U15s 'Utd' Reports

U15s 'Utd' REPORTS

Blues v Broadclyst

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United 15-0 Westexe Athletic

United went into this fixture knowing that only a win would see them go level on points with Broadclyst at the top of the table and force a play off for the title of champions. United did not let themselves down as they totally dominated this fixture from the kick off. It was just under two minutes into the game when the lead was taken as Daniel Clarke found Matthew Plowman who drove forward past the defence and let fly with a right foot shot past the keeper into the net. It was Plowman who added the second shortly afterwards as Josh Reed won the ball in the middle of the pitch looked up and floated a great ball over the top for the forward running Plowman who with great composure lobbed the oncoming keeper. Plowman completed his hat trick as again he was found in the clear before finishing across the keeper just inside the far post. United were urged to carry on playing great football and ensure that the game was put to bed with further goals and it was from a great move that the fourth came as great movement and slick passing found Reed in the clear and he unleashed a thumping right foot shot which cannoned off the cross bar to the lively Matthew Lidstone who knocked the ball home with his head. United added number five with another fine passing movement as the ball was switched from right to left to find full back Farrington who drove into the box and finished low across the keeper into the far post. Plowman added his fourth and United`s sixth just before half time as another ball over the top forced Plowman wide of the box but was he going to cross from such an angle no with great conficence he curled the ball home.

United started the second half just as they did the first as within 49 seconds Lidstone raced onto a through ball held off the last defender and drove the ball home for number seven. United added number eight as Clarke delivered a stunning cross from the right hand wing which only needed a touch to send it goalwards which came from a Westexe defender. Reed added the ninth as he picked the ball up wide and shot with venom against the underside of the crossbar and into the goal. Number ten came from Reed as he won the ball in the middle lifted his head and shot from outside of the penalty area into the roof of the net. Plowman turned provider for number eleven as he found the ball wide beat two defenders and crossed for Farrington to finish. Number twelve came from a corner from Farrington who delivered a fantastic cross for Pratt who stole in at the back post and thumped the ball home. Lidstone added number thirteen with an emphatic right foot finish. Number fourteen was probably the finish of the game as Clarke drifted in field and won the ball before thundering the ball home past the helpless keeper. With Rawlings not being troubled in the United goal he was allowed out to play at left back with Reed going into goal. It was Rawlings who completed the scoring for the game as United were awarded a penalty which Rawlings took with great precision.

United totally dominated this fixture from start to finish and deserve to be in the play off next Saturday against Broadclyst at Woodbury Park with the game kicking off at 10.15 a.m.

Goal Scorers:- Plowman 4; Lidstone 3; Farrington 2; Reed 2; Pratt; Clarke; Rawlings; O.G.:
United :- Rawlings, Farrington, Pratt, Lehuray, Cartwright, Sellick, Reed, Smith, Clarke, Lidstone, PLowman, West and Hammond.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Sidmouth 0-5 United

After the disappointment of their semi-final defeat last week this was the perfect game to play against a team that had beaten them earlier in the season. Knowing a victory would probably force a play-off for the league title United were in no mood to lose this time round as they produced a totally dominant performance. United began quickly and midfield duo of Tom West and Josh Reed had already had shots saved before Matt Lidstone opened the scoring when he headed in a brilliant cross from Harry Ody who was giving his full back a torrid time. United increased this lead when Ben Farringdon produced a fantastic free-kick bending the ball around the wall and into the top corner. This gave United the cushion they needed and allowed them to pass the ball around which they did to great effect playing some lovely one touch footfall. United increased their lead just before the break as Farringdon found Matt Plowman and his neat flick set Ody away and he made no mistake slotting the ball past the keeper.

United were urged at the break to keep hold of the ball and move Sidmouth around this they did very well with Oskar Wynne joining West in the middle of the park to dictate the pace of the game. United's fourth goal came from Howard Smith who got on the end of a Reed pass and had the composure to take the ball around the keeper and slot home. Lidstone completed the scoring when he used his pace to get away from the defence to finish in style. The last real action of the game came as keeper Dean Rawlings made a fantastic save to deny Sidmouth a goal but this was testament to the back four of Farringdon, Ben Pratt, Jason Lehuray and George Cartwright/Sam Hammond who had defended superbly as a unit for the whole game to deny Sidmouth many chances.

Scorers:- Lidstone 2; Farringdon; Ody; Smith:

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Colyton Reds 0-3 United

United dominated this away fixture from start to finish and really should have won by a greater margin had the weather not affected play so greatly. United always looked comfortable and it was not long into the first half that the lead was taken as Plowman battled with the last defender to win the ball which fell kindly to fellow strike partner Lidstone to fire home. With the defence of Hammond, Pratt, Lehuray and Farrington never looking greatly troubled it allowed the wing play of Ody and Clarke to create chances for Plowman and Lidstone and the on rushing Reed which should have led to many more goals especially with Sellick winning ball after ball in midfield and Rawlings dominating his penalty area with authority. It was the Ody and Plowman pairing which led to United`s second shortly before the heavens opened as the ball was played wide into Plowmans feet who flicked it on to Ody as he cut in from the left wing to finish with style. United`s third again came from great wing play as Clarke delivered a perfect cross for Plowman to finish past the stranded keeper.

