Sidmouth Town 0, Exwick Villa 1 Sidmouth Town lost narrowly to the promotion-chasing visitors who had to work hard before they left Manstone Lane with all three points.

Despite having nothing to show for their efforts, the Vikings can be comfortable with the overall performance which was much improved from some of their one.

The opening exchanges saw a free-flowing Town move the ball well and open up the visiting defence at will.

Sadly they could not find a goal that their approach play deserved. Mike Pidgeon twice went mighty close to opening the scoring.

At the opposite end of the pitch Vikings gloves man Jack Burgess was clearly in fine form showing excellent handling skills and also an eye for good, quick, distribution.

A neat passing move got Andrew Thompson in on goal with just the Villa custodian to beat, but the keeper blocked the effort with his legs.

Through to half-time the Vikings dominance continued, but again it was a case of the finish not matching the impressive approach play.

The Exeter team management clearly had words of wisdom for their side at the break for they looked a different proposition in the second half.

The game’s only goal came midway through the second half and it was scored by the game’s most influential player, Danny Burwood, who cracked a half-volley beyond Burgess from the edge of the box.

It was a goal of high quality and it’s testament to the way that the Vikings played in this game that all that was between them and having something to show for their considerable contribution was a goal of sheer class!

Town boss Paddy Thomas said: “I am proud of the fifteen players who represented the club in this game. They (Exwick Villa) are a very good side and we pushed them all the way. Where we were lacking was simply in the fortune stakes! We needed that little bit of luck, perhaps a slightly better final ball and a bit of quality in the final third. We must stick together and remain positive as performances such as this will bring us points.”

Town are without a game on Saturday, they return to action on April 12, with a trip to Stoke Gabriel.