2009-10 Archive - Under 9s Yellows - More News & Reports

Alphington Lions 0 v 3 Tiverton Town Under 9s Yellow - Exeter Youth League - March 2010

Tivvy yellows went into the game with the confidence still showing from their semi final win. Due to the absence of Michael Owen the team was re-shuffled with Jay Woodward starting up front, Luke Scampton on the right and Brad Messenger in the central midfield role. From the first whistle the yellows got into their passing game with Pektomiz and Hide in particular playing some delightful football on the left. Messenger linked up the play in the middle being always available for the easy pass and Scampton worked hard on the right, linking up well with Hamlin and Woodward. A typical piece of flowing football saw the ball moved quickly up the field to Woodward who burst through the Lions defence and finished coolly into the bottom corner. Another move down the left resulted in a left foot shot from Scampton being saved by the Lions keeper but followed up by Messenger who tucked the ball home. 2-0 at half time and the yellows were playing some great flowing football that deserved more than a two goal lead. Any Lions attack was thwarted by the excellent Hamlin, Pektomiz and Cole who won the ball and then played easy passing football to build the Tivvy attacks from the back. Cole did well in quickly distributing the ball short from goal kicks so that the yellows retained possession. Messenger was replaced at half time by Flaws who took up a position on the right wing leaving Scampton to play in the middle. The yellows started the second half as they had finished the first and the Lions were just chasing shadows. The yellows made the game look easy on a difficult pitch and another excellent move involving Scampton and Flaws on the right resulted in the ball being crossed where it was picked up in the box by Hide who finished well for a three nil lead. Woodward threatened all the way through with his pace and held the ball up well, growing in confidence with every touch of the ball. The yellows continued to press and most of the second half was played in the Lions half. A fantastic, attractive footballing performance from the yellows which was commented on by the referee after the game. Jay Woodward was chosen by the boys as man of the match.

Okehampton 0 v 2 Tiverton Town Under 9s Yellow - Exeter Youth League - March 2010

The yellows knew that they would be in for a tough game against a good Okehampton side. Scampton took a break at the start after his excellent performance in the first game. The yellows picked up where they had left off and continued to pass with confidence and maturity far beyond their years. The defensive duo of Hamlin and Pektomiz played the ball around beautifully and linked with the midfield showing a calmness and confidence that was great to watch. Cole resisted the temptation to kick the ball long and ensured that Tivvy kept possession of the ball by playing the ball short and easy to the Tivvy players who were always looking for the easy pass. This good ball distribution enabled the Tivvy defence and midfield to keep the ball and make the Okehampton players chase the ball for the majority of the game. A typical build up from the Tivvy midfield saw the ball crossed by Messenger to Hide at the far post who tapped the ball home to give Tivvy the lead. Tivvy continued to press with Flaws working hard to hustle and harass the Oke players when they had the ball. Flaws also produced two excellent runs down the right and impressed with his positional play. Scampton came on the in the central midfield role for the second half and got quickly into the game looking fresh and fired up. Messenger moved out to the right in place of Flaws. Tivvy once again impressed with their ball retention with all yellows players looking for the ball and helping each other. Scampton and Woodward linked up excellently on a number of occasions. Good link up play between Scampton and Woodward gave Scampton an opportunity on the edge of the box which he rifled home for 2 - 0. Okehampton now pressed hard and the yellows had to defend well. Cole was excellent in the Tivvy goal making a brave save at the feet of two advancing attackers and then a brilliant diving save to his right and holding onto the ball. Flaws came back on for Pektomiz who had played an excellent game and was looking sharp and confident. One more chance came to Tivvy to wrap the game up when Scampton’s shot went across the face of the goal and Woodward left it as he thought it was going in. An excellent performance once again and well deserving of the points. Man of the Match was again chosen by the boys as Bailey Cole for both his saves and his quick, easy distribution of the ball throughout both games.

