A FINE display of goalkeeping by Brett Newbery meant Sidmouth were able to hold table-topping Torbay to a respectable scoreline in this David Wood Hockey League South East District One match, writes John Goodwin.

However Sidmouth posed little threat as an attacking force, with lone forward Chris Olive receiving little support and the visiting goalkeeper had hardly any business to conduct.

The pick of Newbery’s saves came in the second half when, having saved a shot, he was alert and agile enough to clear the ball from behind him with a backhand sweep just before a Torbay attacker had the chance to touch the ball home.

Torbay’s opener midway through the first half was mildly disputed by the Sidmouth defenders who claimed one of their number was obstructed and prevented from clearing the ball before the shot was struck home.

In a rare excursion into the Torbay D Sidmouth had a chance to equalise but Tim Wade played an air shot.

Ian Mackie, Neil Coles and Mark Watkins did sterling work in defence and when they were found wanting Newbery invariably came to the rescue. Eventually he was beaten and although switch of players saw Watkins moved upfield, Sidmouth never looked like challenging Torbay’s lead.