Beasant optimistic ahead of bottom of the table clash

EXETER University manager Nick Beasant is adamant his troops are fired up to collect their first points of the season against Hampstead and Westminster this weekend.

After their opening day defeat to Brooklands MU, the Premier Division new boys were handed humbling 4-0 and 6-2 losses by Reading and Surbiton respectively.

But with Saturday's opposition Hampstead and Westminster sitting just one place ahead of Exeter at ninth in the table, Beasant insisted his side will be in with a fighting chance.

"I think we will be more competitive this weekend and hopefully we'll come away with something," said Beasant.

"It's a scrap for points at the bottom of the table and this is a good chance for us to get some.

"They're a side who have managed to retain their top division status for a few years now but they're closer to us in the league table and we know we have a chance.

"The last two weeks have been tough and we know it's going to be equally hard this week but for different reasons."

After suffering just two defeats on the way to the men's Conference West title last season many had expected the Devon outfit to spring a few surprises in the Premier Division.

And although Beasant was quick to emphasise the void in quality between the two divisions, the Exeter manager was adamant his side was adjusting to the quicker pace with every game.

"We're under no illusions of the task of staying in this division but we've improved with every game.

"I think in terms of our last two weeks, we've played two very good teams with ten GB internationals between them.

"The players are very realistic about some of the games. We knew it was a step up in level for us over the last two weeks but we'll learn from playing teams like Reading and Surbiton."

Elsewhere on Saturday, league leaders Surbiton face a trip to defending champions East Grinstead, whose leaky defence was exposed in their 5-4 defeat to Reading last weekend.

Meanwhile Cannock host Bowdon and Loughborough Students face Brooklands MU.

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