Harrison's strike sends United into Plate final (Cullompton Tigers 0-2 Exmouth United)

On a sunny Winter's morning Exmouth United Under 12s sealed an Exeter Youth League Plate Final place with a resolute performance that saw them defeat Cullompton Tigers 2-0 away.

In a well-contested first-half the two sides sparred for possession with the boggy pitch demanding much of the players. Both teams thought they had taken the lead before the referee overruled - Exmouth brought back for a throw and Cullompton for an offside. 

Division 1 Cullompton showed their class playing some nice football but the United defensive back-line stayed strong, Harry Kifli-Reynolds and Bryn Stephens snuffing out a number of threats to their right. Going forward, United made some penetrating runs up the left wing, with Jay Leballeur and Kuba Strzalkowski terrorising the defence with their pace and skill.

United stepped up their energy after the re-start and pushed the Tigers back. The midfield - Seb Harrison, Finn Glanfield and Lewis Evans - were strong in the tackle and their combination of passing and skill began to make the difference. They got behind the Cullompton defence three times before Harrison made the breakthrough when he picked up a ball from Cayleb Field to hit a shot and then bury the rebound in the net. A few minutes later Strzalkowski out-paced the defence and struck home to make it 2-0.

Exmouth United U12s - a proud day!

The hosts continued to fight and United showed great unity to keep a clean sheet. Goaly Lewis Alford was fearless as he flung himself at the feet of oncoming strikers whilst full-backs Harry Bassett and Owen Brady refused to let the home side get the better of them. Up the other end Exmouth created more chances and Jack Greaves was unfortunate not to grab a third as his deft shot struck the post. Towards the end Exmouth shored up the defence with Tom Price and Dylan Mogford sitting in midfield and effectively shutting down any attempt by the hosts to play through the middle.

Exmouth came out worthy winners after a gritty performance in which their togetherness and hard work really made the difference. They will take a lot of confidence from this match and will look forward to the Plate final in May.

The Exmouth players wore armbands in memory of Marjolijn Harrison who recently passed away. She will be greatly missed by many in Exmouth and beyond.

Cranbrook Futsal tournament - great show by United!

We travelled to a Cranbrook for a local Futsal tournament today. Futsal is a high-tempo indoor 5-a-side format using a small ball - encouraging skill and quick passing. The eight man squad started with a high-press tactic against the Exeter Panthers. This worked a treat and they dominated the match to win 3-0. Straight after they took on Lympstone Lions and demonstrated some fantastic skill and passing to win 5-2. Next up was Cullompton Tigers, who United excelled against with a 5-0 victory. In the second round of matches United beat the Panthers 4-1 before coming up against Lympstone. This was the most testing match as the Lions went ahead and defended resolutely. However, Exmouth worked their way into the match and ended up as 3-1 victors. In the final match United made it a 100% record with a 3-0 win against Cullompton. To top it off their excellent keeper, Lewis Alford, came out of goal and scored with seconds to goal.

An outstanding performance from all the players, ending on a goal difference of +19 (23 for and 4 against). Well done to all those who played! Here are the players and their goal tally for the day. Lewis Alford (1), Dylan Mogford (2), Cayleb Field (2), Bryn Stephens (2), Finn Glanfield (5), Lewis Evans (1), Jay Leballeur (3) and Kuba Strzalkowski (7).

Twyford Spartans 2-4 Exmouth United

A crisp sunny January morning in Tiverton saw a highly entertaining match between Twyford Spartans and Exmouth United. The home side immediately got into gear and began passing the ball around expertly. However, Exmouth countered up the left when Seb Harrison beat his marker to slide the ball through to striker Kuba Strzalkowski who raced through to score. Within moments it was all square as Twyford passed it into the net from a cross. The Spartans then went ahead when a long shot crept in past the keeper. Jay Leballeur soon raced up the right wing to cross accurately to Strzalkowski who struck home for his second.

After half-time both teams continued to play some good football. United defended well and limited the chances and central midfielder Cayleb Field began pulling the strings with his calm and clever passing. Strzalkowski made some fantastic runs from within his own half and was rewarded with a hat-trick when Leballeur crossed again for him to score. Exmouth gained in confidence and created more opportunities with Bryn Stephens firing in a rebound to seal the victory 4-2.

Christmas Party 2016

Lots of fun was had by all at the Christmas Training/Party. Well done to all the parents and siblings who showed off their footballing skills. Happy Christmas all!

Sidmouth Warriors 5-2 Exmouth United

A bright December morning in Sidmouth but not such a good one for Exmouth United Under 12s. Having excelled the previous week we didn't really get into gear in this match. Jay and Jack did well to get goals but it just wasn't United's day.

Central United 2-3 Exmouth United

A tremendous effort from Exmouth United saw them pull back from a two goal deficit to win 3-2 away at the excellent Central United. Exmouth demonstrated both resilience and maturity as they continued to believe in their passing game - dominating possession for most of the match. In the second half their efforts were rewarded when they created numerous goal-scoring chances. Bryn Stephens picked his spot to chip the keeper and Kuba Strzalkowski won it for the away side with a superb brace. A very impressive match in which Exmouth showed they can play some great football when playing with confidence and belief.

Exmouth United 4-1 CS Bobcats (Plate Competition)

Exmouth United Under 12s progressed through to the semi-finals of the Exeter Youth League Plate Competition with their best performance of the season so far. Visitors CS Bobcats, clearly a good footballing side, were unable to keep the home side at bay as Exmouth came out of the blocks with fluid passing moves, many involving midfielders Dylan Mogford and Captain Lewis Evans. In the first few minutes United put down a marker with two penetrating passes that led to one-on-one situations versus the keeper - in both cases the last touch let the attacker down. Playing against a strong wind, Exmouth were camped in the Bobcats half and eventually found their way through with a set-piece corner. Winger Seb Harrison passed it back to Bryn Stephens who launched a dangerous cross into the box. It fell to the in-form Jay Leballeur who shot cleanly into the net to put the hosts in front. Towards the end of the first half the visitors had a spell of pressure, but the Exmouth defence of Harry Kifli-Reynolds, Harry Bassett and Tom Price kept their composure and saw out the danger. 

The second half saw United up the tempo with wave after wave of incisive attacking play. Evans and fellow midfielder Finn Glanfield were a force in the middle of the park, running from deep and terrorising the defence with their individual skill and excellent passing. It was only a matter of time before the second goal came; this time Kuba Strzalkowski latched on to a rebound and struck it home. Exmouth had much joy from the wings with Leballeur, Stephens and Cayleb Field delivering a series of testing crosses, the most impressive coming from Leballeur who swung the ball in from the left for Stephens who volleyed in from close range. When the visitors ventured forward they came up against resolute defending, with Jack Greaves impressive at right back.

The match ended spectacularly with two penalties in quick succession. United conceded a foul in the box and the visitors struck back to make it 3-1. Then, in the last minute, Lewis Alford, normally the Exmouth keeper, won a spot kick when his shot struck the arm of a defender. Alford stepped up and slotted in the penalty to round off a superb team performance from Exmouth.