Sidmouth HC 2nd 0, Dawlish 1st XI 2: A youthful and fleet-footed Dawlish turned out to be more than a match for the Sidmouth HC 2nd XI s experienced line-up in a close fought match.

Sidmouth HC 2nd 0, Dawlish 1st XI 2: A youthful and fleet-footed Dawlish turned out to be more than a match for the Sidmouth HC 2nd XI's experienced line-up in a close fought match.

A goal in each half resulted in all three points being taken west.

Sidmouth captain James Tribble surprised onlookers by opting for a 'Dad's Army' style midfield in the first half which saw veterans Keith Baker, Tim Galbraith and Mark Mingo in the workhorse roles.

All three enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening minutes as Sidmouth initially took the game to the visitors. The early 'purple patch', however, seemed to end after Galbraith was up-ended by the Dawlish keeper during a mazy dribble into the D.

After landing head first, Galbraith departed the pitch for the first time to bathe a bleeding friction burn on his cheek.

The crucial equaliser could not be fashioned and Dawlish secured the points by converting a penalty corner of their own five minutes from time.

Although the seconds' losing streak has stretched to three, any observers would have been reassured by the more competitive edge to the Sidmouth display against a talented young side which has climbed to third in the league.