After banging in five goals without reply at Plymouth Marjon on Saturday, the Tiger Way faithful were expecting a hatful of goals last evening (Wednesday) when Axminster Town were at home to bottom of the league Sidmouth Town, who had failed to take any points from their previous 11 games.

The Tigers boss, Dan Prettejohn, was not so confident, warning his team that the local derby could be "a great big banana skin", having struggled in previous midweek local clashes against Honiton and Cullompton. He was concerned that this could be viewed as their "Achilles Heel".

The five goals at Plymouth Marjon came from a Jamie Price hat-trick, a Jamie Girton penalty and Reece McCabe, but against Sidmouth the Tigers were not so prolific in front of goal and the Vikings had the best scoring chances in a dour 0-0 draw.

There was no lack of energy from the Tigers but Sidmouth clearly raised their game against their local rivals and were unlucky not to have taken the lead after 13 minutes when a fierce drive richoted off the post with keeper Jason Hutchings diving full length.

The Vikings competed well in midfield with centre- back Danny Clay, the former Exeter City player, marshalling his troops well at the back.

The Tigers best chances to get back on terms came in the 23rd minute when Richard Hebditch shot wide, quickly followed by a James price header over the bat.

On the 30th minute Hutchings was called into action when he turned a fierce shot around the post.

In the early part of the second half Sidmouth continued to deal with all that Axminster threw at them and were thwarted by the crossbar in the 52nd minute.

At the other end, Girton drove into the side netting from and a Lewis Waldy free-kick was tipped over the bar. With just minutes on the clock, Sam Winslade shot wide from a good position.

With the seconds ticking away Sidmouth pressed hard for their first win of the season but Hutchings pulled off a brilliant save from a close range to save the Tigers' blushes.

Sidmouth were ecstatic to get their first league point after such a poor start to the season, especially against a local rival, whilst the Tigers were left to rue on their manager's "banana skin"warning.

Had Axminster pulled off the expected win they would have moved into sixth place in the South West Peninsular Premier East division, above Ottery St Mary.

On Saturday the Tigers are at home to St Dennis in the Walter C Parsons Cup (kick-off 3 pm).