United win the Plate Final! Exmouth United 1-0 Sidmouth Warriors

Exmouth United Under 12s made it 11 wins in a row when they triumphed against Sidmouth Warriors to win the Exeter Youth League Plate final. Watched by a fantastic crowd of over 60 proud supporters, and wearing Dutch armbands in memory of Seb's mum Marjolijn Harrison, United rose to the occasion and showed outstanding character to clinch the victory at the Tiverton Town FC Ladysmead stadium.

Exmouth United heroes proudly display their trophies

Exmouth started strongly, linking up well and pressing Sidmouth back. Right-back Bryn Stephens demonstrated a range of excellent passing and twice released skillful striker Kuba Strzalkowski who came close to breaking the deadlock early on. Cool-headed duo Dylan Mogford and Harry Kifli-Reynolds led the defensive charge for Exmouth as they persistently snuffed out the danger with swift interceptions, quickly turning defence into attack with their neat passing.

Halfway through the first half a crucial moment came when the strong Sidmouth striker sped through towards the Exmouth goal. Somehow, Seb Harrison found the legs to get back and make a last ditch tackle and save his side. Going forward, flying winger Jay Leballeur terrorised the Sidmouth full-backs, combining superbly with Strzalkowski, Finn Glanfield and Lewis Evans to build attack after attack. Finally, the pressure told when midfield powerhouse Glanfield broke the deadlock - the ball fell to him on the edge of the box and he struck it beautifully into the corner of the net.

In the second half United remained positive and Cayleb Field fought hard up front against a well organised Sidmouth defence - twice he drifted into shooting positions and was unlucky not to increase the lead. Sidmouth piled on the pressure in their attempt to break United down. Harry Bassett showed great composure in central defence, repeatedly shutting down the threat and setting up the Exmouth counter-attack with some great passing. Owen Brady used his lightning pace and composure to stop the speedy Warriors striker from breaking through on goal. Tom Price was not fazed by the big occasion and refused to be beaten at full-back. He linked up well with Harrison on the wing - playing with great confidence.

At right-back Jack Greaves battled hard against the Warriors wingers and used his head to play some excellent passes. Midfielder Lewis Evans made countless blocks and headers to prevent Sidmouth from breaking through, and was potent when pushing forwards. Leballeur was very unfortunate not to make it 2-0 when his amazing right-footed strike clattered the opposition crossbar. Strzalkowski ran his heart out frightening the defence with his skill and pace, narrowly shooting wide when he broke through near the end. Between the sticks Lewis Alford was calmness personified - he made some superb saves and didn't put a foot wrong throughout the entire match. When the ref blew his whistle at full time a massive cheer was heard as United celebrated this fantastic victory.