Axminster Reserves had a tough introduction to Devon and Exeter Premier division football, losing 3-1 on Wednesday evening to an impressive Beer Albion side who lost their first game of the season 1-0 to Kentisbeare.

The victory saw the Fishermen sharing the top spot on points but they have played one more game that the other front-runners.

But on this performance, Beer will undoubtedly be there or thereabouts when the silver is dished out at the end of the season.

The Tigers' second string, now under the management of Jamie Barfoot, were without a number of key players but competed well, especially late in the game when they pressurised the Beer defence in a bid to reduce the arrears.

Beer started strongly and were two up within 12 minutes with good strikes from Giles Basson and former Axminster striker Tony Pinder.

Basson was playing in Honiton Town's 2-0 win over the Axminster first team on Tuesday night. His speed and close ball control presented a problem for the Reserves and he was easily Beer's man-of-the-match. He is unlikely to be a regular, however, as he is moving to Bali to further his education in the coming weeks.

Axminster pulled on back in the 15th minutes when Darren Hutchings made it 2-1 from the penalty spot. They came close to equalising in the 21st minutes when Jonny Hurford failed to get any purchase on a decent cross from Barfoot.

The Tigers started positively after the break and Hurford came close when he blazed the ball over the bar, but Basson returned the initiative to Beer with another brilliant solo effort to make it 3-1.

Beer raised the tempo to establish their superiority and no prisoners were taken on either side in what became a typical local derby. It was no place for the faint hearted.

The speed in which Beer turned defence into attack had Axe back pedaling and the Axminster keeper Jack Trevisk was called into action several times to desperately clear his line.

Beer deserved this victory on the quality of their forward game alone but Barfoot can take satisfied that his troops never stopped running and I have a feeling they will be among the premier division front runners in the weeks to come.

They face another stern test this coming Saturday (August 28) when they welcome Ottery St Mary 2nds to Tiger Way (kick-off 3pm).