Published: 09:36, October 30, 2024
Saints edge Stoke 3-2, Brentford win shootout to reach League Cup quarters
By Reuters
Southampton's English defender #14 James Bree (right) celebrates after scoring his team third goal during the English League Cup round of 16 football match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England, on Oct 29, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

SOUTHAMPTON, England - Southampton's James Bree struck late to snatch a 3-2 win over Stoke City, while Brentford beat Sheffield Wednesday 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the League Cup quarter-finals in two exciting clashes on Tuesday.

Saints took the lead in the 19th minute through Taylor Harwood-Bellis' header from a Mateus Fernandes corner. The hosts doubled their advantage when Adam Armstrong converted a penalty after defender Jaden Dixon fouled Yukinari Sugawara.

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Stoke refused to buckle under the pressure though and pulled a goal back before the break through defender Ashley Phillips' clever back heel before Tom Cannon equalised with a confident finish following a deflection nine minutes after the break.

Southampton's English defender #06 Taylor Harwood-Bellis (front center) heads the ball and scores his team first goal during the English League Cup round of 16 football match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England, on Oct 29, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP) 

Stoke substitute Million Manhoef almost put the visitors ahead by bundling the ball into the net but Sugawara raced back to slide and clear off the line before Bree's low long-range effort sealed victory for Southampton two minutes from time.

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Brentford took an early lead when Kevin Schade's shot bounced off goalkeeper Pierce Charles only for the striker to knock the ball into the net after 11 minutes.

Southampton's Portuguese midfielder #18 Mateus Fernandes controls the ball during the English League Cup round of 16 football match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England, on Oct 29, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP) 

The home side looked in control until just before the hour when Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama fired home a long-range equalizer.

With neither team able to find a winner, the match went to penalties and Brentford's Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken was the hero by saving Wednesday's fifth spot kick from Liam Palmer.

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The remaining fourth round ties are on Wednesday, including holders Liverpool's trip to Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, hosting Leicester City and Manchester City visiting Tottenham Hotspur.