Sidmouth Town continued their progress in Premier with a 5-2 victory over Hatherleigh Town, writes Lee Glanville

And manager Paul Ashford is more than happy with how things are going at the Manstone Lane club: “It has all been building nicely, but now it is time to stamp our authority on games. We have a lot of games left to play. There is no pressure and we will meet every challenge as it comes, whatever team it is.”

Sidmouth were 5-0 up against Hatherleigh at one stage, when Ashford, a devotee of clean sheet soccer, could have had nothing to complain about.

But the club took the opportunity to include two regular young Reserve players, Nathan Brace and Tim Lister.

“Yes, we conceded a couple of goals, and the defence weren’t happy with that, but we are, bar a few older players, a very young club and we have to get these up and coming lads some first team experience,” he said, adding that he was pleased with their performances.

After a slow start, Kevin Dorman, whose scoring boots were on fire on Saturday, had put the club 2-0 up by half time.

He went on to complete a classy hat-trick and was joined on the scoresheet by super Vet Mike Stamp and Andrew Thomson. “It could have been 10 goals but, as I am always saying, it is all down to player availability and individual commitment to the club. I am a bit disappointed with the Reserves’ results at the moment but it is the toughest job in the world being a Reserve team manager as injuries and unavailabilities all have a knock-on effect. They are doing the best they can,” Ashford added.

Managers Ashford and Phil Margrett are unlikely to get excited about any opponents be they top or bottom, treating each game on its merits. The players will have to stay focused this Saturday when they are away to league basement dwellers Exmouth Amateurs.

“We’ll just keep pushing and we’ll be where we’ll be at the end of the season. There is a terrific atmosphere on and off the pitch at the club at the moment, great camaraderie. Jason Stiling’s input at training has been very influential, he has been tremendous at getting the side focused,” Ashford said.

Sidmouth are currently fourth in the Premier table with Seaton sat at the top with Newton and Clyst Valley in between them. But Sidmouth have four games in hand over Clyst Valley and two in had over the other two teams. Seaton got back to winning ways at the weekend but don’t meet their Manstone Lane adversaries until late in the season.