Tiverton Town Under 9s Yellow 1 v 0 West Exe Exiles - Exeter Youth League Cup Semi Final - March 2010

The semi final was played on Monday 15th March at the Devon FA HQ in Newton Abbot.  Wow!  What a performance from the yellows!  It wasn’t pretty at times but the boys showed the desire and determination that has been missing this season.  Following the extended warm up the boys had a team meeting in the dressing room before taking the pitch.  Gone was the messing about and in its place was a team of fully focused players who had their sights set on the final.  A team huddle before the start showed the unity in the team and was nice to see.
From the first whistle the boys showed passion and determination.  It was clear that the boys were a little nervous as there was a tendency to sit back and protect their goal rather than push forward.  The pitch was very long and thin which left Scampton quite isolated at times so a tactical switch to the formation was made early on.  This gave much needed support to the attack and the yellows started to create chances.  Pektomiz and captain Hamlin looked solid and focused at the back, breaking up Exiles attacks and clearing their lines effectively.  The midfield trio of Messenger, Owen and Hide worked hard to give the Exiles players no time on the ball and then work the ball forward to Scampton.
Nil nil at half time and the yellows goal had hardly been under threat.  The yellows knew that they only had 15mins to put 200% effort into this game.  Woodward was patiently waiting his chance but the solidness of the Yellows line up made it hard to make a change.  The yellows started to grow in confidence and make more chances.  Shots from Hide and Scampton went very close.  Owen worked really hard to break up the Exiles play in the middle of the park with Messenger and Hide putting in the effort on the wings of the incredibly long and draining pitch.  Any Exiles attack in the Tivvy half was snubbed out by the excellent Pektomiz and Hamlin.  The Exiles came close with a shot that had Cole beaten but hit the crossbar.  With five minutes to go a yellows break put Scampton into the Exiles penalty area where he was brought down, earning a penalty.  The injured Scampton was replaced by Woodward and Messenger stepped up to take the penalty.  Messenger calmly despatched the penalty with a cool side foot into the bottom right corner.  One nil to the yellows!
It was now time to baton down the hatches and protect their lead.  The Exiles pushed forward but the yellows dug deep to keep them out with excellent organisation from all the players and determined defending.  The communication from the yellows players was a delight to watch as they really pulled together as a team.  Woodward, on his own up front, used his pace to great effect and chased every ball into the Exiles half making the Exiles defenders make mistakes and not allow them to push forward.  One Exiles attack got through the Yellows defence and as two Exiles forwards converged on the loose ball Cole sprinted from his line and made the save of the season, diving bravely at the feet of the two Exiles players and holding onto the ball to protect the yellows narrow lead.
The final whistle went and the yellows had earned their well deserved win.  Another team huddle and the yellows were ecstatic.
Well done the yellows!  Every player played out of their skin and did their job brilliantly.  I am very proud of you all.

Tiverton Town Under 9s Yellow 1 v 1 Moors Youth - Exeter Youth League March 2010

The yellows were struck down again by the complacency that has plagued them for most of this season. The yellows went into this game with the attitude of ‘this is going to be easy’ and came unstuck once again against a dogged and determined Moors side. From the first whistle the Moors team showed their passion for the game making tackle after tackle and not letting the yellows settle into their passing game. The yellows created a few chances in the first half but although Moors showed little ambition in going forward they defended extremely well and never game the yellows time on the ball. The second half was much of the same until a Tivvy defensive disaster from a Moors corner saw the ball just roll into the net direct from the corner. This at least seemed to spur the yellows and they quickly replied with Scampton going through the Moors defensive and finishing well to level the score. Tivvy pressed towards the end and created a few more chances but just couldn’t find the net. A below par performance from the yellows that all the players were disappointed with, especially as this was the local derby. Hopefully this will make them realise that they are not invincible and that they need to train hard and play at the top of their game every time if they want to be successful.

Tiverton Town Under 9s Yellow 1 v 2 Culm - Exeter Youth League March 2010

Following some harsh truths between the games the yellows had a realisation that they needed to up their game against Culm. From the off the yellows got back into the form that saw them pass teams off the park last season. The yellows were fantastic! Why couldn’t they play like this against Moors? For ten minutes Culm hardly touched the ball with the yellows in complete control. Every player looked comfortable on the ball and passed with confidence far beyond their years. Unfortunately a lucky break from the Culm forward put him in on goal and his pace was too much for the Tivvy defence as he finished coolly into the bottom corner against the run of play. The yellows didn’t panic and started again with their passing game creating chance after chance. The Culm keeper kept Culm in the game with a string of fantastic saves from various Yellows players. The second half started in the same vein with the yellows creating chance after chance and keeping the ball for long periods of the game. A move down the Tivvy right saw the ball squared to Owen who struck the ball hard and low into the bottom corner to level the scores. The yellows were in complete control of the game and Culm had not threatened since their goal until another defensive lapse saw a chance for the Culm forward who once again made the most of his opportunity. Tivvy pressed and pressed but just could find the killer touch to beat the impressive Culm keeper. Unfortunately time ran out for the yellows who having played so well had undeservedly lost the game. The Culm manager complemented the yellows by saying ‘they play fantastic, attractive passing football and didn’t deserve to lose the game’. The loss of this game was no disgrace as this was by far the best football I have seen played by ‘any’ team in this league this season and just shows the potential of these players in years to come. A great performance that all the players should be very proud of despite the result.
Come on yellows, lets take this performance forward into next weeks games and then the semi final. If you play like this you are capable of beating anybody! Well done.

