Welcome to the U10s Warriors pages. You'll find our News (latest first), Reports, Fixtures and Photos on this page (just keep scrolling down until you find what you are looking for). If there's anything you'd like to add, especially photos, please email me.

For team contacts please visit the Club Directory page.

Away game, Dawlish, March 12th
This one's a late kick off (11.30) so we're meeting at Newton Pop car park at 10.15, see you there!

* NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH *
> The club will be one of Waitrose's token charities in April, please hoard your tokens until then!!
> The Herald sometimes edits our match reports heavily if there's been a lot of games to fit in, but remember you can always read the full unexpurgated version on this page - just scroll down to Reports.
> Diary date: Beacon Kinights fixture rescheduled for Weds April 27th (first Weds after Easter) at 6pm - the only date we could manage! Appreciate it's a midweek so if you can't make it please let me know asap.

Away games Feb 19th & Feb 26th. We're away at Alphington EX2 8SW Feb 19th, meeting by 9.15 at Newton Pop, then at Honiton EX14 1AR Feb 26th, meeting there by 9.45

Sat Jan 10th - back after a bit of a break! Great training session boys, everyone working really hard from the word go. And a fun match & penalty shoot-out! (Great pen Jamie.) Jack Miller Trainer of the Week, for always giving evrything.

Sat Nov 27th - away match at Pinhoe postponed - sorry! Training instead at Long Park, 10 - 11.30, half hour later than usual to give day a chance to warm up. See you there!

Sat Nov 20th - home matches vs Tiverton Whites & Yellows, meet by 9.30 at Newton Pop - see you there!

Sat Nov 13th, away vs West Exe - meet by 9.00 Newton Pop, see you there!

Been meaning to put this up for a while - check out Spain doing the Vikings keep-ball warm up (thanks to Justin for this one!!)

Rest days: there have been a few swaps lately, please check out the most up-to-date of the Fixture List (1.12.10)

Sidmouth U10s Warriors, Colyton tournament June 4th

As a fun day out & to wrap up the 10/11 season the U10s Warriors visited the Colyton football tournament last weekend. The day started promisingly against a plucky Yeovil Town girls' team, who resisted for a while but struggled once our lads' football started to flow, guest centre-forward Louis 'Luigi' Morison scoring 3, and Louis Spalding making it 4, all without reply. Then followed 2 narrow defeats by a single goal, 3-2 vs Pinhoe Spartans (the 2 Louis again on the scoresheet) then 1-0 vs Pinhoe Sharks - of whom more later...

To get to the semis the lads now had to win their final two Group games: the desire galvanised them, helped along by a bit of formation tinkering and support from injured team-mate Matt Salter from the touchline. Convincing wins followed against two Heavitree sides, notable for Toby Garrick playing intelligent defence to release co-defender James Emmett - who scored with a great long-range effort - and for team move-of-the-day: subtle build up from the back, a lightning run down the right from Lucas Richardson who then whipped an inch-perfect cross into the far post where Jay Harris' bullet header at almost burst through the net, brilliant!

The semi was a re-match vs Pinhoe Sharks, and our lads know they had the momentum behind them. What a start: the ball was pushed out right, Louis Spalding beat most of the Pinhoe team then finished with his left - just 5 seconds gone and already we were 1-0 up! The goals followed in quick succession, two from Emmett, three from Morison and another from Spalding made it 7-0. In goal Ben Plowden skilfully denied every Pinhoe chance. Late in the game he Pinhoe keeper made several outstanding saves, it could easily have been 10-0! It had been a wonderful Sidmouth performance which will linger long in the memory.

We started the final vs Pinhoe Spartans brightly, Louis Spalding equalising from distance after Pinhoe had scored on the counter attack. It was still 1-1 for much of the 2nd half, until the Exeter team scrambled a messy goal then a quality individual one soon after and it was a too far back with so little time left. It finished 3-1.

Our boys were worthy runners-up. Their parents & siblings gave them a champions' ovation at the end, and deservedly so for playing some of the most attractive football of the day.

U10 Warriors vs Exmouth & Brixington, April 16th

The Warriors played Exmouth and Brixington in a fitting climax to the 10/11 season.

