HATTERS KO'D BY GARY'S GIANTS

JUBILANT Exeter boss Gary Caldwell hailed an “outstanding” team performance after the Grecians scalped Premier League Luton to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup for the first time in 34 years

- Chris Dunlavy

Caldwell’s experimental back six frustrated the shotshy Hatters at a packed St James Park before winger Demetri Mitchell struck an 83rd-minute winner to earn Exeter a first win over topflight opposition since 1981.

“It’s big, really big,” said Caldwell, whose side lay 27 places below Luton at kick-off. “To have a Premier League side come here. To play in this round for the first time in 30-odd years. To then play the way we did, to show the level of commitment and desire and hunger that you need to win a football match - I thought the players were absolutely outstanding.”

Mitchell was sent off just five minutes after netting the winner for a second yellow but Exeter clung on to earn a home tie against Championship side Middlesbrough.

Boro’s passage to round four was secured courtesy of a 2-0 win at League Two Bradford, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Morgan Rogers netting either side of half-time.