Three Academy players were in action as the 2023/24 Carabao Cup got underway on Tuesday evening…
It proved to be some debut for goalkeeper Krisztián Hegyi, who starred in an incredible penalty shootout win as EFL League One Stevenage knocked out Championship outfit Watford.
The Hornets took the lead at the Lamex Stadium when Vakoun Bayo struck inside five minutes, although Jake Forster-Caskey’s corner was later turned home by Josh March to leave the game level at the break.
And that was how the game stayed, with Boro largely indebted to their West Ham stopper to ensure the fixture remained poised at 1-1. First, Hegyi was forced to produce a superb reaction save to his right and later – in injury time – he denied Rhys Healey a headed winner to leave the match to be settled by spot-kicks.
Indeed, the Hungary U21 international more than made his mark in the shootout too, saving Healey’s penalty with an outstretched foot to give Stevenage the lead, before Nathan Thompson’s winning strike from 12 yards completed the cup upset 4-3 on penalties for Steve Evans’ men.
Elsewhere, fresh from signing a new contract with West Ham United, midfielder Freddie Potts made his second straight start for League One side Wycombe Wanderers, as his side progressed to the second round with a 2-0 win over MK Dons.
Battling across the midfield, Potts also had time to turn provider when his cross was fumbled by Dons’ stopper Craig MacGillivray and Brandon Hanlan poked home the game’s opening goal.
Chris Forino then headed in Wycombe’s second of the evening to ensure Potts and company reached the second round, with a well-deserved victory at Stadium MK.
A full debut also came the way of winger Kamarai Swyer, who made his first start for League Two team Crawley Town.
The Reds took the lead in their Carabao Cup first round tie against Exeter City when Klaidi Lolos netted his first goal for the club but were unable to hold onto their lead after the break.
Swyer, who signed a new two-year deal with West Ham this summer, went close on the hour when he struck off target after a flowing move, before two late goals from Kyle Taylor and James Scott saw Crawley exit to the League One side.
