The Round of 32 in the Vertu Trophy has been confirmed, setting up a compelling set of ties across the competition as clubs chase a place in the last 16.
The draw, made on Thursday afternoon, produced several intriguing fixtures across both regional sections.
For many clubs, the focus now shifts from group stage experimentation to genuine knockout jeopardy as the pathway towards the latter rounds becomes clearer.
Northern Section: Lincoln and Doncaster Land Home Ties
Lincoln City were handed one of the standout ties of the round as they prepare to host Huddersfield Town. The Imps qualified as group winners after a faultless record and were rewarded with a home fixture, although the challenge is significant.
The game is a repeat of their 1994 clash, which produced the first-ever Golden Goal in English football. The clubs have evolved considerably since then, yet the meeting still carries a sense of unfinished business from a Lincoln perspective.
Elsewhere in the northern section, Doncaster Rovers will host Chesterfield at the Eco Power Stadium after topping their group with 3 wins from 3. Grant McCann’s side defeated Bradford City earlier in the week to secure home advantage, and the draw has paired Rovers with opponents they also face in the FA Cup second round.
It means the 2 clubs will meet twice in quick succession, heightening the competitive stakes for a tie that already promises intensity. Other ties in the northern half include Port Vale against Barnsley, Harrogate Town at home to Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers hosting Bradford City and Crewe Alexandra welcoming Stockport County.
Southern Section: Champions Peterborough Handed Tricky Away Trip
In the southern half of the draw, defending champions Peterborough United were given one of the toughest assignments of the round. They will travel to Swindon Town, a side performing strongly in League Two and carrying momentum that makes them a dangerous opponent. The Posh lifted the trophy last season after defeating the seemingly invincible Birmingham City, but the pressure to retain their crown will be tested immediately by a Swindon side that has developed a reputation for upsetting higher division clubs in cup competitions.
The rest of the southern section produced a balanced mix of matchups. Bristol Rovers host Cambridge United, Cardiff City welcome AFC Wimbledon and Northampton Town take on Wycombe Wanderers. The remaining group features Colchester United at home to West Ham United Under 21s, Luton Town against Exeter City, Stevenage facing Walsall and Leyton Orient hosting Plymouth Argyle.
Every tie in the round will take place during the week commencing Monday, 1st December, with exact dates and kick-off times to be confirmed by individual clubs.
| Section | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Northern Section A | Lincoln City v Huddersfield Town |
| Northern Section A | Doncaster Rovers v Chesterfield |
| Northern Section A | Tranmere Rovers v Fleetwood Town |
| Northern Section A | Salford City v Rotherham United |
| Northern Section B | Port Vale v Barnsley |
| Northern Section B | Harrogate Town v Blackpool |
| Northern Section B | Bolton Wanderers v Bradford City |
| Northern Section B | Crewe Alexandra v Stockport County |
| Southern Section A | Bristol Rovers v Cambridge United |
| Southern Section A | Swindon Town v Peterborough United |
| Southern Section A | Cardiff City v AFC Wimbledon |
| Southern Section A | Northampton Town v Wycombe Wanderers |
| Southern Section B | Colchester United v West Ham United U21 |
| Southern Section B | Luton Town v Exeter City |
| Southern Section B | Stevenage v Walsall |
| Southern Section B | Leyton Orient v Plymouth Argyle |
