Exmouth United 2–1 Copplestone United Youth
Exmouth United finished their final season of youth football in style, as they beat Copplestone 2-1 in the Exeter & District League Under-16s Cup Final at Tiverton Town FC on Saturday.
Having beaten league champions Stoke Hill in the semi-finals, United were feeling confident going into the match, despite their opponents finishing one place higher as runners-up in the league.
The game started quite evenly, with both sides finding their feet and getting used to the big crowd watching on. United had the better of the chances in the first half, with Noah Hitchmough and captain Charlie Tate both going close to breaking the deadlock, but failed to hit the target.
Copplestone started to find their way into the game with good spells of possession, but United goalkeeper Richard Kew dominated his box by claiming crosses and through balls.
United broke the deadlock just before the interval, as Bailey Barnes’ low free kick deflected off winger Hitchmough into the left corner, leaving the keeper stranded and giving United a 1-0 lead at half time.
With the lead and confidence high, United started strong in the second half, with midfielders Connor McCann, Kamil Kabbadj and captain Tate bossing the centre of the pitch.
United doubled their lead after some great work from Kabbadj who put through striker Barnes, who rounded the goalkeeper, held off a defender and showed great composure to make it 2-0.
Player of the Match Jason Robertson was a constant threat on the left hand side and it was his non stop energy and determination throughout that was a real catalyst for his side taking a two goal lead.
Copplestone hit back with 15 minutes to go to really bring the game to life, and needing another to take the game to extra time.
But the defensive quartet of Olly Price, Harry Hitchmough, Jack Gittoes-Davies and Thomas Fenner were resilient to the last, while the fresh legs of Leo Burton and Ioan Harding in midfield helped United repel the onslaught from their opponents.
United held firm to hear the final whistle blow, sparking wonderful celebrations from the crowd, in what is the groups last game of junior football together.
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