Sidmouth Raiders Under-9s had mixed fortunes in the latest Exeter and District Youth League matches with a 2-1 win and a 6-2 reversal.

Raiders entertained Central United and Central City from Exeter on an icily cold morning that saw sub zero temperatures and an arctic wind!

First up, against United, Raiders made a sensational start with Freya Horler dribbling the ball up the line past several opposition players before picking her spot and firing the ball beyond the visiting goalkeeper.

Young Horler clearly set the tone for the remainder of the match as team mates tried to emulate her terrific effort. None more so that Owen Badlam, who tried the same tactic, but was denied by a fine save from the United glovesman.

There was plenty of attacking football played with front runners Horler and Badlam receiving superb support from midfield duo Michael Byrne and Sam Hartland.

As the pressure grew, a foul in the penalty area resulted in a penalty and up stepped Badlam to double the Raiders lead.

After the break the Exeter side hit back strongly and it needed some smart saves from Raiders glovesman Ben Gale to deny them.

Charlie Carstairs was once more outstanding, working hard in defence and on the wing. In the dying minutes, United scored a consolation goal, when the ball was fired into the net along with a wayward football boot! However, Raiders were not to be denied and emerged 2-1 winners.

In their second match Raiders took on a well-drilled, fast moving Central City who quickly took control of the contest. Ben Gale had to work hard from the off, but was unable to prevent three goals in fairly quick succession. The Raiders responded well, particularly in defence where Herbie Isherwood displaying strong running and an uncanny knack to be in the right place at the right time to make clearances! Kai Prendergast was similarly able to block and thwart a number of the opposition raids.

Late in the first half Raiders got some reward for their supreme efforts when Dylan Robbins marked his first appearance for the team with a debut goal.

In the second half the Exeter side continued to boss the contest and they added three more goals. Raiders stuck to their task though and richly deserved their second, scored from the penalty spot by Herbie Isherwood after the impressive Freya Horler was felled in the area.

The Raiders’ Man of the match awards went to Ben Gale and Sam Hartland.