Despite three goals in six second half minutes, a sloppy first period saw Exeter City’s Under-18s defeated in Saturday’s seven-goal thriller against Newport County U18s.

The Exiles broke the deadlock on 13 minutes and the advantage was doubled five minutes later. Newport continued to dominate, scoring twice more to lead 4-0 at the break.

With 15 minutes to go, the Devonians hauled themselves back in it when Tom Dean centred for Alfie Clark. The striker smashed the ball in from close range to lift the mood in the red and white camp.

Moments later, Mitch Beardmore’s neat footwork saw him chopped down, leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty. Clark converted the spot-kick to increase the pressure on the Exiles.

And City's optimism increased again as they netted again in the 81st minute. Aamir Daniels’ low cross found Rohulla Mohammadi, who swept the ball into the bottom corner to reduce the deficit to just one.

City saw several late attempts at a leveller go agonisingly close, with Mohammadi heading the ball against post in the dying minutes, but, ultimately, the Westcountry side ended up coming away empty-handed with them still searching for their first Merit League win this season.