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Notts County have been awarded a 'bye' into the Second Round of this season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

County join Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United, Leeds United, Macclesfield Town, Port Vale, Shrewsbury Town and Tranmere Rovers in being handed an automatic place in Round Two from the Northern Section.

Aldershot Town, Brighton & Hove Albion, Charlton Athletic, Exeter City, Leyton Orient, Southampton, Southend United and Swindon Town were the sides in the Southern Section to get byes.

County have fallen at the First Round hurdle in every season since the 2001/02 season - but will not have to face that prospect this time around.

The First Round draw takes place on Saturday 15 August on Sky Sports' Soccer AM and all First Round ties will be played during the week commencing 31 August 2009.