Sidmouth Warriors Under-10s shared eight goals with visiting Exeter Pink Panthers in an entertaining Exeter and District Youth League game.

The visitors opted to play up the hill first and began to take control. Warriors held them at arms length thanks to some superb last-ditch tackling and disciplined defending.

However, Panthers did eventually score and, much to the surprise of the Warriors coaching staff, added two more in quick successionto lead 3-0

Just before half-time Henry Atuohy picked the ball up, ran at the visiting defence and unleashed a terrific strike that arrowed its way into the net. Soon after the whistle blew for half-time.

The interval ‘chat’ in the Warriors camp was all about how the team could find a new level and intensity to their play and, from the first whistle, they tore into the Exeter side.

Atuohy doubled his tally with another wonderful strike and it was no long before young Atuohy had completed his hat-trick.

Once level Warriors went in search of a fourth and they laid siege to the Panthers goal.

The fourth goal duly arrived when, after a weaving run and cross from Oliver Beech, Will Crick timed his appearance in the opposition area to perfection to meet the cross and fire Warriors into the lead for the first time in the contest.

Panthers, clearly stung after losing a three goal lead, came back strongly. A number of times they looked certain to score only to be denied by the outstanding Freddie Eul- Barker in the Warriors goal.

However, the Panthers pressure built and, late in the game they did score their fourth and the game’s eighth and final goal.

The final whistle was greeted by a large crowd with plenty of applause for the outstanding efforts from both sets of players after a superb game of football.