Sidmouth Warriors play in the Exeter & District Youth League U10s East Division

Saturday 24 May Exeter City 6-aside tournament at Feniton

Photos from the Honiton Devils friendly - our thanks to Warren Matthews from Honiton.

Sidmouth's two U10s teams served up a tremendously competitive and close match to conclude their successful league seasons.

The Warriors took an early lead after excellent wing-play by Stan who ran the length of the line before crossing into the penalty box where Joe was well placed to convert. Despite further attacks down the right wing, the Warriors could not extend their lead.

In the second half, if anything, the intensity increased. Both teams were very committed with the midfield battle proving to be very finely matched.

Then, all of a sudden, the Raiders equalised with an amazing long range missile by Reuben Bennett!

Both teams worked tirelessly for a winner and it was the Warriors who sealed it when ever-dangerous Stanley delivered an ideal cross for Thomas to finish beautifully in the bottom corner.

A great game and a credit to the Sidmouth U10s group of boys who demonstrated there's an abundance of talent at this age group.

The Warriors were good value for this entertaining 9v9 win against local rivals, Honiton Devils. This time it was the Warriors who came out on top with a performance that combined skill, tenacity and endless energy. It was the sort of match, performance and result that makes a coach very happy indeed!

It’s fair to say that the opposition were somewhat surprised, on arrival, to see a near-full size pitch and full-size goals, but the extra space certainly added to the quality of the game.

In fact, the first quarter flew by with the Warriors battling well after twice going behind. After conceding an early goal, the boys were immediately back in the match when Jed was perfectly positioned to finish off at the far post.

In an end-to-end opening quarter, the Devils re-took the lead before another good counter attack up the slope saw Stanley and Joe combine well with the latter finishing emphatically. 2-2.

Quarter 2 was exceptional. Playing with the slope the boys took complete charge of the game and contained the Devils in their own half for nearly the entire quarter. The ‘pressing’ of the opposition was unbelievable; every time Honiton had the ball it was a matter of seconds before a rampaging Viking snatched possession back. Thomas led the line brilliantly, working his socks off, breaking the play and intelligently feeding his midfielders. Benedict marshalled the defence, keeping a high line, allowing the midfield (Brad, Joe, Tim, Stan) to press high up the pitch and support Thomas.

On the right, Stan was having a field day using his speed to exploit the acres of space available. Stan shredded the left hand side of Honiton’s team all morning and supplied a series of brilliant crosses to set-up numerous scoring chances. It wasn’t long before Brad tucked one away then another stunning cross was headed home by Joe. What an absolute joy it was to see such a quality goal.

Playing up the slope again in quarter 3, it was the Warriors who continued to drive the game and create the better of the chances. Stanley peppered the Devils’ penalty box with more crosses and from a corner, Joe’s forehead was there again to nod home.

The final quarter followed a similar theme with Jamie and the midfield feeding Stan down the right channel who sent in another barrage of crosses but the Warriors could not finish off the moves. In fact it was Honiton who scored the only goal of the quarter with a rare foray into the home team’s penalty box.

As we said at the end of the game, we don’t make a habit of nominating a man-of-the-match but Stan’s energy, determination and quality of crossing was outstanding all morning.

Boys, this was a performance to be proud of. Merv & I are delighted that you finally got the win you deserved.

Thanks to our local friends, Honiton Devils, for taking part in a hugely enjoyable game.

_{Team: Joe Ashby; George Crofts-Wheeler; Tim Goody; Bradley Hill; Toby Hill; Jed Ionov-Flint; Stanley Richardson; Thomas Rowan; Jamie Salter; Harry Saunders; Benedict Teague}

Always up for a challenge, the Warriors invited Central FC to play a 9v9 friendly, the Exeter side currently sitting 5 points clear at the top of the West Division.

The match was split into four 15 minute quarters and the effervescent home team took a deserved early lead when a lacerating move was turned into his own net by a flummoxed Central defender!

The visitors were clearly not used to such a high-tempo onslaught and the Warriors brilliantly contained Central through 45 minutes of football. The tight pitch made the game a little congested but the Warriors’ defensive line (a combination of Tim, Brad, Toby, Benedict & Harry) was outstanding, ever-alert to snuff out danger.

