The Football League Trophy got underway this evening as 30 teams battled it out in the first round of the competition.
Holders Peterborough United saw their title defence fall at the very first hurdle as they were beaten by 10-man Leyton Orient at London Road, while last season's runners-up Chesterfield were also eliminated at the hands of Scunthorpe United.
There were also a couple of shocks in the opening round, with League One sides Yeovil Town and Fleetwood Town losing at home to League Two duo Portsmouth and Morecambe respectively.
You can read how all of the action unfolded on a night that saw 38 goals and five red cards courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage below.
Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for the first round of the Football League Trophy. This is a competition that promises drama, upsets and talking points in every round, and with 15 matches on offer tonight, we should be in for an entertaining evening. First things first, let's have a look at the fixtures on show...
MATCHES TONIGHT: Crewe vs. Rochdale; Oldham vs. Bradford; Wimbledon vs. Southend; Cheltenham vs. Oxford; Crawley vs. Cambridge; Peterborough vs. Leyton Orient; Stevenage vs. Gillingham; Wycombe vs. Coventry; Yeovil vs. Portsmouth; Accrington vs. Carlisle; Barnsley vs. York; Fleetwood vs. Morecambe; Notts County vs. Mansfield; Preston vs. Shrewsbury; Scunthorpe vs Chesterfield.
Crewe vs. Rochdale and Oldham vs. Bradford both begin at 7.30pm tonight, while the remainder of the matches will get underway in just under an hour. There is plenty to get through before then, so let's waste no time in taking a quick look at each game...
CREWE VS. ROCHDALE: First up is an all League One clash between two sides who have made poor starts to the season. Rochdale have won just one of their last five outings and were beaten by Bradford 2-0 at the weekend, leaving them 20th in the table. Crewe, meanwhile, have struggled even more so far and are winless and pointless in the league after five games. PREDICTION: 0-2.
OLDHAM VS. ROCHDALE: Another clash between two League One sides as Oldham host Bradford at Boundary Park. Oldham won for the first time in five matches at the weekend, beating Doncaster 2-0 to move up to 17th in the table. Bradford are faring a little better so far, sitting fifth having won three of their last five games. That includes a morale-boosting League Cup win over Yorkshire rivals Leeds, where they scored two late goals to come from one down. PREDICTION: 1-2.
WIMBLEDON VS. SOUTHEND: Two League Two clubs go head to head at Kingsmeadow, and nothing can separate them in the league right now. They are level on points and goal difference, with Wimbledon sitting in 13th, one place above Southend. Both lost at the weekend, to Stevenage and Plymouth respectively, so this could well be the toughest one to call of the night. PREDICTION: 2-1.
CHELTENHAM VS. OXFORD: These two have made contrasting starts to their respective League Two campaigns so far. The hosts sit second in the table having not lost in the league yet, while Oxford are at the opposite end of the standings having only picked up their first point of the season against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. PREDICTION: 3-0.
CRAWLEY VS. CAMBRIDGE: League One's Crawley host Cambridge of League Two at the Broadfield Stadium looking to put an end to a four-match losing streak. Their last outing saw them fall to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of MK Dons which, while bettered than Manchester United fared against the same opposition, still leaves them 16th in the table. Cambridge, meanwhile, ended a four-match winless streak with a resounding 5-0 victory over Carlisle at the weekend and are now ninth in League Two. Potential for an upset here. PREDICTION: 1-0.
Plenty of interesting meetings in that first group of games, then, with four ties between clubs in the same division and another that could realistically see a shock. For the likes of Crewe, Crawley and Oxford, tonight provides a chance to finally get a win on the board following poor spells, while defeat would only serve to lower confidence even further.
PETERBOROUGH VS. LEYTON ORIENT: The defending champions have been handed a home tie against fellow League One dwellers Leyton Orient. Peterborough have made a fine start to the season and sit atop the early league standings following their 3-1 win over Colchester at the weekend. Leyton Orient, meanwhile, are unbeaten in five btu have drawn the majority of them and sit 14th in League One. PREDICTION: 3-1.
