West Midlands Football Review: Carabao Cup special

This week saw the return of Carabao Cup action with seven West Midlands clubs beginning their campaigns in the First Round.

Three of those teams were able to make it to the Second Round, with Stoke City and Port Vale emerging victorious.

The fixture list was headlined by the all-West Midlands clash between Stoke City and West Brom, with The Potters coming out on top. Baggies 'keeper Josh Griffiths scored an unfortunate own goal to open the scoring, before Brandon Thomas-Asante equalised in the second half. Sadly for Albion however, Andre Vidigal bombed straight on from the kick-off to restore Stoke's lead and secure the win.

John Eustace's Birmingham City made short work of Cheltenham Town in their First Round tie. A first-half double from Juninho Bacuna was enough to secure a comfortable win for Blues.

Port Vale recovered from their demolition at the weekend by beating Fleetwood Town. Andy Crosby's side had to come from behind twice to win, but an Ethan Chislett brace either side of a Joshua Thomas strike was enough to get the win.

The Tuesday matches were wrapped up with Walsall falling to a narrow defeat away to Blackburn Rovers. The Saddlers led twice in the game, but Rovers responded both times and came away with the win despite a late consolation goal from Ronan Maher.

On Wednesday, Shrewsbury Town continued their strong start under Matt Taylor with a strong showing away to Leeds United. Daniel Farke's men needed two scrappy goals to overturn Taylor Perry's opener and progress.

Finally, Coventry City slipped to a late defeat to League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon. The Sky Blues led from the 17th minute courtesy of a Matt Godden penalty, but two goals in the last five minutes saw Wimbledon through.

As for the Second Round, all competing West Midlands teams were rewarded with home ties. Port Vale will host Crewe, Birmingham were drawn with Cardiff and Stoke will play Rotherham in a repeat of the opening day fixture. Wolves also enter the competition here and will play host to Blackpool. Aston Villa will enter in the Third Round due to them competing in Europe.