Jamie Pitter scored a hat-trick as Sidmouth Warriors defeated Millwey Rise 3-1 at Exeter City’s St James’ Park ground in the final of the Exeter & District Youth League U9s’ Cup final, writes Christopher Elsom.

The team had been looking forward to this fixture since winning their semi-final back in March, so there were some very excited and nervous boys who arrived at Exeter City FC early on Sunday.

Warriors used the away changing room - the same one used by Manchester United not that long ago, a point not lost on the boys as they got ready.

The team ran out to the strains of the Match of the Day theme tune in front of the biggest crowd they had ever experienced before being introduced to league chairman John Penkethman.

Warriors knew Millwey would be well drilled as they had played them in the league a few weeks previously.

One or two players on both sides were nervous but with parents and friends cheering them on the Warriors soon found their stride.

Warriors’ captain, Ben Elsom, fired in a volley, only to see the Millwey keeper make a good save.

Sidmouth were starting to press and, after several corners, a ball across the box was met by Pitter, who headed in the first goal.

Millwey pushed for an equaliser and Sidmouth goalkeeper Anthony Nita had to make a couple of excellent saves.

Nita was well supported by Finn Upsher and Charley Turley with some determined defending.

Millwey started the second half pressing and, after a goalmouth scramble, a deflected shot looped into the net.

With Dev Nair, Toby Edmunds and Jake Paget bolstering the midfield, Sidmouth went looking for a winner.

Five minutes from time, Millwey were through on goal and it needed a brilliant sliding tackle from Callum French to snuff out the threat.

This seemed to bolster Warriors’ resolve. Matthew Dunford came on into defence to add his usual mettle and with the time ticking away Sidmouth pushed on.

After a couple of chances the pressure told on Millwey and they conceded a penalty for handball. Pitter put it away.

As Millwey pushed forward they left gaps at the back. Elsom slid a pass into Pitter’s feet for him to round the keeper and score his hat-trick. Game over.

As they received the trophy , the supporters nearly raised the roof. The smiles on the boys’ faces meant everything.

We would like to extend our thanks to the parents who bring their children week in, week out and to sponsor Gill Harris at Coastal Coffee Lounge.

Most importantly, to the team who are always smiling, enthusiastic, energetic and as they proved this year- not bad at football!

Squad: Anthony Nita, Ben Elsom, Toby Edmunds, Callum French, Dev Nair, Jamie Pitter, Jake Paget, Finn Upsher, Matthew Dunford and Charley Turley.