Sidmouth Town began what boss Josh Stunell hopes is the start of a long unbeaten run as his side drew 2-2 with Newton Abbot Spurs and then, in a night game against Axminster Town, shared two goals.

The 2-2 with Newton Abbot Spurs saw all the goals in a frenetic first 45 minutes that saw three penalties – two of them netted and one not!

Town skipper Jamie Newberry drilled home both spot kicks he had, but the visitors missed theirs striking a post in the 40th minute.

Town would have taken all three points had not an 85th Ollie Binnion shot not cannoned back off the crossbar. However, Town boss Stunell thought the result was right saying: “Had Ollie’s shot gone in it would have been harsh on Spurs – a draw was the right result.”

Town then entertained Axminster Town on Tuesday night and again the outcome was a draw.

Town rang the chances, bringing Dan Stapleton in to keep goal, James Clampin at centre back and drafted in Jamie Densham up front to ease their striking issues as they currently have four strikers on the injury list!

Town began well with the midfield quartet of Dan Jones, Ollie Binion, Matt Clenahan and Connor Swingler all putting in a tremendous shift to tame the Tigers.

The first half was very nip and tuck, with the Tigers playing too many long balls that played right into the hands of centre backs Jamie Newbery and new signing Clampin.

Both sides tried to get their passing games going but struggled to find the quality or the space to be effective.

At the break Sidmouth introduced reserve team player Fenrec Bodor. Bodor’s pace gave Ax something different to think about and this allowed more space and time for Sidmouth’s Nathan Antat.

In the 55th minute the talented Antat rifled the ball home from 25-yards to give Town the lead.

Ax responded and almost levelled in the 65th minute when Dave O’Connor free kick that struck the bar.

The Tigers continued to push, but found the Vikings defence in great form. Just when Sidmouth thought they had done enough to take all three points Ax scored in the 88th minute from a corner that Ax’s best player on the night, Oscar Latas headed past Stapleton.

The visitors almost won the game a minute later when Jones dithered on the ball allowing the pacey Luke Finn to rob him and his cross found Ben Turner who saw his header clip the bar.

Sidmouth Town boss Josh Stunell said: “From a neutrals point of view a draw would have been a fair result, however we are bitterly disappointed not to have bagged all three points having defended so well only to concede in the last knockings of the game.”

Tomorrow (Saturday), Town are again at home when they entertain Totnes and Dartington (3pm).