Sidmouth and Ottery ladies III were good value for their share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Dart II.

The fact that the third eleven had 15 players on match day duty is testament to the club’s youth development policy.

Both teams made bright starts on a greasy surface after heavy pre-match rain.

Stalwart defenders Mary Ackland and Mo Mylne worked hard alongside youngsters Lauren Dockley and Maddie Roberts to prevent the lively visitors from scoring, but they did eventually edge ahead via a penalty corner, scoring what proved to be the only goal of the first half.

After the break the sun came out and, in keeping with the brighter conditions the home side began to take control thanks to the industry of midfield trio Jan Moore, Charlotte Hill and Katy Ackland. It was no more than the team deserved when a quickly-taken free hit found Sarah Dean free inside the D, and she calmly took the ball round the final defender before slotting home to see the game end all square.

This Saturday (October 11) the ladies play an in-house derby taking on SOHC IV at Sidmouth.