Exmouth United Under 11s put themselves in the Exeter Youth League Cup quarter finals with a terrific last-minute victory over Heavitree Youth.
The visitors started strongly and could have been ahead after 5 minutes if it wasn't for some last ditch clearances off the Exmouth line. Eventually the pressure told when Heavitree scored from a scramble inside the box. Then it was United's turn and two superb through balls to striker Kuba Strzalkowski saw him round the keeper to coolly equalise and put the home team in front.
It was Heavitree that strung together a tidy move from a goal kick to bring the score to 2-2 - the left winger receiving the ball, beating three defenders before putting it past the Exmouth keeper.
The second-half began much as the first with Heavitree dominating possession whilst Exmouth looked strong on the counter - the lightning pace of Strzalkowski causing their defence problems. United central midfield and captain Cayleb Field was a key force guarding the defence as well as building attacks with his intelligent passing. However, a mazy dribble from the Heavitree winger resulted in a collision with an Exmouth player and the ref pointed to the spot. The crowd held its breath but the spot-kick went narrowly past the post.
It was United that struck next after some great skills between winger Joe Gosling and Strzalkowski, combining cleverly before Gosling hit a fantastic left-foot strike into the net. Both teams continued to create chances and Heavitree were kept at bay by some excellent organisation by centre-back Harry Kifli-Reynolds.
The visitors hit back with a header from a corner that crept over the line 10 minutes before the end. It was now 3-3 with both teams still searching for that winning goal. Heavitree went close near the end hitting the bar with a blistering shot and were then denied by a heroic goal line header from United full-back Bryn Stephens.
As the coaches began planning for extra time it was the turn of midfielder Jay Leballeur to perform some final magic. Receiving the ball on the left wing he turned his marker and skilfully rounded a second defender. As he moved into the box he was brought down and a penalty was awarded. Leballeur was carried from the pitch with an injured leg. As the trainer applied an ice pack to his knee it was Dylan Mogford who kept his cool by smashing the penalty passed the keeper to win the match for Exmouth.
Other notable performances were made by full backs Tom Price, Seb Harrison, Harry Bassett, midfielder Jack Greaves and the superb goalkeeper Lewis Alford.
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