F C Heavitree

1

3

Sidbury Utd

Man of Match

Jake Lucas

Tiverton Town

1

1

Sidbury Utd

Man of Match

Harry Wright

Both teams gave everything, and no quarter was given throughout the match, with the Sidbury defence of Aaron Pearse, Rob Mansfield, Ben Logan and Connor Long were magnificent and it was great to see Aaron Pearse getting back to his best after his long absence due to injury.

Both sides had some half chances, then Sidbury really started to have the better of the half. Kieran Murphy was unlucky when his effort went just over the bar. It was Sidbury who now looked the more likely to open the scoring, and that was to prove to be the case when the Tivvy defence failed to clear a Sidbury corner, Jake Lucas reacted first and neatly put the ball passed the keeper from six yards.

There were some outstanding individual performances namely from Cody Northcott, Jake Lucas, Hamish Culling and man of the match Harry Wright. Having said that, it was the spirit and the commitment shown in the all round team performance which was very impressive. Bill Reed, Kieran Murphy, Jake Lucas and Hamish Culling worked tirelessly across the midfield. Ben Kidson and Harry Wright were proving a handful for the Tivvy defence.

Tivvy were awarded a penalty early in the second half, after Kieran Murphy used an arm to clear off the line from a corner. The ref awarded him a red card. Cody Northcott held his nerve and saved the spot kick, Sidbury now had to make some running changes and knew they would have to find some extra puff from somewhere. To a man, they did themselves proud. Harry Elliott was solid and creative when he came on, adding some fresh legs and energy in doing so.

Tivvy equalised after a misunderstanding at the back, and a Tivvy player latched onto the ball and done well to get his shot away. Cody Northcott managed to get a hand to it but was unlucky to see the ball go in via the post.

Tivvy began to pour on the pressure, but the Sidbury lads did not let their heads drop, nor did they begin to buckle. In fact they created three good chances and could have gone on to win the game. Jake Lucas, Ben Kidson and Jack Murrell all went close. Sidbury saw out the rest of the game and were rewarded for their efforts with a very well earned point.

Congratulations to all the lads from both teams for putting on a very entertaining match.

Sidbury Utd

3

2

Exwick Youth

Man of Match

Rob Mansfield

Sidbury Utd were down to the bare bones in this cup tie, with five players away at the East Devon rugby trials, and keeper Daryl Young injured, it really was a patched up team that took to the pitch.

United started brightly enough and found themselves 1-0 to the good after just a few minutes when Jack Murrell latched onto a loose ball and beat the keeper from close range. The Exwick front two caused a few problems but the Sidbury new look defence of Kieran Murphy, Ben Logan, a 70% fit Aaron Pearse and Rob Mansfield held firm.

The clearer chances were made by United, and it came as no surprise when in his first game in a year Daniel Greenland put them 2-0 up. Another lad making a welcome return was Scotty Redman, alongside Bill Reed and Jake Lucas they made up the Sidbury midfield quartet.

Debutant Alex Light took his chance and finished well to put United three up midway through the second half, and then Sidbury would not be Sidbury if they did not make things difficult for themselves. They took their foot off the pedal, lost concentration and allowed Exwick back into the game. Conceding two quick goals late on thinking the tie was already in the bag.

They hung on to ensure their name goes into the bag for the quarter finals, but even though they were many players they will have to be stronger mentally if they are to progress further in this competition.

Ref Matt Reed had a good game, but parents and especially managers should be applauding and encouraging young referees not questioning and shouting every decision which does not go their way.

Well done lads

Sidbury Utd

1

0

Brixington Blues

Man of Match

Zac Mattin

After a long spell with no games being able to get played due to the weather, Sidbury finally took to the field in this league fixture at home to Brixington. Sidbury started very well and thought they had taken the lead within minutes when a low cross from Ben Kidson was side footed into the net by Harry Wright, only to have been judged offside.

Then United scored another goal this time from a corner this time, Hamish Culling getting the final touch, the keeper did his best to keep the ball out but clearly saved the ball from behind the line. The only one not to see this was the linesman, so the score somehow remained 0-0.

