A beautiful sunny morning saw the Scorpions at home to Sidmouth Town for the first game of the season. The Scorpions got off to a great start with lots of pressure and possession resulting in 2 goals in the first ten minutes including an excellent long range goal from Jamie Stone.

A quick Sidmouth front line had us on the ropes a couple of times but strong defensive play from Mason Jones, Ollie Armes and Connor Pearce prevented them scoring.

Good positional play and passing saw Scorpions scoring 3 more times giving us a 5–0 lead. Having thought they’d won the game a sleepy midfield let Sidmouth through to score twice in quick succession despite excellent parrying by keeper Elliot Watts.

Shaken up at half time Scorpions scored early in the second half to seal the match. Both the heat and a poor pitch on which the grass was far too long sapped the strength of both sides slowing the game down. Elliot Watts in goal made several crucial saves to keep the score at 6–2.

It was great to see the new team members settling in well with both Declan Gent and Josh Jones scoring on their debuts. A great start! Well done everybody and thanks to parents for running the line and refereeing.

Scorers; Jamie Stone 2, Jem Bartholemew 2, Declan Gent 1, Josh Jones 1.
Man of the Match; Jamie Stone

Ed

The Scorpions were lucky to come away with a 3-3 draw on Saturday after a disappointing 1st away game to Heavitree.

In the first half the Scorpions dominated and after a couple of good saves by the keeper Elliott Watts and lovely goals from Josh Gent and Joseph McShane, it was starting to look like another win for the boys with them 2 - 0 up when the half time whistle blew. After a rousing half time talk, the boys came on and looked strong for the first 10 minutes, but then Heavitree bought on their secret weapon in the number 16 shirt.

Heavitree had us against the ropes for the remainder of the game and scored 3 lovely goals within minutes of each other. The Scorpions were left wondering what had happened, but were then awarded a penalty with minutes to go. Jamie Stone was the brave man to step forward and take the penalty, but it wasn't to be his day with the ball going high over the cross bar. But as all good captains do, Jamie managed to keep his head up and rally the boys with Thomas Mitchell equalising within the last 5 minutes.

No doubt there will be a lot to talk about at training this week, but at least there were points on the board!

Goal scorers: Josh Gent, Joseph McShane & Thomas Mitchell. Man of the Match: Elliott Watts

Vanessa

Another sunny morning and Scorpions were up against a very competitive Alphington side who took an early lead in the game. The Scorpions responded well and their efforts resulted in a 3-1 lead. From then on the game was very closely contested with attempts on goal at both ends.

Despite a great effort from the midfielders who all worked hard covering in defence Alphington levelled the score. More of the same play saw the score go to 4-4.Another outbreak of ‘ball watching’ saw Alphington score twice more to win the game 6-4.

In a very tight game a draw might have been a fairer result for the effort all the team put in, with a bit more determination and desire to win the ball we could have won it.

Goal Scorers: Josh Jones, Jamie Stone, Robbie Knightley, Declan Gent.

No man of the match award was declared as it was a great team effort and to close to call.

Ed Hayes

Pitch congestion at Amory Park lead to an 11.30am kick off with both teams looking for their first win of the season. The Spitfires lined up in a changed formation with 5 across midfield. Twyford started well and were first to the ball during the early exchanges and this soon led to the first goal despite the scorer being in an obvious off-side position. By half time Twyford controlled the game and were 4 goals up with the Spitfires shape and organisation all over the place. Despite a bad first half performance Central did create a couple of good chances for the wide man Will Haigh and attacking midfielder George Kiloh.

At half-time, Central came outin a more familiar formation with 4 at the back and immediately looked a better team. 10 minutes from time Twyford were awarded a penalty following a handball from what was at times a struggling defence however the resulting spot kick was put wide of the post. Twyford did manage to score their 5th before the final whistle and alternately were worthy winners.

Spitfires man of the match: Luke Kitteridge

Martyn

The Spitfires really showed they are starting to come together as a team when they entertained Kentisbeare in this extremely close fought match. Both teams had their moments in the first half but despite the Spitfires shading the possession it was the Colts who ended the first half 0-1 up. The goal came from their centre back after about 15 minutes when he burst through a couple of weak tackles and struck the ball from the edge of the box. One strength the Spitfires have in abundance is fight and from that point until the half time whistle the game was played in the Colts half.

After the break the Spitfires continued to pressure their opponents with their best performance of the season so far. They perhaps should not only have equalised but could on a different day have taken all 3 points with several chances. The Colts showed some good defending and hung in well and on more than one occasion hit Central on the break. One such break towards the end of the game saw a lovely cross from the left headed just over the bar and was probably the best football of the match.

