Sidmouth Town Reserves were beaten 2-1 when they met Colyton in a Macron League One game played on the 3G surface at Axminster LED Centre on the driest Saturday for weeks.

The home side, having played on the surface a few times, looked the more comfortable as the game got started.

Robbie Powell was called into action in the opening exchanges as Town started to adapt to the different surface.

Ferenc Bodor was causing problems running at the home defence, but couldn’t quite finish anything off.

Powell saved well with his legs when Colyton got through and within minutes Scott Hughes had a chance two yards out, but his effort hit the keeper and went wide.

The second half saw Colyton take the lead when challenges were not made in midfield and Powell was given no chance.

The Vikings weren’t fazed and kept at it as they suddenly decided to play on the flat surface.

It wasn’t long before talisman Bodor struck a 30-yard effort over the Colyton keeper to draw level. Town were now pushing for the win, but efforts from Bodor and Jake Boyland didn’t make the keeper work.

Fifteen minutes from time Colyton grabbed the winner with a scorching shot that Powell couldn’t stop. The Vikings applied late pressure, but Colyton remain unbeaten this season

Town joint manager Paddy Thomas said: “At times, physically and mentally, Colyton were stronger than the youthful Viking side.

“They game was played on a footballing surface that should of suited the ‘touch’ players that we have in the team.

“Unfortunately, if you are missing bottle, desire and determination to actually win the ball in the first instance then you won’t get the chance to play football.”

Town second’s are straight back in action on Monday night with a trip to Cullompton Rangers (7.30pm) for a Macron League game and then, on Thursday night they meet Colyton once again when the teams contest the Devon Senior Cup final at Coach Road, Newton Abbot.