Honiton Youth Under-14s began a new Exeter and District Youth League campaign with a victory after a late goal saw them to a success over visiting Cheriton Fitzpaine.

The early stages of the game saw both teams enjoy spells of possession, but Honiton gradually found their feet and began to probe for an opening. After 20 minutes, they were rewarded when Dominic McCreadie-Taylor turned midway into the opposition half and held off a defender before sliding the ball home. Despite creating further opportunities this proved to be the only goal of the half and Honiton headed for the break with some confidence.

Honiton started brightly following the interval and increased their lead when Harvey Newton’s pass released Caleb Freemantle down the right flank, and his low cross was perfect for McCreadie-Taylor to grab his and the teams second goal. This breakthrough should have spurred Honiton to go on and win the game by a greater margin, but instead a lapse in concentration saw them instantly concede to halve their lead.

Honiton’s confidence was duly dented and a poor five minute spell saw the visitors draw level. The first half’s encouraging display seemed a long time ago as Honiton’s first touch and passing deserted them. The game looked to be heading towards an untidy draw when the ball fell to McCreadie-Taylor whose quick feet found a yard of space, allowing him to somehow squirm a right foot shot goal wards.

The ball seemed to travel in slow motion before crossing the line to give Honiton a barely deserved three points with what was virtually the last kick of game; indeed just as the visitors took the resulting kick-off, referee Charley Horn blew for time.