Shepton Mallet's impressive run of form came to a disappointing end as Brixham FC walked away with a 2-0 victory at The Playing Fields.

With both teams riding high on six consecutive wins each, a large crowd of 297 turned out to witness what was expected to be a fiercely contested match — the highest attendance of the season and the biggest crowd in the division on the day.

The hosts started brightly, creating several opportunities in the opening minutes. Benjani Jr's early shot was deflected for a corner, Ethan Witchell saw his angled effort saved by Brixham's keeper Josh Nicol, and Harry Rutty missed a good headed chance from a pinpoint Dylan Gould cross.

However, it was the visitors who struck first. Just moments after Shepton's promising start, Brixham's Sean Adderley caught the defence off guard, beating the offside trap and firing an unstoppable 20-yard shot past Shepton's Owen Crawford. The early goal shifted momentum firmly in Brixham's favour, and they capitalised on it with a second goal 25 minutes in. James Moxon headed home after a spell of pressure, doubling the lead and leaving Shepton struggling to find a way back.

Owen Crawford kept Shepton's hopes alive with a save from Ethan Phillips before the break, but Cam Allen and Dylan Gould's efforts failed to trouble Nicol in the Brixham goal. The second half proved frustrating for the home side, as Brixham defended resolutely and limited Shepton's attacking threat. A half-volley from Charlie Bateson looked set to get Shepton back into the match, but Nicol was quick to tip it around the post.

Late efforts from Benjani and Nathan Legge soared over the bar, and a flurry of cautions and a sin binning compounded a tough afternoon for the home side. Shepton's attack, which had been so prolific throughout the season, drew a blank for the first time, leaving the hosts to reflect on a disappointing result against a clinical Brixham side.

Match sponsors Ardbeg selected Monty Burgess as Shepton's Man of the Match for his standout performance despite the defeat.

What's next for Shepton Mallet?

Shepton will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures, with two away games on the horizon:

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• Saturday, 12th October: Away to Wellington (KO 3.00pm)
• Saturday, 19th October: Away to Oldland Abbotonians (KO 3.00pm)

Fans should also mark their calendars for a thrilling home clash against Paulton Rovers in the Les Phillips Cup on Tuesday, 22nd October (KO 7.30pm) at The Playing Field. As reigning cup holders, Shepton will be aiming for a victory to restore their form and defend their title.