WARMINSTER entertained third-placed Exmouth, and for the first 40 minutes kept them at bay with some resolute defensive work.

Exmouth always looked dangerous at set pieces and Warminster goalkeeper Lloyd Chamberlain punched clear on several occasions. At the other end Ashley Wain and Chris Tricker went close for Warminster.

Exmouth took the lead in the 40th minute when Danny Burwood netted from close range after the defence failed to clear a cross. Paul Pocock increased the lead when put through shortly before half time.

Warminster had much more of the play in the second half with Jason Guy putting Tricker through only for his shot from 20 yards to go just over the bar. Then a cross to Trevor Senior was set up for Guy who shot just wide. Warminster pulled a goal back after 61 minutes with a brilliant solo effort from Richard Wyatt when he spotted the Exmouth goalkeeper off his line and scored from 35 yards.

In the 70th minute, Exmouth were awarded a disputed penalty that changed the course of the game. Danny Burwood stepped up to restore the two goal lead. Warminster kept battling and going forward but left themselves open to quick attacks. From one of these Jamie Densham netted to give the score line a flattering look as far as Exmouth were concerned.

Warminster manager Andy Crabtree was left to rue a controversial penalty decision as his side slipped to their 14th defeat in 15 matches.

Crabtree was incensed after the match referee awarded visitors Exmouth a spot kick after Richard Wyatt's long-range effort had reduced the deficit to a single goal.

He said: "It was an abysmal decision by the referee. Even their manager was embarrassed.

"It was given for a foul, but if he'd have given it at Manchester United or Liverpool, then he'd have been lynched. Just when you think things can't get any worse, someone comes up with a better one.

"We'd scored and were well on top. The lad who conceded it was only young and he was absolutely gutted.

"It took the wind out of our sails and they scored two more at the end."

Despite another defeat for his side, Crabtree was heartened by another improved display and believes his young players are beginning to turn the corner.

He said: "We were a bit unfortunate. We did really well for 40 minutes and then conceded two sloppy goals.

"When we came out in the second half I thought we were exceptional and you wouldn't have known which side were at the top of the table.

"The players are listening and learning and I wouldn't fault them.

"They have done well and results have definitely improved since I've been able to put out a settled side."

Warminster are without a game tomorrow, but entertain championship-chasing near-neighbours Frome Town in a clash of David versus Goliath proportions on Monday.

Kick-off is at 3pm at Weymouth Street.

Said Crabtree: "I'm looking forward to it.

"I know we're bottom and they are top, but this is one of the games you look forward to at the start of the season."