Exmouth United reach tournament semis

Exmouth United Under 11s went on a thrilling run to make it to the semi-finals of the Newton St Cyres youth football tournament.

United impressed by winning their first four matches to guarantee a place in the quarter-finals. The strength of the opposition was apparent in that each match was won by only a single goal. In fact Exmouth's defensive organisation was as important as their attacking prowess.

Exmouth United Under 11s celebrate their place in the knockout stages

In the quarter-final United took on Whipton Youth who started well and took an early goal. However, their team spirit and work ethic drove Exmouth on and two superb goals from Kuba Strzalkowski sealed the victory.

United were unfortunate to be two goals down by half-time against AFC Plympton in the semi-final. In the second-half they kept their composure and pulled a goal back. Towards the end Exmouth threw everything forward but were unable to find that spark to get the equaliser.

Throughout the tournament Exmouth's keeper Harry Kifli-Reynolds was fantastic. Defenders Owen Brady and Cayleb Field were strong, calm and resolute. In midfield there were great performances from Bryn Stephens and Lewis Evans and strikers Jack Greaves and Strzalkowski were inspirational. Exmouth's team spirit and desire were first rate and all players should be very proud of their achievements.

The tournament was very well organised with friendly, good-natured interactions between the participants.

Cullompton Tournament - good day out!

We had a great day out at the Cullompton Under 11s tournament and only narrowly missed out on reaching the quarter-finals. In a very strong group (including Millwey, Cullompton, Central City and Sidmouth) we started well with a 5-1 victory. We dipped after that but finished with two impressive 1-0 wins. Overall, we won 3, drew 1 and lost 2. A fun day out for all and everyone enjoyed their ice creams!

Friendlies with Undy and City Raiders

We had some enjoyable friendlies against Undy (from Wales) and City Raiders (Exeter) on a beautiful summer morning. Undy were on tour and brought superb family support to the match. Exmouth put in two good performances: putting a number of great goals past Raiders in the first match and working hard in a 3-1 loss to Undy. All matches were played in a good spirit - thanks to all involved!

Exmouth United and Undy joint team photo

Well done this season!

All our teams gathered to celebrate the season at our annual Exmouth United Presentation Day at Warren View. In spite of the rain players and their families turned up to enjoy the day. It has been a challenging season but the Under 11s have made great progress in their defending, organisation, communication, passing game and creativity. Well done boys! We look forward to next season.

Exmouth United Under 11s - all smiles despite the rain!

CS Cougars 3-2 Exmouth United

Our last match of the season was a very close affair with some excellent football played by both teams. The first half was narrowly edged by Cougars who led 1-0 at the interval. United played with energy, desire and creativity and fashioned numerous chances which would, on another day, have at least earned them a draw. This match demonstrated how much progress Exmouth United Under 11s have made both as individuals and as a team. After a well deserved summer rest we will return in September with the belief and team spirit that we have shown this season.

Exmouth United 4-2 Copplestone Colts

A gripping Under 11s encounter between two closely matched sides saw Exmouth United come out 4-2 winners against Copplestone Colts. It was the visitors who started strongest, penning United back into their own half with some quality passing football, and they deserved their lead after 10 minutes. This seemed to wake up Exmouth who began to penetrate their opponent's half and the score was soon level when midfielder Jay Leballeur ran on to a long throw and buried his shot in the corner.

The game sprung into life as both teams created chances. Captain Dylan Mogford almost scored his second free-kick in 2 days as well as going close with a long shot. A diving save from home keeper Lewis Alford and a superb last-ditch challenge from full-back Owen Brady kept the scores level. Exmouth then went 2-1 up when winger Bryn Stephens delivered a slick pass in behind the Colts defence to striker Kuba Strzalkowski who finished coolly.

After half-time United began to press their advantage and dominate the match. When Copplestone broke they found it hard to get through the solid defending of Harry Kifli-Reynolds and Harry Bassett. Two outstanding breakaways from Strzalkowski sealed the victory for the home side. In the first he ran from his own half through on goal and his parried shot was expertly directed into the net by winger Seb Harrison on the rebound. Strzalkowski then capped his superb performance by running through and grabbing his second of the match.

On the hottest day of the year so far Exmouth, who were without any subs, showed great composure and endurance to see the game out.

Whipton Youth 8-2 Exmouth United

A ferocious performance from Whipton saw them dominate Exmouth from start to finish in this match. Not one to dwell on from our point-of-view. Except for, perhaps, a wonderful long shot from winger Cayleb Field and an excellent free kick from Dylan Mogford that gave us the two goals.