In a season rammed with cancellations, Sidmouth 2nds delivered a performance full of freshness and poise to earn a 1-1 draw at title-chasing Alphington.

Teenager Tom Nicholls, experiencing his debut outing as captain, led his side on to the pitch with pride, yet cautious of the depth of challenge ahead. The first half confirmed why Alphington are the best side in the league, slick short passing, lots of movement, a good control and grip on the game.

Relentless pressure saw the home side take the lead on 17 minutes with their first, and one of few shots from inside the box.

On 55 minutes, short passing from the back through playmakers Ewan Anderson and Joe Miller led to classy wing-back Kyler Rogers delivering a quality cross for Man of the Match Louis Spalding to run across in front of the ‘keeper and calmly side-foot the equaliser.

The back line of Matt Colson, Harry Saunders, Michal Bielawski and captain Nicholls limited Alphington, complemented by Scott Hughes and the shining Charlie Roberts defending from the front. The fresh legs of Ben Latham, Soren Hall, Archie Melville-Halet and Tom Fletcher continued the battle, seeing the game through to a richly deserved draw.