EFL Trophy: Birmingham City Advances After 7-1 Victory Against Fulham U21s

Jay Stansfield, who has scored seven goals in nine games for Birmingham City, and Ayumu Yokoyama each netted twice as Birmingham City secured their progression in the EFL Trophy with a 7-1 victory over Fulham Under-21s. Alfie May, Keshi Anderson, and Lyndon Dykes also contributed goals as the Blues intensified their offensive efforts against their opponents in the second half, despite Martial Godo’s initial equalizer. Doncaster Rovers confirmed their advancement to the knockout stages of the competition following a 3-1 win against Barnsley at the Eco-Power Stadium. Second-half goals from Joe Ironside and Harry Clifton established the hosts’ lead before Aiden Marsh reduced the deficit. Kyle Hunt then sealed the victory six minutes before full-time. Exeter City maintained an unblemished record to advance from Group O, achieving a 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers. Goals for Exeter came from Jay Bird, Millenic Alli, and Demetri Mitchell, while Connor Taylor and Isaac Hutchinson found the net for Rovers. AFC Wimbledon also qualified for the next stage despite suffering a 3-0 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion U21s. Brighton secured their win through second-half goals from Caylan Vickers, Cameron Peupion, and Remeiro Moulton. Manchester City U21s emerged as the sole top-flight youth side to triumph, defeating Grimsby Town 5-4 in a penalty shootout. This followed a draw where goals from Reigan Heskey and Danny Rose in the final minutes could not separate the teams. Both Mansfield Town and Cheltenham Town recorded significant victories. Mansfield Town defeated Newcastle United 3-0, and Cheltenham Town overcame West Ham United U21s 3-2. Lucas Aikins and Ben Quinn, who scored twice, were instrumental in Mansfield’s win. For Cheltenham, Liam Dulson, Matt Taylor, and Tom King scored, with Kamarai Simon-Swyer registering a consolation goal for the Hammers. Miles Leaburn scored in both halves, significantly aiding Charlton Athletic’s progress with a 3-0 win against Chelsea Under-21s. Tyreece Campbell subsequently added a third goal during stoppage time. Accrington Stanley achieved a narrow 2-1 victory over Everton U21s. Charlie Jay Whittaker and Josh Woods scored for Accrington, with Harrison Armstrong netting an equalizer for Everton.