Sidmouth Town boss Josh Stunell was left almost speechless after his side’s woeful performance in a midweek 2-1 home defeat to previously winless Axminster Town.

The Vikings were well below their best, but still had enough in a poor game to take something from it!

Trailing to a first half goal that was one of the sort that would have had a TV studio panel debating the offside issue, Town levelled eight minutes into the second half with Cameron Vere the scorer – his fourth goal in as many starts.

That ought to have been the springboard for the home team, playing in front of another good Manstone Lane turnout, to go on an claim a third win in four outings and bag a lofty top four spot in the fledgling table.

However, a defensive error by Tony Cox gifted the visitors a second and thereafter they defended deeply, their goalkeeper made two fine saves and the miss-firing Vikings were unable to find a second and so slipped to a disappointing defeat.

Stunell said: “That was as bad as it gets. My players know that when it’s good I’ll praise them and, when it’s bad, we do a spot of ranting and raving and post match that’s what they got. I can’t put my finger on to the reasons for such an abject failing. However, what I will say is that not one player who pulled the Town shirt on for this game did themselves any credit whatsoever.

“Without doubt, after a shambolic show like that, changes will be made and hopefully each and everyone of the players will now be left to wonder if it is going to be them who loses the shirt for Saturday’s game!”

That match on Saturday sees Newton Abbot Spurs visit Manstone Lane. Spurs have a similar record to Town in as much as they too have won two of their four, drawing one and losing one.

They have already shipped 11 goals in their four games, but have won both their away matches with a 4-3 win at Appledore and a 4-1 win at Okehampton suggesting that they have a potent strike force, but are susceptible to conceding goals too!

Stunell says: “After Tuesday night I know we’ll see a response from the players and I hope that the Manstone Lane faithful are rewarded for their support with a much improved all-round show.”