In midfield, Jed, Joe, Samuel and Jamie tracked back every time possession was conceded. George’s distribution from goal was really impressive with each place kick being carefully dispatched to a team-mate high up the pitch.

Thomas took on the role of lone-striker and he pressed superbly throughout, making life difficult for the Central defence. Just the job, Thomas!

60 minutes is a long time for one match when you’re just 9 or 10 years old! And, alas, tired legs and minds set in once the 4th quarter got under-way. In contrast, Central upped their game and showed a huge desire to fight back. A long range effort was deflected past George (who stood no chance) and once Central had equalised, to their credit, they showed their mettle and took a hold of the game, quickly adding two more break-away goals.

So close to a hard-earned victory, the boys were left drained and defeated! Another encounter with a top team sees the Boys in Green come off second best – but only just!

There are several positives to take from this game, boys. Read them and let them sink in…

> For 45 minutes, the team who are leading the West Division and who are joint top scorers in that division, could not score a goal against you.

> You didn’t know this at the time, but the Sidmouth U13s coaches watched you for the first two quarters and when I saw them later they told me they could not believe the quality of football being played by you. That is a massive compliment.

> Remember we’ve lost two top quality players (Ben & Louis) this season and Lethal Weapon Stanley was missing from this game. To compete so well against the top teams (as you also did vs Brixington and Twyford) without those players is a testament to how good you are and much the squad has stepped up to the challenge. This will stand you in good stead for next season in Div.1.

Our thanks to Central for bringing their team along for this friendly. A nice bunch of lads who play good football and who are well organised by their coaches.

^{Team: Joe Ashby; George Crofts-Wheeler; Tim Goody; Bradley Hill; Toby Hill; Jed Ionov-Flint; Samuel Rice; Thomas Rowan; Jamie Salter; Harry Saunders; Benedict Teague}

For the third consecutive season the Warriors came off second best against their Exmouth-based rivals. The scorelines are getting better though!

Having just watched the Raiders beat the Blues 1-0, the Warriors' confidence should have been sky high but it was the visitors who started strongly and bossed the initial exchanges with a succession of corners. The Warriors were under pressure but defended well and they could do little about a well-taken goal which put the Blues 1-0 up.

Their lead didn’t last long, however, as a rare excursion into the opposition half saw Joe burst through only to be fouled. Referee Merv cunningly played the advantage as the ball squirmed to Tim who took off on a marauding charge from the half-way line. Chased by two Blues, Tim held them off and his determination was rewarded as he approached the goal and slotted home the equaliser - a true Junior Viking! 1-1 at half-time.

Oh, what a difference a goal makes! The second half started in a completely different manner with the Warriors taking full control with excellent football and a high tempo. Numerous chances were created, the best of which fell to Joe who broke the goal-frame with his shot. That sounds impressive but it was more a reflection of the goal’s flimsiness than the power of his shot!

The boys were left to rue these missed opportunities – the lack of goals seemed to affect their confidence and the Blues came back into the game scoring a second with a good strike. The Warriors never gave up but conceded a late third as they chased the game.

Bad luck!

In a post-match interview with himself, Coach Justin offered the following reflections….”We’ve seen this season that the margins between the top teams is very slim. I’m convinced there’s no other team that can turn on a better football display and we need a collective belief that we can win these big games. There’ll be plenty more of these games next season! There’s some work to do on the training ground too…finding a pattern of play and tempo that sees us get the ball into the opposition’s half more quickly and more often – we need to play more of our football in their half. That also means working in twos to press the opposition in their half. A bit more practise of our corner routines is needed too, so that we create more chances from set-pieces. The boys are making excellent progress though and should be proud of their achievements. They are a credit to the Club.”

The Warriors played an experimental 9v9 friendly against Inter Heavitree from the U10s West Division and came out on top with an impressive display.

The larger pitch suited the Warriors’ free-flowing passing game - they were able to move the ball around and retain it for long periods of the match.

The game was split into four quarters and after a bright start by the Warriors it was the home team who opened the scoring against the run of play with a speculative long-range effort. The boys did not panic and kept playing good football; in no time the Warriors levelled with an emphatic finish by Thomas Rowan after a fine through-ball from midfield (sorry, I can't remember who played the pass!).

