LONDON: Newcastle and West Bromwhich Albion, both relegated from the English Premier League last season, escaped an early League Cup exit as they edged seven-goal thrillers while second tier Blackpool hammered Premier League side Wigan 4-1 on Wednesday.

Both sides were caught cold as Huddersfield and Rotherham of the third and fourth tier respectively made their illustrious hosts sweat for eventual 4-3 successes.

There was a shock as second tier Blackpool hammered Wigan 4-1 while third tier Carlisle won 2-0 at Bristol City, a division above them.

Stoke City, meanwhile, edged past third tier Leyton Orient 1-0 away and Cardiff, battling the likes of Newcastle United and West Bromwich for promotion, saw off Bristol Rovers 3-1.