Sidmouth Towns late season unbeaten run came to an end at Manstone Lane on Monday when they were beaten by the East Division Runners-up.

The South Devon side arrived for the game sporting an unbeaten away record in the league this season which suggested that the Vikings would need to be at their best to take anything from the contest.

Town started confidently and looked solid at the back and both industrious and resolute in midfield.

However, all season long the nemesis for Paddy Thomas’s team has been their inability to score when clearly on top in a game.

A couple of home chances went begging before the Teigns took a 30th minute lead. Five minutes and a defensive error later the Vikings had a two goal deficit to make up! Within a minute of being two down the situation got a whole lot worse as Teignmouth bagged a third after regaining the ball from the Town re-start!

Town have shown character this season and this performance was to be full of that particular commodity. Jack Burgess made two splendid saves and was then relieved to see a thunderous effort rebound to safety off of the crossbar. With Andrew Thompson having to leave the field with an injury Towns hopes dwindled. Mike Pidgeon managed to score from close range with virtually the last kick of the game.

Town boss Paddy Thomas said: “The first half hour was a joy to watch, unlike the ten minutes that followed that period of play! We gifted them two goals that put the game out of reach. Our form lately has been very good and had we not contributed to our own downfall then I think we might have had a point. Teignmouth obviously enjoy playing away, and their cause was no doubt helped by another magnificent Manstone Road surface prepared by Ken Mortimore who really does need commending for his over and above the call of duty work this season in what have been difficult weather conditions!”

The Vikings final league game is on Saturday (May 10) when they entertain Liverton (3pm).

They also host Axminster Town next Tuesday (May 13|) in the semi-final of the Axminster Hospital Cup. Kick-off in that game is 6.30pm.