The fixtures for the National League Cup semi-finals have been announced, with games scheduled for Tuesday 17 February and Wednesday 18 February. West Ham United remain the only PL2 side still in contention for the trophy.
National League Cup semi-final draw
Boreham Wood v Truro City
Tamworth v West Ham United PL2
What is the National League Cup?
The National League Cup was formed last season by the Premier League and the National League and features the first teams of National League clubs and PL2 sides.
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.
It 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 spectator experience, as well as aid the clubs’ growth and sustainability.
National League clubs also keep all gate receipts from these fixtures.
What's 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.
When a match in the knockout stages is tied at full time, the result is determined by a penalty shoot-out.
When is the final?
The final will be played on either 17 or 18 March.
It will be hosted at the main stadium of one of the National League clubs that progress from the semi-finals.
The host club will be determined by a random draw conducted following the conclusion of the semi-finals.