Chelsea, Everton survive scares

Chelsea players. Pic/AFP

Chelsea and Everton narrowly avoided humiliating League Cup exits against fourth tier opposition as they scraped into the third round on Wednesday.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea trailed against minnows AFC Wimbledon before recovering to win 2-1 thanks to Enzo Fernandez's first goal for the club. Struggling Everton came from behind in the closing stages to beat Doncaster 2-1. Sheffield United were not as fortunate as their Premier League counterparts, the Blades crashing out against third tier Lincoln on penalties.

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Mauricio Pochettino made seven changes to the side that beat Luton 3-0 for his first win as Chelsea boss on Friday. Ian Maatsen, Lesley Ugochukwu and Mason Burstow made their first starts, while Diego Moreira was handed his debut.

After three successive defeats to start the league season, Everton were pushed to the brink of more misery by a Doncaster side sitting bottom of fourth tier League Two. Everton boss Sean Dyche made just four changes in a bid to avoid a giant-killing at the Eco-Power Stadium.

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