Football is odd, isn’t it? On Saturday, we were eliminated from the FA Cup despite not actually losing a game.
Last night, we progressed to the next round of the EFL Trophy without playing a game. Notts County played host to Manchester United Under 21s, and they won 2-0. Goals from Shea Lacey and Jacob Devaney ensured they moved onto three points, level with the Magpies.
Now it is all down to goals, but one thing is certain – neither Manchester United Under 21s nor Notts County can catch us. We’ve beaten both 3-0, so the very best that the youngster can hope for is second place.
They’re currently third on a -4 goal difference. That means to qualify, they need us to beat Barnsley 7-0 next week. Let’s be honest, that isn’t going to happen.
We’ll win the group if we avoid anything worse than a defeat by one goal. Lose 2-1? We’re top of the group. Literally anything score that doesn’t result in a four-goal swing will see us go through.
There has only been one season since returning to the EFL that we have not progressed to this stage, that being 2019/20, when we were eliminated on goals scored. We have gone out three times in the game after the group stages, in 2017/18 and 2023/24 against Accrington, and in 2021/22 against Carlisle.
Two of those exits were on penalties, and one was a last-minute strike as we ambled towards spot kicks.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lincoln City | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| 2 | Barnsley | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Manchester United U21 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 3 |
| 4 | Notts County | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 3 |
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