THE first league meeting between Newton Poppleford and Sidmouth Town Reserves since the 1980s ended in a comprehensive 6-1 win for the depleted Vikings, writes Simon Hudson.

Credit must go to the plucky Popples, who kept going for the full 90 despite the average age rising with every substitution they made.

Rich Johnson broke the deadlock after five minutes, instinctively firing home from just inside box.

Within minutes Aidy Parr doubled the advantage with a well-taken goal.

It was Parr’s cross that was diverted into the net by the home defence to give the visitors a comfortable lead they should have added to before the break.

Only a smart stop from keeper Dec Lines prevented the Popples from getting on the board as the score remained 3-0 to the visitors at the break.

Newton upped their game for the opening quarter of the second half, but Town’s defence dealt with the pressure before Matt Ogley provided the pass of the game to set Parr en route to goal, rounding the keeper and then another defender for good measure to notch his second and end the game as a contest.

Substitute Blake Blackwood, on for the yet again injured James Hiscox, was the next to get on the scoresheet and probably should have claimed a hat-trick.

Blackwood, along with Parr and Johnson, spurned a number of chances that should have led to a double-figure score.

As if to compound the profligacy at one end, Sidmouth completely switched off at the other allowing the Popples a consolation.

Man of the match Parr completed his treble to wrap up the scoring

The Vikings now have a run of home games that will see them play nine matches in April, starting with Halwill at home this Saturday (3pm).