Blues strike nine in convincing Cup return

Brixington Blues Under-15s played their first post-Christmas fixture, and last game before lockdown, in an enjoyable Devon Cup win against a spirited West Exe B side.
In tough, cold conditions and on a challenging surface, the Blues eventually overpowered the opposition, but the Exmouth Team did not have everything their way.
With limited training opportunities over the Christmas break and new Covid restrictions affecting preparations, it took a full half for the Blues to clear the cobwebs from the system.
After a recent run of challenging fixtures, it was pleasing to see the boys start the New Year with a win.
The West Exe B side played a fine first half, giving battle in midfield. They even managed to take the lead in the first ten minutes, against the run of play, when a fine free-kick was deflected onto the bar by Blues ‘keeper Ben Jeffery, only for the striker to bundle the rebound into the net.
Callum Smith, sitting deep in the Blues midfield, played a key part shaping the game. He brought the ball down on the floor and used his vision and crafted passes to bring his wing men into play.
Jack McBryan was on good form all game, making marauding runs on the Blues right-hand side, stretching the home team defenders until the breakthrough finally arrived.
The home side’s defence was run ragged by McBryan. They never worked out the drag back on to his strong left foot. Jack crowned a fine individual performance with four goals to his name.
Fin Clifford marked an inspired second-half performance with a hat-trick of goals. The best of the bunch being a looping dink over the ‘keeper to put the Blues in control. Lewis Tose impressed as the match went on, scoring two goals to mark a promising start to the year.
Mention must be made of the Blues back three, Cameron Horne, Harry Dobrijevic and Alex Quaife, who turned defence into attack with the quality of their runs and deliveries as the Blues eased to a most impressive New Year’s win and a nice way to enter the enforced lockdown period.