EFL Trophy round-up: Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Cambridge United progress

Newcastle United and Crystal Palace’s under-21 sides both secured passage to the knockout stages of the Jersey Mike’s Trophy with narrow wins at League Two clubs.

Kyran Thompson’s goal earned Newcastle’s youngsters a 1-0 victory at Rotherham United in Northern Group C to eliminate the Millers and ensured the Magpies will progress along with leaders Bradford City.

David Angibeaud’s winner gave Palace a 2-1 win at Newport County in Southern Group E, with the Premier League side now guaranteed to progress alongside Plymouth Argyle.

There was no such luck for Brighton & Hove Albion U21, however, as they were thrashed 6-0 at League One side Cambridge United in Southern Group G.

Over-age Seagulls player Ben Barclay did not set a good example for his younger team-mates as the 30-year-old was sent off for deliberate handball in the first half.

Isaac Heath scored the resulting penalty and Cambridge fully capitalised on the numerical advantage by scoring five more times in the ensuing half-hour.

Callum Stead notched twice as the U’s claimed a third win in three games in the competition to clinch top spot in the group and end Brighton’s hopes in the process.

In Tuesday’s other game, Doncaster Rovers won 4-1 at Rochdale in Northern Group H to eliminate both their hosts and Liverpool U21, who can now finish no higher than third in the pool.