Exmouth Amateurs U10s have a formidable reputation which our boys were in awe of for the first 5 minutes, by which time a freak deflection & unfortunate penalty left us 0-2 down. Up against it the boys responded superbly, pressuring their opponents & move the ball around at pace. In one of the moves of the season debutant keeper Oli Truman rolled the ball to James Emmett, who threaded it on to Matt Salter, one touch out to Jack Miller, down the line to Louis Spalding who cut back from the by-line to Jay Harris whose first-time shot missed the target by millimetres. Blink and you'd have missed the whole move!

The rest of the first half and most of the second was all Sidmouth, defenders Toby Garrick & Archie Marchant in particular played with calm intelligence and Matt Salter visionary in midfield. Eventually Sidmouth were rewarded with a goal by Harris from Miller's inch-perfect cross. Three minutes left and just a goal in it! Then a third from Exmouth, a classy individual goal, dashed hopes of levelling. But at the final whistle both sets of spectators rousingly applauded a fabulous game of high tempo, high quality football in which a draw would have been a fairer result.

The boys maintained their high standards against Brixington, and quickly took control of the game, keeping possession & passing the ball around at will. After hitting the woodwork twice and forcing several saves from Brixington's Exeter keeper, Miller dribbled like a mini-Messi round three opponents then the keeper for his first, his second following in similar fashion soon after. Sidmouth dominated the second half too, Spalding eventually finding Miller who finished coolly for his hatrick. Spalding's delightful lob over the keeper's head added another, making it 4-0 - a great result against a hard-to-beat team with a superb keeper.

So Sidmouth finish the season with both U10s teams in the top 10 in their league (out of 34), something no other club has managed - what a fantastic achievement boys!

Sidmouth Town Junior Vikings U10 Warriors vs Pinhoe Spartans and Sharks (away) - April 9th

The Warriors continued their momentum up the league table with two good wins against Pinhoe beating the Spartans 2 – 1 and the Sharks 5 – 2 .

First up were the Spartans who began the day level on points with the Warriors. In a superb game of football, Pinhoe took the lead with a breakaway goal but this seemd to make the team even more determined and they came back strongly with shots from Matt Salter and James Emmett. Striker Will Ashby held the ball up superbly and brought supporting players into the game while Toby Garrick and James Emmett cleared everything away at the back. Ashby was rewarded with a goal just before half-time.

In the second half Sidmouth attacked from the start and swept the ball around the pitch to give the Pinhoe defence the runaround. Man of the Match Jay Harris combined superbly with the tirelss Jack Miller and the only way Pinhoe could stop them was largely through illegitimate means. Ultimately Miller had the last laugh by finishing cooly to record a well deserved victory.

In the second game against the Sharks, coach Merv Salter shuffled his pack and asked some players to play in unfamiliar positions. Usual goalkeeper Ben Plowden responded with an on pitch Man of the Match performance with a well-taken hatrick. New boy Ollie Truman combined well with Archie Marchant at the back and Marchant had a fantastic shot from near the half-way line which hit the bar. The Garrick and Emmett midfeild axis out-thought their Sharks counterparts and between them they set up the three first half goals one of which was finished by Emmett himself. Two defensive blips allowed the Sharks some respectability but Will Ashby crowned a great individual performance with another goal.

Sidmouth Warriors vs Ottery St Mary (away), April 2nd 2011

The Warriors had two comfortable victories in their games at Ottery St Mary, winning 8 – 0 and 9 – 1.

Against Ottery Barrellers, Sidmouth were committed and confident. By half-time Louis Spalding had already scored a hat-trick while Matt Salter and James Emmett both scored crackers from distance. An own goal meant a 6 – 0 half-time score. After three half-time substitutions the team took their time to find their rhythm. Gradually they piled more and more pressure on the Ottery defence and two further goals from Jay Harris and Emmett took the score to eight. Ollie Truman made an assured debut in defence while James Emmett was Man of the Match.

In the second game against Ottery Cannons the Warriors were totally dominant and scored nine goals through Spalding (2), Harris (2), Jack Miller (2), Emmett, Ben Plowden and Lucas Richardson. If truth be told, a few more goals should have been added but the team lost their shape as all the players were trying to get themselves in a position to score. Ottery scored a late consolation which led to a huge celebration from the home supporters. Ollie Truman was the Warrior’s Man of the Match for another assured display.

