Axminster Town regained the East Devon bragging rights in a hard-fought local derby against Honiton Town before a crowd of 209 at Tiger Way last night (Wednesday).

The Tigers lost 2-1 at Honiton early in the season and after drawing 0-0 in another local derby with Sidmouth Town, they were determined to emerge as victors in this return fixture which was postponed due to heavy rain a few weeks ago.

Their next big derby challenge will come over the Christmas period when they are at home to Ottery St Mary in an 11 o'clock kick-off on December 27 when another big crowd is anticipated.

Writing in his match programme notes, manager Dan Prettejohn said no favours were expected from Honiton – and that proved to be the case.

The Hippos were obviously up for it and competed in every department up until to the 77th minute when substitute Josh Wadham smashed home the winner from a brilliant Charlie Wilson cross.

Wadham is not fully fit and is receiving treatment with the PFA helping to fund his recovery so Prettejohn is using him sparingly, bringing him on when the need arrives.

His presence certainly gave the Tigers more impetus in midfield and the goal came after a period of pressure on the Honiton defence.

This wasn't a game for the purists in true local derby fashion and Honiton's endeavour belied their lowly position in the South West Peninsular Premier East Division with only four victories from their 17 games.

Axminster had the better chances especially in the first half with a Charlie Wilson shot being turned round the post after just four minutes and a good chance falling to Dan Scaddon who headed over the bar.

At the other end Finlay Rooke looked dangerous and failed to finish a good run at the Axminster defence.

As half-time approached both Wilson and Scaddon came close with good efforts.

In the second half, Wilson's marauding runs were causing all sorts of problems and he was yellow carded for simulation as he tried to weave himself into the penalty box.

Chris McGrath, who was his usual dominant self at the back, headed over the bar from a Wilson corner, possibly the best chance of the second half.

Honiton will feel they deserved a point from this game and it would be difficult to argue with that but it was Wadham's winner that stole the show.

This game was sponsored by Axminster Nub News and we awarded the man-of-the-match to centre-back Jamie Price, who marshalled his defence magnificently, and alongside Chris McGrath protected the Tiger's best defensive record in the Premier East, having conceded just 15 goals in 17 games and which sees them move into sixth position in the table.

On Saturday Axminster are at home to Torridgeside who are lying in 16th place in the table (kick-off 3 pm). All former players and officials have been invited to a reunion at Tiger Way.

Team news: Keiren Daniels has left the Tigers and signed for Beer Albion.