Sidmouth Town 1, Stoke Hill 5 After stormy overnight conditions, the sun came out and the Sidford pitch looked excellent prior to this early season top of the table clash, writes Mike Garrick.

The Sidmouth Town Under-13s knew that they had a tough game ahead and in the first half ran rings around the opposition and looked like they would end up comfortable winners. How wrong would this ultimately prove to be?

With Matt Salter and Tom Moore controlling the midfield, Louis Spalding making runs here, there and everywhere, Sidmouth, built up a huge head of momentum which resulted in them hitting the woodwork no fewer than four times!

Toby Garrick’ saw a 25-yard strike cannon back off the crossbar then Sam Fernley, after a trade mark jinking run in which he beat three opposition players, ended up rifling a shot against then upright.

Sidmouth were in such total control that it was scarcely believable when a defensive mishap resulted in a one-on-one which left keep Oran Bramble with no chance and Stoke Hill were one up at the break.

After half-time, however, the game changed completely! Stoke Hill got an early fortunate goal, Sidmouth heads dropped and the cohesive passing game fell apart. Stoke Hill scored three further goals with a late strike from Jay Harris as a small consolation at the death.

Sidmouth’s Man of the Match was captain James Emmett who was calm, strong and assured throughout the game.