Sidmouth Warriors Under-14s were beaten 5-3by North Tawton in what was an entertaining Exeter and District Youth League Division Two meeting played at Sidford.

Warriors made a bright start and dominated the early stages, controlling possession but despite securing a succession of corners, a breakthrough could not be found.

This proved to be costly as for the visitors grew into the contest and, by half-time, had raced into a 4-0 lead.

A couple of defensive slip-ups didn’t help, but credit to North Tawton who showed a ruthlessness that Sidmouth were unable to match!

During then half-time break Warriors were told that what they needed to look to do was ‘win’ then second half.

They again made a bright start before shipping a fifth goal to begin to stare down the barrel of a heavy defeat and, at this stage of proceedings, it might have been understandable had some of the heads dropped in the home ranks.

However, the opposite happened for, clearly stung by being 5-0 down, Warriors mounted a stunning comeback, scoring three outstanding goals in the space of 15 minutes which left the visiting coach and parents anxiously checking their watches!

Samuel Rice, having switched to a holding midfield role for the second half, rounded off a superb move and then Benedict Teague finally broke his drought with a brilliant chip from near the touchline.

Minutes later Tim Goody slammed home a ‘screamer’ off the underside of the crossbar and, suddenly, the outcome of the game was in the balance once more!

The visitor’s – a talented side, who will grace Division One next season, did create further chances, but the Warriors defence proved equal to their late efforts as the game finished with Warriors again on the front foot!

Warriors coach, Justin Ashby said: “We are re-building for next season and if the lads can play the full 70 minutes as they did in the second half, we will be back competing in Division One before long.

“A special mention must go to our new signings Beck Finnemore and Joe Richardson, who are both showing all the signs of being outstanding Warriors.”