Sidmouth Town were caught out big style by basement style Alphington - and the mud of last weekend - losing 2-0.

Having been riding the crest of a wave, the erstwhile table toppers failed to adapt their game when the rain fell and paid the price.

Manager Paul Ashford admitted that he had failed to take the change in conditions into account when picking the team, but also warned the players that, if they want to win the league, they need to want to be the best, and that may include reining in Friday nights out with a view to performing well on Saturdays.

Having said that, he was quick to praise Alphington, whose back four and goalkeeper played out of their skins and their centre forward produced two good finishes to score.

And it is a measure of how far the Vikings’ football has progressed as, in previous years, they have performed well in the mud which is a great leveller of form.

“Alphington had 10 men behind the ball but we had chances to take the game. Luke (Ashford) in goal only had one save to make in the second half. It’s all about how we respond now. I have no worries on a good surface, but sometimes the players have to grind out a result when it’s tough conditions. It’s all about how we respond now,” he said.

Sidmouth face University at home tomorrow, Saturday, and without doubt the students will be young, keen and fit. “This is the other end of the spectrum,” Ashford added. Uni were beaten by Beer Albion last weekend.