Sidmouth U10 Warriors vs Tiverton – Saturday 26th March 2011

On a glorious spring day the U10 Warriors completed two tough games against Tiverton in energy sapping conditions – winning the first 2 – 1 but suffering an unfortunate defeat in the second game.

After a sluiggish start against Tivvy Yellows the Warriors took the lead through Jay Harris after a great run and cross by Lucas Richardson. Before half-time Louis Spalding hit the bar and the follow up by Harris was saved. After the interval, Spalding harried and hassled the oposition defence to force an own goal before the Yellows hit back with a great strike against the run of play. Sidmouth continued to rain shots in on the Tivvy goal with efforts from Spalding and Matt Salter hitting the bar and post respectively. With just the one goal lead it took an outstanding defensive header by James Emmett to ensure the victory. Man of the match was Louis “Birthday Boy” Spalding.

The Warriors started much more confidently against Tivvy Whites but somehow found themselves four nil down at half-time after some incredible misfortune but also some clinical strikes by the Whites’ attack. This was despite two outstanding saves, one point blank, by Sidmouth goalie Ben Plowden. In the second half the Warriors passed the ball around in their more usual style and Matt Salter finished superbly after great work by Will Ashby. Harris, Emmett, Richardson and Toby Garrick gave everything, when really they had almost nothing left to give, but it was not to be and Sidmouth ended up losing 5 -1. Man of the Match was Jay Harris.

Dawlish Evens & Odds vs Sidmouth U10s Warriors, March 19th

The U10s Warriors played superbly away against fellow seasiders Dawlish last Saturday.

First match opponents Dawlish Evens constantly had to chase the ball as every one our lads played composed possession football around them: playing out from defence, switching play, finding space, confounding defenders and creating chances. Louis Spalding and Jack Miller both hit the woodwork, before Spalding flicked on a lovely through ball from Matt Salter to put the Warriors 1-0 up. The second half saw more of the same, including an almost-goal-of-the-season – Spalding setting up Salter for a breath-taking 15 yard volley which rattled the bar and rebounded onto the goal line – did it cross?! A great game finished 1-0 to Sidmouth.

The boys maintained the same high standard against Dawlish Odds. It took 5 minutes or so to adjust to new positions, but they soon worked it out and the fluid passing resumed. Toby Garrick swept all before him and played intelligent balls upfield, while James Emmett’s Delap-like throws always threatened. Wingers Lucas Richardson and Jay Harris were too much for their opponents and soon the chances came, scoring four in quick succession, all excellent team goals from Jay Harris, Jack Miller, Lucas Richardson & Louis Spalding. In the second half Spalding headed home another from Emmett’s amazing long throw, then Matt Salter neatly finished Richardson’s inch-perfect cross to make it 6-0 at the end.

It was a morning of outstanding, unselfish team play, so the Man of the Match award went to... everyone!

March 5th: Stoke Hill and Central (home)

After a weekend off to focus on new strategies and tactics the U10 Warriors returned to action with a creditable draw against Central and an undeserved defeat against Stoke Hill.

In the first game against Central, Sidmouth started as they had left off two weeks ago and were soon 2 – 0 up thanks to a flowing move involving five different players which resulted in an own goal, followed by a clinical finish fron Matt Salter after a great lay-off by Jack Miller. Central stormed back into the game and despite the best efforts of Ben Plowden in goal managed to score twice before half-time. The second half saw Sidmouth camped in the oppsiton half but despite great link-up play by James Emmett, Toby Garrick, Matt Salter and Louis Spalding, the team were unable to find that crucial break-through.

The second game, against Stoke Hill was also a very even affair. Ben Plowden kept the Warriors in the game in the first half with two outstanding saves although Miller and Will Ashby kept the opposition defence on their toes. The second half started disastrously and despite some uncompromising defending, particularly from Archie Marchant, Stoke Hill scored three quick goals without reply. An unmerited loss in an even game.

