Vertu Trophy Draw Finalised As Aston Villa Win Epic Shootout
The draw for the Round of 16 in the Vertu Trophy has been finalised after the final two games in the second round took place – including an epic tie between Blackpool and Aston Villa U21.
Villa headed for the Lancashire coast as the final Academy side remaining in the competition but fell behind shortly after the break when Blackpool grabbed the lead thanks to Elliot Embleton.
The Seasiders had numerous changes to extend their lead but were made to pay for missed opportunities when Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba swept in the equaliser with twelve minutes left on the clock.
After Blackpool had a last minute goal chalked off for off-side, the game went to penalties with the 1-1 draw having given little indication of what was to follow, especially when the second effort for Blackpool from Albie Morgan went wide of the post.
That handed the advantage to the visitors but Aiden Borland saw his effort saved from Villa’s third kick, with the shootout going to sudden death.
Astonishingly, the next 32 penalties – including efforts from both ‘keepers – found the net before Jordan Gabriel was the unlucky person to miss as Villa progressed 18-17 to set up a tie with Bradford City in the next round.
The final tie in the Southern Section of the draw was a more straightforward affair as defending champions Peterborough United went up against League One rivals Northampton Town.
The game was goalless at the break but by that stage, Northampton had been reduced to ten men with TJ Eyoma having been dismissed for a foul on Malik Mothersille.
The Posh took advantage after the break when Ricky-Jade Jones flicked in the opener and within seven minutes, the holders were two clear when Ryan De Havilland curled an effort beyond Nik Tzanev.
A deflected effort from Abraham Odoh then ensured progression for Peterborough, who now face Walsall in the next round.
Elsewhere in the draw, Lincoln City will host a Bolton Wanderers side that sit just two points above them in League One, with League Two play-off chasers Chesterfield being drawn at home to Rotherham.
Another high-flying League Two outfit in the shape of Port Vale will hope to see off Wrexham whilst Birmingham City face off against League Two strugglers Swindon.
Cheltenham at home to Colchester United and Leyton Orient against Stevenage rounds out the draw, with ties being played the week commencing 13 January.