Fabulous FA Cup run comes to an end for Brixham AFC

It has been a whirlwind start to life in the Southern League for Brixham AFC, with the added fun of a little run in the FA Cup.

The Fishermen faced their biggest challenge yet on Saturday, when Dorchester Town from the league above descended on Wall Park, with both sides looking to grab a place in the third qualifying round.

The Dorset visitors immediately laid down a marker with an opening goal inside four minutes, Luke Pardoe cutting inside a static home defence before rifling the ball beyond exposed custodian Andy Collings.

The Brixham response was typical of the character and mentality managers Jason Couch and Tim Porter have built in this team, as the in-form James Moxon continued his free-scoring start to the campaign with a dink over the advancing Dorchester ‘keeper.

Moxon then had a shot charged down, as Brixham threatened to take some minor control of the game, but Dorchester are a side brimming with quality and they grabbed the lead again four minutes before half-time, Luke Roberts converting at the back post.

Despite the deficit, Brixham were well in the game and a glancing header from Callum Thomas drifted narrowly wide for the hosts. The Fishermen were then denied a strong penalty shout after Harvey Field was felled in the box.

Dorchester struck next, and it was the decisive blow. Collings saved the initial effort but Pardoe was on hand to convert the rebound. A top effort from Brixham, who return to action with a trip to Exmouth Town in the league on Saturday.