February 26th, Honiton away
How many games do you hear about when everyone on one team scores? Admittedly this sixty minutes of football was spread over two games but the U10 Warriors managed this feat in their two victories last Saturday morning with all nine players scoring. This typifies the team ethic and unselfish play instilled in the team by coaches Al Spalding and Merv Salter.

In the first game against Honiton Sharks Archie Marchant started what turned out to be a rout with his first ever goal. The goal celebration almost eclipsed his excellent strike from the edge of the box! Toby Garrick scored a second goal before half-time after a great move involving Louis Spalding and Matt Salter. In the second half the floodgates opened as Sidmouth kept the ball superbly by working hard for each other and ensuring that every pass went to the right person. Matt Salter was at the heart of everything but the goals continued to be shared around with Jack Miller, James Emmett, Louis Spalding, Jay Harris and Matt Salter (2) all scoring. The Sharks got a consolation goal at the end to ensure a modicum of respectability in what was ultimately an 8 – 2 thrashing.

Against Honiton Fireballs the team carried on from where they had left off. Goalkeeper Ben Plowden moved up front and slotted home after a great team move. With everyone pushing forward in search of more goals Jay Harris was often the lone defender who thwarted several Honiton counter attacks. Before half-time the Warriors went further ahead with first James Emmett finishing off a Jack Miller cross before Emmett returned the favour by setting up the ever improving Miller. Emmett started the second half in goal and was immediately in action to stop what looked like a certain Honiton goal. Although the increasingly soggy pitch made their fluent passing game more difficult, Sidmouth continued to dominate and a huge cheer from the travelling supporters greeted the fourth goal by Will Ashby. The final score was 4 – 0 but more importantly Ashby’s goal did mean that this was a morning that will go down in Sidmouth folklore as the day when all nine players scored.

February 19th, Alphington away
The Warriors gave two thrilling, stirring performances last Saturday in Alphington in front of the season's biggest away crowd.

Against first-match opponents St Martins our lads quickly settled into playing composed, attractive football. Jay Harris went close with an early first-half header, then moments later James Emmett headed powerfully from a lovely inswinging Matt Salter corner to make it 1-0.

Going forward the whole team's touch and passing was superb, Will Ashby creating openings on the right while Louis Spalding controlled the centre. St Martins tried to break from midfield several times but timely defending, especially from Archie Marchant, kept them at bay. The Exeter team broke through to get a shot on target but Ben Plowden was well positioned to parry it aside.

The second half was nail-biting, Sidmouth dominating possession but the comfort of a two-goal lead elusive. Every players' committment was oustanding, St Martin's players allowed no time on the ball. When the whistle finally blew Sidmouth had kept their 1-0 lead. There were many candidates for man-of-the-match, Louis Spalding winning the honours for his fierce tackling in a fine all-round performance.

After expending so much energy amazingly the boys gave more of the same against Alphington. From the whistle they kept possession and pressed their opponents constantly. Matt Salter & Jay Harris battled & passed around their opposite numbers several times, but finishing in a crowded Alphington penalty area was difficult. Then Sidmouth conceded twice against the run of play, but this just stirred them into playing up another level. Toby Garrick was composed in defence, sweeping up any danger then linking nicely with midfield.

Eventually Matt Salter pushed forward and drove a superb 15 yard shot home, 2-1. Sidmouth deserved an equaliser, and urged on by the crowd kept pressing forward, creating near-chances but couldn't find another way through. It finished 2-1 Alphington, with our boys leaving the pitch to a heart-swelling ovation - they couldn't have given more, and truly deserved a better result. Another difficult man-of-the-match decision, Toby Garrick earning honours for his intelligent, commanding play. Fantastic lads!

February 12th 2011, Okehampton away

Okehampton Milan U10’s 0 Sidmouth TJV U10 Warriors 4
On a heavy pitch in spring sunshine the Warriors put on an outstanding display of passing football to record an excellent victory.

Sidmouth absorbed early pressure but then pressed forward to score three goals before half-time through Louis Spalding and the outstanding Jay Harris (2) – including one goal from a passing move involving practically every member of the team.

