Wimbledon knock Ipswich out of League Cup as Newcastle edge Forest shoot-out

LONDON – Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson relished in an “underdog story in football”, as his fourth-tier team knocked English Premier League club Ipswich Town out of the League Cup in a shoot-out win on Aug 28.

The League Two side were then drawn against Newcastle United in the third round, giving them the chance of pulling off another giant-killing success.

The Magpies had also defeated Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest on penalties.

“The underdog story in football,” Jackson told the BBC. “It’s another amazing night in another chapter in that story. We always have to do it the hard way as a football club, but we find a way.”

Wimbledon goalkeeper Owen Goodman was the hero as the team won on spot kicks following a 2-2 draw.

Ali Al-Hamadi, who joined Ipswich from Wimbledon in January, scored the opener in just the third minute but Omar Bugiel equalised for the hosts just before half-time.

Mathew Stevens gave Wimbledon a 2-1 lead in the 56th minute but Conor Chaplin capitalised on a Goodman mistake in the closing stages to send the match to penalties.

Goodman made two superb saves from Jack Taylor and Omari Hutchinson before Isaac Ogundere scored the decisive penalty to win 4-2.

On his side’s exit, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “We have to flip it into a positive. We’ll now have more training time with the group (with no League Cup involvement).

“But that doesn’t get away from the fact that the intent was to get through tonight.”

Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali made his return from a 10-month betting ban against Forest, the midfielder having served a worldwide suspension for breaching gambling rules in Italy.

He was involved in the build-up to Joe Willock’s opener after just 18 seconds before home debutant Jota Silva equalised early in the second half.

But there were no more goals in normal time and it was visitors Newcastle who prevailed 4-3 from the spot.

The first three penalties all resulted in goals before Forest goalkeeper Carlos Miguel got down low to his right to deny Brazilian compatriot Joelinton.

But Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare hit the crossbar and teammate Taiwo Awoniyi struck an awful penalty way over the bar before Sean Longstaff coolly settled the tie in favour of the Magpies.

“Shoot-outs are always a lottery. Our lads dealt with that pressure really well and full credit to the lads keeping their composure,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who added that they had practised penalties the day before.

Two goals in added time from James Bree and Cameron Archer helped Premier League returnees Southampton clinch their first victory of the season as they won 5-3 at second-tier Cardiff City.

“I’m really happy with the win and I’m pleased for my young players,” said Southampton manager Russell Martin, who gave five of his players their first start for the club. “But there is also a lot to be annoyed about.”

The Saints will next face Everton.

Jarrod Bowen’s late strike proved the difference as West Ham United also advanced to the third round with a 1-0 win over fellow Premier League side Bournemouth.

Two minutes from full time a shot from substitute Mohammed Kudus appeared to hit the chest of Bowen and flew past Cherries goalkeeper Neto.

Replays suggested the final touch may have come off Bowen’s elbow but, with no video assistant referee in use in the early rounds of the League Cup, the goal stood.

West Ham will now play holders Liverpool – a repeat of the 1981 final that the Reds won after a replay.

Hakon Valdimarsson saved an 82nd-minute penalty as Premier League side Brentford won 1-0 at League Two Colchester United, with the Bees going through courtesy of Keane Lewis-Potter’s goal.

At the Molineux, Goncalo Guedes struck twice as Wolverhampton Wanderers knocked out Burnley with a 2-0 win.

Brentford will next take on Leyton Orient, while Wolves face Brighton & Hove Albion.

League Two Barrow’s reward for beating Championship club Derby County was a third-round tie away to Chelsea, with Premier League champions Manchester City at home to Watford. AFP, REUTERS