Sunderland have been drawn against Oldham Athletic in the second round of the Papa John’s Trophy.
The Black Cats qualified top of Group F and have been handed a home tie against the Latics as they look to retain their crown.
Despite being beaten on penalties by Bradford City in the last of the group fixtures, Lee Johnson’s side were still able to beat Lincoln to top spot.
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At this stage of the competition, the draw is still split into Northern and Southern sections which explains why Sunderland have been drawn against Oldham.
It will be seen as a kind outcome for the Black Cats who will play statistically the second worst team in the EFL this season.
Keith Curle’s side have really struggled this term and find themselves 23 rd in League Two so they will be apprehensive about any distractions away from league football.
They have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions and will be desperate to bridge the two-point gap between them and football league safety.
The second-round tie will be played at the Stadium of Light week commencing November 29. With the game being played on either the Tuesday or Wednesday evening of that week, it will fall between two league matches.
A trip to face Cambridge will precede the cup match before Sunderland host Morecambe the following weekend.
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