EVERYTHING would seem to be in place for a sparkling season at Sidmouth Town FC.

EVERYTHING would seem to be in place for a sparkling season at Sidmouth Town FC.

They have a committed and go ahead manager, supported by three capable assistants, a specialist football committee, new clubhouse facilities and, most importantly, a talented squad of players.

On Saturday they beat Exmouth Amateurs 4-1 - and the final 15 minutes of that match saw them look like a team that was comfortable performing well at Premier level.

Manager Paul Ashford will only be totally happy with a win and a clean sheet, and he still believes that this side hasn't been fully tested yet, but the Ammies match saw a competent hat-trick from Andy Thompson and yet another penalty from Andy Isaac, who seems to have nerves of steel.

Jack Burgess, who has been in goal for two matches now, covering for the injured Luke Ashford, started to look more comfortable and composed, gaining confidence in his teammates.

Ashford said: "There was a lot of huffing and puffing in the first 15 minutes when a few good chances weren't taken, but Thompson created a penalty which was converted by Isaac and Thompson went on to score himself soon afterwards."

Ammies scored when a ball deflected off a Sidmouth player and fell into the path of their player, but Thompson went on to complete his hat-trick.

"They looked tireless throughout which is good, but they are still learning," Ashford added.

On Saturday, they are away to Tavistock Reserves in the Devon Premier Cup.

"We have a decent squad of players and have recently added Dan Norman. We still have a couple of players to come back, including Anthony Griffiths.