Crewe Get Grimsby

Crewe have been drawn against Grimsby in the first round of the Carling Cup. The draw took place earlier today under the revamped system. The 72 Football League teams entered in the draw were equally divided into a northern and southern section. The highest placed 36 teams in last season’s Football League were then seeded, and each of those sides were drawn against an unseeded side.

Crewe will face the League Two play-off finalists at Blundell Park during the week commencing 21st August. Crewe will be hoping to fare better this time around than they did against League Two opposition at this stage of the competition last year, as Lincoln battered us 5-1.

Local boys Chester face an exciting trip to Elland Road to take on Leeds, whilst Accrington Stanley host the two-time European Champions Nottingham Forest. Macclesfield will travel to Leicester, Stoke will host Darlington and Port Vale will have home advantage against Preston.