Many thanks to our sponsor Bardon Aggregates for their generous support for the 2012/3 season.

THURSDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER FRIENDLY RAIDERS won 7-0

SATURDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER FRIENDLY AC HEAVITREE lost 2-5

SATURDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER FRIENDLY EXMOUTH TOWN won 11-0

SATURDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER LEAGUE ST MARTINS won 7-0

SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER LEAGUE STOKE HILL RANGERS lost 4-9

SATURDAY 13TH OCTOBER LEAGUE WEST EXE YOUTH cancelled

SATURDAY 27TH OCTOBER LEAGUE HEMYOCK drew 2-2

SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER LEAGUE AVISHAYES FALCONS lost 3-6

SATURDAY 10TH NOVEMBER WEST EXE YOUTH won 4-3

SATURDAY 17TH NOVEMBER LEAGUE BRIXINGTON BLUES won 7-3

SATURDAY 24TH NOVEMBER LEAGUE PINHOE PIKES not played

SATURDAY 8TH DECEMBER LEAGUE ST MARTINS not played

SATURDAY 12TH JANUARY LEAGUE STOKE HILL RANGERS not played

SATURDAY 19TH JANUARY LEAGUE WEST EXE YOUTH not played

SATURDAY 2ND FEBRUARY CUP CREDITON SAINTS won 7-4

SATURDAY 9TH FEBRUARY LEAGUE HEMYOCK won 2-1

SATURDAY 16TH FEBRUARY LEAGUE AVISHAYES FALCONS won 4-1

SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY CUP ALPHINGTON lost 1-4

SATURDAY 9TH MARCH LEAGUE BRIXINGTON BLUES won 4-1

SATURDAY 6 APRIL LEAGUE STOKE HILL RANGERS lost 2-5

SATURDAY 13TH APRIL LEAGUE WEST EXE won 7-2

SAT 20TH APRIL LEAGUE PINHOE PIKES lost 4-5

THURSDAY 25TH APRIL LEAGUE PINHOE PIKES won 2-1

SATURDAY 27TH APRIL LEAGUE ST MARTINS won 6-0

Manager - Simon Jones - 07966 866712 - 01395 577589
Coach - Chris Woodruff - 07929 788352 - 01395 597780

Well done to all the boys for their fantastic end to the season - fully deserved promotion - ended in style!

Presentation, trials and end of season game vs parents Saturday 11 May Sidford 10-1pm

Training for 2013/4 season

Will commence Saturday August 24 at Sidford

We expect to be using Bicton facilities next season - starting in October 2013 which is now converted to rubber crumb

Bicton Map (c) Google Maps

Take road to main college and turn right and through car park taking a right through the student accommodation to the hard court area

Sidmouth Warriors U13’s played their long awaited friendly against the Raiders. The match was played in a great spirit and was a great work out for both teams.

For the first 15 minutes there was nothing in the game with both teams finding their feet. There were chances for the Warriors from Gosse and Lowe without really testing their keeper. The Raiders then got a corner and if it wasn’t for a great headed goaline clearance from Matt Jones the Raiders would have taken the lead. This woke the Warriors up and after this they played some great passing football and got the lead through Tom Cookes first touch after coming on, Gosse then added a second before the break. The defence of De Gruchy, Woodruff, Jones and the outstanding Mead didn’t give the Raiders a chance to test Perez in goal.

The second half was a fairly one sided battle with the Warriors defence still holding firm. Lowe gave a captains performance and Gosse dictated the play with his free role. Cooke scored 2 more, one a header to complete his hatrick, Sparkes scored on his debut, a classy finish from Gosse and Eliot Perez completed the scoring. Making the final score 7-0. Great credit to the Raiders who never gave up with Drew Broughton outstanding for them.

Two more friendlies before the real work starts! An impressive first outing for the Warriors though.

