U12s 'Utd' REPORTS 

United 4-0 Bradnich

United U12's Blue League Champions

Needing all three points in the penultimate game of the season nerves got the better of the boys in a first half display well below their best. As half time approached Utd started to create chances without really threatening.

The boys approached the second half with a different mentality and were settled by an early goal coolly scored by Adam Wheatley. From this point on all the play was concentrated in the Bradnich half leading to further goals from Charlie Cotton, Jack Howarth and a first of the season for Jake Allars.

Mat Wells will count himself very unlucky to see his twenty yard shot headed off the line and along with a superb display by the excellent visiting goalkeeper Bradnich will be pleased with their work ethic.

Whilst this game was being played Brixington’s nearest rivals Kentisbeare were losing away at Crediton, a result which confirms the Utd boys as Champions of the Blue Division U-12 League. 

Goal Scorers:- Howarth; Cotton; Wheatley; Allars:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarman,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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United 2-0 Honiton Town Rovers

With injuries and absences causing Utd to field only eleven players against one of the better teams in the Division all the boys new that hard work would be the order of the day.

As this season has progressed one of the highlights of Utd’s progression has been the team ethic and the desire to work for each other. The boys put this ethic to work and took the game to the vistors.

The match settled into an enthralling encounter played mainly in midfield. Matt Wells  and Charlie Cotton produced outstanding high energy displays recycling possession and providing a link forward to the hard working Theo Barnes and Jack Howarth. As ever the Utd defence looked solid protecting Connor Gosling in goal so as to restrict the away side to a couple of long range efforts.

The first goal was a stunning example of individual brilliance as Adam Wheatley stormed down the right wing leaving three defenders in his wake. His pinpoint cross found Charlie Cotton who lobbed the goalkeeper with a well hit shot.

The second half mirrored the first with Utd creating the better chances. The boy’s hard work paid off as Barnes tackled well and then   swung over a perfect cross for Howarth to side foot home the second goal. Honiton tried to attack right to end but the boy’s work rate stayed high to produce another clean sheet.

This was an awesome all round performance from the boys who where understandably shattered from their mornings exertions. With two games to play Brixington now know that four points will be enough to lift the League Title.  

Goal Scorers:- Howarth; Cotton:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarman,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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Crediton Youth  2-2 United

Crediton started the game as Utd’s closest rivals in the race for the Blue Division Title. A large crowd were entertained fully by two enterprising teams. Adam Wheatley struck a post early on and Charlie Cotton twice looked to have done enough to score but the first goal proved elusive.

At the back Reece Crozier and Alex Manning along with Riordan Deehan Jackson and Kieron Saxton repelled any attacks restricting the home side to the occasional long range shot.

Livewire centre forward Jack Howarth again provided the run and finish to score the opener ten minutes before half time and when he added a second five minute after the interval, superbly created by James Roberts, three points looked in the bag.

By now Brixington had pushed the home side back and the game was being played in their half but an injury to Croizier unsettled the Utd defence and within two minutes of his leaving the pitch Crediton scored with a well taken goal. Suddenly the home side gained a second wind and pressure mounted relentlessly on the Utd goal. Connor Gosling made a number of outstanding saves but not prevent the equaliser from being scored with five minutes remaining.

The Brixington boys needed to dig deep to hold out for a point when three had looked assured. The team rallied and held the resurgent Crediton team until the final whistle.

Goal Scorers:- Howarth 2:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarman,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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United  2–0  Exwick Youth

This match was played in horrible weather, wet, windy and cold, causing both sides difficulties in trying to play football. That Utd ran out comfortable winners is a testament to the home side’s fabulous defending allied to lightning quick attacks.

Uts’s ever reliable goalkeeper, Connor Gosling, had no saves of note to make due to the organised back four impressively lead by Alex Manning and the hard working industry displayed in midfield.

The match was ten minutes old when an incisive series of passing released Jack Howarth to fire an unstoppable shot in off the underside of the bar. Other chances came and went leaving the score the same until with five minutes to go Adam Wheatley powered out of defence to release a thirty yard inch perfect pass inviting Howarth to shoot past the advancing keeper.  

Charlie Cotton was desperately unlucky to see his smart side foot shot hit the inside of a post and be cleared and George Jarmin saw his thirty yard pile driver miss by inches.

Again the boys produced a committed and wholehearted performance with all the boys contributing to a hard fought win. 

Goal Scorers:- Howarth 2:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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United 1-1  Kentisbeare Colt

An exciting and enthralling game developed between the two sides with 100% records so far in 2008. Both sides coped well with the strong wind, which gave neither an advantage, and tried to play passing football.

