Alex Nicholls and David Wheeler have given Exeter City the advantage in their first-round League Cup tie against Swindon Town as both players scored shortly before half time.

The game started quietly as the first chance of the match came after 18 minutes of play, as City forward Tom Nichols raced clear into the hosts' penalty area and managed to pull back a cross for Ryan Harley, who could only direct his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

The visitors started to gain momentum as David Wheeler's surging run earned his side a corner, which was nearly converted by Wheeler only to be cleared off the line by Arsenal loanee Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill.

City's pressure soon paid off as Jamie McAllister played through Nichols, showing his strength to hold the ball up for Nicholls, with the midfielder firing his shot into the top right-hand corner of the Swindon net.

Wheeler doubled the lead for the away side minutes before the half-time whistle, as he converted his shot from close range.