Tranmere Triumph on Penalties Against Forest U21 in EFL Trophy Thriller

Match Overview

The EFL Trophy Northern Group B clash between Tranmere Rovers and Nottingham Forest U21 took place at Prenton Park on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, with a 19:00 BST kick-off.

Dramatic Contest

The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Tranmere ultimately prevailing in a penalty shootout. The home side entered the match looking to bounce back from recent setbacks, having suffered consecutive League Two defeats to Notts County and Salford City.

Forest’s U21 side showcased their attacking prowess with pace in wide areas, particularly through players like Lamine Sillah and Fuad Smith, with several players from last season’s competition getting another opportunity to impress.

Match Significance

The EFL Trophy remains an important competition for League One and League Two teams, offering a chance to reach Wembley. While not typically at the top of clubs’ priority lists, winning the trophy alongside promotion would mark a highly successful season. The competition has evolved with the introduction of Premier League academy teams.

Team Performances

Tranmere have demonstrated strong attacking capabilities this season, having scored in all seven of their competitive games. The match showcased an intriguing tactical battle, with Forest’s technical midfielders creating chances while Tranmere’s experience proved crucial in key moments.

Looking Ahead

For Nottingham Forest U21s, this result brings back memories of last season’s campaign, where they narrowly missed qualifying for the knockout rounds after a penalty shootout loss to Wigan Athletic in their final group match. The competition continues to provide valuable experience for developing young talent while offering established teams a shot at silverware.