Sidmouth Town Reserves launched a new Macron League Division One campaign with a narrow 3-2 Manstone Lane reversal at the hands of Alphington Reserves.

Wearing their new kit, sponsored by Honiton Mot Centre, it turned out to be a woeful afternoon for the home faithful who witnessed their side serve up a dismal performance.

A key area of the contest was in the middle third of the pitch where the Alphas were continually afforded far too much tome and space!

The opening third of the contest saw Town trailing by a single goal, but, with new signing Aidy Parr prominent in attack and Ferenc Bodor causing problems for the Alphas defence, the home side were ‘in the game’.

Shortly before half-time. A defensive mix-up was punished, to leave the visitors holding a 2-0 advantage.

Looking for a response, Town changed formation, and improved slightly, but it was evident that fatigue was hampering the side’s efforts!

A third goal from a free header ensured that the Exeter side would return home with all three points.

Town did reduce the arrears inside the final five minutes, first with a Matt Salter goal, and, shortly after hitting an upright, debut man Parr doubled the home tally, but it was all a case of too little too late.

There was one word on the lips of management duo Gary Bargery and Paddy Thomas: “Disappointed!”

Thomas added: “The really disappointing things is that it’s ridiculous that a talented group can appear so disinterested in the first game of the season.”

On Saturday (September 2), Town will need to show significant improvements if they are to avoid a heavy defeat for they are tasked with trying to end an impressive 100 per cent to their top flight campaign by Premier Division favourites Elmore in an East Devon Senior Cup first round tie (2pm).