SWINDON’S reserves were edged out 3-2 by Exeter City in an entertaining clash at St James’ Park yesterday.

Paul Bodin fielded a youthful side with Alan O’Brien the most senior player in the starting 11 while Thomas Dossevi, whose future at the club remains shrouded in mystery, was not included in the squad.

Exeter, who beat Plymouth 7-0 in their last reserve fixture, raced ahead with two goals inside the first two minutes from Ben Watson before Jordan Pavett halved the deficit with eight minutes gone with a well-taken effort.

The game settled down after that lively start with chances at a premium for both sides, although the hosts dominated possession before the interval.

Town started the second half well and a shot on the turn by Pavett had to be palmed over by James Wood before the visitors pressured Exeter with a succession of corners from Alan O’Brien.

And it was from one such delivery by the Irish winger that Town equalised when the Exeter defence failed to clear properly and Harry Grant was on hand to drive a low shot from the edge of the area through a crowd of players and into the net.

However, Exeter hit back with just five minutes remaining to seal victory when Tom Nichols was left in space inside the area and he took full advantage to fire beyond Jakub Jesionkowski.