Savage opens Peterborough tenure with emphatic EFL Trophy win
Robbie Savage's first match in charge of Peterborough ended in a 4-1 rout of Ipswich's Under-21s, while Michael Duff watched Bradford advance and several other clubs sealed knockout spots.
Robbie Savage began his Peterborough United managerial reign with a 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town Under-21s in the Jersey Mike's Trophy, securing the club's place in the last 32. Appointed only on Friday after leaving National League side Forest Green Rovers, Savage saw his team race into a 4-0 lead by half-time. Harry Leonard scored twice as Peterborough struck four times in a 10-minute first-half burst, giving them six points from two group games with one still to play.
The result also confirmed holders Luton Town would progress; the Hatters had earlier claimed two points from a penalty shootout win against Colchester United. Luton now have five points from two matches. In the northern section, Bradford City's new manager Michael Duff watched from the stands as the Bantams won 4-0 at Rotherham United under interim boss Mark Trueman, booking their knockout place. Early goals from Will Swan and Stephen Humphrys set the tone before Swan added his second and Nick Powell converted a penalty.
Huddersfield Town also advanced comfortably, beating Rochdale 5-0 with goals from Lynden Gooch, Jay Smith-Sway, Cameron Ashia, Samson Tovide and Jamie Spencer. Sunderland Under-21s included defender Luke O'Nien, a 2021 winner with the senior side, but fell 2-0 at Sheffield Wednesday, who moved into the last 32. Accrington Stanley edged Salford on penalties after David Tutonda's 98th-minute equaliser, taking a bonus point with a 5-4 shootout win. Doncaster Rovers handed a senior debut to 15-year-old Dylan Hartley in their 1-0 win over Liverpool Under-21s, while Stockport County and Fleetwood Town also recorded victories.
In the southern section, Stevenage, Cambridge United and MK Dons all made it two wins from two. Aaron Collins scored a hat-trick as MK Dons thrashed Brentford Under-21s 7-1; the Bees can still qualify by beating Crawley Town, who earned their first points with a 4-0 win over Bromley. Emre Tezgel's double helped Wycombe Wanderers to a 4-1 win against Bristol Rovers, sending the League One club through.
Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle and Barnet all drew but claimed extra points from penalty shootout victories. The results leave several groups finely poised, with Rotherham needing to beat Newcastle Under-21s to keep their hopes alive and Blackpool keeping their chances alive via a shootout win over Crewe Alexandra, while Wigan Athletic are guaranteed to qualify from that group despite not playing.
Supporters of Peterborough welcomed Savage's fast start, with some fans expressing optimism about the team's attacking display, though it remains early in his tenure. The match was a competitive fixture in the EFL Trophy, a competition that includes senior sides and Premier League academy teams.
Image: PA Media / BBC Sport
