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.