Sidmouth Under-16s were simply superb as they put Cullompton Rangers to the sword, landing a richly deserved 6-1 success in Mid Devon.

What makes the final score all the more impressive is that the home side had shipped just five goals all season proper to this match!

Coaches Jon Miller and Paul Newbery could only stand in the Cully dugouts and admire what their charges served up.

Miller said: “It was phenomenal. Without a doubt we feel, as coaches, that this single collective team performance sits up there with the very best this group have ever delivered over the course of a single contest.”

Newbery added: “The boys were outstanding. Their discipline and determination, coupled with their indisputable talent means that if they turn up on the day, they can literally beat anyone you put in front of them. All of these elements came together today and performances like this are the result.”

Sidmouth untypically started quickly and within 10 minutes were two up thanks to a brace of goals from set pieces with Jonny Dunn and Jamie Newbery scoring from close range.

The Mid Devon side hit back, but the Sidmouth centre backs Tom Orchard and Mark Pearse were outstanding, restricting the home side to the occasional breakthrough where the talented hands of Fin Marks, making his first appearance in goal for four years, kept them at bay.

Wingbacks Tim Jones and Jack Dewinton started to link up well with Joe Miller and Connor Murphy in midfield and Sidmouth once again took control of proceedings.

Freddie King and Ty Wellman’s movement kept opening up Cully’s defence, the latter playing in odd boots after his own boot split, borrowing footwear from dad-come-linesman Roger!

The next two goals were of the highest class! First Jamie’s Newbery athleticism saw him fly through the air and head in from the penalty spot via the underside of the bar and then Ben Gosse, looking comfortable playing a year up (he is an Under-15 player), showed his talent by executing a sweet curling shot from the edge of the area that nestled neatly in the top corner of the Cully net!

The home side made a bright start to the second half, but Sidmouth gloves man Mark was equal to everything they had to offer.

Against the run of play Sidmouth were awarded a penalty with sweeper Newbery sealing a hat-trick, easing the ball into the net from 12-yards.

Jonny Dunn completed the rout with the sixth, a cool, calm driven finish.

Late on the home side got a consolation, but nothing was going to dampen a very special day for all concerned with this particular Sidmouth side.

Jon Miller said: “The win puts us eight points clear at the top, but with games in hand, the teams around us still have control. However, we did all we could in this latest game with three points and a 10-goal sway on goal difference against our greatest rivals. The league is wide open and the title race is very much on!”