U15s in form against Scorpions

Sidmouth Town U15s enjoyed a rare result against Central Scorpions in the league, a 0-0 draw, writes Dickie Seldon.

This was an absorbing game, as Sidmouth really dug deep against a Central side with a couple of quick strikers but a nervous-looking backline.

If either side could have taken one of the handful of half-chances that fell their way, then it would have been game over, but, as the game neared its end, it would have been cruel if one of the sides had snatched it at the death.

There was a number of plusses for the boys this week - obviously a clean sheet is golden to coach Seldon, a former centre-half for the Vikings, and he was delighted with the performances put in by his team’s rearguard. Notable were Dan Powell at right-back, and Will Price, who handled the responsibility of marshalling the defence superbly, reading the game and clearing his lines with interest.

In midfield, Will Jenkins put in an outstanding shift, showing excellent workrate in his tackling and closing down, and showing skill and vision in possession. Sidmouth kept possession and used the width of the pitch.

Chances came and went. Will Sanders and Joe Blackmore went close in the first half. When Sidmouth played sharp one-touch triangles, they carved open the Central defence, but just couldn’t find the finish.

In the second half, a Vikings corner was cleared off the line, and captain Doug Still came within a whisper of an outrageous winner as a pot-shot clipped the woodwork. On the few occasions when Central did get past the Sidmouth defence, keeper Dec Lines showed he’s a class act - one save diving high to his left to tip the shot over lasting in the memory!

This Saturday, the boys travel to play Pinhoe (at Newton St Cyres), and will be looking for another solid defensive base but, hopefully, with a couple of those half-chances making all the difference.

l Having lost their unbeaten run last week Sidmouth U12s looked to bounce back against Colyton on Sunday but, sadly, they were on the wrong end of a 4-2 score, writes Sean Murphy.

Playing with the strong wind behind them, Sidmouth made a strong start. Freddie King rifled in a shot high into the net to put Sidmouth in front.

Colyton came back strongly and put the defence of Jack West, Jamie Newbery, James Clarke and Jonathan Surtees under pressure. The pressure finally told when goalie Tyler Hillier went to collect the ball on the edge of his area, collided with one of his defenders and spilt the ball, leaving the Colyton forward with a simple tap in.

Buoyed by the equaliser, Colyton went in search of a second which they got shortly after.

Raol Ruigrock won a penalty for Sidmouth which King converted to make it 2-2 at half time.

Sidmouth knew it would be difficult playing the second half into the wind and so it proved, with Colyton keeping them pinned deep in their own half for the vast majority and managed to score twice more.

Connor Murphy went close twice in the dying minutes, but it wasn’t to be.

Colyton played the conditions better and were good value for their victory.

? Sidmouth U8s Raiders were reeling 4-0 down at the break against Whipton Youth, writes Justin Ashby.

But they went on to score seven, Whipton adding no more goals to their tally.

To their great credit, the boys emerged fresh and determined for the second half and quickly pulled a goal back through livewire debutant Samuel Rice.

Suddenly the Raiders took off, with rapid goals from Robbie Hallet’s sweet left foot and a well-taken goal by Stanley Richardson, also making his debut. The Raiders were camped in the opposition’s half.

Benedict Teague equalised, and Louis Silk put the Raiders ahead 5-4 and it was one-way traffic as the Raiders added two further goals, including Louis Silk’s second.

Man of the Match was Stanley Richardson for his pace and strength down the right.

? The Raiders went on to draw 2-2 with Cullompton. Chances came and went at both ends before Joe Ashby broke the deadlock, calmly finishing off an excellent Raiders’ move. Cullompton equalised just before the break and the second half was a tense affair. Sam Burhop, Noah Raffell and Robbie Hallett were superb in defence, but after a goalmouth scramble, Cullompton took a 2-1 lead and time was running out.

