Sidmouth Town went down 4-2 on their visit to Appledore for a South West Peninsula League, Eastern Division game.

Town were hampered in their pre-match preparation as they lost the services of top scorer – and the subject of a transfer bid from Tiverton Town – Cameron Vere who was left at home nursing a damaged rib after a midweek trampolining accident.

Adding to the Vere loss was the fact that midfielder Gary Dixon also dropped out citing family reasons.

Team problems apart, the Vikings began brightly with Manuel José Sánchez Morales making an impressive debut in midfield, showing some exquisite touches.

It was against the run of play when, in the 15th minute, Appledore took the lead, albeit with an element of controversy.

Another player making his debut, Jake Allen who had been playing at Fresha League Division Five Ottery St Mary, looked to have been fouled when about to shoot. The match official, much to the Vikings consternation, waved play on and the ball was quickly moved to the other end of the pitch. A defence-splitting pass eluded Town defensive duo Anthony Griffiths and Jamie Newbery and it was left to Tom Marsh to slot the ball home.

The goal settled the home side and stung the Vikings and the visitors’ pain increased when Marsh doubled the lead.

Five minutes before the break Allen, who had spells as a youngster with both Exeter City and Yeovil Town, missed a glorious opportunity to pull one back for the Vikings!

Allen found himself in acres of space at the back post, but could not hit the target from Swinglers terrific cross.

The Vikings began the second half on the front foot. However, it was the impressive home side that scored again with Marsh once more the scorer to complete his hat-trick.

Sidmouth were now looking ragged and Appledore scored a fourth goal on the hour mark with Harry Stevens netting.

The loss of a fourth goal saw the Vikings make a change to their formation. They introduced Craig Hodgson and the fleet-footed Ben Burrows and this certainly gave them a new focus. With 20 minutes remaining Allen scored a goal that will surely be amongst those at the end of the campaign that are considered ‘goals of the season’!

The former Otter used his chest to control a cross from Burrows before rifling a dipping volley into the top corner of the net from 25-yards.

Soon after the Vikings scored again with Burrows once more the provider. The lively winger crossed into the box where Hodgson’s physical presence caused complete panic and a rash defensive clearance smashed off Hodgson and flew past the stranded home keeper.

Appledore began to look ragged and were reduced to ten men when Burrows was chopped down. With five minutes remaining the ball fell to Sidmouth’s Farrington on his trusted right foot some 18-yards out, but the Town right back lazed the ball over the bar.

Town: Bowring, Farrington, Newbery, Griffiths, White, Wellman, Davies (C), Sánchez Morales, Evans, Allen and Swingler. Used Subs: Hodgson and Burrows.

Star man: Ryan Davies