Sidmouth Warriors Under-12s duly won their final game of what has been a long Exeter and District Youth League campaign when they defeated local rivals Exmouth 3-0 to secure their top division status and so will move up to Under-14s next season as a Division One side.

After what had been a wonderful start to the campaign, the last few weeks were something of a battle, but this final outing enabled the team to restore confidence to the ranks and it reminded everyone that this is a good Warriors team, and they certainly made sure they rounded the season off with a top display.

The contest began with an even feel to it with Exmouth looking to run at the Warriors defence where they ran into Warriors’ captain Callum French who was at his disciplined and organised best and equal to whatever came his way.

As the first half wore on, Warriors glovesman Anthony Nita, was called upon to make an excellent full-length save from close range.

Gradually Sidmouth started to take hold of the game and, with Michal Bielawski controlling the midfield, it was no more the they deserved when, after an excellent passage of play, Charles Joy was able to get on the end of a Ben Elsom through-ball to slot home and give his side a lead they took into the interval.

The second half saw Exmouth come at the Sidmouth defence, but Man of the Match, Will Pulman, was always in the right place at the right time to resist them time and space in the Warriors defensive third of the pitch.

At the other end, Sidmouth started to play some free-flowing football, and, after another perfect delivery from Thomas Nicholls, Finn Upsher, playing his last game for the Warriors, was able to place a beautiful shot low past the keeper. Not only did the goal double the lead, but it also secured for Upsher, the coveted Golden Boot award for the season.

Exmouth never gave up looking for a way back into the contest, but a third for Warriors made sure they would take the points. The goal came when Pulman collected the ball on the edge of his own box before running the length of the pitch, weaving his way round countless opposition players burying the ball in the back of the net. It might have been the last goal of the campaign, but it was certainly a contender for the goal of the season!