Sidmouth Town were left to rue a flag as they went down by the odd goal in seven at home to Appledore in their latest league game.

Manstone Lane has certainly played witness to some terrific encounter since Josh Stunell took charge, and this was another!

Three times the Vikings fell behind and three times they showed real fortitude to get back on level terms.

Then, at 3-3, they had what they felt was a good goal ruled out by the raising of the flag by the referee’s assistant to rule out an Ash Small effort.

It was down the right flank that Appledore created their first goal, but the lively Rikki Pitter restored parity with his fifth goal of the season.

Another right wing raid proved profitable for the visitors, but again the Vikings rallied and Mark Pavey levelled things up.

Appledore took the lead for the third time, in an end-to-end contest, from the penalty spot, but yet again back came the home side and when Pavey scored his second of the game, being back on level terms was the least the Vikings deserved.

With 15 minutes remaining Pitter got away from his marker and unleashed a drive that cannoned off the cross bar and, from a position out wide on the right, Small reacted quickest to tuck the ball away only for the flag to rule it out for off-side.

To add insult to injury the visitors took all three points when they scored the games seventh and final goal deep into added time.

A disappointed Ton boss Josh Stunell said: “I have no complaints about their four goals, but really do feel we also had four very good goals, but sadly the one that really mattered - and would arguably have won us the points, was ruled out for a decision which left me astounded!”

He continued: “We played well and, let’s face it, if you score three times in any game it ought to bring you the points. We are making too many soft individual errors, but our luck will change. We work too hard and play too well for it not too. We’ll be OK, of that I am very sure.”

On Saturday Town host a University side that has won one, drawn one and lost one in

their three league away games so far this season.