Accrington ST will begin their 2026 EFL Trophy campaign against Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland U21 after the group stage draw was confirmed. The League Two side, who finished 16th last season with 53 points, will look to improve on their recent form after ending the 2025 campaign with two consecutive losses (LDDLL).
What are Accrington ST's group stage fixtures?
Accrington ST have been drawn in Group North - 1 alongside Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland U21. Their fixtures are: - Sheffield Wednesday vs Accrington ST - Accrington ST vs Sunderland U21 - Salford City vs Accrington ST
The group stage matches will take place throughout August and September, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
Why this draw matters for Accrington ST
After a challenging 2025 season where they scored 47 goals and conceded 58, Accrington ST will see the EFL Trophy as an opportunity to gain momentum. The competition allows them to face higher-level opposition, including Premier League U21 sides, which can help develop their squad.
What comes next for Accrington ST?
With the new League Two season approaching, Accrington ST will balance their EFL Trophy commitments with league ambitions. Manager John Coleman will aim to address the defensive issues that saw them finish with a -11 goal difference last season. The club will also look to bounce back from their final-day 3-0 loss to Oldham (2026-05-02).