Team; Ollie Perez, Matt Jones, Tom Woodruff, Ethan Mead, Kade Hayman, Jack Silk, Joe Lowe, Toby De Gruchy, Ben Gosse, Elliot Perez, Tom Cooke , Alex Thomas, James McCullin, Sam Sparkes and Joe Buckland

Sidmouth Warriors U13’s faced a sterner test against higher league opposition in a friendly against AC Heavitree.

For the first half it was a very close affair with Cooke and Gosse looking very strong up front and the defence of De Gruchy, Hayman, Mead and Jones looking very solid at the back. It was the Warriors who started the stronger with Lowe winning the midfield battle allowing Gosse to spread the ball out wide to Silk and Sparkes. Silk, Gosse and Cooke all went close before against the run of play Heavitree took the lead. Some fine saves from Perez kept Heavitree at bay before the Warriors started to get the upper hand again and were rewarded when Gosse got the equaliser. A little more composure in front of goal could have seen the Warriors take the lead before half time, but the whistle blew with honours even.

The second half saw the Warriors lose their shape and eventually run out of steam. Before that the Warriors again had a number of chances to take the lead from Gosse, Cooke and Perez. Once Heavitree got the second goal the Warriors seem to tire and a further 2 goals in fairly quick succession saw them take a 4-1 lead. The impressive McCullin who never stopped battling in midfield pulled a deserved goal back before Heavitree scored again with the last kick of the game. The 5-2 defeat wasn’t a fair reflection of the game with the Warriors missing numerous chances. With players playing out of position due to tiredness and niggly injuries the Warriors lost their shape in the last 20 minutes which cost them dear

Fitness and finishing is two things that will be worked on in training this week before the final friendly next Saturday.

Team; Ollie Perez, Matt Jones, Ethan Mead, Kade Hayman, Jack Silk, Joe Lowe, Toby De Gruchy, Ben Gosse, Elliot Perez, Tom Cooke , Alex Thomas, James McCullin, and Sam Sparkes

Sidmouth Warriors U13’s played their last friendly before the season starts next week against a spirited Exmouth Town.

For the first half the Warriors played some classy football. Every tackle they won, they were always first to the ball, and played some lovely passing moves. Once the first goal was scored from close range by Buckland, the Warriors totally dominated proceedings. Mead, Woodruff and De Gruchy were strong at the back, Man of the Match Jones was outstanding and dictated a lot of play from the back with some delightful passing. Lowe and McCullin won everything in midfield and with Gosse enjoying his free role Cooke up front linked up really well with Silk and Buckland on the wings. Further goals from Cooke 2, Silk 2 and Gosse put the Warriors 6 up after only 20 minutes. Alex Thomas was then introduced to the proceedings and within 10 minutes scored 2 outstanding goals before Cooke wrapped up his hatrick. The score at half time was 9-0 but in all honesty could have been a lot more. Perez in goal had very little to do.

The second half proved a lot tougher with Exmouth upping their game and playing with pride. The Warriors defence held firm with Perez still not having a lot to do. The Warriors continued to create chances especially through Jones and Buckland down the left. Eliot Perez should have scored before Lowe and an own goal wrapped up the scoring. The confidence everyone gained from this performance can only help with the league campaign ahead.

Team; Ollie Perez, Matt Jones, Ethan Mead, Kade Hayman, Jack Silk, Joe Lowe, Toby De Gruchy, Ben Gosse, Elliot Perez, Tom Cooke , Alex Thomas, James McCullin, Tom Woodruff and Joe Buckland.

On a glorious morning for football Sidmouth Warriors U13’s started their league campaign in style against a determined St Martins side.

From the off Sidmouth dominated with some excellent football, what they couldn’t do however despite creating chance after chance was score. Cooke, Gosse, Silk and Lowe all went close before finally Cooke slotted home. This was quickly followed by a second from Gosse. With Woodruff outstanding at the back and Lowe dominant in midfield everybody played well. With the Warriors failing to get the important third goal St Martins started to gain confidence and for the last 10 minutes of the half put up a spirited fight. However with De Gruchy, Mead, Woodruff and Jones strong at the back even though St Martins started winning more of the ball they didn’t really test Ollie Perez in the Warriors goal. Then just before half time Hayman chased what seemed like a lost cause, he stopped the ball from going out and found Lowe who’s excellent cross was controlled first time then smashed home by Elliot Perez for an outstanding third goal for the Warriors.

