Reid helps Oldham to National League Cup win over Stoke U21s

It is even harder to see who benefits from it.

Entering the competition comes at no financial cost to Oldham Athletic and all other National League teams, so in a sense there is nothing to lose. All National League teams play their group fixtures at home and pocket the gate receipts, and the Premier League covers any fees incurred, such as stewarding. Not that many were needed with only one stand open and a crowd of just 455.

But the first Group B game came at a price with an injury to Shaun Hobson, who has only recently worked his way back into the starting XI. And that was the outcome Micky Mellon and his staff had feared the most.

While players risk injury every time they play or train, extra games bring extra jeopardy.

Latics managed it early on, withdrawing Otis Khan with a tight hamstring after just 15 minutes. But the damage was done there and then for Hobson.

He tried to run it off but in the end he was forced off just after the hour, and a scan will determine the extent.

There were positives to the process. Alex Reid scored his first goal in almost a year - 325 days to be precise - although what good it will do him when it comes to getting back into the first team remains to be seen.

Harry Charsley scored the winner on his comeback from injury, but was then sent off for the first time in his career. On the plus side, he will only miss the next game in this competition and not a league fixture.

There was a debut for new loan signing Jack Stretton following his loan move from Stockport last week, and the inclusion of Jordan Garrick, who signed non-contract terms in time to play after training with the club in recent weeks, while youngsters Mo Doro and Kofi Moore came off the bench and played their part in securing a 2-1 win.

But in a competition geared towards getting Premier League 2 players more match exposure, even Stoke City Under 21s boss Ryan Shawcross named his youngest starting 11 of the season.

"It was a good game for those who needed it," said Latics assistant manager Gary Brabin.

Jack Stretton made his Latics debut in the National League Cup (Image: Phill Smith)

"There are obviously people we were trying to protect but that was the only disappointment for me in the end because Shaun Hobson's come off injured and then Harry got sent off.

"I think it put a bit of a sour note on the game because I thought it was a good game for everyone who needed football.

"It was competitive."

Reid made the breakthrough on the half-hour, in typical Reid fashion as he let Hobson's long ball forward bounce before striking it sweetly on the volley from the edge of the box.

Jaden Mears equalised almost immediately after coming off the bench for Stoke U21s, rising to head in Chinonso Chibueze's cross in the 67th minute.

Charsley restored Latics' lead five minutes later with a good finish across the keeper.

But the midfielder had been walking a tightrope since a 36th minute booking. He avoided a second yellow for a nudge in the back, but when another late challenge followed a few minutes later the referee felt compelled to give the midfielder his marching orders.

It will not affect his availability for Saturday's visit of Solihull Moors, but Hobson will probably not be so fortunate.