When you log into MoneyClaim, you can see the status of the claim. This is especially important if you live outside of the UK, because the mail forwarding service takes some days to reach you, and by the time it reaches you you *might* be overdue on responding.
No fear! Once you see that alpha has filed a defense, like so:

Click on "Recent Transactions" then click on "PDF" to view their defense. It's most likely a BS defense that "You're not a UK resident". See here:
http://fightalpha.net/index.php?topic=29.0You can respond via email. Respond by filling out form n180 (attached). It's relatively short and quick. I've attached the form and a sample of it completed. The "Name of Court" should be "County Court Business Centre", but verify this by looking at the PDF you downloaded above.
That's it! Alpha will have a couple of weeks to respond. If they don't, you get a default judgement (They haven't responded to mine yet). If they do, you're on your way to court! Remember, you DO NOT HAVE TO ATTEND. Everything can be done in writing. It will be an open an close case.

Form N180 must be completed and submitted to the court via one of the correspondence options below:
The County Court Business Centre
St. Katharine’s House
21 – 27 St. Katharine’s Street
Northampton
NN1 2LH
Email:
ccbcaq@hmcts.gsi.gov.ukFax: 0870 324 0166
I sent via email and they received it no problem.