Axminser Town Under 13s v Topsham Under 13s

Top-of- the-league Topsham came to Tiger Way expecting an easy morning - but the Tigers had other ideas.

The weather was wet and windy and the lads were up for a battle, the togetherness of the team was quite evident with everyone putting in tackles and creating good opportunities going forward.

It wasn't until midway through the first half that the quality of the opposition started to show, relentless pressure and with the wind behind them a strike from distance left Tiger keeper Sid Morgan with no chance.

The Tigers, having to defend with the rain and wind in their faces, kept up the intensity and closed down several Topsham chances with the strength of Uriel Wilson and the excellent positioning of Lucas McGahey excelling.

Another fine strike with not a lot the keeper could do made it 0–2 and by this time the wind was playing a big part.

The Tigers continued to stick to their game of pushing the opposition into making mistakes with Bailey Galloway using his pace to retrieve the ball and creating some great wing play from the right back position. The half ended with two more goals for Topsham and the lads went into half time trailing 4-0.

The second half started with the Tigers upping the intensity and were well on top with two fine strikes from Alex Dixon, unfortunately just in range of the keeper. Now the Tigers were finding some passes with Bailey Galloway and Finn Jenkin linking up well, creating chances for Alex Dixon and Charlie Nicholls but unfortunately finding the opposition defence strong.

With the Tigers pushing to find that elusive goal they were caught on the break which ended in a foul on the edge of the Tigers 18-yard box. From the resulting free kick a fine save came from keeper Morgan but unable to hold on to the ball the Topsham striker thumping home from three yards.

It wasn't until the last 10 minutes that the lads started the tire and at two minutes from time conceded a sixth.

Although losing 0-6 to a deserving top-of-the-table side, it must be said that the Tigers played with a togetherness and team spirit that they and the coaches can be proud of.

All the lads played well with special performances from Sid Morgan in goal , Lucas McGahey at centre half and Bailey Galloway at right back.

The Under 13s' next game is home to Culm Valley on November 7th (kick-off 10.30 am).

Axminster Under 9s v West Hill Wasps.

The pre-season friendly against the Wasps ended in a tight match, with only one goal separating the teams, so going into this fixture the young Tigers expected two close games.

The Tigers started very quickly, netting two goals in the first four minutes courtesy of goal-machine Arthur Porter.

The boys continued to dominate, hitting the post twice and pressing Wasps very quickly when they had possession, causing them to make mistakes, which the Tigers took full advantage of.

Two new players making match debuts certainly held their own, with Oscar Williams playing down the wing and Sidney Matthews in defence, the first game ending 7-2 to the Tigers, with Arthur Porter scoring 5, with Freddy Long and Sidney Clayton hitting the net as well.

The second game started very similar to the first with the boys were in the zone from the previous match and continuing to dominate, pressing quickly, passing well and using the wings with two goals coming from Freddy Long, two from Oscar Williams, and one each from Arthur Porter, Finley Gabb and Reggie Clayton.

This was a fine performance on a wet and dreary day, 7-2 to the Tigers. Man-of-the-match went to Oscar Williams. Thanks to the parents for their support.