U13s 'Utd' Reports

Utd last game of the season was away at West Exe . Could Utd avenge the defeat and footballing lesson their opponents had given them earlier on in the season. An hour later they answered this with an emphatic yes, as Utd produced a brilliant performance, managed to hit the woodwork on 7 occasions, yet somehow only shaded a fantastic game of football 3-2. Utd started the game on top and had already hit the bar before Smith opened the scoring with a goal of stunning quality. T. West on the ball in his own box released Hammond down the right, his cross was whipped in and Smith finished with a bullet header. Utd continued to dominate with the excellent midfield duo of L.West and Pearce controlling the game. Utd created chance after chance but the woodwork on 4 occasions and 2 terrific saves meant the lead was only a slender 1-0. West Exe began to claw themselves back into the game and made Utd see how slender the lead was when a mix up in the defence allowed a West Exe striker to nip in to equalize. West Exe 's confidence grew and a string of dangerous looking corners paid off as a loose ball was driven home. Utd found themselves behind in a game they had dominated but they refused to buckle and Hammond deservedly equalized just before the break when Plowman squared for him to slot home.

Both teams came out for the second half determined to win the game and the football produced by both sides was of a really high standard. Play swung from one end to the other, but hard as they tried neither side could get their noses in front. Utd even managed to hit the woodwork twice more, one stunning strike from Clarke smashed against the post. It was in the last 15 minutes that Utd began to dominate and the movement and running ability of strikers Plowman and Smith started to create gaps in the West Exe back line. L.West and Clarke started to find more space in midfield and it was L.West's through ball that found Plowman who finished neatly. Utd's excellent back four of Philp, T.West, Lehuray and Pratt were in no mood to give away anything else and saw out the last 5 minutes for a great win. This was Utd's best team performance of the season and every player was fantastic. But credit as well to West Exe who played their part in a fabulous game of football that had everything good about youth football.

Scorers: - Smith; Hammond; Plowman:
Squad: - Rawlings, Clarke, Pratt, Lehauray, T.West, Hammond , L.West, Pearce, Ody, Plowman, Smith, Wardle, Philp, Hull

Utds last home game this season was against Colyton a side they had narrowly beaten before Xmas so another tight game was expected. Utd started brightly and created early chances for Plowman and L West but the Colyton keeper made Two good saves. Utd continued to press forward with Ody looking dangerous on the left, a succession of corners followed but Utd couldn't force the ball home. Utds pressure finally told when L West played a one two with Plowman, his cross was only partially cleared and Ody drove home the loose ball. This spurred Colyton on and before the break only a couple of great saves from Utd keeper Rawlings kept Utds lead at the break.

Colyton started the second half on top dominating possession and territory but good defending from Utds back four kept the lead intact. Colyton threw more men forward in search of the equalizer but this left them open to the quick counter attack, with Utds pace up front with Smith and Plowman and wide men Barnett and Collinson Utd began to create more chances. L West who began in midfield today started playing some great defence splitting passes and from one of these Collinson neatly picked out Plowman who finished coolly. Colyton refused to give up and they deservedly pulled a goal back with five minutes to go, when a driven cross from the right was deflected into the net. Despite throwing everything at Utd Colyton couldn't get the equalizer.

Credit to both sides for a great game that swung from one end to the other and was played in great spirit.

United began to attack the Cullompton goal from the first whistle with fast attacking passing football, and if it had not been for some heroic saves from the Rangers keeper there would have been some very early goals. United finally broke through when Tom West played a fine through ball which Matthew Plowman dispatched past the keeper into the net. Quick passing and off the ball movement was tearing Cullompton apart and an accurate cross from Daniel Clarke on the left allowed Tom West to rise above the defence and head the ball into the net at the back post. The third goal was bizarre as a shot from Plowman was parried by the keeper only for him to see one of his defenders send it back over his head into the roof of his goal. The fourth goal came from another fine passing rally which allowed Harry Pearce to break free and he squared the ball across the box for Plowman to finish low past the keeper. It was a solo effort from Plowman which allowed him to get his hat trick as he broke free and rifled the ball with conviction past the advancing keeper. Plowman turned provider for the sixth as he crossed for Pearce to finish. Sam Hammond picked the ball up in midfield and had his choice of players to find with his lofted forward pass it was Plowman who reacted quickest to add his fourth and United`s seventh. United`s eighth was added by Daniel Clarke as he broke down the wing and finished convincingly into the roof of the net. Plowman added his fifth and United`s ninth just before half time.

