The draw for the first-ever National League Cup semi-finals has been announced, as the inaugural tournament reaches its penultimate stage.
Three clubs from the National League - Altrincham, Braintree Town and Sutton United - have been joined in the last four by Leeds United's Premier League 2 side. The two ties will be as follows:
National League Cup semi-final draw
Altrincham v Leeds United
Braintree Town v Sutton United
Altrincham have been drawn at home to Leeds, while the other one-legged semi-final is an all-National League affair as Braintree host Sutton United.
Sutton advanced in style with a comprehensive 3-0 win over a Manchester United side that had kept a 100 per cent record in the group stage (pictured). Braintree edged past Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 thanks to a goal in each half.
Altrincham reached the last four after defeating Newcastle United on penalties following a dramatic 3-3 draw in the quarter-finals. Leeds booked their semi-final place with a 3-1 win against Aldershot Town.
The dates of the ties, which are due to be completed by 2 April, will be confirmed in due course. If the matches are level after 90 minutes, extra-time and, if necessary, penalties will be used to separate the two teams.
What is the National League Cup?
The National League Cup was formed this season by the Premier League and the National League. It features the first teams of National League clubs and the PL2 sides of clubs from the Premier League and EFL Championship.
The competition is designed to give young players from Premier League and EFL clubs additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition, with the aim of further aiding elite player development.
The cup, which began in October, also offers an opportunity for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best Under-21 teams in England at their own stadiums, with this additional exposure intended to improve the playing and spectating experience, as well as the clubs’ growth and sustainability.
National League clubs will also keep all gate receipts from these fixtures.
What is the competition's format?
The National League Cup is a 32-team midweek competition, comprising 16 Under-21 teams participating in PL2, and 16 first teams from clubs participating in the National League.
The competition consists of a group stage (four groups of eight), with the two best-placed teams in each group advancing to a knockout stage to determine the winner.
Non-League Day
This week, the Premier League will be once again showing its support to non-league football with promotion of Non-League Day.
Non-League Day, which began in 2010, is an annual celebration of the football pyramid. It encourages as many fans as possible to support their local non-league sides on a weekend of international football when there is no Premier League or Championship action.
The Premier League has provided £23.6 million over four years to the National League and its 72 clubs.
Through the Premier League Stadium Fund, more than £207 million in grants has been awarded to over 1,000 men’s and women’s clubs throughout the English Football League, National League and football pyramid.
