Exeter City’s under-18s produced a dominant performance and ruthless display as they defeated Forest Green Rovers 6-0.
A brace from James Dodd, plus a Joel Randall effort just before half-time put the Grecians 3-0 up and well in command by the interval.
Two goals from Brandon Parsons, as well as a strike from substitute Lucas White secured the emphatic result, applying more pressure on the two sides above them in the league standings, Swindon Town and AFC Bournemouth.
The Grecians started really brightly, displaying good possession and movement as they looked to strike first.
The contest was only seven minutes old when they managed to break the deadlock. Harry Kite fed the ball into Dodd, who kept his composure to slot home and reward the hosts for their positive start.
Despite spurning opportunities to double their lead, the Devon club remained calm in their approach play, and they eventually scored again on 31 minutes. After a great solo run from Randall, his square pass found Dodd at the near post who tucked in his, and his side’s, second goal of the game.
Randall became a goalscorer himself not long after. The midfielder took aim and curled a fine strike beyond the reach of the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Joel Randall
After the break, Dan Green’s men continued their relentless performance, defending solidly in their own half, as well as coming forward at every opportunity as they searched for more ways to extend their lead.
Just past the midway point of the second period, Parsons grabbed his first goal of the game when Josh Key supplied him the pass. The striker met the ball at the front post to fire past the goalkeeper and make it 4-0.
Sam Haynes
On 73 minutes, it became five without reply. Sam Haynes’ bright work down the right wing was rewarded when his pass inside was met by replacement forward White, who showed his predatory instincts with a fine finish despite being introduced to the action just moments before.
With six minutes remaining, the scoring was wrapped up and the performance capped off with Parsons’ second of the match. Josh Williams’ accurate pass found the attacker, who finished well to complete a great days’ work by the young Grecians.
Exeter City under-18s coach Dan Green, said: “I’m really pleased with the performance. It was pleasing to keep the clean sheet and display our ruthless finishing.
“I’m pleased with how much we created, and on another day, we could have scored more. It was also pleasing to see us limit Forest Green Rovers to a few opportunities.
“Joel Randall was excellent. He was a constant threat going forward and he worked hard defensively too. James Dodd was really competitive for us, whilst Brandon Parsons saw his hard work rewarded with his well-taken goals. Jordan Dyer and Will Dean were competitive in defence and played out from the back well. It was a good team performance overall.
“It was certainly a good dominant performance. I was pleased with the number of people contributing to the team’s success, and how many different people scored. We now want to take that kind of performance into our next match.”
Exeter City under-18s: Felix Norman, Sam Haynes, Jordan Dyer, Josh Hancock, Will Dean, Mitch Thomas, Harry Kite, Joel Randall, James Dodd, Josh Key, Brandon Parsons. Subs not used: Lewis Williams, Josh Williams, Joe Belston, Harry Gardner, Lucas White