League One Exeter make history
Exeter City 3 - 1 Oxford United
League One side Exeter City made history by reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 44 years, defeating a heavily rotated Oxford United from the Championship.
Oxford struck first, with Dane Scarlett threading a sharp pass into the six-yard box for Matt Phillips, who finished neatly with his left foot.
However, the U's couldn’t hold onto their advantage as Demetri Mitchell turned the game around with two goals before half-time, putting Exeter in control.
Vincent Harper added a third for the Grecians with a precise low strike, before Oxford’s afternoon worsened when substitute Tyler Goodrham was shown a red card for elbowing Jake Richards in the face.
Oxford had started brightly, with Louie Sibley—one of eight changes from their last match against Preston—forcing a save from Exeter keeper Joe Whitworth in the opening minute.
The visitors then capitalised on an Exeter corner to break away on the counter. Siriki Dembele launched the move, and Scarlett’s cross evaded the Exeter defence, allowing Phillips to score in the 14th minute.
But Mitchell’s superb volley just eight minutes later brought Exeter level, sparking a resurgence. The home side pushed for a second, with Vincent Harper’s looping header forcing a smart save from Oxford keeper Matt Ingram.
Oxford briefly steadied themselves to disrupt Exeter’s rhythm, but they were undone again when Demetri Mitchell latched onto a ball in the box and calmly slotted it past the helpless Matt Ingram.
A sluggish start to the second half prompted Oxford boss Gary Rowett to introduce debutant Alex Matos in an attempt to avoid a third consecutive third-round exit from the FA Cup.
Latest news and stories from the world's greatest cup
However, Exeter extended their lead when Vincent Harper drilled a powerful strike across the penalty area and into the net, giving the home side a commanding two-goal advantage.
Things went from bad to worse for Oxford as substitute Tyler Goodrham was shown a red card for catching Exeter’s Jake Richards with a flailing arm.
Tempers flared at full-time, with both sets of players exchanging heated words. Goodrham’s dismissal means he will now miss Oxford’s crucial Championship relegation clash against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.
