Exmouth Town U15s were in cup action this week, against opposition from the same division in the form of Heavitree Hurricanes, writes Emma Skinner.

It was a slow start in terms of goalmouth action, but an intriguing midfield battle, with not many chances being fashioned at either end in the first half.

When the defences were breached, Brookley Gilmour forced a good save from the Heavitree ‘keeper but failed to finish the rebound, and Harry Blanchard played a neat one-two with Tommy Barrow on the edge of the box but fired just over from 20 yards. 

After the tight, attritional nature of the opening period, the second half was a different story. Town started strongly and won several early corners, which is where the breakthrough was made. Kai Macmanus delivered, and captain Tommy Barrow leapt like a salmon to head Town in front, 1-0.

The goal really settled Exmouth, and they soon doubled the advantage, with Isaac wykes, adding a smart finish after good work from Cameron Rawlings. Wykes was unlucky not to add to his tally a couple of times, just missing the target after some good displays of skill and strength. 

Defensively, Town looked good, Nathan Briggs organising the back line superbly and with a maturity beyond his years. 

Heavitree created a rare chance towards the end, hitting a shot from distance, destined for the top corner, only for Town goalkeeper Ewan Plain to produce a magnificent save to keep his clean sheet intact.

In the final minutes, Town added a third, when Aiden Titley gambled on a through ball and forced a mistake from the Heavitree keeper with good pressure to make it 3-0.

Coach Skinner said: “It was a good result from the lads today, we got the job done, used the squad well, and we're in the hat for the next round.”

Coach Macmanus added: “We started a bit slow and scrappy, but by the time we found our big boy pants, we were the dominant team and deserved the win.”

On to the next round for the Exmouth Town youngsters.