Sidmouth Town served up a terrific all-round display to brush aside struggling Liverton, sending the visitors back to South Devon after a 7-2 defeat.

Billed as a ‘must-win’ game by manager Josh Stunell before the match, the Vikings were quickly into gear and looked the brighter of the teams from the first whistle.

Skipper Ryan Davies, revelling in his midfield role, combined well with Billy Rouse to take control of the middle third of the pitch from where the Vikings were able to mount attack after attack.

It was no surprise when Cameron Vere found time and space to rifle the ball, home to open the scoring.

It was against the run of play when Liverton levelled with a superb strike from 25-yards. Rikki Pitter – restored to the starting eleven having been relegated to the bench seven days before – swiftly restored the lead with a powerful header and that took Town into half-time with a 2-1 lead.

During the interval boss Stunell urged his players to continue playing with pace and the players clearly listened for they delivered the goods in style, netting three times in the first 15 minuets of the second half!

Vere netted his second before Rouse took centre stage, rifling home a brace of beauties!

Liverton pulled a goal back and came close to netting a third before, at the other end of the pitch the influential Vere completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

The seventh and final goal was scored by the rejuvenated Pitter, putting a polished finish on proceedings with Town the 7-2 victors.

In terms of a star man, that was a unanimous decision with young Connor Swingler taking the honour for his supreme shift.

A delighted Stunell said: “We were good, very good. I have a young team who are learning the ropes. We are going to get steps forward and the odd step back as we develop, but we can live with that for it is important to give these young players belief and confidence. They have the talent as individuals and certainly can delver the goods collectively. All they need now is experience.”

On Saturday (October 10) Town turn their attention the Throgmorton Devon Premier Cup with a visit to South Devon league side Kingsteignton.