This was a much improved game from the Spitfires with all players contributing well, special mentions go to Luke Kitteridge and Matthew Heggaton in defence, James McClay in midfield, some excellent keeping from a volunteer stand in James Parsons between the posts.

Man of the Match went to Will Haigh for showing everything and more of what was expected in midfield.

Martyn

A lackluster performance from the Spitfires this week saw them up against a well organised Brixington team. It took around 10 minutes for Brixington to break down the Spitfires defence and then like buses two goals came at once. By half time the Exmouth team were 2 - 0 up but the Spitfires remained optimistic.

This was short lived in the second half and Brixington showed the Central team how to turn attacks into goals.

Already this season the Spitfires have been on the end of results that flattered their opponents however.

Martyn

The Spitfires extended the offer of a friendly match to the Spartans from Tiverton due to a gap in the fixture list. This was the second time the teams had met this season and both coaches were happy to relax the substitute rule and play more of their fringe players. This, on the surface appeared a good idea but as the Spitfires started to change personnel and move players to different positions the flood gates opened for Twyford and the Spitfires looked more and more vulnerable. At half time the visitors lead by 3 goals. Throughout the match the Spitfires had opportunities and despite Twyford's deserved win the score line could have been a little kinder to Central if they had taken their four or five chances. It wasn't until the last few minutes of the game that good work from the midfield was rewarded when Brendon Head managed to get on the end of a cross from the right hand touch line and score a very precious goal which doubles the Spitfires tally for the season.

Solid performances again this week from Luke Kitteridge, Will Haigh and Matthew Heggadon

Martyn

The Scorpions got off to a great start with the midfielders working hard and pushing forward. There were a couple of close calls but sadly the ball did not find its way into the net. The Scorpions looked the better team in the first half and demonstrated their strength and ability to pass well to each other. The defenders were on form and Ollie Armes showed excellent turns of speed and forward thinking in both halves of the game.

The second half saw West Exe dominating and despite the best efforts of the keeper 2 goals were scored in quick succession. Jamie Stone encouraged his team mates to stand strong and Aaron Sowdon made a couple of quick runs down the wing, but still the ball didn’t find the net. Sam King played a steady 1st half and excelled in the 2nd half, often being the last man chasing down the attack. He remained focussed and despite the score, continued his tenacious defence of the net.

A disappointing result as the Scorpions played some brilliant football and showed a great team spirit. The only way is up!!

Man of the Match: Sam King

Vanessa

The Spitfires travelled out into the wilds of Devon today to take on Hemyock. On paper this always looked like it was going to be a tight match and that was exactly how it turned out. Both teams went into the game looking for their first win of the season and it was the home team that ended the first half 2-0 up. The Spitfires who over the past few weeks have looked a little out of sorts, seemed much more their old selves and at times during the game played their best football of the season so far. Half way through the second half Kieran Stratton who was working the left hand touch line burst through to score his first of the season. The game continued to ebb and flow and at 2-1 it was anyone's money who would score next. Unfortunately for the Spitfires it was Hemyock who managed to find the net a third time and kill the game off.

This was an excellent performance by the Spitfires with every player giving 100%. Leo Southall in goal made a couple of excellent stops from 1 on 1 situations, George Strawbridge, Matthew Heggadon, Sean Pearson and Luke Kitteridge kept an impressive back line defending well and catching Hemyock off side on a number of occasions. Kieran Stratton, James McClay, Brendon Head and Will Haigh all made great contributions in mid field and George Kiloh and Sam Woods lead the line and were unlucky not to level or even win the game for the Spitfires.

Man of the Match: Will Haigh

Martyn

A slow start cost the Spitfires any chance of getting their first win of the season. Both coaches stated before the kick off that scoring goals was their biggest challenge and this certainly proved to be a correct statement for the Spitfires. Pinhoe were by far the better team in the first half and played almost the whole half in the Spitfires half of the pitch. A 4-0 half time score line led to strong words from the coach (which got him in trouble with his wife) but seemed to have the desired effect as the second half saw the Spitfires produce four or five chances and for long periods dominate the game. Pinhoe continued to play well however, and soaked up the Spitfires pressure hitting them on the break and adding a further 3 goals to their tally.

Little commitment shown in the first half but an excellent show of spirit in the second half. The watching parents had a difficult decision to choose their man of the match this week but finally sided with Sam Woods who displayed some excellent passing and read the game very well.