In the second half the Warriors continued to pour forward with Spalding and James Emmett controlling much of the play and Will Ashby battling hard up front against some formidable Okehampton defenders. The icing on the cake was a superb individual goal from Lucas Richardson who sensibly ignored the parental pleas to pass before beating three defenders and slotting the ball past the keeper.

Okehampton Barca U10’s 0 Sidmouth TJV U10 Warriors 5
The Warriors totally dominated this encounter working really well to pass the ball around. Matt Salter and Lucas Richardson worked tirelessly in midfield while James Emmett and Archie Marchant were always alert at the back and supported the midfield well. The first goal started from the goalkeeper, was passed throughout the team with the finish by Jay Harris. The next two goals involved excellent passing and movement down the left hand side with Salter and Emmett involved. On both occasions Toby Garrick was released and crossed the ball for first Jay Harris and then Matt Salter to score. Garrick then scored himself before half-time.

In the second half the Warriors set up numerous further chances with Salter and Richardson at the heart of just about everything. The final goal was set up by a cross from Richardson which was slotted home by Spalding. Coaches Al Spalding and Merv Salter were both delighted with the work rate but particularly the intelligent passing and movement shown by the whole team.

Sidmouth U10 Warriors vs Whipton Youth, Feb 5th Newton Pop.
Visitors Whipton gave the boys two very different challenges last Saturday. Sidmouth fielded an experimental line-up against first match opponents the Wanderers, and they coped really well. Jack Miller, Will Ashby and especially Jay Harris were a relevation in unfamiliar defensive positions, while upfront Ben Plowden constantly unsettled his markers. James Emmett converted an early penalty with panache. In the second half Matt Salter drove forward and played a lovely through ball to Jack Miller, which he finished smartly to make it 2-0. Lucas Richardson & Toby Garrick ran their socks off on the wings. A superb stop from Ben Plowden kept the scores unchanged at full-time. It was a pleasure to watch the boys play with such confidence.

Next up Whipton Youth, who our scouts reported to be one of the best footballing sides around. The boys had a superb first half - we kept our shape, retained possession, battled & closed down quickly - for a long time it looked as if it would be stalemate. Upfront Louis Spalding constantly put Whipton's defence under pressure, while at the other end James Emmett & Toby Garrick controlled ours. Then Whipton scored two quick goals from close range which, on other days, we would have kept out. In the second half our boys continued chasing and pressing tirelessly - it took an excellent Whipton strike to get past us. An attractive game finished 0-3, although 0-1 would have been a fairer reflection of the balance of play as we matched Whipton's quality for much of the match. The lads felt disappointed but it was a team performance they could be really proud of.

Sidmouth U10 Warriors vs Tiverton Whites, Jan 22nd
Our lads battled bravely against tough opponents Tiverton Whites in a lively cup match at Bicton College last Saturday

The match started brightly & evenly, Matt Salter putting Sidmouth 1-0 up early on with a lovely strike. Upfront Will Ashby was chased tirelessly and kept Tivvy's defence under pressure. At the back Toby Garrick and Archie Marchant were watchful, making several timely interceptions. Ben Plowden made a great early save, then Tiverton went closer hitting the post & bar as things hotted up.

Eventually Tiverton equalised but at 1-1 at half time there was still all to play for. From the restart Tiverton scored two quick goals, but Sidmouth were not going to let the game slip away easily. Jack Miller upfront, and Louis Spalding & Jay Harris on the wings, all kept pushing forward but their opponent's defence was quick & strong. Then, a wonder-goal! Matt Salter broke from midfield, saw his chance 15 yards out on the left and curled into into the top right corner, awesome. Now just 3-2 down & things were getting exciting... Tivvy, though, kept up the pressure and towards the end broke through twice more, and the game finished 5-2.

Matt Salter's skill and hard work earned him Man of the Match. All our lads knew they'd shown great heart against high quality opponents, and that we'll work on getting them next time... And thanks to everyone for pulling together to get the pitch ready - the 4th choice venue after 3 others were frozen off! - in a really worthwhile effort to get the game played.

