Thursday 9 November 2017 08:06, UK
Just 248 people witnessed Sunderland U21s penalty shoot-out victory over Sky Bet League Two side Grimsby Town.
The managerless Black Cats included Jack Rodwell and Callum McManaman but still could not win in normal time, as the game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Striker JJ Hooper gave Grimsby the lead, before Sunderland defender Donald Love equalised late on for the visitors, who reportedly took just three away fans to Blundell Park.
Sunderland were victorious, as Sean McAllister missed his penalty to give the Black Cats a 7-6 shoot-out win.
Carlisle United were knocked out of the competition after a 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood Town despite Shaun Miller pulling a goal back after Jack Sowerby and Wes Burns had given the visitors the advantage.
A Stoke U21 team including Bruno Martins Indi, Charlie Adam, Ibrahim Afellay and Saido Berahino were no match for League One Bury, as they lost 3-1 at Gigg Lane. Bury were 3-0 up after 20 minutes thanks to goals from Nicky Ajose, Greg Leigh and Callum Reilly.
Afellay reduced the deficit with 16 minutes to go, but could not muster anything else.
Swindon Town defeated Bristol Rovers 4-2 at the Memorial Ground, as John Goddard opened the scoring from the spot, before Ryan Sweeney levelled things up. Goals from Paul Mullin and Kellan Gordon put Swindon in control.
There was a tense final 15 minutes after Liam Sercombe made it 3-2, but Kayne Woolery ensured Swindon were victorious thanks to a late solo goal.
