Despite the boost of an early goal, Sidmouth Town were beaten by higher league opposition Barnstaple Town in the First Round Proper of the Isuzu FA Vase.

It was Corey Rogers who edged the home side in front when he turned in a cross from Craig Veal after only nine minutes.

Louis Spalding then went close to getting a second for the Vikings when he jinxed his way into the box before seeing his effort fly over the crossbar.

The North Devon outfit, who play in the Premier Division of the Western League, got level on the thirty-minute mark when Gabby Rogers, the stand-out player of the game, lashed a free kick into the top corner.

Action at both ends followed as Spalding almost got through for Sidmouth and home goalkeeper Elliot Driver did well to deny Tommy Rogers when he burst through.

In a bright start to the second half, Spalding was set free with a run on goal but his shot was well saved by Barnstaple’s Jim Weeks.

It was another moment of magic from Gabby Rogers that deflated Sidmouth. The Barnstaple midfielder received the ball back from his throw-in, cut inside and delivered a teasing cross-cum-shot into the far corner.

The former Football League player also had a hand in the visitors’ third goal, playing a neat one-two before Joe Grigg crossed for Josh Parry to head in.

As the Vikings hit back, Veal had an effort scrambled off the line and Nathan Copper brought out the best in Weeks who tipped his header over the bar.

“Proud. That’s my overriding feeling from the game,” said Sidmouth manager Billy Rouse. “Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of the result but we gave a great account of ourselves on the pitch and as a club in general in terms of hospitality.”

“Thanks to all the supporters who showed up in great numbers from both sides. If you were a new visitor to the ground we hope to see you again very soon.”

Meanwhile, in Peninsula League East action a large crowd, including a number of former players, were unable to cheer Honiton Town to victory against Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police at Mountbatten Park.

The visitors, who were on a four-game unbeaten run, netted a goal in each half with conditions becoming difficult for both sides in the second half.

They opened the scoring after eleven minutes when Saul Vanes got the better of his marker before sending a powerful drive into the corner of the net.

Just past the hour it was 2-0 to SGTP when Finn Herbert got free down the left, went past a defender and crossed low for Cole Harford to volley home.

Axminster Town, who were without a game last weekend, entertain Elburton Villa on Saturday (October 26th). Sidmouth Town are at Bovey Tracey and Honiton play host to Teignmouth Town. All games kick off at 3.00 p.m.