Recent results for the Sidmouth 1st XI showed stuttering form with only eight points from the last six games, this meant that a result against ISCA A was required to maintain realistic hopes of finishing in the top half of the league, writes Andrew Joy.

Prior to the game spirits had been lifted as the players started to warm up on the water based pitch at the university, considering all other league games this season had been played on sand based pitches this was a rare treat.

The game started with both teams adopting a passing philosophy noticeable from the play of Devine, Welsh and Baker in the Sidmouth midfield, this created an energetic and end to end game with each team vulnerable to the counter attack. Unfortunately for Sidmouth this resulted in the first goal of the game as the midfield of Sidmouth lost possession of the ball near the ISCA D, the ISCA forwards countered quickly and then scored the opening goal.

Despite this set back Sidmouth rallied and had soon equalised after some quick thinking meant that Sidmouth were able to swiftly counter and present youthful forward Bunn with an opportunity to shoot unmarked from the top of the ISCA D - the ball was hit under the onrushing keeper and into the goal.

The second half started in the same vein as the first as both teams kept possession of the ball and looked for an opening. However the measured Sidmouth defence of Brown, Plowdon, Rowson and Robinson kept the ISCA attackers at bay, however a quick counter attack from ISCA resulted in a harsh short corner. The subsequent routine meant that Sidmouth again went a goal behind as keeper Hill was left with no chance from a close range shot.

Sidmouth again gathered themselves and the reminder of the game was spent with ISCA defending their lead, despite players such as Please constantly threatening and some ambitious aerial attempts from Sidmouth forward Pigeon, ISCA clung on to their lead. Then in the dying seconds of the game Devine beat an ISCA defender and drove from the corner flag towards the ISCA goal, seeing Pigeon unmarked at the far post he crossed the into his onrushing path. Pigeon rolling back the years struck the ball towards the top corner from two yards out! However time has taken its toll from the glory years of youth and the ball flew over the goal much to Sidmouth’s disappointment.

ISCA won the game two goals to one, however the Adrenalin Games sponsored Sidmouth 1st XI can take pride in their performance and whist finishing in the top half of the league table is now out of their hands they can look forward to next weeks game with bottom of the table OPM with confidence.