An early headed goal in the second half from a Silk corner by Cooke gave the Warriors a platform to play some classy football. Silk put some lovely crosses in and had a few chances to score himself before he set Cooke up to complete his hatrick. Shortly after a 20 yard Piledriver from Cooke made it 4 for him and 6 for the Warriors. The best goal however was saved for last, Mead strode out from the back and laid a perfect ball into the path of Eliot Perez , he then went on a mazy run from just over the halfway line beating 4 players before placing a glorious shot into the corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area. The final score of 7-0 didn’t flatter the Warriors they were good value for this win and played some quality football along the way. A great start to the season.

Team; Ollie Perez, Matt Jones, Ethan Mead, Kade Hayman, Jack Silk, Joe Lowe, Toby De Gruchy, Ben Gosse, Elliot Perez, Tom Cooke , James McCullin, Tom Woodruff and Joe Buckland.

Sidmouth Warriors U13’s took on high flying Stoke Hill Rangers in the league without their recognised goalkeeper and right back but still gave it a real go.

With Sidmouth players playing out of position Stoke Hill started the stronger and were 2 up inside the first 15 minutes. Then a few positional changes seemed to restore Sidmouths confidence. McCullin and Lowe put in some strong tackles before a neat finish from the impressive Gosse reduced the deficit. Stoke Hill had bags of pace up front, Mead and Woodruff had their hands full and Hayman made some good saves before Stoke Hill restored their 2 goal lead. This inspired Sidmouth and they played some lovely football before scoring 2 cracking goals from Gosse and Cooke. With scores level Sidmouth did have chances to take the lead from Silk and Cooke before 2 excellent counter attacks from Stoke Hill gave them a 5-3 half time lead.

The second half was a different story with Stoke Hill tightening up at the back and Sidmouth after losing 2 quick second half goals losing a bit of belief. Still to give Sidmouth credit they never gave up and always looked dangerous up front. Cooke scoring another cracking goal to make the score 7-4. More chances came and went for the Warriors before another 2 clinical finishes from Stoke Hill made the final score 9-4.

On another day with Sidmouth converting their chances and tightening up at the back it could have been a different story, but Stoke Hill thoroughly deserved their win. Sidmouth now need to get back on track next week at home to West Exe.

Team; Kade Hayman, Matt Jones, Ethan Mead, Jack Silk, Joe Lowe, Ben Gosse, Elliot Perez, Tom Cooke , James McCullin, Tom Woodruff Joe Buckland and Alex Thomas.

A depleted Sidmouth Warriors U13’s took on Hemyock in the league without 5 of their key players, due to half term holidays, but the 11 players that did play put in a real shift and in the end were unlucky not to win.

Sidmouth playing with the wind in the first half started slowly but with Jones, Hayman, De Gruchy and Chapman-Coombe solid at the back Hemyock were unable to create much. Once McCullin and Eliot Perez started to get control of the midfield the Warriors started to create chances. Cooke had at least 4 with Buckland and Silk going close and Jones having 2 long range efforts saved by Hemyocks best player their goalie. Hemyock then scored on a counter attack against the run of play and were then on top for 10 minutes and only a fantastic triple save from Ollie Perez stopped them extending their lead. Cooke then scored a cracking goal to level the scores at half time.

The second half saw the Warriors dominate and create a lot of chances in the process. Silk and Cooke played some lovely football down the right carving out chance after chance but were unable to beat Hemyocks keeper. Then McCullin broke through and slotted the ball in the corner of the net to give the Warriors a deserved lead. McCullin and Cook had a number of chances to make the game safe before the move of the match saw Cooke and Silk combine down the right with Silk putting a brilliant cross for Thomas who was stretching but put the ball over the bar. Buckland then hit the cross bar before a rare attack from Hemyock saw them score a stunning equaliser. The Warriors still had chances to win it and would have but for Hemyocks outstanding keeper.

