Following the one all draw between Cardiff City and Fulham in the Championship on Friday evening, which saw Harry Arter red carded, the competition continued on Saturday afternoon.
First into action at 12.30pm in Ashton Gate were Bristol City for who 66th minute substitute Callum O’Dowda created the late equaliser in their two all draw with visitors Middlesbrough for whom Darren Randolph was in action. At the regular 3pm kick-off time, Birmingham City with Daniel Crowley a 54th minute substitute came from behind to defeat visitors Stoke City by two goals to one. James McClean and Stephen Ward started for the visitors with Scott Hogan replacing Ward on 79 minutes. Derby County with Richard Keogh and Jason Knight in their starting eleven went down to a three nil defeat at Brentford. Kenilworth Road hosted the meeting of Luton Town and Huddersfield Town where James Collins converted a penalty in the ‘Hatters’ two one success. The New Den was the venue for the clash of Millwall, for whom Alex Pearce started with Jayson Molumby, Aiden O’Brien and Shaun Williams on the bench in their one all draw with Hull City. Preston North End included Alan Browne and Joe Rafferty in their starting eleven for their one all draw at Nottingham Forest but an eye injury ruled out Sean Maguire. Reading introduced Josh Barrett as a very late substitute in their two nil home defeat by Charlton Athletic for whom Josh Cullen was in fine midfield action. Sheffield Wednesday and Keiren Westwood went down to a two one defeat by visitors QPR at Hillsborough where Ryan Manning continued in his left wing back role. U21 centre back Dara O’Shea was an unused substitute for West Bromwich Albion who defeated visitors Blackburn Rovers by three goals to two. Greg Cunningham, Daragh Lenihan and Derrick Williams all started for the visitors
League One
Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness, who scored, started for Portsmouth in their one all draw at Blackpool while Burton Albion and loanee goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara defeated visitors Bristol Rovers by two goals to nil. Ipswich Town included Alan Judge in their starting eleven for their three nil victory over visitors Shrewsbury Town for whom goalkeeper Max O’Leary also started at Portman Road.