I have just got back from Brodworth Hall, a stately home near Doncaster. It is hosted by English Heritage; it's not a million miles from Hooton Pagnell. Could almost be talking in a foreign language, couldn't I. Look them up, you might learn something.
Last night, the Papa John's Trophy, known as this for sponsorship reasons, got underway: The English Football League Trophy is an annual England FA knockout competition open to the 48 clubs in EFL Divs One and Two, the third and fourth tiers of the English Football League and, since 16 under-21 sides from the Premier League and Championship. It is the third most prestigious knockout competition in English football after the FA Cup and EFL/League Cup.
It began in the 1983–84 season as the Associate Members' Cup, but in 1992, after the lower-division clubs became full members of the Football League. it was renamed the Football League Trophy. It was renamed again in 2016, as the EFL Trophy.
The current (2020–21) champions are Sunderland who beat Tranmere Rovers 1–0 in 2021, which was played just one day after Salford City had won the PREVIOUS SEASON's competition, which had been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The most successful club is Bristol City, who have lifted the trophy three times, in 1986, 2003 and 2015, and were finalists in 1987 and 2000.
This season, the Northern Section, Group E saw Manchester City's Under 21s grouped with Rotherham, Doncaster (Donny) and Scunthorpe. Donny FC, with Dodoo scoring in the 14th and 58th minutes dragged themselves back from a 0-1 deficit, after Edozie had scored for The Citizens after 8 minutes. I suspect Man City had fielded a "young" side. Rotherham now top their group with 3 pts and Goal Difference; City are 2nd with 3 points from 2 games. Donny 3rd and Scunny 4th.
It's a nice competition; in Group F, Bradford City hosted Man Utd whose goalscorers were Songo'o, Hugill and Hoogerwerf; beautiful British names. But what an experience for these "lesser clubs" and their young players?
Typically Spurs in the Southern section, Group H (Hopeless?) lost to Cambridge United, whose goalscorer was SMITH. No mucking about there then. (2,025 watched).
In more serious football, the Carabao Cup, played since 1960, always entertaining, allowed Brentford the opportunity to sting Oldham 7-0. Burnley to beat Rochdale 4-1, having gone 0-1 down, Man City thumped Wycombe Wanderers 6-1 with a proper side (De Bruyne, Mahrez, Foden, Torres and Palmer on the score sheet), after Wycombe had the cheek to take the lead at 22 mins.
Manchester City are holders and they and Liverpool have won the trophy more times than any other. It enables qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference competition.
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