For the second straight season, NEWPORT County AFC will play West Ham United Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
The Exiles were previously aware that they will be playing in Group H of the competition against Reading and Cheltenham, with teams combining to reduce travel.
They now have another game at Rodney Parade and a journey to either Whaddon Road or Berkshire, where they will meet the young Hammers, who defeated them 1-0 in Newport last October.
Last season, the Exiles were punished for their wastefulness against West Ham when Gideon Kodua scored the game’s winning goal in a match that ended in brawls.
The tournament, which is highly criticised but does offer financial incentives, will see the top two go to the knockout stages.
EFL clubs receive £20,000 for entering the competition, £10,000 for each victory during the qualifying rounds, and £5,000 in the event of a tie.
Earnings: £20,000 for a victory in the round of 32, £40,000 for the last 16, £50,000 for the quarterfinals, £50,000 for the runners-up at Wembley, and £100,000 for the winners.
