When Northampton Town hosted West Ham’s under-21s for their Checkatrade Trophy Southern Group D match (try not to get too excited) there was no chance either side could qualify for the next round.

And with the revamped Johnstone’s Paint Trophy roundly and consistently ridiculed this season, that made this a particularly pointless match. That sentiment was not lost on football writer, Rory Smith.

Breaking: 762 people at Sixfields. Northampton's lowest ever attendance. Another record falls under the mighty boots of the Checkatrade.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

We’re not entirely sure why the New York Times’ chief soccer correspondent was even at Sixfields Stadium, but he was.

Further updates: I spilled someone's hot chocolate down my leg. I am embarrassed but also delighted by the unexpected heat boost.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

And with full time looming and the scores level, Rory began to realise that the most pointless penalty shoot-out of all time was on the cards.

Five minutes left. Still 1-1. Meaning, I believe, we get a penalty shootout for a bonus point…in a game between 2 sides who can't qualify.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

We have the world's most pointless penalty shootout. I might live tweet it. These teams are BOTH ALREADY OUT, remember.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

And so it was that Rory made the best of the situation, with some A-grade sarcasm.

Northampton take first. Beautyman (real name) CRASHES against the bar. His face is a picture of misery.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

Marcus Browne up for West Ham. Right footed. Saved! Oh good. These teams are shit at penalties.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

Could this have been the least enthralling penalty shoot-out in the history of the game?

Alex Pike draws West Ham level. Excellent penalty by the number 66. He's making that shirt his own.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

But alas, the game would not end.

Joel Byrom scores for Northampton. Alfie – lot of Alfies around these days – Lewis squeezes his in. Eternity yawns before me. 2-2. Drama.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

Eventually, the game neared its conclusion, thankfully for Rory.

Emmanuel Sonupe blasts over for Northampton. He looks genuinely upset. At the essential futility of it all, presumably. Kemp scores. WH lead

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

Never accuse Rory of underselling a game; it got the grandstand finale it deserved.

John Joe O'Toole up now. I saw him make his debut for Watford. I didn't realise then he was bad at penalties. West Ham win.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

Though it took them about 30 seconds to realise it. Not sure anyone was keeping count. THIS NOW CONCLUDES THE SHOOTOUT.

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) November 8, 2016

The magic of the Checkatrade Trophy, eh?