Sidmouth Under-9s Raiders and Warriors entertained Mid Devon teams Moors Youth and CS Lions at St John’s School, writes Keith Pulman.

CS Lions were the Raiders first opponents and in an excellent all round performance the Raiders soon raced to a two goal lead with Man of the Match David Clapp and the rest of the team passing the ball around well and looking very comfortable. Unfortunately, despite many chances to add to their lead they paid the price as CS Lions were able to force a draw scoring their second with the last kick of the game.

Next up the Raiders took on a very strong Moors Youth squad who used the ball well racing to a two-goal lead, but the Raiders dug deep with the whole team performing well and working together they got back into the game with goals from Joe Anning and Thomas Fletcher. Man of the Match Oscar Parkinson performed heroics in defence, but ultimately the opposition were too strong grabbing a late winner.

Warriors began with a meeting with a Moors side they had already beaten this term in a cup meeting. Conceding an early goal did not help the Warriors cause.

Despite some determined tackling and precision passing from Man of the Match Callum French, the Warriors were never quite able to get ahead and, even with two fine goals from Jamie Pitter, were narrowly edged out.

Against CS Lions, Warriors started brighter and took an early lead. Jake Paget and Finn Upsher were particularly energetic and provided a strong backbone to the team which allowed the team the confidence to attack. The game was finished off early in the second half with a candidate for goal of the season from Man of the Match Ben Elsom who rifled a beautiful volley past the keeper. Warriors finished brightly adding another goal late on and closed out the game comfortably.