STEVENAGE VS. GILLINGHAM: Stevenage will be looking to pull off an upset at the Lamex Stadium as they host League One Gillingham having ended a four-match winless streak at the weekend. Their 3-2 victory over Wimbledon should put them in good spirits going into tonight's match, but Gillingham also won at the weekend and sit in 13th in League One. A potential upset on the cards, but Stevenage would have to dig deep. PREDICTION: 1-2.
WYCOMBE VS. COVENTRY: Another potential upset as League Two side Wycombe host Coventry at Adams Park. The home side have made a good start to the season and sit fifth in League Two following Saturday's goalless draw with York. Coventry, meanwhile, have drawn their last three games and sit 15th in League One. PREDICTION: 2-1.
YEOVIL VS. PORTSMOUTH: Yeovil have found life tough going back in League One so far having been relegated from the Championship last season. They are 19th in the second tier and will be looking to avoid an upset against League Two side Portsmouth. The hosts are unbeaten in three, although the last two of those have been draws, while Portsmouth have lost their last two having previously won three in a row. PREDICTION: Yeovil to win on penalties.
ACCRINGTON VS. CARLISLE: The Football League's bottom club Accrington Stanley will be looking for their first win of the season as they host Carlisle tonight. The home side sit 24th in League Two having picked up just one point in their first five league games, while also losing to Leeds in the League Cup first round. Carlisle are also a struggling team and sit just two places above Accrington in the league, but they have appointed a new manager this week in an attempt to find their first win of the season. Their last outing, however, resulted in a 5-0 defeat to Cambridge. PREDICTION: 2-3.
That last match really is an interesting one between two out-of-form teams. Carlisle will be hoping that they are galvanised by their new manager, while James Beattie could be skating on increasingly thin ice if he loses as Accrington boss again tonight. The champions Peterborough should get their title defence off to a winning start, but the remaining four games in that block of five really are hard to call.
BARNSLEY VS. YORK: A Yorkshire derby at Oakwell as Barnsley look to extend a four-match unbeaten streak. Their last outing was a 1-1 draw against Yeovil Town, a result which leaves them eighth in League One. York, meanwhile, are a division below and have suffered an interesting start to the season. They are still unbeaten in the league, but are also still looking for their first win having drawn all five of their matches so far. PREDICTION: 2-0.
FLEETWOOD VS. MORECAMBE: Fleetwood have made a very strong start to the season and now sit second in the League One table following a four-match unbeaten streak. They have, however, been held to draws in their last two, the most recent of which came against Leyton Orient on Saturday. Morecambe, meanwhile, will also be happy with their start in League Two. They sit third in the table despite a weekend defeat to Tranmere halting a run of three consecutive victories. PREDICTION: 3-1.
NOTTS COUNTY VS. MANSFIELD: League One's Notts County will be looking to avoid an upset at Meadow Lane when they face Mansfield of League Two. The hosts lost late against Bristol City at the weekend having won their previous two games, leaving them 10th in the table. Mansfield, meanwhile, have lost their last two outings and are 16th in League Two going into this one. PREDICTION: 2-0.
PRESTON VS. SHREWSBURY: Another potential upset as Preston of League One host Shrewsbury of League Two at Deepdale. The visitors have made a good start to the campaign and are still unbeaten in all competitions. That seven-match streak includes a shock victory over Leicester in the second round of the League Cup, while their last outing saw them beat Luton 2-0 to move up to fourth in the table. Preston, meanwhile, have lost just one of their last five outings but only drew with Sheffield United at the weekend. PREDICTION: 3-2.
SCUNTHORPE VS. CHESTERFIELD: Last season's runners-up will begin their quest for a return to Wembley away to Scunthorpe at Glanford Park. Chesterfield have won two, lost two and drawn one of their last five outings are currently sit sixth in League One. Scunthorpe, meanwhile, are struggling down in 21st in the same division but did ended a four-match winless streak against Walsall last time out. PREDICTION: 1-2.
