Altrincham suffered their first defeat in this season’s National League Cup after being put to the sword by a “super clinical” Manchester United marksman before a record crowd at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.

Alty were looking to build on an opening group win against Blackburn Rovers Under-21s but were blown away by a stunning hat-trick by 19-year old Runcorn-born left-winger Ethan Ennis in a 4-0 win for United’s U21 side.

With free admission, due to match sponsorship from AO, Alty set a new attendance record for the competition of 3,663, and they were treated to some spectacular finishing from Ennis, who curled two unstoppable shots into the top corner before half time and rounded off his hat-trick in the last minute.

Alty boss Phil Parkinson was pleased with most aspects of his side’s performance, but had no difficulty pinpointing the difference between the two teams as he said: “We were not clinical enough, whereas Ennis was super clinical for them.

“I was really disappointed with the way we started the game, but we grew into it and controlled a lot of the ball. Unfortunately, they hurt us on the counter. They set up exactly the same way as we do, with the same shape and principles, but they did it far better than us on the night.

“Ennis was the player of the game. He was outstanding and punished us every time he got an opportunity.”

After an excellent 2-0 victory over Southend United last Saturday, Alty return to National League action again this coming Saturday, away to Aldershot Town, and next Tuesday evening, when York City visit The J.Davidson Stadium.

“The United result felt like a punch in the stomach after the form we’ve been in,” said Parkinson, whose side have been drawn at home to Macclesfield in the FA Trophy. “I didn’t expect it, but maybe it’s something we need, going into the weekend, because it brings us down to earth after Southend. We need a reaction now.”