A really good team performance with a bit more luck might have seen one point turn into three.

Team; Ollie Perez, Kade Hayman, Matt Jones, Louis Chapman-Coombe, Toby De Gruchy, Jack Silk, Elliot Perez, Tom Cooke , James McCullin, Joe Buckland and Alex Thomas.

A gritty performance against a determined West Exe side with a touch of class at the end was enough for Sidmouth Warriors to get back to winning ways in the league.

Sidmouth dominated the first 10 minutes with Gosse hitting the post twice. Woodruff marshalled the defence, Lowe battled in the midfield, Silk was a constant threat on the wing and Gosse looked unplayable up front. Things were looking good especially after Gosse put the Warriors in front with a lovely finish after 15 minutes. What happened then was the Warriors switched off and look very lethargic allowing West Exe back in the game. Uncharacteristic errors let West Exe gain a number of corners and from one of these they equalised from an unfortunate own goal. If it wasn’t for Ollie Perez in goal who made an outstanding save things could have got a whole lot worse. The Warriors were still creating chances and man of the match Jack Silk put in a beautiful cross for Sparkes on his debut to score and restore the Warriors lead. Chances came and went for Sidmouth before West Exe scored the equaliser from another corner to make the half time score 2-2.

Some harsh words at half time saw the Warriors come out showing some passion and desire in the second half. Perez made 2 world class saves before Buckland restored the Warriors lead direct from a corner. Gosse, McCullin and Silk all went close before West Exe levelled for the third time again from a dangerous corner. To the Warriors enormous credit they were determined to win and even though not at their best win it they did with the move of the match. McCullin’s tough tackling in midfield won the ball and passed to Gosse who spun round shaking off 2 players in the process and laid a perfect ball through to Silk who steadied himself before finishing into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of winning any game. Further chances for Thomas and Gosse could have eased the tension before the final whistle blew with the Warriors happy with the 4-3 victory.

Team; Ollie Perez, Kade Hayman, Tom Woodruff, Ethan Mead, Toby De Gruchy, Joe Lowe, Louis Chapman-Coombe, , Jack Silk, Elliot Perez, Ben Gosse, James McCullin, Joe Buckland, Sam Sparkes and Alex Thomas.

Sidmouth Warriors U13’s 7 Crediton Saints U13’s 4

After 12 weeks without a game Sidmouth played some great football in the much delayed cup match, against a team from the league above them, and came out comfortable winners.

Sidmouth started really sharply giving Crediton no time on the ball and playing some lovely passing football down both flanks. It was no surprise when their total domination saw them go 2-0 up within 8 minutes, two excellent finished from Elliot Perez and Joe Buckland. Perez, Joe Lowe and James McCullin totally bossed the midfield and with Gosse outstanding up front Sidmouth kept creating chances. Gosse then finished coolly to put the Warriors 3 up inside 20 minutes. The last fifteen minutes of the half saw Crediton put up a fight and a couple of breakaway goals saw them reduce the deficit to 3-2 at the end of the first half.

A positive team talk saw the Warriors start the second half the same as the first. The defence of Jones, Woodruff, Mead and Hayman stood firm and from this platform allowed Lowe and Gosse to dictate the play. 10 minutes in saw Sidmouth score 2 more with the impressive Silk firing home and Lowe scoring the goal of the game after a thrilling passing move. To their credit Crediton kept fighting and pulled one back before Perez restored Sidmouths 3 goal lead. More chances came and went for Sidmouth with Jones, Gosse and Lowe all going close. Thomas chased everything up front and Chapman-Coombe was strong in the tackle. Ollie Perez in goal made one outstanding save before Crediton scored their fourth. Sidmouth kept going and another great strike from Lowe completed the scoring with the cup upset complete and a 7-4 victory. After 12 weeks without football this was a great display from the Warriors.

