SWINDON Town progressed through to the knockout stage of the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night without kicking a ball.

Already on six points from two games after beating Arsenal Under-21s and Plymouth Argyle, Town had one foot in the next round anyway prior to the club's final group match against Newport County next Tuesday - and their fate was sealed earlier this week when Arsenal U-21s failed to beat Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.

The young Gunners' penalty shoot-out defeat - following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes - left Arsenal on four points from their three games, while Argyle will end the campaign at the foot of the group despite picking up their first points via a 5-4 spot-kick victory.

Newport enter next Tuesday's game with Town on three points, and they could go through as group winners with victory at the County Ground. Meanwhile, Town need only to avoid defeat in 90 minutes to cement top spot.

Swindon's progression sees the club enter the knock-out stages for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign.