Sidmouth Town were beaten for the first time this season when they slipped to a single goal Manstone Road defeat at the hands of Okehampton Argyle, writes Nick Ogden.

In what turned out to be a dour encounter the Vikings never really came out of the changing rooms, and, while the visitors also looked lethargic, they did have the hosts on the back foot for long periods.

Adam Whitty was superb throughout at the heart of the Vikings defence but there was nothing he could do when a fortunate bounce fell to the striker whom promptly thumped it home to send the visitors into the break with the advantage.

After the break Sidmouth looked much sharper and created several good openings, but, as is the case when chasing a game, gaps were left at the back.

Fortunately, with some poor finishing, the visitors were unable to capitalise on the opportunities and did not add any further goals.

The Vikings made some bold changes and sent on three attacking substitutes but the break never came and the visitors departed with the points.

A valuable lesson to be learnt was that, at this level, you must compete for the full game and take your chances when they come.

Acting manager Simon Hudson said: “We haven’t played well for a few games now and the first half was no different. There was a terrific response in the second half and I felt we were unfortunate not to get something from the game”.

Town are back in action tomorrow (Saturday) when they travel to Totnes and Dartington.