Sidmouth Warriors Under-12s finally returned to action after a lengthy rain-induced lay-off and emerged from a meeting with hosts Exmouth United with a share of the spoils from a 2-2 draw.

The game was played on a sea-front pitch next to the Maer cricket ground and is surely one of the best in the league. Sidmouth quickly found their rhythm and took the lead when Tim Goody expertly headed in Stan Richardson’s dangerous corner.

It was a deserved lead and spurred Sidmouth on to go looking for more goals. Just before half-time Joe Ashby doubled the scoring, weaving his way in from the goal line before dispatching his shot into the bottom corner.

That gave Warriors a 2-0 interval lead and the home team trooped off at the break looking more than a little bemused!

Things must have been said in the home dressing room at half-time for the hosts looked a sharper proposition from the restart. Their cause was also aided by a strengthening wind which kept the ball in Sidmouth’s half for long periods.

The home team finally forced a goal back, but Sidmouth responded well and had chances to net a third and effectively kill the game off.

However, those opportunities were not taken and the home side won a free-kick on the edge of the area with just a few minutes remaining.

The set-piece ended with the ball in the back of the Warriors net to see the contest end al square.

Warriors coach Justin Ashby said: “It was gut wrenching for the lads as they had all played so well. Every one of the players put a good shift in and the defending was of the highest order. The biggest thing we can take from this display is the fact that, based on this sort of performance the boys have proved they are very capable of matching any of the top teams in the division.”