Sidmouth Under-11 Warriors were good value for a 2-0 win over neighbours West Hill.

With both teams going into the contest on good form, and many of the players across the teams known to each other, a close match was anticipated.

Warriors were quickly into their stride and, playing down the slope, made light of the freezing conditions by moving the ball around crisply before a terrific through-ball from Ben Elsom released Finn Upsher to fire it beyond the West Hill glovesman to give Warriors a second minute lead.

That set the tone for a period of one-way traffic, but a wonderful show of goalkeeping from the West Hill stopper prevented further goals.

It was not all one-way though, and the visitors carried a very real threat. However, they got little change out of the Warriors defence, well marshalled by skipper and Man of the Match Callum French.

With the Warriors midfield also enjoying a good game, half-time arrived with the one goal between the teams, though Michal Bielawski went mighty close to doubling the lead just before the break.

The second half saw Warriors increase the tempo of their game and the introduction of Charlie Turley to the left wing berth was a real boost for the home side.

Thomas Nicholls and Matthew Dunford combined well in midfield and chances were fashioned, but spurned.

Warriors looked to be edging their way to a narrow success, but West Hill continued to probe and home goalkeeper Anthony Nita had to deploy more as a keeper-sweeper to come out quickly and nullify the West Hill threat.

As the visitors pressed for an equaliser, Warriors seized possession and, when the ball found its way to Thomas Fletcher he played it into Turley who crossed for Elsom to complete the scoring and give Warriors a richly deserved 2-0 clean sheet success.