Exeter City's winless run continued after a narrow 3-2 defeat to play-off chasing Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.
Kasey Palmer opened the scoring early in the first half, before Reece Cole levelled on his 100th City appearance. A debatable penalty from Jordan Clark and Hakeem Odoffin's strike on the edge of half-time gave the Hatters a commanding lead at the break. Ilmari Niskanen reduced the arrears early in the second-half but City were unable to find the goal they deserved to take a point back to Devon.
Exeter City made the midweek trip to Bedfordshire looking to bounce back from the heavy defeat to Cardiff City at St James Park last time out. Manager Matt Taylor shuffled his starting line-up, making three changes as Jayden Wareham dropped to the bench and Timur Tutierov returned to the starting IX alongside Johnly Yfeko and Jack Aitchison.
First Half
The Hatters started brightly, looking to impose themselves early. City, in their rarely used blue away kit, absorbed the pressure well. The back line of Sweeney, Woodhouse and Yfeko dealt comfortably with a barrage of long balls into the box.
The hosts threatened in the 8th minute when Clark tested Joe Whitworth, but the City keeper reacted sharply to push the low effort wide for a corner, one Luton failed to capitalise on.
Having weathered the early storm, City began to grow into the game. Tutierov burst down the left flank and delivered a dangerous low cross across the face of goal, but no City player was on hand to apply the finishing touch.
Luton took the lead in the 13th minute. A corner was delivered to the back post, where Palmer rose highest to head past Whitworth from close range, leaving City's No.1 with no chance.
City responded well to the early setback, and began to establish a foothold. On 20 minutes, Sweeney and Niskanen combined well down the left to win a corner, as the Grecians started probing for an opening.
That breakthrough came in the 24th minute. Josh Magennis received the ball in the box, turned sharply, and fired a low cross that was only half-cleared. The ball fell to Reece Cole, making his 100th appearance for the club, who rifled a superb effort into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.
City's lead didn't last long. Luton regained the lead just four minutes later. Aitchson was adjudged to have handled in the box despite receiving a nudge in the back from Cole. Clark made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending Whitworth the wrong way to make it 2-1.
City continued to push forward. Niskanen again found space on the left and delivered a dangerous cross that caused chaos in the Luton defence. The ball eventually fell to McMillan, whose initial effort was saved, and his follow-up struck the post and went out for a goal kick from a matter of inches out.
Tensions rose late in the half, with Matt Taylor booked on 37 minutes for his reaction to events on the pitch.
Luton nearly extended their lead in added time when Palmer went one-on-one with Whitworth, but the City goalkeeper produced an excellent save with his trailing hand.
There was still time for further drama. Reece Cole was booked for a late challenge, and from the resulting free-kick, Luton delivered another dangerous ball into the box. Odoffin was on hand to turn it home, giving the hosts a 3-1 lead at the break.
Second Half
With no changes at the interval, City knew they had to respond, and they did so immediately. Just moments into the second half, Tutierov surged down the right and fired a low ball across goal, which Ilmari Niskanen converted from close range to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The game opened up into an end-to-end contest. Luton continued to threaten, with Palmer forcing another good save from Whitworth. Matt Taylor made a double substitution on 55 minutes, introducing Jayden Wareham and Danny Andrew in place of Magennis and Yfeko.
Chances came at both ends. Luton struck the crossbar on 59 minutes, while City pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Akeel Higgins was introduced shortly after, replacing Reece Cole.
The hosts remained dangerous, going close again in the 65th minute with an acrobatic effort that drifted wide. As the game entered its final stages, both sides continued to trade chances. Former Grecian Jake Richards was introduced for Luton in the 74th minute, and shortly after, Naismith came close to adding a fourth, his curling effort narrowly missing the far post.
City made their final changes on 79 minutes, with Cox and McDonald coming on.
With time running out, City pressed for a leveller. Wareham had a golden opportunity in the 85th minute, but a combination of defender and goalkeeper denied him, with the referee awarding a goal kick to the frustration of the travelling fans.
In the closing stages, Cox and Wareham caused constant problems for the Luton defence, but the hosts began to run down the clock.
Three minutes of added time were signalled, but a stoppage for a head injury caused confusion, with Luton’s bench appearing reluctant for treatment as time ticked away.
It was a chaotic end to an entertaining contest, but Luton held firm to secure a 3-2 victory, leaving City to reflect on another narrow defeat on the road.
Up Next
The Grecians are back on the road again this Saturday when they travel to face Wigan Athletic in League One action. Tickets are still available for this game, click here to purchase.
Match Details
Luton Town XI
Keeley (GK), Naismith (C), Walsh, Odoffin, Lonwijk, Clark (Van Den Berg 92'), Cole (Adebayo 75'), Saville (Sandal 95'), Kodua, Lawrence, Palmer (Richards 75').
Luton Town Unused Subs,
Shes (GK), Morris, Johnson.
Luton Town Yellow Cards
Lawrence 72'
Luton Town Goalscorers
Palmer 13’, Clark 29’ Pen, Odofin 45 + 5'
Exeter City XI
Whitworth (GK), McMillan, Brierley (McDonald 80'), Aitchinson, Cole (Higgins 65'), Niskanen, Yfeko (Andrew 55'), Woodhouse, Sweeney (c), Magennis (Wareham 55'), Tutierov (Cox 80’).
Exeter City Unused Subs
Bycroft (GK), Cummins.
Exeter City Yellow Cards
Cole 45+4', McMillan 82
Exeter City Goalscorers
Cole 25’, Niskanen 49’
Attendance
9216 (471 Grecians).