Axminster Town 2, Sidmouth Town1 The Vikings gave a very good account of themselves before being edged out in a Throgmorton Cup tie at Sector Lane.

On a bumpy pitch both teams tried to play attacking football with the Tigers edging the early exchanges.

Vikings keeper Burgess was the busier of the two keepers, but in general the shots that rained in were high or wide of his goal. With half time beckoning Axminster were awarded a dubious free kick and from that they took the lead with virtually the last kick of the half!

This obviously had the Tigers tails up and they put the away side under severe pressure as the second half got under way.

Eventually the constant pressure paid dividends and from a good passing move Axminster doubled the lead.

A couple of substitutes then swung the game Sidmouth’s way with them finally playing some decent football thus causing a few anxious moments for the hosts.

The Vikings were back in the contest with a goal from Jake Allen after good work from Nathan Brace and Sam Baker.

With 15 minutes still to play Town pressed for an equaliser and came might close on a number of occasions whilst the Tigers were always a threat on the break.

Sidmouth had a chance to draw level when Craig Badcock pounced on an error in the Tigers defence and was through with the keeper to beat, but saw his lob go agonisingly wide.

Sidmouth then had what looked very reasonable calls for a penalty turned down by the match official when Matt Rasmussen was tripped in the box. However all that was forthcoming was a corner!

The Town boss said: “Axminster deserved to win having played the better football. However, having said that they were certainly helped on their way by some very strange decisions! What we need to do is get the basics right. Simple things are letting us down and the opposition at this level invariably punish you. Effort isn’t a problem with this group of players. Youngsters like Kieran Fayter-Small probably shouldn’t of started, but was desperate to play his part whilst a special mention for skipper Alex Raistrick who was outstanding throughout.”