Kyle Walker stepped up to convert the decisive spot‑kick as Burnley narrowly defeated Notts County 4‑3 in a penalty shootout, earning a place in the second round of the Carabao Cup after the teams finished level at 1‑1 on the night at Turf Moor. The newly‑promoted County side, fresh off their League Two play‑off triumph over Salford in May, took the lead at the break thanks to a first‑half strike from Callum Roberts.
However, the Clarets responded quickly in the second half when Zian Flemming found the back of the net, restoring parity and sending the match into extra time. When the dead‑lock persisted, the contest moved to penalties. Burnley's goalkeeper Max Weiss made an early impact by denying Notts County's Emile Acquah and Jacob Bedeau, both of whose attempts were saved. The shootout then progressed until Walker stepped up for the final kick, calmly slotting the ball home to clinch a 4‑3 win for the Clarets.
In other first‑round action, West Ham United staged a comeback at the London Stadium, beating Portsmouth 3‑1 in their first game after being relegated from the Premier League. Portsmouth opened the scoring through Adrian Segecic in the first half, but the Hammers turned the tide before the interval when Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen each found the net. Castellanos added a second goal in the second half to seal a comfortable victory for the visitors. Meanwhile, at Hillsborough, substitute Jamal Lowe delivered the only goal of the match as Sheffield Wednesday overcame a ten‑man Bolton Wanderers 1‑0.
Lowe struck midway through the second half after Bolton’s Xavier Simons was dismissed for punching loaned Leeds striker Harry Gray in retaliation, leaving the Owls with a numerical advantage that they capitalised on. In London’s Loftus Road, Millwall goalkeeper Lukas Jensen proved the hero of the night by saving all four of QPR’s penalties, allowing the Lions to win the shootout 2‑0 after the match ended 1‑1 in regulation time.
Luke Cundle had given Millwall a lead in the second half following a goalkeeper error, only for Queens Park Rangers to equalise through a late own‑goal by Mark Sykes. Norwich City saw debutant Andre Brooks open the scoring as the Canaries cruised to a 4‑1 victory over MK Dons at Carrow Road. In Wales, Cardiff City’s substitute Jack Moylan also marked his debut with a decisive goal, guiding the Bluebirds to a 3‑2 win against Swindon Town, who suffered a red card for James Debayo after he received two yellows in the final six minutes. Further highlights included August Priske’s first‑half finish that secured a 1‑0 win for Birmingham City at Swansea, and Marc Bola’s spectacular long‑range strike deep in added time that gave Watford a 1‑0 triumph over Crawley Town.
Late contributions from substitutes Andri Gudjohnsen and Jayden Fevrier helped Blackburn Rovers edge Burton Albion 2‑1. In the East Midlands, newly‑promoted Lincoln City continued their upward trajectory by beating Derby County 2‑1, with Ben House and Dom Jefferies scoring in the first half before Sammie Szmodics pulled one back for the Rams. At the bet365 Stadium, Stoke City recorded a 2‑0 victory over Oldham Athletic thanks to an own‑goal from Ollie Norburn and a late strike by Robert Bozenik.
Bradford City’s duo of Will Swan and Aden Baldwin secured a 2‑0 home win against Rochdale. Fleetwood Town’s captain Ched Evans opened the scoring in the first half, delivering a solitary goal that earned his side a 1‑0 home win over Chesterfield.
Cambridge United responded to a 2‑1 loss to Barnet by overturning the deficit with second‑half goals from Ben Knight and Isaac Heath. AFC Wimbledon, Barnsley and Reading all progressed after winning penalty shootouts against Newport County, Wigan Athletic and Bromley respectively.
Likewise, Preston North End, Shrewsbury Town and Doncaster Rovers emerged victorious from shootouts against Huddersfield Town, Salford City and Stockport County. Luca Moore’s late strike gave Crewe Alexandra a 2‑1 win over Accrington Stanley at Gresty Road, while Demetri Mitchell and Idris El Mizouni’s second‑half goals secured a 2‑0 home win for Leyton Orient against Oxford United. Peterborough United, Luton Town and Blackpool all secured away wins, defeating Bristol Rovers, Gillingham and Grimsby Town respectively.
In the East Midlands, Caleb Okoli’s header earned Leicester City a 1‑0 home victory over Northampton Town. Evening fixtures saw Southampton claim a 2‑0 win at Colchester United, with goals from Cyle Larin and Romeo Akachukwu.
West Bromwich Albion posted a dominant 4‑1 scoreline at Rotherham United, while Charlton Athletic secured a 3‑1 triumph over Cheltenham Town. Looking ahead, the draw for the second round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup will be conducted live on Sky Sports Football on Monday, August 10, during the build‑up to the tie between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City. The draw will feature all first‑round winners together with the eleven Premier League clubs that are not involved in European competition. Fans can also take part in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000, with entry available for free.