25/09/2024 12:43
A total of six games were held this week alongside games in the EFL Trophy, with two games in the Northern Section alongside four in the Southern Section.
Northern Section:
Harrogate Town are off and running in the competition this season after coming out on top against the Liverpool U21s, who remain without a win after two matches in Group E.
The League Two made light of their lowly league position to hit the front just before half-time when Jack Muldoon – who had earlier hit the post – nodded in a cross from Zico Asare.
Liverpool were able to draw level towards the end when James Norris fired an effort into the bottom corner, with the game ultimately going to penalty kicks; the home side emerging on top to secure the additional bonus point.
In Group F, Doncaster Rovers and Manchester United U21s also went to penalty kicks after the two sides shared six goals in an action-packed draw.
The visitors took the lead early on through Sam Mather but Doncaster came back to equalise through Joe Sbarra before Ephraim Yeboah and George Broadbent put their side 3-1 up.
Ethan Ennis reduced the deficit for United before an injury time equaliser from Louis Jackson forced penalties, with the Red Devils taking the bonus point by winning the shootout.
Southern Section:
Bromley’s quest for a first win outside penalties in the competition goes on after a narrow loss at home to Chelsea U21s.
Donnell McNeilly put the visitors ahead at Hayes Lane just three minutes in, but Bromley wasted little time in drawing level thanks to Levi Amantchi.
Harvey Vale then struck twice for Chelsea before a late reply from Ashley Charles, with Bromley unable to fashion an equaliser in the closing minutes.
Gillingham suffered a second successive home defeat in Group D after losing at home to Crystal Palace U21s, who picked up their first victory in the competition.
Ex-Arsenal defender Rob Holding was part of the line-up for the visitors, who controlled the game from the moment that Jemiah Umolu opened the scoring on 25 minutes.
Franco Umeh and Hindolo Mustapha extended the lead for the Eagles either side of the break, with Marcus Wyllie adding a consolation ten minutes from the end.
In Group F, League Two came out on top against League One as Notts County emerged victorious against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.
Kellan Gordon and Sam Austin both struck for the visitors before Ben Whitfield pulled one back, with both sides now sitting on three points as a result.
Exeter City meanwhile have made it through to the knock-out stages after picking up victory over Tottenham Hotspur U21, with goals from Millenic Alli and Jake Richards in Group G.