Martyn

The Spitfires go safely through to the Plate Competition following a 9-1 defeat at home to St Martins in the 1st round of the Knock Out Cup. This was always going to be a difficult game for the home team who are still looking for their first win of the season. The Spitfires lined up with just 2 changes to their team, welcoming back both George Strawbridge and James Parsons from the half term break. St Martins were too well organised for the Central side who on at least 3 occasions committed defensive mistakes which led to goals. The Spitfires did however have a few chances themselves but it wasn't until late in the second half that they finally found the net with a Kieran Statton strike.

Though Central struggled in this cup game against a better organised team there were several Spitfires players worth a mention this week; Will Haigh put in another strong performance, Luke Kitteridge played well in defence, Sam Woods had another good game and Kieran Statton worked really hard and deserved his goal. The Spitfires Man of the Match this week goes to Matthew Heggadon who was first to the ball all morning and is improving with every game.

Martyn

Without doubt the most consistent team in the Sainsbury's Exeter Friendly League, lost again this week when they visited Exwick. This was the Spitfires ninth game of the season and they are firmly rooted to the bottom of the under 12's blue division as they continue to look for their first win of the season. A welcome guest for the Spitfires was John Cornforth, John who played for teams such as Sunderland, Birmingham City and Swansea during his professional career was invited alone to the game by regular Spitfires coach Martyn Woods to watch his team play and provide some feedback. Martyn stated "this was a fantastic gesture by John, the boys were very excited to have an ex professional player and manager come and take an interest in our team". He added "some of my player wouldn't get into most other teams in the league but due to Central Football Clubs all-inclusive policy we are able to provide them with an opportunity to get stuck in. We got beaten again this week but I couldn't be prouder of my lads, they are a credit to the club and the league, their heads never drop and they keep battling to the very end".

The match which was at time a little one sided saw Exwick score within just a few minutes of the start. By half time the team from south of the river were 5-0 up. John Cornforth gave the Spitfires an encouraging half time team talk and the Central side responded with a gritty second half performance. Exwick were in the end far too strong for the Spitfires although George Kiloh managed to get one goal back with five minutes remaining. The game ended with Exwick scoring 9 to the Spitfires 1.

After the game Mr Cornforth who also gained two caps playing international football for Wales congratulated the Spitfires on a dogged performance and offered to take a training session with the team in the next few weeks.

Martyn

A golden opportunity for the Spitfires to get their first points of the season was sadly missed. Bradninch who had already won twice this season had a similar goals against statistic as the Spitfires going into this match and with this in mind the Spitfires were optimistic of at least making a game of it.

During the first 20 minutes of the game their optimism was founded with them having the majority of the play, passing the ball nicely and managing a couple of weak efforts on goal. However, the lack of a goal scorer proved to be their downfall again and Bradninch scored with their first two meaningful attacks of the game. The Spitfires who had been told to approach the game as a mini cup final then shot themselves in the foot by gifting Bradninch 3 goals from weak sloppy goal kicks which on each occasion led to very easy goals for the home team and another goal was given away from a goal-keeping error.

In the end Central were well beaten, they lacked a defensive presence and are going to need to find someone who knows where the goal is if they are to win a game or even get a point this season. The overall effort of the team was mostly reasonable but the performance lacked any threat to the opposition.

Martyn

This bottom of the table clash saw two evenly matched teams compete in an extremely entertaining game and was a wonderful advert for youth football. The early exchanges had the home team on top as they dominated play and created several good chances but failed to get a goal. It was the visitors from Bradninch who broke the deadlock when an in swinging corner beat a crowded penalty area and went straight in. Bradninch then got a second before half time from a run down the left and a cool finish. Bradninch ended the first half looking the much stronger side.

George Kiloh got one back for the Spitfires just after the restart which lifted spirits and as the Spitfires started to play their best football of the match Bradninch got a third. As with every game this season the Spitfires heads never dropped and some good individual ball control in front of goal was rewarded when George Kiloh got his second of the game and his tenth of the season. At 2-3 both teams continued to play exciting football and the game could have gone either way. The Spitfires then made life difficult for themselves when they failed to clear a corner and the Bradninch front line scrambled the ball over the line. With less then 10 minutes left to play a lot of other teams would have crumbled but again the Spitfires fought hard and got their third with some good work down the right from Josh Glenn who also finished the move. An end to end few minutes then completed the match.

With 2 tough games left to play it doesn't look as if the Spitfires are going to get the win they so deserve this season, but one thing is certain and that's they are an improving team with unquestionable attitude. Spitfires Man of the Match - Matthew Heggadon.

Martyn

Below: Joseph McShane on the run up the wing.


Above: Incoming!. Below: Running up the field.


Above: Goal mouth scramble. Below: Joseph McShane scores a goal - see it hit the back of the net.


Above: Connor Pearce fires it up the field.

