Holders Peterborough into last 16 - EFL Trophy round-up

Abraham Odoh (centre) celebrates a goal with two Peterborough team-matesImage source, Getty Images
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Abraham Odoh (centre) scored two goals as Peterborough eased past Crystal Palace Under-21s

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EFL Trophy holders Peterborough United sealed their place in the first knockout round of the competition with a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace Under-21s.

Abraham Odoh scored twice, while Cian Hayes and substitute Harley Mills also got on the scoresheet for Posh after a goalless first half, while Zach Marsh pulled one back for Palace's youngsters.

Last season's winners cruise into the last 16 after winning all three of their group games to top Southern Group D.

Swindon Town also secured their place in the last 16 of the competition, with a 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s, as did Cheltenham Town who beat League One Reading 1-0.

Swindon picked up their second victory under Ian Holloway since he took over on October 30, to join Exeter City in qualifying from Southern Group G.

Danny Butterworth and Sean McGurk wrapped up the three points with goals in the second half, after Tyrese Hall's strike had put Tottenham's U21s ahead 25 minutes in.

Tom Pett scored his first goal for League Two Cheltenham, volleying into the net with 12 minutes to go to as they remained unbeaten in the competition and edged past Reading, who also reach the last 16 on goal difference ahead of Newport County in Southern Group H.

Northampton Town remain top of Southern Group F, with one game still to play, after a 3-0 win at home to neighbours Leicester City U21s.

A Neo Dobson double in 11 minutes late in the second half secured the win for the Cobblers, after TJ Eyoma's header from a corner had given them the lead.

Cambridge United continued their good form and extended their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions with a 1-0 win against Chelsea U21s.

Chelsea keeper Lucas Bergstrom saved a first-half penalty from Danny Andrew, before 18-year-old Amaru Kaunda scored on his debut for Cambridge to move them up to second in Southern Group C.