In a season sadly dominated by rotten weather, Axminster Town played just their seventh game since Christmas on Saturday, only their second outing since February 10, and they clearly wanted to let out some frustration.

Lowly Bishops Lydeard were the unfortunate visitors to Tiger Way in the South-West Peninsula League and it was a case of no mercy from Axminster. Craig Veal notched a hat-trick for the Tigers, with further goals from Jake Quick, Richard Hebditch, Ben Palmer and Charlie Wilson. The man of the match award went to Sam Sheldrake.

The Tigers face an incredible ten fixtures in the space of a month, with the SWPL season scheduled to finish on Saturday, April 27. It is going to be a big ask for the players, coaches and volunteers, especially with another wet week forecast.

The Tigers currently sit fifth in the table and, while Ivybridge Town are miles clear at the top, Axminster still have a chance of catching the three sides above them (Bridport, Crediton and Bovey Tracey).

Teignmouth were pencilled in as the visitors on Tuesday night and then another home game against Bridport on Good Friday. Tiger Way will stay busy with Elburton Villa in town on Easter Monday, followed by a fourth home game in the space of eight days, Crediton making the short trip on April 3.

The next generation of Tiger talent enjoyed a highly impressive 1-1 draw against unbeaten league leaders Ilminster Town on Saturday. The youthful Axminster Reserves comprised an incredible eight 16 year-olds. Louis Newcombe scored the Axminster goal and special mention for goalkeeper Dylan White, who secured the point with a brilliant late save.

Back to the Peninsula League, and Honiton Town face the same fixture pile-up as their East Devon neighbours.

The Hippos, unbelievably, have only played three games in 2024 and they’ve yet to score a goal this year. A 3-0 defeat at Okehampton was followed by a 2-0 loss at home to Ivybridge in January. February was a washout before a 0-0 draw in the reverse game with Okehampton earlier this month.

Praying to the weather Gods, Honiton are scheduled to host Sidmouth Town in the Easter Ground Hop on Thursday evening before welcoming Torridgeside on Easter Monday. The Hippos occupy 14th place in the league but, along with postponed games, have been hampered by too many draws this term.

However, they have a fairly comfortable gap above bottom club Dartmouth and will be looking to pull clear of the two other teams below them in the table, Bishops Lydeard and Torridgeside.

In the North/East Division of the Devon Women’s Football League, Honiton Ladies didn't have it all their own way as they travelled into the city to play the students from the University of Exeter.

A hat-trick by Ruby Ham and one from Varsha Mistry gave the visitors a shock, but they eventually triumphed 5 - 4 thanks to two goals from Amber Guy-Kemp, one each from Nicola Brown and Siena Barada and a first league goal for Jess Saunders on her debut.

In the Devon Football League, Feniton produced one of the best performances of a difficult season as they drew a cracking game 4-4 at a strong North Molton side, although they suffered late heartbreak on the day.

Billy Spurway was in spectacular form on the day, notching an amazing four goals for Fenny, who led their host 4-2 at one stage. North Molton kept fighting, however, and denied Fenny a great win with a last-minute leveller. Feniton travel to Plymstock on Saturday and then an East Devon derby at Ottery St Mary on Easter Monday.

The University of Exeter look on course to win the title and Beer Albion have pretty much sealed a third-place finish. Finley Rooke scored twice and there were further goals from Charlie Ledger and Giles Basson as the Fishermen swept past Elmore with a 4-1 victory.

Midweek Herald: Beer Albion in 1976