November 2011

The competition delivered on all accounts last night, with cup veterans Brentford again stealing the headlines with a six goal thrashing against League One rivals AFC Bournemouth.

Four of their goals came from 24-year-old American striker Mike Grella in a truly memorable rout at Griffin Park, making the Bees one of the heavy favourites to make it all the way to Wembley.

Teresa Hardwick, the competition’s sponsorship manager, said: “Brentford are quickly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in this competition. They’ve given their fans another night to remember with a bagful of goals.”

Grella’s heroics, coupled with Brenford’s goal glut, qualifies their fans for a host of paint discounts and prizes courtesy of the trophy’s ongoing Just Rewards initiative.

Goodie bags containing official footballs and other Johnstone’s Paint Trophy memorabilia as well as huge paint discounts are being lined up for supporters whenever their team scores the most goals in the round or a player notches a hat-trick. Click here for details.

Elsewhere, Bradford City continued to defy their recent form in League Two by beating Sheffield United in a dramatic penalty shoot-out (6-5) after the game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes. The winning penalty was scored by Chris Mitchell, sending Danny Wilson’s men out of the competition.

Bradford City’s huge away following will be scratching their heads at how they can’t transfer their phenomenal trophy form into their faltering league campaign, having now dispatched Yorkshire big-boys Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and now the Blades.

The win was no more than the Bantams deserved either, having squandered two clear openings in the first 20 minutes and looking hugely impressive throughout.

Boss Phil Parkinson said: “We are delighted to get through, but irrespective of that, I thought the lads were superb.

"We were all pleased before the game that the referee decided that the penalties would be taken at our end if it got that far - that certainly helped us."

Another League Two side to progress to the area semi-finals, despite their recent struggles, is Barnet.

Lawrie Sanchez’s men disposed of Cheltenham Town with two well taken goals in the second half, while keeping a clean sheet.

Paul Dickov delivered on his promise to field a strong side for Oldham Athletics’s match against Crewe Alexandra, emerging as comfortable 3-1 winners.

Southend United edged a feisty affair against Oxford United, courtesy of a goal from Ryan Hall after 15 minutes. Despite three sending-offs, the game was hotly contested until the final whistle.

Phil Brown’s Preston North End were held to a 1-1 draw after ninety minutes by League One rivals Rochdale, but progressed after winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2.

After declaring the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy as an opportunity that his players relish, Paolo Di Canio inspired his side to win 3-1 on penalties, after the teams were level at 1-1 after ninety minutes.

Teresa added: “There were some truly memorable matches in the Area Quarter Finals. It’s a terrific example of two the trophy can inspire teams and their fans to fight to the final whistle.

“This year’s competition has definitely been the most dramatic, in terms of goals, upsets and talking points. Hopefully the remaining fixtures will follow the trend.”

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