Match report

Luton Defeats Exeter City 3-2 in League One Thriller

Luton
Luton
3–2
FT
Exeter City
Exeter City
Mar 17, 2026

Luton staved off a late surge from Exeter City to clinch a 3-2 win in a gripping League One match. Goals from K. Palmer, J. Clark, and H. Odoffin propelled Luton into the lead, while Exeter's R. Cole and I. Niskanen scored in response. Despite Exeter's spirited comeback, Luton held on for a crucial three points.

Key Facts

  • • K. Palmer (Luton) scored the opening goal in the 13th minute
  • • R. Cole (Exeter City) equalized for Exeter City in the 25th minute
  • • J. Clark (Luton) netted a penalty in the 29th minute
  • • H. Odoffin (Luton) added another goal in injury time at half-time
  • • I. Niskanen (Exeter City) scored in the 49th minute

Lineups

Luton

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 24 J. Keeley (G)
  • 17 N. Lonwijk (D)
  • 16 H. Odoffin (D)
  • 3 K. Naismith (D)
  • 30 G. Kodua (M)
  • 23 G. Saville (M)
  • 8 L. Walsh (M)
  • 32 E. Lawrence (M)
  • 54 K. Palmer (F)
  • 18 J. Clark (F)
  • 22 D. Cole (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 J. Shea
  • 11 E. Adebayo
  • 14 S. Morris
  • 38 J. Johnson
  • 6 D. van den Berg
  • 4 S. Sandal
  • 27 J. Richards

Exeter City

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 1 J. Whitworth (G)
  • 26 P. Sweeney (D)
  • 20 L. Woodhouse (D)
  • 15 J. Yfeko (D)
  • 14 I. Niskanen (M)
  • 10 J. Aitchison (M)
  • 6 E. Brierley (M)
  • 2 J. McMillan (M)
  • 12 R. Cole (F)
  • 28 T. Tuterov
  • 27 J. Magennis (F)

Substitutes

  • 23 J. Bycroft
  • 29 K. McDonald
  • 9 J. Wareham
  • 19 S. Cox
  • 17 A. Higgins
  • 45 C. Cummins
  • 21 D. Andrew

Timeline

  1. Luton
    13' Luton Goal · Normal Goal
    K. Palmer · Assist: L. Walsh
  2. Exeter City
    25' Exeter City Goal · Normal Goal
    R. Cole
  3. Luton
    29' Luton Goal · Penalty
    J. Clark
  4. Exeter City
    45'+4 Exeter City Card · Yellow Card
    R. Cole

    Foul

  5. Luton
    45' Luton Goal · Normal Goal
    H. Odoffin · Assist: G. Saville
  6. Exeter City
    49' Exeter City Goal · Normal Goal
    I. Niskanen · Assist: T. Tuterov
  7. Exeter City
    55' Exeter City subst · Substitution 1
    Off: J. Magennis · On: J. Wareham
  8. Exeter City
    55' Exeter City subst · Substitution 2
    Off: J. Yfeko · On: D. Andrew
  9. Exeter City
    65' Exeter City subst · Substitution 3
    Off: R. Cole · On: A. Higgins
  10. Luton
    72' Luton Card · Yellow Card
    E. Lawrence

    Foul

  11. Luton
    75' Luton subst · Substitution 1
    Off: D. Cole · On: E. Adebayo
  12. Luton
    75' Luton subst · Substitution 2
    Off: K. Palmer · On: J. Richards
  13. Exeter City
    80' Exeter City subst · Substitution 4
    Off: E. Brierley · On: K. McDonald
  14. Exeter City
    80' Exeter City subst · Substitution 5
    Off: T. Tuterov · On: S. Cox
  15. Exeter City
    82' Exeter City Card · Yellow Card
    J. McMillan

    Foul

  16. Luton
    90'+2 Luton subst · Substitution 3
    Off: J. Clark · On: D. van den Berg
  17. Luton
    90'+5 Luton subst · Substitution 4
    Off: G. Saville · On: S. Sandal

Match Stats

Stat Luton Exeter City
Fouls 13 12
Pass Accuracy 78% 81%
Offsides 1 0
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 16 8
Corners 7 2
Total Passes 380 449
Yellow Cards 1 2
Blocked Shots 3 3
Shots on Target 7 3
xG — —
Shots off Target 6 2
Possession 46% 54%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 298 363
Shots Inside Box 14 6
Saves 1 4
Shots Outside Box 2 2

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Luton's quick-fire goals from Palmer and Clark's penalty in the 29th minute set the tone for their victory
  • ▸ Exeter's introduction of multiple substitutions in the second half nearly turned the match around, but Luton's strong defense held firm