University 3, Sidmouth Town 2

The Vikings made the short trip into Topsham to face a uni side lying just above them in the table.With a strong wind blowing down the pitch it was going to be a tough first 45 as Town struggled to keep possession.

Uni went ahead on 20 minutes as their movement and passing saw the no 9 advance on goal,round keeper Burgess,and roll the ball into an empty net. Matt Rasmussen went close on a rare sortie forward by the Vikings. Town’s defence stood firm for the remainder of the first half, so just the one goal separated the sides at the break.

Sidmouth, with the wind at their backs, looked a different side as they pinned the students in their half. After some good play by Tom Chaplin and Kieran Fayter-Small, Town were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal. Skipper Alex Raistrick took command and smashed the ball into the top corner to bring the sides level. With their tails up the Vikings were dominating and on 65 minutes added a second goal. Matt Rasmussen took a pass from his right set up himself to finish with a left foot strike into the far corner. After good play from Sam Baker a goalmouth scramble saw Tim Lister unlucky not to grab a third goal. The students slowly started to come back into the game and on 70 minutes levelled the score as the Vikings seemed to stop playing.

The students were on top and grabbed a third and could have added more as the Vikings tired. Town never really tested the keeper in the final minutes as the students ran down the clock.

Manager Paddy Thomas said: “We knew they would pass the ball well on their wide pitch. The first half was poor in terms of quality but effort is never a problem with this squad. For 20 minutes in the second half we played some great football,went ahead, then seemed to stop! We will keep trying to improve and, hopefully, we can grab a win shortly.”

Vikings next match is away to Alphington, 2pm ko in the Devon Premier Cup. Go along and support the lads - all welcome!