Birmingham City, Bradford Secure Vertu Trophy Semi-Final Slots
Birmingham City and Bradford City are the first two teams into the semi-finals of the Vertu Trophy after the pair secured narrow away wins in the opening quarter-final matches.
Chasing a record-equalling third victory in the competition – and first since 1995 – current League One leaders Birmingham travelled to Stevenage, who were chasing a fifth successive win in all competitions.
Birmingham made eight changes for the game but the visitors still dominated the early part of the game with Kieran Dowell and Luke Harris both seeing efforts saved by home ‘keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond.
Stevenage grew into the game and had an effort from Dan Kemp chalked off for off-side as the game remained goalless at half-time.
The home team could have grabbed the lead when Elliott List forced Bailey Peacock Farrell into a smart save but with just eight minutes left to play it was Birmingham who secured a spot in the next round as star striker Jay Stansfield raced clear to grab the only goal.
Having been beaten by Wycombe Wanderers twelve months ago, Bradford City were bidding to make the semi-final stage for the second successive season and made the short trip to Rotherham United looking to upset their League One opposition.
Despite seeing a winning run in League Two ended at the weekend, the Bantams were keen to try and gain revenge for a 1-0 loss when the two teams met in the group stages.
Rotherham had more of the ball in the early stages but Bradford ended the opening half stronger, with both ‘keepers called into action to keep the scores level.
The game started to open up after the break and Bradford were given a golden chance to grab the lead when Reece James was felled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
Richie Smallwood stepped up to smash the ball home and it would prove to be the decisive moment of the tie as Bradford progressed to the last four.
Defending champions Peterborough United and Cheltenham Town will do battle this evening to try and secure a semi-final spot, with the final quarter-final between Wrexham and Bolton Wanderers scheduled for 11 February.
Wrexham were the final team to make it to the last eight after a comfortable victory away at Port Vale in their delayed Round of 16 tie, although it was the home side who grabbed the lead within 20 seconds of the start thanks to Ronan Curtis.
Wrexham turned the screw however and drew level before the break through Andy Cannon before racing clear in the second half.
Harry Ashfield bagged his first goal for the club to put the Welsh side in front, with Elliot Lee and Mo Faal wrapping up a 4-1 win.
Win A Toyota Aygo X!
To celebrate our role as title partner of the Vertu Trophy, we are giving away a Toyota Aygo X to one lucky person at the Wembley final on 13 April.
Ahead of the final, two people will win a pair of tickets to attend the game and when there, will take part in a special activity to determine who wins the car.