Sidmouth Town travelled to the recreation ground to play Newton Abbot Spurs a team that would provide a tough test for a strong Vikings side. Spurs started the game at a furious pace, aided by the atrocious weather that saw thunder, lightning, hailstones and no let up in rain through the entire 90minutes.

Slowly Town got a foothold in the game and created a few chances that could have seen them take the lead. Forty-three minutes had passed when from losing possession in the middle Spurs broke quickly to punish the Vikings and take a 1-0 lead. This was a huge blow for Town as they had stood firm and deserved to go in level.

Worse was to follow as sloppy play straight from the kick off saw Sidmouth surrender possession to the Spurs’ centre forward who gleefully lifted the ball over Ashford to make the half time score 2-0.

The next goal was all important and would determine the outcome of this match.

Unfortunately for Town, again after schoolboy defending, Spurs went further ahead on 55 minutes.

Sidmouth, to their credit, never gave up and pulled a goal back through Nathan Brace who finished from close range.

With Sidmouth pouring forward, gaps began to show at the back but, fortunately for Town, Ashford showed his quality handling in the difficult conditions and the game finished 3-1.

Manager Paddy Thomas said: “From being fairly pleased going in all square, two minutes of madness saw us chasing the game against a decent side.

“We have to keep ourselves in games, stay in touch and battle away. We have three away games left to play, two of which are against sides lying in the top three, so if we don’t prepare physically and mentally, we will take a hiding !”