Leading scorer Jack Howarth scored first for Utd following good work by Reuben Neilan after six minutes. The Colts responded with strong running and probing passing but found the Utd defence in unyielding mood. With Reece Crozier outstanding at centre back and Mat Wells superbly shielding the defence the Colts were resticted to long range shots.

Having defended magnificently Utd can count themselves very unlucky to concede a penalty two minutes before half time which the Colts centre forward scored.

Brixington took the game to the Colts in the second half and created more chances but this time the Colts defence showed great reilience as first Charlie Cotton and then James Roberts came close to scoring.

With the game now in injury time Howarth again surged down the right eventually crossing to Roberts who volleyed goal bound only to see the Colts defender handle the ball. Despite crossing the line for a goal the referee had already blown for the penalty. Utd’s bad luck was compounded when Cotton saw his penalty well saved by the Colts keeper.

On another day neither penalty would have been given and the boys would probably have been celebrating a win. With five games left in the season Utd find themselves four points clear at the top of the league.  

Goal Scorers: Howarth:
Team:-Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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Central Spitfires 4-8 United

This game had everything, great goals, comedy defending and an away coach who at one stage forgot to play any defenders in defence! The Spitfires belied their status as the bottom team of the division to give Utd a big scare.

Brixington scored three to the Spitfires one in the first half with Riodan Deehan Jackson’s goal the highlight for Utd. With almost the first kick of the second half Central scored and then goals were traded to make the score 5-4 midway through the second half.

At this point Coach Manning finally reorganised the team putting the boys into their accustomed positions. This belated move enabled Charlie Cotton to complete his first ever hatrick and for Jack Howarth to finish sublimely well for both of the last two goals.

Hats off to Central who battled all the way and also to Utd for responding well when things looked a little bleak. As for Coach Manning – well a lesson learned – eventually! 

Goal Scorers: Howarth 4; Cotton 3;Deehan Jackson:
Squad:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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Hemyock  0-4 United

Heavy overnight rain and a strong morning wind created conditions that did not suit the fast paced passing game that is Brixington’s trademark. Added to this Hemyock defended in numbers resulting in a game that never flowed.

Jack Howarth looked lively and created early chances that his team mates failed to finish. He then ran 40 yards, out running the home defence, to round the keeper and score his first of two goals.  Goal two resulted again from a cracking Howarth finish with half time being reached with Connor Gosling only having to save twice.

George Jarmin acted as goalkeeper for the second half and only touched the ball twice. With the wind at their backs Utd peppered the Hemyock goal with Howarth unlucky not to get a second consecutive hattrick. His strike partner Charlie Cotton scored the two second half goals including an inventive goal scored with his chest.

A game which will be quickly forgotten as a spectacle provided the necessary three points for the boys who will be hoping for a better surface and less wind when they travel to play Central next week.

Goal Scorers:- Howarth 2; Cotton 2:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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United 5-2  St Martins

In September last year the boys played St Martins and lost for the only time in the League this season. The team had something to prove and set about their task with relish. The away side were stunned by a first half performance from Utd straight from the top drawer.

The St’s defence had no answer to the precsion passing and superb movement demonstrated by the home side. Charlie Cotton scored both first half goals with assists from Jack Howarth and James Roberts, the latter playing his best game to date. The travelling side were unable to mount any attacks of note during the half thanks to high quality defending especially from Reece Crozier and Riordan Deehan Jackson.

From the restart Utd carried on with their relentless attacks and Howarth was rewarded for his hard work scoring the first goal of his second half hat trick. The boys created chance after chance but still St Martins managed a goal of their own against the run of play.

Any thoughts of a fightback were dismissed immediately as Brixington responded with a gaol and despite a second on the day for the St’s, Howarth’s third and Brixington’s fifth ended the scoring just before the final whistle.

To dominate so much against a top side by playing attractive and cultured football left the home crowd and the boys dreaming of winning the Blue Division title. On this display this dream could become a reality – watch this space.

Scorers: - Howarth 3; Cotton 2:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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United 4-0 Pinhoe Spartans

Brixington maintained their 100% start to 2008 with a thoroughly deserved victory against a well organised Pinhoe team. The Spartans frustrated Utd in the first half by defending in numbers leaving only one striker up.

Utd had to be patient and look to pick passes into space, the boys stuck to the task and as the half continued the chances came, the best a super long range shot from Adam Wheatley which just flashed wide. The only goal of the half was a joy to watch as a flowing passing move spilt the Spartans defence allowing Jack Howarth to score.

