Sidmouth Junior Vikings Under-9s were in fine form as they claimed a win double over their latest opposition.

Another sunny Saturday morning saw the newly formed Sidmouth Junior Vikings take on two teams at home, putting into practice several weeks of Wednesday evening practice and training. The first game was against Feniton Flames, who were organised and well-drilled, especially on the attack. Early tangles in midfield were hotly fought, with Michael Byrne and Kai Prendergast combining well in defence to hold off the visitors. Byrne in particular showed how well he had advanced since training began, delivering powerful attacking passes up the wing with cool efficiency. The second half began with energy from Feniton, and an outstanding overhead shot put the visitors in front. Sidmouth held their nerve though, with safe and reassuring hands from Ben Gale, Sidmouth’s goalkeeper. Charlie Carstairs, who throughout the game had demonstrated energy and commitment, took the ball on from a Kai Prendergast throw-in, and scored. Soon afterwards, some excellent footwork in the opposition box by Freya Horler confused the opponents, and a penalty was awarded for a handball. Taken very coolly, and dispatched with power into the bottom left corner by Herbie Isherwood, the Vikings finished the game with their first ever win, 2-1.

The second game was against Hemyock Youth, who found themselves under pressure from the word go. Herbie Isherwood opened the account with a superb cross-pitch run before firing into the back of the net. Hemyock countered strongly, and some fumbling in the danger-zone saw Owen Badlam score an own goal. A mere 8 seconds after the re-start though, he fired in a superb goal – what a way to respond! Thereafter, it was a goal-fest for Sidmouth, with both Isherwood and Carstairs scoring, before the half-time whistle. The second half continued in much the same way, with highly effective combinations from Freya Horler, Herbie Isherwood and Charlie Carstairs, Isherwood scoring his fourth of the day, despite a brief interruption from Dillon Carstairs, Charlie’s younger brother, who wanted to get in on the action. Final score: 5-1.

‘Man of the Match’ awards went to: Michael Byrne and Charlie Carstairs.