The introduction of Smith in the second half allowed United greater opportunity to create more chances which were not finished as they should have been. The second half was greatly affected by the weather however United again dominated as they played possession football which did not allow Colyton the opportunity to use the gusting wind in their favour. United should be admired for the professional manner in which they dominated the second half with composed football which with better finishing would have seen them extend the lead.

United man of the match:- Hammond stepped in at Right back at the last minute and produced a solid display.
Scorers:- Ody; Lidstone; Plowman:
United :- Rawlings, Hammond, Pratt, Lehuray, Farrington, Ody, Sellick, Reed, Clarke, Plowman, Lidstone, Hull and Smith.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Broadclyst 1-2 United

United knew that they needed to be at their best to get anything from this tough away encounter as both teams also had to battle with the wind which blew across the pitch with gusto just as United started. United started brightly and things looked promising as they began to attack with vigor and purpose as well as defending with pride and purpose. United took the lead in the tenth minute as a through ball was robbed from the last defender by Plowman who then clinically finished into the bottom corner with his right foot. United knew they would have to defend against top of the table Broadclyst as they fought back with the wind in their favour however the defence led by the central pairing of the outstanding Pratt and Lehuray backed up by the full backs of West and Farrington stood strong and firm. United`s next came from great wing play from the outstanding Ody who linked with Plowman with slick passing before finishing from the edge of the box. It was with this two goal advanatage that united came in at half time.

In the second half United continued to snuff out the Broadclyst attack and even looked to improve their lead however the finishing was not up to the usual standard. United found themselves under attack after attack but the centre of the pitch was controlled by United as the midfield pairing of Reed and Sellick broke up play and the outstanding Pratt seemed to win every long ball that was thrown at him .The only goal of the half was scored by Broadclyst with a superb long range shot which evaded everyone as it nestled in to the top corner. United did not let this panic them as they turned in a thoroughly match winning performance.

A special mention must go to the Broadclyst supporters many of whom congratulated the boys through me on a fantastic performance with mentions of how superb the defence was on the day. The league is now poised as United are five points behind Broadclyst with one game in hand and must pray that another team show the tenacity to unlock a very well organised Broadclyst team.

Scorers:- Plowman 2:
United :- Rawlings , West, Pratt, Lehuray Farrington, Clarke, Reed, Sellick, Ody, Plowman, Lidstone, Smith, Hull and Hammond.
United Man of the Match:- Ben Pratt truly awesome.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Juventus League Cup Quarter Final

Countess Wear Dynamoes 2-4 Brixington United

United faced a tough away battle in this cup quarter final against division 1 opponents however United soon showed that they were not going to be overawed as they began the brighter of the two teams. United soon realised that the main threat from the Dynamoes was the ball over the top for the pacy forwards and the back four who were impeccable all game of Cartwright, Pratt Lehuray and Farrington soon began to deal with this. United soon began to attack and were unlucky not to take the lead sooner than they did as Reed picked the ball up in midfield and spread it wide for Ody who carried to the bi line before fizzing the ball across the face of the goal only to see both Plowman and Lidstone misjudged the pace but there was Clarke racing in at the back post to fire home. United now began to play and another slick passing movement saw Lidstone smash the ball home only for a dubious off side decision to rob him of the goal. United preserved the lead until half time.

United knew that in the second half they would have to up the game even more as the wind was in their faces and Dynamoes were sure to throw everything they could at the United goal. United were dealt a blow as the dependable midfield partnership of Reed and Sellick was split as Reed had to leave the field with severe stomach cramps to be replaced by the ever energetic Smith. United were told to pressure every dynamo player in order to unsettle them and it was this that led to United`s second as Lidstone chased down the centre back who looked to be in control forcing him into a grave mistake as he headed over his own keeper. United know got onto the front foot and Ody was again released down the left and again took the ball to the bi line before pulling it Back for Lidstone to fire home, again a cruel blow was dealt as he was judged offside. With encouragement raining on United from all angles they continued to hurry the opposition and look to play football on the ground and it was this that led to the third in a copy of the disallowed goal as Ody again found space and crossed for Lidstone to finally get his reward as he smashed the ball into the net. It was now that United had to dig deep as Countess Wear threw everything at them as they pulled a goal back as a long ball led to confusion at the back to see both Pratt and Lehuray leave the ball only to see a Dynamo forward sneak in and head past the advancing Rawlings in goal. Dynamoes really had their tales up now and it was a great long range effort which saw them pull another goal back as Rawlings pushed the ball against the underside of the bar only to see it cruelly bounce back over the line. At 2-3 in Uniteds favour the game was finely balanced. It was decided to return Reed to the midfield and go one up front to tighten the midfield and United again looked to regain composure. It was Reed who put the game beyond Dynamoes as Lidstone turned provider as he crossed for Reed to head over the stranded keeper. United now kept the ball for a tense last five minutes which saw them defend with grit and determination as they secured the win.

