Port Vale have this morning found out which regional group the club has been drawn in for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first round.

The Valiants have been allocated a place in the Northern Section – West, along with Accrington Stanley, Bury, Carlisle United, Morecambe, Oldham Athletic, Shrewsbury Town and Walsall.

First round byes have been awarded to Blackpool, Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town and Wigan Athletic.

The draw for the opening stage of the competition will be made live on Sky Sports’ Soccer AM on Saturday between 10am and 12pm. 

The ties will be played week commencing Monday 31st August.

Last season, Vale went out of the competition at Deepdale as Preston North End inflicted a 3-2 defeat on Rob Page's side.