Sidmouth Raiders Under-14s were beaten 4-2 on their visit to Crediton Youth for an Exeter and District Youth League game.

It’s all very new to the young Raiders, playing Under-11 for the first time having, until now, been playing 9-a-side at younger age levels.

What’s more, also ‘novel’ for the youngsters is playing with new formations, with full size adult goals and on a bigger playing area!

They did win their opening fixture which saw them in action at Okehampton, but Crediton are a powerful side and, with Raiders looking mighty smart in their new kit, courtesy of some superb sponsorship from the Filling Station on Cross Street, Sidmouth, it was the home side who took the lead with an early strike. However, parity was swiftly restored when Levi marks got on the end of a neat passing move and, after turning a couple of defenders, he tucked the ball away.

The home side regained the lead with a shot that gave Raiders glovesman, Thomas Craig, no chance of keeping out in the full size adult, goals.

Raiders lost their goalkeeper to injury after the break and, first Soren Hall, and later, Finlay Hobday, took over the glovesman duties.

Crediton took a 3-1 lead, but back came Raiders and an excellent passing move

sliced right through the hosts ending with Levi Johnson

setting up Bobby Henderson to score a second for the visitors.

As well as sporting a smart new kit, this young Raiders squad have also welcomed new players, Oli Bond, Luke and Sam Eggleton-Parr, Oli and Alex Glanville. The new players bring with them a mixture of defensive experience, enthusiasm and attentiveness to the team, qualities which will become more evident as the boys continue to settle.