The Vikings second string lost 2-0 on their visit to local rivals Exmouth Town Reserves in what was a tame Easter Saturday affair at Southern Road.

On a bumpy surface, neither sides’ play was helped by the poor quality of footballs served up to play the game with!

The visitors were certainly up for the challenge but didn’t fulfil the pre-match expectations of the management team

The home side took the lead midway through the first half when Dec Lines saved well, but the ball rebounded off the crossbar to fall kindly for the winger to prod home.

The Vikings didn’t get out of third gear as the hosts slightly edged the tedious proceedings

Half-time arrived as something of a relief for those suffering the contest!

The Vikings took the opportunity to ruing the changes, but they proved not to make much difference as the second half performance was largely a repeat of the first half!

Exmouth had three one-on-ones with Lines and the Town glovesman saved them all.

At the other end of the pitch, Alex Raistrick, Riki Pitter, Scott Hughes all had efforts saved by the fortuitous home ‘keeper

A defensive mistake led to Exmouth doubling their lead, but, in truth, the home side probably did deserve to bank all, three points.

Town joint boss Paddy Thomas said: “It was hard enough playing on a bumpy surface, but the to have to play with something akin to a beach ball – that’s what the balls seemed to be like, was a nonsense.

“A good season can’t be let to slip away as players look forward to a break.

“The young squad will have learned a lot this year and hopefully will stick with the club as they continue their development and gather more experience throughout the coming seasons.”

Town second team have one remaining game in their Macron League One season and that is an April 29 visit to Witheridge Reserves.