In the 2nd quarter, the quality of passing slipped a little but Sidmouth took full control in the 3rd quarter, moving up a gear. Benedict & Harry controlled the back line and Tim worked his socks off (as usual) in midfield. Samuel, Jamie and Stanley were a constant threat on the wings.

Further goals were added by Joe Ashby (2) and Toby Hill but it was goalie George Wheeler who had the last word, saving a penalty in a full-size goal! George was the only person in the Sidmouth contingent who smiled when the penalty was awarded...I suspect he knew what was going to happen!

This performance bodes very very well for next season’s 9-aside league. Well done boys.

After a prolonged absence of fixtures, all the Warriors were delighted to slip on their match kit again and head for home match HQ, Newton Poppleford. The boys showed a real desire to be back in the action and played two friendlies against out visitors from Honiton, who brought with them a mixture of U10s and U9s.

The morning was all about giving both sets of players a chance to play matches and have some fun getting back into action. The pitch held up remarkably well despite the recent weather, although there was one horrific shower of rain/ice that tested the boys’ fortitude and the parents' commitment too!

There were several positives to be taken from Saturday morning:
 a very promising debut from Harry Saunders, looking composed and unfazed
 a fine return to the fold by Brad Hill, adding real bite again to the team. Welcome back, Brad
 high quality finishing from Samuel & Joe - as we’ve come to expect from them - supported by great goals from Stan, Thomas, Jamie, Toby & Jed too

Our thanks to Garry and his crew from Honiton for making the journey down and enjoying a great morning of football with us.

Last Saturday the Warriors travelled north to league leaders Twyford Barca – a nice test to close the year! Someone (that the boys will never have heard of) once said that “football’s a funny old game”: the previous week it had been hard to distinguish us from West Hill Wasps but, equally, it was hard on Saturday to distinguish us from Twyford Barca, a team who will win the league comfortably. Why is that? Answers on a postcard to Messrs Ashby & Salter please…

Joking aside, it was a fantastic game and it proved that the margin of difference between us and them is actually very slight. The boys were terrific and the match was super-competitive and of the highest quality. What a joy it was to see us match Barca in the first 10 minutes and then take the lead. And what a ‘cracker’ of a goal too: a swift counter-attack released Tim down the right whose determination and persistence saw him beat a couple of players and then release Joe who despatched a fine shot in-off the post.

The first half was end-to-end. Twyford responded with an equaliser and then stole (‘stole’ is the right word) a second goal just before half-time with the Sidmouth defence caught a little flat-footed.

The half-time team talk was positive; the boys had just learned there was nothing to fear and they couldn’t wait to restart.

Alas, a sucker punch in the shape of a ‘flukey’ long-range goal saw the Warriors suddenly two goals adrift – a very harsh reflection of the game.

The battle continued. Sidmouth were forced to defend for long periods but they do that very well – a real collective effort with Jed and Jamie working tirelessly in midfield. Meanwhile, Benedict’s distribution from the back was precise and dangerous, kick-starting several Warrior attacks. Further goals could have been added at both ends but the match ended 3-1 to Barca.

It’s rare to lose a match and feel happy but the players’ skill and courage was there to be admired.

--

Against a weaker Madrid side, the boys’ produced a magnificent response to their earlier defeat. It’s often hard to remain focused for the second fixture and it’s something we talked about on Saturday morning. The boys did us proud.

From the kick-off, the Warriors terrorised Madrid who had no answer to the pace and accuracy of the away team’s passing and attacking. Madrid were penned into their own half as shots rained on goal. Thomas provided fresh legs and it was his excellent set-up play that allowed Joe to open the scoring. Samuel and Tim added further goals to put the Warriors 3-0 up at half-time but it could have been several more.

The trend continued in the second half and the only surprise was that Sidmouth did not add to their goal tally. Despite numerous chances being created – Toby could have had a second half hat-trick whilst Tim sent a crashing drive against the underside of the bar – the Madrid goal led a charmed life. What’s more, the Madrid goalie pulled off a string of outstanding saves including one with his nose – ouch!