The second half followed the same pattern with chances created through intelligent play. Charlie Cotton added a brace of goals to his seasons tally and Howarth matched his strike partner with his second on the day.

Assist credits need to be given to Owen Flinn, Luke Lamy and Mat Wells as well as a special mention to Theo Barnes for creating the last two goals. Again all the boys played their parts well and can be pleased with their days endeavour.

Scorers:- Cotton2; Howarth 2: 
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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Twyford Spartans 2-7 United

The weather nearly claimed this game but a delayed start enabled a frosty pitch to thaw enough to ensure the safety of the players. Brixington settled quickly with James Roberts and Mat Wells probing the home defence and George Jarmin and Jack Howarth stretching the play.

Jake Allars was unlucky to see his goal bound effort cleared off the line and Charlie Cotton and Howarth both had clear chances to score. The deadlock was broken with a first goal for Adam Wheatley, a low drive to the right of the keeper.

The boys continued to control the game but were stunned right on half time when the Spartans fashioned an equaliser against the run of play.

The second half saw Brixington move up a couple of gears and by the time the home number five scored the goal of the game, a thirty yard screamer, Utd had already scored another four with a further two to follow. For the record Howarth and Cotton scored two apiece with Manning and Saxton scoring, Saxton’s his second in a week

Another tremendous performance from this ever improving team including great displays from Owen Flinn and Theo Barnes  meant that  a happy group of boys to head back home.

Scorers:- Howarth 2; Cotton 2; Manning; Saxton; Wheatley:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Mat Wells, Adam Wheatley

Report by Simon Manning  

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Sidmouth Town Vikings 2-3 United
Friendly

With six weeks having passed since the boys last played everyone was pleased to see the sun shinning and Sidmouth able to replace the original League game fixture arranged for the day  

For twenty minutes Sidmouth attacked with relish and scored two goals and created further chances. The Utd boys just could not get going but despite this they kept trying to play good football and as the halftime break approached Charlie Cotton and Riordan Deehan Jackson both came agonisingly close to scoring.

Football is full of clichés and the “game of two halfs” comment fitted this game perfectly. It was as if a new team took to the field for the second half as Utd created chance after chance with Jack Howarth, on his birthday, scoring two and Kieran Saxton heading the winner from a corner.

George Jarmin played in goal for the second half keeping a clean sheet and Adam Wheatley impressed on his debut at centre back. Most of the boys played some of the game in different positions to normal and yet again the boys showed why they are currently top of the League through their teamwork, togetherness and never say die attitude. 

Scorers:- Howarth 2; Saxton:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton, Adam Wheatley.

Report by Simon Manning  

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United  0-1  Alphington (Cup)

Both teams played a full part in a thoroughly entertaining and even Cup game. Alphington, a top five team from the Red Division, started the stronger but found the constantly improving home defence in no mood to concede. The Alphas had the lion’s share of possession but created only one clear chance, which was superbly saved at full stretch by Connor Gosling.

As the match progressed United began to create their own chances but the Alphas defence gave nothing away and despite enterprising midfield play from Cotton and Lamy allied to strong running from Howarth, Roberts and Nielan the half ended in stalemate despite the Alphas shading it.

The second half saw the Brixington boys grow with confidence and begin to gain the upper hand, so it came as a cruel blow when against the run of play the Alphas manufactured a fabulous goal worthy of winning any game. A surging run down the right flank and a measured cross was stuck on the volley high into the roof of the net by the Alphas  centre forward.

The home team responded strongly and took the game to the Alphas camping themselves in the opposition half.  It was no surprise, with ten minutes to go, when a penalty was awarded to Brixington after good work by Howarth. Up stepped the team captain Manning who blasted a low drive, which the keeper dived left and pushed round the post.

To there credit the boys kept pushing hard to level the tie but to no avail. All agreed a draw would have been a representative score and the boys superb performance against a top team from the higher division highlights how much improvement 2007 has seen for the team.

Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning  

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Honiton Town Rovers 0-0 United

The two sides with the meanest defences in Blue Division both contributed greatly to an absorbing and entertaining game. It was a day when chances were few and the quality of the defending was high leading in the end to a fair result.

Utd’s best first half chance fell to Barnes whose excellent shot was well saved but it was Rovers who finished the half strongly with a goal mouth scramble which saw the Utd boys throwing themselves in front of three shots, all goal bound.

