Sidmouth Town fail to secure double over Newton Spurs

The Vikings performed superbly the previous week, winning 4-1 at a Newton side looking to push into the top five of the division, but the return game on home turf was a story of exemplary endeavour not quite being matched by quality moments in the final third. 

After a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day before the game, both sides started with plenty of effort but chances were at a premium in the first period.  

The pattern continued after the break until the visitors won a free-kick on 68 minutes. Will Hancox delivered a seemingly innocuous effort that somehow eluded the crowd of players to find the far corner. 

The Vikings huffed and puffed to the end, but without reward. Next on the list is a daunting trip to league leaders Okehampton Argyle on Saturday.  

It was an afternoon of similar frustration for Sidmouth 2nds in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division, as they went down to a 2-0 defeat at Clyst Valley. The result leaves Sidmouth eighth in the table and, weather permitting, they will have an immediate chance for revenge this weekend, with Clyst visiting for the return fixture. 

Louis Adey helped restore some cheer to the club with a sizzling hat-trick in a 4-2 win for Sidmouth Town 3rds at Exeter United. Jake Boyland scored the other goal. 

Ottery St Mary had no answer to a ruthless attacking display from Appledore in the Devon Football League. Seb Copp and Connor Swingler scored for the Otters but they went down to a painful 10-2 defeat. Ottery will be hoping for a response at home to University of Exeter this weekend. 

It wasn’t much better for Ottery Reserves, as they were beaten 7-2 at home to Lyme Regis. Dylan Cody and Kaden Vittles notched the consolation goals. In a mirror of the first-team, Ottery reserves travel to the University 2nds next. 

The Ottery St Mary Development side suffered a rare blip in Division 6, going down 2-0 at City Raiders.