Sidmouth Warriors Under-13s served up a magnificent all-round performance to win their Exeter and District Youth League Division One top-of-the-table game at St Martins by the odd goal in eleven!

Twice Warriors held a two-goal advantage and twice they were pegged back. They held the lead for a third time at 5-4, but once again the Saints hit back.

The winner was struck in the closing stages with George Gelling completing a hat-trick to ensure Warriors took the points back to Sidmouth with them.

Knowing the importance of the match Warriors were quickly into their stride and their early endeavours were rewarded with goals from Harry Emmett and Jack Howe to put them two goals to the good. Back came St Martins with two of their own only for Thomas Mead and George Gelling to again give Warriors a two-goal lead at 4-2.

Once more the Exminster side fought back, but, at 4-4, the lead was restored by young Gelling with his second. St Martins are a good side and once again they hit back to make it 5-5. However, Warriors were not to be denied and they finished as they started, on the front foot, and it was no more than they deserved when Gelling rifled home the game’s 11th and final goal, completing a superb hat-trick in the process. Thomas Mead had a fine game for Warriors on the left of midfield.

Warriors boss Bill Emmett said: “What a game. It was end-to-end for the duration and I thought every one of my players produced a really honest shift. They (St Martins) are a good side, but we proved that we are not a bad outfit either. It must have been great viewing for any neutral watching, but for us coaches it was tense! All the players deserve the credit for a terrific all-round show.”