stunell says: "It's going to be great aid to training and coaching.
"The beauty of the filming is that we can sit the lads down and show them a video nasty of the first 10 minutes, but then let them enjoy some wonderful play later in the viewing!"
The Tigers are back in action tonight [Wednesday] when they play another East Devon derby at Honiton Town (6.30pm).
On Saturday (August 24) the Tigers are in Tiger Way action when they entertain Newton Abbot Spurs (3pm).
For news of the Honiton Town versus Axminster Town match on Wednesday night (August 21) visit www.midweekherald.co.uk for a full match report.
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