Caldwell eyes 'fairy tale' Wembley final for Exeter

Exeter City midfielder Jack AitchisonImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Jack Aitchison's stunning strike won the tie for Gary Caldwell's side

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Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell says a visit to Wembley would be "a fairy tale" for the club after his side beat Swindon 2-1 in the EFL Trophy group stage.

Ed Francis' first goal for the Grecians was cancelled out in the 68th minute by Joel Cotterill, before Jack Aitchison scored a stunning goal from outside the box to win the tie late on.

City now sit on top of the Southern Group G table and will next play Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s on 24 September.

Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon he wants Exeter to be "competitive" in this year's competition.

"If I've leaned any lessons from last year, it's that I played too many young players in this competition.

"This year we want to be a competitive team because it's the road to Wembley and the final is there.

"If that could happen, that would be the fairy tale for the supporters and for this team."

He added it's important the team includes "young players" who can "gain a positive experience".

The highlight of the match was undoubtedly the winning goal - Aitchison's 81st minute strike from outside the 18-yard box.

Speaking about the 24-year-old's contribution, Caldwell said: "It was an unbelievable strike.

"In the first half, I thought he was below his level so I told him at half-time and his response was outstanding.

"I think the world of Jack - he's an outstanding player who, on his day, is one of the best number 10s in League One."