Plenty of interesting ties in that block of five too, with Preston vs. Shrewsbury probably the pick of the bunch on paper. There is also a Yorkshire derby between Barnsley and York, with the latter still searching for a first win of their season. To get it in a derby game would be a huge boost for their confidence.
It may not be the most glamorous of tournaments around, but I promise you that you won't find many more dramatic ones. The Football League Trophy never disappoints when it comes to action, and I am expecting plenty of goals tonight. I will be keeping you bang up to date with major events from around the country as 30 teams compete for 15 spots in the second round.
We're now just one minute away from our first two matches of the evening getting underway. Kickoff at the Alexandra Stadium and Boundary Park is fast approaching in two all-League One clashes. I've gone for an away victory in both.
KICKOFF: And we're off! The first two matches of the evening get underway, with the rest due to follow in just 15 minutes. Bring on the goals!
In addition to the 15 matches tonight, one more Football League Trophy match will take place this week, with Newport County and Swindon Town going head to head tomorrow night. More teams will also be added in the second round having had a bye for this stage of the competition.
Rochdale have forced an early save from the keeper at Alexandra Park, while Oldham have also started quite brightly in their match against Bradford. No goals or big chances from those games yet, though.
We do have in-depth coverage of one game for you tonight, and it is the defending champions who have got the special treatment. You can follow our commentary from Peterborough United vs. Leyton Orient here.
Rochdale have had another early effort on goal, but it was a speculative one from range that went comfortably wide of the target.
Rochdale have almost taken the lead at the Alexandra Stadium. Vincenti latched onto a free kick from Tanser, only to see his effort cleared off the line. It has been a good start from Rochdale there as they look to pile more misery on Crewe's dreadful start to the season.
Oldham have also created an opening at Boundary Park, with Brian Wilson reaching the byline. However, his cross is deflected into the arms of the keeper by a Bradford leg, denying the hosts a good chance.
Tanser, meanwhile, is causing plenty of problems for Crewe in the early stages. He puts another dangerous ball into the box to find Fenelon, whose shot on the turn is too high.
Bradford create their first chance of the game as Alan Sheehan's corner is met by Oliver McBurnie, but he can't steer his header on target. Limited action so far, but the main bulk of the games are just about to get underway...
KICKOFFS: Here we go then! The remaining matches are now underway across the country, which should hopefully mean the goals will start to fly in sooner rather than later! Preston and Shrewsbury are just a little late to begin, but all 15 games are now underway.
Southend have had an early free kick against Wimbledon, but it is a disappointing one as it hits the wall. A waste of a very good position, that.
GOAL! Peterborough 0-1 Leyton Orient
GOAL! Wimbledon 0-1 Southend
We're up and running on the goal front! Leyton Orient get the first of the night against defending champions Peterborough courtesy of a Dagnall header from James's free kick. Meanwhile, Southend have continued their quick start to break the deadlock against Wimbledon courtesy of Jack Payne, who poked the ball home from Weston's cross.
That, incidentally, is Payne's first ever professional goal - a great moment for him. As for the other goal to have gone in, a reminder that you can find in-depth coverage of Peterborough vs. Leyton Orient by clicking here. The champions will need to come from behind if their title defence is to go further than the first hurdle.
Still no goals elsewhere just yet, and there has even been a absence of major events around the country. The calm before the storm...
A reminder that we are guaranteed 15 results tonight. There are no replays in the Football League Trophy - we don;t even have extra time. If scores at level after 90 minutes, it is straight to penalties.
GOAL! Fleetwood 1-0 Morecambe
The Cod Army have taken the lead at Highbury, and it is Gareth Evans who has got the goal. He latched on to a through-ball from Matty Blair before sliding the ball calmly past the keeper.
GOAL! Wimbledon 1-1 Southend
It's been an exciting opening 15 minutes or so at Kingsmeadow, where Wimbledon are now level with Southend courtesy of a Sainte-Luce goal. It was one straight from the training ground as he ran onto a corner played to the edge of the box to power a finish home.
