Exeter City picked up a point on their travels in the Premier League Cup with an entertaining goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion U21s.

The match at the Alexander Stadium was highlighted by some impressive shot-stopping by City keeper Jack Bycroft - as the team made some decent chances that could have seen three points head back to Devon.

Coach David Perkins took the City side for this match, which again named a blend of both youth and experience – with Sil Swinkels making his first start after recovering from an injury sustained against Wycombe Wanderers back in August. Liam Oakes was given the armband.

First half 
 
On a chilly evening in Birmingham, City were quickly on the attack looking to take control of the early stages. In the fifth minute the young Grecians had their first shot on goal. Ed Francis swung in a corner which was cleared to Jack Aitchison – he hit a first-time effort towards goal, but it was comfortable for Joe Wallis in the Baggies goal.
 
Minutes later Kieran Wilson found space down City’s right – he beat his man for pace before delivering a cross which was just too high for the on-rushing Liam Oakes.
 
Jack Aitchison was proving to be City’s most creative outlet in the opening period as he picked up the ball in the Baggies half before dribbling into the area. He took the ball just too far and was cramped for room – his shot from close range was easy for the Keeper.
 
After a quick start the match fell into an even period where the Grecians were patient in looking to create chances whilst keeping the young Baggies quiet.

Photo by Gareth Evans Photo - thank you to West Brom

As we approached the break the hosts had a golden chance to take the lead. Their No.10 looked to have broken City’s offside trap before sprinting towards goal. He took a touch in the area and fired a hard shot high over the bar to City’s relief.
 
Minutes later City had a huge chance to go ahead. Ed Francis swinging in a picture-perfect delivery onto the head of Charlie Cummins 8-yards from goal, but his header was just wide, and the sides went into the break level.

Second Half

City made one planned change at the break as the returning Swinkels was replaced by Liam Cartwright. Minutes later City were forced into another change as Ed James took a knock and was unable to continue - he was replaced by Jude Horn.

A slow start to the half saw few chances until sub Cartwright was booked for a late challenge on the edge of the area. The resulting free-kick however was well defended by the Grecians wall.

The hosts would then create a couple of chances but the impressive Bycroft stood firm in the City net. 

The game became stretched with 15 minutes left on the clock as both teams looked for an opener. Some neat interplay saw Kieran Wilson find space just inside the box, he was unable to sort his feet quick enough to get a shot away and the danger was cleared.

In the 80th minute Jack Bycroft pulled off a pair of impressive saves from close range, before the ball was turned over towards the City goal - Charlie Cummins was alert to hook away the danger with a Baggies attacker looming.

City created a decent chance down the other end as David Perkins found George Birch on the half-turn. He spun his defender before driving towards goal and shooting low - it was a good stop by Wallis in the Baggies goal and no City player was there to follow up.

In injury time Jack Bycroft pulled off a sensational save in the bottom corner as it looked like the hosts were going to steal the three points. He pushed the ball around the post and was embraced by his teammates.

More fine defending with bodies on the line saw the match end a goalless draw and give city an impressive seven points from three matches in the competition.

The Grecians are next in action in the Premier League Cup on Monday, November 24 with a trip to face Brentford in a 7pm kick-off.

Exeter City XI: Bycroft (GK), Oakes (C), Cummins, James (Horn), Swinkels (Cartwright), Cayless, Woodhouse (Graham), Francis (Appleton), Birch, Aitchison (Perkins), Wilson

Subs: Cartwright, Horn, Perkins, Graham, Appleton

Yellow Cards: Cummins, Cartwright

West Brom XI: Wallis (GK), Nelson, Dupont, Mohammed, Humphries (C), Maughan, Mfuaba, Crowther, Bany, McDonald

Subs: Brady, Parker, Parmar, Francis-Cesar, Bray