Blackpool knock holders Bolton out of EFL Trophy

31 Jan 2024
Blackpool players celebrate their penalty shootout victory over Bolton Wanderers at Bloomfield Road

Blackpool ended Bolton's defence of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy by beating the holders in a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals.

Bradford City - Figure 1
Photo BBC News

After a goalless 90 minutes, the Seasiders won 5-4 on spot-kicks.

Peterborough and Bradford are also through to the last four, courtesy of home wins against AFC Wimbledon and Doncaster Rovers respectively.

The fourth semi-finalist will be confirmed on Wednesday when Wycombe face Brighton Under-21.

The draw for the last four will be made on Friday at approximately 18:15 GMT and will not be regionalised.

Semi-final ties will be played during the week commencing 19 February, with the final at Wembley taking place on Sunday, 7 April.

Bolton were aiming to become the first team to win the competition in successive seasons but neither they nor Blackpool could find a breakthrough in the 90 minutes of their quarter-final encounter.

Both goalkeepers made two saves apiece in the shootout before Bolton's Zac Ashworth sidefooted wide with his side's seventh penalty kick, sending twice-winners Blackpool through.

Peterborough's passage through was much more serene, having scored twice in the first four minutes to take control of their tie against AFC Wimbledon.

Malik Mothersille converted a cross from the left for Posh's opener and his pass set up Ephron Mason-Clark to add a second from a tight angle.

Ryan McLean netted a late reply for the visitors but as the League Two side sent everyone forward in search of a stoppage-time equaliser, Ricky-Jade Jones capitalised to add a third goal for the hosts.

AFC Wimbledon's exit means Bradford will be the fourth tier's only representatives in Friday's draw.

Harry Chapman's second-half free-kick was enough to settle their all-League Two tie against Doncaster, although the Bantams ended with 10 men because of striker Andy Cook's late sending-off.

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