Exeter Civil Service 3 , Sidmouth 1

saturday saw Sidmouth Town play their penultimate game of the current campaign away to Exeter Civil Service.

A strong squad, helped by the fact the Reserves had no fixture, gave cause for optimism as they took to the field. However, 20 minutes into the game, Town found themselves 3-0 down after poor defending saw Civil well on top.

Mark Badcock had a goal disallowed on 30mins for an apparent foul on the home keeper when all present felt it was the totally wrong decision. Sidmouth were clawing their way back and Andy Isaac scored from close range to bring the half time score to 3-1.

The second half saw Town make all the running but no way was found through a resolute Civil defence. Ashford in the visitors’ goal saved on a couple of occasions when Civil broke on the counter attack.

Manager Paddy Thomas said: “A few players have seemingly decided that the season has finished already.

“Every game in this league you have to start strongly otherwise you will be out of the game before half time, which was the case on Saturday. Finally, in my opinion the official had a shocker, although the defeat was not down to him as we were second best, but his influence on the match was massive.

“We play Liverton away on Saturday in our final match and, as this season’s champions, we are sure to be in for a tough afternoon. Let’s hope the lads ‘turn up’ for the first half otherwise it could be embarrassing!”

Sidmouth are currently 12th in the Peninsula League East Div One just below Budleigh Salterton, having won 11 of their 31 games so far. While manager Paddy Thomas is disappointed their good late run has petered out, they are comfortably mid-table after a satisfactory first Peninsula season.