Vertu Trophy semi-final draw, Birmingham City's possible opponents and prize money
Birmingham City took another step towards a day out at Wembley as they beat Stevenage in the EFL Trophy quarter final
Birmingham City are through to the semi-finals of the Vertu Trophy, and a day out at Wembley draws ever closer, after they edged out League One counterparts Stevenage on Tuesday night. Jay Stansfield scored the only goal of the game in the final ten minutes to set up a semi-final tie, which Blues will partake in later this month.
Blues eased into the next round after being placed in a group with Walsall, Fulham under 21s and Shrewsbury Town. Since then, they have beaten Exeter City in the last 32 and then beat League Two Swindon Town in the last 16.
Booking their place in the semi, Chris Davies' men are currently joined by League Two Bradford City, who knocked out League One Rotherham United while Blues were down at Stevenage. Wrexham beat Port Vale, but that was a last 16 tie with the Red Dragons playing catch up - they are now in a quarter final tie against Bolton Wanderers.
Possible opponents
There is no more regionalising of the draw now that we have reached the final four of the competition, meaning Blues could be home or away to one of a number of possible opponents in the semi-finals.
Bradford, as mentioned, are one side Blues could face off against as they look to tee up their trip to Wembley. Peterborough United dramatically prevailed over Cheltenham Town on Wednesday night, winning 3-2, while Bolton and Wrexham play each other next week.
At the time of writing, then, Blues have four different opponents they could be drawn out of the hat to play, with ties elsewhere in the quarter finals yet to be decided.
When is the draw?
The draw will take place live on Sky Sports at 11:45 on Saturday morning, before the Championship game between Sunderland and Watford.
Prize money
Vertu, who took over from Bristol Street Motors as the competition's sponsor midway through this season, have committed to investing almost £3m into this competition, which makes for an attractive overall prize pot.
Blues have banked a few quid already for their exploits in this competition; it's £10,000 a group stage win and £5,000 if it goes to penalties. Blues collected £25,000 for their haul in the groups as well as the £20,000 given to every club who entered the competition in the first place.
Since, they won £20,000 more when beating Exeter City in the last 32 and then £40,000 when easing past Swindon. Blues then claimed £50,000 for winning the quarter final against Stevenage, accumulating more than £150,000 thus far. You bank £100,000 if you win the final at Wembley, while the runners up get £50,000.
Key dates
Vertu Trophy Semi–final – w/c February 17
Vertu Trophy Final – w/c April 13