09 Oct 2008

It is fair to say that the second round of the competition lived up to all the hype, with 42 goals being scored, and a number of intriguing sub-plots developing amongst the remaining 16 teams.

One thing is for sure. There will be a new name etched onto the silverware come April, as holders MK Dons were dumped out by AFC Bournemouth.

Roberto Di Matteo’s side were humbled 1-0 and will be left to concentrate on league matters, while 2008 finalists Grimsby Town have also perished, losing 2-1 at arch rivals Scunthorpe.

Headlines were created in both sections of the draw courtesy of some amazing results, but Shrewsbury Town’s 7-0 thrashing of Wycombe Wanderers has to rank as result of the round, if not result of the competition’s history.

With striker Grant Holt scoring five, the Shropshire side must be in line to win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy team of the round – and who could argue if they did?

Maybe Rotherham would have a case, after they beat favourites Leeds United live on Sky Sports on Wednesday evening.

Their 4-2 win gave the Yorkshire side another impressive scalp and confirms their status as knock-out specialists, following other notable triumphs in the League Cup.

A total of 42 goals were scored in all to add to the 48 netted in round one and with the competition now entering the ‘business end’, many more managers are harbouring hopes of Wembley glory.

Walsall’s boss Jimmy Mullen has long talked of the significance of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, while Mark Robbins also underlined the value of the competition to his Rotherham team.

Both bosses will learn more about their side’s fates on Sky’s Soccer AM on Saturday from 9am, when Helen Chamberlain and Max Rushden will draw the cards once more for the Area Quarter Finals.

Sponsorship manager Teresa Hardwick was again delighted to see so many more goals and goalmouth action and looked forward to more of the same in the next round.

She said: “We boasted a record attendance in round one, and now we have a record breaking scoreline in round two, courtesy of Shrewsbury Town and their 7-0 thrashing of Wycombe Wanderers.

“The trophy keeps grabbing the headlines. It is increasingly difficult to predict, and there are sure to be plenty more surprises on the way – just what we all want!”

“We hope everyone tunes into Sky Sports One on Saturday to see what ties await the remaining 16 teams.”

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.