AFTER a long awaited start, the Exeter and District Youth league U16’s cup final between Crediton Youth FC and Axminster Tigers eventually kicked off at Tiverton Town’s Ladysmead ground. 

Axminster were on the attack straight from the start, but it was Crediton who showed that they could match them, and could have taken the lead in the first five minutes. 

But it was the Tigers who took the lead and went in at half time, 1-0 up.

Early in the second half a pin point cross from James Smith from left to right saw Joe Hopkins finish with a fantastic header to draw the teams level.

Lots of pressure from both sides, with Axminster probably missing a couple of glaring chances, before they took the lead again at 2-1.

The Crediton lads began to battle really well, and stuck to their guns with great character and hard work.

This resulted in great through ball from Alfie Poole finding Ben Betts to latch onto and with a class finish past the outcoming keeper to get Creddy back in the game at two each.

Both sides pressed for a winner, but unfortunately with three minutes to go it was Axminster who made it 3-2, with a chance that really should have been cleared.

It wasn’t to be for the Crediton lads, but a really proud bunch of coaches were so pleased with their immense effort throughout the whole squad.

They showed great character and have set the bar to where they can go moving on in their football careers. 

The squad for the final was Ben Betts, Joe Betts, Joseph Bridgeman, Jack Brimilcombe, Alfie Chard, Charlie Cookson, Alex Dredge, Jack Harris, Joe Hopkins, Frankie Mason, Ollie Hawke, Alfie Poole, Gabriel Smith, James Smith and Joe Weeks.