In their first game of the new season, Feniton U18s showed their early season intent with a hard fought draw away at the Southern Road home of title favourites Exmouth Town.

On the back of an unbeaten pre-season programme, Feniton began positively with the central midfield trio of Hobday, Hatswell and Brook pulling the strings in the early exchanges and seeking to find the electrifying pace of forward Renz Farnican.

However, Exmouth had the first shots on goal, which were well dealt with by debutant goalkeeper Tom Pryke.

The battle then began between a Feniton team high on skill and endeavour, playing and using the width created by wingers Christian Whales and Oscar Walsh, against the sheer physical threat posed by an Exmouth team with two six-foot plus target men. The central defensive pairing of Charlie Skilton and Jake Pond stood up to the aerial onslaught and were ably assisted by debutant full back Louis Spalding, who, in a man of the match performance, nullified the threat from Exmouth’s top scorer, as did other full back Kai Morgan, who once more showed his value in what was a team all playing for each other.

Also showing his commitment to the cause was Feniton captain Chris Badcott, who served up a ‘Rolls Royce’ performance, mainly from a defensive berth, but, when required, also from a midfield slot.

One such occasion saw an enforced change of forwards after Farnican needed lengthy treatment for a cut above the eye, which led to Cody Cox coming off the bench to slot in so effectively up front.

Despite the game finishing goalless, Feniton kept asking questions of an experienced Exmouth team and were good value in getting their hard-fought point in a 0-0 draw.