Tiverton Town Under 9s Yellow 3 v 0 Cullompton Rangers - Exeter Youth League February 2010

The yellows started the game well and moved the ball around with confidence and composure from the first whistle.  They created good chances in the first half with some attractive, flowing, passing football more reminiscent of the yellows from last season.  Some good chances were created and missed before the deadlock was broken with a fortunate goal midway through the half.  A Luke Scampton cross direct from a corner took a deflection from the goal keeper into the Cully net.  The yellows took heart from this and attacked with purpose from here on in.  Any Cully attack was thwarted by Pektemiz and Hamlin at the back who showed great composure in possession of the ball and fed the ball into the midfield.  A ball played forward from the back found its way through to Messenger on the edge of the Cully box.  Messenger showed some delightful skills to keep possession and dazzle two of the Cully defenders before squaring the ball to Scampton who finished first time into the Cully net.  Any attack that got past the Tivvy defence was thwarted by the impressive Cole in the Tivvy goal who made three top class saves.  Scampton took a break in the second half and was replaced by Woodward.  Woodward showed his pace early on by beating two Cully defenders with awesome pace and was unlucky to see his shot come back off the upright.  Woodward had two more chances but his luck wasn’t in and another came back off the post.  Tivvy created more and more chances before Owen finally killed the game off with Tivvy’s third by hammering the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.  A good performance and a deserved win.

Tiverton Town Under 9s Yellow 2 v 1 West Hill Wasps - Exeter Youth League February 2010

Messenger took a rest at the start of the second game to protect a knee injury leaving Woodward to show his pace once again on the Tivvy right.  The wasps played well and showed some nice football to pin the yellows back in their own half.  The yellows took a while to get their game going but eventually got into their stride and started to move the ball around.  Owen was working extremely hard in the Tivvy midfield and did an excellent job in winning the ball and then playing a simple, early ball to start a Tivvy attack demonstrating the qualities that won him the coaches player of the year award last season.  Nil nil at halftime saw a tactical switch with Messenger replacing Woodward on the Tivvy right.  The wasps were still piling on the pressure and a fast Tivvy break from a broken up Wasp attack saw Scampton use good strength to hold off the Wasp defender and run in to finish.  A great individual goal that showed Scampton’s desire and quality that has been missing of late.  The yellows missed a couple of chances to increase their lead but the Wasps did not give up and equalised from a corner that should have been cleared at the front post.  With only a couple of minutes left a good break down the Tivvy right saw the ball squared into the box and Hide ran into finish into the bottom corner despite the efforts of the Wasps defender who nearly managed to clear.  The yellows held on to grind out a deserved win.
Man of the match could have gone to a number of Tivvy players but went to Bailey Cole in the Tivvy goal who made a string of good saves throughout both matches.

Tiverton Town Under 9s Yellow 3 v 2 Westexe Rangers - Exeter Youth League February 2010

Following their victory over the Rangers in the cup quarter final the yellows were eager to play them once again.  The cup game was a close fought contest and this match proved to be much the same.  The yellows started well and created the better of the opportunities.  They were unlucky to go a goal behind after a defensive error let the rangers striker have a shot on goal.  The shot was saved by Bailey Cole but Rangers reacted faster and slotted the ball home.  The yellows came back fighting and pulled a goal back before half time when Toby Hide finished well after some great build up play.  In the second half Rangers created another opportunistic opening, which they pounced upon, to go 2 - 1 up.  A change of formation for the yellows saw them attacking with renewed vigour and determination.  The yellows demonstrated some fantastic one and two touch football which moved the ball up the field with great pace and left the Rangers players chasing shadows.  It was trademark Tivvy yellows football and resulted in a swift comeback and goal from Luke Scampton to bring the yellows level.  The yellows did not stop there and another pacey attack culminated in a goal for Brad Messenger putting the yellows deservedly in front for the first time in the game.  They could have added more but the game ended in a well deserved and hard fought win for the yellows.

