Sidmouth Town were just three minutes away from recoding a superb away success at title-chasing Galmpton United.

Indeed, had the Vikings had their shooting boots on then they would have recorded a famous victory.

Town dominated the first half and had either Mark Pavey or Rikki Pitter converted the gilt-edge chance that came their way then the Vikings would have held a deserved interval lead.

The South Devon side began the second half strongly, but found the Vikings defence equal to their best intent. Aaron Doble showed just why he has been entrusted with the skipper’s armband, leading his side with real class from a midfield berth.

Both teams kept the ball wall in the second half and, with 20 minutes remaining, Town finally got the goal they deserved when Pavey broke down the right and crossed for Pitter to power a header beyond the Galmpton gloves man.

The home team’s response was to throw extra men forward – effectively playing with a front four – but the Town defence of Thomas, Gingell, Burdus and young Newbery soaked up everything that was thrown at them.

There were just five minutes remaining when Pavey got hold of a shot that had ‘goal’ written all over it only for the home gloves man to make a stunning save.

Two minutes later a challenge on Town goalkeeper Ledger had the youngster remonstrating with the match official who, unhappy with the language used, awarded an indirect free-kick to the home side.

The ball was driven into the area, part cleared, but then returned to the six yard box where it was headed home to break Town hearts.

The draw was hard on the Vikings who showed in this game that they genuinely carry real promise and if this sort of performance can be delivered on a consistent basis they will soon climb the table.

Sidmouth Town: Ledger, Thomas, Burdus, Newbery, Gingell, Cox, Doble, Cooper, Pavey, Small, Piter. Subs used: Kana’ah, Pidgeon. Unused Sub: Jenkins.