ANYTHING but a win in this game would have been disastrous as Alphington still have seven games in hand over Sidbury.

ANYTHING but a win in this game would have been disastrous as Alphington still have seven games in hand over Sidbury. With the seasiders having surrendered the lead three times a couple of weeks ago, this game looked like it was going to follow a similar pattern.Goal machine Kevin Dorman opened the scoring when he ran on to a pass from Lee Withecombe. As the advancing keeper slipped, Dorman fired into an open net. Alphington's response was swift as a needless free kick was conceded, the resulting delivery headed home by Jason Down.Within a minute Russell Coombs put Sidbury back in the lead. A long clearance from Ben Woolley saw Dorman race down the right- hand side of midfield. He sent in a cross from the byeline with such power that Coombs, who had arrived at the right time, could only see the ball flash off his left foot into the back of the net.The second half was even as both sides realised how important the result was going to be. With defence tight, neither side could find another breakthrough and Sidbury remain top of Senior One.Manager Mel Coombs said: "This was a fantastic result for us, as so many sides have games in hand on us. I thought Steve Popham was excellent. He might be the oldest player in the side, but he covers more ground the anyone else. "I know its going to be difficult to get promotion but, if we could win the division, it would be a tremendous achievement for the club."l Sidbury Reserves had another superb result, this time at Ottery St Mary where they ran out 3-0 winners. The victory puts them up to fifth and puts them in with a real chance of a promotion place. Dean Goddard scored twice, one of which was a belter, with Aston Puckey also firing home.l Unsurprisingly Kevin Dorman was named Player of the Month for February - seven goals in three games made him the obvious choice.l This Saturday the first XI host Halwill, who are another side that could still catch the Seagulls.l The second XI travel to Bickleigh. Both games kick off at 3pml The Seagulls went out of the Grandisson Cup on Sunday losing out to Kentisbeare on penalties.Although the team fielded had half the regular first XI players missing, it still looked good enough to win through to the next round. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a very sad display from a team made up of players from both squads who should be on a high.