 

Tiverton Town Under 9s Yellow 1 v 1 Westexe Exiles - Exeter Youth League February 2010

With the cup semi final against the Exiles rapidly approaching this was an opportunity for both side to weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.  The yellows experimented with a new defensive partnership of Brad Messenger and James Hamlin, giving Jay Woodward the freedom of the right wing and Luke Scampton his preferred position up front.  The exiles were a big, physical team but the yellows battled well.  Most of the first half was played in the Exiles half and the yellows were unlucky not to take the lead on a number of occasions.  The Exiles created their own chances as well and Bailey Cole made some excellent saves to keep the scores level.  Eventually a cross from the right was met by Michael Owen in the box who finished into the Exiles net giving the yellows a deserved lead.  Another tactical switch by the yellows in the second half saw them create more chances but they failed to add to their lead.  The yellows kept battling but could not find the passing rhythm they had in the first game.  Halfway through the half an Exiles player was allowed far too much freedom in the yellows penalty area and he coolly slotted home to equalise.  The yellows battled through to the end but could not find the finishing touch.  A hard fought game that gave the yellows a taster of what was to come in the semi final.

Sidmouth Raiders 1 v 2 Tiverton Town Yellows - Exeter Youth League November 2009

A Tivvy yellows side missing the injured Brad Messenger and James Hamlin took the field against the Sidmouth Raiders team. The yellows team started in their usual enthusiastic manner and played some nice passing football once they had settled down. The yellows created a number of chances from the off with Luke Scampton, Michael Owen and Haden Flaws all having good efforts saved by an in form Raiders keeper. Tivvy finally took the lead from a corner when Michael Owen pounced on the loose ball in the Raiders penalty area and shot home from close range. Tivvy continued to create chances and were denied a penalty when Michael Owen was clearly brought down from behind the penalty area. Despite being brought down from behind the free kick was strangely given against Michael Owen. The Raiders equalised against the run of play with a fortunate goal when their striker (who was coming back from a previous attack and was 20 yards behind the Yellows defence) latched onto a thumped clearance and miss-controlled the ball allowing him to round Bailey Cole and pass the ball into an empty net. Unperturbed the yellows went on the attack but were again denied by the Raiders keeper. Both goalkeepers were on top of the strikers with Bailey Cole making a string of fine saves. After the break the yellows continued to attack and were denied a second penalty decision and a goal. Luke Scampton broke free and was brought down by a tackle from behind in the penalty area. The ball broke to the raiders keeper whose clearance fell to Michael Owen who expertly lofted the ball into the empty net, only for the referee to blow the whistle for Luke Scampton to receive treatment and disallow the goal. Bizarrely the ball was given back to the Raiders keeper to restart with a goal kick. The yellows finally got the goal they deserved when Luke Scampton drove into the penalty area and slid the ball past the excellent Raiders keeper for the second. Michael Owen was denied a second by the crossbar and the Raiders piled on the pressure forcing a brilliant save from Bailey Cole who rose to tip the ball over the bar from a well struck shot. Despite an extended period of ‘injury’ time for the Raiders to take two corners the yellows held on for well deserved win.

Sidmouth Warriors 1 v 1 Tiverton Town Yellows - Exeter Youth League November 2009

