Exmouth Town returned from Frome once again ruing what might have been as their 2-1 defeat epitomised their season to date, writes John Dibsdall.

The win has seen Frome climb to third in the table with games in hand and are clearly one of the favourites to lift the title.

This game started on a positive note with both sides looking to attack and an open game ensued, Louis Morrison saw his firm header tipped over the bar and, as Frome replied, Josh Cann was on hand to clear off the line.

Town opened the scoring on 27 minutes when Frome failed to clear a corner and a rasping left-foot drive by Mike Landricombe was returned with interest to leave the net bulging.

Tom Bath saw his close-range effort expertly saved and then Town were awarded a penalty when Ben Steer was brought down.

I’ve lost count of the number of penalties Town have missed this season and this was the latest, as Morrison saw his well struck shot rebound off the foot of the post to safety.

The returning Chris Wright made an important save to preserve the half-time lead and Town could have scored their second at the start of the second half but Steer, played through by Bath, saw his shot saved.

Minutes later, Frome equalised when Town allowed a player to run from just inside their half unchallenged and bury a shot, despite Wright getting a hand to the ball.

Back came Town and a cross along the six-yard box was narrowly missed at the far post but minutes later a similar move saw Frome score what turned out to be the winner.

As Town responded, a couple of half chances failed to hit the target and Frome managed their way to victory.

This was another spirited performance but it is crucial that Town continue to believe, build on the positives and repeat the level of intensity when they meet sides that are inferior to those challenging at the top of the table.

Town are without a game this weekend with Hamworthy pulling out of the league but their next fixture away to Paulton Rovers is a true six-pointer, as the Somerset side are one place above them in the table.