Puma Youth Alliance

Exeter City 0 Torquay United 1

Squad: Fisher (gk); Kelly, Milton, Palmer, Martin, Beattie, Cherril, Hemming, Haplin, Spear, Yeoman. Subs: Searle (gk), Taylor, Ikumelo.

United's youth team produced a battling performance in a frantic match at Exeter's Cat & Fiddle training ground and eventually came out on top by scoring the only goal of the match.

Torquay were trying to avenge a defeat at Plainmoor earlier this season and started brightly with an early chance falling to Ashley Yeoman but his shot proved too weak and was easily gathered. Goalkeeper Grant Fisher had a very solid game and in the 11^th minute he saved his team after the Gulls' defence had been caught square by a long ball.

United came close again to breaking the deadlock when an excellent move involving Cameron Kelly, Ray Spear and Yeoman finished with Yeoman shooting narrowly over the Exeter crossbar. Fisher was the hero just after the half hour when he tipped a goal bound shot around the post for a corner and the save seemed even more important a minute later when United took the lead; a Torquay corner was cleared but the Gulls kept possession which culminated in midfielder Will Cherril clipping the ball in from the left and Ray Spear climbing to win a header which struck the crossbar, Spear was quick to react and headed home from close range to open the scoring.

Yeoman will be disappointed he didn't score during this game but the fact that he was creating himself the chances will please United managers Paul Compton and Matt Williams.

Half-time brought a change for the Gulls with Steve Ikumelo coming on to replace Luke Martin at left back. The impressive Ed Palmer was marshalling the team well from centre back and had a hand in Yeoman's next opportunity which took a deflection and the power of his shot was negated and made for an easy save. Fisher saved his team again with a point blank save as a cross fell kindly to an Exeter player with Palmer off the pitch receiving treatment.

Cameron Kelly picked up a knock and Scott Taylor came on to replace him with Rob Hemming reverting to full back. There was still time for Spear to have a shot tipped away and get himself booked for persistent fouling while Fisher did his job again by saving well low down to his right. In the closing moments Yeoman showed a good degree of technical ability with a 25 yard shot that although on target and powerful enough was too close the City 'keeper and he gathered comfortably.

Recent performances and results have improved for the youth team and this win will do nothing but increase their confidence as they head toward the end of their first season at Plainmoor.