🏆 Middlesbrough avoid EFL Cup scare; Port Vale reach first quarter-final | OneFootball

The EFL Cup’s Round of 16 kicked off on Tuesday with two ties to whet the appetite.

Here’s what went down.

Boro avoid fright night against Exeter

Scorers: Trevitt 13′, 66′; Rogers 50′, Silvera 60′, Lath (PEN) 82′

Middlesbrough avoided a potential Halloween scare to edge past Exeter City in their pulsating EFL Cup last-16 clash.

Ryan Trevitt gave the hosts a surprise first-half lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the area after receiving Kyle Taylor’s in-field delivery.

The visitors hit back shortly after the interval through Morgan Rogers’ long-range attempt to put the 2004 winners on an even footing.

Just 10 minutes later, Boro were ahead courtesy of Samuel Silvera producing an solo effort which culminated in a low finish.

Michael Carrick’s side were still pegged back inside six minutes as Trevitt doubled his tally for the Grecians with another thunderous effort.

But they received a late stroke of fortune as Rogers won a penalty after his shirt was pulled, allowing Emmanuel Latte Lath to convert.

Port Vale secure EFL Cup first at Mansfield

Scorers: Devine 50′

Port Vale reached their first-ever League Cup quarter final after overcoming Mansfield Town.

Alfie Devine broke the deadlock early in the second half with a surging run and shot from the edge of the area which took a deflection past Christy Pym.

The League One outfit had previously only reached this stage of the competition once in their history before securing a maiden last-eight tie.