Thanks to everyone who awarded their Waitrose green tokens to the Junior Vikings - we raised nearly £300 as a result!

This page will soon be archived and new ones will be created for 2011/12's new teams.

Welcome to our web page where you'll find photos, match reports and news about the U8s Raiders.

To see a fixture list and to find venues for our away matches, please check the Exeter Youth League website

To check when you have a morning off, please see the player rota at the foot of the page.

BOYS! If you haven't done so already, we need your vote for your Player of the Year. Please open the form below to help you choose, then ask your Mum or Dad to text or email Justin with your choice.

The club is one of Waitrose Sidmouth's charities in April so please spend your green tokens on us!!

Sun 15th May U8s presentation/awards at Sidmouth Town FC, midday start so please be there 10 mins before hand

Sat 4th June U8s tournament at Colyton (year 3s only). Alan & Simon will be organising this one.

Sun 5th June U7s tournament at Colyton (year 2s only). Justin will be in touch with details

The Raiders finished off their season just as they started it - banging in the goals with a big smile on their faces! East Devon rivals Colyton were seen off 6-3 with double strikes from man-of-the-match Louis Silk and Will Bond who made great use of his height and strength. Danger-man Stanley Richardson and midfield supremo, Joe Ashby both added a goal apiece.

This was a very satisfying end to an excellent season for the Raiders. Their confidence boosted by the early goals, the boys really turned on the attacking style.

The boys also coped well with some aggressive behaviour by some of the Colyton team - boys, the best way to show 'em is to beat 'em!

A tight and competitive first half ended goalless but the home team were quicker out of the blocks in the 2nd half and quickly went 3-0 up, the boys a little guilty of standing back and admiring one or two of the opposition. However, a very well-taken goal by Louis Silk gave the boys a huge lift and set them up nicely for the 2nd match of the morning. Man-of-the-match Will Bond gave a brave and talented performance in goal.

The Raiders are fast becoming draw specialists but were a little unlucky to only draw against a very good St. Martins side.

After going behind to a scrappy goal Raiders fought back and took control as the game wore on with only the final was pass missing from some excellent football they again failed to create clear scoring chances.

The Sidmouth pressure did pay off when Joe Ashby’s corner was headed into his own net by a St.Martins player for the equaliser.

CJ Abbot put in another excellent performance at the back not only with his tackling but his passing from defence earning his Man of the Match award.

Another very good team performance and one the boys can be proud of.

The Raiders started slowly against a well organised Dawlish side and eventually went down 2-0 despite a spirited second half performance .

Benedict Teague ran tirelessly and thoroughly deserved his man of the match award for his superb attitude, tackling back and efforts in attack.

CJ Abbot tackled well at the back but it was a failure to threaten in attack cost the Raiders who despite recovering to play some great football could not create any goalscoring chances.

Back-to-back 0-0 scores for the Raiders - surely some sort of record for the U8s league?!

Ordered to shoot at every opportunity, CJ Abbott got some early practise in, nearly decapitating newcomer Alex Bennett's mum. And that was before the game started!

The boys seemed very pumped up and wasted no time getting straight into the action. Playing at a very high-energy level, the boys were buzzing all over the pitch, tackling fiercely and counter-attacking at great speed.

New boy Alex Bennett epitomised the team spirit by battling hard for every loose ball - well done, Alex. This was by no means a 'bore draw' - both teams went for the win and chances came and went at both ends in each half.

Let's not forget that the Ammies beat us 3-0 earlier in the season and are a highly reputed club in the area, always producing many Academy players. The boys can be proud that the Ammies could not break the deadlock - there won't be many games when the Ammies fail to score.

A big 'well done' to everyone and man-of-the-match goes to Joe Ashby for his composure and distribution in midfield.

Having just brushed aside the Warriors 6-2, the omens were not especially promising for our next match. That said, the boys had played to a high level in their first match and were brimming with confidence. This flowed into an excellent first half performance. The Raiders were on top and were creating the majority of chances in a highly entertaining game. Their attacking approach was rewarded when Samuel Burhop finished off another good move, driving home from the edge of the area.

