Sidmouth Town 4ths sit proudly top of the Macron League Division Eight table after they beat the team that sat top before kick-off, Cheriton Fitzpaine, beating the Cherries 2-1, and on their own turf too.

Town skipper-for-the-day Adam Jago won the toss and, playing up a slope and into a keen breeze, his team, like the hosts, struggled to find any rhythm on a poor surface.

The home side played with a direct style, but Town central defenders Ben Main and Oliver Newton coped well, dealing confidently with a series of long balls.

Chances were at a premium at either end, but it was the Cherries who broke the deadlock with what was a ‘scrappy’ goal that left Town trailing 1-0 at the break.

During the interval, the young Town team listened intently to the words from team boss Tony West, the captain and the returning clubman Darren Thomas and they made a bright start to the second period, dominated the opening 25 minutes and drew level with a goal from the ever-dangerous Oliver Turton.

Once on level terms, Town went in search of a winner and their positive approach paid off when, after some fine approach play involving Thomas and Turton, the ball dropped at the feet of the impressive Toby Garrick, who rifled it home from 10 yards to give the Town youngsters another terrific away win.

On Saturday (November 11), Town are in league action with a home game against Thorverton Reserves.