This was a great performance from the whole team in a very difficult tie which saw the better team on the day advance to the semi final where they will face their stable mates Blues on the 5th April.

Man of the Match:- Ben Pratt awesome in the centre of defence.

Scorers: Clarke; Lidstone ; Reed; O.G.:
United :- Rawlings, Farrington, Lehuray, Pratt, Cartwright, Clarke, Ody, Sellick, Reed, Plowman, Lidstone, Smith, Hammond and Hull.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Central 3-7 United

United redeemed themselves from their lacklustre performance the previous week as they returned to the great form that they are capable of. United dominated this away fixture with the exception of 5 minutes at the start of the second half in very difficult conditions. United won the toss and captain Sellick elected to play with the wind from the kick off and United knew they had to press home this advantage. United`s first came from great play between the strike pairing of Plowman and Lidstone as Plowman picked the ball up and played a text book pass to Lidstone who from a wide position squared for Plowman to slot home from close range. This goal settled United and with Sellick again bossing the midfield like a terrier they always looked like the creative players would be able to create more chances for the hard working front men. United`s second came as Reed the other midfield general won the ball deep looked up and lifted it over the defence for the on running Plowman who looked composed as he drove forward and smashed the ball past the keeper. It was Reed who set up the third as he found the ever running Ody on the left wing who carried the ball to the bi-line and pulled it back for Lidstone to finish low into the net. Ody turned scorer for the next as west placed a free kick forward for Pratt to square and Ody to finish.

At half time United were told they would now have to play patient posses ion football as they were faced with the wind and most of all defend deep and mark men. It was for five minutes as the game re started that United lost concentration as they conceded two quick goals one from a corner with bad defending and one as for once United lost the midfield. United showed maturity as they settled and began to dominate again with passing football. The ball was soon fizzed wide to Clarke who drove into the box only to find himself pushed from behind Ody stepped forward and despite the keeper getting a hand to it maintained his 100% record from the spot. Manager Hawkins now made a tactical change as he brought off the hard working Lidstone and replaced him with utility player Cartwright who was told to pair up with Sellick to make the midfield even stronger as Reed was pushed just behind lone striker Plowman. It was this pairing of Plowman and Reed which added goal six and seven as Plowman dropped off and threaded the ball through to Reed to finish with confidence on both occasions. United were punished late on as concentration dropped from a corner allowing Central to head home.

United should take great credit as they proved to their manager who for a split second thought that they had lost the hunger to succeed as they turned in a fantastic performance in tough conditions and boys i am glad you proved me wrong and lets take the performance into the quarter final next week.

Man of The Match shared between Sellick and Plowman one for great finishing and vision and the other for another 80 minute performance that saw headers and tackles won and simple passing to dominate the midfield.

Scorers:- Plowman 2; Ody 2; Reed 2;Lidstone:
United :- Rawlings, West, Lehuray, Pratt, Farrington, Ody, Clarke, Sellick, Reed, Plowman, Lidstone, Cartwright, Hammond and Hull.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Colyton Blues 4-6 United

United knew that this would be a tough test for them as they face division 1 side Colyton Blues in the cup but they did not let the watching supporters and most importantly themselves down .United were given a quick wakeup call as they found themselves two down in the first seven minutes .Colyton`s first came from poor defending from a free kick and the second from a long ball over the top which saw the United defence outpaced. United woke up and began to dominate the game as they began to fizz the ball around in style. A goal was pulled back as Matt Plowman drove goal wards only to see his shot handled by a Colyton defender Harry Ody stepped up to maintain his 100% record from the spot. United continued to create chances but could not capitalise. Shortly before half time United found themselves two down as they again failed to clear a corner.

At half time United were told to continue to play football up the work rate and believe that they did not deserve to be two goals down. United again began to dominate and upset the Colyton defence with their possession football and soon pulled a goal back as a corner from Clarke was collected by Plowman who shot on the turn. The midfield central pairing of Sellick and Reed were getting more and more in to the game and United continued to believe more and more as they drove forward more and more in search of the equaliser it came from a great solo effort as Lidstone collected a through ball on the edge of the box and turned to hook the ball over the stranded Colyton keeper. United took the lead with the best goal of the game as Clarke picked the ball up out wide on the right beat the defender and crossed across the face of the goal with pace for the on running Plowman to volley home. United momentarily went to sleep from the kick off as a ball into no man’s land allowed them to pull level as Rawlings found himself one on one. United were still not beaten and it was centre back Pratt who added the fifth from another well delivered corner from Clarke. United now upped their game and were not going to let this slip. United`s sixth of the game and 100^th for the season came after Smith failed to give up a lost cause in the penalty box and squared the ball across the box for Clarke to slide home.

