TOWN will return north to face Leeds United in the Carling Cup almost a year to the day that they suffered a heartbreaking exit at the hands of the then Premiership outfit.

Last night's second-round draw handed Andy King's men another trip to Elland Road, with skipper Matt Hewlett describing the draw as football's equivalent of 'Groundhog Day'.

Town were seconds away from a famous win at the home of the now Championship side at the same stage of the competition last September, until goalkeeper Paul Robinson headed home a dramatic equaliser to make it 2-2 and take the tie into extra-time.

Leeds eventually scraped through to the third round after a penalty shoot-out.

King's men were eliminated but won a lot of friends at Elland Road in the process, and Leeds were even linked with a move for Sam Parkin over the summer.

The likes of Robinson, Alan Smith and Ian Harte, who all played that night, have since moved on, but the tie still gives Town a taste of the big time with gates at Elland Road topping 30,000 despite relegation.

As well as another big night out for the fans, the potential gate receipts should also bring a smile to the faces of the County Ground directors.

Hewlett, whose last-gasp winner at Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday booked Town's second-round spot, is delighted.

He said: "It's like Groundhog Day. I can't really believe it. We went there last year and really did ourselves justice. We were seconds away from winning the game and here we are with another chance to try and beat them.

"It should be a great night for players and supporters.

"A lot of Leeds' big names have moved on since we played there, but they've still got a lot of good players in the side.

"I think we have to go there with the same positive attitude as we did last year. I just hope lady luck will be with us this time."

Bart Griemink's late dismissal at Elland Road last year saw Rhys Evans enter the fray as a late substitute.

And he said: "It's amazing the things football can throw at you sometimes. It gives us an opportunity to go back and finish what we started."

The match will take place on either Tuesday, September 21 or Wednesday, September 22.