Cheltenham beat Exeter to seal Carabao Cup second round trip to Cardiff

Cheltenham made Carabao Cup progress for the first time since 2021-22 with a comfortable 2-0 home win over League One Exeter.

The Robins have lost both of their League Two games this season but a goal in each half from James Wilson and Ryan Broom set up a second-round trip to Cardiff.

Both teams had struggled to create chances before Cheltenham struck in the 28th minute.

Luke Young rolled a short corner to Ethon Archer, whose cross was not dealt with by Exeter, allowing Wilson to tap in from close range.

Summer signing Wilson came to the rescue for the home side early in the second half, kicking an effort from Kevin McDonald off the line after good play from George Birch.

Cheltenham then capitalised on a mistake from goalkeeper Joe Whitworth, with Jake Bickerstaff setting up Broom for the first goal of his third spell with the club.

Michael Flynn’s side pushed for a third, with George Miller firing wide with only Whitworth to beat.

Archer was denied by Whitworth after Miller’s pass, Broom also tested the goalkeeper and Archer saw a shot hit the bar in the 77th minute.

Birch saw a stoppage-time effort touched over the bar by Joe Day.