In the second half United continued to play football and Barnett attacked down the right and crossed for Plowman to finish his sixth. United`s eleventh was added by Howard Smith after Oskar Wynne had threaded through a fine pass. Daniel Clarke added the twelfth as he broke down the left and fired in a shot from a wide position above the keeper. Marcus Barnett stole the ball from a Cullompton defender and ran through before finishing past the keeper. Barnett`s second shortly afterwards was almost a carbon copy of his first as again he stole the ball and finished confidentially. Blake Hull added the fifteenth as he broke down the right wing and lobbed the keeper. It was captain Sellick who added United`s last as he was freed from his defensive midfield duties to tap in from close range.

United not only scored some excellent goals but also put in a solid team performance which saw them playing some fantastic passing football with great off the ball movement.

Scorers: - Plowman 6; Clarke 2; Barnett 2; West; Pearce; Smith; Hull; Sellick ; O.G.:
United`s Man of the Match was awarded to Matthew Plowman for his fine finishing of his six goals and his fantastic team play.
United Squad :- Rawlings, Clarke, West, Lehuray, Philp, Barnett, Sellick, Pearce, Hammond , Plowman, Smith, Hull , Wardle and Wynne

Utd were away to Alphington this week and seeing all the puddles on the pitch were surprised to be playing but credit to both sides who produced a game that had everything. Utd needed to start brightly after last weeks disappointment. This was the case as Utd tore into the home side playing better football and creating better chances. It was no surprise when Utd took the lead with a goal that started with Pratt the left back exchanging passes with Collinson who in turn found Smith whose through ball was finished by Plowman.

Drama was to follow as both sides recieved yellow cards, with all the crowd shaking their heads in disbelief, a red card came out and Utd were down to ten men, this seemed to drive Utd on and they dominated the rest of the half but couldn't increase their lead.

Utd knew the second half would be tough but the defence of Philp, L West, T West and Pratt along with keeper Rawlings looked comfortable and it was the pace of Smith, Collinson and Plowman that caused more problems at the other end. Midway through the second half Alphington started to dominate possession of the ball finally getting the better of Wynne and Clarke in the centre of midfield and putting pressure on the back four. Alphington turned the game on its head in five minutes as they equalized with a great finish and then went ahead with a short corner routine that ended with a strike from the edge of the box that found the top corner.

Utd looked deflated but some how they still managed to pick themselves up and in the last few minutes won a string of corners from which they nearly forced an equalizer when L West struck a great shot that the Alphington keeper kept out with a fantastic save.

They say footballs a funny game last week Utd snatched a draw their performance probably didn't deserve, this week they deserved so much more than a 2-1 defeat. The effort, commitment and all round play deserved every bit of the applause the boys got from the crowd at the end.

Scorers: - Plowman:
Squad: - Rawlings; Philp; T West; L West; Pratt; Clarke; Barnett; Wynne; Collinson; Smith; Plowman; Hammond; Wardle; Ody:

Brixington United failed to live up to their previous performance on this cold winters morning. From the kick off United failed to settle and soon began to play a chasing game rather than the passing game they are used to. United failed to reach the spirit shown by central and did not seem to be interested in the game. In the first half United failed to have a shot on goal or put together more than two passes and they were lucky to come in at half time with a goalless scoreline.

It was hoped that United would begin to play football in the second half but this failed to materialise and it was only when central went one goal ahead that seemed to come to life. The introduction of the three United substitutes seemed to bring a bit of life to the team and it was one of these Howard Smith who scored the equaliser for United with minutes left on the clock.

United must learn to sustain the level that they are capable of playing at in order to progress in the league and reach a higher level.

Scorer: - Smith:
United Squad:- Rawlings, Philp, L.West, Lehuray, Pratt, Pearce, Sellick, Barnett, Clarke, Plowman, Hammond , Wynne, Ody and Smith.