Due to the missing personnel from the Tivvy yellows line-up they experimented with a new formation for the second game. Luke Scampton won the toss and after initially being denied by the referee was allowed to elect to shoot down the hill in the first half. Playing a 3 and 3 formation with Michael Owen dropping into the centre of defence and Luke Scampton playing in an attacking central midfield role the yellows settled in well and looked very comfortable. The back three of Michael Owen, Reis Pektomiz and Toby Hide snuffed out any hint of a Warriors attack with excellent defending and played the ball up to the midfield trio of Haden Flaws, Luke Scampton and Jay Woodward. Jay Woodward was asked to play in an unfamiliar role on the left wing and revelled in his new found freedom making runs down the wing and tracking back to hassle and harass the Warriors. The yellows again created chance after chance but just could not find the back of the net until Luke Scampton broke the deadlock with a run into the penalty area and cool finish into the bottom corner. After the break the yellows continued to dominate but Bailey Cole had to remain alert as the Warriors pressed forward. Haden Flaws ran tirelessly over most of the pitch and was unlucky with two efforts that crept wide of the post. Tempers on the Warriors team were starting to fray and the yellows had to battle hard through a number of ‘unpunished’ indiscretions. A Warriors move down the Tivvy right saw Michael Owen put the ball into touch off of the warriors player, however the resulting throw was given to the Warriors. Before the yellows could get back into position the Warriors were allowed to take the throw and break into the yellows penalty area. The first shot was brilliantly saved by Bailey Cole only for the rebound to be fired home from close range by the advancing warriors player. The Tivvy players regrouped and once again drove forward looking for a winner. Luke Scampton hit the post with a well struck free kick after being upended out on the Tivvy left. Time and luck were however not on the Tivvy side and the game ended in a draw which rather flattered the home side.

Tiverton Town Yellows 5 v 0 Central United - Exeter Youth League Cup October 2009

The Tivvy yellows fielded a side missing the usual defensive pairing of James Hamlin and Reis Pektemiz. Jay Woodward stepped into the defensive role and Haden Flaws made his debut for the yellows on the right side of midfield. The yellows were trying out a new formation and took a little while to find their rhythm. Halfway through the first half the passing game started to come together and a good break resulted in a tidy finish from Luke Skampton to open the scoring. A few minutes later some great interplay down the Tivvy left saw Brad Messenger finish into an open goal to put the yellows two nil up at half time. Following the interval the yellows played their characteristic passing football and kept the ball well. The yellows were now starting to create chances and it was only a matter of time before the goals came. On the occasions when Central Utd broke Jay Woodward tidied up at the back and played good balls into the midfield to build the play once again. Brad Messenger and Michael Owen gelled as a central midfield partnership, communicating, breaking up the Central Utd play and covering each other well. Haden Flaws played an excellent debut, working hard on the right by winning the ball and feeding it through to Luke Skampton. On two or three occasions Haden Flaws was unlucky not to score on his debut as his shots were blocked by the United defence. Bailey Cole kept his concentration and made two or three excellent saves to thwart the United attack. The goals finally came through Luke Scampton and Brad Messenger who added two more to finish with a hat-trick. As well as a rare headed goal Brad Messenger had a contender for miss of the season when he side footed wide of an open goal from about 3 meters out. Man of the Match went to Jay Woodward who put in a solid defensive performance playing on his own at the back.

Twyford Madrid 0 v 0 Tiverton Town Yellows - Exeter Youth League September 2009

A Tivvy yellows side missing Jay and fielding an unwell Brad took the field against a typically strong Twyford ‘A’ team. Both teams started the game well playing some good flowing football. Michael Owen controlled the middle of the park hassling the Twyford midfield the instant they picked up the ball. Chances were few and few between but the Tivvy side had the better of them with the goalkeeper saving twice from Luke Scampton and once from a well controlled volley from Michael Owen. The Tivvy defence was solid and restricted Twyford to just a couple of chances. Bailey Cole was brave and determined in goal making a couple of good saves and taking a knock to the ribs for his trouble. The second half produced much of the same with Twyford changing their formation to counteract the good work of Michael Owen in the middle. Tivvy continued to play good passing football creating more chances. Tivvy had the most of the play and kept the ball well, restricting Twyford to playing the long hopeful ball out of defence which was dealt with by Reis Pektemiz, James Hamlin and Bailey Cole. Tivvy forced more good saves from the goalkeeper and hit the crossbar. A great break through the Twyford defence saw Michael Owen’s low shot blocked by an excellent last ditch slide from the Twyford defender. In the last couple of minutes Twyford pressurised the Tivvy goal, also hitting the woodwork, but were frustrated by good saves from Bailey Cole and dogged defending. Both teams left the field absolutely exhausted from a thoroughly entertaining game which kept the spectators biting their nails and was a credit to both sets of players