United were a credit to themselves in this cup fixture against tough opposition as they maintained their great form and who would have thought after last season that this squad would score 100 goals in 13 fixtures.

Scorers:- Plowman 2; Ody; Lidstone; Pratt; Clarke:
Man of the match goes to the whole 13 man squad for a great squad display,
United :- Rawlings, Farrington, West, Pratt, Clarke, Ody, Sellick, Reed, Plowman, Lidstone, Smith and Hammond.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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West Hill Wasps 0-5 United

United maintained their great away form in this fixture which saw there own goal rarely troubled. United took a while to settle against the Wasps who aimed to counteract the blistering pace of the United front two of Plowman and Lidstone by defending on the 18 yard box. This was soon realised as the front men looked to drop off into midfields in order to pick the ball up and look for the support of the midfield making runs. It was from such a run from the centre of midfield by Wynne that United’s first goal came as he ran forward into the box only to find himself chopped down from behind, Ody stepped up to take the spot kick and finished it in to the bottom corner narrowly past the keepers hand. Uniteds second came as West played the ball out of with a pin point ball to Plowmans feet who in turn found Ody wide on the left who squared the ball for Lidstone to finish.Ody was provider again for the third as he crossed for Plowman to finish with the outside of his right foot.

In the second half United continued to pressurise the Wasps goal but resilient defending and less than perfect finishing did not see the score increase until Plowman pulled wide to collect the ball and cross for Ody who composed himself before finishing superbly with a blazing left foot. Uniteds fifth came from route one as a long ball from defence found Pratt who crossed to Plowman in the six yard box who hsad time to allow the ball to bobble before firing home from close range.

United should be proud that they continued to play football for this whole fixture in order to outwit the Wasps solid defending.

Scorers:- Ody 2; Plowman 2:Lidstone:
Man of the Match :- Ody two goals and great wing play.
United :- Rawlings, Farringdon, West, Lehuray, Pratt, Ody, Wynne, Reed, Smith, Plowman, Lidstone, Sellick, Cartwright and Hammond.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Milber & Buckland 1-8 United

Utd travelled away this week and produced a great hard working team performance on a pitch that could only be described as a mud bath. The conditions were always going to narrow the gap in quality between second place Utd and their opponents who were bottom of the league. In the first half this proved the case as both teams found the conditions hard going, all the play was in the middle of the pitch and chances were few and far between. Utd did take the lead when Ben Pratt bundled the ball home from a corner but Buckland soon levelled and this remained the score until the break.

At half time Utd were urged to use the only bits of grass on the pitch out wide and this they done with great effect as Dan Clarke, Howard Smith and Harry Ody began to have a greater influence on the game. Driven on by midfield duo of Oskar Wynne and Josh Reed Utd totally dominated the second half. Wynne put Utd back in front with a composed finish and Ben Farrington scored the goal of the game when he smashed a 35yard drive into the top corner. Utd continued to push forward and were rewarded with further goals from Ody (pen) after he had been pulled down in the box, Reed and Farrington who both scored with great shots from the edge of the area, Wynne got his second when he reacted quickest in the box after the ball got stuck in the mud and Lidstone rounded off the scoring as he strode clear of the defence and slotted home well. Utd deserve great credit today for the way they went about he job, this was never going to be a pretty football match but the effort and character shown by the boys was fantastic.

Scorers:- Farrington 2; Pratt; Wynne 2; Ody; Reed; Lidstone:
Squad:- D Rawlings; B Farrington; G Cartwright; B Pratt; H Ody; D Clarke; J Reed; O Wynne; H Smith; M Lidstone; M Plowman; S Hammond.:
MOM: O Wynne

Report by Andy Hawkins

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United 11-0 Pinhoe Spartans

United started tentatively in their first game for five weeks again a weakened Pinhoe team and could not seem to find the easy ball to feet that sees them create so many opportunities. United were seriously in need of a goal in order to calm them down and give them the belief that they are able to dominate and win games. It was Matt Lidstone who scored the first with a cool left foot finish from the edge of the box after he had been set up by his strike partner Plowman. The second soon followed as Reed picked up the ball in midfield and looked to thread it through for Clarke who came out the victor in a 50-50 tussle on the edge of the box before squaring for LIdstone who slotted home into the bottom corner again left footed. The next goal came from a different angle as West picked the ball up in midfield and picked out the forward running Reed with a great through ball who fired past the keeper.

United were told at half time that they could now settle down and with more communication and pass and move football they could easily score more goals and settle their nerves from their long lay off. It was Plowman who added the fourth as he rounded the keeper and finished with confidence, Tom West added the fifth as the ball was pulled back from the edge of the box for him to fire home past the keeper. It was now that United started to believe and Lidstone finished his left footed hat trick not bad for a right footed player as he picked up the ball and fired goalwards. The next goal was taken in great style as left back Pratt won the ball with an interception brushed aside two challenges and thundered the ball into the net from distance. The eighth was a rarity as centre back Lehuray ventured forward with the ball and went on a "Ronaldo" style run as he beat all challenges and slotted the ball home low past the keeper. United soon made it 9 from a Clarke cross which the keeper parried into the path of Wynne who lifted it over the stranded keeper. The tenth was the pick of the bunch as Pratt, Reed and Smith exchanged great one touch passes before Pratt added his second as again he rifled the ball home from the edge of the box giving the keeper no chance. It was Plowman who finished off the scoring as he picked up the ball on the edge of the box and proved he does not just score tap ins as he fired home.

