A good, solid effort saw Sidmouth Town pick up the points at Exmouth Amateurs and the club was pleased to see the side dig in against an under-estimated side, writes Lee Glanville.

Ammies have come on in leaps and bounds in recent weeks and were prepared to dig in and get right in the Vikings’ faces. Sidmouth had to buckle down and managers Paul Ashford and Phil Margrett were delighted to see them do so from the keeper right up through the team to the strikers.

It was a tough match, striker Andy Isaac came off in the first half after a tackle which saw his opponent booked. He was replaced by young Tom Perryman who, said Ashford, ‘really turned it on.’

He scored a breathtaking goal to put Vikings in the lead, looking as if he would cross the ball but, instead, turning it with his left foot and volleying the ball in off the crossbar.

“The lads worked hard all over the pitch, and that is really pleasing,” Ashford added.

With full availablity, the managers had trouble picking the team for this week’s match home to Heavitree SU, another team enjoying a revival, 3pm.

The Reserves drew 2-2 with Colyton and are away to Culm Utd on Saturday. Colyton were held to a draw thanks to an amazing performance from keeper Robbie Powell, 16. Craig Badcock scored his last goal in his 30s to equalise Coly’s first goal. Steve Brown headed home the second and Powell produced a point blank double save right at the death to secure the point. It was the fifth draw of the season for Sidmouth.

Sidmouth in general put in a lacklustre performance but, at times, played some good football but it was few and far between, Colyton got their noses back in front and had the chance to go further ahead when they were awarded a fortunate penalty, Robbie Powell saved the penalty and the follow up shot to prevent the visitors going into a 3-1 lead.

After a re-shuffle the Vikings started to play some good football, Jules Hudson chased a long ball held it up well and passed to Rory Weal who hit a far post cross which was met by Steve Brown who headed into the top corner to make it 2 - 2.

Right at the death Man of the Match Powell made another double save from point blank range to save the point for the Vikings.