Sidmouth Raiders 2, Exmouth United 5 In a classic ‘game-of-two-halves’ Sidmouth Raiders Under-14s were punished for not taking the chances that came their way during periods of dominance.

It was the visitors who controlled much of the first half scoring four unanswered goals to lead handsomely at the break.

A fifth goal at the start of the second period added salt to the Sidmouth wound! However, Raiders dug deep and began an impressive fight back! With some confident passing and slick attacking plat they went close when Scott Hughes headed just wide before Joe Tweedy saw his shot pushed round the post. The pressure eventually told as Oliver Turton pulled a goal back. Turton was soon on the end of another good attack before Drew Birkhead saw a powerful shot fly wide of the mark.

Turton was hauled down by the Exmouth gloves man, but the keeper then made a superb save to deny Ben Miller from the penalty spot. To sum up the lack of good fortune on the day, the ball after the save fell to a Sidmouth player who then smacked the ball against the frame of the goal!

Beaten 5-2 they may well have been, but the second half improved show was enough to send the Sidmouth supporters home happy.