The second half saw much of the same with both sides striving to pass the ball and out think the opposition. Again Rovers came close with both Manning and Crozier clearing goal bound efforts and goalkeeper Gosling saving well.  The best chance of the game however  fell to Utd following a brilliant jinking run and shot from Roberts which the home keeper parried into the path of Cotton who starred in disbelief as the home keeper recovered to save his goal bound shot.

Again a great advert for youth football showcasing the importance and value of quality defending in the modern game.    

Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning  

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Unites 3-2 Crediton Youth

The two top sides of Blue Division both played their part in the game of the season so far. Crediton started strongly passing the ball well and creating the early openings with Brixington creating chances on the break.  The away side scored first, a well worked goal finished with aplomb and then extended the lead following a defensive error from Utd.

This seemed to stir Brixington into action with Lamy, Jackson and especially Cotton driving the midfield forward the home side took the game to Crediton and deservedly pulled a goal back, a cracking shot from Nielan. Brixington slowly gained the upper hand and were rewarded when Howarth darted in ahead of the away keeper to score from close range.

The second half witnessed both sides striving to play passing football but Brixington always looked the better team.  From the superbly organised defence lead by the Referees Man of the Match Manning to the inspired Gosling in goal Brixington were able to create chances but still look solid  at the back  

The goal that won the game was a beauty, Cotton playing a “slide rule pass” through the Crediton defence for Howarth to round the keeper and slot home the winner. This match was a real credit to the quality of youth football with both sides playing hard but fairly, both showing respect for each other.     

Scorers:- Howarth 2; Nielan:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Matt Grainger, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning  

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Bradninch 0-2 United

Despite having not played for three weeks the boys travelled to Bradninch in the knowledge that a win would maintain their position at the top of Blue Division.

From the start Utd played with power and pace with wave upon wave of attacks. The home side battled gamely but had no answer as first Jarmin and then Roberts scored excellent individual goals putting Utd two to the good after 12 minutes. This pace could not be maintained however and occasionally Bradninch managed to break forward but carried no real threat.

Cotton, Lamy and Deehan Jackson controlled midfield creating chances for the forwards but a mixture of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping along with a large slice of bad luck prevented Utd from increasing their lead.

A special word this week collectively for the defence for preventing a team who average over three goals per game from having a meaningful shot.

Scorers:- Jarmin; Roberts:
Squad:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Matt Grainger, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning  

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Kentisbeare Colts 1-3 United

An absorbing game between two sides full of effort and endeavour enthralled a large crowd on a lovely sunny morning. The first half saw few clear chances created by either team as both midfields battled for supremacy.

Cotton and Howarth came closest for Utd but it was left to Jarmin to score the opener with a thunderous drive from 12 yards out. Utd’s defence were tested but stood resolute against the home sides attacks with Barnes and Deehan Jackson particularly catching the eye.

The second half resumed with a similar pattern, however, Utd looked the better side.  Top scorer Howarth chased after a back pass for which he had no right to get and rounded the keeper for goal two and Cotton finished with aplomb  minutes later to effectively end the game.

The Colts managed a late consolation goal but the Brixington boys headed back home happy with a job well done.

Scorers:- Jarmin; Howarth; Cotton:
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Matt Grainger, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning  

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 United 6-0 Central Spitfires

For the first time in five weeks Coach Manning was able to pick from a full squad for the visit of the Spitfires.  A new formation was tried and the boys took a bit of time to get into the game., however, it was no surprise when Flinn lobbed the away keeper from the edge of the box to open the scoring.

The Spitfires tackled strongly but rarely threatened the three man home defence.  United created many chances and added a second through Cotton but were thwarted on many occasions by the excellent away keeper.

The second half brought many changes including Gosling and Jarmin swoping positions, the latter now playing in goal. Leading scorer Howarth scored goal three with Roberts and Cotton adding to the tally. It was left to Manning to score the final goal, a spectacular 25 yard volley, to round of a very creditable performance from the boys.

Next week sees the boys take a well earned rest with an away fixture to follow at Kentisbeare the following week.

Scorers:- Cotton 2; Flinn; Howarth; Roberts; Manning:
Team:-Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Matt Grainger, Jack Howarth, Riordan Deehan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning  

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Pinhoe Spartans  1-3 United

Fans of both sides witnessed a thoroughly entertaining and close first half. Building on their improved second half showing last week, Utd tried to play their passing game but the home side tackled strongly and passed fluently themselves. Neither side could gain a first half advantage despite both creating good chances.

The second half started with the Utd boy’s heeding the coaches advice and taking a bit more time to find the right pass. Things looked good until ten minutes into the half when a speculative shot from distance put the home side in front.

