Sidmouth and Ottery ladies (SOHC) first team recorded arguably their finest result of the season when they defeated table-topping Winscombe 2-1.

The visitors began the day team sitting six points above the hosts who arrived sporting an unbeaten record so far this season.

In cold and windy conditions that were not conducive to a flowing game SOHC started warily, unsure of their opposition’s strengths, but then soon began to find themselves dominating possession.

Home defenders Chloe Munn, and Emily Akland combined well to see off some strong attacking play from the visitors and, when the pair were breached, goalkeeper Becky Delasalle made an excellent save from an aggressive Winscombe centre forward.

Confidence began to grow through the home ranks and that led to periods of sustained pressure on the Wiscombe defence that ultimately led to the award of a short corner that was clinically despatched by Karen Dutton from the top of the circle.

The goal proved to be the only one of the first half and the hosts trooped off at the interval with the advantage.

Team mentor Lea Pidgeon rallied the Sidmouth side in the half-time talk to ensure they knew they could hold onto this win if the team kept up their concentration and competed for every ball.

With a few tactical changes that included Anna Rowson being moved into midfield, SOHC made a confident start to the second half.

Five minutes in the lead was doubled and again the scorer was Dutton, getting onto the end of a slick passing move that also involved Sara Roberts and Nicky Bishop which opened up the Winscombe defence.

The visitors were clearly surprised to find themselves two goals down and frustrations boiled over with the match official issuing yellow cards to two of the visitors.

The home players, having put so much into the contest, understandably began to tire and Wiscombe took advantage, halving the deficit with a crisp shot.

This set up a frenetic last ten minutes during which time SOHC dug deep to defend with real discipline and there was plenty of cheering at the final whistle to signal a famous home success, a fourth straight home win this season for the ladies.

On Saturday SOHC travel to face Taunton Vale II.