GOAL! Scunthorpe 1-0 Chesterfield
GOAL! Peterborough 1-1 Leyton Orient
GOAL! Stevenage 0-1 Gillingham
Scunthorpe break the deadlock against Chesterfield courtesy of a Sean McAllister strike. He was played through by McSheffrey and, from inside the area, curled the ball into the top corner. Elsewhere, Marcus Maddison has levelled things up for Peterborough with a fine strike from the edge of the box, while Gillingham have taken the lead against Stevenage from the penalty spot. Luke Norris converted the kick after McDonald had been brought down by keeper Day, who received a yellow card.
GOAL! Oldham 0-1 Bradford
RED CARD! Harry Pell (Wimbledon)
GOAL! Accrington 1-0 Carlisle
CORRECTION: Oldham 0-0 Bradford
Wimbledon's task has just got a lot harder having only equalised a few minutes ago. Harry Pell has been shown a straight red card for an over-the-top foul on Dave Worrall. Accrington, meanwhile, have taken the lead courtesy of a Marcus Carver strike.
GOAL! Accrington 1-1 Carlisle
Carlisle hit straight back! Just minutes after going behind, the managerless Cumbrians are all square with Accrington once more courtesy of a Sweeney strike. Gillies was the creator, threading a ball through for Sweeney to tuck home.
GOAL! Scunthorpe 2-0 Chesterfield
GOAL! Crewe 0-1 Rochdale
GOAL! Notts County 1-0 Mansfield
A minor shock is developing at Glanford Park, where Scunthorpe have doubled their lead against high-flying Chesterfield. It is a fortuitous goal, with Gary McSheffrey pouncing on a slip by the keeper to roll the ball into the empty net. Elsewhere, Matty Done has given Rochdale the lead with a fine header, while Notts County are ahead against Mansfield thanks to a Ronan Murray strike.
GOAL! Fleetwood 1-1 Morecambe
It is all square at Highbury as Morecambe have levelled the scores against Fleetwood. Padraig Amond slotted the ball under Chris Maxwell for the goal, which brings the visitors a step closer to what would be one of the bigger shocks of the night should they win.
HALF TIME: The two early kickoffs have both now entered half time with just one goal between them. That went to Rochdale, with Matty Done giving his side the lead against Crewe shortly before the break. It remains goalless at Boundary Park between Oldham and Bradford.
GOAL! Fleetwood 1-2 Morecambe
What a turnaround by Morecambe! The League Two side come from behind and now lead League One high-flyers Fleetwood thanks to a Jack Redshaw tap-in from Jack Sampson's cross.
Coventry have had an effort cleared off the line at Adams Park, where League Two side Wycombe are still holding them to a goalless draw as things stand. Just over five minutes to go until half time in that one.
A definite lull in proceedings here as most of the matches edge towards half time. Most of the excitement around the grounds seems to be about the vanishing spray, which is making its debut in the lower leagues tonight.
Wycombe are piling the pressure on Coventry at Adams Park now, but still no goals there. That is the case up and down the country - we haven't had a goal for almost 10 minutes now!
GOAL! Cheltenham 1-0 Oxford
Finally, we have another goal! Cheltenham break the deadlock right on the stroke of half time at Whaddon Road. It was Marquis who got the goal, nodding in from a corner with virtually the last action of the half.
HALF TIMES: The 7.45pm kickoffs are now entering half time following what was, quite frankly, a disappointing 45 minutes on the whole. This competition is usually laden with goals, but there is a severe lack of drama in these games so far. A better second half is needed!
Speaking of the second half, they are back underway in the two 7.30pm kickoffs. A reminder that Oldham and Bradford remain goalless, while Rochdale lead Crewe 1-0.
We have seen just 15 goals from our 15 matches so far, which is far fewer than I was expecting it must be said! Still, let's take a look at how the scores look at the halfway stage of the evening...