United continued to pepper the Brixington goal but what is proving a problem this season just could not turn possession and chances into goals.

Keeper Daryl Young dealt well with everything that came his way but because Ben Logan, Rob Mansfield, Connor Long and Cody Northcott stood strong at the back it was very little. With midfielders Bill Reed, Hamish Culling, Jake Lucas and Zac Mattin were winning everything in the middle, Sidbury were pretty much running the show with nothing to show for it.

Then Hamish Culling was bought down in the area, got up and cooly slotted home the penalty. Sidbury continued to put pressure on the Brixington goal but just could not put the ball in the net.

In the second half Zac Mattin very nearly added to the score when he arrived late at the back post only to see his volley go narrowly over the bar. Sidbury looked to have doubled their lead when Hamish Culling put the ball in the net, only to be flagged offside.Then there was yet another disallowed goal, this time the linesman did see a handball and no before you ask, he's name was not Arsene Wenger

Subs Kieran Murphy, and Jack Murrell did very well when called upon. For all their possession, chances and disallowed goals Sidbury almost paid the ultimate price when right at the death Brixington almost equalised on the break, but the shot went inches wide of the post.

How the score finished 1-0, I do not know. We'll take it of course, we will. Well done to both both sets of boys, and Sidbury start putting the ball in the net legally.

Tiverton Town

1

1

Sidbury Utd

Lost on pens

Man of Match

Ben Kidson

The two teams started brightly but most of the early game was played in midfield, with both defences coping admirably. The Sidbury back four of Ben Logan, Connor Long, Cody Northcott and the impressive Rob Mansfield were well organised and adapted quickly to conditions.

When you play Tivvy,  you will be put under the cosh for long periods and will never have it your own way, they make you battle for everything and are lethal if you give them an inch. So you know you have to be at your best if you want to compete with them, and Sidbury were giving as good as they got. With Bill Reed and Zac Mattin putting in very good first half performances in midfield.

It was Sidbury who took the lead when a Cody Northcott free kick was not cleared and Harry Wright fired home from 10 yards, it could have got even better five minutes later when Ben Kidson saw his shot hit the post. Tivvy threatened the Sidbury goal on a number of occasions but were thwarted by some determined defensive play.

Tiverton equalised literally from the kick off in the second half, and really began to pile on the pressure. Keeper Daryl Young pulled off a couple of great saves as Tivvy started to control the pace of the game and dominated for spells, and hitting the wood work twice.

Sidbury finished the half strongly, Harry Elliott was fantastic throughout and Jack Murrell played very well too. Jake Lucas hit the crossbar with his header from a Cody Northcott free kick and shortly afterwards Kieran Murphy saw his effort go narrowly just over the bar with a nice blind side run to meet a Hamish Culling low cross.

Extra time was just as entertaining as the previous 70 mins, with nothing separating the two sides after 90 mins the game was decided on penalties, so a special mention should go to all ten lads from both teams who had the heart and were big enough to take the penalties.

Well done lads we are proud of every one of you. A big thank you to Jason Rainey and his team for their great hospitality before and after the match, all the best of luck for the rest of the competition from everyone at Sidbury United.

Sidmouth Town

1

9

Sidbury Utd

Man of Match

Ben Logan

An emphatic win saw Sidbury come out on top in this derby match and progress through to the next round of the League Cup. So no shock cup exit as First Division beats second. The game was played in good spirit and well refereed.

There was some good individual performances from Kieran Murphy, Rob Mansfield, Bill Reed and Zac Mattin was in awesome form again, chipping in with two first half goals and created four assists. Aaron Pearse, Rob Mansfield, Kieran Murphy and Cody Northcott dealt admirably with anything that the Sidmouth attack offered, which meant keeper Daryl Young was never really tested.

Sidbury went into half time five nil up, other than the brace from Mattin, Harry Wright scored one as did Jake Lucas and Ben Kidson got his name on the score sheet too.

