A return to the squad by striker Seb Copp was the only bright spot in Ottery St. Mary’s Devon League trip to Plymouth.

They were a goal behind after sixteen minutes when the defence was caught napping by a counter-attack.

They were two down five minutes later when goalkeeper Owen Vosper was deceived by a cross.

Any thoughts of a recovery were dispelled just before half-time when they conceded two quick goals to give Plymstock a 4-0 lead at the break.

The uphill battle was made even tougher in the second half when a fifth goal went in for the home side.

They still looked strong even though they had a player shown a red card.

Then came the only positive feature of Ottery’s game when Copp came off the bench to slightly narrow the gap.

There was better news from the club’s reserve side, who won by a single goal at Crediton United Reserves in the Premier Division of the Devon and Exeter League.

The Man of the Match Award went to goalkeeper Ross Williams.

Alfred Tae-Williams got the goal after being set up by Jay Pitter.

Said joint manager Lewis Wilson, “Everyone deserves credit; each and every one of them were outstanding.”

Manager Dan Carthew celebrated his one hundredth game in charge of Ottery St. Mary WFC with a 5-2 win over Cullompton Rangers WFC.

Claudia Marrable got three of the goals.

Also on target were Lucy Spiller, from the penalty spot, and Alicia Martin.

On Saturday (November 14), Ottery St. Mary are home to Fremington FC in the Devon League.

Kick-off is 2.15pm.