Sidmouth Town FC 4, N Abbot Spurs 0

Player availability was an issue for the Vikings with five regular players out for various reasons.

Sidmouth were slow out of the blocks, and Spurs took up the initiative. They went ahead when sloppy defending saw their striker tap in a shot that rebounded off the far post. Manager Paddy Thomas hoped that would shake the team up but they were second best all over the pitch.

two further goals saw Sidmouth end the first half 3-0 down, although Jack Knight had a good effort that hit the post and the rebound was put wide by Andrew Thomson. The second half saw Sidmouth at least get a reaction from the players and although they didnt create too much, they had more possession and the hunger was more evident. Spurs went 4-0 up midway through the second half and that was effectively it.

Thomas said: “Players need to learn at this level that mistakes are invariably punished and the side needs to prepare physically and mentally for every game.

“Special mention must go to Man of the Match Luke Ashford for a number of outstanding saves who, as skipper, is leading the side both on and off the field in a manner that belies his tender years. Also Huw Johnson, Wes Tarr and Mike Stamp kept working right to the final whistle. It was a bad day at the office!”

Colyton 5, Sidmouth Town 2

Sidmouth were beaten 5-2 at Colyton on Saturday, despite looking the more composed side for long periods, writes Nick Ogden.

They dominated the opening 20 minutes and should have had three goals before conceding the first, and Colyton added a hotly disputed penalty before the break for a 2-0 lead.

Unfortunately Colyton fired in another penalty and well worked goal to be 4-0 up after an hour. The Vikings kept battling and got two quick goals to make a game of it before the hosts got the fifth and final goal on the break.

Manager Nick Ogden was less than pleased and said: "Certain decisions can change a game. Their keeper also pulled off a terrific save which could have made it 4-3 and an interesting last 20 minutes, but that's football.

“I thought we were well in control and they looked heavy legged but in the end we were punished for not having any out-and -out centre backs. We also had two lads making debuts and Steve Williams making his comeback. Add to that three or four players out of position and we really played better than the scoreline suggests. Next week we have several important players back and I'm not so much expecting a reaction, as demanding one.”