It could have been 5-5 at half-time but excellent goal-keeping at both ends meant the scoreline stayed at 2-1 to the Dynamoes. This was a harsh outcome and could easily have been the other way round.

Despite a very positive half time team talk, the 2nd half was unfortunately a different story and gives something for the coaching staff to work on. The tackling, confidence and energy that characterised the 1st half suddenly dissipated when the Dynamoes grabbed a 3rd goal. Concentration levels dropped and the Dynamoes were given a red carpet to the Raiders' goal! The home team added four more without reply.

This was a very frustrating end to the day - 3 halves good, 1 half bad! Speaking to the Dynamoes coach at the end of the game, even he couldn't believe the change in our performance from one half to the next. Not to worry, it's all experience for the players and coaches alike, and we all hugely look forward to the next game.

Man-of-the-match without question was Samuel Burhop who played the striker role to maximum effect - holding his position, buzzing all over their defenders - and slamming home a goal!

A rare event was witnessed at Long Park on Saturday morning - a 0-0 in U8s football!

The Raiders defence was never in trouble and the boys controlled possession throughout the match. Stout defending by Noah Raffell and CJ Abbott gave the opposition very few chances. Hwever, at the other end, the boys could not convert possession into enough shots on goal and we lacked a bit of punch and creativity in the final third of the pitch.

Man-of-the-match was Samuel Rice who made a number of excellent runs in his preferred position at right wing-back. Well done too to Joe Ashby for taking on the goaly gloves in the second half.

More shots on goal next week please boys!

The Raiders produced one of their best performances of the season against the more experienced fellow Sidmouth Town side the Warriors and earned an excellent draw.

The Raiders worked tirelessly and showed just how well they can pass and defend in a game that was a credit to both sides.

The Warriors took an early lead and threatened to overwhelm the Raiders in the early exchanges but as the game settled things evened up.

Stanley Richardson’s excellent equaliser was a fitting reward for his determined solo run down the right wing.
Noah Raffell in the first half and CJ Abbot in the second defended excellently while Louis Silk and Joe Ashby worked tirelessly in midfield. Robbie Hallett in goal for the first half and Will Bond on the left wing swapped positions at half time and both impressed in either position.

Up front Samuel Rice and Samuel Burhop ran endlessly and competed for everything to complete a superb all round team performance.

The Raiders notched up another victory with a hard-working team performance. Good passing and tackling kept the Raiders in charge of the match and their victory was well-earned. To keep a clean sheet at this level is a testament to how well the boys defend as a team. Sidmouth's goal was scored by Stanley Richardson and man of the match was Robbie Hallett who demonstrated how to play the wing-back role - great crossing and superb tackling back in defence.

Having won 14 of their previous 15 games, and with 4 or 5 Academy players in their team, West Hill gave our boys (and their coaches!) lots to think about! The Raiders, though, demonstrated how far they have come in 5 months by competing superbly in a tight first half. 1-0 down at the break, the Raiders were well and truly in the game and enjoying plenty of possession. In the second half, West Hill showed their class and added 3 further goals. But, this was a positive performance by a very promising set of players. Well done boys! Man of the match: Will Bond for producing some excellent attacking runs and crosses from the left.

Raiders' first game after the Christmas break saw them slip to last gasp defeat. Despite looking rusty Raiders matched their opponents without ever really threatening to score themselves and looked to have earned a hard fought draw before late hesitancy in defence saw Tiverton grab the winner from close range. Will Bond in goal, helped out by man of the match Noah Raffell, who worked hard to get his tackles in, dealt well the Tiverton attack until the last minute when a lapse let in the home side to score from close range. At the other end Raiders too often lost possession before creating scoring chances.

Lack of Match practice showed as Raiders suffered a heavy defeat against a very good Twyford Spartans side.The Spartans blasted six early goals against a shell shocked Raiders who looked off the pace from the start.The first half was one way traffic as Twyford peppered the Raiders goal with shots forcing good saves and goal line clearances from a desperate Raiders defence. It was a little more even after the break as Raiders improved defensively, Man of the Match Louis Silk led by example tackling and harrying the opposition all over the pitch while Stanley Richardson, in goal, made some great saves. Despite the improvement Twyford scored three more times in the second half to complete a comfortable victory.

