Birch was one of a number of homegrown players selected by Caldwell.
Exeter’s academy has become a key part of the fan-owned club’s business model as they sell their top talent in order to keep going.
City have produced some famous talent in recent years, with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ethan Ampadu going on to play at the top level.
As well as Birch, who was a late substitute, 19-year-old Liam Oakes started the game, while Tom Dean and Sonny Cox were unused substitutes.
“I must mention Liam Oakes as well, who’s another academy player, who I thought was outstanding in the game,” added Caldwell.
“He was playing in a position that’s not ideal for him, it’s not his best position.
“But the way he stood up to the challenge, one v one defending, he kept going, he kept trying to get on the ball, and those are the behaviours that we need.
“When we have young players like that then the future is really bright.”
He added: “As disappointing as the game is in terms of the result, for them to get that moment, that is what our club is all about.
“The DNA is developing our own, developing young players and giving young players opportunities.
“We did that and two of them really showed themselves off in a really positive light.
“We’ll have to continue to do that through the remaining 22 league games and in the years to come.”