HALF TIME SCORES: Crewe 0-1 Rochdale; Oldham 0-0 Bradford; Accrington 1-1 Carlisle; Barnsley 0-0 York; Cheltenham 1-0 Oxford; Crawley 0-0 Cambridge; Fleetwood 1-2 Morecambe; Notts County 1-0 Mansfield; Peterborough 1-1 Leyton Orient; Preston 0-0 Shrewsbury; Scunthorpe 2-0 Chesterfield; Stevenage 0-1 Gillingham; Wimbledon 1-1 Southend; Wycombe 0-0 Coventry; Yeovil 0-0 Portsmouth.
Wimbledon were reduced to 10 men in their first half against Southend, with Harry Pell shown a straight red for an over-the-top foul. The hosts are holding out with 10 men so far, with Southend will fancy their chances of exploiting their numerical advantage after the break.
Crewe have started the second half strongly against Rochdale, with Logan being forced into an early fingertip save to keep his side ahead. Remember, Crewe are currently winless and pointless in League One this season and have lost their last five games in all competitions.
Bradford continue to push for an opener at Boundary Park, but so far they have found no way past Oldham. Paul Rachubka has just denied Aaron McLean's header to keep the scores level as Bradford look to call upon their recent cup expertise to make it through to the second round.
Another reminder before the 7.45pm kickoffs get back underway for the second half that you can follow in-depth coverage of Peterborough's match against Leyton Orient here. It is 1-1 there, with the defending champions being forced to come from a goal down.
Teams are starting to emerge from the dressing rooms up and down the country now as the 13 remaining matches get underway for the second half. More goals and more drama this time around please!
GOAL! Crewe 0-2 Rochdale
GOAL! Peterborough 1-2 Leyton Orient
Rochdale have doubled their advantage over struggling Crewe, who just moments before had hit the woodwork through Grant. It was Vincent who got his side's second goal, heading home Allen's corner. Leyton Orient, meanwhile have restored their lead against Peterborough courtesy of Dagnall's second goal of the night.
GOAL! Accrington 1-2 Carlisle
GOAL! Crawley 1-0 Cambridge
CORRECTION: Crawley 0-0 Cambridge
Carlisle have completed their turnaround against Accrington, with Sweeney, who scored the first goal, turning provider this time. He nodded Gillies's corner back across goal who Dempsey, who applied the finish. Elsewhere, Crawley have had a goal disallowed after Tomlin tapped it in on the line from an offside position.
Crawley come within inches of taking the lead for real moments after that disallowed goal, but the woodwork has kept them out. Young's cross was deflected onto the post by Lennon.
GOAL! Crawley 1-0 Cambridge
Wow, what an action-packed few minutes at Broadfield Stadium! Crawley have a goal disallowed and hit the post in the space of two minutes, and then straight after that they finally take the lead. It is an own goal from Tait that has broken the deadlock as he turned Tomlin's into his own net.
GOAL! Wimbledon 1-2 Southend
Southend have finally taken the lead against 10-man Wimbledon, and it is a brace for Jack Payne, who earlier scored his first senior goal. This one is a fine strike as he picked up a quick free kick before driving forward and drilling his effort past the keeper from 20 yards.
GOAL! Yeovil 0-1 Portsmouth
The deadlock has been broken at Huish Park, and the goal has gone the way of the visitors. Wallace puts Portsmouth ahead, leaving the League Two side on the verge of a substantial shock over Yeovil, who were in the Championship last season.
Dagnall has almost completed his hat-trick at London Road, where Peterborough are in a spot of bother. The defending champions need at least one goal if they are to stand any chance of progressing past the first round tonight.
GOAL! Preston 1-0 Shrewsbury
GOAL! Peterborough 1-3 Leyton Orient
The deadlock is finally broken at Deepdale, with Preston taking the lead courtesy of a Hugill strike just before the hour mark. Leyton Orient, meanwhile, have one foot in the second round now having opened up a two-goal margin against champions Peterborough. It is Bradley Pritchard who has got the goal, leaving the hosts in need of an unlikely comeback in the final half hour at London Road.