United played some great football in this fixture and special mention must go to Pinhoe who never let their heads drop and battled bravely till the end.

Scorers:- Lidstone 3; Plowman 2; Pratt 2; Reed; West; Lehuray; Wynne;
United :- Rawlings, Cartwright, West, Lehuray, Pratt, Clarke, Sellick, Reed, Smith, Plowman, Lidstone, Wynne, Rowland and Farringdon.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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United 2-6 Broadclyst

This was a game where United failed to finish the opportunities that they created which saw them being beaten by the better team on the day. It was always going to be a tough fixture but it was United that started in the right manner which saw them plying passing football and looking to play the ball into the strikers feet. It was from such a pass by Daniel Clarke that the first goal came as a little ball through to the ever pacey Lidstone saw him finish into the bottom corner. United then went two up as another great through ball found Plowman who again showed his finishing quality as he struck into the bottom left corner. It was now that United stopped playing football and thought they could win the game with long ball football and a less than perfect offside trap, which having failed once United allowed it to happen again as they allowed Broadclyst to draw level before half time.

United were told that they must return to playing passing football to feet and the defence must take responsibility for the strikers and man mark them. This was ignored and further instructions saw United create 1-1 chances which were wasted, however the defence still found that they could not contain Broadclyst as they went further in the lead. At 4-2 down United started to chase the game which saw them fall further apart and allowed the opposition to score a further two goals. United did not play badly in this game but just failed to operate as a team unit and take individual responsibility. United must realise that against better opposition chances to score are less and all opportunities must be taken and one on ones must be scored not spawned.

Scorers:- Plowman; Lidstone:
United :- Rawlings, Farrington, West, Lehuray, Pratt, Clarke, Reed, Cartwright, Ody, Lidstone, Plowman, Hammond, Smith and Rowland.
Man of the Match :- Pratt (never gave up and showed passion and class).

Report by Andy Hawkins

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United 11-0 Buckland and Milber

United turned up with a professional attitude yis week and it showed in the excellent football that they played from start to finish in this fixture. United attacked from the start and it was not long before they drew first blood after a great cross from Daniel Clarke was turned into their own goal by a Buckland defender. United now stepped on the accelerator and continued to press forward with great attacking football with the attackers receiving the ball into their feet and looking to play in the midfield and wingers at every opportunity. The second goal came after Josh Reed picked the ball up in the centre of the pitch lifted his head drove forward into space and fired past the keeper. Lidstone added the third soon after as he received the ball in space and elegantly lifted the ball over the keeper. The fourth had an element of luck to it as again Reed picked the ball up in the centre of midfield and shot from 30 yards only to see the ball go straight between the keepers hands into the net. The fifth was added just before half time as Daniel Clarke again delivered another great cross for Matthew Plowman to fire home in style across the keeper.

United continued with their stylish football in the second half and were soon rewarded as Reed picked up the ball and delivered a text book through ball for Matt Lidstone to finish across the keeper. The seventh was the best as three sweeping passes saw the ball go from penalty box to penalty box as Pratt delivered the second of the passes into Plowman who finished with power across the keeper. Lidstone added the eigth as he fired goalwards from a deflected Clarke corner to see the ball creep in under a defenders outstretched leg. Number nine was a one on one effort as Plowman showed his quality in the situation as he finished confidentially. Man of the match Clarke added number ten as he picked the ball up wide on the right drove goalwards and smashed the ball past the keeper into the top corner. It was Clarke who added number eleven in similar fashion to the tenth as again he rove goalwards and again smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

United won this game by transferring what they do at training on to the pitch and playing great passing team football. If United continue to play in this fashion with the great attitude they showed they will only get better.

Scorers:- Plowman 3; Lidstone 3 ; Reed 2; Clarke 2; O.G:
United :-Rawlings, Cartwright, Lehuray, West, Pratt, Clarke, Sellick, Reed, Hammond, Plowman, Lidstone, Smith and Farrington.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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United 5-2 West Hill Wasps

This really was the game of two halves the one United turned up for and the one that they stayed in bed for. In the first half United failed to show the football that they are capable of playing as they found themselves struggling against a spirited Wasps side backed up by a fantastic performance from their goalkeeper. United found themselves one goal down as they failed to defend against the pace of West Hill and allowed them to take an easy lead, United responded by finally playing a slick passing move which allowed Matthew Lidstone to spring the off side trap and receive a great through ball before firing home. Was this the kick start that United needed no was the answer as they allowed West Hill to again take the lead through sloppy defending. United responded again as they put five passes together and split West Hill apart allowing Matthew Plowman to finish past the West Hill keeper.