Second half was much of the same but having the match pretty well wrapped up, United made plenty of changes with Harry Wright and Ben Kidson dropping into defence, Aaron Pearse went in goal with Daryl Young making a rare appearance as an out field player. Jack Murrell came close to scoring, as did Man of the Match Ben Logan on a couple of occasions

Sidbury scored four second half goals, Ben Kidson got his second, Harry Elliott scored the best worked goal of the match when he headed in at the far post after a great move which included some neat first time passes. Hamish Culling scored twice and one of those was the best finish of the day, when with his back to goal, his first touch enabled him to turn, his second gave him the room he needed and his third saw the ball end up in the top left corner.

Sidmouth deserve plaudits for the way the never gave in, and were rewarded when they scored a consolation goal towards the end of the game. A very well taken penalty, also worth a mention is the Sidmouth keeper who pulled off a number of very good saves, and their centre half who took the goal kicks had a good game too.

Sidbury must now carry this buoyant style and new found confidence into their remaining matches, well done lads and keep it up.

Sidbury Utd

5

4

Crediton Youth

Man of Match

Rob Mansfield

Sidbury started this County Cup tie in a very positive attacking way, and were unfortunate not to have taken a very early lead on a couple of occasions. Jake Lucas, Bill Reed and Hamish Culling all finding the Crediton keeper in fine form.

In stark contrast from yesterdays match Sidbury were out to seal this game early doors, Kieran Murphy made two runs from defence into the Crediton box, Ben Logan saw his shot go just over the bar and Ben Kidson saw the keeper save his effort. It really was all one way traffic, which finally paid off for the home side when Zac Mattin put them 1-0 up.

Crediton did not let there heads drop and equalised through a well taken penalty five minutes later, other than that the Sidbury back four of Ben Logan, Kieran Murphy, Rob Mansfield and Cody Northcott were looking pretty solid along with Bill Reed, Jake Lucas, Harry Elliott and Zac Mattin controlling the midfield.

Sidbury regained the lead when a good move down the right culminated in a Crediton defender unfortunately scuffing his clearance into his own net, three minutes later and Mattin added his second and the seagulls third to give Sidbury a 3-1 half time lead.

Straight from the kick off Crediton pulled a goal back with a good move and an even better finish, then for some reason Sidbury began to panic and forgot how to play football. Then from a silly defensive error Crediton equalised and really upped their game. From being 3-1 down at the break they turned the game on it's head when they took the lead with just eight minutes remaining.

Sidbury then began to start playing again, Ben Kidson raced through and smashed his shot high into the top corner giving the keeper no chance to put Sidbury back into the tie, then with extra time looming, Harry Elliott received the ball with his back to goal he lifted the ball over his marker, turned, ran and managed to lob the advancing keeper.

It was a thrilling cup tie, but taking nothing away from Crediton, we really should have put this game to bed, we've really got to cut out these simple errors.

Well done Crediton and good luck for the rest of the season.

Sidbury Utd

0

4

Tiverton Town

Man of Match

Harry Elliott

Sidbury Utd entertained current league champions Tivvy Town, a game you have to be at your very best if you are going to get anything from the fixture.

Collectively Sidbury seemed to lack the fight and determination which was required of them today, they made too many silly basic mistakes, and were severely punished for them. When you are playing probably the best footballing side in our league the is no room for errors.

Two very good finishes saw Tivvy two up at half time, an identical 3rd was added in the second half and a very well taken penalty added the fourth. Congratulations to Tivvy Town on an excellent performance.

As for Sidbury, I know we can play much better than we have been doing in recent matches, now is the time to pull our socks up and start believing in ourselves

A special mention should go to Matt Reed who is just starting out on his referee career, but is proving he has what it takes, and done himself proud with today's performance.

The Sidbury line up:-  Young, Logan, Murphy, Northcott, Mansfield, Mattin, Elliott, Culling, Lucas, Kidson, Reed, Pearce

C S Juve

1

2

Sidbury Utd

Man of Match

Zac Mattin

It was a injury hit Sidbury side with Cody Northcott acting as stand in goalkeeper, and Kieran Murphy filled in at left back. Matters got even worse for United when after 25 mins when Aaron Pearse pulled up after watching his free kick hit the bar. Harry Wright switched to centre half to partner Rob Mansfield. Jack Murrell played as the lone striker and Harry Elliott slotted into midfield.

