Sidmouth Town await news of FA Vase 1st Round opponents after superb Saturday success

What made the result all the more impressive was that the visiting side play a level higher and have made a decent start in the South West Peninsula League Premier Division campaign.

However, after their preliminary round 3-2 win at a Kensham side that play two levels higher, Richard Pears’ side once again were afforded the luxury of having nothing to lose in a cup tie that only the most die-hard of home fans – and no doubt the 20 or so folk involved with the Town matchday squad, thought that the Vikings could win.

Well, win they most certainly did, and in some style too as they took a 1-0 interval lead, only to be pegged back at1-1 before scoring three second half goals to deservedly claim a second FA Vase scalp, a healthy cheque for club funds and a coveted place in the first round proper of the competition.

Ash Small (2), Will Jenkins and Danny Clay scored the goals that helped the Vikings write another new chapter in the Sidmouth Town Football Club history book!

Make no mistake, this was no fluke either. Indeed, the Newquay-based side can probably reflect that they were fortunate not to lose by a greater margin as Rob Knight and Chris Duchenski both spurned first half chances that would have seen Town go in at the break three goals up rather than with the one goal advantage they did troop off.

What’s more, Town even recovered, and in style, after the visitors had levelled early in the second half.

Speaking after the game, Sidmouth Town chairman Andy Argyle said: “The sun shone on another glorious afternoon for the club. What was, for us, a massive fixture, provided an opportunity to formally welcome and present new sponsors Fords SW Ltd/CLEARVAC International to club members and to host a buffet lunch for all the club’s sponsors to recognize their importance to us.

“Also present were members of Sidmouth Town Council and Town Clerk Chris Holland who, as the club’s landlords, provide all important advice, support and guidance to the club’s committee.

“It goes without saying that I must express sincere thanks to everyone who attended the event, club officials who organized the administration and logistics and in particular to thank all the supporters who turned up to roar the Sidmouth team on to a resounding and well deserved win . An evening of great celebration provided the perfect end to a terrific day.’’

During the day, Sidmouth Town club president Stuart Hughes was presented with the newly printed team shirt by Fords SW/CLEARVAC Group managing director David Salter.

Stuart stated how proud he was to be president of the football club at a time of such significant development for the club.

David Salter in response confirmed how pleased he was for his company to be associated with a club so obviously moving forward and delivering high standards both on and off the field.