News, Events & Enrichment

U16 East Devon Cup Football

The boys rolled up to St James on Wednesday afternoon keen to register a win. Bolstered by the presence of some Y10 boys the side looked in good shape in the first 10 minutes. Slick passing from captain Ellis, Max and striker Luka looked likely to create an early goal. However, St James' long ball approach that was generally dealt with by Noah and Logan at centre back proved a worthy approach as the ball ran through to keeper Joe. He looked to clear and hit it straight into the on rushing players only to see it ricochet through into the back of his own net. Very much against the run of play, but a sign of things to come. George, playing with a smile on his face, had a strong game on the right of defence whilst Izaac played well, but not up to his usually high standards. The midfield for Clyst Vale continued to dominate play with Dillon acting as an enforcer allowing Ellis and Max to feed well weighted passes out to the wingers Owen and Noah. Despite some close chances the St James keeper held firm through to half time. 

The second half began with Harrison moving to left wing and he immediately started to link well with Max and Luka. Chances started to appear until one fell to to Dillon on the edge of the box. He riffled home a super strike into the bottom corner. The ever industrious Owen made way for Marley who arrived late to a cross and smashed home into the roof of the net with his first touch!  The play was now dominated by Clyst Vale and the next player to pull the trigger was Ellis. However, the freekick was deflected on route to the goal by Max who was quick to claim the goal off his captain. The game looked to have been put to bed when Marley got his second firing in from close range. However, despite some neat play from Dillon out side and some intricate play on the edge of the 18 yard box by Max and Ellis, St James got a goal back. Switching their tallest player to the front line they went all out route one and pinched a goal from a flick on. Nerves started to tell as the Clyst Vale defence wobbled. Max dropped in to secure things and despite another home goal the Clyst Vale players were clearly stronger come the end. 3-4 away win on a small and bumpy pitch was a great result. Player of the Match: Max Ferris - strong and combative in midfield, mixed with some super passes and delightful solo runs. A goal to his name as well (just!).