Team; Ollie Perez, Kade Hayman, Matt Jones, Tom Woodruff, Ethan Mead, Joe Lowe, Elliot Perez, Louis Chapman-Coombe, , Jack Silk, Ben Gosse, James McCullin, Joe Buckland and Alex Thomas.

Hemyock U13’s 1 Sidmouth Warriors U13’s 2

After last weeks impressive display it was back to the League for Sidmouth away on a heavy pitch in the rain at Hemyock. For all their domination it took some real grit and determination to achieve their victory.

Sidmouth attacked right from the off, creating and missing chance after chance. Hayman starred at the back and played a captains role, Mead and Woodruff were solid, with Perez adding the flair and Silk the crosses. Sparkes, Cooke and Lowe all made the goalkeeper work but try as Sidmouth did the ball wouldn’t go in. They must have had 30 or so shots at goal before the unthinkable happened. Hemyock scored on the break as Sidmouth pressed too high up the pitch. Buckland in goal had no chance. More chances came and went for the Warriors before the half time whistle blew.

Another positive half time team talk where the players were told to remain patient and the goal would come, saw the Warriors again totally control the game. Cooke hit the bar and the post, Lowe saw a couple of good chances just go the wrong side of the posts before with 15 minutes left, top goalscorer Cooke finally settled the watching parents nerves, when put through he slotted the ball home. The Warriors could now sense victory and kept pressing but still managed to miss a number of opportunities. With the time ticking down on the clock Lowe’s shot was pushed upwards by Hemyocks keeper and McCullin following up headed home to the jubilation of the visiting parents! The Warriors players started to look tired and Hemyock never stopped believing and for the last 5 minutes they gave it a real go. Buckland made some crucial saves and Mead made a last minute match saving tackle before the final whistle blew on a very hard fought 2-1 victory for the Warriors.

Grit, determination and a never say die attitude helped the Warriors achieve this victory despite it not seeming to be their day!.

Team; Joe Buckland, Kade Hayman, Matt Jones, Tom Woodruff, Ethan Mead, Joe Lowe, Elliot Perez, Louis Chapman-Coombe, , Jack Silk, Sam Sparkes, James McCullin and Tom Cooke.

Sidmouth Warriors U13’s 4 Avishayes Falcons 1

Sidmouth put on an amazing display against the League,s run away leaders. Avishayes hadn’t lost for 2 years but this didn’t frighten a determined Warriors side, it actually spurred them on. Even though it was a home fixture the game was played at Avishayes as all Sidmouths pitches were out of action. This made the result even more impressive.

Sidmouth kicking down the slope in the first half attacked right from the off, creating and missing chance after chance. It seemed a repeat of the previous week.

With Mead out sick, Joe Lowe played at right back and put in an outstanding performance to earn his man of the match performance from the visiting team and referee at the end. In truth every one of the 14 players involved in the match played their roles magnificently. Chances came and went for Gosse, Cooke and Perez before finally after 20 minutes Sidmouth's domination payed off with the talented Gosse scoring from close range after some excellent work on the wing by Silk. Then the one and only time in the game where the Warriors defence switched off Avishayes scored from a breakaway, leaving Perez in goal with no chance. The half time whistle blew with the score 1-1.

Instead of letting their heads drop especially having lost to Avishayes 9-4 earlier in the season it galvanised the team and from the moment the second half started. Even though the Warriors were playing up the slope, Avishayes weren’t in the game. All through the team everybody upped their game. Sparkes, Hayman, Woodruff and Lowe were so strong, solid and quick at the back that they confined Avishayes to 2 chances all half which Perez in goal saved confidently. Silk on the wing was having a field day, he absolutely terrorised their left back and put over cross after cross. Cooke and Gosses pace up front seemed to cause panic in the Avishayes defence and it was the impressive Gosse who broke away to restore Sidmouth's lead. Then a fantastic move involving McCullin, Gosse and Cooke let Silk in to rifle the third goal into the top corner. Gosse completed his hatrick with a very polished finish and to cap a memorable performance. Still the Warriors weren’t finished as they were still creating chances which Cooke just couldn’t find a finish to, on any other day the Warriors leading scorer would have scored a hatfull. The whistle finally sounded on a very impressive performance which takes the Warriors into second place in the league.

