The Johnstone's Paint Trophy tournament was previously known as the LDV Vans Trophy and is contested between League 1, League 2 and some Conference clubs. Doncaster Rovers were victorious in 2007 and were one of the teams to take this competition seriously, becoming the first Yorkshire club to lift a 'major trophy' in 11 years! MK Dons were the winners in 2008, beating fellow League 2 team Grimsby, demonstrating that League 1 teams don’t give their all for these matches!
 
An edge can certainly be stolen over the bookmakers on this event, especially as relatively few bets are taken on what is regarded as a minor tournament. By reaching the 2007 final, League 2 side Bristol Rovers demonstrated the importance of regularly disregarding league form and instead focusing on manager and player comments regarding each forthcoming tie.

While the lure of a Wembley final appeals to many teams, others are more pre-occupied with domestic matters, especially those at the top of their tables. Teams that have won the Football League Trophy this century include Swansea, Wrexham, Bristol City, Port Vale and Blackpool (twice). Such a varied range of winners suggest we shouldn’t be punting large stakes on these matches!