Sidbury United U14s got over last week’s disappointing cup exit by putting in a a very gutsy performance away to FC Heavitree. Sidbury got off to a flyer, and caught Heavitree napping from the off, writes Julie Logan.

A good move down the right culminated in a Jake Lucas shot which hit the bar and bounced kindly for Harry Wright to tap into the net with barely a minute gone. With the home side still licking their wounds, Sidbury attacked again, this time down the left. A nice ball was sent in to Harry Wright which he controlled with one touch, turned, saw the gap and curled his shot just inside the right post. Sidbury had taken a 2-0 lead with only four minutes played.

It was just the confidence booster which the lads needed and deserved. With Kieran Murphy (suspended) and Rob Mansfield (injured) the new look back four of Ben Logan, Hamish Culling, Aaron Pearse, Cody Northcott remained solid throughout the game.

Heavitree are a decent outfit and play some delightful football so United knew they would most certainly not have everything their own way, and so it proved.

The Sidbury midfield of Bill Reed, Harry Elliott, Jake Lucas, Zac Mattin battled tirelessly and were always a threat when going forward.

After a good run down the right from Ben Kidson, Ben Logan hit a low drive from just outside the box which could only be parried by the keeper. Harry Elliott was quickest to pounce and side-footed in United’s third.

HFC pulled one back before half time when a shot seemed to bobble just in front of the unfortunate keeper Daryl Young. The ball bounced up and hit his shoulder and a Heavitree striker pounced on the opportunity to slot the ball home.

The second half was played at the same pace and intensity as the first.

Connor Long and Jack Murrell were introduced mid way through the half as things started to get a bit physical.

All in all it was a great team performance, with Jake Lucas being awarded the Man of the Match, but a special mention should also go to Ben Logan, Hamish Culling, Harry Elliott, Zac Mattin and Harry Wright.

Now the side must take this energy, commitment and strength into next week’s game and get some consistency into their matches. Well done lads.