Brentford U21 and Leicester City Advance in Jersey Mike’s Trophy Knockout Stages
Brentford U21 and League One side Leicester City secured spots in the knockout stages of the Jersey Mike’s Trophy with important victories in their respective groups.
The Bees faced a must-win situation against the Football League’s bottom team, Crawley Town, in Southern Group H. Brentford triumphed 2-1 at Broadfield Stadium, where Domeiro Bobb-Semple scored twice. Connor Wickham notably made his Crawley debut with a goal.
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Meanwhile, in Southern Group B, the Foxes found themselves trailing at the King Power Stadium against League Two’s Walsall, who could have advanced with a win. However, goals from Will Smallbone and John Lundstram turned the match around for Leicester, allowing them to secure a 2-1 lead by halftime.
Stevenage clinched the top spot in their group after defeating Fulham U21 in a penalty shootout.
Chelsea U21 did not compete but still progressed, benefiting from Reading’s inability to overcome Bristol Rovers, as the Royals needed a significant away win to surpass Chelsea in Southern Group C, but fell short in a penalty shootout.
Nottingham Forest U21 and Notts County both advanced to the last 16 with strong performances in Northern Group F.
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Forest achieved a convincing 3-0 victory against League Two promotion contenders Grimsby Town at Blundell Park, scoring all their goals before halftime. The Magpies also moved ahead as group winners, having beaten League One Burton Albion 3-0, marking their third win in the EFL Trophy.
In Southern Group F, Leyton Orient needed a significant win over Barnet to qualify on goal difference. However, they faced a strong defeat at The Hive, with Jack Maskell’s first-half goal helping Barnet to secure a 4-2 victory.
Oxford United claimed a decisive 4-0 win against Cheltenham Town, edging out the Robins for second place in Southern Group A.
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In Southern Group G, Gillingham maintained their position in the knockout stages by defeating Northampton Town 2-1. The Gills only needed a draw to finish second ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion U21, but Lamin Sillah’s contributions led his team to victory.
In another match, a close-range effort by Tom Graves set up Crewe Alexandra for a potential win in Northern Group B, but Wigan Athletic countered with two second-half goals, ending Crewe’s hopes. Veteran forward Nick Powell helped Bradford City secure a strong 4-0 win over York City, finishing first in Northern Group C.
In an exciting clash in Northern Group D, Mansfield Town, already eliminated, led the already qualified Chesterfield 3-1 with 28 minutes to go. However, a remarkable comeback saw Dylan Duffy score two of four goals in the dying minutes, leading Chesterfield to a 5-3 victory.
Seb Campbell netted a last-minute winner as Plymouth Argyle defeated Swindon Town at Home Park, finishing atop the standings in Southern Group E. Also securing victories were Huddersfield Town, who thrashed Liverpool U21 4-0 in Northern Group H, and MK Dons, who beat Bromley 2-1 to lead Southern Group H.
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Stockport County triumphed over Tranmere Rovers in a penalty shootout in Northern Group E, with both teams already assured of qualification, while Colchester United also advanced after defeating Ipswich Town U21 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in Southern Group D, although both sides’ campaigns had concluded after their second match.
