Tom Nichols, Wellington-born striker for League 2 Exeter City, scored the opening goal in the 3rd round FA Cup match against Premiership side Liverpool on Friday 8 January at St James’ Park. He was voted Man of the Match as Exeter held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw. The replay will be played at Anfield.
Tom was born in Wellington in 1993 and was a pupil at Court Fields School. He joined Exeter (known as the Grecians) in the Under 11 age group and made his debut at the age of 17 at Hillsborough after signing a professional contract at the end of the 2010-11 season. He went on to score his first senior goal against Chesterfield the day before his 18th birthday, contributing to a 2-1 win at the beginning of the 2011-12 season.
With opportunities for 1st team football limited in the 2012-13 season, he spent periods on loan with non league sides Doncaster, Hereford and Bath City before coming back into the team in 2013-14. His scintillating form meant that, at the end of the season, he was joint top scorer.
He maintained this form throughout 2014-15 when he scored 15 goals from 39 appearances and was top scorer for the club. His goal-scoring has continued this season, his total currently standing at 8 in the league -but there’s little doubt that the one he scored in the 9th minute against Liverpool in the FA Cup is likely to be the most memorable.
It is estimated the draw against Liverpool will result in a £700.000 windfall for the Devon club and the players and their supporters can look forward to the replay at Anfield.