Premiership Charlton Athletic crashed out of the Worthington Cup at the second round stage when they were beaten on penalties by third division Oxford United tonight. Oxford progressed 6-5 on penalties after holding the London side to a goalless draw.
West Ham United's blushes were saved, however, after the top flight's bottom side beat second division Chesterfield 5-4 in their penalty shoot out, with the scores level at 1-1 after extra-time. Struggling Sunderland, scored more goals in one night than they have all season when they beat lowly Cambridge United 7-0. The result will be a massive confidence boost for under-fire manager Peter Reid.
Crewe Alexandra gave Manchester City a scare when Rodney Jack found the net after just 20 seconds for the second division side, but Kevin Keegan's team came back in the second half for a dramatic finish to win 3-2, with Darren Huckerby scoring the last minute winner. Everton were 3-0 winners over third division Wrexham. Spurs, last year's losing finalists, beat second division leaders Cardiff City 1-0. Middlesbrough continued their fine form with a 4-1 win over second division Brentford.
In the other games Rotherham United beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-2 on penalties after an eight goal thriller for the first division sides. Wimbledon were 3-1 winners over first division leaders Portsmouth, Preston North End beat Macclesfield 2-1 and Sheffield United beat Wycombe Wanderers 4-1. Gillingham beat Stockport 2-1 and Burnley were 1-0 winners over Huddersfield.
Filed by James Boylan.
