Honiton Youth Under-13s were in sparkling form as they defeated visiting North Tawton 5-1 in an Exeter and District Youth League Division Three meeting.

Given that the Honiton players had not seen any competitive action for some nine weeks owing to the continuing wet weather, a sluggish start would have been forgiven, but the hosts started brightly and immediately took the game to the visitors.

Several early chances were created with Caleb Freemantle twice going close, but it proved a case of ‘third-time-lucky’ as he broke clear on the halfway line to run through and fire home.

This spurred Honiton forward and their dominance was rewarded when Freemantle grabbed the second from Luke Matthews’ deep cross.

Dominic McCreadie-Taylor was next onto the score sheet with a brace. His first came from the penalty spot after he was upended in the area. The only blemish on a fine first half performance from the home side came when the visitors’ bagged what proved to be a consolation, scoring when Honiton’s shape deserted them.

The second period followed a similar pattern, but with the expected tired legs from the extended break appearing, Honiton were only able to find one more goal with McCreadie-Taylor completing his hat-trick with a composed far post finish.

Honiton should be pleased with their performance and all players enjoyed themselves; two deserving of further mention being Jack Hawker and Dan Loosemore.