Exeter City scored two penalties in the 93rd and 94th minutes to equalise 2-2 against Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday. The chaotic finish, which featured five penalties in total, secured a point but was marred by a late red card for Ethan Sutherland.
Matt Taylor's side, who sit 20th in League Two with six points from seven games, had fallen behind in first-half stoppage time when Jake Bickerstaff finished from close range. The visitors made a triple change at the break, introducing Josh Gordon, Charlie Cummins and L. Woodhouse.
Gordon levelled the tie with 13 minutes remaining, converting Ethan Sutherland's cross. Cummins then put Exeter ahead for the first time in the 86th minute, finishing neatly after a pass from George Birch. The lead lasted just three minutes as George Miller equalised for Cheltenham from the penalty spot.
A frantic final ten minutes saw three more penalties awarded. George Nurse put Cheltenham back in front from 12 yards in the 92nd minute, only for Exeter to respond immediately. Substitute Lakyle·Samuel scored in the 93rd minute before Woodhouse made it 2-2 a minute later. Both sides missed further spot-kicks, with Taylor Perry failing for Exeter, before Sutherland was sent off for a serious foul in the seventh minute of added time.
Exeter had more possession and shots but their defensive record remains a concern, having conceded five goals in seven league games. The result extends their unbeaten run in all competitions to three matches, following draws with Tranmere and Walsall. The full squad list shows the options available to Taylor as he prepares for that League Two encounter.
Exeter City are considering an appeal against Ethan Sutherland's stoppage-time red card in the 2-2 draw with Cheltenham. Manager Matt Taylor confirmed the club is 'talking about and thinking about appealing it.' He said the Wolves loanee was 'distraught' but that the suspension is competition-specific, ruling him out only for the EFL Trophy group finale against Oxford United on October 6. The 20th-placed Grecians, who have scored four and conceded five in League Two, face Bristol Rovers next on September 26.