Sidbury came close to opening the scoring from a Zac Mattin corner which was eventually scrambled away. Ben Logan, Rob Mansfield, Kieran Murphy and Harry Wright were resilient and work tirelessly in defence.

Ben Kidson put Sidbury into the lead just before half time, when he picked up a pass from Jake Lucas on the right flank, he out paced the defender and shot high into the far corner.

Having used there only sub so early it was obvious that Sidbury would eventually tire in the second half. CS Juve piled on the pressure and equalised with a great move and a superb finish from a tight angle. Sidbury were still dangerous on the counter and came close on a couple of occasions.

On the left of midfield Zac Mattin was immense, Bill Reed Harry Elliott and Hamish Culling all played big parts in the game and their contributions was vital. Sidbury regained the lead with just 8 mins remaining, when Bill Reed from 25 yards out hit a speculative volley which just dipped under the bar, leaving the keeper no chance.

Sidbury showed great determination and strength in seeing out the remaining time, a good game to have come away with all three points considering our recent bout of injuries. Well done to CS Juve and thank you for the post match hospitality.

Sidbury Utd

2

1

Crediton Youth

Man of Match

Cody Northcott

Sidbury United gained a much needed win in a match which really they should have finished off by half time, but that is not the Sidbury way. Instead it needed a very late winner to grab the points.

Sidbury started well and created chance after chance, Harry Wright, Hamish Culling and Bill Reed came close to opening the scoring. Kieran Murphy, Ben Logan, Aaron Pearse and Rob Mansfield were coping very well with anything the Crediton attack threw at them. With normal stand in keeper Cody Northcott back, things were looking good.

Ben Kidson opened the scoring when he headed in a Zac Mattin corner, mid way through the first half, but even after that the boys in Claret and Blue were proving that they left their shooting boots at home, having missed some good chances and kill the game off.

Second half was much the same as the first. Jake Lucas and Jack Murrell almost increased the Sidbury lead, but Crediton were proving more of a threat on the counter, and with just ten minutes remaining Crediton equalised with a very well taken goal which really was a wake up call to Sidbury.

Scott Redman came on for Ben Logan and did a sound job, then with just about 5 mins remaining, Zac Mattin put in a lovely ball to the far post from a corner, Harry Elliott arrived late and volleyed in from 5 yards.

It was an important win, although it should have been more comfortable than it was.

Brixington Blues

1

1

Sidbury Utd

Man of Match

Aaron Pearse

Sidbury were taught a harsh lesson today, complacency will cost you valuable points. Something the boys will have to address themselves, they have to have the right attitude and preparation mentally as well as physically for every game, and not just the ones that they decide.

Harry Wright put Sidbury ahead midway through the half

Staddiscombe Colts

0

6

Sidbury Utd

Man of Match

Kieran Murphy

Sidbury United travelled down to Plymouth in the first round of the Devon County Cup to play Staddiscombe Colts on the back of yesterdays great result.

Sidbury were quick off the mark when Ben Kidson beat his man cut inside and unleashed a shot that would have left a premiership keeper stranded, it was a cracking goal. From then on it was basically all one way traffic. Harry Wright added a second after a great turn in the box, his shot almost saved by the keeper but it managed to cross the line to put United two goals to the good.

Bill Reed added a third before half time. Although it was a blistery morning the football that Sidbury played was not up to standard and they were just making things harder than was required.

Hamish Culling was acting as stand in keeper, but swapped jerseys with Rob Mansfield in the second half and managed to get himself on the score sheet. Billy Reed added two more goals to bag himself a hat trick. Ben Logan was unlucky not to add to the score line.

So into the next round of the County Cup with a 0-6 win, but on the downside was the injury picked up by Connor Long, which could see him missing for a long period.

Sidbury Utd

5

4

Stoke Hill Spurs

Man of Match

Hamish Culling

What a thriller, and what a great advertisement for the league. Even passing by dog walkers stop to watch, two very entertaining teams battle it out at Byes Lane. It was end to end stuff, and played with great spirit, determination and enthusiasm. 

