Words John Edwards | Pictures Ben Roberts

A sell-out crowd under the lights, quality football from both sides and free admission for everyone - that sporting rarity of a competitive fixture between Altrincham and a Manchester United Xl certainly lived up to expectations earlier this week.

It was a night when the National League Cup well and truly captured the public's imagination, as the Robins went toe-to-toe with potential United stars of the future and matched them in all departments except the one that matters most.

While chance after chance went unconverted at one end, three stunning finishes at the other from hat-trick winger Ethan Ennis gave United's youngsters the points and left Alty empty-handed, but what a spectacle for the 3,663 fans who crammed into The J.Davidson Stadium to set a new attendance record for the competition.

And the good news is, we're going to do it all over again in just over a week's time after securing new match sponsors for our next group game in the form of renowned real estate consultants OBI.

That's another night of exciting cup-tie action under the Moss Lane lights free of charge as Alty face Stoke City under-21s at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday December 3rd, kicking off at 7.30pm.

OBI founder and CEO Will Lewis is a born-and-bred Stoke fan, and the club are hugely appreciative of his thriving company's generous backing and looking forward to welcoming him to our home ground to watch his beloved Potters take on Phil Parkinson's in-form Robins, who were on a five-match unbeaten run prior to Tuesday night.

Will, who oversaw a recent expansion of Manchester-based OBI with the acquisition of Warrington's BE Group, is eagerly anticipating sampling the special atmosphere of Tuesday night football at Alty.

"I moved to the Altrincham area 20 years ago and have always had a soft spot for Alty as the local team," he said. "It’s great that Stoke are coming to town and we are look forward to seeing our young talent face up against the in-form Robins."

Alty CEO Sam Mackenzie is looking forward to another great night of free football at The J.Davidson Stadium.

"This is an amazing partnership and I love that Will is a Stoke fan, though I should warn him, he'll be leaving as an Alty fan! To be able to open our doors for free for the third time in this competition is simply wonderful.

"We have been able to welcome so many new people into The J.Davidson Stadium, standing alongside our own amazing supporters. I can't wait to welcome everyone on December 3rd."

After one win and one defeat so far, Alty need the points to rekindle their hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages, and they will be heartened by the prospect of another bumper crowd after OBI's sponsorship enabled us to offer free entry.

Click here to claim your free ticket and enjoy more National League Cup football at The J.Davidson Stadium.