GOAL! Notts County 2-0 Mansfield
The Magpies have doubled their advantage against Mansfield and look to safely be negotiating that potential banana skin. Cassidy is the man to have got Notts County's second, drilling his shot into the net just past the hour mark.
GOAL! Barnsley 1-0 York
GOAL! Wycombe 0-1 Coventry
The deadlock has been broken in the Yorkshire derby as Devante Cole converts from a James Bree delivery for his second Barnsley goal. There has also been an opening goal at Adams Park, where Coventry have taken the lead against Wycombe courtesy of a McQuoid strike following a fine team move.
We have just one goalless match left, then, and just six minutes remain at Boundary Park, where it is Oldham 0-0 Bradford.
GOAL! Accrington 1-3 Carlisle
Accrington's season continues to go from bad to worse. The Football League's bottom club are surely now out of this competition having fallen 3-1 behind in unfortunate circumstances. An initial shot from Potts took a big deflection, allowing Paynter to nip in and score. He seemed to think he was offside, but the flag was not raised so the goal will stand. Paynter did injure himself in the process, however, and has been replaced by Elliott.
RED CARD! Jonathan Meades (Oxford)
GOAL! Crewe 0-3 Rochdale
GOAL! Oldham 1-0 Bradford
RED CARD! Romain Vincelot (Leyton Orient)
RED CARD! Gavin Hoyte (Gillingham)
GOAL! Yeovil 0-2 Portsmouth
A flurry of action there - let's start with the goals. Rochdale are now into the second round courtesy of a third goal against Crewe, this time Andrew pouncing on a defensive error. Oldham have scored what looks like being a late winner against Bradford, with Jordan Bove following in to tuck home a rebound, while Portsmouth are now two up against Yeovil.
GOAL! Crawley 2-0 Cambridge
GOAL! Yeovil 0-3 Portsmouth
Crawley now have one foot in the second round courtesy of a Charles Banya strike to make it 2-0 against Cambridge, while two goals in quick succession have seen Portsmouth move into a commanding lead against Yeovil at Huish Park. Wallace got his second of the match in the 73rd minute before Westcarr made it three just one minute later.
FULL TIME: Crewe 0-3 Rochdale
GOAL! Cheltenham 2-0 Oxford
FULL TIME: Oldham 1-0 Bradford
Rochdale and Oldham become the first teams into the second round, the latter of whom needed a late winner to beat Bradford. It looks like Cheltenham will be joining them there after they doubled their lead over 10-man Oxford courtesy of an Arthur header.
GOAL! Fleetwood 1-3 Morecambe
There looks like being an upset at Highbury as Morecambe have made it 3-1 against Fleetwood through Padraig Amond - his second of the game. What a night for the League Two side!
GOAL! Barnsley 2-0 York
Another two-goal cushion is established late on as Barnsley double their lead over Yorkshire rivals York. Kane Hemmings got the goal, firing a 25-yard effort into the corner for his first for the club.
GOAL! Yeovil 1-3 Portsmouth
Yeovil pull a goal back at Huish Park, but surely they've left it too late? It was Ralph who got the goal to cut Portsmouth's lead to two goals, but the hosts would need a remarkable comeback to avoid an upset now. Around five minutes remain in that one.
As things stand, all 15 matches tonight will be settled within the 90 minutes. Not a single one of the games are currently level, while only four of the remaining 13 still going on have a one-goal margin.
RED CARD! Jack Broadhead (Chesterfield)
Chesterfield have been reduced to 10 men late on, and it is quite a harsh one as Broadhead is shown a second yellow for a shirt tug on the halfway line. It won't make a difference to the result, with Scunthorpe leading 2-0, but a suspension will follow.
GOAL! Wimbledon 2-2 Southend
Perhaps we will have a penalty shootout after all! Wimbledon, who have been down to 10 men for the vast majority of the match, have netted a late, late equaliser against Southend thanks to a stunning strike from Adam Barrett against his former club.
A reminder that any matches level after 90 minutes go straight to a shootout, with no extra time in this competition.
