CS Tigers 2, Sidmouth Warriors 0 Warriors gave a superb account of themselves before being edged out in the final of the Exeter and District Youth League Under-11 KO Cup at Willand Rovers last weekend.

The opening exchanges were very even and the Tigers grabbed the lead after an uncharacteristic defensive error. Warriors then took charge and laid siege to the Tigers goal.

Mitchell twice saw goal-bound shots splendidly saved by the Tigers glovesman whilst efforts from Rush, Pyne and Fowler were kept out by a defence that ride it’s luck at times and certainly looked shocked at the pressure, something the champions are most certainly not used to!

After continually going close it was a real blow that the deficit was doubled a minute before the break when another mistake was pounced on by the Tigers.

The second half saw Warriors again dominate possession and territory. Not that it was all one-way for Tigers, as the champion side they are, always carried a threat, dealt with superbly by the Warriors defence of Fowler, Lascelles and Griffiths. Midfielders Rush, Henderson, Pyne, Salter, Wood, Hollis and Roberts covered every blade of grass on the Silver Street pitch running miles between them and thoroughly deserving more from the game. Up front Mitchell worked tirelessly, but at the final whistle it was the Tigers celebrating and the Warriors left to contemplate what might have been.

Warriors’ coach Grant Mitchell said: “The boys can be extremely proud of getting to the final and making Tigers work so very hard for their victory. Warriors gave an excellent performance on the day. Playing like this next year should see success, but for now take a bow and have a well earned rest. A big thanks to the boys of West Hill who vocally supported Sidmouth during our game, that really was much appreciated.”