EFL Trophy Round-up: Peterborough and Other Teams Secure Last 16 Berths

EFL Trophy titleholders Peterborough United secured their progression to the competition’s first knockout stage with a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace Under-21s. Abraham Odoh netted two goals, while Cian Hayes and substitute Harley Mills also scored for Posh following a goalless first half. Zach Marsh registered the lone goal for Palace’s youth squad. Last season’s champions moved into the last 16 after winning all three of their group matches, topping Southern Group D. Swindon Town also earned their spot in the last 16 of the tournament, achieving a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s. Cheltenham Town similarly advanced by defeating League One Reading 1-0. This marked Swindon’s second triumph under Ian Holloway since his appointment on October 30, allowing them to qualify from Southern Group G alongside Exeter City. Danny Butterworth and Sean McGurk scored in the second half to clinch the three points, after Tyrese Hall’s strike had given Tottenham’s U21s an early lead 25 minutes into the match. Tom Pett scored his inaugural goal for League Two Cheltenham, volleying the ball into the net with 12 minutes remaining. This result ensured they remained undefeated in the competition and narrowly overcame Reading, who also reached the last 16 on goal difference, ahead of Newport County, in Southern Group H. Northampton Town maintained their position at the top of Southern Group F, with one match still to be played, following a 3-0 home victory against local opponents Leicester City U21s. A brace from Neo Dobson within 11 minutes late in the second half sealed the win for the Cobblers, after TJ Eyoma’s header from a corner kick had initially put them ahead. Cambridge United continued their strong run of form, extending their unbeaten streak to five games across all competitions with a 1-0 win against Chelsea U21s. Chelsea goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom saved a first-half penalty from Danny Andrew, before 18-year-old Amaru Kaunda scored on his debut for Cambridge, moving them up to second place in Southern Group C.