The first competitive game of 2008 saw the Spitfires lose to good Honiton side. The Central side who fielded a new centre back went into the game knowing they had a difficult match and would need to play at their best from the starting whistle. The Spitfires coach stated before the game that everyone needed to play at the best of their ability from the start, however, as with previous matches this season the Spitfires didn't really get going in the first half and spent most of it defending their goal. Half time saw Honiton 4 goals up. Two well worked efforts resulting from some nice passing football, one from the head of an unfortunate Spitfires defender whilst trying to defend a corner, and one which should never have happened as the whole Spitfires team seemed to switch off and were ball watching.

The coach changed the formation slightly at half time and played three at the back to try and help the midfield with an extra player and this seemed to have a positive effect and the Spitfires produced a much better performance. Unfortunately the damage was already done and although Central saw much more of the ball and created several chances they were always chasing the game.

Despite what looks like another heavy defeat for the Spitfires there are signs of improvement. The coach was pleased with the general shape of the team and the defence looks much improved. A solid performance from James Parsons in goal and a special mention for Matthew Heggadon, Luke Kitteridge and Chris Ware who all had excellent games. The Spitfire’s man of the match had to go to Leo Southall who was asked to play out of position in the first half and showed great spirit and worked really hard for the team.

Martyn

Central played the Tiverton based team for the third time this season and unfortunately were on the end of another defeat. Central who were without several key players due to the half term holiday were almost a match for the visiting team during the first 30 minutes despite conceding 2 goals. The game was a battle between the two midfield's and both teams created a number of chances however, it was the lack of a goal scorer for the Spitfires which was the difference between the two teams.

The second half saw the Spitfires line up without making any changes but as the game went on it was the Spartans who became the stronger side and in the end were worthy winners. The Spitfires best move of the match came from a free kick 10 yards outside the Twyford area. Luke Kitteridge took an excellent kick towards the far post and in the confusion that followed, Chris Ware managed to get a foot to the ball and score his first goal for the club since joining at the start of the year.

James Parsons had another excellent game in goal and Leo Southall, Matthew Heggadon, Rhys Elliott and James McClay all played very well for the whole match. The Spitfires Man of the Match goes to Chris Ware for his hard work in the centre of defence and only the Spitfires fourth competitive goal of the season.

Martyn

The Spitfires went into this match knowing that if they are going to get a win this season this game was one of their best chances. Again due to the school holiday there were no substitutes available but luckily this did not affect the game. This was the second time Central had visited Hemyock this season and the game was just as evenly matched. Central dominated the opening 20 minutes with some excellent midfield play and a defence which looked for the first time this season as if it was going to keep a clean sheet. The Spitfires had a couple of chances to score during these early exchanges and their lack of fire power would come back to haunt them the longer the game went on. Kieran Statton had an opportunity as did his strike partner George Kiloh but neither managed to find the net. George Strawbridge who was finding himself in lots of room on the right hand side of the pitch also found himself in a 1:1 situation with the Hemyock keeper but again wasn't able to find the net. Towards the end of the first half Hemyock struck twice in quick succession to find themselves 2 -0 up at half time.

The half time team talk consisted of a simple message to the Central side "keep going with more of the same" The second half saw the Spitfires again match their hosts in every department but one, scoring goals. Will Haigh, who played really well all game, went on a fantastic dribbling run through the Hemyock defence and struck the ball against the cross bar and George Strawbridge who was following up, heading the rebound towards the goal but this was cleared off the line. Hemyock managed to score a third goal with about 10 minutes left and this just about finished the match off.

This was a really entertaining game with two very evenly matched teams, the Spitfires again suffered because of their lack of a goal scorer but the whole team played very well. Evidence of training showed at times with some really good passing and many chances created. Everyone played their part in this match and it was difficult to pick out any one player but as we drove back to Exeter the boys in the car all said Will Haigh should be awarded the Spitfire’s man of the match.

Martyn

The Spitfires showed some true character in an end to end encounter with a Brixington side who have showed much improvement this season. For the first time since September the Spitfires managed to score more than a single goal and really give their visitors a close fought match. Brixington took the lead after 15 minutes and then followed up with another goal 4 minutes later. Most of the parents watching from the side line would be forgiven at this stage of the game, to think that the Spitfires were in for another grubbing, but with 8 minutes left of the first half George Kiloh struck a powerful shot from just inside the box to the left-hand side of the Brixington keeper to open the scoring for the Spitfires. Suddenly the Central team showed some belief and continued to press their opponents. Brixington however weathered the storm and managed to add a third goal shortly before the half time whistle.

