In a midweek football encounter, Cullompton ventured to Axminster for a rearranged fixture that tested the depth and resilience of their squad. With five key senior players absent, the Cullompton manager seized the opportunity to field three sixteen-year-olds, giving them a platform to showcase their abilities against Axminster's physically imposing team.

From the outset, Axminster established a robust presence on the pitch, delivering several hefty, albeit fair, challenges that set the tone for the match. The physicality seemed to unsettle Cullompton early on, as they succumbed to defensive lapses. Just 7 minutes into the game, sloppy defending allowed Axminster to snatch the lead, and shortly thereafter, a second goal followed due to similar issues at the back for Cullompton.

Despite the early setbacks, Cullompton gradually found their rhythm, increasingly asserting themselves and creating opportunities down both flanks. One such chance fell to Aiden, whose effort from a cross-goal shot narrowly missed, trickling past the post. The first half concluded with Cullompton commanding the majority of possession, hinting at a possible comeback.

However, the second half mirrored the first in its lack of end product from Cullompton. Although they played a visually appealing brand of football and maintained pressure, they repeatedly failed to deliver the decisive final pass. In contrast, Axminster capitalised on a rare foray forward, scoring their third goal from a free kick that unfortunately deflected off a Cullompton defender.

The match ended with Axminster securing a 3-0 victory, leaving Cullompton to reflect on a night marred by defensive frailties and missed opportunities. The team must now regroup and look ahead to their upcoming home game against Torrington, where they aim to bounce back and regain their winning form.