Plymouth Argyle were the big winners during the latest round of games in the Vertu Trophy, which saw EFL clubs largely have the upper hand over their academy opposition.
Returning to the competition having been relegated from the Championship last season, Argyle secured their spot in the first knock-out stage with a game to spare in Southern Group B thanks to a comfortable home victory against the Tottenham Hotspur U21s.
Youngster Tegan Finn scored twice – with a goal in each half – as the Pilgrims hit their opponents for six, with Seb Campbell coming off the bench to secure a place in club history.
His goal four minutes from the end made him the club’s youngest ever scorer and wrapped up a 6-2 victory in front of a crowd of almost 5,000.
Also in the Southern side of the draw, Northampton Town kicked off their Vertu Trophy campaign with an impressive 3-0 win against the Chelsea academy team.
Kamari Swyer, Michael Jacob and Elliot List all netted within a ten minute period before the game was half an hour old, putting the home side in control at Sixfields and securing the three points.
Newport County however endured a disappointing start to their campaign in Southern Group A, despite taking an early lead against Arsenal U21.
Ben Lloyd opened the scoring after just two minutes at Rodney Parade only for Arsenal to fight back after the break, with Andre Harriman-Annous equalising from the spot and Charles Sagoe Jr then hitting the winner in the final minute.
Just one game took place in the Northern section, with Bolton Wanderers making it two wins from two to go to the top of Group E.
Early goals from Sam Dalby, John McAtee and Aaron Morley were enough to see off a Manchester City U21 side that featured Reigan Heskey – the son of former England forward Emile.
Reigan would go on to make his first team debut for the Club 24 hours later alongside brother Jaden as the pair came off the bench in the EFL Cup win at Huddersfield Town.
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