Bristol Street Motors Trophy round-up: Graham Alexander earns first Bradford win as Barnsley thrashed
- Published
Striker Andy Cook scored Bradford City's second goal against Barnsley
Graham Alexander secured his first win as Bradford City manager at the third attempt, guiding the Bantams to a 5-1 thumping of League One Barnsley in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
League Two Bradford had five different scorers - Matty Platt, Andy Cook, Tyler Smith, Lewis Richards and Clarke Oduor.
Alexander lost his first two games, while City have a 100% record in the EFL Trophy on their way to round two.
Despite their heavy defeat, Barnsley also progress in the competition.
Barry Cotter scored the Tykes' consolation goal.
Meanwhile, Exeter City won for the first time in nearly two months, beating Swindon Town at St James Park.
The Grecians' last success was against Premier League side Luton in the Carabao Cup in late September, and this victory was their first in an 11-game run which saw them draw just once.
It was in vain in terms of the Trophy, as neither side could qualify from the pool for the last 32.
There were contrasting fortunes for the two Premier League academy sides in action; Nottingham Forest won at Accrington Stanley - who missed a penalty in stoppage time - and in turn finished top, while Crewe Alexandra finished their EFL Trophy campaign with a home win over Newcastle United's young side thanks to Connor Evans' late goal.
MK Dons took top spot in their group after a dramatic flurry of late goals in the 3-2 win over Northampton Town.
Dawson Devoy struck just minutes after Cobblers loanee Tyreece Simpson levelled from the spot, and his 86th-minute goal was enough to sneak the win.
The Dons also gave youngsters Charlie Stirland and Rian Silver their debuts - the former coming on for 39-year-old Dean Lewington.
Burton Albion pipped East Midlands rivals Mansfield Town to a place in the knockout phases with a 2-1 win thanks to Tom Hamer's second-half goal.
It was a similar theme in the southern section, with Charlton Athletic's 3-0 win over Sutton United ensuring their progress at their opponents' expense.
Colchester United denied Cambridge United a place in the next round with their East Anglian rivals and group leaders Peterborough with a 1-0 home victory in the final group game.
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