Sidmouth and Ottery 2, Minehead B 0 Sidmouth and Ottery D consigned the South East Three table toppers to only their second defeat of the season with a slick all-round performance at Sidmouth Leisure Centre.

When the sides had met in North Somerset on the opening day of the season the home side won 5-2, but it was all-change this time round!

The first half saw the visitors dominate the game, but a combination of saves by keeper Maher and some solid defence, including good work from Baker and West, meant they had no joy whilst, at the other end, the hosts struck the only goal of the half. Ellison began the move and when he picked out Ackland the later slapped it home from 10-metres in the 35th minute.

During the break Mackie rearranged the defensive and attacking structures and called for the team to play closer together. These simple changes boosted the quality of Sid’s game almost immediately. They played simple hockey and were able to pass and move their way around the pitch. As they did this, their confidence grew and they won several penalty corners and created further opportunities.

The lead was doubled when Ackland netted after a period of sustained home pressure.

Rudolph and Vincent showed great determination and no little skill to harangue the Minehead defence and when Vincent stole the ball, his eventual shot was marginally wide of becoming goal number three!

The victory lifts the side into third spot in the table, their highest position of the season to date and testimony to the change in fortunes following a poor start to the campaign.

They return to action on January 12 when they travel to Isca E.