Bolton, Blackpool progress in Bristol Street Motors Trophy
Defending champions Bolton Wanderers have moved a step closer to a return to Wembley after progressing to the quarter-finals of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
The Trotters came through a Round of 16 tie with Accrington Stanley to secure a place in the next round, with Blackpool also making it through following victory against Burton Albion.
Two places still remain in the quarter-finals after the tie between Peterborough United and Crawley Town – which was set to complete the Southern section of the competition – was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
That game will now be rescheduled to a new date, with the final Round of 16 tie between Doncaster Rovers and Wigan Athletic taking place next Tuesday.
Bolton went into the Round of 16 on the back of an impressive performance in the third round of the FA Cup, having secured a replay with Premier League side Luton Town. Accrington meanwhile were returning to action for the first time since a 3-0 win against Salford City on New Years Day.
The away side grabbed the lead when Cameron Jerome was able to lob the ball over Accrington ‘keeper Joe Walsh after he was sold short by a defensive header - giving the veteran forward his first goal for the club.
Bolton went 2-0 up on the half hour when a quick break forwards ended with Paris Maghoma being felled in the box, with Aaron Morley converting the spot kick despite Walsh going the right way.
Accrington got back into the game before half-time when Alex Henderson curled in a shot from the edge of the box and the League 2 side had opportunities to draw level in the second half before Kyle Dempsey smashed in the third late on to secure a 3-1 victory and keep Bolton on course to become the first team to win the trophy in two successive seasons.
Blackpool went into the all-League 1 tie with Burton having also impressed in the FA Cup third round, holding Nottingham Forest to a draw away from home at the City Ground, whilst Burton had picked up a point in league action against Wycombe Wanderers.
Blackpool hit the front in under five minutes when Kyle Joseph crossed from the left hand side and Matty Virtue slammed in a shot from the middle of the box, with Joseph having a goal chalked off for offside – the first of three that would be disallowed during the game as Burton were twice denied an equaliser.
Both sides spurned plenty of chances in an open contest before Marvin Ekpiteta finally doubled Blackpool’s advantage following a goalmouth scramble, with Dylan Scott replying for Burton shortly afterwards with his first goal for the club.
Burton went close to an equaliser through Deji Oshilaja but Blackpool held on to secure their passage to the next round.