United came in at half time and received the "hair dryer" from the manager who promptly explained that with the attitude they had displayed in the first half would soon see them losing this fixture and their place at the top of the league.

United promptly responded in the second half and got the ball on the floor and played football and it was one of these moves that allowed Matthew Plowman to lay off a great ball for Harry Ody to add to his growing tally this season. United now began to pile on the pressure and without the West Hill goal keeper would have gone further in front it was going to take something special to increase the lead and it was Josh Reed who had been quiet up until this moment won the ball in the middle of the pitch lifted his head and fired an unstoppable right foot volley into the top corner from at least thirty yards. Lidstone added the fifth after some great wing play from Ody allowed him to square the ball across the box for Lidstone to finish.

United showed in the second half what they are capable of producing and must produce for eighty minutes not just forty if they are to press for league honours. United have the skills to win games but must show the attitude to go with this to produce the whole package.

Scorers:- Lidstone 2; Plowman; Ody; Reed:
United :- Rawlings, Cartwright, West, Lehuray, Pratt, Clarke, Reed, Sellick, Ody, Lidstone, Plowman, Hammond.
Man of the Match:- Pratt (faultless outstanding performance.)

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Westexe Athletic 0-22 United

United returned to winning ways after their minor slip in their previous fixture as they thumped Westexe away from home and not only did they score 22 goals but did so in emphatic style. The scoring was opened when Pratt picked the ball up in the left back position and found Reed with a text book through ball who at the second opportunity finished past the keeper. United continued to press forward now and Lidstone soon added the second as he picked up a through ball rounded the keeper and finished low into the open net. Howard Smith added the third as he fired home from a Clarke corner. Lidstone was on hand to score the fourth as he gambled on a West clearance which was headed towards his own goal by a Westexe defender only for the on running Lidstone to pick the ball up and lob the keeper Reed added the fifth as Clarke cleverly pulled a corner back to the edge of the box for Reed to fire home into the top corner. Pratt turned provider again for the sixth as he fed the ball through again to Harry Ody who carried the ball forward before finishing confidentially. Lidstone finished off his hat trick as he added the seventh after Clarke had fed Smith who lifted the ball to Lidstone who thumped home left footed. Daniel Clarke turned from provider to goal scorer for the eighth as he finished low past the keeper from the edge of the eighteen yard box. Reed added the ninth as good play allowed him to be one on one with the keeper as he lobbed the ball over him to complete his hat trick. Soon after United reached double figures as Reed added his fourth and United`s tenth. Harry Ody who had forced his father to drive him back from Cornwall for this fixture added the eleventh in style as he met a deep Clarke cross at the back post with a powerful header. Clarke scored the twelfth as again he carried the ball forward and finished low and hard across the keeper. United came in 13-0 up at half time as Pratt added to his increasing tally this season after Clarke squared the ball allowing Pratt to finish from long range.

United continued in the same vain in the second half despite players being moved out of position. Hammond was on hand to add number fourteen as Lehuray playing centre forward instead of centre back fired goalwards from a corner allowing Hammond to chest the ball home. Number fifteen was one of the best as a goalmouth scramble fell from the sky to Sellick who finished with a right foot volley from the edge of the box at full stretch. Lidstone poached the next goal in true centre forward style after he was found by West. West playing in the centre forward role added the next as Lidstone fired goalwards only for West to pinch the goal as he knocked it in on the goal line. Hammond added number eighteen as Smith was foiled by the keeper at his feet only for the ball to drop to Hammond to stroke it home. Number nineteen was finished in true Reed style as he picked up a Westexe clearance powered forward and then powered the shot home. Lidstone was on hand to poach the twentieth as a Smith shot flew goalwards for Lidstone to place the ball home from close range. Ody completed his third hat trick of the season as he picked up a loose clearance drove forward and slotted the ball home past the keeper. Number twenty two came from a great passing move where at least seven United players linked together before Farrington fired home from an acute angle.

United must take great credit from this fixture as they finally proved that they can be disciplined as despite scoring freely they continued to play football in style right to the end, and at last may realise that passing and moving will create far more opportunities than playing long balls for attackers to chase. It is also great to see the team scoring from all over the pitch.

Scorers:- Reed 5; Lidstone 5; Ody 3; Clarke 2; Hammond 2; Smith; Pratt; Sellick; West; Farrington:
Man of the Match :- Whole squad.
United :- Rawlings, Farrington, West, Lehuray, Pratt, Clarke, Sellick, Reed, Ody, Smith, Lidstone, Cartwright and Hammond

Report by Andy Hawkins

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United 3-4 Sidmouth Vikings

Brixington United failed to turn up for this fixture as they forgot how to play the football which has seen them un-stoppable so far this season. United dominated the first 20 minutes of the game and then hit the self explode button after going a goal ahead after Plowman had fed the ball through to Reed who finished confidently into the bottom corner, the goal was created by United playing the passing football which allowed them behind the Sidmouth defence. After going ahead credit must go to Sidmouth who wanted the ball more than United and seemed to want the points aswell. The equaliser came as United failed to pick up the Sidmouth runner as the ball was played through and then Sidmouth took the lead as again the ball was lost in the middle of the pitch through sloppy passing.

