Faced with the scary prospect of a weekend without competitive football because of Storm Brian, the Lydford Foxes hosted an impromptu Halloween six-a-side tournament. 

Both the U11s and U13s were geared up for away encounters in Plymouth. Not to be deterred, Lydford Foxes – Devon’s newest and freshest youth football club – set up a six-aside pitch at the village sports field and invited players of all ages to take part.

Some 30 players, aged between seven and 14, turned up for the spooky tournament, with teams split into squads of seven and eight for a league and knockout structure. 

Four teams lined up, each one with a suitably Halloween-inspired name: Halllowrooneys, Hallowin Losers, Halloween Hunters and The Screamers.

Following 12 tense league games, the Hallowrooneys sat unbeaten at the top of the table and faced a final against the impressive Halloween Hunters while the Hallowin Losers did battle with The Screamers in the third place playoff match.

In the final, the Hunters upset the odds, putting three past the previously unbeaten Hallowrooneys to secure a 3-0 victory. The winners were presented with ­a pumpkin-shaped trophy.

Ben H of the U13s was named the player of the tournament, while five goals made Josh B the golden boot.

Ben M of the U11s picked up the award for team spirit, while Jonty’s exceptional long-range goal was the unanimous choice of the goal of the tournament.

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith, Lydford Foxes chairman and U13s coach said:?‘Although the Halloween tournament was a bit of fun, it was great to see so much talent on display. Jonty’s 20-yard screamer will live long in the memory – as well as on social media!’