THIRD TIER SIDES PUT FOOT DOWN

LEAGUE One clubs showed their strength as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy knockout stages got underway in midweek.

- John Lyons

Nine of the 14 winners came from the third tier, albeit with four of those victors coming from all-League One clashes.

Holders Bolton made sure of their place in the round of 16 with a solid 2-0 home success against Port Vale. The prolific Dion Charles set the Trotters on their way with a ninth-minute opener before Carlos Mendes Gomes rubber-stamped the win with a 64th-minute second.

"It was a really professional performance and a really good test," said Bolton boss Ian Evatt. "Port Vale came here with a strong, physical team and at times asked us some questions, but I thought the players applied themselves really well."

Another all-third-tier tie saw Derby ease to a 3-0 triumph against Fleetwood. James Collins (25 and 77 mins) bagged a double before Tyreece John-Jules put the icing on the cake with two minutes left.

Blackpool edged past visitors Barnsley 2-1 to keep their Wembley dreams alive.

John McAtee gave the Tykes the lead four minutes before the break, but Blackpool hit back in the second period with goals from Owen Dale (50) and Jake Beesley (62).

Nerve