THE eagerly awaited Crediton Youth FC Coaches v last year’s U16’s challenge took place under the lights at Lords Meadow on Friday, September 27.

The annual fixture may not quite have the same edge now, with so many of the players staying on at the club to play U18’s football now, but it still produced a very entertaining game with some attractive football served up for the sizeable crowd.

It was the U16’s who flew out the blocks and drew some early saves from Reece Burnison the coaches keeper.

They constantly looked to play the ball out from the back which had been impressed on them by their coaches over the years.

But, as the game progressed, Craig Harris and Danny Harvey started to win the midfield battle and it was Joe Betts, the U16’s keeper, who was the busier of the keepers.

It was eventually Jon Bradford who broke the deadlock with a well taken goal to send the coaches in at half time in front.

The introduction of the U16’s coaches Scott Brimilcombe and Stuart Poole to play alongside their prodigies gave them added strength and the U16’s gained momentum, and Richard Groom and Dan Whelan at the heart of the coaches defence were kept busy keeping the youngsters at bay.

As the coaches tired, and numerous substitutions were made, the coaches had a second wind but could not get another goal.

In the later stages the U16’s nearly got the equaliser that they probably deserved as they created some useful chances, with the lively Alfie Chard going desperately close.

Once again special thanks must go to Crediton United FC for the use of the facilities and to Callum Lethbridge for kindly refereeing the game and to everyone who made it such a great evening.