CATS TO TAKE ON MAGPIES IN CUP
SUNDERLAND will host Newcastle United U21s in the third round of the Checkatrade Trophy.
That was the standout tie when the draw was made by pundits Alan McInally and Matt Le Tissier as part of Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday coverage yesterday.
Jack Ross’ Black Cats beat Notts County 2-0 in midweek to progress to the last 16, while Newcastle U21s saw off Sol Campbell’s Macclesfield on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The third round draw was again regionalised and there are three other ties in the Northern section.
John Coleman’s Accrington Stanley, who knocked out holders Lincoln, have been rewarded with a home tie against League Two outfit Bury.
Last term’s beaten finalists Shrewsbury make the trip to Port Vale, who saw off Stoke U21s in a Potteries derby, and Rochdale or Oldham can look forward to a visit from Manchester City U21s.
Dale and the Latics meet on Tuesday at 7pm.
In the Southern section, League One leaders Portsmouth face a tricky trip to divisional rivals Southend, while League Two Northampton host third tier Bristol Rovers.
Steve Evans’ Peterborough are on the road again following their midweek victory at Exeter. This time, they head to London to take on Chelsea U21s at Stamford Bridge.
League Two outfit Cheltenham have a home tie against either Oxford or Tottenham U21s. The U’s and Spurs’ youngsters meet on Tuesday, December 18.
Third round fixtures will be played in the week beginning Monday, January 7, and winning clubs will pick up £40,000 in prize money.
The third round is the final round of this season’s competition with regionalised fixtures.
The final has been scheduled for March 31 at Wembley.