Villain turns hero as Josh Gordon nets winning Walsall penalty in cup comeback

Posted Wednesday, August 14, 2024 by PA

Josh Gordon turned from villain to hero as he hit the winning spot-kick as League Two Walsall claimed a Carabao Cup comeback victory to upset Exeter 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

With the League One Grecians leading through Millenic Alli’s first-half strike, Gordon saw an 81st-minute penalty saved by Joe Whitworth after Vincent Harper had handled the ball.

But Jamie Jellis spared Gordon’s blushes by steering home Jack Earing’s cross three minutes into stoppage time to take the tie to a shoot-out.

Earing skied Walsall’s first penalty to hand Exeter the advantage but, after Saddlers goalkeeper Tommy Simkin foiled Ilmari Niskanen and Alli hit the post, Gordon stepped up to win it.

Exeter led after 40 minutes as Alli scored his fifth goal in 12 games since a January switch from Halifax, prodding home Caleb Watts’ cross from close range to end a fine move.

Both sides hit the woodwork before that, Ben Purrington’s downward header striking the post for Exeter, while Pierce Sweeney diverted David Okagbue’s header onto the upright at the other end.

After Alli’s opener it was all Walsall as Ryan Stirk swept an effort over, Albert Adomah lashed wide and Gordon went close several times before his penalty miss.

But Jellis’ equaliser capped a frantic finale before Gordon’s redemption followed.