Carabao Cup First Round Wrap-Up: Rooney’s Plymouth Triumphs as EFL Drama Unfolds

 


Carabao Cup First Round Wrap-Up: Rooney’s Plymouth Triumphs as EFL Drama Unfolds

The first round of the Carabao Cup concluded in style, delivering late-night drama and comprehensive victories across the board. Three fixtures took center stage, with each producing three goals, leaving fans eager for what lies ahead in the competition.

At the MKM Stadium, Sheffield Wednesday overcame a determined Hull City side with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. The Owls showed resilience as they bounced back from a disappointing start to the season in the league, grinding out a win to book their place in the next round. A late winner from Michael Smith capped off a thrilling contest that saw both sides push for the decisive goal in the final stages.

Over at Home Park, Wayne Rooney marked his first win as Plymouth Argyle manager with a dominant 3-0 victory over League Two Cheltenham Town. The former England and Manchester United star, who took over the reins at Plymouth this summer, saw his side produce a commanding display, with goals from Finn Azaz, Ryan Hardie, and Bali Mumba sealing a comfortable passage to the second round. The performance will undoubtedly boost confidence as Rooney looks to build momentum in both league and cup competitions.

Meanwhile, at Elland Road, Middlesbrough delivered a statement win with a commanding 3-0 victory over Leeds United. Michael Carrick’s side were in control from the outset, with goals from Matt Crooks, Isaiah Jones, and Marcus Forss ensuring the Teessiders cruised past their Championship rivals. The result serves as an early blow to Leeds’ hopes of making a deep run in the competition, while Middlesbrough continue to impress with their solid all-around play.

With the first-round action now in the books, attention shifts to the second-round draw, where Premier League sides not competing in Europe will join the fray. The draw has thrown up some intriguing matchups, and more details can be found by scrolling down or visiting the website for the full breakdown.

The excitement doesn’t stop here, as the EFL live text coverage returns on Friday at 19:45 BST, bringing you all the key moments from another round of intense action. Make sure to tune in as the drama continues to unfold across English football’s most unpredictable competitions.

Until then, fans can digest the results and speculate on who will emerge as this season’s Carabao Cup surprise package. As always, the early rounds remind us that anything is possible in cup football.