Aston Villa U21 edged out Blackpool 18-17 on penalties to progress to the Last 16 of the Vertu Trophy at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday night.

The tie finished 1-1 after normal time after Elliot Embleton's 46th-minute goal was cancelled out by Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba with just over 10 minutes of the game remaining.

A staggering 38 spotkicks were taken in total, with only Blackpool's Albie Morgan and Villa's Aidan Borland missing out of the first 37. Jordan Gabriel was the unlucky player to bring an end to the thrilling contest as he saw his effort hit the post.

Bradford City await in the next round for Josep Gombau's side.

In tonight's other fixture, holders Peterborough United comfortably saw themselves through with a 3-0 home win in the Nene derby against Northampton Town.

A goalless first half saw the Cobblers reduced to ten men shortly before the break after a red card was shown to defender TJ Eyoma.

Posh took full advantage after the restart and scored three within 20 minutes courtesy of Ricky-Jade Jones, Ryan De Havilland and Abraham Odoh to see them progress.

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Aston Villa U21 win epic penalty shootout

Aston Villa U21 win epic penalty shootout