Twyford Barca 0 v 14 Tiverton Town Yellows - Exeter Youth League September 2009

The Tivvy yellows team had a well earned break before taking the field to play the Twyford Barca team. After the physical and mental exertion of the first game it took a while for the yellows to find their rhythm again. Tivvy played in fits and spurts but were guilty in places of overplaying when a simple pass would have done. The yellows managed to score four goals in the first half including two good strikes from Luke Scampton and a good individual effort from James Hamlin who carried the ball down the right without being challenged and finished well into the bottom corner. Toby Hide scored the first of his six goals from what looked like an impossible angle down by the far corner flag. Four nil up at half time the yellows knew that they were not playing well and came out after the break eager to up their game. Straight from the off the yellows showed their class and demonstrated their passing skills and ball retention. Throughout the second half the Twyford side hardly touched the ball with Tivvy closing down well, taking the ball and then keeping it with maturity far beyond their years. Tivvy created chance after chance with this simple, direct football and scored a further ten goals. Tivvy showed just how well they play as a team by having five different goal scorers on the score sheet at the end of the game. All in all an excellent display from the Tivvy yellows. They displayed determination, skill, maturity and a ruthless streak to come through the morning unbeaten, scoring fourteen and without conceding a single goal.

Tiverton Town U9 Yellows 2 v 0 Seaton Town - Exeter Youth League September 2009

In the first game the Tivvy Yellows came up against a determined Seaton Town side who were new to the league and previously unbeaten. The yellows started the first half well and were unlucky not to score with some excellent approach play. The yellows passed the ball well but could not make that break through due to a dogged Seaton defence. The yellows came in at half time nil nil and a change was needed as some of the players were looking a little jaded and low on confidence. Jay Woodward came on up front and used his pace to worry and unsettle the Seaton defence. The breakthrough came halfway through the second half with Reis Pektemiz latching onto a loose ball on the edge of the Seaton penalty area and drilling the ball into the bottom corner. The yellows defended their lead well with Michael Owen dropping just in front of the yellows defence to ensure that the lead was protected. Five minutes later the yellow doubled their lead when the ball broke to Luke Skampton on the half way line. Luke passed the last defender leaving himself with a one on one with the goalkeeper and cooling finishing into the corner. Seaton pushed forward but Jay Woodward and James Hamlin defended well and the yellows held onto their two goal lead until the final whistle.

Tiverton Town U9 Yellows 7 v 0 Honiton Sharks - Exeter Youth League September 2009

The second game saw a more confident yellows side playing good fast passing football. Their efforts were rewarded early in the half when following a good move down the left hand side Michael Owen picked up the ball on the edge of the Seaton area and fired a right foot volley past the Honiton keeper into the top corner. This relaxed the yellows and they added to their lead with an excellent run from Toby Hide past two defenders before slotting the ball home for the second. Shortly before half time Michael Owen picked up the ball again on the edge of the box and ran into the area finishing well. Three nil up at half time the yellows came out for the second half playing their confident passing game. An early goal from Brad Messenger put the game beyond the battling Honiton side. The yellows controlled the second half adding to the score with a further goal each from Michael Owen, Reis Pektemiz and Luke Skampton. All in all a good result and confidence boost prior to their next games in the Exeter Youth League against Twyford.

Tiverton Town U9 Yellows 7 v 0 Pinhoe Sharks Exeter Youth League September 2009

This was the first game for the Yellows since their successful trip to Wembley. They opened their campaign in the Exeter League with typical dynamic play.

Right from the first minute there were good build ups and interlinking of passes. All the players seemed tuned in and aware of each other's positioning. It wasn't long before a run up the left wing from Toby Hide resulted in a great shot and goal from Brad Messenger. Another chance came when James Hamlin was set up for a long range shot which whistled past the upright. By now the Yellows were dominating, Bailey Cole a lone figure in the Yellows' goal. Two corners in succession, the latter headed by Michael Owen and deflected in for another goal. Luke Scampton floated in another two corners with the defence struggling to cope. When Pinhoe did attack they were neatly thwarted by Reis Pektemiz, who seemed to be all over the Pinhoe attackers like a bad rash. Hamlin was solid in defence and linked well with the midfield. He started an attack combining with Messenger and Owen for a through ball to Scampton who fired home for goal 3. A minute later and Hide's shot was saved by the keeper. His hard work was rewarded after another build up on the left resulted in a good strike and fourth goal for the Yellows.

