EFL Cup first round sees debuts and late goals
The EFL Cup first round saw Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Stevenage secure their progression, with notable debuts and dramatic finishes marking the evening’s matches. The competition continues after Walsall defeated Bristol City in the season’s initial tie on Thursday.
Middlesbrough advanced to the next round after a 1-0 victory over Wrexham. The decisive goal came from Will Lankshear, who scored on his debut for the side. This goal proved to be the difference in the match, securing Middlesbrough’s passage. Wrexham, despite a good workout, reportedly lacked some sharpness in their attacking play. Phil Parkinson, Wrexham’s manager, had indicated before the match that he was treating the game as part of their pre-season preparations, given their Championship campaign does not begin until 17 August with a trip to Cardiff.
During the match, there was promising link-up play between Middlesbrough’s new forwards, with Kyle Joseph providing a pass for Lankshear, who shot over from the edge of the box earlier in the game. Wrexham’s skipper, Dom Hyam, received a yellow card for bringing down Kyle Joseph, preventing the Boro forward from getting away. Lankshear was later replaced by Fin Cartwright, though his departure from the field was delayed, causing Cartwright to wait before coming on.
Wolves secure comfortable win under new manager
Wolverhampton Wanderers achieved a confident 3-0 victory against Port Vale, marking the first competitive win for the club since March and the beginning of Cesar Peixoto’s reign as manager. The goals for Wolves were scored by Adam Armstrong, Andre, and Fer Lopez. Dan Bentley, the goalkeeper for the hosts, saved a penalty during the match, which had been awarded after Mo Faal drew the foul. This save reportedly took some of the intensity out of the game.
The match also saw the return of Raul Jimenez for Wolves. While Jimenez had opportunities, including a shot from just outside the box and a one-v-one with the goalkeeper that was flagged offside, he did not score on his return. Former Wolves striker David Kelly commented on the team’s desire, stating that the players looked like they wanted to be there and play for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also suggested that the players would be looking around the changing room, believing they have enough to go back up this season. Towards the end of the match, Ladislav Krejci and Jackson Tchatchoua were brought on for Wolves, replacing Yerson Mosquera and Rodrigo Gomes.
Stevenage clinch late victory
Stevenage secured a 2-1 victory over Wycombe Wanderers, preventing the need for penalties with a late winner. The decisive goal came from Josh Magennis, who scored in the last seconds of the game on his debut for Stevenage. Magennis’s goal was a header from a corner swung in from the left, which he buried past Conor Hazard. This late goal put Stevenage into the second round of the competition.
Dean Thompson, a summariser for BBC Three Counties Radio, noted that while Wycombe had the better of the second-half action, Stevenage were the more clinical finishers on the night. Magennis’s performance was highlighted as he delivered on his debut to send Stevenage through. The match saw three minutes of added extra time. The EFL Cup first round action is set to continue, with QPR facing Millwall at 14:00 BST.
Source: bbc.co.uk