The Ottery St Mary Under-11s travelled to Heavitree to begin their Exeter and District League season, writes Ross Cooper.

It was the young Otters first experience of a much bigger playing area, but they rose to the occasion and took early control, and went on to record a 6-1 victory.

Ottery made a bright start, pinning the Heavies back deep in their own half.

There were a number of chances to score, but the spirited Heavitree defence and some excellent goal keeping kept Ottery at bay before Noah Western rifled a shot in from distance to give the Otters the lead.

Tom Perry, who worked up and down the left wing all morning, found the back of the home net only for an off-side decision to rule it out before a sublime Ed Cooper pass released Albie Upson and he passed the ball into the net to send Ottery into the interval with a two goal advantage.

The Otters began the second half in similar fashion and their enterprise was rewarded with a second goal from Upson and one from Cooper.

It was soon 5-0 courtesy of a defenders deflection that steered a Cooper shot into the net.

Joe Wilkinson went close to making it six with a header before the home side scored a late consolation.