Exeter City's Carabao Cup hopes were dashed on Tuesday night after a late equaliser and subsequent penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Walsall.
The Grecians took the lead just five minutes before half-time thanks to a brilliant team move. Pedro Borges, making his first EFL Cup start, controlled the ball in midfield before laying it off to Caleb Watts. Watts surged down the right flank and whipped a cross into the box where Millenic Alli deftly flicked the ball over the Walsall goalkeeper to give City the advantage.
Walsall responded with increased pressure in the second half, relentlessly testing City's defence. Joe Whitworth, the Grecians' goalkeeper, maintained their lead with a fine penalty save, but he was ultimately unable to prevent the Saddlers from drawing level late in the game. The equaliser forced extra time, which proved unnecessary as the game moved straight to a penalty shootout.
The shootout was a tense affair, with both sides showcasing their nerve. Ilmari Niskanen saw his penalty saved by the Walsall goalkeeper, while Alli's attempt struck the post. Ultimately, Walsall missed only one penalty, while City missed two, ensuring the Saddlers' progression to the second round of the competition.
Prior to the match, manager Gary Caldwell made six changes to the starting lineup, with 17-year-old academy player Liam Oakes making his senior debut. Oakes had not even been with the first team on Saturday, instead playing for the under-18s at Gillingham. Charlie Cummins also made his first appearance of the season, coming on as a substitute.
The game started brightly for Walsall, who nearly scored within the first minute. Cheick Diabate miscontrolled the ball on the edge of the box, allowing Josh Gordon to unleash a first-time shot, which Joe Whitworth comfortably saved.
City dominated possession early on, but failed to create any clear-cut chances. Walsall, however, posed a more immediate threat. Whitworth was forced into another crucial save after 15 minutes, diving to hold a header from Evan Weir. Moments later, Ronan Maher saw his shot sail harmlessly into the stands.
The Grecians' fortunes appeared to change with a run from Borges, which won a corner. Reece Cole's delivery found Ben Purrington at the back post, whose header struck the post with the goal at its mercy.
Walsall came close to breaking the deadlock when a cleared corner found an unmarked David Okagbue. His header into the six-yard box was met by Gordon's knee, but the ball rebounded off the inside of the City post.
However, City's quality shone through as the half progressed, culminating in their deserved opener.
The result, whilst disappointing for City, will provide a valuable learning experience for the young players who were given an opportunity to impress in the cup fixture. The Grecians will now focus on their league campaign, with their next match coming against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.
