Blackpool secured a 3‑2 victory over Aston Villa’s under‑21 side in the EFL Trophy, while Port Vale demolished Manchester City’s youngsters 5‑0 in Tuesday’s group‑stage clashes. The results left Blackpool in second place in Northern Group B, with Villa still at the bottom, and lifted Vale to the top of Northern Group D, leaving City in third.
The Seasiders’ win at Bloomfield Road began with a Villa goal when Fletcher Boyd found the net in the 29th minute. Blackpool, however, responded with a swift comeback, as Zac Ashworth, Jerry Yates and Jordan Brown each scored to level the match. In stoppage time, Markie Meade netted a late consolation for Villa, but the Seasiders’ three‑goal rally was enough to secure the win. The victory keeps Blackpool firmly in second place, while Villa remain without a point in the group.
Port Vale’s triumph over Manchester City was even more decisive. Maleace Asamoah opened the scoring, and the Vale attack continued with goals from Jaheim Headley, Max Watters, Lewis Montsma and Keyrol Figueroa, giving the League Two side a comprehensive 5‑0 rout. The win places Vale at the top of Northern Group D with seven points, while City fall to third. Manager Jon Brady praised the team’s effort, saying the fixture was competitive and that they had approached it with a strong, winning mentality.
Arsenal’s under‑21s managed a 2‑1 win over AFC Wimbledon after a late comeback. Callum Maycock gave the League One side the lead, but Arsenal’s Evan Mooney equalised five minutes after coming on as a substitute. Emerson Nwaneri then struck three minutes from time to secure the victory, putting the Gunners on top of Southern Group F with six points, while Wimbledon sit second.
In Northern Group E, Everton’s under‑21s suffered a 2‑1 defeat to Shrewsbury Town, losing in stoppage time. Michael Golding had opened the scoring for Shrewsbury, but Omari Benjamin levelled for Everton before Jeval Thompson‑McKenzie netted the winner in the second minute of added time. Shrewsbury’s manager Gavin Cowan expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting that the result was a testament to the club’s quality.
With these results, Blackpool and Port Vale have strengthened their positions in their respective groups, while Aston Villa and Manchester City’s under‑21 sides will need to regroup for their remaining fixtures. The next round of the EFL Trophy will see the top teams from each group advance, setting the stage for further clashes among the league’s youth sides.