Sidmouth Warriors edged out in Under-11 League Cup quarter-final

Sidmouth Warriors were edged out in a classic Exeter and District Youth League Under-11 KO Cup quarter-final tie, beaten by the odd goal in five by Exmouth United, writes Stuart Saunders.

The match started with the Warriors playing uphill and into a strong wind. The teams looked evenly matched, but it was the visitors who snatched the lead midway through the first half.

The warriors fought back and had several chances. Stanley fired a rocket of a shot that knocked the keeper backwards but he held on to it, just inches from crossing his goal line!

At half-time the Warriors took a well earned rest and a pep talk from the coaches. This seemed to do the trick as, two minutes in, the scores were level with Stanley Richardson slamming home after fine approach play involving Benedict Teague, Tim Goody and Samuel Rice.

Warriors kept pushing and, with the wind behind them, it seemed their fortunes had changed. Several shots were rifled at the visiting goal with one of them, from young Rice, seeing Warriors into a 2-1 lead.

However, United showed just why they lead their division and fought back in style to first level things up at 2-2 and then bag a third to take the semi-final berth.

Warriors can be very proud of their effort and team work on the day.