Sidmouth Town Reserves 3, Upottery 2 The Upottery Fresha League Division Three title bid took a big hit as they let a two-goal lead slip going down by the odd goal in five in an Easter Saturday East Devon derby at Manstone Lane.

Joe Jones and Steve Morris scored goals as everything looked rosey in the Upottery garden with the team heading towards a half-time break when the home side struck with what proved to be the match defining goal. During the interval the title chasers suddenly felt vulnerable whilst the home team, with nothing to lose, clearly held the high ground.

In the second half that was under lined as Sidmouth levelled and then struck with what proved to be the winning goal.

A disappointed Upottery boss Dan Prettejohn said: “Conceding just before the break was a killer for us. Had we gone in two up I am convinced we’d have seen a different outcome. Fair play to them (Sidmouth Town), they played the game the way they wanted to and got the result. It’s been a great effort by my players this league campaign. Now we have finished with the bread and butter we can concentrate on the two cups we are still in whilst we must also endure a nervous wait whilst the students play catch up. I dare say I’ll be watching a few of their games with plenty of digits crossed.”

Prettejohn was referring to the fact that University now have six games to complete their campaign and if they win five of them they will deny the villagers the league title. However, on e defeat and the Sidmouth Arms will be scene of much celebration.

Away from the league Upottery still have two cups to chase.