Jan 17th: Sidmouth U10s Warriors vs West Hill & CS Juve 15-1-11, Newton Pop

Our lads came back refreshed from their 5 week match break and quickly got back in the groove. Against a decent West Hill side they played somes parkling football - quality touches, short crisp passes - and battled superbly. After Sidmouth hit the post twice Matt Salter, Jack Miller & Louis Spalding threaded their way past West Hill's defence, Spalding finishing well.

Meanwhile defenders Archie Marchant & Toby Garrick swept up any danger, both showing great touch & awareness. Second half Lucas Richardson in particular was a handful on the right wing, and Matt Salter scored a great individual goal from 15 yards. West Hill scrambled one back to give spectators a rather nervy last 5 minutes, but Sidmouth held it together for an excellent 2-1 win. Archie Marchant was Man of the Match.

CS Juve were awkward opponents, quite defensive, but our lads quickly got into their stride and created chance after chance - only alert Juve goalkeeping kept the scores level. Eventually Sidmouth broke the deadlock, a Matt Salter strike deftly diverted past the keeper by Will Ashby. Jay Harris was a natural at unfamiliar left-back, while in goal Ben Plowden was ever vigilant. Will Ashby spun the ball backwards into the net - amazing! - for his second, then broke ahead and chipped the keeper skilfully to complete a superb hattrick, earning him Man of the Match and the only name on the scoresheet in the 3-0 result.

A morning when it all came together, and the perfect start to 2011 - well done lads!

West Exe Rangers vs Sidmouth Warriors - U10s Cup Competition, Sat Nov. 13th 2010 (West Exe)

Our lads tested nerves to the limit last Saturday in dramatic match against West Exe Rangers.

Sidmouth started brightly but it was clear old rivals West Exe were up for this too - it was going to be a hard-fought game. But our boys have great self-belief - going a goal down they never panic, only play better football. Which is just as well! We came back from behind twice in this game, both times West Exe catching us on the break. The first equaliser was a 15 yard blaster from Louis Spalding, the second a deflection from a wicked Matt Salter cross. Archie Marchant had a superb first half in defence, matched by Toby Garrick in the second. Both played alongside a commanding James Emmett, who was outstanding. Upfront Jack Miller & Will Ashby kept their opponents constantly on their toes.

At full time it was 2-2. After extra time it was still 2-2 - Jack Miller unlucky to have what would have been a winner cleared off the line. So, penalties, and the chance to be a hero. Emmett slotted the first, easy-as-you-like. Keeper Ben Plowden stepped up to face West Exe's first and... made a brilliant save!! Once calmed returned Matt Salter converted the second, as did Rangers, so it was down to Lucas Richardson to take the decider. His team-mates huddled, barely able to watch. Then, a perfect penalty and Sidmouth were through - the boys went crazy!

After all that excitement the boys were, incredibly, still up for a friendly too. Yet another topsy-turvy game finished 4-3 to West Exe - Ben Plowden, Will Ashby and James Emmett scoring for Sidmouth.

This was a special morning. From the way they respectfully observed the minute's silence at the start, to sportingly commiserating with their opponents at the end, not to mention some awesome football in-between, the lads gave everyone watching reason to be very proud.

Oct 30th, Sidmouth U10 Warriors vs Feniton & Cullompton (away at Cullompton)

Our lads travelled to mid-Devon and played some truly eye-catching football in two cracking matches last Saturday.

Against first opponents Feniton the boys went 2-0 down after just 2 minutes, but instead of losing heart kept possession and control until their football started to flow. Boy did it! The Warriors created chance after chance, but couldn't quite finish. The second half was a thriller. Toby Garrick was outstanding in right midfield, winning back possession and several times playing Louis Spalding & Jack Miller through, each eventually scoring to make it 2-2. A momentary lapse let Feniton score a third, but the boys' superior pressure and commitment soon paid off, and Louis Spalding equalised to make it 3-3. Toby Garrick was Man of the Match.

The Cullompton match was another nail-biter. The Warriors got into their stride quickly, James Emmett especially strong on the right wing. Matt Salter was superb on his goalkeeping debut, making two awesome close-range saves and unlucky when one rebounded to an opponent's foot for a 1-0 lead. Again, the boys responded superbly, by working harder and being first to the ball every time. In defence Archie Marchant timed every tackle to perfection, while in midfield Jack Miller & Jay Harris never let their opponents settle. Soon the pressure told and Louis Spalding put the ball away coolly for the Warriors, 1-1. Matt Salter was a handful on the right in the second half, one move eventually finished by man-of-the-match Jay Harris with a great right foot into the corner. Cullompton equalised against the run of play and it finished 2-2 but the home side knew they'd been lucky - even the ref said how well our boys played. Couldn't agree more, well done lads!

