The Tigers visited Sidmouth on a chilly and blustery Friday evening wanting to take another step toward cementing second place in the league. There was nothing cold about the football they played. Straight from the whistle the boys played the ball around very comfortably.

On a large pitch we were able to get it out to the flanks with both Cameron Martin and Toby Weatherill showing good skills and causing problems for their respective defenders. It was pleasing to see the boys playing it out from the back with Aidan Richards rolling it out to Jake Towl, Henry Passmore or James Lowton who particularly linked well with Toby and slotted some lovely passes between the Sidmouth defence for Dan Smith who was lively all night to run on to.

We created a number of chances throughout the first half, Sidmouth not really being allowed to expand due in part to Reece Saunders’ strong midfield display not only breaking down any advance but then playing it out to his colleagues to turn it into attack. After numerous crosses into the box which Sammy Hill hassled for Cameron was able to swing one in toward the advancing Toby from the opposite wing who made no mistake with an excellent finish. Despite the possession and chances Tigers went in 1-0 at half time.

Second half was always going to be harder coming up the hill. Ollie Slee came on and showed some good holding and lay off play, whilst Ellis Corkin showed improvement once again controlling and passing the ball. Sidmouth were able to advance forward more coming down the slope but the back three of James , Jake and Henry were solid leaving few chances for the Sidmouth attackers. Although we had a lot of possession it wasn’t until midway through the second half when Toby saw further benefit of coming in toward the back post and bagged his second goal again stemming from a Cameron Martin pass.

In all this was a very positive performance from everyone and a delight to watch good passing football. It was very hard to pick out one single player’s performance over another’s but man of the match went to James Lowton for what I believe was his best performance of the season – well done.