Sidmouth Town 1, Cullompton Rangers 2 The Vikings pushed the Premier Division visitors’ all the way in a thrilling Throgmorton Cup tie.

Town made a bright start and fully deserved their 25th minute lead when a slide-rule pass released Dan Norman who made no mistake.

Soon after came a moment of controversy when an Aaron Doble shot looked destined for the net only to be kept out by what appeared to be the arm of the visiting central defender! No spot kick was forthcoming and half-time arrived with Town holding a slender, but deserved, advantage.

It was not until the 60th minute that the visitors’ levelled, something they did from the penalty spot after Town keeper Scott Newbury felled a Cully attacker in the area. The gloves man went the right way, but was beaten by the power of the strike.

With Town tiring Newbury made a fine save to deny Cully a second, but the keeper was powerless to keep out the 75th minute winner, rifled past him from 25 yards after the ball had been carelessly given away 30-yards from goal.

Town boss Paddy Thomas said: “We had a different shape and set-up and that often causes worry about if the players are intelligent enough to understand (football wise),what we ask of them. But talking afterwards with most they found it comfortable and we will try it again. Cullompton are near the foot of their league and they had no confidence until they got in front. It was nice to see an old adversary in the shape of Mr Cullompton, Marcus Scott who, at 70 years of age, ran the line effortlessly. Mark Badcock was outstanding, Jake Boyland made his debut and remarked afterwards how amazed he was at the pace of this level. Andy Isaac played his best game so far for us. We still need to keep possession better as in the tight games moving the opposition about the pitch should offer us opportunities to goal”

Town battled manfully to find an equaliser, but it was not forthcoming and the Premier side were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Tomorrow Town entertain Dalton in the Devon Premier Cup (2pm).