Coach Justin: “A great way to end 2013 – brilliant football and smiles all-round. We asked you to show consistency across both fixtures and you did that superbly. My main message concerns the Barca game, though – you now know for yourselves that you were very narrowly beaten by the ‘best’ team in the league. So, believe in what you can achieve. Well done boys on another fantastic year.”

The Warriors held the high-flying Pumas to a goalless draw and put in an excellent team performance. With both teams battling for the top positions it was always going to be a tight, tense encounter and so it proved.

The Pumas took the initiative early on but were denied by terrific goalkeeping from George. The defensive pairing of Tim & Benedict worked tirelessly and they have formed an excellent partnership this season. They were well-supported by Stanley, Jamie & Joe in midfield and Stanley’s willingness to track back and defend was very impressive.

It was the Warriors who crafted the opportunities in the second half with Stanley putting in several excellent crosses and Samuel went close to breaking the deadlock. The work-rate was exceptional and Sidmouth successfully pressed the opposition keeping them in their own half for long periods. This restricted the Pumas to long-range efforts and the occasional counter-attack.

In the end, both teams were happy with a point each and both coaching teams were quick to congratulate each other on a very competitive, high quality fixture. No goals but an impressive game of U10s football – well done boys!

--

Alas, the boys’ energy was expended to such an extent that the second match against a struggling Wasps team, was a somewhat laboured affair.

The Warriors tried hard but could not find a rhythm and this resulted in the ball being given away too frequently. Whilst the boys did create some goal-scoring opportunities, the approach play was not the ‘free-flowing’ style they usually produce.

In the second half, Jed finally forced the ball home from close range. Just as it looked as though Sidmouth had grabbed the points, an unfortunate own goal gifted a point to an enthusiastic Wasps team.

This was particularly harsh on Tim whose passion and drive deserved a goal – shame he scored at the wrong end!!!

We all felt this was 2 points dropped but we march on with our chins held high, a smile on our faces and our sleeves rolled up!

--

Post-match interview with Coach Justin: “A tough day today. The boys were fantastic against the Pumas and showed that they can do the hard-work as well as the ‘pretty’ football. That was a performance to be proud of. What we take away from Saturday is the need for consistency when we are playing two matches. I know it asks a lot when the boys are tired but to be a top team we have to maintain high standards whatever the league position of the opposition. On a tactical note, on a big pitch such as this, the ball needs to be passed more quickly up the pitch and into space - this is something for us to work on in training. We stand 3rd in the table with some cracking fixtures lined up – there’s a lot to be excited about”.

Axminster had failed to register a goal this season whilst the Warriors have the meanest defensive record in the league. So, naturally, it was Axminster who took the lead after just two minutes!

Maybe the boys were a little complacent, expecting an easy morning? However, the soft goal certainly shook the Warriors into life as they pressed for an equaliser. Good approach play through midfield and on the wings gave the Warriors plenty of possession in and around the home team’s penalty area. But, the boys were thwarted by a combination of vigorous defending and more than a hint of profligacy in front of goal!

Finally, a great run and cross by Samuel, found Stanley in space just a couple of yards out to convert an easy tap-in. Simple passing, good movement, good decision-making. Goal. The equaliser settled the boys down and shortly after, Samuel himself added a neat second to put the visitors ahead 2-1 at half-time.

The second half really was one-way traffic with Sidmouth making better decisions in the attacking third and it’s no coincidence that the chances – and goals – flowed. The constant pressure yielded well-taken goals for Jed Ionov-Flint, Tim Goody, Thomas Rowan, Joe Ashby (2) and a marvellous right-foot ‘screamer’ from young Jamie Salter; coach Justin was in the perfect touchline position to track that one into the top corner :)

The result moves the Warriors into 2nd position in the league.

Did you know that 7 different outfield players scored for the Warriors on Saturday?

What a team!

Let’s concentrate on the second match! The Warriors got off to a flying start, taking the lead almost from the kick-off with a well-taken goal by Samuel. The first half was one-way traffic with the Warriors finding their free-flowing pattern of football after a somewhat flat first match.

Samuel grabbed the headlines with a first-half hat-trick, showing off his excellent ‘poaching’ skills and fine finishing. The pick of his goals was a lovely header and finishing touch to a ‘trademark’ flowing move. (By the way, it’s no coincidence that Samuel scored two headers when we practised corners just before kick-off!).

