Culm United 3, Sidbury United 1 Sidbury suffered a surprise cup exit when they had their early season 100 per cent start wiped out by a side that had lost every game prior to this Devon Senior Cup tie.

From the first minute the home side battled for everything and that, coupled with a below-par Sidbury show led to a relatively comfortable home win!

Despite their clear lethargy, United created the most chances throughout the contest.

Ashley Small spurned a one-on-one with the home glovesman and Glen Salter put a six-yard header over the bar! There was also a goal line clearance and a superb save by the Culm keeper before the Mid Devon men took the lead on the half hour. With United pressing forward Culm broke and fired past stand-in keeper Will Conibere.

In the second half Sidbury failed to find the higher gear their performance required and they were dealt a blow when leading scorer Ash Small was injured forcing manager Jeremy Schofield into changes.

A defensive slip gifted Culm a two goal advantage, but that did spark a United response and Sam Seldon cannoned a shot back off an upright before Adam Connett was denied twice by the depth of the crossbar! With 25 minutes remaining another calamitous defensive error saw Culm extend their lead.

Sam Seldon struck a late consolation and boss Schofield lamented: “Fair play to them (Culm) as they worked harder than us and took their chances. We were poor and five or six of our number were well below-par and you simply cannot get away with that at any standard. That said defeat should serve to make you stronger and the acid test of any quality and ambitious side is how they react to adversity. The next outing is the big one in terms of seeing of we do get a reaction.”

Tomorrow United stage the Fresha Division One Match of the Day with table toping Elmore the visitors to Byes Lane.