East Devon Cup first round

Sidmouth Town 4

Hatherleigh Town 7 (aet)

SHOULD Hatherleigh have felt themselves unfortunate to have been drawn away to a fellow Premier League side in the first round, then their defence will now feel extremely fortunate to be through to the second.

The opening 20 minutes belonged to Hatherleigh, playing a style of football that has so far eluded them this season. Decisive one-touch passing and crisp movement led to Stuart Dymond opening the scoring.

Sidmouth began to get back into the game, while Hatherleigh entered self-destruct mode. Two basic errors in their defence left them trailing at half-time, the second finished with a superb 25 yard drive.

On two occasions early in the second half, only brave keeping by Dave Penberthy prevented the lead from being increased. Slowly Hatherleigh started to create chances, Simon James grabbing the equaliser 15 minutes into the half.

Within five minutes, Sidmouth were ahead again. Poor defensive cover left Penberthy stranded one-on-one and the striker stroked the ball past him.

Hatherleigh's front two never stopped working and as a result. James was pulled down while through on goal, Simon White clinically finished from the penalty spot with 20 minutes to go.

The higher fitness level of the away side proved decisive during extra time. White heading home a set play after five minutes, was quickly followed by Dymond outsprinting two defenders to finish coolly for his second and Hatherleigh's fifth.

That should have been game over, but another lapse of concentration, just before half-time, let Sidmouth back into the game.

Two goals from man of the match James, to complete his hat-trick, eventually concluded the tie five minutes into the second period of extra time.

Fifteen-year-old striker Daniel Timms entered the game with ten minutes to go, and showed good composure on the ball. He was unfortunate to be called offside when through one on one with the keeper.

Hatherleigh return to league action this Saturday, away to Elmore.