Next week sees a home cup quarter final against Alphington from a league above, but who knows if the Warriors perform like this they certainly have a chance.

Team; Ollie Perez, Joe Buckland, Kade Hayman, Matt Jones, Tom Woodruff, Ben Gosse, Joe Lowe, Elliot Perez, Louis Chapman-Coombe, , Jack Silk, Sam Sparkes, James McCullin, Alex Thomas and Tom Cooke.

Sidmouth Warriors U13’s 1 Alphington Rockets 4

On a bitterly cold morning Sidmouth put up a great fight against last years league and cup double winners in the Quarter Final of the cup against Alphington. With Alphington in a league above Sidmouth this was always going to be a tough test.

In a very keenly contested cup match there was absolutely nothing in it for the first 25 minutes with both defences on top, very little was created by both. Lowe once again put in a very impressive display for the Warriors and with Woodruff, Mead and Hayman alongside they produced some very resolute defending. Gosse and Perez both had half chances before Alphingtons increased pressure payed off and they scored on the half hour. Sidmouth kept fighting and with Cookes strength up front and the trickery of Silk on the wing the Warriors always had a chance. The half time whistle blew with the Warriors knowing they needed to score the next goal.

Sidmouth created more chances in the second half mainly through Silks crosses from the right. Alphingtons defence stood firm despite some sustained pressure from the Warriors. Gosse , Cooke and Silk all had efforts but without really testing their keeper. Alphington began to take control of the midfield , Jones, Perez and Thomas all battled like Warriors but some class counter attacking play saw Alphington extend their lead with 15 minutes left. Sidmouth then decided just to go for it and when they got a penalty 3 minutes from time converted coolly by Cooke the Warriors believed they could get a result. However when you are playing talented opponents they love to catch you on the break and with Sidmouth really going for it they counter attacked twice, scoring 2 more to make the final score 4-1 to Alphington.

The result wasn’t a true reflection of the game and the boys can be very proud of the performance and commitment. Alphington are a very good team certainly the best we’ve played this year and it showed us that we can compete at the highest level.

Team; Ollie Perez, Joe Buckland, Kade Hayman, Ethan Mead, Matt Jones, Tom Woodruff, Ben Gosse, Joe Lowe, Elliot Perez, Jack Silk, Alex Thomas and Tom Cooke.

Sidmouth Warriors U13’s 4 Brixington Blues 1

On a difficult pitch it was a real squad performance as Sidmouth eventually brushed Brixington aside to end up with a comfortable victory at home in the league.

With 4 of the normal starting team having rugby trials close by and Joe Lowe out injured the Warriors started the game with 11 players, most of them playing out of their normal positions. Brixington sensed this and went all out in the first 15 minutes. Sidmouth battled bravely and some great tackles from Jones, Elliot Perez and McCullin kept Brixington at bay. Brixington did score after 10 minutes when a long ball over the top saw their striker outpace the defence and slot the ball past Perez in goal. This goal spurred Sidmouth on and with Gosse outstanding as playmaker Sidmouth had a couple of chances to equalise through Thomas and Silk. Then from nowhere Gosse had a speculative shot from 30 yards which flew into the top corner. With the rugby players joining the action 1 by 1 Sidmouth got a real grip on the game and from a Cooke thunderbolt free kick the Brixington goalkeeper spilt it into the impressive Bucklands path who fired it home to give the Warriors a deserved 2-1 lead at half time.

