The format is similar to that which has been used since 1996, with four first round regions; North-West, North-East, South-West and South-East; which were used for the first time in the second region, before a two-region format from the area quarter-finals (3rd round); North and South.
The competition was won by Southampton who defeated Carlisle United 4–1 in the final.
Aldershot Town, Brighton & Hove Albion, Charlton Athletic, Exeter City, Leyton Orient, Southampton, Southend United, Swindon Town.
The Second Round draw took place on 5 September 2009, with matches to be played in the week commencing 5 October 2009.
The area finals, which serve as the semi-finals for the entire competition, were contested over two legs, home and away.