Sidmouth Town 1, Appledore 3 The Vikings slipped to a fifth defeat in nine South West Peninsula League Easter Division outings.

Facing the visiting Fishermen who had suffered just one reversal in seven starts, Town began Welland looked to have a measure of control over the proceedings.

However, as has seemed so often this season to be the case, all the bright optimism for the home side came to nothing in terms of goals and, in their very first attack, the visitors scored from the penalty spot with a strike that sent Vikings stopper Luke Ashford the wrong way.

The goal was harsh on the Vikings and almost immediately they were level when Jake Boyland eased his way past a full back and continued his run into the area and, when his shot was fumbled the quick-reacting Alex Raistrick pounced to slam the ball home.

Boosted by the presence of another superb Manstone Road crowd this ought to have been the start of a good afternoon for home players and support, but the visitors took charge as the home team surprisingly seemed to take their foot off the gas!

It was another individual error that led to Town conceding a second goal and so they trooped off at the interval trailing by the odd goal in three.

The half-time chat was of a higher than usual volume as Town boss Paddy Thomas tried to get his players to raise the tempo of their game.

The early second half action seemed to indicate that the managers words had been effective!

Quickly into their stride the Vikings began to enjoy greater possession and territorial advantage.

Boyland again provided a great chance for Andy Isaac who directed the ball goalwards only for the visiting keeper to pull off a stunning save.

It was from that moment that the game changed! Appledore went forward and found a third goal which visibly deflated the home side.

Even the visitors being reduced to ten men didn’t make a difference to the way the game was being played. Aaron Doble went close with a right footed curling effort as the Vikings pushed for any reward, but it was Appledore who finished the stronger and they could, indeed should. Have won by a greater margin than the two goals.

Town boss Paddy Thomas said: “Credit must be given to Appledore who were stronger than us. They played on the counter and we didn’t cope at all well in defence. The midfield were guilty of not tracking their runners at times and the strikers couldn’t hold the ball often enough to provide a platform for us to get in support and threaten the Appledore goal. All too often poor passing, control and little understanding of what’s expected from individuals is letting us down. As for the lack of communication that runs right through the side it disappoints me as it’s a basic requirement and should be a natural part of everyone’s game.”

Town are at home again tomorrow when Okehampton Argyle are the visitors (3pm).