Within two minutes Utd had lost goalkeeper Gosling and centre back Barnes to injury and things looked bleak. Undaunted the boys attacked in waves with Flinn superbly setting up Lamy to volley home from 12 yards. Howarth scored goal two after great work from Cotton and goal three came via the boot of a Spartans defender with Grainger poised to score.

A great result and performance sees the boys regain the lead of Blue Division with this weeks special mention going to George Jarmin for taking over the goalkeeping duties. 

Scorers:- Lamy; Howarth; O.G.:
Team: Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flinn, Connor Gosling, Matt Grainger, Jack Howarth, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan,   Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning  

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St Martins  3-2 United

The boys travelled to Exeter to play their first away game of the season without three regulars and with three others carrying injuries. Initially this situation did not affect Utd who started the brighter and created the clearer openings. However the Saints slowly took control and by half time the hosts lead two nil.  

The team needed to respond and did so taking the game to the Saints and creating chances leading to Howarth scoring with a spectacular dribble and shot. Utd pushed harder and harder but were caught committing men forward leading to goal three for the Saints. Undaunted the boys redoubled their efforts and were rewarded with a second goal again a great shot by Howarth.

The final ten minutes proved frenetic but the equaliser the boy’s efforts deserved did not come. A special mention this week for Crozier, Gosling and Lamy who all played despite being unwell, their efforts in particular deserved more reward.

Scorers:- Howarth 2: 
Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Reece Crozier, Connor Gosling, Matt Grainger, Jack Howarth, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning  

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United 5-2 Twyford Spartans

Having started the season strongly United looked to make it two wins in a row at the expense of the Spartans. From the start the home side passed fluently and created chances with Jarmin and Howarth unlucky not to score. It was left to Roberts to open the scoring with a fine low drive from the edge of the box. Goals two and three came courtesy of Cotton and Howarth, the former his first for the season.

The Spartans found Utd difficult to break down defensively with special praise for the way the two home fullbacks Saxton and Neilan defended. Gosling in goal was called upon more than last week but the greater threat still came from Utd.

Half time saw the score remain at three nil and Brixington lined up for the second half with three substitutions and a couple of positional changes. This upset the home side’s rhythm and enabled the Spartans to create a couple of chances with the excellent Saxton clearing of the line.

Eventually the home defence was breached with a slick goal and for a moment the Spartans sensed a chance to recover, however, Cotton dashed the away sides hope with his second of the day and despite another goal against, Brixington finished strongly leaving Crozier to score the fifth and final goal.

This was another fine performance from the Brixington boys, setting them up nicely for the first away game next week at St Martins.

Scorers:- Cotton 2; Roberts; Howarth; Crozier:
Team: Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flynn, Connor Gosling, Matt Grainger, Jack Howarth, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning  

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Brixington Utd 6-0 Hemyock          

As ever a new season sees many changes and this one more than most. Due to the amount of teams joining the League, two divisions have been formed with United playing in the Blue Divison. A change of pitch now means home games are to be played at East Budleigh Football Club and a huge thank you needs to go to the Club’s Committee for allowing this.  

Hemyock were the first to visit the new pitch and found it hard work against a well organised Utd. Alex Manning orchestrating things from the back set the tone with strong challenges and raking passes, Jack Howarth upfront sent fear into the away defence with his speed and as a team United’s passing took control.  

Within fifteen minutes four goals had been scored including a hatrick for Howarth and a goal for George Jarmin playing in his new stiker’s role. By the time Manning had scored goal five three substitutions had been made including debuts for Reuben Neilan and Theo Barnes and halftime could not come soon enough for the under siege Hemyock.

The second half bought some respite for the visitors and they managed a couple of decent strikes, one resulting in a great save from keeper Connor Gosling, but it was still Utd who created the bulk of the chances. Howarth will need to re-read the offside rule as he had three further goals ruled out, correctly, for offside. It was left to Luke Lamy to score the final goal with five minutes remaining to round off a superb display by the home team.

Finally in an era when it often seems cool to complain about referees I would like to express my thanks to Phil Page for volunteering and then displaying a fair, helpful and educational way of refereeing.

Scoreres:- Howarth 3; Jarmin; Manning; Lamy:  

Team:- Jake Allars, Theo Barnes, Charlie Cotton, Reece Crozier, Owen Flynn, Connor Gosling, Matt Grainger, Jack Howarth, Riordan Jackson, George Jarmin,  Luke Lamy,  Alex Manning, Reuben Neilan, James Roberts,  Kieron Saxton,

Report by Simon Manning

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