Aussies Abroad: EFL Cup wrap

It might be early in the English football calendar but with the English Football League Cup commencing this morning, the season’s first silverware is now on the radar for the 92 participating clubs.

Several Australian players were in action during a round one that saw multiple shocks and tight contests.

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Here’s how our Aussies fared:

Jackson Irvine’s Hull City edged Championship rivals Sheffield United 5-4 on penalties in an enthralling contest at Brammal Lane.

Irvine started in the centre of a five-man midfield for the Tigers, with young Spaniard Jon Toral claiming his side’s goal.

Blades striker Billy Sharp struck a 75th minute equaliser for United.

It was a decent hit-out for the Caltex Socceroos midfielder: Irvine was denied what appeared to be a nailed-on penalty and saw a big opportunity to grab his first goal of the season go begging early in the match.

Irvine wasn’t the only Australian to progress to the next round on penalties, as James Meredith started and played 74 minutes of Millwall’s scoreless draw with Gillingham.

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Meredith enjoyed a solid match in his third start of the campaign and was withdrawn shortly before full time for striker Aiden O'Brien as Neil Harris’ side attempted to break the deadlock.

Elsewhere, Mile Jedinak was absent from the Aston Villa squad as a goal from Conor Hourihane helped Steve Bruce’s side to a 1-0 win over Yeovil Town.

The League Two outfit provided Villa with an almighty scare and missed a second half penalty.

And their cup dreams were quashed soon after when the Irish midfielder’s 77th minute strike sealed the victory.

Massimo Luongo was also rested for Queens Park Rangers in their 2-0 win over Peterborough. Two goals from Luke Freeman and Pawel Wszolek inside six minutes paved way for a comfortable win for the Londoners.

There was a shock loss for Bailey Wright’s Bristol City who were defeated 1-0 at home by Plymouth Argyle, while Ryan McGowan’s Bradford City were defeated 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out by Macclesfield Town after a 1-1 draw.

Finally, Ryan Williams played 75 minutes for Rotherham United in a 3-1 win over Wigan.

Australian players get around Mile Jedinak after his goal.