Footballers at Exmouth Community College are celebrating a hat-trick of county cup wins.

Exmouth Journal: Exmouth Community College's under-16 girls football team, who won the Devon County Cup.Exmouth Community College's under-16 girls football team, who won the Devon County Cup. (Image: Archant)

The college’s year seven boys, under-13 boys, and under-16 girls’ teams all picked up the cups after exciting, closely contested finals.

Exmouth Journal: Exmouth Community College's under-13 boys football team, who won the Devon CupExmouth Community College's under-13 boys football team, who won the Devon Cup (Image: Archant)

The year seven boys had the added excitement of playing their final against St Luke’s School at Exeter City’s St James’ Park ground.

Top referee Mike Mullarkey, who served as linesman in the 2010 World Cup final, also gave up his evening to officiate at the game.

The match itself seemed to be heading for extra time, with the score locked at 1-1, until a lofted free kick from Will Dean was headed home by team captain Jack Sparkes to secure the cup.

Coach Ian Taylor said: “It has been an unbelievable season for the squad. In every round they have given everything, coming up against some excellent teams.

“To play at St James’s Park was very special, something they will never forget. Each and every one of them should be immensely proud of their achievements this season.

“I would like to thank Exeter City FC, St Luke’s School, Mike Mullarkey and all the supporters for making it such an enjoyable evening.”

Following on from that success, the year seven boys won their cup after a 3-2 win over Ivybridge at the Exmouth Amateurs’ ground at Warren View.

The pick of the goals came from Oliver Toomey, who scored with a bicycle kick from the edge of the penalty area – described by college principal Tony Alexander as: “One of the best goals I’ve ever seen in any standard of football.”

The girls secured their cup after a tournament against teams from Great Torrington, KEVICC and Paignton.

A draw and two wins was enough for the Exmouth team to triumph, rounding off with an emphatic 3-0 win over Paignton.

Coach Tom Mercy said: “We had such a strong team and I am over the moon that the girls won the cup. The girls have constantly turned out for football practice showing their dedication and commitment and it was a fitting end to their school football achievements.”