SWINDON Town have been drawn against Crystal Palace Under-21s in Southern Group E of the EFL Trophy this season.

The Eagles' academy side, managed by former Palace player Paddy McCarthy, will be hoping to improve on last year's showing when they managed just one win on their way to ending the group stage bottom of the pile behind Sutton United, Portsmouth, and AFC Wimbledon.

Town and Palace will also take on Bristol Rovers and Plymouth Argyle in the controversial third domestic cup competition.

Town won their respective group last season thanks to nine points and some comprehensive performances over Arsenal U21, Newport County and Plymouth.

But after reaching the knockout stage for the first time since the 2017-18 edition, Ben Garner's men lost 2-1 to League Two rivals Colchester United.

The three group-stage rounds are set to take place on August 31, September 21, and October 19.