Callum O'Hare scored a hat-trick as Aston Villa began their Premier League Cup defence with an 8-0 win over Bristol City.
Jordan Cox put the holders ahead before a fine individual effort from Corey Blackett-Taylor doubled their lead.
O'Hare (pictured) netted twice to make it 4-0 before the break and then got his third in the 65th minute.
In the final 10 minutes, a double from Harvey Knibbs and Dimitri Sea's first goal at Under-23 level completed the scoring at Villa Park.
Villa top Group F after Plymouth Argyle and Derby County drew 0-0 in their opening match on Thursday.
See: Aston Villa report
Leicester see off Norwich
Leicester City began their maiden PL Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Norwich City in Group D.
Raul Uche Rubio headed Leicester into the lead before Tyrese Shade doubled the hosts' advantage.
A late Cairen Jones own goal sealed Leicester's victory. Group D opponents Nottingham Forest and Exeter City play on Sunday.
See: Leicester report
All 3️⃣ goals from tonight's #lcfcu23s victory over Norwich... 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EJcYPdKAaX
— Leicester City (@LCFC) 5 October 2018
Southampton edge past Leeds
A Callum Slattery penalty helped Southampton start with a 2-1 win over Leeds United.
Saints went ahead when Michael Obafemi scored after 31 minutes, before Kun Mihaylov levelled for the visitors just after the hour mark.
Slattery clinched victory at Staplewood on 77 minutes, after Obafemi was fouled. It leaves Saints level with Newcastle United, who beat Notts County 2-1, at the top of Group H.
See: Southampton report | Leeds report
GOAL: #SaintsFCU23s 2-1 #LUFC U23s (@Callumslattery8 77')
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) 5 October 2018
YES! #SaintsFC retake the lead in the #PLCup with Slattery making no mistake from the penalty spot! pic.twitter.com/fLIVlaiuGA
Blades beat Blackburn
Professional Development League side Sheffield United earned a 3-1 win over Premier League 2 opponents Blackburn Rovers in their Group B opener.
Jordan Hallam, Oliver Greaves and Simeon Oure put the home side 3-0 up, before substitute Jalil Saadi netted Rovers' late consolation.
See: Sheff Utd report
Everton win despite Foulds dissmisal
Substitute Kyle John inspired a 3-0 win for Everton over Doncaster Rovers, as they overcame a first-half red card to top Group B.
Matthew Foulds was sent off on 40 minutes before John put the home side ahead at Southport. Nathan Broadhead and Nathangelo Markelo scored late on.
See: Everton report
Wolves fight back to beat Hull
Benny Ashley-Seal netted a second-half winner as Wolverhampton Wanderers came from behind to beat Hull City 2-1 and go top of Group E.
Keane Lewis-Potter volleyed Hull in front before Elliot Watt levelled with a superb free-kick and Ashley-Seal struck.
See: Wolves report
Reading triumph over Colchester
Goals from Ben House, Josh Barrett and Tyler Frost gave Reading a 3-1 Group G victory over Colchester United, who netted a consolation through Noah Chilvers.
See: Colchester report