One word would describe this enthralling quarter final match AWSOME.After being narrowly defeated by Pinhoe in the league who remain unbeaten this season and last season United were up for revenge. United knew that if they played the football they are capable of they could cause a major upset.It was United who attacked from the start with the midfield of Sellick,Barnett,Pearce and Clarke dominating it was United who looked like scoring first with Plowman and Hammond looking threatening every time they got the ball. It was Pinhoe who opened the scoring when a wayward goal kick was struck back past Rawlings in goal by Justin Boult to put Pinhoe in the lead. This was the first shot on goal that Spartans had produced against the mighty United defence of Philp, T.West, L.West and Lehuray. United did not allow this to affect their game and rallied together to create more chances.

Mid way through the second half United finally drew level as a through ball from Barnett found Hammond who superbly lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper, this furthered United`s belief that they could become the first team to beat the Pins. United continued to attack from the midfield with Pearce and Clarke causing havoc down the wings and Plowman and Hammond running the opposing defence ragged. The game swung from end to end and both sides continued to create chances in normal time.

United went into extra time believing that they could win this game and the boys went out totally motivated and continued to push forward in wave after wave of attacking football. Both sides continued to create chances and the Pinhoe manager began to plan for penalties as with two minutes to go he brought on Dale Joy a centre half it was this move that won the game for Pinhoe as a corner was played in and a cruel bobble found the knee of Joy to bounce past Rawlings with a minute left on the clock.

United should be proud of themselves although all of the players left the pitch truly gutted as they knew they could of and probably should of won the game. In five years of managing the game this performance must rate as one of the best ever not only for the outstanding football but also the excellent attitude and commitment the players from both sides adopted, if United played like this week in and week out they would surely have finished runners up in the league this year.

Scorers: - Hammond
United:- Rawlings, Philp, T.West, L.West, Lehuray, Clarke, Sellick, Barnett, Pearce, Plowman, Hammond , Collinson and Hull .
Man of The Match was awarded to the whole squad.

United travelled to much improved Twyford this week and for 20 mins looked stunned as Twyford dominated the game and coped much better with the sticky conditions, it was no surprise when Twyford took the lead from the penalty spot. They soon doubled their lead as United failed to clear the ball and a Twyford striker drilled the loose ball home. United needed some inspiration and one of their best players on the day Barnett provided it as he knocked home a cross to make the half-time score 2-1.

United pushed forward more and more in the second half and although they dominated possession they were unable to create enough clear chances to get themselves back in the game.Uniteds equalizer finally came after a goal mouth scramble which Barnett managed to force home.

Both teams poured forward at every opportunity in search of a winner but both defences held out for a well deserved 2-2 draw.

Both teams deserve a lot of credit today as their effort, commitment and sportsmanship were outstanding although both teams have probably played a lot better this season.

Scorers: - Barnett 2:
United: - D Rawlings, T Philp, L West, J Lehuray, D Clarke, M Barnett, O Wynne, T Sellick, H Pearce, M Plowman, H Smith, L Wardle, B Hull .
Man Of Match: - M Barnett, O Wynne

United began to dominate from the kick off and soon began to attack the Broadclyst goal and had the players been able to adjust to the hard surface which caused the ball to run away from them earlier would surely have got off the mark earlier. United were dominating the midfield area with captain Sellick returning after a long injury snapping at his oppositions heels and unsettling them when they had possession with Smith dropping off in search of the ball and Wynne looking to thread the ball through at every opportunity. The back four of Philp, L.West, Lehuray and Pratt were also able to step forward and play telling passes into the opponents penalty area. It was from a fantastic cross from Liam West that United opened the scoring as Plowman got himself into a great position to finish from close range. It was Smith that turned provider for United`so second as he raced away from the defence to cross the ball which sat up invitingly for Plowman to add his second with a sweetly struck volley. Keeper Rawlings had come off of sick bed to play and due to United`s dominance he was rarely called upon in the first half.

The second half turned into a different story as United lost all shape and the game turned into a scrappy affair. United still managed to play some quality passing football which they are renowned for but only in short spells. United`s third came from a Liam West free kick as he struck the ball from thirty yards against the cross bar the ball dropped down for Oskar Wynne to finish from close range. United could have and should have won by a greater margin had they continued to play football in the second half rather than allowing stupid personal battles get in their way better opposition would have punished them.