Sidbury took the lead when a Zac Mattin corner was superbly headed in by Conor Long, this really boosted Sidbury because five minutes later they extended their lead. Bill Reed threaded a delightful pass between two defenders and Hamish Culling took one touch then fired the ball low to the keepers right and into the net. 

Influential skipper and stand in goalkeeper Cody Northcott was missing, but the back four of Ben Logan, Rob Mansfield, Aaron Pearse and Connor Long were extremely solid and were dealing well with the big strong Stoke Hill attack. Daryl Young pulled off a great one on one save,  

With ten minutes remaining of the first half a high ball was knocked into the edge of the box, a Stoke Hill player swung a leg at it and deflected it high into the top corner of the net. In his attempt to reach it keeper Young collided with the post and could not take any further part of the match. Left back Connor Long came off with an injury at the same time. A major reshuffle was required with striker Hamish Culling pulling on the keepers jersey and Kieran Murphy moving from centre midfield to left back, and Harry Wright just back from injury went up front. 

Despite this major upheaval Sidbury remained strong and the new look midfield of Zac Mattin, Harry Elliot, Bill Reed and Jake Lucas clicked into action immediately when they had a big roll and put through Ben Kidson through down the right he beat his defender and drilled the ball home, to cap off an excellent first half from Sidbury. 

Stoke Hill started the second half brightly and scored with a long range shot over the keeper, this really bolstered them because six minutes later they had pulled the game back to 3-3. However the Sidbury heads never dropped and they rallied and began to play some great stuff. Scott Redman is getting back to his old self and did well when he was called upon. 

Aaron Pearse jumped high onto a Ben Kidson free kick, and neatly headed past the keeper to restore Sidbury' lead, which was cancelled out a few minutes later when a smart move from Stoke Hill caught the Sidbury boys napping to make it 4-4. Harry Wright came close to restoring the seagulls lead as did Jake Lucas and Jack Murrell. Harry Elliot had that pleasure, he fired hard and low to score what proved to be the winner but also he's first league goal for his new club. 

Sidbury deserved the win, they battled for everything, showed great spirit and determination when things got tough. Many thanks to the neutral FA affiliated ref who stood in at the last minute.

St Martins

3

4

Sidbury Utd

Man of Match

Rob Mansfield

Sidbury United got their first win of the season at the third attempt at Exminster home of St Martins, it was a keenly fought contest and produced seven goals.

Twyford Spartans

1

0

Sidbury Utd

Man of Match

Awaiting report

Okehampton Argyle

1

1

Sidbury Utd

Man of Match

Team Performance

Both sides started brightly and were knocking the ball around well, but neither side created any clear cut chances early on. The Sidbury defence of Ben Logan, Aaron Pearce, Rob Mansfield and skipper Cody Northcott were proving difficult to break down, were winning their tackles, and a majority of the 50/50.s.

Midway through the first half and Ben Kidson received a great through ball, beat his man and crossed into the box for Harry Wright to neatly side foot the ball home. Kieran Murphy and Jake Lucas battled away in midfield tirelessly.

Okehampton equalised straight from a free kick after a rare mistake by keeper Daryl Young, then just before half time Ben Kidson was sent off.

Some tactical changes were needed in the second half, with Harry Wright dropping into the middle alongside Connor Long, and Hamish Culling in for Ben Logan at right back, Jack Murrell played a massive part as the lone striker. The managers choices were fully vindicated as Sidbury gave an exceptional second half performance, and could have won the game on a couple of occasions.

Zac Mattin deserves a mention for the run down the right, started off by a delightful bit of skill, and ended with a great defensive tackle in the box. Also Daryl Young's fantastic save at the feet of the Okey striker which would have certainly ended up in the net. It was good to see Scott Redman back in a Sidbury shirt, Harry Elliott had a solid debut and will be a asset to the squad. Bill Reed also had a big impact when he came on.

Sidbury showed immense spirit and battled for each other, which is a great credit to themselves and manager Steve Logan.