Sidmouth Town Reserves suffered their second defeat of the new Macron League Division One season when they went down 1-0 at Manstone Lane against Lyme Regis.
However, this was a much-improved show from the Vikings. Alas, it was ill-discipline that cost the hosts the game in a contest from which, the very least the Vikings deserved, was a share of the spoils against the early-season table toppers.
On a well-prepared Manstone Lane surface the Vikings took time to get going and a few speculative efforts were no problem for young Adam Bartlett in the home goal
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worst when Paddy Thomas was asked to leave the technical area (better known as the ‘dugout’ to those of a certain age), his misdemeanour being to ask a question which he was told he was not allowed to ask of the match official!
This set the tone for a stop-start game in a hard fought, but fair contest between two sides who tried to play football in difficult conditions
Aidy Parr had an effort cleared off the line and Scott Hughes twice went close to getting the opening goal
Ferenc Bodor was then sin binned shortly before Ben Farrington joined him for 10 minutes as the match official began to dominate proceedings.
Playing for a short spell with a two-man advantage, Lyme Regis took advantage and scored what proved to be the only goal of the game.
The Vikings, to their credit, gathered themselves and gave everything in an effort to draw level and you felt if they had their was only one likely outcome
Unfortunately, chances were missed with Riki Pitter unlucky on two occasions before, in a third incident, be opted for what proved the wrong option!
Lyme did create a couple more opportunities, but the score stayed the same as time ran out for the hosts.
Joint-boss Paddy Thomas said: “It is certainly a step in the right direction, but also a harsh lesson to be learned by all.”
This coming Saturday (September 16), Town are in cup action in an exciting day of double action at Manstone Lane.
They meet Whipton and Pinhoe in the Devon Senior Cup with a 4.30pm kick-off, the game following the Town first team cup tie against Crediton United that kicks-off at 1pm.
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