Scorers: - Plowman 2; Wynne:
Man of the match:- Matthew Plowman.
United Squad:- Rawlings, Philp, L.West, Lehuray, Pratt, Ody, Wynne, Sellick, Hammond , Smith, Plowman, T.West and Wardle

United faced the unbeaten top of the table Spartans in a game where United proved they are a force to be reckoned with. The United players were pumped up for this game and what a great advertisement for youth football it turned into. United matched the Spartans in the first half with neither team being able to place an advantage on the result. United’s back four of Ben Pratt, Tom West, Liam West and Jason Lehuray proved to all onlookers just how dominant they can be and backed up by Dean Rawlings in goal they kept the Spartans at bay. The central midfield duo of Marcus Barnett and Oskar Wynne continued to battle and always looked to thread the ball through to the front men Howard Smith and Harry Pearce. United created opportunities including Barnett running from midfield but unfortunately he could not find the finishing pass or shot.

In the second half United so very nearly drew first blood as Jake Collinson cut in from the left wing and lobbed the advancing keeper only cruelly to see his effort cleared of the line and how decisive it became. It was Pinhoie who scored with fifteen minutes left to play as neither the impeccable defence or keeper Rawlings dealt with a ball in the box quick enough only to see the ball end up in the back of the net from the resulting scramble. Pinhoe`s second goal saw their prolific centre forward who had been kept under control for the whole game by Liam West and Jason Lehuray break free to finish past Rawlings.

United must take a lot of credit from this game as they gave the Spartans the toughest competition they have had in two seasons, it was quoted by the Pinhoe manager that a draw would have been a fair result on the day and what if Collision’s fantastic effort had gone in.

The man of the Match award was shared between Jason Lehuray and Liam West who both defended with fire and spirit the award coul easily have been given to the whole team and all i can say is we cannot wait for the next round of the cup when we will face the Spartans again.

United Squad :-Rawlings; T.West; L.West; Lehuray; Pratt; Clarke; Barnett; Wynne; Collinson; Pearce; Smith; Sellick; Philps and Hammond

It was United who found themselves with their backs to goals at the start of this league match as it seemed that they were never going to get the ball out of their half. Alphington continued to press forward and soon finished one of the many chances that they were creating. Finding themselves one goal down seemed to kick start United into life as they began to play football with the central midfield duo of Harry Pearce and Oskar Wynne backed up by the central defensive partnership of Liam West and Jason Lehuray began to find space which allowed them to play their excellent passing game. United began to find the wide players in Daniel Clarke and Sam Hammond and with Matt Plowman and Howard Smith running the Alphington back line ragged chances would soon be created. It was an excellent through ball from Plowman to Pearce which led to United`s equaliser as he cooly finished low past the keeper. United now really began to dominate play as they managed to get the ball wide and the full backs Ben Pratt and Tom West also began to press forward. Dean Rawlings found himself tested in goal on a few more occasions but always looked comfortable. It was the ever running Pearce who created the second goal for United as he picked the ball up in his own half and ran at the Alphington defence before sliding the ball through to Plowman who cooly finished past the advancing keeper. United had a further chance before half time as they were awarded a penalty which Smith struck well only to see the ball drive straight at the keeper.

United started the second half in the same manner playing flowing passing football which saw them create chance after chance as they carved their way through the Alphington midfield and defence, United scored again after a goal mouth scramble but to all on lookers disbelief the goal was not given, to their credit United did not allow this to affect them and continued to play football. The third goal came from a set piece as Liam West took a free kick from the left touch line twenty five yards from goal which he majestically curled into the top right hand corner of the goal. Even after united found themselves two goals ahead they still continued to play attacking football and it was Hammond who created United’s fourth as he broke down the left wing and crossed the ball for Wynne to drive it low into the net. Jake Collinson then made his return as he came on as substitute after a six week lay off and soon began to find space on the left wing which saw him deliver some excellent crosses. Thomas Philips also returned to right back as he replaced Lehuray after missing the last fixture through illness and found himself tested as Alphington began to press forward but never allowed himself to get caught out of position.

United deserved this result as they took all they learnt on the training pitch into the match and played some superb football. Man of the Match could have gone to many but was awarded to Harry Pearce for his quality passing and effortless running which saw him cover every blade of grass on the pitch.

Scorers : - Pearce; Plowman; West; Wynne:
United: - Rawlings, West, Lehuray, West, Pratt, Clarke, Wynne, Pearce, Hammond, Plowman, Smith, Philps and Collinson.

