Sidmouth Under-9 Warriors had very mixed results in their latest matches in the Exeter and District Youth League.

Warriors have been enjoying a good season to date and so a 7-1 reversal at the hands of Central City came as something of a surprise, but they bounced back in superb style, defeating Central United 11-1 immediately afterwards!

Against Central City the contest began at a frantic pace with the Vikings enjoying good possession and creating a number of half chances.

However, the opposition glovesman looked to be in top form and he repelled the best of the Warriors efforts and, with the Exeter side both organised and physical in their approach, Warriors found themselves in the unusual position of having to defend for long periods and Central scored some excellent goals to hold a 6-0 half-team advantage.

After the break, with a tweaking of the line-up, there was some improved tackling from Warriors and they got just reward for their continued battling when Joe Anning netted. City were a good side though and, despite a couple of fine saves from Warriors glovesman Haiden Clapp they added one more before the final whistle.

Next up, against Central United, Warriors were clearly keen to ‘set the record straight’ having suffered than rare defeat.

It was James Plowden, playing at the heart of the midfield, who scored with a terrific strike that left the keeper no chance. The flood gates then opened and the sort of chances that had been spurned in the opening game, were tucked away this time.

Reggie Reed scored five first-half goals, three of them being assists down to Joe Anning whilst the other two came as a result of James Plowden ‘assists’.

After the break young Anning netted a brace, Alex Goody also scored and Plowden netted his second.

The Exeter side struck with a consolation, but Warriors had the last word with Goody netting a second to round off an emphatic victory.

Warriors’ coach Bryn Clapp said: “After what had been a very physical first game I could not have been happier with the teams response, every one of the players showed great character and played exceptionally well. The performance in the second game was of the highest order.”