The Raiders kept going and then Joe Ashby was put through, before promptly being launched skywards by the last defender. From the resulting free-kick, Lewis Rowden for once listened to his Dad (“take a run-up, Lou!”) and let rip a pile-driver over the wall and into the corner of the net. Jubilant scenes followed, on and off the pitch!

Man of the Match was Robbie Hallet for his superb goalkeeping.

?Meanwhile the Sidmouth U9s Warriors quickly got into their stride and beat Exmouth 8-0, writes Mark Pugsley.

Excellent team work from Pugsley, Wood and Morison set up Fowler to open the scoring.

The team work continued for Wood to score Sidmouth’s second and third goal. A throw in quickly taken by Fowler released Morison to smash home Sidmouth’s fourth.

Not wanting to be left out, Pugsley and Fowler combined well for Pugsley to score goal number five before his substitution.

McNamara came on, took on five opposition players and scored to bring the half time score to 6-0.

The second half was equally one way traffic, with McNamara and Griffiths setting up Sam Pyne to score his first.

Louis Stamp, having the chance to play out of his normal position came close with two great efforts. Pyne wrapped up Sidmouth’s score tally with a great turn and strike. Solid defending from Roberts and Lascelles, and some great saves from Ensall, ensured Exmouth never had chance to challenge.

?They found life much tougher against Brixington and lost 2-1, but they matched the Blues in every department.

Despite constant pressure from Sidmouth, Brixington scored twice. Sidmouth kept working hard and a great strike from Morison pulled a goal back. Sidmouth kept piling on the pressure with great strikes from Morison and Fowler but unfortunately only hitting the post. The Warriors battled to the end and were very unlucky not to equalise before the final whistle.

? Sidmouth Town Junior Vikings U9 Raiders lost 3-0 to Brixington Blues, writes Simon James

It was always going to be a grudge match, as the Raiders had put an end to an unbeaten Brixington Blues’ run of form in the very last match of the previous season.

The match started with Alexander Mitchell, Scott Gibson and Theo Burne making an aggressive and skilful attack on the Brixington defence. The visitors pushed back hard and, thanks to Ollie Jones’ trademark stonewall defending, kept the Brixington centre forwards away from the goal.

The second half started with Thomas West and Ollie Jones relentlessly tested hard by the Blues’ forwards, and they scored.

Unluckily for Sidmouth, the visitors scored again from a free kick. Ben Scrivens and Jake Jones, supported by Alexander Mitchell and Cole Monaghan attacked and were denied a couple of chances on goal.

Goalkeeper Isaac James was under constant pressure during the match and, finally, the Blues made it 3-0.

?After a pep talk from their coach, Tony West, Sidmouth came out to beat Exmouth Amateurs 1-0. Jake Jones and Cole Monaghan wasted no time in pressurising the Amateurs’ defence. Scot Gibson and Theo Burne kept up the pressure from the rear with some excellent passing and ball control.

The teams slogged it out but Sidmouth had the better possession during the first half, but that much needed goal still eluded them when the half time whistle blew.

At the start of the second half, a skilfully taken free kick was taken by Alexander Mitchell and hammered into the back of the net by Jake Jones.

Exmouth came back strongly, but were unable to break through the Ollie Jones and Thomas West defence.

George Salter and Ben Scrivens went on the attack showing some superb passing and teamwork. Sidmouth’s goalkeeper, Isaac James, made many difficult saves as Exmouth, sensing the lack of time, tried their luck on goal in the dying minutes of this exciting game.

? Exeter City FC’s Community Trust are pleased to be able to announce that they will be delivering lots of activities across Devon and Somerset over the October half term.

The activities include fun Soccer courses for children aged 5-14 years of all abilities.

The courses are based around fun activities through team and individual games, there are lots of competitions and prizes and plenty of small sided games.

The FITC Trust will also be delivering a specialist workshop for goalkeepers and strikers.

For more information please call 01392 255611 or email jamie.vittles@exetercityfc.co.uk. To book a course online please go to www.exetercityfitctrust.org.uk