The Carabao Cup first round delivered dramatic results, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advancing. This comprehensive guide covers every score, penalty shootout, and standout performance from the night's action.
Carabao Cup First Round: Key Results and Upsets
The first round of the Carabao Cup featured 35 matches across England, with several Premier League and Championship clubs entering the fray. West Ham United staged a comeback victory over Portsmouth, while Burnley edged Notts County on penalties, and Millwall defeated QPR in a tense shootout.
Get Lifetime Access to Top AI Tools
Find Bleeding Edge Business Software at Scandalous Prices on Appsumo.
Among the biggest surprises, League Two side Bromley pushed Reading to penalties before falling 5-4, while AFC Wimbledon survived a scare against Newport, winning 5-4 on spot-kicks. Barnsley and Wigan produced a 6-5 shootout thriller, and Doncaster edged Stockport 5-4.
West Ham's Comeback Win Over Portsmouth
At the London Stadium, West Ham trailed early but rallied to win 3-1 against Portsmouth. The comeback was led by a second-half surge, with goals from key attackers. The win sets up a second-round tie for the Hammers, who are aiming for a deep run in the competition.
Burnley and Millwall Advance via Penalties
Burnley needed penalties to overcome League Two side Notts County, winning 4-3 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw. Kyle Walker, a four-time winner of this competition with Manchester City, smashed home the decisive spot-kick. Millwall also progressed, beating QPR 2-0 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate.

Complete Carabao Cup First Round Results
| Match | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham vs Portsmouth | 3-1 | West Ham |
| Burnley vs Notts County | 1-1 (4-3 pens) | Burnley |
| QPR vs Millwall | 1-1 (0-2 pens) | Millwall |
| AFC Wimbledon vs Newport | 1-1 (5-4 pens) | AFC Wimbledon |
| Barnsley vs Wigan | 1-1 (6-5 pens) | Barnsley |
| Bromley vs Reading | 1-1 (4-5 pens) | Reading |
| Leicester vs Northampton | 1-0 | Leicester |
| Derby vs Lincoln | 1-2 | Lincoln |
| Stoke vs Oldham | 2-0 | Stoke |
Penalty Shootout Drama and Key Takeaways
- West Ham showed resilience with a 3-1 comeback win.
- Burnley relied on experience to win a tense shootout.
- Millwall edged QPR in a London derby penalty thriller.
- Several lower-league teams pushed higher-tier opposition, highlighting the cup's unpredictability.
- Shootouts decided 8 of 35 matches, adding to the drama.
What's Next in the Carabao Cup?
The second round draw will take place after all first-round ties are completed. Premier League clubs not involved in European competition will enter at this stage, making the competition even more competitive. Fans can expect marquee matchups and potential upsets as the tournament progresses.