Exeter City find positives in EFL Trophy penalty victory

Exeter City Football Club took a confidence boost from a penalty shootout victory in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night. The Grecians drew 2-2 at Cheltenham Town before winning the tie 2-1 from the spot, with Josh Gordon and Charlie Cummins both netting their first goals for the club.

Harry Kite, who made his first start since returning from injury, acknowledged the mixed feelings after the late drama. "I think disappointed obviously with scoring so late on in the game and then conceding even later," Kite said. "I think we're disappointed we haven't come away with three points out of the game."

Cheltenham took the lead just before half-time through Jake Bickerstaff. Exeter responded with two goals in the final quarter of an hour. Gordon equalised in the 77th minute, and Cummins thought he had won it with a strike five minutes from time. George Miller's penalty for the hosts in the 89th minute forced the shootout, where Exeter held their nerve.

Kite played the opening 45 minutes in his second appearance since rejoining from Truro City. He believes the goals can lift the squad. "So obviously it's great to score a couple of goals tonight, and hopefully it gives the goalscorers and also the team a bit of confidence going into the weekend and the upcoming games," he said.

The result offers a positive note as Exeter City, who have taken just six points from their opening seven league games, look to improve their position in the standings. Their recent form will be tested by a trip to face sixth-placed Bristol Rovers on Saturday, a key fixture visible on the club's fixtures page. The team will hope the goalscoring contributions from Gordon and Cummins data, can spark a turnaround.

Background and full detail: Devon Live