Sidmouth freshened up the squad ahead of the local Derby against Axminster Town.

The Vikings played Dan Stapleton in goal, James Clampin at centre back and drafted in Jamie Densham up front to ease their striking issues as they currently have four strikers on the injury list.

Both sides started at a good pace, with the play mainly condensed to the centre of the pitch, Danny Clay a big influencing factor for the lively visitors.

The Vikings midfield of Dan Jones, Ollie Binion, Matt Clenahan and Connor Swingler all putting in a tremendous shift to tame the Tigers.

The first half was very nip and tuck, with the Tigers playing too many long balls that played right into the hands of centre backs Jamie Newbery and new signing Clampin.

Both sides tried to get their passing games going but struggled to find the quality or the space to be effective.

At the break Sidmouth introduced reserve team player Fenrec Bodor. Bodor’s pace gave Ax something different to think about and this allowed more space and time for Sidmouth’s Nathan Antat.

In the 55th minute the talented Antat hit a 20 yard strike that flew past keeper Wells-Burr in the Ax goal. Wells-Burr will be disappointed to have been beaten by Antat’s effort, however the long range strike bounced wickedly in front of the former Chard Town keeper before hitting the net. 1-0.

Ax immediately went on the front foot and on the 65th minute nearly found the equaliser through a Dave O’Connor free kick that smashed against the cross bar and to safety to the relief of a rooted Stapleton.

Axminster continued to push but found the Vikings defence in great form. Just when Sidmouth thought they had done enough to take all three points Ax scored in the 88th minute from a corner that Ax’s best player on the night Oscar Lates headed past Stapleton 1-1. A minute later Ax so nearly won the game when Dan Jones dithered on the ball this allowed the pacey Luke Finn to rob him of the ball, Finn crossed to Ben Turner who’s header clipped the cross bar and went out for a goal kick.

Sidmouth Town boss Josh Stunell said: “From a neutrals point of view a draw would have been a fair result, however we are bitterly disappointed not to have bagged all three points having defended so well only to concede in the last knockings of the game.”

Sidmouth From: Stapleton, Pointing, Newbery (C), Clampin, White, Jones, Clenahan, Binion, Swingler, Antat & Densham. Used Subs: Wellman, Badcott & Bodor. Unused: Clarke & Bowditch.