A late AFC Wimbledon comeback denied City's under-18s their first win of the season in an entertaining game at the Cliff Hill Training Ground.
Despite falling behind early, the young Grecians rallied with two goals from Theo Cutler, sandwiched around a clever lob by Santino Ohanaka, to take a 3-1 lead midway through the second half. However, AFC Wimbledon staged a late comeback, taking advantage of a disjointed City team and securing a dramatic late winner in stoppage time.
Manager Nicky Ajose named Jacca Cavandish as his captain, in just his second game back starting from an ACL injury. The only change to the starting lineup from last week's defeat to Gillingham saw Tobias Alsop replace Liam Oakes, who was called up to the first team squad at Northampton.
The game couldn't have started any worse for the young Grecians as they found themselves a goal down in the opening five minutes.
Despite that early setback, City responded well by playing composed football out from the back. Centre-backs Cavandish and Jack Anthony linked up well with Harry Crees, who was holding in midfield, to build play well from defence.
That good play created the perfect opportunity for Theo Cutler to equalise. Goalkeeper Dan Layer began a passing move that found Santino Ohanaka on the right. The winger flashed a first-time cross into the box for Cuter who tucked the ball away past the Wombles goalkeeper.
City then turned the match on its head before half-time through their high pressing. Ohanaka won the ball back and, spotting the Dons' keeper out of position, lofted a skillful shot over the stranded stopper to give the Grecians the lead at the break.
However, due to injury and early-season workload management, Nicky Ajose was forced into making a couple of substitutions after the restarted which disrupted City's rhythm.
The Grecians' midfield couldn't quite dominate the ball as they would've liked to, resulting in a longer, more direct, style of play. That stretched the game and played into the visitor's hands, allowing the Dons to get on top and create some decent chances, which were defended well by City.
Digging in, Layer kept City's lead intact with several good saves while Cutler upfront pressed vigorously, making himself a real handful for Wimbledon's backline which resulted in him nabbing a second goal.
With the ball at the Wombles' goalkeeper's feet, Cutler pressed and won the ball off him and finished from 20 yards to put City 3-1 up.
However, City still lacked that control which allowed the visitors to build up pressure on City's net towards the back end of the game. Two late goals brought the score level before the Dons nicked a winner at the death in injury time.
Despite the disappointment of losing in that manner, the young Grecians' management praised the character and spirit shown in a challenging second half to fight against a physical AFC Wimbledon team.
Attention now turns to the Devon Derby, as City host Plymouth Argyle's under-18s this Saturday.
Exeter City: Layer, Cartwright, Alsop, Anthony, Cavendish (c), Crees, Ohanaka, Birch, Cutler, Graham, Williams
Substitutes: Shanahan, Hodges, Rickhuss, Bellotti, Aston