FULL TIME: Crawley 2-0 Cambridge
FULL TIME: Notts County 2-0 Mansfield
GOAL! Peterborough 2-3 Leyton Orient
Late drama at London Road as defending champions Peterborough pull to within one goal of 10-man Leyton Orient courtesy of a Luke James strike. Is there time for an equaliser?!
FULL TIME: Accrington 1-3 Carlisle
FULL TIME: Stevenage 0-1 Gillingham
FULL TIME: Peterborough 2-3 Leyton Orient
FULL TIME: Barnsley 2-0 York
FULL TIME: Cheltenham 2-0 Oxford
FULL TIME: Fleetwood 1-3 Morecambe
END OF 90 MINUTES: Wimbledon 2-2 Southend
FULL TIME: Wycombe 0-1 Coventry
FULL TIME: Yeovil 1-3 Portsmouth
FULL TIME: Scunthorpe 2-0 Chesterfield
FULL TIME: Preston 1-0 Shrewsbury
So, just one of tonight's 15 first-round matches ends in a penalty shootout. Adam Barrett's late wondergoal has rescued a draw for 10-man Wimbledon, and they and Southend will now face each other from 12 yards to see who reaches the second round.
As for who they will join in the second round, Rochdale, Oldham, Carlisle, Barnsley, Cheltenham, Crawley, Morecambe, Notts County, Leyton Orient, Preston, Scunthorpe, Gillingham, Coventry and Portsmouth have all progressed this evening.
Both sides have scored their first penalties, with two-goal hero Payne converting for Southend before Nicholson responded for the hosts.
SAVED! Lee Barnard becomes the first player to miss from the spot as Shea makes a fine stop to deny the Southend man. Bulman then scores to hand Wimbledon the advantage.
Barry Corr steps up and converts without a fuss to draw the scores back level, but the hosts have a kick in hand, which Tom Beere nets to make it 3-2.
SAVED! Ben Coker has just seen his spot kick saved, which means that Matt Tubbs can win it for Wimbledon..AND HE DOES!
FULL TIME: Wimbledon 2-2 Southend (Wimbledon win 4-2 on penalties)
Tubbs converts the winning penalty for Wimbledon to make them the 15th and final side into the second round of the Football League Trophy tonight. It took a late goal in normal time to force the shootout, but from there the 10-man hosts made no mistakes.
Well, that concludes the night's action, but before we go let's have a quick recap of all the final scores from this evening's 15 matches...
FULL-TIME RESULTS: Crewe 0-3 Rochdale; Oldham 1-0 Bradford; Accrington 1-3 Carlisle; Barnsley 2-0 York; Cheltenham 2-0 Oxford; Crawley 2-0 Cambridge; Fleetwood 1-3 Morecambe; Notts County 2-0 Mansfield; Peterborough 2-3 Leyton Orient; Preston 1-0 Shrewsbury; Scunthorpe 2-0 Chesterfield; Stevenage 0-1 Gillingham; Wimbledon 2-2 Southend (Wimbledon win 4-2 on penalties); Wycombe 0-1 Coventry; Yeovil 1-3 Portsmouth.
The biggest stories of the night revolved around the finalists from last season, as both holders Peterborough and runners-up Chesterfield crashed out at the first hurdle. Both were minor surprises, with their defeats coming against teams struggling in the same division as them, and it guarantees even at this early stage that we will be crowning new champions at Wembley this season.
The biggest shocks came at Huish Park and Highbury, where Yeovil and Fleetwood both lost 3-1 to League Two opposition. Yeovil went down at home to Portsmouth, with their goal coming as a late consolation, while Morecambe cruised past Fleetwood to continue their good start to the campaign.
In all, we saw 38 goals and five red cards this evening. In truth, it wasn't the most exciting or dramatic night this competition has ever provided, with only one match going to a penalty shootout, but there was enough action to keep us busy!
Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for all of the action from the first round of the Football League Trophy, as 15 teams book their place in the next stage of the competition. Good night!
