Sports in Seaton

LOCALfootball clubs are facing the possibility of playing no more competitive games this season if lockdown continues into the spring.

Recreational sport is currently on hold until the government eases the current restrictions so it could be April before football starts again.

WITH Devon and Dorset now in tier 3 and part of Somerset in tier 4, all local football has been suspended until further notice in both the Devon & Exeter League and the Perry Street League.

That means there will be no local matches played until at least the end of January.

Axminster Town's long-suffering supporterss were given the best Christmas present they could expect on Boxing Day when the Tigers recorded only their third victory of the season with a much deserved win over Cullompton Rangers.

Axminster manager Josh Stunnell has always believed that his side had what it takes to move away from the relegation zone and into a respectable position in the highly competitive South West Peninsular Premier East Division.

FOLLOWING the government decision to place Somerset in COVID-19 tier three, the Perry Street League has suspended football for the month of January.

The Management Committee has issued the following statement:  "It has been agreed that, given the travel restrictions imposed following Somerset's escalation into tier 3 whilst other parts of the League remain in tier 2, we have no option but to suspend the league fixtures until further notice.

Axminster Under 12s 2

AFTER a break of five weeks without a game due to a Covid-19 scare at the club and lockdown2, Axminster Town supporters were looking forward to the Tigers returning to action against Crediton United at Tiger Way on Saturday.

It has not been the best of starts for Axe in this interrupted season with only two wins and a draw making up their seven points, which leaves them second from bottom in the South West Peninsular League Premier East.

All eyes were on the Reserves, as Uplyme Firsts had no game last Saturday.

They welcomed Combe St Nicholas A, a team full of experienced players who proved an excellent opponent in very tricky conditions. However, the great form of the Uplyme youngsters continued as they ran out worthy 3 - 0 winners.

With a few players missing, Axminster Reserves travelled to Cranbrook and started well on a tricky surface.

The conditions made it hard to play football and with the constant threat from a strong targetman and a very affective kick from the keeper, Axe were happy to get their noses in front 13 minutes in with a goal from great build-up finished of by Jamie Barfoot.

LYME Regis 1st celebrated their return to football with an excellent 2-0 away victory over Dorset Premier side Wareham Rangers in the Dorset Senior Trophy.

On a big pitch which the Seasiders traditionally struggle on, the opening exchanges were quite even but as Lyme grew into the game chances began to flow with Joe Bond, Fred Parsons and Dan Rendall going close on a number of occasions and Mark Bailey drawing a good save from a long-range drive.

IN THIS hard-fought Dorset Junior Cup encounter over decent opponents Sturminster Newton, the scoreline flattered the home side in the end.

Both teams were fielding unusual sides due to Dorset cup eligibility, with the home side able to draft in a Western League goalkeeper.