Brixington United started this fixture with seven players unavailable leaving the manager with no choice but to play some of the remaining squad out of position.United never looked phased by this and it was not long before the central midfield trio of Barnett, Wynne and Pearce began to take control as they mixed up the play with short sharp passing movements and weaving runs at a solid looking Colyton defence. It was a break from Pearce down the left wing which created United`s first goal as his wicked hard and low cross was deflected off of a Colyton defender and into the net. United continued to drive forward through the midfield and also with some fantastic searching balls from the central defensive pairing of Liam and Tom West who always looked comfortable on the ball. With Hammond and Clifford Harding attacking down the wings and Smith using his pace up front United created lots of chances which unfortunately always seemed to fall on to the players weaker foot. Colyton never gave up and themselves played some excellent passing football to create chances which were saved by Rawlings in goal to keep United in front. It was from a needless free kick that Colyton drew level as the ball was delivered into no mans land between the United defence and keeper where a Colyton forward reacted quickest to drive the ball past Rawlings.

United continued to show excellent determination and effort in the second half as they continued to drive forward in search of the winning goal with Wynne creating many chances with his deft touches to set up the ever running trio of Barnett, Pearce and Smith all of whom were unlucky not to score. With United also attacking down the wings and the defensive four of Clarke, West, West and Wardle beginning to grow in confidence and stature United always looked as if they could win this game if only they could finish one of the countless chances they created. It was an excellent through ball from Wynne which found Barnett as he attacked the box with fifteen minutes to go which finally led to the winner as he finished across the keeper into the far corner. All credit must go to both sides who never gave up and entertained those watching with some excellent flowing passing football. Extra credit must go to United who started the game in a positive manner with great commitment and effort and never deviated from this.

Man of the match was awarded to the whole squad for an outstanding team effort.
United Squad:-Rawlings, Clarke, L.West, T.West, Wardle, Hammond , Wynne, Barnett, Clifford-Harding, Pearce, Smith and Hull .
Scorers Barnett; O.G.

Brixington United returned to winning ways this week against a determined Central team. United started brightly from the off and looked far more like a team playing with confidence and ability. It was Howard Smith who began the United scoring mid way through the first half when a good through ball saw him one on one with the keeper, Smith had the confidence and skill to beat the keeper as he finished with a spectacular right foot shot which flew past the keeper. It was Daniel Clarke returning from injury who added the second shortly afterwards as he beat his defender on the edge of the penalty area and took the ball goalwards before finishing high into the central net. United now began to look like they would march onwards as the midfield returned to it’s strongest and the defence again looked to be in control. The centre midfield playmaker Harry Pearce continued to find room and create chances for the front running pair of Smith and Plowman.

In the second half United looked to have won the game as Smith scored his second after a good run down the right hand wing and a finish from an acute angle saw United leading by three goals. The game then took a turn as United found themselves caught out by the pace of the central forwards who added two goals to the scoreline. United were able to breathe again when substitute Liam Wardle found himself in space at the back post to finish a great cross from the right wing. The game was firmly put back in United`s control as man of the match Ben Pratt carried the ball forward from his left back position and struck it with his sweet left foot from the edge of the penalty area into the bottom corner of the net just edging Smith’s first to the goal of the match award. With a couple of minutes left to play it was keeper Rawlings who had a rush of blood to the head as he found himself tripping a central forward over as he battled for the ball in the penalty area the resulting spot kick was to be the last goal of the game. United seemed to play with far more commitment and passion as they battled back from their previous two losses well done to the whole squad.

Scorers:- Smith 2; Clarke; Wardle; Pratt:
United:-Rawlings, Philp, Liam West, Tom West, Pratt, Clarke, Sellick, Pearce, Collinson, Smith, Plowman, Wardle, Clifford-Harding and Wynne

Brixington United must be the unluckiest team in the league having faced two of the top teams in the league and both with under strength squads due to injury. United started brightly in this fixture and began to create chances however they found themselves a goal down when a Heavitree cross came off of United’s Ody and found it’s way into the net. United responded but another lucky through ball found United lacking as it was converted by the Heavitree striker. United continued to attack through West playing in midfield with Pearce and Smith and Plowman working tirelessly up front. Just before half time Pearce found Plowman who struck goal to bring United back into the game.

