SIdmouth Under-14s played their first game back against a very strong Crediton side, made even more special thanks to SIdmouth Town AFC allowing this game to be played on the fantastically maintained Manstone Lane pitch.
The game got off to a slow start but the Vikings eventually increased the tempo and it was from this that Sid Ridgeway, closing down the right-back, forced the mistake which saw Alexander Goody take the ball neatly around the Crediton ‘keeper and slot the ball into the empty net.
Despite creating several half-chances, Sidmo Sidmouth could not extend the lead and it was Crediton who scored against the run of play before half-time.
The second half started evenly until the Vikings grabbed a crucial second, when a corner from the left saw the ball come back out to Reece Hext, who picked out the fantastic run at the far post from Reilly Pugsley and he nodded the ball past the stranded custodian to give the home side a deserved lead.
The visitors came back at the hosts and, but for a couple of great saves from SIdmouth ‘keeper Leo Gribble, they could have been level. However, Sidmouth moved the ball quickly to the other end of the pitch and with the prolific Alex Goody bearing down on the onrushing keeper, he calmly lobbed the ball over him and followed it in for a simple tap-in to make it 3-1 to the Vikings.
Despite the large pitch and not having played for a while, they managed to keep the tempo up and see out the game to take the victory.
It was a great team performance and a lot of good individual performances but a special mention to Owen Badlam who was superb in defence and George Burke who also had a great game on his debut, having just moved to the area.
Special thank you again to everyone at SIdmouth Town AFC for making this experience possible.
Back row L-R Herbie Isherwood, George Burke, Reece Hext, Owen Badlam, Leo Gribble, Sid Ridgeway, James Plowden, Haiden Clapp, Ethan Cooke.
Front Row L-R Dion Tratt-Skinner, Reggie Reed, Alexander Goody, Kieran Wood, Harry Ford, Reilly Pugsley. Coach Bryn Clapp.