EXMOUTH TOWN | TALK ABOUT THE PASSION

We hear from two of the travelling contingent who headed to Bashley on Tuesday evening

There are so many passionate and dedicated supporters throughout our four divisions who go to great lengths to support their club.

Two prime examples are Adrian Samson and Martin Cook whose commitment to the Exmouth Town cause cannot be questioned.

Samson – or ‘Sam’ as he is known – sells 50/50 tickets at home games and organises the supporters’ mini bus to away games, he even built the turnstile block a few years ago!

On Tuesday, he and a dozen passengers embarked upon a 200-mile round trip to Bashley for a vital clash at the foot of the Pitching In Southern League Division One South table.

“I’ve supported the club for the past 45 years, mixed in with Exeter City,” said Sam, who has missed just two games all season. “It’s great to be involved here, there’s such a family feel around the place between the board, players and fellow supporters.

“I enjoy travelling to different parts of the country supporting the team. There have been some memorable trips over the years, like when we won promotion at Bodmin Town or the FA Cup tie at Yate Town.

“Tuesday’s game was memorable too. It’s always nice to see us win away and it was also the first time that we’ve been able to win back-to-back games this season [last weekend saw them run out 5-0 victors over Larkhall Athletic].

“No matter when or where the team is playing we will be there. I’d say that there were 25 of us cheering on the lads on Tuesday evening. We had an enjoyable journey home, getting back in the early hours!

“The players are really buying into the messages that Kevin Hill and Dave Pearse are getting across and their fitness levels have improved over the past few months, so things are moving in the right direction and hopefully we can start building some momentum on the back of the last two results.

“There is only one relegation place this season, so if we can avoid that and then rebuild ready for an assault on the play-offs next season, I would be happy with that!”

Cook added: “There were plenty of smiles on the faces of the players, management and supporters at the final whistle. It was great to see after what has been a tough season so far.

“We waited around in the bar afterwards to give the players a cheer and then hit the road, getting back to East Devon at around 1.30am and then up at 7am for work with a grin!

“It’s another away game on Saturday as we head to Westbury United. We’ll be meeting up with some of their supporters for a pint before the game, which is the proverbial six-pointer.

“This is what non-League football is all about and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The camaraderie, the friendships, the adventures… you can’t beat it!”

We’re always looking for supporters’ stories of their trips around the Pitching In Southern League. Get in touch via: news@southern-football-league.co.uk

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