BRIZ BATTLE THROUGH TO CLAIM GRITTY POINT AT SIDMOUTH

Sidmouth Town 1–1 Brislington

Western League Premier Division

Saturday 15 November 2025 | Manstone Lane

After the feast of goals the previous Saturday, Brislington made the long trip down the M5 to face high-flying Sidmouth Town, who began the day sitting 3rd in the table. The reverse fixture ended goalless at Ironmould Lane earlier in the season, and this meeting would prove just as fiercely contested.

The afternoon began in far from ideal circumstances for the Foxes. With the team coach failing to arrive, staff and players were forced into a last-minute scramble for cars to ensure they reached the Devon coast in time. Credit must go to the squad who, despite the disrupted preparation, refocused quickly and approached kick-off with purpose.

Briz flew out of the blocks, setting a high tempo and pinning Sidmouth back with wave after wave of early pressure. Jordan Scadding and Lewis Saunders both tested the home defence before Brislington earned a penalty—Scadding brought down when bursting through on goal. Harrison Kyte stepped up, sent the keeper the wrong way, but saw his effort cannon off the crossbar before Sidmouth scrambled clear.

The hosts grew into the game, but it was still Briz who looked the more threatening. Strong shouts for a second penalty were waved away when captain Lewis Dunn appeared to be bundled over from a corner, much to the disbelief of those in red and black. Sidmouth finished the half strongly, yet the Briz back line—marshalled superbly by Dunn—stood firm.

The second half continued with Sidmouth on the front foot as they looked to make the most of their momentum. Briz defended resolutely and sought to counter through Saunders and Scadding. But on 69 minutes, the deadlock was broken when the hosts capitalised on a loose ball from a corner, heading home for a 1–0 lead.

The setback only ignited Brislington’s determination. With wingers Owen Lingard and Millard pushing higher, Briz mounted a spirited response. Just four minutes after falling behind, Scadding was brought down in the box again—this time after being played through by a clever pass from Kyte. Saunders assumed responsibility and made no mistake, firing a composed effort into the bottom left corner.

The game became increasingly scrappy as both sides battled for control. A seemingly innocuous foul by Kyte then escalated into major controversy when the referee, after consultation with the assistant, produced a straight red card. The decision left players, staff, and supporters from both sides baffled.

Despite the blow, Briz refused to wilt. Saunders twice came close to snatching the lead, while play was halted for a lengthy spell as Lingard received treatment and a bandage for a cut sustained in a head-to-head collision.

With a man advantage, Sidmouth applied late pressure, but Brislington’s defensive line held firm. Dunn, in particular, delivered a commanding display—organising, blocking, and clearing everything that came his way. When the whistle blew, the Foxes had earned a hard-fought and fully deserved point away at one of the league’s in-form sides.

Man of the Match: Lewis Dunn – An impeccable defensive performance from the captain.

Brislington now enjoy a full week of preparation before returning home to Ironmould Lane to host another high-flying outfit, Barnstaple Town. The Foxes will look to build on their current form and deliver another spirited display in front of the home crowd.