Northern section Chesterfield, Macclesfield Town, Morecambe, Notts County, Oldham Athletic, Preston North End, Rochdale, Rotherham United.

The second round draw took place on 3 September 2011, with matches played in the week commencing 3 October 2011.

The area quarter finals draw took place on 8 October 2011, with matches played in the week commencing 8 November 2011.

The area semi finals draw took place on 12 November 2011, with matches played in the week commencing 5 December 2011.

The area finals, which serve as the semi-finals for the entire competition, were contested over two legs, home and away.