It's County in the cup for Blues

A TRIP to struggling Notts County was Ipswich Town's reward for their 1-0 extra-time victory over Kidderminster Harriers in the Carling Cup.

Blues boss Joe Royle welcomed the draw but insisted he would only think about County when the game was due to be played in September.

He said: "It is a good draw for us as we will be expected to win and go through to the third round where the big boys will be waiting.

"But at the moment all I'm concerned about is our league form and getting points."

Billy Dearden's Division Three strugglers disposed of First Division Preston North End after a penalty shoot-out to reach the second round.

Meanwhile, Colchester United will be looking for their first-ever victory over Rotherham at Millmoor so they can go into the third round draw.

The U's, who booked their place in the second round with a 2-1 win over Plymouth at Layer Road in midweek, have only ever beaten the Millers once in 20 attempts, and that was at Layer Road.

Ties, which must be settled on the night, will be played during the week commencing September 22.

Third Division Northampton Town, who disposed of Norwich City last week, go to Premiership new boys Portsmouth.

The Premiership sides in European competitions do not enter the competition until the next round.

Draw in full: Blackpool v Birmingham, Leicester v Crewe, Wigan v Fulham, Sunderland v Huddersfield, Notts County v Ipswich, Wolverhampton v Darlington, Crystal Palace v Doncaster, Hartlepool v West Brom, Bolton v Walsall, Bristol City v Watford, Tranmere v Nottm Forest, Oxford Utd v Reading, Leeds v Swindon, Stoke or Rochdale v Gillingham, Cardiff v West Ham, Everton v Stockport, Charlton v Luton, Rotherham v Colchester, Scunthorpe v Burnley, Sheff Utd v QPR, Wycombe v Aston Villa, Coventry v Tottenham, Middlesbrough v Brighton, Portsmouth v Northampton.

Ties to be played week commencing September 22.