An absolute humdinger of a goal from lone striker Nicholas Wade was the only positive to take from a 8-1 mauling at the hands of Plymouth University for Sidmouth Men's 1st XI, writes Andrew Joy

After a recent cup exit, the main priority for the team was to string together some decent performances and find some form, however, after being turned over by a well-drilled, younger and, most notably, - a fitter University side, Sidmouth's turn in fortunes will need to start next week at Bristol.

With some high profile absentees, it was a relief that captain Ian Brown was able unveil to the team last season’s flying winger, Tom Mason, after a season of playing rugby in Scotland. On the opposite wing Powell threatened with his pace and tackling, whilst in midfield, the trio of Mapson, Devine and Lewis struggled to cope with the attacking play of Plymouth's fast breaking midfield. Wade has shown, over the course of the season, that he can dribble and commit players, now he has shown that he can hit a ball hard as, midway through the second half, a loose ball was walloped high in to the side, hit from a tight angle - fortunately avoiding the heads of all players in the vicinity.