Exeter gave Middlesbrough a scare in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, but the Championship side’s superior quality ultimately prevailed as they won a cracking cup tie 3-2 at a sodden St James Park.
Boro started the first competitive fixture between the two clubs well but it was League One Exeter that broke the deadlock in impressive style in the 13th minute.
A quick throw released Kyle Taylor down the right and he pulled the ball back to the edge of the penalty box where Ryan Trevitt hit a stupendous half-volley over goalkeeper Tom Glover and into the goal off the underside of the crossbar.
Dael Fry volleyed just wide as Exeter struggled to clear a corner, while Samuel Silvera forced Vili Sinisalo into a smart stop as Michael Carrick’s team responded well to the setback.
Exeter suffered an injury blow when the dangerous Demetri Mitchell, the hero of their 1-0 win in the previous round against Premier League Luton, hobbled off and was replaced by Vincent Harper in the 33rd minute.
The home side rarely threatened going forward but approaching half-time Harper stood the ball up perfectly to the back post, only for James Scott to get his header wrong and see the opportunity go begging.
Boro always looked the more likely to score and went close again on the stroke of half-time, but Sinisalo was equal to Silvera’s effort and tipped it over the bar.
The Teessiders stepped things up after the break and drew level within four minutes of the restart.
Jack Fitzwater failed to clear his lines – although it appeared the Exeter was fouled – and the ball came to Morgan Rogers, who curled a delightful shot into the roof of the net from 20 yards.
It got worse for Exeter just before the hour mark as Silvera was given too much space on the edge of the penalty and he lashed a shot that skipped off the slick surface, through the arms of Sinisalo and into the bottom corner.
Silvera was just off target with another effort from distance, with the Championship side in complete control of the game.
However, out of the blue, Trevitt drew Exeter level in the 66th minute with another superb long range strike, which took a slight deflection of Paddy McNair before nestling into the bottom corner of the net.
Sinisalo made a brilliant save to deny the dangerous Silvera, who slipped through the Exeter defence with ease, Hayden Hackney curled a free-kick into the side-netting, then Exeter’s Finnish international goalkeeper saved well from Emmanuel Latte Lath.
However, Trevitt went from hero to villain as he gave away a needless penalty for pulling the shirt of Rogers and Latte Lath sent Sinisalo the wrong way from 12 yards to settle a pulsating tie with eight minutes remaining and give Boro an eighth win in nine matches in all competitions.
Real Madrid plan bid for Stuttgart star WoltemadeReal Madrid are expected to make a move for VfB Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade next month.Foot Mercato says Real have had scouts follow the centre-forward at this month's U21 Euros, where he has helped Germany reach Saturday's final against England.Woltemade has been linked with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid since the end of last season, however it'...
Real Madrid, PSG alerted as Konate makes Liverpool exit callIbrahima Konate is ready to leave Liverpool.Off contract at the end of the coming season, the France defender has been left disappointed with Liverpool's renewal proposal.Foot Mercato says as things stand, Konate is ready to run down his current deal and leave Anfield next summer.Watching the situation are Real Madrid and PSG, which both ...
Arsenal to bid for Palace star Eze who is a top target for TottenhamArsenal have held talks over a move for England forward Eberechi Eze this week despite links with Tottenham.Fierce rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are ready to enter a bidding war for the England international, whose departure from the Eagles has been rumoured for a number of months. SunSport understands Gunners chief Andrea Berta ha...
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi gets ready to take a free-kickThe FIFA Club World Cup group stage has drawn to a close, and despite a few weather setbacks and dubious fan attendances, the competition is shaping up nicely heading into the knockout stages - but who will be facing who in the last 16?An intriguing summer has seen a few shocks along the way, notably reigning European champions0PSG suc...
Arsenal have first Cristhian Mosquera bid rejectedArsenal have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of a new centre-back after Valencia rejected their first bid for Cristhian Mosquera.According to Radio Marca Valencia, the North London club’s offer fell short of the €20 million (317m) release clause in Mosquera’s contract.Valencia are said to be unwilling to negotiate a lower f...
Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund agree fee for Jamie GittensChelsea and Borussia Dortmund have reportedly agreed on a fee that would see winger Jamie Gittens head to the Premier League this summer.According to German outlet BILD, Chelsea will pay Dortmund a fee of 355.5 million to bring the 20-year-old to Stamford Bridge.Chelsea have been interested in the winger since January and are understood to h...
The Premier League's transfer window is open, with the rest of Europe to follow on July 1 as business starts to get done. But what are ESPN's reporters hearing about possible deals?Every Friday until September, we'll bring you the latest updates and insights on the biggest transfer news.Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men's summer window gradesLiverpool have had a very busy start to the transfer...
The Gold Cup group stage is over. And with a team of mostly MLS players and fringe starters from elsewhere, the U.S. men's national team is perfect through three matches. It has scored eight goals and conceded just one. It beat the only team that beat Argentina at the last World Cup. And a bunch of new players are getting a lot of valuable competitive experience ahead of next summer's World Cup.So...
Jadon Sancho to Fenerbahce deal OFF after Jose Mourinho interventionMan United winger Jadon Sancho's potential move to Fenerbahce is reportedly off after Jose Mourinho intervened to veto the deal.According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Mourinho had a conversation with current Man United manager Ruben Amorim regarding his character.The two managers are understood to have a good relationship and as a r...
Brentford REJECT second Man United bid for Bryan MbeumoBrentford have rejected Man United's latest offer for star forward Bryan Mbeumo but talks between the two clubs are ongoing.According to Sky Sports, United’s bid of 362.5 million was not enough to convince Brentford to sell the 25-year-old.It’s understood that Mbeumo has already informed the West London club of his intention to mov...
- 1 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 2 Man United close in on Bryan Mbeumo
- 3 Man Utd close in on Bryan Mbeumo! Red Devils agree £60m+ fee with Brentford as Premier League rivals iron out final transfer details
- 4 Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man City
- 5 Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction 27 June 2025
- 6 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 7 Liverpool cult hero waves goodbye as transfer is confirmed: It’s been an absolute honour
- 8 Marcus Rashford to Barcelona is back ON! La Liga champions ready to sanction loan deal for Man Utd outcast amid Nico Williams pursuit
- 9 Barcelona announce Garrido departure
- 10 ‘Queen of Football’ swaps kit for bikini in rivalry with Alisha Lehmann