Whipton Youth 3-4 Exmouth United

Exmouth United took an important step forward in their fight for Division 1 survival in a highly competitive and entertaining match against Whipton Youth. The early stages were very close and it was Exmouth who took the lead when midfielder Dylan Mogford fired an amazing 35-yard free kick into the corner of the net. The home side responded swiftly, using their pace on the wings to unlock the United defence and score two goals in quick succession. But the pendulum swung back when great persistence from Cayleb Field and Tommy Foa put Jay Leballeur through and he levelled the score. Whipton could have made it 3 if it hadn't been for a magnificent goal-line clearance by Man of the Match Harry Bassett.

Exmouth United - worthy winners of a hard-fought contest

In the second half United dominated more of the possession but the game remained finely poised at 2-2 as it entered the last 10 minutes. The breakthrough came from some sublime combination play around the Whipton penalty area. Leballeur linked with Foa who played an inch-perfect diagonal pass to right winger Bassett who drove into the box and blasted it past the keeper. Exmouth then piled on the pressure and midfielder Cayleb Field delivered the next blow when he played in Leballeur to make it four.

However, Whipton fought hard and were twice denied by last ditch challenges by Exmouth goalkeeper Harry Kifli-Reynolds and centre-back Bryn Stephens. The home side managed to get one back but United held on to see out the victory.

Man of the match Harry Bassett

There were also excellent performances from Lewis Evans (captain), Tom Price, Seb Harrison, Anthony van de Bunte, Daniel Alford and Patryk Plachecki.

Exmouth United 5-1 Whipton Youth

Exmouth United continued their fight for Division 1 survival with an excellent show against visitors Whipton Youth. United dominated from the start and were unfortunate not to take the lead when striker Cayleb Field was upended in the box and a penalty was awarded, but missed. It was right winger Patryk Plachecki who broke the deadlock when he drove into the box and finished coolly. Exmouth stepped up a gear when Jay Leballeur came on from the bench - the substitute scoring twice and teeing up Seb Harrison with a neat assist. Keeper Harry Kifli-Reynolds was excellent between the sticks and his bravery and distribution helped keep United on top.

With the score 4-1 at half-time, Whipton tightened up at half-time and made a real contest of the second-half. They broke multiple times but were unable to get past the central defensive partnership of Bryn Stephens and Daniel Alford who were solid throughout. Towards the end United created a number of chances including a splendid effort from captain Lewis Evans. Fittingly, it was Leballeur who completed a superb performance with his hat-trick.

Full backs Harry Bassett and Tom Price were instrumental in preventing attacks down the wings, there robust tackling typical of the competitive spirit showed by everyone in the home team. In central midfield, Dylan Mogford and Tommy Foa dominated the pitch for the entire match.

Pinhoe Spartans 4-3 Exmouth United

United put on a very impressive show against Pinhoe Spartans on a day when they only had 9 players available. Pinhoe took the lead but Exmouth's passing was excellent and they fought back to lead 3-2 with 10 minutes to go. The home side managed to snatch victory with a last minute penalty but United's outstanding performance showed the significant progress they have made this season in terms of team play and, as ever, demonstrated their superb team spirit.