THE dark side of Devizes' Jekyll and Hyde nature turned up on Saturday as they were well beaten by a rejuvenated Dawlish.

Devizes hammered Dawlish 5-1 in the cup back in November but a change of manager and a wholesale change of players meant the visitors were a completely different prospect this time.

But the home side did not seem to have taken that on board and put in a sub-standard display to deservedly lose.

Caretaker-manager Sean Moffatt said: "We were battered and the better side on day won the game.

"We are so hit and miss at the moment and can't seem to string two good games together. I told the players to ignore where Dawlish were in league and reminded them they had beaten Paulton recently.

"I tried to get it into their heads that Dawlish are not a pushover but we were not geared up and everyone was off their game."

He continued: "Maybe they are tired at the end of a hard season but we have still got pride to play for.

"We just didn't perform on the day and Dawlish were up for it and were first to every ball."

Devizes, playing into the wind in the first half, were put under pressure and had teenage goalkeeper Jez Hare to thank for stopping them going a goal behind.

Hare saved a powerful effort from Darren Bingham while at the other end Devizes replied when Simon Drewitt's effort was tipped round by goalkeeper Mark Rock.

After half-time both teams continued to battle to get their noses in front.

Hare made the save of the game to keep out an effort from Dave Fenner.

Then at the other end Nick Mooney was denied the opening goal by Rock.

Finally the deadlock was broken when Hare's resistance was broken and Chris Slough found the back of the net.

Devizes looked for an equaliser and Justin Porter was unlucky to see a powerful header rebound back off the crossbar.

But the crucial second goal went the way of Dawlish when Fenner ran onto a throughball to fire a late second that consigned Devizes to defeat.

Devizes are next in action when they take on bottom side Elmore at Nursteed Road tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30pm.

Nathan Perkins should be available to make his return to the side but Kevin Bush is likely to miss the game because of university commitments.

Moffatt added: "If our lads feel like they want to perform then we should beat Elmore.

"But at the moment it's one game on and then one game off. Hopefully it will be an on game for us."

Before the Dawlish game Devizes received a boost when they formally completed a deal with local firm Linpac to sponsor the main stand at Nursteed Road. The company will be boosting the club's coffers to the tune of £5,500 in a deal that spread over two years.

Devizes chairman Phil Rossiter said: "It is a very big deal for us and we are very pleased with the sponsorship.

"It will enable us to go forward for the new season and the funds will be used on general team running like covering the costs of travelling, training kit and balls. It will also help with small ground improvements like machinery for the groundsman.

"This season we have had to keep a tight belt while we paid off an £8,000 debt to Wadworths and kept up with running debts. But having this sponsorship is a major boost and it is a weight off our shoulders."