After three successive wins on the trot, Axminster Town were unable to maintain their early season form, losing 2-0 to near rivals Honiton Town last evening.

The defeat sees the Tigers drop one place to fifth in the South West Peninsular Premier East Division, with nine points from four games, while the Hippos move up to eighth place.

Honiton's victory, watched by close-on 150 spectators, came on the back of the 6-2 drubbing by Bovey Tracey and they will be delighted to have stolen the early season local derby bragging rights with a very dogged second half performance.

There was little between the two sides in the first half and I think Axe just about edged it, despite going in at half-time with a 1-0 deficit, Honiton's goal coming in the 46th minute when Blake Freemantle picked his spot and delivered an excellent 20-yard strike into the top corner, giving the Axminster keeper, Jason Hutchings no chance.

In the early stages of the game, Axminster's live-wire winger, Charlie Wilson, was causing all sorts of problems for the home defence, having been brought down twice within minutes, prompting the Axminster supporters calling on the referee to get his card out. Josh Wadham went close from one of the ensuing free-kicks.

Wilson blazed the ball over the bar from a good position and one of his effective pin-point corners was well met by Jamie Price but he headed over the bar.

At the other end, Hutchings was forced to dive full-length to turn a fierce strike around the post.

The second half was all Honiton with Axe producing over few clear-cut chances.

Centre-forward Frank Rosenwald proved to be a constant threat with his direct running at the Axminster defence and he made it 2-0 in the 60th minute from one such move, although he could well have had a hat-trick had his final ball been more accurate.

The Tigers will be anxious to regain the form that gave them such an encouraging start to the season when they travel to Holsworthy, one place below them in the table, on Saturday.

Tonight, Axminster Reserves start their Devon and Exeter League Premier division campaign this evening (kick-off 7.30pm) with a home match against Beer Albion who lost 1-0 to Kentisbeare last Saturday.