Sidmouth 3 - 2 Heavitree by Justin
Well, just as Billy & I were thinking of packing up and heading to Newton Pop to watch the U10s' second match, along came Heavitree looking for a game! Imagine our surprise! Anyway, we were only to happy to give them a game and the Raiders of course leapt at the chance of a match...

Sidmouth went in to their winter break with smiles on their faces after vanquishing Heavitree 3-2 at home. Goals from Will Bond and Thomas Mead (2) gave the Raiders a 3-1 advantage at half-time. Heavitree came back strongly and pulled one back in the second half but the Raiders defended magnificently as a team.

A big "thank you" to Will and CJ for helping out the Warriors who were short of numbers, and to Thomas for helping us out.

All the boys made a significant contribution, but Man of the Match goes to Stanley Richardson for a powerful attacking display at right wing back. Well done, Stanley.

Merry Christmas boys and go easy on the mince pies & chocs!

Sat 4th Dec 2010. Well done to everyone who took part in the Reindeer Fun Run at Otterton last Saturday. I believe Louis Silk was the first U8 Raider to finish - well done Speedy Louis! For a full of results, please check the Sidmouth Running Club website

Ottery St Mary 0 - 2 Sidmouth

Following an over-optimistic pitch inspection by the home manager, the Raiders travelled north to the snowy wastelands of Feniton. After a rigorous warm-up, seven well-padded boys took to the pitch for their first match against local rivals Ottery St Mary.

Despite the arctic conditions and an almost invisible white ball, the boys quickly got into an excellent passing rhythmn, creating several chances - which were mostly spurned! The Raiders did eventually take the lead with Sam Burhop finishing off after a goalmouth scramble. The coaches' tactical changes in midfield were paying dividends!

Playing downhill in the second half the Raiders continued to dominate and added a second with a well-taken finish by Joe Ashby. Final score 2-0. Man of the match: Louis Silk - great passing, vision and tackling back

Feniton 3 - 0 Sidmouth (match abandoned at half-time)

Not even some well-deserved semi-frozen oranges could give the boys the energy they needed for the second match. It was only a short break between matches but long enough for the permafrost to set in. When the match kicked-off it's fair to say that the boys' spirits were even lower than the temperature. The Raiders couldn't get going, largely due to being frozen stiff, and it was decided to abandon the game at half-time. We'll write off that half and pretend it never happened. But I will just give credit to the Feniton boys who seemed to thrive in the conditions and fully deserved their three goal lead.

Sidmouth 2 Brixington Blues 4

Despite a late fight back Raiders couldn't overcome a very good Brixington Blues side that ran out 4-2 winners.

Will Bond put the Raiders one up after a bright start for the Greens but only the heroics in goal of man of the match Robbie Hallett kept the Raiders in front as the half wore on.

Blues hit back after the break with four quick goals goals and threatened to score more but again Hallett made some good saves and, helped by the woodwork, kept the score down.

Despite the dominance of the opposition the Raiders, to their credit, never gave up and Stanley Richardson grabbed a deserved goal to reward a tireless display.

The Raiders kept plugging away and had a couple of late chances to pull another one back but the visitors held on.

Sidmouth 0 Brixington United 3

The Raiders struggled to create chances against a strong Brixington United side and eventually went down 3-0.

Both teams had observed a minutes silence for Remembrance Day before kick off impeccably but it was United who started the match on the front foot.

Raiders were forced to defend for long periods and Will Bond made some good saves while his side were penned back.

Man of the Match Louis Silk put in a skilful performance on the left and Samuel Rice defied his stature and battled and tackled for every ball but the Raiders struggled to create scoring chances.

The Raiders never gave up and continued trying to pass the ball around right up to the last whistle but were not quite strong enough to match a good United side.

