Exeter City U21s fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Luton Town U21s in the Premier League Cup.
First half goals from Trustram and Odegah gave the Grecians work to do at half-time. Kieran Wilson's stunner halved the deficit after 71 minutes but City were unable to find a deserved equaliser.
Dan Green took the side and made five changes to the side that fell to a 3-0 defeat at Brentford B last week. Most notable was a return to action for Sonny Cox, after being out since September 20.
Kieran Wilson, fresh from scoring on his Torquay United debut continued up front and Charlie Cummins took the armband for the match. City coach David Perkins stepped in at centre back with City playing two matches against Luton Town in two days.
First half
The first few minutes were a classic case of both teams taking a look at each other, with chances limited for both sides. Sonny Cox had a chance to stretch his legs in the first ten minutes and showed good footwork to beat his man before he was fouled. The resulting deep free-kick from George Birch was too close to Booth in the Hatters goal – who held comfortably.
City had a golden chance to take the lead after ten minutes as Birch found space inside the box to shoot low, it was a good save from Booth. Birch was quickest to react to the rebound, but the Hatters’ stopper pulled off a fine save.
Minutes later Birch was again in the thick of the action, twisting and turning on the edge of the Luton box before squaring for Cox who drove at goal, his shot taking a deflection before flying just wide of goal.
The hosts took the lead in the 25th minute in simple fashion. A whipped cross from Harry Fox evaded the Grecian backline and Charlie Trustram stooped to head home from the back post.
City should have been level after 33 minutes. A free kick from deep from Birch was spilled by the Keeper and Charlie Cummins reacted quickly but it was another fine stop from Booth to keep Luton ahead.
On the stroke of half-time the hosts doubled their lead as Odegah nipped in to steer a Dylan Stitt cross in at the near post from close range.
Second half
Dan Green made two changes at the break with George Williams replacing Sonny Cox and Jamie Rickhuss replacing David Perkins.
Luton looked set to make it thee in the 55th minute but some strong defending by the Grecian backline kept the Hatters at bay – Cummins blocking a goalbound shot over the bar.
Minutes later Luton caught City on the break flat footed but a strong recovery from Rickhuss mopped up the danger. City lost the ball in a dangerous position in the 70th minute but thankfully Isufi’s shot sailed over the bar.
City halved the deficit in some style after 71 minutes through Kieran Wilson. City’s striker found space inside the box before twisting and making space at the angle to lash home a fantastic finish into the top corner – game on!
The lively Birch stretched the Hatters defence and won a free kick on the edge of the area. Wilson went for goal and his fierce effort went just over the bar!
Despite sustained pressure, the young Grecians were unable to find an equaliser and headed back to Devon empty handed.
Up next
City round off the group stage against West Brom U21s at St James Park on Tuesday, December 16, 7pm. It’s pay on the day for admission.
Match information
Luton Town XI: Booth (GK), Ioannides, Paternoster (C), Pagano, Evans, Fox, Lorentzen-Jones, Isufi, Trustram, Stitt, Odegah
Subs: Coyne (GK), Frimpong-Kwakye, Kwame Anson, Hincapie-Alfonso, Gawel.
Yellow Cards: Lorentzen-Jones 33’,
Goals: Trustram 25’, Odegah 45’
Exeter City XI: Phillips (GK), Cummins (C), Perkins, Alsop, Cartwright, Cayless (Bown 81’), Birch, Cox, Appleton (Bellotti 81’), Graham, Wilson.
Goal: Wilson 71’
Subs not used: Down (GK)