The EFL Trophy produced a host of surprises on Tuesday as holders Peterborough United were knocked out and lower-league sides continued to defy expectations. Across 14 ties in the last 32, several standout performances highlighted the unpredictable nature of this season’s competition.

Peterborough United Shocked by Swindon Town

After a quiet first half against League Two promotion contenders Swindon Town, Peterborough United, struggling in League One, dominated the second period but could not find the net. Swindon’s captain Ollie Clarke struck the decisive goal in the 88th minute, sending the visitors out of the tournament.

Harrogate Town Continue Giant-Killing Run

Harrogate Town, the lowest-placed team remaining in the Trophy, continued their remarkable run. After taking a point from eight league matches since their last League Two win in September, Harrogate raced to a 3-0 lead inside 17 minutes against Blackpool thanks to an early goal from Jack Muldoon. Despite a late Blackpool comeback, Harrogate held on to win 4-2, completing a perfect four-match run in the competition that has seen them defeat Mansfield Town, Huddersfield Town, and Newcastle United Under-21s to top their group.

Other Notable Results

• Port Vale matched the biggest win of the night with a 5-0 thrashing of Barnsley, featuring two goals from Ruari Paton and a first-season strike from Ben Waine.
• Rotherham United outclassed Salford City 7-2, with Josh Benson scoring a hat-trick in 17 minutes, including a spectacular lob from near midfield.
• AFC Wimbledon stunned Cardiff City, 5-1, with Aron Sasu scoring four goals and Omar Bugiel adding a goal and an assist.
• Bristol Rovers overcame Cambridge United on penalties after a 2-2 draw, with Kamil Conteh netting the decisive spot-kick.
• Plymouth Argyle secured a 1-0 win over Leyton Orient with Lorent Tolaj scoring in stoppage time, partially atoning for his earlier red card.
• Doncaster Rovers demolished Chesterfield 5-1, highlighted by Billy Sharp’s 30-yard opener and two goals plus two assists.
• Luton Town defeated Exeter City 4-0, with Lasse Nordas scoring twice and setting up another goal.
• Bolton Wanderers beat Bradford City 3-0, with Ibrahim Cissoko scoring twice and Marcus Forss adding a late third.
• Walsall came from behind to beat Stevenage 2-1, with Rico Richards scoring twice after entering the match on loan.
• Huddersfield Town defeated Lincoln City 2-0, with Murray Wallace setting up the opener and scoring a 90th-minute header.
• Fleetwood Town beat Tranmere Rovers 3-0, aided by an own goal from Patrick Brough and goals from Ronan Coughlan and Mark Helm.
• Northampton Town triumphed 2-0 over Wycombe Wanderers with first-half goals from Kyle Edwards and Tyrese Fornah.

EFL Trophy Results Recap

• Bolton Wanderers 3-0 Bradford City
• Bristol Rovers 2-2 Cambridge United (Bristol Rovers win 4-2 on penalties)
• Cardiff City 1-5 AFC Wimbledon
• Doncaster Rovers 5-1 Chesterfield
• Harrogate Town 4-2 Blackpool
• Leyton Orient 0-1 Plymouth Argyle
• Lincoln City 0-2 Huddersfield Town
• Luton Town 4-0 Exeter City
• Northampton Town 2-0 Wycombe Wanderers
• Port Vale 5-0 Barnsley
• Salford City 2-7 Rotherham United
• Stevenage 1-2 Walsall
• Tranmere Rovers 0-3 Fleetwood Town
• Swindon Town 1-0 Peterborough United

Key Takeaways

The EFL Trophy continues to showcase the depth of talent across League One and League Two, with lower-league sides like Harrogate Town and AFC Wimbledon producing shock results. Meanwhile, bigger teams such as Peterborough United face the harsh reality of knockout football, where a single mistake or lapse in concentration can end a campaign abruptly.