Lithuanian defender Jokūbas Mažionis played a key role as Cheltenham secured a 2-0 home victory over Exeter, advancing to the second round of the Carabao Cup. The 19-year-old centre-back provided the assist that led to the opening goal, helping his side overcome opponents from a higher division.
Mažionis, on loan from Championship side Ipswich Town, started only his second match for League Two Cheltenham this season. Just four days earlier, Cheltenham had suffered a 2-0 league defeat to Chesterfield, but they looked a completely different team on cup duty.
Exeter, a League One side, fell behind in the 28th minute. Following a corner, the ball bounced awkwardly in the box. Mažionis attempted to control it, but it deflected to his defensive partner James Wilson, who calmly slotted the ball into the net, giving Cheltenham the lead.
Shortly after the goal, Mažionis received a yellow card for a foul just outside his penalty area. In the second half, Cheltenham doubled their advantage when Ryan Broom scored in the 55th minute. Mažionis continued to impress defensively, drawing two yellow cards from the opposition before being substituted in the 62nd minute.
From the bench, Mažionis watched as Cheltenham maintained their two-goal cushion, booking a second-round tie against League One side Cardiff City.