Joe’s industry was rewarded with a first-half goal to send the Warriors in 4-0 up at half time.

The Green Army scented a ‘rout’ which will explain why the team lost its shape a little in the second half. Everybody wanted to get on the score sheet which left us open in the middle of the pitch and at the back. George was called into action with a couple of great saves – what a fantastic season he’s having – and Benedict made the tackle of the season. Bradninch did break through to score a deserved goal and reduce the arrears to 4-1.

Still, it was the Warriors who carried the greater threat with Stanley a constant menace down the right and Jamie on the left. It was Stanley’s flurry of deliveries into the box that allowed Thomas and Toby (first of the season) to get on the score sheet. Then, to remind us all that it was Samuel’s day, he came back on for the last couple of minutes and popped up in the box after Stanley’s shot came back off the bar, to poach his 4th and the Warriors’ 7th.

The passion, drive and quality of the second match contrasted sharply with the opening encounter versus Cullompton Rangers. OK, so the pitch was really poor and the opposition worked their socks off, but the Warriors never really got going and couldn’t fashion enough chances to take the points. The game had ‘0-0’ written all over it - until the home team squeezed in the winner on the break.

The ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ performances left the tearful coaches scratching their heads.

The Warriors travelled to high-flying West Exe for their first-round League Cup clash. The Green Army bossed the game from the start, with excellent passing and possession football, keeping the home team penned in their own half.

The Warriors’ attacks were creating openings and the home defence was finally breached when Joe despatched a fine effort into the roof of the net. Samuel made some excellent runs in his role as striker with midfield support from Toby and Jamie on the wings.

Gradually, a startled and quiet West Exe regained their composure and started to play more football in the Warriors’ half. Their ‘pacey’ wingers were dangerous and delivered a good supply of crosses. The boys defended these confidently but just before the break, the home team equalised.

In the second half, both sides worked tirelessly in search of a winner but the deadlock could not be broken. In recent seasons we’ve talked a lot about our attacking power but this game was a great demonstration of the Warriors’ defensive strengths, with Tim winning most challenges and Benedict sweeping up the danger and starting off many a Warriors’ attack.

On weary legs, the boys went into 10 minutes of extra time. They continued to soak up the pressure with great courage and skill and never looked in any great danger. Alas! With just a couple of minutes left on the clock, we were unlucky to be ‘undone’ by a long-range strike that saw the home side go through 2-1. Bad luck boys!

The cup match was followed by a fun 10-minutes-each-way friendly. With a bare squad of 8 players, the Warriors did well to keep up the work-rate. A few players were given a new position to try, including all-rounder Benedict who switched to striker and capped off a brilliant morning’s work with two fantastic goals – expert finishing after strong runs on goal, the second was a beauty!

Two own-goals (!) towards the end of the first half gave West Exe a lifeline and in the second half, fatigue had definitely set in with the score remaining 2-2.

No shame in losing boys. This was another quality performance, enjoyed by all. Well done to West Exe for being friendly hosts and playing good football in a good spirit.

Rather than Coach Justin being quoted again (!), let’s hear what the West Exe coach had to say…

“What a cracking team you have and what great football from both sides - and they’re only U10s! Great passing from both sides. Best of luck for the season.”

The Warriors slipped to a rare defeat against high-flying local rivals, Honiton Devils. This was the boys' first league defeat since April - quite a feat really - and they were unlucky to come away from this match without at least a point, after a brilliant second half.

The visitors shaded a very competitive first half and took the lead on the stroke of half-time. The boys were visibly gutted about that - a testament to their character and determination.

The Warriors really took the game to Honiton in the second half and their constant pressure was rewarded with an equaliser from Joe Ashby. However, their hard-work was swiftly undone by an immediate reply and very well-taken goal by the visitors. The Green Army laid siege to to the Honiton goal but could not force another equaliser despite terrific work from all the team.

Full marks to the Devils and their coaching team for producing a strong, attacking display which created a very competitive, thrilling match. "A great advert for U10s football" is what the Devils' coach said post-match.

Against the Demons, the Warriors sprang to life in the second half playing up the slope - this seems to be their favoured direction! Five excellent goals were scored by Jed Ionov-Flint, Thomas Rowan, Joe Ashby and a brace
from Tim Goody who switched to striker for the last 5 minutes. This was an apt reward for Tim's impressive determination and athleticism.

