Savage starts Peterborough reign with 4-1 win - EFL Trophy round-up

Robbie Savage in a white t-shirt watching Peterborough against Ipswich Under-21s from the touchlineImage source, PA Media
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Robbie Savage left Forest Green Rovers to take over at League One club Peterborough

ByGlenn SpellerBBC Sport EnglandandPhil CartwrightBBC Sport England
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Robbie Savage started his reign at Peterborough United with a convincing 4-1 win against Ipswich Town Under-21s, which guaranteed his side's place in the last 32 of the Jersey Mike's Trophy.

Having only been appointed on Friday, the former Wales international watched his side cruise into a 4-0 lead by half-time to make it two wins from two with one group game remaining.

Peterborough's victory also sent holders Luton through after the Hatters claimed two points from a penalty shootout win against Colchester United on Saturday.

Another new League One manager, Bradford City's Michael Duff, was in the stands to see the Bantams win 4-0 at Rotherham United and book their place in the knockout stage.

Northern section: Bradford and Sheff Wed among clubs to qualify

New Bradford City boss Michael Duff sitting in the dugout at Valley ParadeImage source, Bradford City
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Michael Duff watched from the stands as Bradford won at Rotherham

Within hours of being confirmed as Graham Alexander's successor at Bradford, former Huddersfield and Wycombe boss Duff had a watching brief at Rotherham, with interim manager Mark Trueman taking charge of the Bantams.

Early goals from Will Swan and Stephen Humphrys put them in charge before Swan's second and Nick Powell's penalty sent them into the knockout phase, leaving the Millers needing to beat Newcastle Under-21s in their final group game.

Huddersfield also cemented their place in the next stage with a comfortable 5-0 win over Rochdale, with Lynden Gooch, Jay Smith-Sway and Cameron Ashia all on target. Samson Tovide scored his first goal for the Terriers in just his second appearance and Jamie Spencer added a fifth.

Sunderland Under-21s included Luke O'Nien in their side at Sheffield Wednesday. The defender won the competition with the Black Cats' senior side in 2021 but was powerless to prevent a 2-0 defeat at Hillsborough, which moved the Owls into the last 32.

Accrington Stanley are favourites to join Wednesday in qualifying from Northern Group A, with David Tutonda's 98th-minute equaliser against Salford taking their tie to penalties and the home side claiming the bonus point with a 5-4 win in the shootout.

Dylan Hartley, 15, became the youngest player to make a senior appearance for Doncaster Rovers, coming on as a late substitute in their 1-0 win over Liverpool Under-21s.

Last season's runners-up Stockport County are in pole position to qualify from their group with a second successive victory - winning 2-0 at Shrewsbury with Che Gardner's first senior goal for the Hatters adding to Jason Adigun's effort.

Noah Sawkins marked his senior debut for Fleetwood with the fourth goal as the Cod Army thrashed Barnsley 4-1 to go top of their group.

Blackpool took a bonus point by beating Crewe 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw to keep alive their chances of going through, while at the same time Wigan are guaranteed to qualify from that group despite not playing on Tuesday.

Burton beat Grimsby 4-2 on penalties to go second in their group with both sides still in the hunt for a last-32 spot, while Port Vale's 2-0 win over Mansfield ended the Stags' hopes.

Southern section: Savage's superb start and goals galore for MK Dons

Harry Leonard in action for Peterborough wearing a blue playing shirtImage source, Shutterstock
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Harry Leonard scored the first goal of Robbie Savage's reign at Peterborough

Savage departed National League club Forest Green Rovers to succeed Luke Williams at Peterborough and take his first managerial position in the EFL.

Harry Leonard scored twice as Posh netted four times in 10 first-half minutes on their way to a comprehensive win.

They now have six points from a possible six and their victory also confirmed holders Luton, who have five points from two games, will reach the last 32.

Three other sides in the southern section - Stevenage, Cambridge and MK Dons - made it two wins from two with victories on Tuesday.

Stevenage and Cambridge were 2-1 winners against Leicester and Northampton respectively, while Aaron Collins scored a hat-trick as MK Dons thrashed Brentford Under-21s 7-1.

The Bees' academy side will still qualify if they win their final group game against Crawley, who got their first points with a 4-0 victory against Bromley.

Emre Tezgel's double helped Wycombe to a 4-1 win against Bristol Rovers which sent the League One club through to the next round.

Exeter, Plymouth and Barnet all drew their respective matches but took extra points from penalty shootout victories.