Cobblers draw West Ham, Coventry and Wycombe in EFL Trophy

Placed in southern section two, Rob Page’s men could have faced long trips to places such as Plymouth, Exeter or Swansea.

As it is, they have been drawn against West Ham United Under-21s, Coventry City and Wycombe Wanderers.

Each team plays each other once, and it hasn’t yet been decided which teams the Cobblers will play at home or away, but there will be no trip to the Olympic Stadium to take on the Hammers youngsters.

The organisers had previously stated that all of the Academy clubs that have been invited to compete would host one of their games at their home ground, but the EFL immediately issued a statement saying West Ham will not play a game at their new east London base.

The Hammers will instead play all of their group games on the road, so will definitely be coming to Sixfields.

Full fixture details will be announced in due course.

The EFL Trophy has replaced what was previously called the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.