Sidmouth U10s Warriors vs West Exe - Newton Pop October 16th

After two glorious games last week this week's matches were grittier affairs, real tests of character which the boys passed with flying colours.

First opponents West Exe Rangers were a skilful side, but struggled to keep the ball against our dynamic midfield, particularly Jay Harris. Playing upfront Ben Plowden did a great job not letting his opposing defenders settle. A well-directed Rangers header squeezed over the line to put them one-up against the run of play but from then on it was all Warriors, our lads controlling possession & territory. Yet with all the Rangers behind the ball finding a way through to goal was hard! Eventually Matt Salter cut in from the right wing and curled a beautiful short inside the left-hand post for a well-deserved point. Man of the Match was Jay Harris for his skill and spirit.

Then West Exe Exiles were a step up again, with good ball skills, well-organised and very tall! Like Wigan to our Arsenal-sized boys. Early pressure gave the Exiles a 1-0 lead. But the Warriors were never going to let in another - backs Toby Garrick, Archie Marchant and especially James Emmett timed tackes to perfection, while in midfield Will Ashby, Louis Spalding and Jack Miller had to do more defending than they had in quite a while. Keeper Ben Plowden then pulled off a series of truly amazing saves, including one at full horizontal stretch a yard off the ground that earned a sporting ovation from the visitors. It finished 0-1, Ben's stunning performance earning him Man of the Match.

Boys, you can all be very proud of how you played against tough opponents - you won't have many harder than that!

Sidmouth U10s Warriors vs Okehampton Barca & Feniton, Sat Oct. 9th, Newton Poppleford

The U10 Warriors delighted the crowd with two self-assured displays of 'total' football on Saturday.

The first game, vs. Okehampton Barca, was a pre-first round cup eliminator, but the lads played nervelessly. Even after going one-down to an early breakaway goal, they barely let their opponents touch the ball, and kept their composure and shape. James Emmett tidied up any danger in defence, while Lucas Richardson & Matt Salter played with skill and pace on both wings. Eventually the goals came, both Louis Spalding's - a deft deflection and a brave 50/50 header - to make it 2-1. The boys then took complete control in the second half, several one-touch moves watched in wonder by spectators (in stark contrast to the Sidmouth manager's comedy falling-over routine). Jay Harris was inspiring on the left. Positioning himself superbly Will Ashby soon made it three, and a very entertaining game finished 3-1.

The second match was a friendly vs. Feniton, an opportunity to try players out in unfamiliar positions but which they settled into very quickly. Ben Plowden was watchful & hard-working at right back. The Warriors' pressure forced an own-goal, then Feniton pulled one back on the counter-attack. In the second half our lads were playing downhill and really got into their stride. Toby Garrick's passing, movement and awareness were superb, his lovely dummy through to Jay Harris showing how in tune the boys were with each other. The passing and movement was excellent, Jack Miller especially a constant threat on the right, battling and finding great space. Jack's reward was three chances, and he converted every one for a great hat-trick. It finished 4-1.

Another morning of fantastic, highly enjoyable football - well done boys, you were great to watch!

Warriors: Will Ashby, James Emmett, Toby Garrick, Jay Harris, Jack Miller, Ben Plowden, Lucas Richardson, Matt Salter, Louis Spalding

Sidmouth Warriors U10s vs Moors Youth, Sat Sep 25th, Tiverton

Even when, as the last two Saturdays, our boys come up against clubs playing an 'A' and a 'B' team (we prefer to field two balanced sides) it's a testament to our lads' ability & determination that the quality of their football easily matches (usually surpasses, actually) the As.

