Town assistant manager Stuart Taylor admitted it was a relief to see the Blues paired with Peterborough United in Saturday’s Leasing.com Trophy second-round draw with somewhat lengthier trips also having been possible.

Having finished second in their first-round group, Town were certain to be away against one of four clubs, Posh and the MK Dons relatively close by and the farther-flung Exeter City and Bristol Rovers.

Town will travel to London Road on a date in the first week of December which will be set once the two clubs have played their FA Cup first-round replays.

“In terms of miles, it’s quite close by,” Taylor said. “It’s probably the closest it could have been.

“That was probably our biggest fear, getting a draw that was so far away that it would hamper how our working week would have to be. So in the grand scheme of things we’re fine with the draw and it’s close by.”

Reflecting on the team which lost 1-0 at Colchester last week, he added: “I think the back four was the strongest as it could be with Tomas [Holy] in goals, back five, Janoi [Donacien], Willo [James Wilson], Toto [Nsiala] and Myles Kenlock, then we had Emyr [Huws] in there as well.

“I think it was a strong team, the basis of it. Obviously, Brett McGavin made his debut and Ben Folami played [his first senior game since April 2018].

“I thought Brett McGavin did really, really well in the game. He’s actually probably opened their eyes to the possibilities of how well he actually did.

“Never doubted him in any way, but it was great to see how much control he had in the game, how he handled the occasion.

“Going forward, it was great, it was a massive, massive tick for the academy again. Great to see the younger ones coming through.

“These games are for people to catch up on game time. Toto’s been out injured for a long, long time. Toto probably needs five or six games to get back to being what we know and love about the big man and how good he is at defending.

“Willo’s done great since he’s been in as well and at times has gone in and done really well to come back out again through the rotation.

“It is what it is and we’re trying to find a successful way of making it work this season.”

Photo: TWTD

SitfcB added 18:19 - Nov 18 Wouldn't have had to have feared anything had Lambert gone for the win at Colchester.
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hoppy added 18:23 - Nov 18 Exactly sitters... although I was thinking on seeing the headline "Taylor: Our Fear Was Getting A Draw Which Would Have Hampered Our Working Week" that he was talking about their pre-match chat before the FA Cup home game against Lincoln - where a draw has meant a hampered working week this week having to unnecessarily go to Lincoln for a replay.
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kozmik added 18:28 - Nov 18 Please keep Toto away from the first team!
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jas0999 added 18:34 - Nov 18 The club really are missing the point. The away trip was so unnecessary. We should have made sure of topping the group and played at home. Now it's a midweek trip for the fans as well as the club. Would have served the club right to draw a Exeter away!
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Toronto_Tractor added 21:57 - Nov 18 Dear lord... I think its fair game to argue the rotation policy for league games but to get upset about a second string team playing in this mickey mouse competition is absolutely ridiculous. This competition is a joke and can only be seen as an opportunity for youngsters to play and people seem to forget we would have topped the group if it wasnt for a 50 yard fluke. How on earth will we cope after our bench warmers/reserves travel for 1hr 45 minutes on a week day??!! Negativity is an addiction that can be tough to shake. Support the team. See the bigger picture.

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maninashed added 16:26 - Nov 19 It might be a Mickey Mouse competition but I bet 20000 plus would go to a final. I do believe that we should go out to win every game.
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