09/10/2024 14:35
In total, nine teams have now progressed, with plenty to play for then when the final games in the groups take place over the coming weeks.
Northern Section:
There is still plenty to play for in Group A after Tranmere Rovers keep up their hopes of making it through with victory at home to Accrington Stanley.
Both teams had lost their first game, but goals from Josh Hawkes and Samual Taylor put the home side two clear before a late reply from Victor Popoola saw the game end 2-1. Both teams could yet progress, although Accrington in particular would need fortune on their side.
Group B is the only group where the two qualifiers have been decided, with Wrexham progressing thanks to a 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 thanks to goals from Lewis Brunt, Paul Mullin and Modou Faal.
That result also confirmed Port Vale progress without kicking a ball, with only the group winner left to be decided.
Morecambe are the first team to make it through from Group C, making light of their position at the bottom of League Two.
Two goals from Ben Tollitt alongside efforts from Charlie Brown and Hallam Hope helped to see off Nottingham Forest U21 in a 4-2 victory, whilst Wigan Athletic won 2-0 away at Carlisle United thanks to goals from Josh Stones and Michael Olakigbe – meaning the Latics will progress if they avoid defeat in their final group game.
Aston Villa U21 are the first Academy side to qualify following a penalty shootout win over Bolton Wanderers, who remain in the box seat to also make it through. Trai-Varn Mulley opened the scoring for Villa in the first half before Victor Adeboyejo equalised late on, with Villa winning the shootout 4-1.
Fleetwood Town could still progress from Group D after a 3-0 success against Barrow, with Kian Harratt netting twice and youngster Pele Smith adding a third – meaning victory against Bolton in the final group game will secure a knock-out spot.
The only game in Group E saw Crewe Alexandra confirm a spot in the next round with a 1-0 win at home to Harrogate Town, whilst goals from Freddie Ladapo and Daniel Ward earned Huddersfield a 2-0 win over Barnsley in Group F to leave them in a position to potentially qualify in the final round of games.
It’s all to play for still in Group G with a late winner from Jack Moylan earning Lincoln City three points against Grimsby Town in a 2-1 victory, whilst in Group H, Rotherham United qualified with a 3-1 win against Newcastle United U21s that included two goals from Jordan Hugill.
Southern Section:
Birmingham City will join Walsall in the next stage by avoiding defeat in the final round of games in Group A after a comfortable 4-0 win away at Shrewsbury Town, with Scott Wright finding the net twice at New Meadow.
Perhaps the game of the night came in Group B, as AFC Wimbledon progressed after a rollercoaster game away against Crawley Town. Leading 1-0 at half-time through Callum Maycock, Wimbledon looked to be cruising through when Matty Stevens and James Tilley scored two goals in a matter of minutes in the second half, only for Crawley to roar back with three goals of their own – equalising through Joshua Flint with three minutes remaining.
Joseph Pigott then popped up in injury time with the winner however to give Wimbledon a second win and a place in the next round.
Defending champions Peterborough United need a point to progress from their final group game after goals from Malik Mothersille and Jack Sparkes secured a 2-0 win at home to Stevenage in Group D.
It means Posh need a point against Crystal Palace U21 to confirm a spot in the knock-out stages, with Stevenage still able to qualify if results go their way.
Group E remains wide open, with all four teams still in the mix to qualify after the penultimate games both went to penalty kicks. Leyton Orient emerged on top against Colchester United after a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road, whilst Milton Keynes Dons pickled up the bonus point on offer against Arsenal U21 after the game ended at 2-2 after 90 minutes.
Northampton Town kicked off their Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign with a 2-0 win at Notts County thanks to goals from Benjamin Fox and Liam McCarron in Group F, whilst a 4-0 win for Swindon Town at home to Bristol Rovers – helped by two early goals from Paul Glatzel – means Swindon are now in pole position to qualify alongside Exeter City from Group G.
Group H meanwhile remains open after the game between Cheltenham Town and Reading fell victim to the weather.