The Warriors travelled ‘up country’ to mid-Devon and enjoyed a successful morning coming home with all six points and two clean sheets.

In the first match vs. Tivvy, the Warriors dominated proceedings but were profligate in front of goal with a host of chances squandered. Stanley broke the deadlock with a trademark burst of speed and cool finish following some fine support work by Thomas. Samuel doubled the lead in the second half when he sweetly converted from close range. The work rate was high and the boys produced several good passing moves but could not add to their tally.

In the second encounter, Moors Rhinos proved to be a strong, well-organised team with an excellent defensive line and a tricky, skilful winger too. This was going to be a tougher battle. The teams were evenly matched in the first half with both teams probing the opposing defences but not creating too many clear-cut chances. Stanley switched wings for the second half which proved crucial as he kept their wide man (boy) out of the game. The Warriors opened up the half in a more positive mood and quickly controlled possession and began to create chances. Not long after the re-start, the Warriors inflicted a double blow on the home team with Joe finishing off another determined run, swiftly followed by Stanley racing on to a fine trough-ball by Jed, to extend the lead. The teamwork was excellent with the defence working hard when Moors staged a late fight-back, goalie George growing in confidence with every game. The Warriors held on to close out the game and record another clean sheet.

Coach Justin says: “Full marks for effort boys, you’ve really taken on board the message of adding a high work rate to the quality football. This was a team effort as I thought you worked really hard for each other and deserved your victories. The good news is that I think we can certainly add a few more goals to our tally if we work on our finishing – that’ll make for a fun training session! Well done, boys.”

The Warriors hosted League newcomers Crediton and Copplestone who've moved across from the Mid Devon Sunday League. Both teams provided tough opposition...

First up were Crediton Youth who matched the Warriors in the early exchanges. Both teams were strong and committed but there were very few clear-cut chances and the score remained goalless at half-time. The Warriors, whilst largely untroubled, needed to raise the tempo and take the game to their opponents. With three fresh pairs of legs introduced for the second half, the home team were soon on the front foot, keeping Crediton in their own half.

The pressure finally told when some excellent movement from Samuel Rice saw him spin and turn his marker and dispatch a cool finish into the bottom corner. The goal saw the Warriors relax a bit and play with a bit more freedom and 'zip'. After a succession of corners, new signing Tim Goody fired home the Warriors' second.

To their credit, the visiting team never gave up and pulled a goal back with the last kick of the match.

Copplestone Cobras were expected to be the tougher of the two opponents but the Warriors made a great start creating some excellent openings, all of which were missed!! The quality of football from both teams was of the highest calibre with the home team edging the play. Another flowing move saw Thomas Rowan slot home to give the Warriors a well-earned lead.

Just before half-time, however, Coplestone put together an excellent counter-attack which saw them level the score. A very positive team-talk seemed to work as the Warriors, playing up the slope in the second half, raised the tempo even higher. The passing and control were excellent and, importantly, the work-rate was outstanding. The boys knew they were in a high quality football match and responded brilliantly.

The home fans were soon rewarded when Samuel Rice clinically finished off a fine Warriors' move and a few minutes later Joe Ashby slammed home number three.

This was a hard-fought victory and the boys were magnificent.

The Warriors made a confident start dominating both games against their local rivals. In the first match against Feniton, the Warriors finally converted one of their many chances with debutant Thomas Rowan getting on
the end of a scintillating run by Samuel Rice. The close score line made for a tense finish yet it was the Warriors who continued to create the better chances.

Against OSM, the Warriors took control from the outset with Stanley Richardson’s dynamic wing play creating several openings. The pressure finally told when Joe Ashby finished neatly from close range. The goal of the morning came in the second half with Richardson and Ashby again linking up on the left, this time to feed an unmarked Jamie Salter who dispatched a brilliant shot into the top corner.

Toby Hill had an outstanding morning for the Warriors as did Tim Goody on his debut. Goaly George Wheeler was rarely troubled but distributed the ball expertly to set up Warrior attacks. Well done to all the boys for
their excellent work-rate and solid team play.