United were punished even more as Sidmouth came out in the second half and with the wind in their sails scored straight from kick off. Reed rallied the United team and told them to get back discipline and get the ball on the ground and pass it, but United could only do it in small spells and it was one of these that saw a penalty awarded as Ody was bundled over from behind, Pratt finished the spot kick with power past the keeper. United seemed to get a second gear now and attacked with purpose and also to try and regain a bit of pride, and were rewarded when with a couple of minutes of play left Ody picked up the ball wide on the left cut inside and struck the ball sweetly home. United know rallied forward with purpose but it was all a bit late as they failed to find the equaliser that they should never of been chasing.

In hindsight United struggled to play football that they are capable of due to a few factors one being key players unavailable and anther players being asked to play out of position but the biggest one was turning up for the fixture with the wrong attitude.

United Man of the Match :- West (turned up for the whole game and battled with passion and pride.)
Scorers:- Reed; Pratt; Ody:
United :- Rawlings, Farrington, West, Pratt, Ody, Clarke, Reed, Cartwright, Smith, Plowman, Lidstone, Hammond and Wynne.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Pinhoe Spartans 0-8 United

United started without conviction against the Spartans but after 10 minutes of sloppy play they found the composure which has seen them climb to the top of the table.United`s first goal came when West played the ball back to keeper Rawlings who cleared well down the centre of pitch straight to Plowman who took the ball down with a great first touch before smashing it past the Pinhoe keeper.It was not long before United added the second in much the same style as this time Rawlings cleared to Lidstone who squared the ball deftly inside for Reed who elegantly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net. United now seemed to settle and began to dominate play in all areas of the pitch and added a third as Reed won a header which fell to Lidstone who this time set up Plowman for his second with a powerful finish. It was Plowman who added the fourth and completed his hat trick shortly before half time as a West free kick found Reed who slotted Plowman in allowing him to again finish with style.

United were told at half time not to become complacent and the introduction of anchorman Sellick returning from illness in the centre of midfield helped to settle the ship as United dominated from the kick off. It was not long before United added their fifth as a cleared corner fell to Sellick who fed Pratt who knocked the ball onto his left before rifling the ball home. United continued to play fast attacking football which Pinhoe had difficulty in contending with and Lidstone soon added the sixth as he robbed a defender cut inside and finished with power past the helpless Pinhoe keeper. Pratt added the seventh from the penalty spot after he picked himself up from the foul and slotted the ball home. United continued to press forward and were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal, Clarke placed the ball and then fired home "Ronaldo style" into the top corner. A mention must go to Rawlings in the United goal who found himself largely redundant in the second half but showed how he has grown in confidence as he found himself one on one with a Pinhoe player but stayed big before producing a fantastic save.

It is great to see United playing with such passion and enjoyment and boys do you realise you have now scored more goals in four games than you did in the whole of the last season.

Scorers:- Plowman 3 ; Pratt 2; Reed; Lidstone; Clarke:
Man of the Match :- Plowman (great first half hat trick)
United :- Rawlings, Farrington, West, Lehuray, Pratt, Reed, Clarke, Hammond, Smith, Plowman, Lidstone, Sellick and Wynne

Report by Andy Hawkins

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United 4-2 Colyton Reds

Brixington United faced their toughest opponents of the season as they faced top of the table Colyton Reds at home. United knew that a win at home would see them go top above Colyton with a game in hand and with this in mind they started with a bang as Daniel Clarke reacted to a missed placed goal kick and slid the ball through to Josh Reed who lifted the ball over the on coming keeper. It was Reed who added the second soon after as Daniel Clarke swung in a corner to find Reed at the near post who finished with his head into the bottom corner. Colyton looked for their pace up front at every opportunity as they tried to play the ball over the Brixington defence and it was with one of these moves that they pulled a goal back as they sprung the off side trap allowing them to be one on one with Rawlings in goal who did not have much of a chance. United did not let their heads drop and continued to play attacking football which was rewarded when the ball dropped from a clearance to Plowman who finished in style with a right foot volley powered into the goal. United looked comfortable at half time as they came in 3-1 up with the midfield pairing of Cartwright and Reed beginning to find the pace of the game as they played together for the first time and with the alternating front three of Plowman, Lidstone and Smith always looking threatening in attack and the back four deciding to mark players rather than trying to play the offside trap against Colyton`s threatening pace.

In the second half United were dealt a sucker blow as they temporarily lost shape and found Colyton coming back into the game as the score was pulled back to 3-2.United realised that if they did not gain composure they could quite easily lose this game and this was regained as Farrington who has been outstanding at right back lifted his head and played a fantastic long pass to the feet of Plowman who found himself one on one with the keeper as he slotted home. United`s team effort was called upon know as Colyton tried to get a result as they pushed more and more players forward as they searched for further goals ,United re shaped themselves as they went one up front and played five at the back in order to preserve their lead. United showed that they have great team spirit as they got their result in this tough fixture.

