Neal Ardley has accused the Football League of “devaluing” the EFL Cup after AFC Wimbledon’s exit from the competition in mid-week.

The boss took the gamble to field a strong starting 11 on Tuesday night, making just three changes to the side beaten by Walsall in the League One curtain-raiser on Saturday.

Despite that decision, Dons were beaten 3-2 at Peterborough, meaning they are yet to win a League Cup tie in six attempts.

However, Ardley’s decision to keep Chris Whelpdale in the side proved the more problematic after the midfielder limped out with a groin injury.

The 29-year-old is not ruled out of tomorrow’s League Two clash against Bolton Wanderers, but Ardley admitted his frustration at the timing of the EFL Cup.

“We ‘ummed’ and ‘ahhed’ about playing Chris as he had a groin problem at the end of last season at Stevenage,” Ardley said.

Doubt: Chris Whelpdale limped out of Tuesday night's defeat at Peterborough and is 50/50 to face Bolton Wanderers

“But he came through pre-season well, and we decided we should push him and get him fit.

“It’s not back-fired as such, and he should be ok for the weekend.”

He added: “But it’s a tough one – we wanted to do well in the cup and we wanted to field our strongest side.

“It is their [Football League] flagship competition, but to have the first round so soon after the start of the season devalues the competition.

“If I know, as a manager, that we could be having extra-time, it is not ideal bearing in mind the League starts with a run of Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday fixtures, and you want your best players fit for the league.

“A pundit on Sky Sports said clubs should play their strongest side in all competitions, but that is very difficult when you have the prospect of extra time so soon in the season.

“I think it should be swapped around with the JP Trophy.”