Sidmouth Town Reserves were given a footballing lesson when they came up against a talented University Reserves side that certainly know how to play their University Sports Hub pitch on Topsham Road, Exeter.

Designed to the maximum pitch measurements for obvious reasons it was a tough task trying to win the ball back for the Town players!

The first half an hour was pretty even with Ferenc Bodor and Aidy Parr stretching the hosts back four at times.

However, all too often a long ball was chosen when a 10-yard ball, to keep possession, was ignored.

Adam Bartlett coped with any crosses that came his way as the back four stayed mostly solid.

In such tight contests, quite often the first goal is so important and it was the University who broke the deadlock on 35 minutes

Half-time gave Town a chance to regroup and it was felt that this game was far from over.

Indeed, it was the Vikings who made an excellent high-tempo start to the second half.

However, despite putting the students back line under plenty of pressure, the ‘final ball’ proved elusive!

On the hour mark some unusual defensive play allowed the University’s tricky winger to double the lead, effectively sealing the points as the wind was taken out of Towns sails.

A third was added as the visitors tired, but to their credit they never gave in and all put in a shift for the club.

Prior to this defeat at University, the last time the second team tasted defeat was back on September 2!

Joint boss Paddy Thomas says: “The team are comprised of a talented group and they should be proud of the run of success they have enjoyed since September 2.

“Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say the best side won and that was true of the match in Exeter.

“Tom Moore came on and showed some nice touches and hopefully he and others that have been consistently playing well for the Thirds can now look to force their way into the Reserves”

Next up for the Town second string is a Saturday (December 9) East Devon derby at Colyton (2:15pm).