Friday
The opening FA Cup Round Three fixture between League Two Swindon Town and Premier League leaders Manchester City went the way of the visitors at the County Ground on Friday evening by four goals to one. Ireland U21 international Jake O’Brien, a midweek loan signing from Crystal Palace, was an unused substitute for the ‘Robins’.
The quest for a quarter-final place in the EFL Trophy went the way of Portsmouth at Exeter City this evening. Marcus Harness and Sean Raggett started for the victors while Ronan Curtis was introduced from the substitute bench on 63 minutes. Curtis certainly delivered with two goals in the closing minutes to secure a three two victory. The hosts included Pierce Sweeney in their starting eleven but he was withdrawn at half-time while Padraig Amond was a 71st minute substitute.
The German Bundesliga clash of Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach saw the visitors come from behind to secure a two one victory. Ireland U21 midfielder Conor Noss was on the victors substitute bench.
Wednesday
The EFL Cup semi-final first leg between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur took place at Stamford Bridge this evening and saw the hosts secure a two nil advantage which does not entirely reflect their dominance. Matt Doherty started in a left wing back position for the visitors but was withdrawn at half-time.
Tuesday
Some fixtures in the last sixteen in the EFL Trophy took place this Tuesday evening. Charlton Athletic scored the only goal to defeat visitors MK Dons who included Warren O’Hora in their starting eleven. Crewe Alexandra suffered defeat by visitors Rotherham United who named Kieran Sadlier in their starting eleven and he scored their first half equaliser. Substitutes Joshua Kayode (62) and Chiedoze Ogbene (78) were introduced and the ‘Millers’ went on to secure a four two victory. Kayode scored his first senior goal for the club with Ogbene providing the assist. Oldham Athletic suffered a crushing six nil defeat by visitors Wigan Athletic who included Will Keane in their starting eleven and he scored as the ‘Latics’ surged into a three nil half time lead.
Monday
The Championship continued on Monday afternoon with Reading and visitors Derby County playing out a two all draw. The ‘Rams’ recovered from a two goal deficit with the equaliser coming in added time. Jason Knight started with Festy Ebosele a 57th minute substitute. Preston North End, captained by Alan Browne, also came from behind to secure a two one victory at Stoke City where Sean Maguire was an 89th minute substitute for the victors.
In League One, Cambridge United held promotion chasing visitors Portsmouth to a scoreless draw. Gavin Bazunu, Ronan Curtis, Marcus Harness and Sean Raggett all started for ‘Pompey’.