Wrexham drew 1-1 with Port Vale on Tuesday night and progress to the next round of the EFL Trophy as group winners.
Phil Parkinson had to turn his attention back to cup action on Tuesday night as Wrexham wrapped up the group stage of the EFL Trophy.
Wrexham were already through after beating Salford City and Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21’s, so Tuesday’s clash with Port Vale was a dead rubber.
Parkinson outlined his plans to make 11 changes against Port Vale and he did just that – but an injury to Will Boyle in the warm-up saw Max Cleworth step up.
It was Cleworth who opened the scoring but Rico Richards grabbed a late leveller for Port Vale.
That took the game to penalties with Port Vale coming out on top, but Parkinson won’t be too disheartened after losing on spot kicks.
Wrexham’s potential opponents in EFL Trophy draw
Wrexham now go through with seven points from three games and can look forward to the knockout stages.
Winning the group means Wrexham now have home advantage and will be taking on one of the second-placed teams from the Northern section.
It looked like Wrexham would have a chance to play rivals Tranmere Rovers in the next round.
Rivals Tranmere Rovers progressed behind Stockport County in Group A but the latest draw split means this game is no longer possible.
Bradford City lost 1-0 to Rotherham United on Tuesday night and they are one of just four teams Wrexham can now draw.
Fellow Yorkshire side Huddersfield Town are also a potential opponent for Wrexham, alongside Crewe Alexandra and Lincoln City.
| All potential EFL Trophy opponents for Wrexham |
| Crewe Alexandra |
| Huddersfield Town |
| Lincoln City |
| Bradford City |
When does the EFL Trophy draw take place?
The EFL have now confirmed that the draw for the next round comes on Friday 22 November.
The draw will be made in the build-up to Plymouth Argyle’s Championship clash against Watford.
Wrexham will feel confident against any of the four potential opponents in the next round of the EFL Trophy, with two from League One and two from League Two.
Wrexham are already out of the FA Cup and League Cup, so don’t be surprised to see Parkinson take this competition more seriously as the final draws closer.