TYREKE Johnson struck late as Swindon Under-18s defeated hosts Exeter 4-3 in the first round of the FA Youth Cup last night.

Jamie Pitman’s troops will now host Totton or Leyton Orient at the next stage, with those two teams meeting this evening.

In front of first-team boss Mark Cooper, Swindon took an early lead at St James Park when keeper Evan Moran’s clearance came off Will Randall and bounced into the net.

The home side levelled in spectacular style as Ollie Watkins cut the ball back from the left wing and following a neat dummy, Alex Byrne blasted low into the bottom corner from range.

After Watkins fired over, Johnson restored the Swindon lead, with Connor Riley-Lowe coming close to an equaliser moments later but his effort flew over the bar.

Keeper Evan Moran was at his best to save low from Johnson, before the hosts pulled themselves back on terms as the ball was delivered into a crowded area and Matt Jay thumped home.

The Robins’ Joe English attempted to put his side back in front but after diving away from a couple of challenges, he directed off-target.

The Town youngsters suffered a blow early in the second half when Salvyn Kisitu limped off and was replaced by Ryan Wood.

And the evening got even worse when Jay bagged his second after rounding keeper Aaron Moody to put his side in front for the first time.

Callum McCormack fired a warning to the hosts when he shot over, but he found the target shortly afterwards with a superb strike that rippled the net from outside the area.

And with two minutes left, Johnson struck the winner. Swindon broke swiftly and Johnson was able to poke into the corner, with Moran unable to keep the effort out despite being at full stretch.