Tigers finish season in sixth place, equalling last season's best ever position in the South West Peninsular League Premier East Division

By Philip Evans

3rd May 2023 | Football


Former Manchester United centre half Paul McGrath pictured with his son Chris at Tiger Way
Former Manchester United centre half Paul McGrath pictured with his son Chris at Tiger Way

After the disappointment of being knocked out of the Walter C Parsons Cup on penalties, Axminster Town bounced back with a spirited 1-0 victory over their nearest rivals in the South West Peninsular League Premier East division, Bovey Tracey, their goal coming from a second half penalty from Richard Hebditch.

But they failed to improve their points total in their final game at Torridgeside AFC, losing 3-0 in the last game of the season and finishing in sixth place.

That's where they ended up last season, their best ever position in Premier East, six points behind fifth placed Bovey Tracey.

Last the beginning of the season manager Dan Prettyjohn challenged his squad to beat sixth place and at times it looked as though they were well capable of doing so. One avenue in doing so was two have been able top reduce the number of draws last season, 12 in number, and they achieved that by sharing the spoils in just eight games.

Whilst they pulled off some great results against some of the league's front runners, they also lost out to a number of teams they might have expected to have taken points off - but nevertheless it was another excellent season for the Tigers, having kept in the top season throughout the campaign.

Losing on penalties to Ottery St Mary in the Parsons Cup was a particular blow, especially as they were leading the game until the last minute when the Otters grabbed an equaliser to force extra time.

At Saturday's last home game of the season, president Les Bounds thanked the sponsors and spectators for their support during the season and invited them to refreshments after the game.

There was much excitement at Tiger Way when Paul McGrath, the former Manchester United and Irish centre-half turned up to watch his eldest son, Chris McGrath. Afterwards, Paul went on Twitter to say how proud he was of Chris who he thought "played a blinder".

The sponsors obviously agreed as Chris was chosen as "man-of-the-match".

Writing in the last programme of the season, club chairman Andy Hurford paid tribute to the supporters and said he was proud of manager Dan Prettyjohn and the players and all those who worked so hard behind the scenes.

Andy has a special word for his mum Margaret for preparing the half-time teas and buffets for sponsors and supporters, adding: "Surely we serve the best committee yeas in the league?"

Axminster's end-of-season presentation will take place on May 26 at the York Inn, Churchinford, which is run by Dan Prettjohn.

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