League One club Hartlepool United have been handed a bye in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy cup competition.
The draw for the opening stage of the regionalised competition will take place on the morning of Saturday, August 18.
Pools were knocked out at the first hurdle last season following a 2-0 defeat at Scunthorpe but will pass immediately to the second round this time.























© 2013 - British Sky Broadcasting Ltd