Sidmouth Town continue to score goals this fledgling season, but of greater concern to boss Josh Stunell will be that, after five matches, his side are still to deliver a clean sheet, writes Steve Birley.

Last Saturday they were edged out 1-0 at Manstone Lane by a well-drilled Appledore side, but bounced back to see off visiting Axminster Town in a terrific Tuesday night East Devon derby.

Against Appledore the Vikings gave first starts this term to winger Damien Armes and midfielder Gary Dixon who stepped in to replace the injured Ben Cole and the unavailable Dale O’donaghue.

A closely contested opening period saw Sidmouth find the back of the net first when Mark Pavey’s cross was sweetly headed home by Josh French only for the referee’s assistant to raise the flag for a marginal off-side.

Appledore pitched up at Manstone Lane with a played three and won three record this term, but their lively front line where well shackled by the Town back three of Pidgeon, Tarr and Colson.

Ten minutes into the second half the deadlock was broken when a long up-field punt missed a home head and bounced kindly for Brian Levien to fire the North Devon side ahead.

Town responded well. Both Pavey and Small caused all manner of problems for the visiting defence and only some smart goal keeping from Ollie Rigler kept them at bay.

The gloves mans best save came in the 90th minute when he somehow kept out a French header that seemed destined for the back of the net.

On Tuesday night the Vikings found scoring no such problem as they put four past visiting Axminster Town and they head into tomorrow’s Manstone Lane meeting with Newton Abbot Spurs looking for a third win of the season – and a first clean sheet!

Newton Abbot sit 12th in the fledgling table, two places below Town. So far they have lost three times on their travels, going down at Appledore, Brixham and Tavistock whilst their single away success was a 2-1 triumph at Crediton United.

At home Spurs have played twice, beating Plymstock and losing to Galmpton.

Town are back in action next midweek when they visit Crediton United (7.30pm).