Eccleston Excels In Opening Game EFL Trophy Victory
16.09.26, 11:44 Updated 16.09.26, 11:44 4 Minute Read
Matthew Rhodes
We all know that the EFL Trophy is not a priority for any club unless they still find themselves in the competition at around the quarter-final stage and the prospect of Wembley Stadium suddenly becomes a real one. The addition of Premier League academy sides has done absolutely nothing to enhance the esteem that the tournament is held in, and the constant sponsor changes (once even midway through a season) doesn't encourage fans to take it seriously.
Even Chesterfield manager Paul Cook himself evidently isn't a big supporter of the tournament. At least at this early stage anyway. However, despite the criticism and derision that this competition often receives, Cook (along with Chesterfield's fans) can genuinely say they took a lot away from Tuesday night's entertaining 5-3 victory over Manchester City U21 at the SMH Group Stadium.
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Matthew Rhodes Matthew Rhodes is a freelance sports journalist, broadcaster, commentator and author. He was born and raised in Chesterfield and worked as North Derbyshire Radio's senior sports editor from 2021 to 2025. In 2026, his first full-length book was published; 'A Fine Line' covers Chesterfield's astonishing FA Cup run during the 1996/97 season.