Cobblers handed home clash with MK Dons in Papa John's Trophy

The Cobblers will entertain neighbour Milton Keynes Dons in the last 16 of the Papa John's Trophy.
The Cobblers will take on Milton Keynes Dons in the last 16 of the Papa John's Trophy. The two teams met in the group stage in September (Picture: Pete Norton)The Cobblers will take on Milton Keynes Dons in the last 16 of the Papa John's Trophy. The two teams met in the group stage in September (Picture: Pete Norton)
The Cobblers will take on Milton Keynes Dons in the last 16 of the Papa John's Trophy. The two teams met in the group stage in September (Picture: Pete Norton)

The draw was made live on Talksport 2 on Thursday morning, with former Stoke City, Preston North End and Hill City striker Jon Parkin doing the honours.

Town, who reached the southern section third round stage with a 2-1 win at Exeter City on Tuesday night, were drawn at home to face Russell Martin's side, with the tie set to take place in the week beginning January 11.

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The two sides have already met twice this season, having also played each other in the group stages of the competition.

On that occasion at Stadium MK in early September it was Milton Keynes who emerged victorious, winning 3-1, while the Sky Bet League One encounter between the sides at the PTS Academy Stadium at the beginning of last month ended in a 0-0 draw.

As the Covid-19 regulations currently stand, 2,000 home supporters would be allowed into watch the game.

The Cobblers are just three wins away from a Wembley final, as this year there will be no two-legged area final.

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The competition also loses the north-south groups at the last eight stage, when it becomes an open draw.

Elsewhere in the southern section, Peterborough United were handed a home tie against Portsmouth, Bristol Rovers host AFC Wimbledon and Cambridge United go to Oxford United.

The northern section draw saw the last remaining under-21 side in the competition, Leicester City, handed a trip to league two Tranmere Rovers.

The other ties see Sunderland host Port Vale, Accrington Stanley travel to Lincoln and league one leaders Hull City entertain Fleetwood Town.