Manchester United up next for Altrincham in the controversial competition 'no-one really wants'

Four National League clubs rejected the invite and for there have been several crowds of fewer than 500 people at participating clubs across the opening round of matches. And although there were nearly 800 people at Altrincham’s game against Blackburn Rovers U21 on Tuesday night, it was free entry.

Fans who turned up were rewarded with an entertaining 3-3 draw in normal time, before the Robins secured the bonus point by winning 6-5 on penalties.

Altrincham made nine changes from last weekend’s loss at Braintree but led a chaotic game on three separate occasions through goals from Matty Koslyo, Tom Crawford, and Lucas Weaver. But Rovers continually hit back as Exauce Mafoumbi, Zack Stritch, and Freddie Leatherbarrow all scored to force the game to penalties. Strich hit the crossbar with Blackburn’s second penalty, before Kahrel Reddin’s effort to win the shootout for Alty was saved. But they still won the shootout when Rovers’ Brandon Powell rattled the crossbar.

After the launch of the competition three weeks ago Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson admitted there were more than mixed emotions about the competition. He said: “It is additional games that probably nobody actually wants. But the benefits are there as you get to pit yourselves against some of the best up-and-coming talent in the country.”

There were 783 at Altrincham’s match on Tuesday night, which is the highest so far in the tournament, although tickets were complimentary. By comparison, there were only 455 fans at Oldham Athletic’s 2-1 victory over Stoke City U-21 last week, compared to more than 7,000 at Boundary Park on Saturday for the league.

The competition was only created a month ago with the stated goals of improved elite player development for Premier League sides and financial support for National League clubs. Last season’s top 14 teams from the National League, excluding the two promoted sides, and the two relegated teams were all invited to take part. But Barnet, Eastleigh, Solihull Moors, and Southend rejected the invite.

A statement issued by Eastleigh said: This competition which we feel benefits the richest in the game at the expense of the poorest, many of whom are fighting to survive so on balance we feel the right decision for clubs and fans at this level is to withdraw from the competition.”

The competition’s group stage is divided into four regions, each featuring eight teams – four from the National League and four Premier League 2 sides, with the top two advancing to the knockouts. All matches will be held at National League stadiums and National League teams only face Premier League 2 opposition in this stage.

After a four-game group phase, there are quarter and semi-finals before the final at the start of April. Altrincham’s next National League Cup game is against Manchester United U-21 in mid-November whilst Oldham will host Wolves U-21.