Whyte hits the target on full Oxford debut in night of shoot-outs
GAVIN Whyte scored on his full debut for Oxford United as they defeated Coventry City 2-0 in the first round of the EFL Cup.
Former Crusaders ace Whyte doubled Oxford’s advantage after Marcus Browne had given them the lead, securing their place in tomorrow’s draw for the second round.
Else where, Championship sides Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest both survived scares among a host of Carabao Cup first-round ties to be settled on penalties.
Middlesbrough were held 3-3 over 90 minutes by League Two Notts County in an eventful game at the Riverside Stadium but prevailed 4-3 on spot-kicks.
Boro trailed three times in normal time but two goals from Ashley Fletcher and another from Enes Mahmutovic cancelled out a Jon Stead double and Tom Crawford strike. With extra time no longer played at this stage of the competition, Andy Lonergan then made two saves in the shoot-out.
Forest, reduced to 10 men after the first-half sending off of goalkeeper Jordan Smith, looked to be heading out at the City Ground until Matty Cash made it 1-1 against Bury with a stoppage-time equaliser. The Shakers had led since Eoghan O’Connell’s second-minute strike. Forest won 10-9 on penalties.
Bristol City did go out to lower division opposition, falling 1-0 to League One Plymouth at Ashton Gate.
Blackburn thrashed Carlisle 5-1. Adam Armstrong and Bradley Dack both got on the scoresheet twice for Rovers.
Aston Villa were made to work hard for their 1- 0 victory over League Two Yeovil at Huish Park. Alex Fisher missed a penalty for the Glovers before Conor Hourihane claimed Villa’s 77 th-minute winner.
West Brom also found things tough against League One Luton but came through at The Hawthorns with a 62nd-minute goal from Oliver Burke.
Leeds prevailed 2-1 in their all- Championship clash with Bolton at Elland Road. Patrick Bamford and Saiz Samuel struck before Erhun Otzumer replied.
Reading saw off Birmingham City 2-0.