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The two National League teams who could compete in 20/21 Scottish Challenge Cup

The two National League teams who could compete in 20/21 Scottish Challenge Cup have been reported following the ending of the 19/20 campaign.

It was in the 18/19 season that saw the introduction of non league sides from England, they were Boreham Wood and Sutton United who joined teams from Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with the Scottish Premiership Under-20s and sides from the Championship, League One and League Two, plus clubs from the Highland and Lowland League.

Those two English sides qualified for the competition as they were the highest ranking in the National League not to have been promoted the previous season. They each received an invitation to take part.

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Boreham Wood fell at the first hurdle – the second round – losing 6-5 on penalties following a 0-0 draw against Dunfermline in the first round, played out at Meadow Park in Hertfordshire. Check out those highlights below.

Sutton United got one further, beating Airdrieonians 1-0 away from home in the second round, then were defeated 4-3 on penalties at Bohemians following a goalless draw.

For the 19/20 season, Wrexham along with Solihull Moors made their debut in the tournament at the third round stage.

Hosts Wrexham beat Ayr United 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, then won 4-1 against St Mirren U21 in the fourth round, before losing 2-0 at Rangers against their under 21 side in the quarter final.

Solihull travelled to Kelty Hearts and came away with a win, however it had to go to penalties, which the Birmingham based side won 4-2 after drawing 1-1 in normal time. Their cup run was short lived however after being beaten by Rangers U21 4-3 on penalties, after a 3-3 draw.

If the Scottish Challenge Cup goes ahead for the 20/21 season, the two National League teams who could compete in the normal format of the Scottish Challenge Cup are Notts County and Yeovil Town, should they accept an invitation.

There are doubts that the current format for the 2020/21 cup will go ahead due to the start dates and hectic fixture schedule.

After appearing on the BBC Radio Scotland’s Scottish Football Podcast, SPFL chief Neil Doncaster discussed the future of the competition.

When asked whether there will be space for the competition and if other teams away from Scottish will be allowed, Doncaster said: “Yes there will be room. We’re hoping to get that competition away, it’s an important part of the calendar.

“I’m not so sure we’ll be expecting international teams to participate in the competition this year.”

Replying to Doncaster’s answer, the presenter claimed some may welcome that news.

“Some will some won’t, there are different views about the international teams and certainly talking to a lot of fans they really enjoyed their trips to far-flung places in Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland and England in recent seasons.”

No start date has yet been pencilled in for the Cymru Premier and NIFL Premiership and that could create a dilemma in organising cross-border fixtures.

Vanarama National League sides have a working start date of Saturday the 3rd of October and the League of Ireland resumed this weekend.

A start date of October the 17th for the Scottish Championship, League One and League Two, there could be a congested fixture list for clubs.

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