Exeter City exited the Carabao Cup at the first round for a second season in a row after a 2-0 defeat at Cheltenham Town.
Goals from James Wilson and Ryan Broom did the damage for the Robins as they confirmed a place in the second round.
Manager Gary Caldwell ringed the changes for the Cup, with only Joe Whitworth retaining his place from the 4-1 win over Blackpool on Saturday in the League.
Defender Pierce Sweeney in his tenth season as a Grecian, made his first League since December 14, 2024. After playing as a late substitute on Saturday, Josh Magennis made his first start since April 8. The were debuts for summer signings Luca Woodhouse and Ryan Rydel and a first competitive start for George Birch.
With the draw for the second-round taking place before kick-off, the winner of the tie knew they would travel to Cardiff City in the second round.
First half
The hosts were quick out of the traps, testing Joe Whitworth in the first minute with Ethon Archer twisting and shooting from the edge of the box, but it was comfortable enough for City’s No.1.
The first ten minutes saw City pushing forward, forcing a succession of corners but without being able to force a clear opening as both teams held firm.
In a start of few chances, Cheltenham’s Ryan Broom’s eyes lit up as he made space on the edge of the box, only for him to spoon his effort into the corner of the away end.
The visitors looked the likeliest to break the deadlock and were pushing forward with pace at every opportunity. Archer causing endless problems for City’s backline. From a corner the Robins broke, and Archer was found in space, he tried to play in Bickerstaff but Ryan Rydel was quick to mop up the danger.
The deadlock was broken on 28 minutes. Cheltenham swung in a dangerous corner which City couldn’t clear, allowing James Wilson to poke into the corner to make it 1-0.
Tom Dean ran at the Robins defence on 33 minutes and was caught late on the edge of the box giving City a dangerous free kick. Ed Francis’ effort hit the wall and his follow up was blazed over.
Second half
Gary Caldwell made two changes at the break as Andrew Oluwabori and Kieran Wilson replaced Josh Magennis and Ryan Rydel.
City quickly forced the first chance of the second half and Oluwabori found himself on the end of Birch’s low ball into the box, but he could only scoop it over the bar.
Moments later Birch robbed his man in the far corner and drove into the box before finding Wilson in the box, his shot didn’t have enough on it and Cheltenham cleared.
City’s job became even harder after 54 minutes as a mix-up at the back allowed Ryan Broom to fire into an empty net.
Straight from the restart City pushed forward and Wilson found Oluwabori, his first time shot from the edge of the box flew just over the bar.
It should have been 3-0 on 65 minutes as a quick Robins counter saw Archer slide through Miller in on goal, but he pulls his shot just wide.
On his return to action, Pierce Sweeney managed 67 minutes before he was replaced by Charlie Cummins, who made his first, first-team appearance. Liam Oakes also replaced Sonny Cox.
The tricky Archer almost made it three as he cut inside before unleashing a deflected strike which rattled the City cross bar.
As the fourth official signalled for four added minutes, City sprang into life. Tom Dean robbing his defender before finding Wilson, he squared for Birch who fired at goal and Day tipped the ball over the bar.
The Robins held firm and City exited the Carabao Cup at the first round.
It’s a quick turnaround for the Grecians, who are next in action this Saturday, hosting Mansfield Town at SJP in a 12:30pm kick-off. Click here to buy tickets.
Exeter City XI: Whitworth; Dean, Sweeney (Cummins 67’), James, Woodhouse, Rydel (Wilson 45’); McDonald (c), Francis, Birch; Cox (Oakes 67’), Magennis (Oluwabori 45’)
Subs: Bycroft (GK), Swinkels, Niskanen
Yellows: Francis 15’, James 16’, McDonald 53’
Cheltenham Town XI: Day, Harmon, Wilson (c) (Bennett 77’), Cundy (Jude-Boyd 42’), Young, Thomas (Tustin 77‘), Power, Broom, Mazionis (Wilcox 62’ , Bickerstaff (Miller ‘62. Archer
Subs: Diallo (GK), Miller, Sohna, Barber, Croose.
Goals: Wilson 28’ Broom 54’
Yellow: Mazionis 34’, Wilcox 89'
Attendance: TBC