Alphinton Panthers 7 - 4 Sidmouth by Justin
The Raiders' first game was a high-quality match of entertaining football. The Greens were quick to establish the upper hand with some excellent passing moves. Their skilful play was rewarded with a well-taken team goal - a great interchange between Benedict Teague and Samuel Burhop on the right and the ball was crossed to the far post where Joe Ashby was well-placed to guide the ball home. Great stuff boys.

The Raiders had much the better of the first half, hitting the woodwork twice, and were unlucky to concede an equalising goal from a corner.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first and it wasn't long before the Raiders regained the lead with an own-goal.

What happened next left the coach crying onto his clipboard. The Greens simply sat back and forgot to tackle; this allowed a physically strong Alphington team to come forward at will - and score 5 goals in 5 minutes!

But, the Greens regrouped, found their tackling boots and Louis Silk pulled two goals back.Well done Louis.

Man-of-the-match: Joe Ashby for his intelligent passing and well-taken goal.

West Exe Youth 3 - 1 Sidmouth
The Raiders' second match was against another strong, physical team who gave Sidmouth a lesson in the first half: not a lesson in football skills - the Raiders possess plenty of that - but a lesson in winning the ball.

West Exe established a 3-1 lead at half-time, the Raiders' goal scored by Will Bond from a superb Lewis Rowden corner.

To their credit, Sidmouth turned things round in the second half and competed for every ball, restricting the home team to very few chances. The second-half in fact ended in stalemate - a rare event in junior football!

Man-of-the-match: C J Abbott for another towering performance in the sweeper role.

Sidmouth 3 - 0 Colyton by Justin
The Raiders produced an assured performance to record a 3-0 victory against fancied mid-Devon league side, Colyton. Early Raiders pressure and good passing and communication paid off when Benedict Teague found space to score. The defensive unit of Lewis Rowden, Noah Raffell and Joe Ashby looked secure and Colyton were afforded very few chances. Despite such strong opposition, the Raiders took control of the second half and Louis Silk finished off a skilful run to add the Raiders' 2nd before Benedict cooly slotted home the 3rd after another fine passing move. This was an excellent team performance and another clean sheet for a side in its first season! Man-of-the-match: Benedict Teague for his assured finishing.

Sidmouth 0 - 2 Exmouth Amateurs by Justin
After a brutal downpour, the Raiders took to the field for their 2nd match against Exmouth Amateurs, always one of the top teams in the Exeter Youth League. Fine goalkeeping from Robbie Hallett ensured the scoreline remained goalless until a freak goal from a corner put the Ammies ahead 1-0 at half-time. Despite tired legs, the Raiders continued to battle against their illustrious opponents andthey were always 'in the game'. The Ammies did add a late break-away goal to kill the match off but despite the defeat the boys can be very proud of this performance too. Man-of-the-match: Louis Silk for battling for every ball

Sidmouth 3 - 1 Moors Youth

By Alan

An outstanding team effort gave Sidmouth Town Raiders U8's a deserved victory over Moors Youth.

The visitors edged the first half but an outstanding performance by CJ Abbott, whose first half performance gave him the joint Man of the Match award, in the centre of defence kept the first half goalless.

After the break Raiders took the lead following a great run and thunderbolt strike from the other Man of the Match William Bond.

Raiders doubled their lead when Bond, again, charged down the left wing and his cross enabled Samuel Rice to score the second from close range.

Moors Youth pulled one back with a low cross that deceived the Raiders defence and deflected into the net before Samuel Rice popped up in the right place at the right time and battled superbly to force home his second and Raiders third from another Bond cross.

JOINT MEN OF THE MATCH - CJ Abbott outstanding in defence, brave tackling. William Bond - Excellent work down the wing scored a cracker and set up two more.

by Justin

Whipton Youth 4 - 7 Sidmouth
The proverbial game of two halves. After an even opening with the scores 0-0 after 10 minutes, the Whipton attack suddenly came to life, driven by a couple of strong and skilful players. Five minutes later the Raiders went in at the break finding themselves 4-0 down. It was a harsh score line.