Moors Tigers (the A team) were strong opponents, physical & quick on the break. Despite lots of good possession the Warriors were unlucky to find themselves 2-0 down at half-time. Then after the restart a superbly struck long-range free-kick from Lucas Richardson pulled one back. Lovely interplay from the midfield trio of Richardson, Matt Salter & Louis Spalding repeatedly broke through but Moors defended their goal well. Another quick break and we were 3-1 down but the Warriors didn't give up. The last 10 minutes were thrilling, Louis Spalding got one back quickly and Moors barely touched the ball again. Two agonisingly-near misses shaved either post but it it finished 3-2, Moors' cheers of relief giving away how for much of the match they had been outplayed! Lucas Richardson, excellent in midfield, was Man of the Match.

The second game against Moors Bobcats was mostly one-way traffic. Archie Marchant and Toby Garrick were composed and creative in defence, Toby playing lovely balls down the left flank, Archie's decision-making and control spot-on, while Ben Plowden was busy in midfield. The boys passed the ball around their opponents time & time again, scoring 6 in the first half, 4 in the second, all without reply not least because William Ashby made two great saves. Scoring honours were: Louis Spalding 4 (including one from an immaculate Matt Salter chip), Matt Salter 3 (a 4th puzzlingly disallowed), Lucas Richardson 2 and Toby Garrick 1, Toby a well-deserved Man of the Match.

Sidmouth Warriors U10s vs Twyford, Sat Sep 18th, Newton Pop

Our lads played two superb matches at Newton Poppleford last Saturday, demonstrating how far they've come in the past 12 months. They were completely in tune with one another, showing assured passing, great communication & excellent concentration.

The first match was against Twyford Barca. The boys found their shape quickly and made the most of the generous space and time on the ball their opponents allowed. Sidmouth were ruthless in attack, James Emmett excelling at an unfamiliar central midfield role. Defenders were strong & quick-thinking, Archie Marchant's decision-making spot-on, and Toby Garrick overlapping down the left like a mini Ashley Cole. One goal each from James Emmett, Toby Garrick, Matt Salter & Jack Miller, two from Louis
Spalding and a hat-trick from man-of-the-match Jay Harris, sealed a convincing 9-1 win.

The second game was a total contrast - tough opponents, physical & confident on the ball, were a very good match for our lads. But we kept our heads, passing and pushing forward even after going 0-1 down, Louis Spalding eventually equalising from James Emmett's lovely cross. Ben Plowden kept goal bravely, winning every 50/50 ball and acrobatically tipping a rocket shot over the bar. Will Ashby was a model of industry. Both sides showed great commitment & determination, but neither one could break the deadlock and a great match finished 1-1, Ben Plowden man-of-the-match.

Saturday September 11th 2010 - Tiverton Town Football Fun Day

Sidmouth U10s Warriors rounded off pre-seaon preparations with a fun-filled Footy Festival at Tiverton Town - 5 friendly matches, football fun games, plus a chance to meet England legend Peter Shilton.

The matches were a perfect run-out. After a nervy start against Stoke Hill, the lads quickly found their stride. They were very unlucky losing 1-0 to fancied Whipton, a cross freakishly finding the net while at the other end Sidmouth had a goal disallowed. Jay Harris and Toby Garrick were everywhere! Then followed a convincing win against Feniton, 1-0, new signing Matt Salter scoring his first for Sidmouth, & Archie Marchant in particular letting no-one breach his defensive line. Then another win against Twyford Barca, where keeper Ben Plowden excelled out on pitch at right-mid, and Jack Miller's firm strike the only goal.

The final game against a strong Tiverton Whites side was a mini-classic. Sidmouth went 1-0 down to a well-taken goal, but thereafter James Emmett and Will Ashby chased down every new threat tirelessly. At the other end Matt Salter & Lucas Richardson combined superbly, Richardson's cross finding Louis Spalding in space to finish close-range and make it 1-1. A frantic final minute was all Sidmouth, but somehow things stayed even. Thrilling stuff!

Peter Shilton was gentlemanly & entertaining, with wise words for the young footballers - "Today's footballers may have lots of cars & money, but it doesn't make you a better player you know".

Every one of the lads more than held their own against high-class opponents, playing more confident & adventurous football as the day went on. They can be very proud of how well played, and look forward to the new season feeling confident and ready for anything!