The second half started with the same intensity and confident play. Messenger lobbed just wide. Owen was brought down just outside the box but his free kick was inches to high. Another move saw Hide linking with Owen on the left who crossed to Scampton sliding in and just missing. Later, Hide again proved too much for his defender and found space to latch on to Messenger's pass and score again. A one/two combination between Owen and Messenger resulted in a great finish from Messenger. Goal 6.

Pinhoe, to their credit, kept working hard and produced a good break, but the Yellows tidied up, Owen slide tackling to put the ball in touch. Jay Woodward came on and slotted in well in defence, making a great contribution on his league debut. Pektemiz foiled another attack before the Yellows pressed again finishing with another fine goal from Messenger

Tiverton Town U9 Yellows 8 v 2 Beacon Knights Exeter Youth League September 2009

The Beacon Knights was stronger opposition and surprised the Yellows, who found it hard to get into their passing game. However, a blunder in the Knights' defence let Messenger in and scored through the keeper's legs. The Blues launched an assault with Hamlin on hand with a timely block. Another Blues attack saw a shot just wide but covered well by Cole. The Yellows responded with a period of sustained pressure, with Pektemiz well positioned to take advantage with a right foot drive just inside the box. Their goalie had no chance.

The Yellows let down their guard after giving away a freekick, which saw a through ball behind the defence and a great shot from a Blues attacker beat the diving Cole, who was inches from saving. This was the worst period for the Yellows, who conceded another good goal to the Blues. 2-2 at half time.

After a positive pep talk from coach Owen Messenger the boys refound their form in the second half. Right away, his son Brad fired a great shot to beat the keeper. Soon after, another attack produced a corner for the Yellows, well defended by the Blues but Owen connected just inside the box to make it 4-2. Now, the Yellows kept up the pressure with great control and passing. Scampton's shot was saved and Messenger just wide. Another long shot by Owen went straight to the keeper. It wasn't long before Scampton latched onto a ball from the right side and fired home. A good breakaway from the Blues ended in a fine save from Woodward who took over the goal from an injured Cole. End to end stuff now, and a breakaway from the Yellows provided Scampton with a chance, who fired a bullet into the top corner. (6-2) Good work from Hamlin pushing forward and another break ended with another Messenger goal. The last goal was a well executed half volley from Owen to cap a great second half.

Tiverton Town at Wembley August 2009

The Tiverton Town U9’s trip to Wembley was an absolutely brilliant day. The team were up before dawn for the 5.30am start and very excited. We arrived at Northwick Park for the first part of the day where the team played three matches against U10 teams from all over the country. The boys played the best football that they have played to date. The passing and movement of the Tivvy team certainly surprised the older opposition and their coaches who commented on the effective and attractive football being played by our boys. At Northwick Park the team got the chance to have their photograph taken with the Community Shield and play on the football based inflatable activities provided by McDonalds.

The second part of the day was based in Wembley Stadium. For the most of the boys, and indeed their parents, it was the first time they had seen the stadium. The team then got to walk through the players entrance into the stadium and then through the players tunnel onto the pitch side. Inside the stadium the team were invited to the front of the photograph with Sir Geoff Hurst MBE and Trevor Brooking. The team was then selected to play another U10 side from the northern half of the country. The Tivvy ‘yellows’ began the game and played the most attractive passing football that they have ever played. Unusually for the yellows who normally have to warm up in a game they played well straight from the whistle by passing the ball with great confidence all around the pitch making the other team chase shadows. Their football was rewarded with a much deserved goal after about four minutes when Luke Scampton hit a long shot that the goalkeeper could not keep out. They were unlucky not to increase their lead before half time with shots from Toby Hide, Brad Messenger and James Hamlin being kept out by the desperate defence. Both teams changed their entire line-up at half time with Tivvy replacing the ‘yellows’ with an eager ‘whites’ team. The ‘whites’ began where the ‘yellows’ left off by playing some lovely football. By keeping the ball well and attacking with great pace Tivvy increased their lead through Lloyd White who toe poked the ball past the opposing goalkeeper following a great save from Joe Greenslade’s shot. Lloyd White celebrated on the hallowed turf with a cartwheel. Tivvy maintained the pressure with Harry Stoneman and Lucas White forcing a excellent saves from the goalkeeper. When the opposition attacked Tivvy defended well with Harry Butler tracking back from midfield and Harry Stoneman and Reuben Buss solid in defence. A fantastic performance from all the Tivvy Town players resulting in a well deserved 2 - 0 win.