Magpies to make National League Cup bow at home to Fulham u21s

Maidenhead United are back in action this evening (Tuesday) as they kick off their involvement in the inaugural National League Cup against Fulham u21s.

The Magpies are one of 16 National League teams to enter the competition which pits non-league sides against 16 Premier League 2 (u21s) teams.

United's first match is against Fulham u21s this evening at York Road (October 1, 7.30pm kick-off), while Brighton, Southampton, Aldershot, Wealdstone and Woking have also been drawn in their group. Reading u21s had also been due to play in their group but have pulled out of the competition.

Maidenhead fans should note that their season tickets are not valid for National League Cup matches, however, tickets for the games are available at a reduced price of £10 for adults and £5 for concessions - including ages 14-22). U14s - with an accompanying adult - are free.

Complimentary carer tickets are also available on request.

Once you have booked your match ticket, please email social@maidenheadunitedfc.org with your booking reference number to request your carers ticket or call 01628 636314 (option 1).

Tickets can be purchased online here or are available at the turnstile at the above prices with cash or card on the day.

The competition - which runs from October through to April - isn't likely to be high on Maidenhead's list of priorities this season, while other National League clubs have opted not to play. Barnet, Eastleigh, Solihull Moors and Southend have also decided not to take up their places in the competition, with Dagenham & Redbridge, Wealdstone, Woking and Ebbsfleet taking their place.

Among the Premier League 2 teams taking part in the competition are Manchester United. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The tournament will take the format of eight groups of four, with the top two sides from each group going through to the knockout matches.

The groups are largely localised. See the full list of groups below.

The National League Cup groups pic.twitter.com/G213KqvaEg

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As in the EFL Trophy, the Premier League 2 sides will play all their matches away from home - with the hosts keeping all the gate receipts.

The combined prize fund for the cup is £1m, provided by the Premier League, and all money will be kept by National League clubs.

The competition kicks off this week (Tuesday October 1 and Wednesday, October 2) with the final set to take place on either Tuesday, April 1 or Wednesday, April 2.

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The competition has not been without its controversy. Eastleigh, currently fourth in the National League, were one of the clubs to decline a place.

Their rational for this is that National League teams receive no compensation for their young players, some of whom would feature in the competition. They also believe the financial reward for playing in the cup is negligible and they don't believe there is a huge appetite for the competition from supporters of either National League or Premier League sides

The fixtures get under way from October and run through until April - a time in the season where clubs could be competing in the FA Trophy, FA Cup or fighting for promotion or survival.

Eastleigh believe they would also have to increase their squad size to be competitive in the cup - or risk suffering injuries which could harm their chances in other, higher priority competitions.

According to the Spitfires' statement, National League clubs were not consulted before the decision was made by the National League and Premier League to move ahead with the cup.