Morecambe and Wrexham among winners in EFL Trophy

Posted by Admin October 8, 2024 Football

Ben Tollitt scored his first two goals of the season for Morecambe [Getty Images]

Ben Tollitt scored twice as Morecambe won a six-goal thriller against Nottingham Forest Under-21s to qualify for the EFL Trophy knockout stages.

The Shrimps, who are rooted to the bottom of League Two without a win, were among five teams to confirm their progression from the group stage after they ran out 4-2 winners against Forest at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

Fin Back put the visitors in front midway through the first half before Tollitt levelled three minutes ahead of the break.

Morecambe’s Paul Lewis turned into his own net shortly after half-time but Charlie Brown and Hallam Hope struck twice in 11 minutes to complete the turnaround. Tollitt then scored his second and the hosts’ fourth late on to seal victory.

League Two AFC Wimbledon scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner away at League One Crawley Town to win 4-3 and go through from Southern Group B.

The Wombles were leading 3-0 with 20 minutes remaining but were remarkably pegged back before Joe Pigott struck with almost the last kick of the game.

A Jordan Hugill double and a goal from Esapa Osong saw Rotherham United beat Newcastle United Under-21s 3-1 to make it out of Northern Group H with two wins.

Wrexham cruised through with a comfortable 3-0 win over Wolves Under-21s thanks to goals from Lewis Brunt, Paul Mullin and Modou Faal.

Victory for the Red Dragons means Port Vale also qualify from the same group without kicking a ball on Tuesday night.

Crewe Alexandra will also be in the hat for the last 32 of the competition after Calum Agius netted in the 30th minute as they beat fellow League Two side Harrogate Town 1-0.