Andy Hessenthaler’s team may have to make a trip to Brighton during the week, but will hope to play twice at Brisbane Road

The draw for the English Football League Trophy, previously named the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, was made this morning and Leyton Orient have been placed in Southern Group G.

Andy Hessenthaler’s team will face League Two rivals Stevenage, who now have Jobi McAnuff in their ranks, and take on local rivals Southend United.

The invited Category One Academy side the O’s will face is Brighton & Hove Albion, of the Championship.

Orient will play Stevenage, Southend and Brighton once with the group games set to take place the weeks commencing August 29, October 3 and November 7.

The top two teams from the group will progress to the knock-out stage with three points on offer for a victory.

If a match finishes as a draw, both sides will receive one point each, but a penalty shoot-out will take place and the winner will earn an extra point.

The new format for the competition, which invited numerous Premier League Academy teams, has been heavily criticised by supporters.

No fixtures have been released as of yet so O’s fans will have to wait and see if they could make a trip to Brighton midweek.

If Orient were to visit the Seagulls, it would see Dean Cox return to the club where he started his professional career.