Boston United have been handed a high-profile tie after being drawn at home to West Ham United’s under-21 side in the quarter-finals of the National League Cup.
The Pilgrims are one of seven National League sides to reach the last eight, with West Ham’s youngsters the only non-league outfit still involved. The tie will be played on Tuesday January 27, with the winners progressing to the semi-finals of a tournament that now has a clear pathway to the latter stages.
The National League Cup, revived for the 2024–25 season, brings together 16 National League clubs and 16 under-21 sides from Premier League 2. The aim of the competition is twofold. For National League clubs, it offers additional competitive fixtures, gate income, and the opportunity to test themselves against academy sides from top-flight clubs. For the Premier League outfits, it provides their under-21 players with exposure to senior football in more physical, demanding environments than traditional youth competitions.
The format is group-based in the opening phase. Each group contains four National League clubs and four Premier League 2 sides, with National League teams hosting all of their group fixtures at home. Each side plays four matches, and the top two from each group advance to the quarter-finals. From that point onwards, the competition becomes straight knockout football.
Boston’s reward for navigating the group stage is a visit from West Ham United’s under-21s, a side that will arrive at the Jakemans Community Stadium with technical quality and pace, but without the experience of National League football week in, week out. It sets up an intriguing contrast of styles, and one that has become a defining feature of the competition since its return.
Elsewhere in the quarter-final draw, Boreham Wood will face Brackley Town, Truro City host Braintree Town, and Tamworth, who recorded a perfect group stage record, welcome FC Halifax Town to The Lamb. With holders Leeds United under-21s already eliminated, the tournament is guaranteed to produce new winners this season.
Bob Lord Trophy
While the current format is relatively new, the competition itself has deep roots. Originally founded in 1979 as the Bob Lord Challenge Trophy, it was created alongside the formation of the Alliance Premier League. Over the years, it has been known by several names, including the Conference League Cup and the Setanta Shield, before disappearing and eventually being revived in its current form.
That history includes Imps involvement during their non-league years. In the 1987–88 edition of the Bob Lord Trophy, City beat Bedworth United and Matlock Town before being eliminated following a 2-1 defeat against Telford United. It is a reminder that, while the branding and structure may change, the competition has long provided meaningful fixtures for clubs operating outside the Football League.
For Boston United, the focus now turns to making home advantage count. A place in the semi-finals awaits, and with Premier League opposition coming to Lincolnshire, the National League Cup has delivered a tie that blends novelty, challenge, and genuine competitive value.
Or, as some Imps fans might see it, blends all the worst things about teams we’ve played in the last decade – non-league and Under 21s!