Sidmouth Warriors Under-11s had a depleted side for their Exeter and District Youth League meeting with Crediton United, a match they ultimately lost 9-3.

Half-term holidays did not help the team selection options and Warriors, without a substitute, made the worst possible start, shipping a goal after just 30 seconds – and four more by the 15th minute of the game!

However, rather than sit back and accept a heavy defeat, Warriors showed real strength of character and battled back to gain a foothold in the contest.

They got a goal back when Ethan Isaac showed excellent technique to brush aside a challenge before crossing for Lucas O’Connor to rifle the ball home and then young Issac provided the assist for a second O’Connor goal as the deficit was reduced to three goals.

Crediton United hit back to score four more, but Warriors were not finished and got a richly deserved third when Lucas Vicary scored.

The Warriors’ Man of the Match award went to Laurence Coles.