SiSidmouth Town claimed a third successive victory with a Good Friday 2-1 triumph in an East Devon derby at Budleigh Salterton.

The Vikings made a flying start and were a goal to the good within three minutes after Connor Swingler delivered and inch-perfect cross to Cameron Vere who was waiting unmarked at the far post.

The home side, who had missed a first minute opportunity, rallied well and, with their talented midfielder Aaron Denny orchestrating things, began to ask plenty of questions of the Town defence.

In the 35th minute Sidmouth should have doubled the lead when left winger Dave Green dragged a shot wide from 18 yards - the former Sidbury United player knew he should have doubled the lead!

Town were nearly made to pay for their wasteful finishing and only some very good goalkeeping from Dec Lines enabled the Vikings to go in at the break with the lead.

At the start of the second half Town introduced the talented Dan Evans to try and gain some control in the midfield.

During the break Town boss Josh Stunell had also championed his side to raise the tempo of their game.

They did improve – marginally – but were pegged back after an unforced, and un-characteristic error from Anthony Griffiths, gifted Budleigh the equaliser 55 minutes.

For the next 10 minutes Budleigh through everything they had at Sidmouth, but the young greens, though clearly not at their best, absorbed the pressure and were relieved when, on 65 minutes, Swingler powered a shot towards goal that was ultimately turned home by master-marksman Vere.

Swingler went on to cause the visitors all kinds of problems as their back line were clearly flagging and Town were able to comfortably see out the remainder of the game.

Boss Stunell said: “We are delighted with the points from a performance that never rose above mediocrity. That said, it’s a good thing in football to be able to win games when below your best. The lads did well to grind out a result against a good side.”

Sidmouth From: Lines, Binion, Newbery, Griffiths, White, Green, Farrington, Davies (captain), Swingler, Vere, Orchard: Used Subs: Evans, Cox & Bodor. Unused: Burrows and Allen

Star man - Dec Lines