The Vikings scored twice in the first half and added a third shortly after the restart and were good value for the points as they won their opening South West Peninsula League, Eastern Division match of the season 3-1 at home to Alphington.

It was last season’s leading scorer Ricky Pitter who peeled off at the far post to chest the ball home after a deep cross from Mark Pavey to give Town a 1-0 lead.

That lead was doubled thanks to some class from Cameron Vere who delivered a teasing cross that an Alphas defender turned past his own glovesman!

The Exeter side were the better of the teams early in the second half and so it was against the run of play when Pavey and Pitter combined to see Pitter double his tally and make it 3-0.

Alphington completed the scoring and it was tough on Town goalkeeper Alex Bowring who made three stunning saves during an amazing sequence of goalmouth action that ended with the ball finally in the back of the home net.

Jake Boyland was the home star after a super performance that might, on another day, have seen him nail a first half hat-trick!

Make sure of your copy of the Sidmouth Herald (out next on Friday August 14) for the thoughts of Town boss Josh Stunell o his side’s opening day win.