The controversial Checkatrade Trophy got under way last night – to small crowds across the country.

Two-time winners Carlisle United began their own campaign in the highly divisive competition by winning 5-4 in front of a 1,897 crowd at Oldham.

That was 674 fewer than the Blues’ attendance at the corresponding stage last season at Port Vale.

No official away fans’ figure was given but it is estimated that around 150 travelling fans were at SportsDirect.com Park.

Competition organisers faced embarrassment as other games drew even lower crowds across the country.

Seven first-round fixtures failed to clear the 1,000 mark, with just 392 attending Fleetwood's home game against Blackburn's Under-23s.

AFC Wimbledon's encounter with Swansea's Under-23s drew only 461.

Despite claims from the EFL that the changes would “rejuvenate” the competition, a gate of only 1,540 was reported at Bolton’s game against Everton’s Under-23s.

Peterborough, meanwhile, attracted only 1,696 for their encounter with Norwich’s Under-23s – while Port Vale’s 1,198 against Derby’s Under-23s was reportedly their lowest crowd for a competitive game for 30 years.

The small crowds followed a threatened fans’ boycott of the revamped Trophy over the introduction of Premier League and Championship clubs.

On the pitch, Carlisle edged an entertaining contest against Steve Robinson’s League One crowd.

Michael Raynes was credited with the 89th minute winner, his second of the game, with Reggie Lambe and Tom Miller on target as well as a Cameron Burgess own goal.

Charlie Wyke, though, was also claiming United's decisive fifth.

Billy McKay initially put the hosts ahead, before sub Darius Osei (two) and Ollie Banks later added goals for the Latics, while United defender Macaulay Gillesphey was sent off.

Keith Curle named a strong side for the Blues’ first northern section Group D game.

Making just three changes, the United boss handed a debut to keeper Max Crocombe while defender Shaun Brisley made his first start.

Nicky Adams and Jabo Ibehre were rested from the squad while Jason Kennedy again missed out through injury.