A special night under the Manstone Lights saw Sidmouth Town advance into the Quarter Finals of the Devon St Lukes Bowl after a 3-1 victory over Bideford, who play their football two divisions higher than the Vikings.

In a fast start from both sides, Sidmouth captain Jamie Vaughan-Ryall released Louis Jagger Cane down the left but his cross was cleared. It set the tone for a breathless opening that saw the Vikings and Robins exchanging chances.

The deadline was broken in the 28th minute when a sweeping move saw Sidmouth take the lead. Jagger Cane fizzed a ball into the impressive Chim Chinnah who pinned his defender before finding the pacy Tom Bray, his cross was perfect for the arriving Vaughan-Ryall who swept the ball home.

Bideford always looked dangerous and levelled through Javan Wright four minutes before half-time. A heavy pitch and a lack of games saw some Vikings replaced due to cramp and it was the substitutes who made the difference in the game.

With it looking like penalties were on their way, Ashley Hudd won his tackle and released Jagger Cane out wide, his cross-come-shot was turned home by youngster Jack Drew-Cull with his first touch, sparking wild celebrations from the home crowd. Two minutes later, Ashley Small sealed the victory.

Chairmans Jay Thorne said: “Huge result for the club against a very good Bideford side and shows how far the club has come in more recent years.”

The Cup journey was replicated by Sidmouth 2nds, who made a tricky trip to Ipplepen in the Devon Premier Cup and were unlucky to bow out of the competition.

The deadlock was broken midway through the first half, Sam Hatswell delivering a super cross for Kyle Rogers to head home. Ipplepen responded well to going behind and drew level at the break.

With 10 minutes left to play, Ipplepen went into the lead with a goal similar to their first with a through ball between the Sidmouth centre backs to their striker who calmly finished past the onrushing ‘keeper.

Sidmouth then continued to press searching for an equaliser but couldn’t get the ball across the line, despite numerous chances, and were hit by a decisive third from the home side.