To their great credit, the boys emerged fresh and determined for the second half and quickly pulled a goal back courtesy of livewire debutant Samuel Rice. Suddenly the Raiders sparked into life with quick-fire goals from Robbie Hallet's sweet left foot and a well-taken goal by Stanley Richardson, also on his debut. The Raiders were now camped in the opposition's half with goalkeeper Joe Ashby a spectator.

The equalising goal from Benedict Teague was greeted by a huge cheer from the Raiders' touchline following, then Louis Silk put the Raiders ahead 5-4! It was one-way traffic now as the Raiders kept driving forward adding two more goals, an own-goal then Louis Silk added his 2nd and the team's 7th. What a comeback!

Man of the Match: Stanley Richardson whose pace and strength down the right caused Whipton no end of problems.

Cullompton Rangers 2 - 2 Sidmouth
Another tough encounter against a very physical team and again the boys proved they were up for the battle - without ever losing sight of their passing instincts.

This was a tight game with chances at both ends and then the Raiders broke the deadlock, Joe Ashby calmly finishing off an excellent move down the right channel. Cullompton pulled one back just before the break after the Raiders' defensive line finally broke.

The second half was a tense affair with both teams looking capable of scoring. Sam Burhop and Noah Raffell were superb in defence, protecting an in-form goaly, Robbie Hallett. Cullompton took a 2-1 lead after another goalmouth scramble and time was running out.

The Raiders kept chasing, tackling and passing and then Joe Ashby was put through, before promptly being launched skywards by the last defender. It was the last chance and from the resulting free-kick, Lewis Rowden for once listened to his Dad ("take a run-up Lou!") and let rip a pile-driver over the wall and into the corner of the net. Jubilant scenes followed, on and off the pitch. You deserved that equaliser, boys.

Man of the Match: Robbie Hallet for his bravery and superb goalkeeping.

by Alan Hallett

Central Athletic 0-2 Sidmouth Raiders
The Raiders made a great start to their first season together winning 2-0 at Central Athletic. After defending some early pressure from Athletic, dealt with by Noah Raffell and CJ Abbott in defence and Will Bond in goal the Raiders took the lead when Robbie Hallett fired a low shot into the net. Benedict Teague scored the second after some good work in front of goal. Joe Ashby and Man of the match Lewis Rowden worked tirelessly with some determined tackling and Rowden’s superb corners creating a string of chances for the Raiders. Samuel Burhop and Louis Silk showed good close control and caused the Athletic defence problems.
Man-of-the-match: Lewis Rowden for his work-rate

Central City 1-7 Sidmouth Raiders
Double strikes for Joe Ashby and for hardworking Man of the Match Benedict Teague put Raiders on their way to a 7-1 victory at Central City. Louis Silk opened the scoring before Ashby’s first put Raiders two up following some good teamwork. Teague’s well taken double made it four before an own goal put Raiders five up. Sam Burhop grabbed a deserved goal to reward his hard work and Ashby, with his second, completed the Raiders' scoring.
Man-of-the-match: Joe Ashby for cool finishing

To keep things as fair as possible, I propose the following rota. Beware it's a 'moving feast' so please keep checking in. Obviously Joe isn't scheduled to miss a game unless I'm away. The rota takes us up to the end of the year; I'll look at the remaining fixtures in due course.

If you want to swap dates with another player, please could you do so with the parent directly and just let me know the outcome.

Match date / Players to miss game
02-Apr / Samuel B injured
26-Mar / Noah away
19-Mar / Samuel R away
12-Mar / Robbie & Will away
5-Mar / Louis
19-Feb / match PP
12-Feb / Lewis
5-Feb / Samuel B & Noah
8-Jan / CJ and Samuel R
11-Dec / Benedict, Noah, Sam B, Robbie & Louis all away or absent due to illness
27-Nov / Lewis & Samuel R
13-Nov / CJ
30-Oct / Robbie & Stanley both away
23-Oct / Stanley & Sam B (& Will missed game due to illness)
16-Oct / Stanley & Noah
02-Oct / Will & CJ
18-Sep / Stanley & Samuel R