Exmouth Town fell short in their first home game in 2026, losing 1-0 to a well drilled Hartpury University side in the Southern League Division One South.

Nathan Jenkins scored the deciding goal of the game, despite Town putting plenty of pressure onto the visitors late in the game.

The first half got off to a slow start, with neither side testing each other’s goalkeepers.

Aarron Denny changed this, as he took aim from the edge of the box, but his effort was met by Seth Locke.

The visitors came closest to opening the scoring around the half an hour mark, Billy Osborne’s open-goal header hit the post after a defensive mix-up at the back, almost cost the hosts.

Hartpury stared the second half well, and deservedly went ahead in the 51st minute when Nathan Jenkins drilled home from the edge of the area, after a corner was headed off the line.

Denny would have another shot on goal as Town pushed to get back into the game, but Locke was once again on hand to deny him with a good save.

Town would continue to push for an equaliser, but they were unable to break down a strong Acorns defence.

Exmouth failed to put much pressure on the visitor’s goal until stoppage time, unable to capitalise on a flurry of chances from set pieces.

Locke would be forced into action once again, denying Ben Steer’s near post effort, with Denny having a shot deflected just wide in the following moments.

The closest saw Ross Edwards’ header bounce off the bar just before the referee whistled for full time.

Town will turn their attention to the Devon Bowl Quarter Finals on Wednesday, as they welcome Plymouth Parkway to the Complete Infrastructure Stadium.

Attendance: 235

Exmouth Town starting XI: Dearing, Marcom, Cann, Edwards, Landricombe (C), Denny, Shipton (75’), Slater, Bath (55’), Steer (89’), Wright

Substitutes: Butcher (35’), Cunningham (15’), Kraus (1’)

Unused substitutes: Griffith, Shore

Match Report by Lee Smith