City v Fluminense match report

Two moments of brilliance saw a young Exeter City side go down to Fluminense’s Under-19s at St James Park.

The Grecians went with a youthful eleven to take on Fluminense’s Under-19 side in an historic match to celebrate 101 years since the Grecians travelled to Brazil for the Selecão national side’s first match.

Alex Byrne and Jason Pope were both selected for City ahead of their impending loan moves to Weston-super-Mare, and Pope would almost hand the Grecians an early lead. He won possession just outside of the Fluminense penalty area before stinging the fingers of visiting goalkeeper Jennerson.

Fluminense centre-back Matheus Carrasco headed over from a corner with just three minutes on the clock as both sides made an attacking start, while Christy Pym was called into action for the first time when right-back Breno Caetano delivered a daisy-cutter into his box, with no Fluminense players around to trouble the City stopper.

Patrick, the Fluzão striker, had the best chance of the first half after five minutes when his header smacked the top side of the bar.

Matt Jay was caught by surprise as Jamie Reid's right-side ball reached him, and only managed an air-shot as the sides went in goalless.

HALF-TIME: EXETER CITY 0-0 FLUMINENSE U19