Sidmouth Town Reserves went down 2-1 in a midweek night game against a strong University side that looks likely to now deny the Vikings a top three finish in the Fresha League Division One table.

Town got off to the worst possible start after conceding within a couple minutes of the kick-off and, for the following 10 minutes the Vikings side were chasing shadows as the students were far more alert and clearly had taken time to work on patterns of play With a few choice words exchanged between themselves on the pitch, the home side got back into the game and had opportunities to snatch an equaliser, but could not find a breakthrough.

On the half hour mark the Riki Pitter was clearly fouled in the opposing area and play was waved on! Moments later a penalty was awarded at the other end for a similar offence and the students, crucially in a closed encounter, led 2-0 at the interval.

Early in the second half the Vikings nearly got caught out when the students broke away from the restart.

However, in recent outings this Town second string team have found another level when required and they took the game to the visitors often causing panic in the University defence.

Mike Stamp, Joe Miller and Pitter all had good openings that were not taken.

Pitter finally found the back of the University net with a simple tap in after confusion in the students penalty area.

Town gave everything they had in a desperate bid to bank a point, but a second goal was not forthcoming.

On Saturday the Vikings travel to table-topping Exmouth Amateurs before they contest a Grandisson Cup semi-final against Kentisbeare at Ottery St Mary on Tuesday (7pm).