Derbies popular in Carling Cup draw

Relegated West Ham and Blackpool will meet Aldershot and Sheffield Wednesday respectively in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Holders Birmingham, the other team to be demoted to the Championship for the 2011/12 season, have a bye through to the third round due to their participation in the Europa League.

There are several local derbies scattered throughout the draw, with Steve McLaren’s Nottingham Forest up against local rivals Notts County.

Leeds United are at home to Bradford City, while Swindon Town travel a short distance to face south west rivals Bristol City.

The most recent additions to the football league, Crawley Town and AFC Wimbledon, meet in a preliminary round tie on July 29.

Awaiting them in the first round are Championship club Crystal Palace.

Brighton and Hove Albion, prior tenants at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium, will welcome their former hosts to the newly opened Falmer Stadium.