Sidmouth Town Reserves went down by the odd goal in three when they entertained Upottery in a Fresha League Division One game.

Town, missing a number of key players owing to first team call-ups were unlucky not to emerge from the game – played on an immaculate Manstone Lane surface – particularly after their spirited second half display.

The first quarter of the game saw the visitors score after ten minutes when a lop-sided home defence gave way to a switched attack and left a two-on-one situation.

Town looked shaky all over, but slowly began to play some football in patches. Top scorer Fez Bodor went close on one occasion and another official might of given a penalty with a rash challenge on the same player moments later. Damien Aes sent a header inches wide with the keeper well beaten.

The visitors had scored from their only chance of a scrappy first half. Confidence was the key to a much improved performance from the hosts.

Alex Raistrick making a surprise guest appearance was taking control of the game and Liam Morrish was gradually showing his promise.

A dominant showing brought little reward after a lot of pressure through long throws and corners proved fruitless. Armes hit a spectacular right footed volley that crashed against the bar before rebounding to safety. In a rare attack by Upottery they doubled their lead after an error gave the striker the opportunity to curl an outstanding right footed curler into the top corner.

This was very much against the run of play and Town grabbed a lifeline through Ben Squance turning the ball goal wards only for the keeper to make a hash of trying to keep it out, so an own goal had given Town the chance to heap more pressure on a resilient Upottery defence. Raistrick and Matt Ogley both went close, but they couldn’t work the keeper and it was the visitors who claimed the three points.

A Town coach said: “A lack of belief in themselves and others led to a shabby first half. They (Upottery) were a decent side and they controlled possession, but rarely threatened. We saw nothing to fear from many peoples tip for a top three side. A lot will hinge on the availability of some promising youngsters and a few experienced players that will hopefully provide the club with a competitive second string. The next game up is University away which will be a stern test for the young lads.”