The National League Cup 2025/2026 burst into action on August 12, 2025, with Matchday 1 delivering a feast of football as 32 teams—16 from the National League and 16 Premier League 2 sides—clashed across four groups. Hosted at the home grounds of the National League clubs, the opening round showcased everything from late comebacks to goal-fests, setting the tone for an exciting competition. Let’s dive into the results, standout moments, and what they mean for the tournament.
Group A: Everton U21 Snatch Victory, Brackley Town Dominate
Brackley Town 2-0 Blackburn Rovers U21
Venue: St. James Park, Brackley
Half Time: 1-0
Scorers: Brackley Town – Connor Hall (8′), Danny Waldron (55′); Blackburn Rovers U21 – None
Over at St. James Park in Brackley, Brackley Town put on a commanding display against Blackburn Rovers U21, winning 2-0. Connor Hall opened the scoring in the 8th minute, and Danny Waldron sealed the win with a second-half strike in the 55th minute. Leading 1-0 at the break, Brackley’s disciplined performance ensured a clean sheet, making them early frontrunners in Group A.
Group B: National League Sides Shine
Boreham Wood 2-0 Nottingham Forest U21
Venue: Meadow Park, Borehamwood
Half Time: 0-0
Scorers: Boreham Wood – Charlie Clayden (65′), Matt Rush (81′); Nottingham Forest U21 – None
At Meadow Park in Borehamwood, Boreham Wood secured a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest U21. The match was scoreless at halftime, but Charlie Clayden broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, followed by Matt Rush’s goal in the 81st minute. This second-half surge showcased Boreham Wood’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
Braintree Town 2-0 Leicester City U21
Venue: Cressing Road (Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium), Braintree
Half Time: 1-0
Scorers: Braintree Town – Charlie Cooper (31′), Frankie Hubbard (62′); Leicester City U21 – None
Braintree Town also claimed a 2-0 victory against Leicester City U21 at Cressing Road. Charlie Cooper’s 31st-minute goal gave Braintree a 1-0 lead at halftime, and Frankie Hubbard’s 62nd-minute strike sealed the points. The home side’s control against a young Leicester outfit underlined their potential in the group.
Wealdstone 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers U21
Venue: Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip
Half Time: 2-1
Scorers: Wealdstone – Samad Hassan (12′), Nathan Tshikuna (21′); Wolves U21 – Fletcher Holman (4′)
In a thrilling encounter at Grosvenor Vale in Ruislip, Wealdstone edged out Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 2-1. Wolves struck first through Fletcher Holman in the 4th minute, but Wealdstone responded swiftly with Samad Hassan equalizing in the 12th minute and Nathan Tshikuna putting them ahead in the 21st minute. Leading 2-1 at halftime, Wealdstone held firm to claim a vital win, proving their mettle against a talented PL2 side.
Group C: Fulham U21’s Rampage, Brighton’s Late Heroics
Aldershot Town 1-2 Brighton & Hove U21
Venue: Electrical Services Stadium (EBB Stadium), Aldershot
Half Time: 0-0
Scorers: Aldershot Town – Hady Ghandour (71′); Brighton & Hove U21 – Charlie Hargreaves (78′, own goal), Steven Nti (81′)
At the Electrical Services Stadium in Aldershot, Aldershot Town fell 1-2 to Brighton & Hove U21 in a tight contest. The match was goalless at halftime, but Hady Ghandour put Aldershot ahead in the 71st minute. Brighton fought back with an own goal from Charlie Hargreaves in the 78th minute and a decisive strike from Steven Nti in the 81st minute, securing a comeback victory that showcased their late-game tenacity.
Sutton United 0-7 Fulham U21
Venue: VBS Community Stadium (Gander Green Lane), Sutton
Half Time: 0-1
Scorers: Sutton United – None; Fulham U21 – Tom Olyott (22′, 74′), Aaron Loupalo-Bi (47′, 51′, 81′), Terrell Works (72′), Marco Zepa (87′)
Group C produced the most jaw-dropping result of the night at the VBS Community Stadium, where Fulham U21 obliterated Sutton United 7-0. Tom Olyott opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, giving Fulham a 1-0 lead at halftime. The second half was a masterclass, with Aaron Loupalo-Bi scoring a hat-trick (47th, 51st, and 81st minutes), Olyott adding a second in the 74th minute, Terrell Works netting in the 72nd minute, and Marco Zepa rounding off the rout in the 87th minute. This emphatic performance signals Fulham U21 as serious contenders.
Group D: Boston United’s Statement, Sunderland’s Grit
Boston United 4-0 Leeds United U21
Venue: Jakemans Community Stadium, Boston
Half Time: 0-0
Scorers: Boston United – Ben Grist (47′), Keenan Donnelly (62′, 90’+4), Alfie Lankshear (65′); Leeds United U21 – None
Boston United sent shockwaves through Group D with a 4-0 thrashing of defending champions Leeds United U21 at the Jakemans Community Stadium. The first half ended scoreless, but Boston exploded after the break. Ben Grist scored in the 47th minute, followed by Keenan Donnelly’s brace (62nd and 90th+4 minutes) and Alfie Lankshear’s goal in the 65th minute. This dominant display against a strong PL2 side marks Boston as a team to watch.
Scunthorpe United 2-3 Sunderland U21
Venue: Attis Arena (Glanford Park), Scunthorpe
Half Time: 2-1
Scorers: Scunthorpe United – Chukwudum Ubaezuonu (6′), Josh Dawson (30′); Sunderland U21 – Izzi Poveda (45’+1), Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi (71′), Jake Whittaker (90’+2)
In a dramatic clash at the Attis Arena in Scunthorpe, Sunderland U21 edged out Scunthorpe United 3-2. Scunthorpe took an early lead through Chukwudum Ubaezuonu in the 6th minute, with Josh Dawson adding a second in the 30th minute. Sunderland’s Izzi Poveda pulled one back in the 45th+1 minute, making it 2-1 at halftime. The second half saw Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi equalize in the 71st minute, and Jake Whittaker’s 90th+2-minute goal clinched a thrilling comeback for Sunderland U21.
Key Takeaways and What’s Next
Matchday 1 of the National League Cup 2025/2026 delivered a mix of commanding wins, late comebacks, and individual brilliance. Fulham U21’s seven-goal haul and Aaron Loupalo-Bi’s hat-trick stole the headlines, while Boston United’s rout of Leeds United U21 sent a strong message. National League sides like Brackley Town, Boreham Wood, Braintree Town, and Wealdstone proved they can compete with PL2 talent, while Everton U21, Brighton U21, and Sunderland U21 showcased the depth of Premier League academies.
As the group stage progresses, these early results set the stage for intense battles in the four groups of eight. With the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages, every goal and point will be crucial.
What did you think of Matchday 1? Which teams or players caught your eye? Let us know on X (formally Twitter), or Facebook and stay tuned for more National League Cup action!