The half time team talk was one of a positive nature for the Spitfires and no major changes were made other than bringing the two wide midfield players in from the touch line in a hope to get them more involved.

The second half saw the Spitfires fully fuelled and shooting from both barrels. George Kiloh added to his first half goal when he burst through the Brixington defence and found himself one to one with the keeper. Kieran Statton broke from the left and lobbed the defence to add the Spitfires’ third. Brixington then hit back and scored twice before James McClay got his first of the season and the Spitfires fourth of the game after some excellent build up play. With just 10 minutes to play the score was 4 - 5 and Central really had the Exmouth team worried. Unfortunately the home team lost their discipline and shape pushing for more goals which left the defence very exposed and led to Central's downfall.

At a time when the coaches were beginning to feel the Spitfires season was coming to an end they produced a really gritty performance and proved they can be a handful for any team in the league. There was no man of the match this week due to the quality of the overall team performance, however special mentions should go to James McClay, George Kiloh, Matthew Heggadon, Sam Woods and Vinny Middlemost.

Martyn

The Spitfires travelled to Kentisbeare in force and were able to take almost a full squad with 6 players on the bench. The Central team started well and made several chances before they finally got their deserved goal after 20 minutes. George Kiloh rounded two Kentisbeare defenders and shot from an acute angel to open the scoring. 1-0 was how is stayed until half time and this was the first time the improving Spitfires had led in any game this season.

Kentisbeare started the better team after the restart and equalised on 35 minutes, they then went on to score a second after the referee refused to acknowledge the lineman's flag, stating the off side player wasn't interfering with play. The Spitfires showed their spirit and battled back really well which paid off when George Kiloh scored his 2nd of the game and his 7th of the season. At 2-2 both teams look evenly matched until the Spitfires made a fundamental error when they didn't clear a Kentisbeare corner despite several opportunities and the home team scored a tap in goal to punish the mistake. Unfortunately the game ended in a little controversy when again a Kentisbeare player was judged off side by the linesman but play was allowed to continue and Kentisbeare scored their fourth goal of the morning.

The Spitfires coach used all the 17 players available to him as fairly as he could, this tactic meant that the side on the pitch never had time to settle which didn't really help them in the game. Despite this the effort shown by all the players was fantastic. The core of the team are really improving their football and that first win can't be too far away. Everyone played really well but special mentions go to George Kiloh for his 2 goals, Sam Woods, Chris Ware, James Parsons, Will Haigh and Matthew Heggadon for their excellent all round play but 2 Man of the Match awards this week with Harry Howard in defence and James McClay in midfield both playing with intelligence, grit and passion. A great performance despite the result.

WELL DONE TO ALL THE REDSTAR PLAYERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS THIS SEASON.

Martyn

Central never really got going in the first half whilst Exwick passed the ball well, exploiting the Spitfires slow start. Half time couldn't come early enough for the home team who were 0 - 5 at the break.

The Spitfires started the second half with much more purpose to their play and this caused the visitors problems however, not even a goal from top scorer George Kiloh (8 for the season) could undo the damage that had already been done and with Central chasing the game Exwick ran out comfortable winners.

Whilst no Central players really shone this week, Harry Howard and James McClay rarely put a foot wrong with solid displays.

Martyn

A spirited performance from a team that’s had more than it’s fair share of internal problems recently.

Steve McShane

With 6 of the Central regulars absent due to the school holidays and sickness it was a patched up side which took to the field to play a full strength and competent Pinhoe team on their own turf. The two teams met a few weeks earlier with Pinhoe running out easy winners and the Spitfires coach who believes his team are improving, saw this match as a way to measure that progress.

From the kick off both teams battled hard with Pinhoe shading procession and creating more goal scoring opportunities. Central dug in and at times rode their luck but after 15 minutes the Spartans managed to break down the Spitfires defence and the flood gates opened. At half time the score was 5 - 0 and the game as a contest was all but over.

When the match restarted the Spitfires started to play with a little more purpose and scored through a well struck David Orchard shot almost immediately. To the frustration of the Spitfires coach his team played as he knows they can and continued to create chances, make their tackles and pass the ball around with purpose. Pinhoe made a couple of substitutes towards the end of the game and scored their sixth goal from a scuffed shot 10 yards from goal.

In summary this was far from the Spitfires strongest side and yet the overall performance was good. If we could learn not to give our opponents a 5 or 6 goal lead by half time we may start to do ourselves justice. Special mentions go to Brendon Head for his efforts as a stand in goalie (he's played up front most of the season) also to David Orchard who knocked in his first of the season and was only playing his second game since the new year. Spitfires man-of-the-match, Will Haigh for another never say die performance.

Martyn