Clubs Move Closer To Wembley After Vertu Trophy Draw
The draw for the Round of 32 for the 2024/25 Vertu Trophy has thrown up some interesting ties as the competition moves into the knockout phase.
Friday’s draw saw the 16 group winners across the Northern and Southern sections drawn against a runner-up from the same half of the draw, which remains regionalised until the semi-final stage – which is the first opportunity teams from the two different regions to meet.
The Northern section of the draw sees arguably the tie of the round after Doncaster Rovers were drawn against Port Vale – with both teams currently flying high towards the top of League Two.
League One promotion hopefuls Wrexham face a tricky tie against Crewe Alexandra, with League Two strugglers Morecambe – who moved off the bottom of the table this weekend – getting the chance to go up against League One play-off hopefuls Lincoln City.
Bradford, who fell at the semi-final stage last season, will pay a visit to League One promotion chasers Stockport County whilst Blackpool – who were also beaten in the semi-finals in 2024 – will face off against the only remaining Academy side in the shape of Aston Villa U21.
| Northern Section | ||
| Morecambe | v | Lincoln City |
| Wrexham | v | Crewe Alexandra |
| Stockport County | v | Bradford City |
| Bolton Wanderers | v | Huddersfield Town |
| Rotherham United | v | Tranmere Rovers |
| Blackpool | v | Aston Villa U21 |
| Chesterfield | v | Wigan Athletic |
| Doncaster Rovers | v | Port Vale |
The Southern section draw will see defending champions Peterborough United continue their quest to make a return to Wembley against Northampton Town at London Road, with Exeter City against Birmingham City expected to be another tie to keep an eye on.
Wycombe Wanderers – who sit four points clear in League One – will look to maintain their bid to go one better than last year against League Two strugglers Swindon Town at Adams Park, whilst Walsall go up against Reading in another tie to keep an eye on.
| Southern Section | ||
| Wycombe Wanderers | v | Swindon Town |
| Peterborough United | v | Northampton Town |
| Charlton Athletic | v | Leyton Orient |
| Walsall | v | Reading |
| Cheltenham Town | v | Cambridge United |
|
Colchester United |
v | AFC Wimbledon |
| Burton Albion | v | Stevenage |
| Exeter City | v | Birmingham City |
Fixtures will be played the week starting 9 December.