18/09/2024 14:13
Seven group games took place a week on from a standalone fixture in Northern Group B, which saw Hollywood-backed Wrexham go up against Class of 96-owned Salford City at the Racecourse Ground.
In front of a crowd of more than 6,000, Wrexham took the lead with an impressive effort from star striker Paul Mullin before Salford drew level after the break through Conor McAleny.
Will Boyle removed the need for a penalty shootout when he nodded in the winner for the Welsh side from close range with seven minutes to go, giving Wrexham all three points and leaving Salford bottom of the group.
Northern Section
Just two games took place in the Northern Section during the weekly fixtures, the first of which saw Stockport County maintain an impressive start to the campaign at home to the Everton U21s.
Still unbeaten in League One following promotion last season, Stockport took control of the game shortly after the half-hour mark when two quick goals from Isaac Olaofe and Jaydon Fevrier
Olaofe added his second five minutes into the second half before former Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell made it 4-0, with Everton grabbing a late consolation through Omari Benjamin – with Stockport sitting top of the group with two wins from two.
In Group H, Bradford City scored a first win in the competition this season with a comfortable victory on the road against Mansfield Town, who lost without scoring for the second successive game.
Vadaine Oliver put the Bantams in front after just three minutes of the game before Bobby Pointon added a second before the break. The third arrived in stoppage time through Clarke Oduor, although the points were already very much secured for the visitors.
Southern Section
Walsall remain unbeaten in Group A having taken a second win in the competition, although there was no need for a repeat of the penalty shootout required in game one earlier in the month.
This time around, Daniel Johnson grabbed the only goal at the Bescot Stadium to see off Fulham U21s, with the Saddlers well placed for a spot in the knock-out stages as a result.
The game of the night came in Group B as beaten finalists from last season Wycombe Wanderers came out on top of an eight-goal thriller against the Brighton & Hove Albion U21s.
Bez Lubala was the hero for the home side as he bagged four goals, three of which came in the first half were Kieran Sadlier also netted to give the Chairboys a 4-1 lead; Harry Howell having replied for Brighton with a penalty right on half-time.
Lubala’s fourth goal extended the advantage before Marcus Ifill and a second penalty from Howell made the score more respectable for the Academy side.
Charlton Athletic picked up three points from the trip to Cambridge United as the Addicks appeared in the competition for the first time this season in Group C.
Tayo Edun and Matty Godden put the visitors 2-0 at the Abbey Stadium before Dan Nlundulu got one back from the penalty spot, with Charlton able to survive despite being reduced to ten men late on when Karoy Anderson was dismissed for two yellow cards.
Colchester United and Milton Keynes Dons got their programmes in Group E underway at the Colchester Community Stadium, where the visitors went ahead through Stephen Wearne.
Colchester levelled before half-time when Anthony Scully equalised from the penalty spot before Fiacre Kelleher wrapped up the victory ten minutes into the second half.
In Group H meanwhile, Newport County secured their first win in the competition this season with a 1-0 win at home to West Ham U21s thanks to a late strike from Oliver Greaves.