Scorers:- Reed 2; Plowman2:
United :-Rawlings, Farrington, West, Lehuray, Pratt, Clarke, Cartwright, Reed, Lidstone, Smith, Plowman and Hammond

Man of the match :- Farrington

Report by Andy Hawkins

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Civil Service 3-8 United

United carried on where they had left off the week before as they scored in their first attack from kick off. Tom West received the ball back from the centre and played a great through ball to the forward running Harry Ody who finished confidently past the keeper. United continued to find space behind the Civil defence and would have added more goals had it not been for some tight offside decisions. United added the second as a clearance found Matthew Lidstone who raced away from the defender to find himself one on one with the keeper whom he comfortably finished past. It was from this moment that United looked in control all over the pitch with Sellick and Wynne controlling the midfield and the back four of Cartwright, West, Lehuray and Pratt looking comfortable with Rawlings in goal. The wing play of Smith and Ody was faultless and they always looked as if they would create more chances. It was Ody who added United`s third as Matthew Lidstone picked up the ball and fed Ody on the left wing who carried the ball forward before finishing across the keeper.

In the second half United continued to attack and it was West who again found Matthew Lidstone who raced forward with pace to finish one on one with the keeper to add his second and United`s fourth. Shortly after Lidstone completed his hat trick as he was found by Ody before finishing with a well struck shot across the keeper. United lost shape momentarily as they went in search of further goals and were punished as a rare Civil attack ended in a goal. United did not let this affect them as West found Hammomnd from a wide right position and Hammond fired home. United added their seventh and Ody completed his hat trick as a good cross from Farrington was finished with Ody`s devastating left foot. Civil added a second as a mix up between Sellick and Pratt allowed a civil player to finish past Rawlings in goal. United were shocked soon after as the referee awarded Civil a penalty after a wayward pass came off of Pratts arm who was clearly outside of the box and could not move his arm any further out of the way. The penalty was converted to make the score 3-7.United picked themselves up from the decision and were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Civil box the free kick fell to Pratt who found himself in a rare attacking position and he thundered his shot past the helpless Civil keeper.

This was not one of United`s best performances due to many contributing factors and again they must not allow themselves to become dis-jointed or sloppy when they have built up a good lead in games. It is great to see United scoring goals and playing confident passing football.

United Man of the Match :- Pratt (faultless defending and a goal !!)

Scorers:- Lidstone 3; Ody 3; Hammond; Pratt:
United :- Rawlings, Cartwright, Prat, Lehuray, West, Ody, Sellick, Wynne, Smith, Lidstone, Hammond and Farrington.

Report by Andy Hawkins

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United 7-2 Central

Brixington United started off their league campaign in emphatic style as they steam rollered Central with a fantastic team display. United took a while to settle but when they did they soon settled into the pasing flowing football they are capable of playing. With the pace and strength of Lidstone and Plowman in attack it was a question of when would the first goal come and when it did it was with great style. It was Ben Farrington from his new position of right back that set up the goal with a great ball out of defence to find Matt Plowman who squared the ball to Matt Lidstone to finish past the keeper. United soon added a second through Harry Ody only for it to be ruled offside not letting this bother him Ody picked up the ball wide on the left before cutting inside to fire high across the keeper into the opposite top corner. It was Central who added the next goal to make the score 2-1 as an unlucky deflection off of the faultless Farrinton fell straight to a central player who finished past Rawlings in goal. It was from the re start that United showed their true colours as Plowman dropped into midfield to pick the ball up before placing the ball at the forward running Reed`s feet who finished in style past the oncoming keeper.

In the second half United continued to play great football abd practically camped in the Central half it was Ody who added United`s fourth as he robbed the right back and showed great strength to cut inside and finish low past the keeper. United`s fifth came from the same left hand side but from a different player as Plowman found himself some space and then finished almost from the by line with a great curling effort into the top corner of the net. Complacency temporarily set in and United allowed Central to break through and score to make the score 5-2.United must learn from this mistake else they could be punished by better teams with sloppy defending. Ody added the sixth and completed his hat trick from the penalty spot. The next and last goal showed just how much Plowman has grown in confidence as he made up at least 6 yards from a through ball from Lidstone before holding off the defender and finishing in style.

United will hopefully realise that they are capable of great things but the most rewarding thing for the spectators was that they showed great team spirit and togetherness which will only get better. Every United player should be proud of themselves and they played great team football from keeper through to attack.

Scorers:- Ody 3; Plowman 2; Lidstone; Reed:
United :- Rawlings, Farrington, West, Lehuray, Pratt, Ody, Sellick, Reed, Clarke, Plowman, Lidstone and Wynne.

United Man of the Match Ody

Report by Andy Hawkins

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