It has been a week of contrasting fortunes for the footballers at Ottery St Mary AFC and Sidmouth Town. 

The Otters travelled to Topsham Town in the Devon Football League and the team sheet had an unfamiliar look, as the unwanted combination of injury, illness and suspension forced a severe shuffling of the pack. 

Despite the change of personnel, Ottery produced a display full of grit and determination to secure an excellent 2-2 draw, Nathan Hopkins scoring both the goals. Ottery now have a weekend break for rest and rehab. 

Ottery St Mary Reserves have climbed off the bottom of the Premier Division in the Devon & Exeter League following a superb 3-2 home win over Dawlish United, who have replaced the Otters at the foot of the table. 

Dylan Cody, Paul Barnes and Matt Cousin scored the goals for Ottery, who travel to Clyst Valley this weekend. The Ottery Development side will be hoping to consolidate their place at the top of Division 6 when they visit mid-table Central 2nds on Saturday. 

While the Otters were enjoying their weekend, it has been a tough spell on home territory for Sidmouth Town, who lost narrowly to Holsworthy before suffering a 5-1 humbling at the hands of title-chasing Crediton United. 

Everything looked to be rosy in the Viking garden on Saturday, as they dominated Holsworthy in the opening half-hour and deservedly surged into a two-goal lead, thanks to Josh Wadham and Jamie Fanson.  

The North Devon visitors responded in impressive fashion, turning around the deficit to bag a 3-2 victory with goals from Jay Thomas (2) and Kieran Langman. 

Sidmouth had very little time to lick their wounds, with Crediton visiting Manstone Lane on Tuesday night and it was always going to be a tough ask against a side chasing down league leaders Okehampton Argyle. 

Creddy were inspired in the opening half-hour, racing into a dominant 4-0 lead. Sidmouth calmed matters after the break and grabbed a consolation through Luka Nickles, but still had to accept a 5-1 defeat. The Vikings travel to Newton Abbot Spurs on Saturday. 

Sidmouth 2nds had a free weekend and return to action this weekend with a visit from Kentisbeare in the Devon & Exeter League Premier.