Caldwell slams 'outclassed' Exeter after Trophy exit

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell says his players were "outclassed in every department" in their 4-0 EFL Vertu Trophy loss at Luton Town.

The Grecians made six changes to the side that were narrowly beaten at high-flying Bradford City on Saturday, but were second best at Kenilworth Road.

Two Lasse Nordas goals either side of a strike from Shayden Morris put the Hatters 3-0 up before half-time.

Zack Nelson added a fourth midway through the second half to comprehensively end Exeter's hopes of a trip to Wembley.

"Too many duels lost - their physicality, their power, their speed, we didn't match and when you don't match that, football becomes a very difficult game," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.

"I thought also in possession we didn't get on the ball enough, we didn't play our game enough.

"When we did, we felt we could play through them, but we didn't want to get on the ball, we weren't quick enough on the ball, so the game became very difficult and we were outclassed in every department.

"When that happens, you have to hold your hands up, you have to look at yourself, me, staff, players, and try to react to it and try to do something about it."

The Grecians will now focus on a second round FA Cup tie at home to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

The game has added significance with the club's difficult financial position and the potential riches on offer should they make the third round and draw a top-flight side.

"The players that played tonight come and ask me why they're not playing and want to get in the team," added Caldwell.

"I think every player this year has had ample opportunity to show why they should be playing and tonight too many didn't perform to the level.

"So we'll assess the group again on Thursday, we'll see how everyone is and we'll pick a team that we believe can beat Wycombe.

"The only way you can react to nights like this is in the next game. You can't get back what's just happened, you have to learn from it,

"You have to look at yourself individually and say, where can I get better? How can I be better for Saturday? And obviously that's a quick turnaround, but that's the game we're in and that's what we have to do.

"We have to react in a really positive way and make sure we're still in the FA Cup on Saturday evening."