SIDMOUTH Town manager Josh Stunell faced a dilemma picking a side for Saturday’s derby date with Budleigh Salterton after a battling performance against Galmpton the previous time out.

The Vikings’ boss brought up five reserve team players into the side to face the high-flying Greens to plug gaps in the side.

Among them was super-veteran Anthony Griffiths, who marshalled the defence from centre-half at the ripe old age of 42.

Griffiths can’t play today due to other commitments, which means one headache less for the Town boss.

“After the 8-2 defeat by Teignmouth I wanted a response from the players and I certainly got that,” said Stunnell of the 1-0 defeat by Galmpton.

“There is no point having a reserve side if you don’t make use of it and the players who came up were awesome.

“Defensively, we made it very hard for them and Griff was one of the reasons why.

“It would have been very hard to leave him out against Budleigh – in fact leaving anyone out is difficult.

“On one hand you have to show loyalty to the players, but on the other I am judged on winning games and have to get the best side out.”

The Vikings made the short trip to Exmouth on Tuesday night for a friendly against the Premier outfit to give both sides some game time.

Sidmouth lost 1-0, not that Stunnell was too worried.

“They hadn’t played for a couple of weeks and needed a game – I needed a game to bring back players from suspension or injury,” said Stunnell.