IT looked as if disaster had struck when Sidmouth U16s' brilliant keeper Adam Coles was unavailable for the side's first match, having injured himself on Friday.

IT looked as if disaster had struck when Sidmouth U16s' brilliant keeper Adam Coles was unavailable for the side's first match, having injured himself on Friday.Sidmouth were looking forward to their first league foray - against Honiton - as they had two successful pre-season friendlies to boost their confidence.One was against Plymouth Parkway, who are a good side, which Sidmouth won 4-2 and the other in the inaugural U16s v The Rest of the Junior Vikings Cup, which saw a 3-2 win.Spirits were high especially as a number of new players strengthened the squad. Against Honiton, Sidmouth started well and had a couple of early chances but were unable to break through. A Brett Newbery corner was firstly missed by Ben Pratt and the rebound from Sam Stapleton charged down. Honiton forced a number of corners themselves and eventually took the lead. Soon it was 2-0 when a mistake in defence allowed a forward to run through and score. A half time change around didn't help and the score against soon became 3-0 then 4-0. Sidmouth fought back but left holes at the back which Honiton exploited and they went 6-0 up. Eventually, Sidmouth got on the scoresheet when Fergus Parsons put Josh Reed through. They came close a couple more times, but were beaten by the better side.Six goals flattered Honiton and the under-16s are hoping that, with a fit Coles back in goal, a more balanced team will improve in their next game. Stapleton and Pratt were the best on show.