November 2009

As usual, the goals were flying, but the big headlines were made at Valley Parade, the County Ground and Brisbane Road, where all three games went to penalty shoot-outs.

Hereford United kept their cool under pressure to seal a passage to the area-semi finals, beating League 1 side Leyton Orient in the shock of the round.

The Bulls might have felt deflated after conceding an injury time equaliser to their loftier opponents, but they pulled themselves together to win on penalties.

Hereford keeper Adam Bartlett saved three penalties to help his side to the 3-2 shoot-out win, following similar heroics in the second round when his side beat Aldershot in the same fashion.

Bradford City also claimed their second penalty shoot-out win in as many rounds dispatching Port Vale from the spot after their game ended 2-2 in normal time.

And to complete a hat-trick of penalty shoot-outs, Norwich City held their nerve to beat Swindon Town 5-3 after their full-time encounter ended 0-0.

Carlisle maintained their impressive form in the trophy, beating Chesterfield 3-1 in the Northern Section, while Accrington Stanley edged a five goal thriller in their Lancashire derby with Bury.

Perhaps the team to beat in this year’s competition is Leeds United.

Buoyed by a great start to their league campaign, the Whites beat Grimsby Town 3-1 under the gaze of the Sky cameras. Their performance looked ominous and suggests that Simon Grayson’s side will take some beating.

Finally, MK Dons kept their love affair going in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, beating Northampton 3-1 at stadium:MK.

Paul Ince’s side will fancy their chances of more success in the competition they won in 2008.

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.