Unbeaten Exeter and District League Under-11 champions CS Tigers were denied a home victory for the first time this season by a simply magnificent Sidmouth Warriors Under-11 performance, writes Grant Mitchell.

In a contest rich in quality and played at a high tempo from first whistle to last, Warriors played their part throughout.

The home team marginally edged the first half, though Warriors gloves man Ensall was not really tested. Much of that was down to the discipline of Man of the Match Lascelles who, along with Fowler, Griffiths and Stamp, kept a tight rein on a Tigers team who had previously swept all before them!

Midfielders Rush, Henderson, Salter and Roberts worked tirelessly, supporting both defence and attack. Pyne and Wood operated efficiently up and down the flanks and strike pair Mitchell and Wilson kept the home defenders on their toes throughout.

After the break Warriors gained the upper hand and pressed the hosts back deep into their half. So much so that is was against the run of play that CS Tigers took the lead.

However, a feature of this Warriors team is an attitude of: “never say die”, and it came to the fore once more!

Chests were pushed outwards and the desire to do well in the green jersey was their for all to see. With time ticking away a Griffiths thunderbolt crashed against the bar and Mitchell headed in the rebound to level things up at 1-1.

Overall Warriors could, and should, have won the game and it sets things up beautifully for next month when the two teams meet again in the KO Cup final.

In this game Warriors showed that there is nothing between the teams in terms of passing, movement and commitment. Well done to Rob Fowler for getting the tactics and timing of subs spot on.