The seven teams Town could be paired with in the second round of the Leasing.com Trophy have been confirmed following tonight’s matches.
The Blues will be away from home in the round of 32 as a result of Colchester’s victory at the JobServe Community Stadium last night having seen the U’s finish top of the group and Town second.
Paul Lambert’s men will therefore travel to play one of the other southern group table-toppers. Portsmouth, Brighton and Hove Albion U21s, Walsall, MK Dons and Peterborough United were all confirmed winners last night, while Exeter City sealed their place at the top of their group by beating West Ham’s U21s 3-1 at St James’ Park this evening.
Meanwhile, Bristol Rovers leapt ahead of Chelsea’s U21s by beating Swindon 1-0 at home to top their group.
Second round ties will take place in the first week of December. Unlike in the group stage, Premier League U21s sides in the competition play home games in the knockout phase.
The draw for the second round will take place live on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday at 2pm with former Colchester striker Clinton Morrison and ex-England midfielder Sue Smith in charge of picking the balls from the bowl.