Exeter City through to Carabao Cup fourth round

Match Report: Exeter City 1-0 Luton Town

Exeter City are through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup (League Cup) after narrowly beating Premiership side Luton Town at St James Park. 

It’s the first time City have competed in the third round of the League Cup in over three decades. They have played Premier League side Luton Town on many occasions throughout the years. But have not met since 2018 when City fell to a narrow one-nil defeat. 

The Grecians hoped to bounce back after a three-nil defeat at Oxford City at the weekend. A sold-out St James Park was in full voice on this Tuesday evening. The atmosphere was electric.

Luton Town started the match on the front foot, controlling possession and the tempo. And an early tackle from Exeter City defender Jack Fitzwater thwarted a goal-scoring opportunity from Luton’s Tahith Chong. 

City forward James Scott fired a long-range shot that curled just wide; the match became equal. Exeter was piling pressure onto the Premiership side, making the first half entertaining, but it just needed that extra spark.

A sensational save from Exeter’s goalkeeper Vil Sinsalo hindered Luton Town’s smashed shot chance and kept the match level. And at the break, it was Exeter City nil, Luton Town nil. 

The Big Bank was in full force for the start of the second half, and the match became heated. Exeter created a promising chance as winger Deme Mitchell cut the ball back just for the shot to lash wide. Exeter should have taken the lead. 

There was a constant Exeter chant of “Premier League you’re having a laugh!”. It seemed to wind up the travelling fans. 

With 15 minutes left, Luton took control. The away side continued to carve away into Exeter’s defence, but they just couldn’t find a path through. It seemed like it was Luton’s match to lose. 

Exeter City drew first blood, with less than 10 minutes to go. Winger Mitchell found the bottom corner to give City the lead. St James Park was bouncing- the atmosphere was immense. The fourth round of the League Cup was in Exeter’s hands. 

All the action seemed to have happened in the last few minutes, goal scorer Demetri Mitchell was sent off after being shown a second yellow. Exeter was down to 10 men for the final few minutes. 

Luton Town kept pushing for a late equaliser, but they couldn’t get past Exeter’s indefatigable defence. 

There was jubilation around St James Park as League One side Exeter City knocked out Premier League side Luton Town out of the Carabao Cup. 

The full-time score was Exeter City 1-0 Luton Town. 

Attendance: 7360