Brentford U21 and League One side Leicester City both advanced to the knockout stages of the Jersey Mike’s Trophy following vital victories in their final group fixtures.
Southern Group Matches
The Bees required a victory against Crawley Town, the Football League’s bottom side, in Southern Group H to progress. They achieved this with a 2-1 success at Broadfield Stadium, courtesy of a double from Domeiro Bobb-Semple, while Connor Wickham scored on his debut for Crawley.
In Southern Group B, the Foxes fell behind at the King Power Stadium against League Two side Walsall, who would have advanced ahead of their hosts with a win. However, goals from Will Smallbone and John Lundstram gave Leicester the lead by halftime, allowing them to hold on for the result. Stevenage topped the group by defeating Fulham U21 on penalties.
Chelsea U21 did not play but secured progression at the expense of Reading. The Royals needed a heavy victory away against Bristol Rovers to overtake the west London team in Southern Group C, but they were instead beaten on penalties. Meanwhile, Oxford United earned a 4-0 win over Cheltenham Town to secure second place in Southern Group A.
In Southern Group F, Leyton Orient missed out on an unlikely second-placed finish after a 4-2 defeat at The Hive against Barnet, where Jack Maskell opened the scoring in the first half. Gillingham secured their spot in the last 32 of Southern Group G with a 2-1 win against Northampton Town, inspired by Lamin Sillah, who scored one and assisted another. In Southern Group E, Plymouth Argyle topped the group after Seb Campbell scored a 99th-minute winner to beat Swindon Town 2-1 at Home Park, and Colchester United defeated Ipswich Town U21 on penalties following a scoreless draw in Southern Group D.
Northern Group Action
Nottingham Forest U21 and Notts County both cruised into the last 16 with victories in Northern Group F. Forest recorded a 3-0 win against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park, with all goals scored before the interval. Notts County won their group by defeating Burton Albion by the same 3-0 scoreline, securing their third win in three EFL Trophy matches.
Crewe Alexandra took the lead in Northern Group B through a close-range effort by Tom Graves, but Wigan Athletic responded with two goals in the second half to eliminate them. In Northern Group C, veteran forward Nick Powell scored as Bradford City defeated York City 4-0 to claim the top spot.
Northern Group D featured a high-scoring encounter as Mansfield Town, already eliminated, held a 3-1 lead against already qualified Chesterfield with 28 minutes remaining. However, Dylan Duffy scored two of four late goals to lead the Spireites to a 5-3 victory. Stockport County overcame Tranmere Rovers on penalties in Northern Group E, though both teams had already qualified, and Huddersfield Town defeated Liverpool U21 4-0 to finish at the summit of Northern Group H.
