SIDMOUTH TOWN 1st XI delighted their supporters by getting into the semi-finals of the East Devon Senior Cup thanks to a 4-2 victory over Heavitree Harriers.

SIDMOUTH TOWN 1st XI delighted their supporters by getting into the semi-finals of the East Devon Senior Cup thanks to a 4-2 victory over Heavitree Harriers. "Our season starts here," said jubilant manager Paul Ashford who was delighted to see his side pull back from 2-0 down. Sidmouth were caught cold early on, something that hasn't happened in the last few weeks but sorted themselves out and put on a confident display. It was Simon Hudson who got the ball rolling, heading home a three man move which started in defence and reached him via a great Chris Duchenski cross. "Simon gave us the edge on Saturday," Ashford said. " I know I am always banging on about youth but he set a real good example." Ironically, it was one of the young stars, Andy Thompson, who levelled the scores. He managed to get in around the back of the defence and made scoring goals look so easy. "At half time we decided we couldn't play football on that pitch so we went for the direct style," Ashford explained. "The players were told they could either settle for a draw or drive on for the victory - and they were all up for it. Changes included bringing on David Green and he hit the pitch running and, after a couple of good touches, set up Ben Cole to score our third." With a similar build-up Green tucked away a quality fourth goal and the back four tackled hard and looked solid for the rest of the match. The side are looking forward to Saturday's match away to Topsham Town. They have a new signing in John Dack from Otterton who is a centre forward untried at Premier level. The squad has also been boosted by the return of veteran Steve Fowler who has been out of the game for a few years. Both Ashford and boss Rob Fowler were disappointed with the Reserves who lost 2-1 to St Loye's at home in a match sponsored by GB Windows and Conservatories. A good St Loye's strike put the visitors in the driving seat but Sidmouth pulled back to 1-1 when John Paul Staniforth converted a penalty. "Having done all the hard work, you would think they would go on and push for a win," said Fowler. "But the desire just didn't seem to be there which was bitterly disappointing." St Loye's broke play up and kept the tempo slow. "It was a poor display," Fowler added, despite the efforts of the younger players. A win would have leapfrogged Sidmouth over St Loye's in the Senior Two table. This weekend he is hoping for better as the side travel away to Barnstaple. On Sunday, Kentisbeare were unable to raise a side for their Carlisle Cup clash and so Sidmouth go through.