Exeter City edge past Arsenal in a Trophy thriller at St James Park

After the glory of a Devon derby win over Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City returned to action with a much-changed side for an entertaining 4-3 win over Arsenal U21s in the Vertu Trophy.

City boss Gary Caldwell made nine changes from the Pilgrim pummelling but it was the familiar threat of Ilmari Niskanen who was first to test Arsenal’s young custodian Tommy Stetford.

The visitors grabbed the lead on 16 minutes, Charles Sagoe dribbling through the City defence and planting a lovely finish beyond Jack Bycroft. The Grecians went close through Jack Aitchison and Liam Oakes but remained one behind at the break.

The second period, however, was an enthralling rollercoaster ride, starting with Josh Magennis pinching the ball from a hesitant Stetford and rolling an easy finish into the waiting net. The Gunners responded quickly, Harrison Dudziak restoring their lead with a fantastic strike.

Back came the Grecians, and Aitchison slotted a second leveller for his first goal of the season. Both sides dipped into their well of substitutes and the visitors took the lead for a third time, Osman Kamara converting.

City were absolutely not done yet, Jayden Wareham fizzing a great effort that was initially saved by Stetford, but Magennis pounced on the rebound for 3-3. There was one final twist to an entertaining evening, Luca Woodhouse nodding down a corner for Wareham to score a dramatic City winner.

And home hearts swelled even further with news their big rivals from Argyle had suffered another league loss at Mansfield. City travel to Halifax in the FA Cup on Saturday.