Sidmouth Town suffered a seventh home defeat of their South West Peninsula League Eastern Division season, beaten 2-1 by Alphington in a contest that once again went against the Vikings because of failings in front of goal.

Amongst a large Manstone Lane crowd to see the game was Peremiership footballer Matt Grimes. The former Exeter City start – now at Swansea City – was present to see his younger brother make his Alphas debut!

There was something of a vision of what was to come in the game when Town spurned a chance to take the lead in the very first minute; Tony Cox blazing the ball high over the bar after Aaron Dobles’ free-kick had proved too hot to handle for the Alphington goalkeeper.

The visitor’s took a 20th minute lead courtesy of a delightful Ryan Levington chipped effort that gave home gloves man Dec Line no chance.

Town responded well and, with Jordon Cooper, Ash Small and Aaron Doble at the centre of much of the attacking play, a youthful home side began to enjoy dominance. However, as slick as the approach play, was a finish to match was not forthcoming as a number of gilt-edged chances went begging.

Ten minutes into the second half Town levelled with Riki Pitter keeping up his terrific record of a goal-per-game this season.

The home side again took charge of the contest, but once more chances went begging, particularly via Pitter and Pavey before, with 20 minutes remaining, the Alphas regained the lead.

Five minutes later the latest of a long-line of 16-year-old starlets, Freddie King, made his Manstone Lane bow, but the six-foot-three-inch teenager didn’t see much of the ball as the Vikings were playing a little bit to direct in the closing stages, but young King will be relieved to get his debut out of the way and can go into Saturday’s game at Tavistock with a little less pressure on his big shoulders.

With five minutes remaining Jamie Newbery had the chance to restore parity, Newbery who was six yards out with an open goal in front of him lost his footing and fell onto the ball that rolled onto the goal line and then was cleared. Newbery can be forgiven for his untimely slip as on the day, yet again the teenager was superb and rightly deserved his man of the match accolade, closely followed by skipper Aaron Doble. Ashley Small also had a good game for the Vikings, working tirelessly for the cause however an over exuberant challenge by the fleet footed winger saw him receive his marching orders on the 87th minute.

Sidmouth From: Lines, Newbery, Vere, Burdus, Thomas, Cooper, Doble, Cox, Small, Pavey, Pitter. Used Subs: King, Pidgeon and Iddi. Unused: Miller and Ogley.