After losing their captain Sellick in the pre match warm up United’s luck took another down turn as Lehuray was forced off through a knee injury shortly followed by his centre back partner Liam West. United continued to battle but were unable to get further back into the game as Heavitree struck twice more. United again lost another defender when Ody was forced to leave the pitch, the fourth injury in one game which United had already started with 4 key players injured. United’s effort and commitment in this fixture was fantastic and the squad must realise with luck on their side and all players fit the result would have been highly different and their season will continue on a higher note as they take their effort and commitment forward and return to winning ways.

Utd couldn't reach the heights of last week as their opponents West Exe dominated this game from the start to finish. West Exe started really well and forced Utds keeper Dean Rawlings into two good saves before they took a deserved lead. Utd struggled to pick up midfield runners and this led to goals two and three. Matt Plowman did find the net to reduce the score to 3-1 but West Exe finished the half stronger and scored twice more.

Matt Plowman deservedly scored his second to make it 5-2 early in the second half but Utd couldn't find anything more and West Exe scored three more goals to run out easy winners 8-2. Utd kept battling to the end but were second best in every area today, but knowing Utd they will learn from this defeat and come back stronger for it next week

United faced Twyford this week and dominated from start to finish playing some great football at times and finally finishing a good proportion of the chances they created. Smith started the scoring and Tom West quickly added the second from a Pearce corner. Plowman added three and four with neat finishes. Twyford pulled a goal back but Smith added his second just before half-time. Barnett came on in the second half and his pass allowed Smith to complete his hat-trick. Barnett then added number seven himself. The eighth was an own goal again from a Pearce corner. Hull then added his first two goals for the club both contenders for goal of the game. The strike pairing of Smith and Plowman added another goal each which their consistent running deserved.

Credit to Twyford who never gave up until the final whistle but it was Utd who ran out comfortable winners. Utd now have to keep up this standard every week because it is a joy to watch.

United attacked from the off in this second round cup game with the midfield of Sellick and Pearce dominating in the centre and Clarke and Collinson attacking down the wings it was a question of how long would it take to score the first goal. The ever running Smith soon found himself with chances to score but despite coming close he could not find the net, it was Smith who turned provider for Collinson who cut in from the left wing to score the first goal. Great running from Hammond soon created more chances and increased the pressure and it was from a corner which he won that Liam West strode forward from the defence to add the second with his head. Smith found his shooting boots just before half time and added the third from close range.

The second half continued to see United on the attack and great wing play from Man of the Match Collinson created chance after chance as he whipped the ball in with either foot from the left wing. It was Collinson who added the fourth as his corner found it`s way into the Dynamoes net. The fifth was soon added by Hammond as he finally got the goal his endless running and tackling deserved. Harry Pearce added the sixth with a great solo effort which was beaten for goal of the game by United`s last and Plowmans first as he picked the ball up in the centre of the pitch and ran at the CountessWear defence beating three players before rifling the ball right footed into the net. United played well from defence to attack and ran out comfortable winners.

Squad :- Rawlings, T.West, L.West. Lehuray, Ody, Sellick, Pearce, Collinson, Clarke ,Hammond, Smith, Plowman, Wardle, Wynne.

United found themselves pitched against very tough opposition to whom they showed far too much respect. United soon found themselves two goals down with both of these being conceded from sloppy marking at corners. United battled but never seemed to be able to raise any dominance in the first half and found themselves coming in 3-0 down at half time.

The second half started in a different vain as Oskar Wynne and Harry Pearce began to come to life in midfield however the tough opposition could not be broken down even when the two wingers were brought more and more into the game. United then lost two of their defensive three to injury before conceding a further two goals. United must believe in themselves as they are easily one of the top teams in the league and can prove this with a little more fight and determination.

United:- Rawlings, Lehuray, West, Pratt, Sellick, Wynne, Pearce, Clarke, Ody, Collinson, Smith, Wardle, Hammond and Philp.

United started the season with a bang when they convincingly beat Cullompton at home. United struggled to play the passing football they were capable of in the first 10 minutes but once they settled down their game flowed in a superb fashion. It was Howard Smith who opened the goal scoring when a great run from him down the right wing ended in a vicious shot which skidded off the rain swept surface and past the Cullompton keeper. It was Smith who added the second from the penalty spot after some wicked wing play from Daniel Clarke led to him being brought down on the edge of the penalty box. The ever probing wing play from Clarke and Collinson backed up by the non stop running of Marcus Barnett who was given the free role in a five man midfield was only going to create more chances. It was Matthew Plowman who added the fourth when he broke down the left hand side and had the confidence to lift the ball past the advancing keeper with his weaker left foot. Marcus Barnett added the fourth just before half time when he finished off another great passing movement. The three man defence rarely looked troubled and at half time United were reminded to carry on playing their passing game in order to create more chances.

