Sidmouth took on Alphington in the second round of the cup and produced a fantastic game of football. i

Sidmouth took on Alphington in the second round of the cup and produced a fantastic game of football. Sidmouth attacked from the start with Joe Miller and his brother Ben creating some good chances but the Alphas' keeper was in good form. Finlay Marks in the Sidmouth goal made a couple of good saves to ensure both sides went into half time all square. Second half was the same with Jamie Newbery outstanding in defence and, when he was beaten, Marks made a great point blank save. Sidmouth created more chances with Connor Murphy and Alex Stone unlucky but then Harvey Sargent handled in the area and Alphington scored to go 1-0 up. Back came Sidmouth and within a couple of minutes Alex Stone lashed in a great goal from a cross to level the scores. 1-1 at full time. With five minutes each way in extra time, things were tight with Sidmouth the stronger team but unable to find the finish. In the second half a speculative shot crept under the unlucky Marks to put Alpha back in front. With two minutes remaining a Sargent corner found Joe Miller and his shot flew into the corner to tie up the scores again. It came down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Alpha went first and scored, then Sargent smashed in his penalty for 1-1. Marks saved the next Alpha penalty but Joe Miller missed. Alpha scored their third penalty for 2-1 and Ben Miller stepped up to have his penalty brilliantly saved by the Alpha keeper to send a rather ungracious Alphington through. It was a cruel way to end a fantastic game of football. Every player had a great game and they were unlucky not to win.