The second half started with Brixington in the ascendancy and some brilliant goalkeeping by Perez kept them out before the defence of Hayman, Mead, Woodruff and Jones took control. This allowed the Warriors to gain possession and play some lovely passing football. Sparkes and Silk on the wings showed their pace and put over some great crosses which Cooke went close with. A corner from Cooke was headed over by Silk before a lovely passing move started by Gosse through Perez and McCullin saw Silk slot the ball home. Then with the game stretched and with Brixington pushing for a goal Silk smashed home his second and Sidmouths fourth. More chances came and went for both teams before the final whistle blew on a 4-1 victory.

Special Mention for Thomas, Sparkes, De Gruchy and Chapman-Coombe who did everything asked of them and more. Well done boys.

Team; Ollie Perez, Joe Buckland, Kade Hayman, Ethan Mead, Matt Jones, Tom Woodruff, Ben Gosse, James McCullin, Elliot Perez, Jack Silk, Alex Thomas, Toby De Gruchy, Sam Sparkes, Louis Chapman-Coombe and Tom Cooke.

Pinhoe Pikes U13’s 5 Sidmouth Warriors U13’s 4

A real top of the table humdinger of a game and a real tale of two halves when Sidmouth played Pinhoe Pikes in this Division 2 clash.

For the first time this season Sidmouth started slowly. As they were playing up the slope in the first half this seemed to affect their mindset. They were lethargic, and half hearted tackles and stray passes gave Pinhoe the belief and confidence in this tense match. Sloppy defending and misplaced passes saw Pinhoe score two inside 5 minutes midway through the first half. Sidmouth then had a couple of half chances when Gosse and Cooke went close, the best chance fell to McCullin where their keeper pulled off a good save. Then a 30 yard strike and a scrambled effort saw Pinhoe 4 up at the break.

Some harsh but encouraging words at half time and a couple of tactical changes saw Sidmouth come out a completely different team in the second half. The outstanding Mead was moved from the Centre of Defence to Striker and this bore fruit straight away as he scored 2 goals in the first five minutes of the second half to reduce the deficit. Sidmouth then dominated creating chance after chance and only some excellent goalkeeping from the Pinhoe keeper kept them out. Cooke was dictating play and his Rory Delap like throws caused untold pressure on the Pinhoe goal. Sidmouth really needed another goal because against the run of play Pinhoe broke away and scored, leaving Sidmouth a mountain to climb with 10 minutes left. The one thing about the Warriors though is they never give up. Gosse, Silk and Cooke all upped their games and a Cooke strike reduced the deficit once more. It was one way traffic for the last 5 minutes with Pinhoe hanging on. Buckland scored to set up a nerve jangling last 2 minutes. Sidmouth went close but could quite mastermind the great comeback, so the final whistle sounded on a 5-4 defeat.

With the return fixture happening on Thursday another cracking match is expected.

Team; Ollie Perez, Kade Hayman, Ethan Mead, Matt Jones, Tom Woodruff, Joe Buckland, Jack Silk, Toby De Gruchy, Sam Sparkes, James McCullin, Louis Chapman-Coombe, Ben Gosse, Alex Thomas and Tom Cooke.

Sidmouth Warriors U13’s 2 Pinhoe Pikes U13’s 1

The second part of this double header in 5 days was no less exciting and showed how little there is between the 2 teams. This was a real promotion decider with Sidmouth knowing they had to win to keep their promotion dream alive against Pinhoe Pikes in this Division 2 clash.

Sidmouth learnt their lesson from Saturday and were a goal up inside the first minute. Some excellent pressing from Mead and Buckland saw the keeper spill the ball into Buckland’s path and he coolly fired home. This settled the Warriors down and for the next 20 minutes they dominated with Mead, Cooke and Silk all going close. Pinhoe then fought back but some outstanding defending from Jones, Woodruff, De Gruchy and Hayman kept Pinhoe out. They did have 2 excellent chances which Perez dealt with in goal. McCullin and Gosse worked tirelessly in midfield allowing Cooke to dictate play but try as they might Sidmouth couldn’t get a second goal. The half time whistle blew with the Warriors 1-0 up.