The second half continued in the same fashion and United were soon gaining momentum with the central midfield trio of Sellick, Wynne and man of the match Barnett winning everything. Lowman soon added the fifth as he chested down a wayward goal kick and dispatched the ball past the keeper with a wicked right foot effort. Great wing play from Collinson led to him scoring the sixth with a cool finish under the Cullompton keeper and the seventh was added from the opposite wing when Daniel Clarke’s great near post cross was deflected off of a defender and into the net. United adapted well to their new formation and after a pensive first 10 minutes rarely looked threatened.

United :- Rawlings, T.West, L.West, B.Pratt, Sellick, Wynne, Barnett, Collinson, Clarke, Plowman, Smith, Ody, Hull , Wardle and Philp.

This was the last tournament of the summer for both Brixington United and Brixington Blues and both showed improved form in progressing beyond the group stage, to reach the quarter finals.

Unfortunately, however, both teams were then beaten. United lost to a very strong team from Plymouth Argyle 0-5, but can be very proud of their efforts in the group as they played some great football, beating Colyton 2-0 (West, Collinson), Twyfords 2-0 (Wardle, Collinson), Morley Rangers 2-0 (West, Plowman) and Stoke Hill 1-0 (Plowman). United’s only group defeat came at the hands of West Exe , 0-3. Well done, today, boys.

After losing their first match 0-1 to Twyfords, the Blues recovered well, beating Woolwell 1-0 (Fraser-Roe) and Kingfisher 2-0 (Fraser-Roe 2), before drawing with Elm Utd 1-1 (Fyles) and Moors Youth 1-1 ( Walker ). As a result, they went through as top of the group, but then ran out of steam and were beaten 0-1 after extra time by Stoke Hill in their quarter final.

Group C Table
	P	W	D	L	PTS
West Exe	5	4	1	0	13
Brixington United	5	4	0	1	12
Stoke Hill	5	3	1	1	10
Morley Rangers	5	1	1	3	4
Colyton Blues	5	0	2	3	3
Twyford C	8	0	1	4	2
Group A Table
	P	W	D	L	PTS
Brixington Blues	5	2	2	1	10
Elm Utd	5	2	3	0	10
Moors Youth A	5	2	2	1	9
Woolwell	5	2	2	1	9
Kingfisher Colts	5	1	1	3	5
Twyford B	5	1	0	4	3

United:- Dean Rawlings, Liam Wardle, Liam West, Thomas Philp, Jake Collinson, Matt Plowman and Ben Pratt.

Blues:- Billy Zberowski, Lewie Farrant, Jake Preece, Ryan Fraser-Roe, Marvin Weir, Ben Walker, Darryn Carpenter-Cossey and Shane Fyles.

A disappointing day for both United and Blues as the two Brixington teams wilted under the sweltering heat.

United failed to reach the level of performances they have achieved in previous tournaments and finished bottom of their group, winning only one game and losing the other three. They showed glimpses of their best form against Crediton A where two goals from Liam West and one from Harry Ody gave them a 3-0 victory, but below par performances against Woolwell A 0-3, the Blues 0-4 and Copplestone 0-2 meant an early exit.

The Blues fared slightly better, losing their first two group matches 0-1 to Crediton A and 0-1 to Woolwell A. Then they won the last two 1-0 against Copplestone (Marvin Weir) and 4-0 against United (Jake Preece, Weir, Luke Moody and Billy Zberowski).

They came third in the group and just failed to reach the semi finals, as only the top two teams went through.

	P	W	D	L	PTS
Woolwell A	4	2	1	1	10
Copplestone	4	2	1	1	10
Brixington Blues	4	2	0	2	8
Crediton A	4	1	2	1	8
Brixington United	4	1	0	3	4

United: Dean Rawlings, Jason Lehuray, Liam West, Harry Ody, Ben Pratt, Matt Plowman and Tom Sellick.

Blues: Billy Zberowski, Lewie Farrant, Jake Preece, Joe Harnick, Marvin Weir, Luke Moody and Shane Fyles.