JACK Baxter’s first half wonder strike wasn’t enough to stop the University of Exeter beating Teignmouth to the Devon Football League Mini Tournament trophy.

Baxter’s free-kick on the stroke of half-time got the Teigns back on level terms after Levi Rees rolled the students into a 35th-minute lead during Saturday’s final at Coombe Valley.

And Teignmouth hit the front just four minutes after the break when Baxter’s cross found unmarked substitute Calum Robinson who nodded in at the far post.

Dan Rawson levelled things up for the Students 13 minutes from time with a drilled shot into the bottom corner, before Jimmy Hawkings and Rees each scored in the final 10 minutes to complete a second half comeback.

Teignmouth manager Liam Jones explained after the game: ‘I think it was probably a fair result if I’m being brutally honest.

‘I thought at 2-1 we’d got ourselves right in the game and I thought we were then going to be strong.

‘We normally do dictate games fairly well, but we couldn’t quite do that and gave away some sloppy goals.

‘And fair play to them. They were fit, they were strong, they played well and they’re a good side. They were deserved winners – I can’t argue with the result.’

And a jubilant University head coach Javier Martin said: ‘There’s only one word to describe the day – it’s been perfect.

‘Walking out there with the trophy in our hands and a big smiles on our faces, I cannot be happier.’

For a full match report, plus extended reaction and pictures, see this Thursday’s Mid-Devon Advertiser.