The half time team talk was to keep playing the football, not let them play and get the all important second goal. With Hayman having to come off with an ankle injury Mead went back in defence and Sparkes came on to use his pace on the wing. Again there was very little in it, the game was on a knife edge. Perez made a couple of outstanding saves when Pinhoe got through and Mead and Woodruff were dominant in defence. Thomas came on and added a different dimension to the team holding up the ball and laying it off cleverly, keeping possession. Chances still came and went for either side ,Cooke and Captain Silk having the best of them for the Warriors. Then with 15 minutes left McCullin won the ball in midfield, he layed it off to Cooke who swivelled and shot with no back lift with his right foot a bullet of a shot from 20 yards which flew passed their keeper into the top corner of the net. A fantastic goal from a talented player. Chapman-Coombe was then introduced, to play a deep midfield roll to help shore up the defence, his strong tackling and excellent passing helped stifle Pinhoe’s expected response. With 5 minutes left a long through ball saw Jones and Perez both committed to the cause chase down Pinhoes striker. As Jones slid in he took the ball from the striker but it hit Perez and as they collided the ball fell nicely for Pinhoe to score. The Warriors didn’t panic and in fact upped their game and the move of the match saw De Gruchy find Thomas, who held it up then laid it into Chapman-Coombes path, instead of shooting he laid a majestic ball into the path of Silk which put him through one on one with the goalie. His shot was fierce and narrowly missed. The Warriors kept pressing and the final whistle sounded on a fabulous 2-1 victory. This game was a credit to both sides and was played in an excellent spirit. All 14 players for the Warriors were a credit to themselves, their parents and the club.
This leaves promotion firmly in the Warriors own hands. If they win their last game against St Martins on Saturday they will get promoted.

Team; Ollie Perez, Kade Hayman, Ethan Mead, Matt Jones, Tom Woodruff, Joe Buckland, Jack Silk, Toby De Gruchy, Sam Sparkes, James McCullin, Louis Chapman-Coombe, Ben Gosse, Alex Thomas and Tom Cooke.

St Martins U13’s 0 Sidmouth Warriors U13’s 6

The Warriors celebrated Promotion to the First Division in style by totally outclassing their opponents St Martins, in their last game of the season, in this Division 2 clash.

Sidmouth playing against the wind in the first half totally dominated this match from the first kick. Perez didn’t have a save to make all first half , which was a credit to the defence and midfield who were well on top. Early pressure saw Silk and Cooke go close, then from a pinpoint corner from Cooke , Matt Jones who hadn’t scored for 3 seasons directed a perfect header into the top corner. This proved to be a game of firsts as Chapman-Coombe headed home the second from another Cooke corner to score his first ever goal for Sidmouth. Then from the opposite side Silk put across a superb corner onto Haymans head and the ball flew past their hapless keeper for a 3-0 half time lead for the Warriors.

The second half could have seen Sidmouth hit double figures with the number of chances they had. On another day Cooke and Gosse could have both had hatricks but the St Martins keeper pulled off some great saves. It took another 20 minutes for the Warriors to increase their lead when a Cooke long throw caused panic in the St Martins box and the ball fell to Chapman-Coombe who fired in his second. McCullin was winning every tackle in midfield and was playing some lovely neat passes, with one of these passes he found Gosse who with his unfavoured left foot struck a 20 yarder over the goalkeepers head into the top corner. Five then became six when a long range effort from Cooke was spilled by the keeper into the path of Thomas, who followed up well to complete the scoring. The second half saw Perez slightly busier and he did have to pull off one outstanding point blank save to keep his well deserved clean sheet. Woodruff and Mead at the back were superb and Sparkes with his speed swept up brilliantly when St Martins did threaten. The final whistle blew on a really pleasing team performance and to end the season on an amazing high for everyone involved in the team. Well Done Boys.

Team; Ollie Perez, Kade Hayman, Ethan Mead, Matt Jones, Tom Woodruff, Joe Buckland, Jack Silk, Toby De Gruchy, Sam Sparkes, James McCullin, Louis Chapman-Coombe, Ben Gosse, Alex Thomas and Tom Cooke.