You are in the
HOME/NEWS
Page
SITE LINKS:
Archive
Attendances
Away Travel
Club/Ground
Cup/ Friendly Games
Featured Club Scheme
Home
Junior / Club Robins
Junior Teams
League Games
League Table
Legends
Links/Maps
Players
Programmes
Reserves
Room Hire
Shop
Sponsors
Statistics
Through The Years
Town Info.
Yankee
Youth Team

MOSS LANE, ALTRINCHAM, CHESHIRE WA15 8AP Tel: 0161-928-1045

Home and Current News Page


AardvarkSport.net

The domain name "altrinchamfc.com" has been kindly donated by AardvarkSport.net

 

GO GOODWINS COACHES

THE MAJOR SPONSORS OF
ALTRINCHAM F.C.

NEXT MATCH:
Saturday, 22nd November, 3pm
Home, CAMBRIDGE UNITED
Blue Square Premier
ALTRINCHAM PHOTOS
by GR Photography
Price List here
SOCIAL EVENTS

& FUNDRAISING
VENTURES
Details here.
LINKS TO
OTHER ALTY SITES:
Alty Fans' Forum
STAR Supporters' Trust 
Ideas4Alty
TICKET PRICES 2008-09

and GETTING TO MOSS LANE
Details here
Site compiled by John Laidlar

HELP THE CLUB - join the Friends of Altrincham FC and the Patrons' Club -
full details of these and other fundraising initiatives are here.
BUY YOUR ALTY MERCHANDISE AT THE ROBINS' SHOP OR ALSO BENEFIT THE CLUB BY PURCHASING AT...


21 November 2008

THURSDAY GAME

  • Crawley T. 1 Ebbsfleet U. 2

    Altrincham drop to 13th in the League table.

    CAMBRIDGE CONFIDENT

    News of our next opponents comes from the BBC which says that "Cambridge United boss Gary Brabin says his side are well placed to make a title push over the second half of the season. The U's beat York 1-0 on Tuesday to move to third in the table. Brabin told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: 'Hopefully we can time it right and make a late surge for the title. If we can just hang in there for now, we genuinely believe we're not a million miles away from producing our best form with goals on top'".

    From the Cambridge News we learn that "Jon Challinor is likely to be back in contention for Cambridge United's trip to Altrincham on Saturday. But Dan Gleeson could be out of action after picking up a hamstring injury... Challinor suffered a badly bruised shin and over-extended his knee after being caught by a challenge by Sam Rents that saw the Crawley player sent off in their 2-2 draw at the weekend. Manager Gary Brabin said he expected the midfielder to be back in training today. He said: 'It's nowhere near as bad as we first thought, so hopefully he could be back in the squad on Saturday'. There are major doubts over Gleeson's fitness though, after he limped off in stoppage time against York, and if he does not come through over the next couple of days it could mean a recall for youngster Rory McAuley or Josh Coulson.

    Brabin said: 'We're worried about Dan Gleeson... We're going to see how he is over the next day or two, but he'll be a big loss because he has probably found his best form this season. I'm not surprised he has been playing for the England C team because he has been brilliant for us'. Brabin said Gleeson had played a big part in United boasting one of the Blue Square Premier's tightest defences. He added: 'We've been rock solid at the back... We're unbeaten in our last eight league games, so we're hanging in there, and I'm pleased with the way things are going and the football we're producing at the moment'".

    SHOOT-OUT

    Right: Alex Meechan celebrates converting his penalty in Tuesday night's shoot-out. Here Gavin Rathbone captures the Golf Road End supporters celebrating. This and many other excellent images from Gavin are on his GR Photography website.

    SATURDAY

    Saturday 22nd
  • ALTRINCHAM v Cambridge U.
  • Barrow v Weymouth
  • Burton A. v Stevenage B.
  • Ebbsfleet U. v Kettering T.
  • Forest Green R. v Mansfield T.
  • Histon v Oxford U.
  • Kidderminster H. v Wrexham
  • Lewes v Grays A.
  • Rushden & D. v Eastbourne B.
  • Salisbury C. v Northwich V.
  • Woking v Torquay U.
  • York C. v Crawley T.

    BSP NEWS

    The Salisbury Journal states that "Salisbury City striker Matt Tubbs is expected to complete a move to AFC Bournemouth later today. Journal Sport understands that the marksman, who has netted more than 100 goals for the Whites, will initially join the Cherries on loan with the possibility of making the move permanent during the transfer window. Tubbs, formerly on Bournemouth's books, joined City in October 2003 from Dorchester Town". Despite this departure and transfer listing various players to cut their costs, "Salisbury boss Nick Holmes could sign Gillingham midfielder Rory Hill on loan by the weekend after he scored in a friendly against Bournemouth... The 18-year-old has been back on trial with the Whites this week, and scored in the 4-1 behind-closed-doors win. He previously played for the Whites on trial in October" says the BBC.

    "York City have overturned the decision to allow Richard Brodie to extend his loan spell with Barrow for a further month, BBC Radio Cumbria understands. The Minstermen will now recall the England C striker after this weekend's fixtures... Barrow are now hoping to begin talks with York over a possible permanent deal for Brodie in January. The two clubs could agree a pre-contract arrangement which would allow the player to return to Holker Street before January. However, it is not known whether York are now willing to allow the player to leave in the transfer window... Barrow's finances were given a lift this week after their tie with Brentford at Holker Street was chosen for live television coverage. The club will now receive a further £85,000 on top of the £20,000 they receive for reaching the second round. The tie has been brought forward to Friday, 28 November, with kick-off at 1945". Meanwhile, York City add that striker Richard Brodie'... has found travelling from his North East home very difficult".

    "The chairman of Weymouth's supporters' club, the Terras Trust, has warned the club's fans it is losing thousands of pounds a month. Anthony Sams told BBC Radio Solent the problems are being caused by the continued threat of administration. 'The situation is more serious than many of the fans know', he said. Weymouth owner Malcolm Curtis offered his 84% shareholding to the Terras' Trust, with responsibility of ownership and day-to-day running. The conditional proposal was made last week but it contained conditions which the Trust could not agree to. One of the most contentious was to bring Curtis back to control the club if there is a risk of entering administration. Sams added: 'At the last count we were aware that we are losing £30,000 a month. With the current losses we're not confident we could keep the club out of administration. Therefore the likelihood of his (Curtis) return is severely possible and that's not what the fans want'. Part of the deal included an agreement that the Terras Trust would do nothing to damage or interfere with the proposed new stadium project. A further obstacle was the failure of the football club to release any detailed financial information for the Trust to look at prior to their board meeting" reports the BBC.

    Meanwhile the Weymouth FC 2are pleased to announce the loan signing of Jordan Collins from Cambridge Utd. Alan Lewer has secured the left sided defender through his contacts from his time spent at the former league club outfit".

    According to the Burton Mail "Albion boss Nigel Clough has strengthened his promotion chasing squad by signing Cheltenham Town utility man Craig Armstrong. The 33-year-old Geordie has joined the Brewers on a six-week loan with a view to a permanent move when the transfer window opens in January. Armstrong, who can operate in defence or midfield, trained with the Brewers yesterday and goes straight into their squad... against Stevenage Borough... And Clough revealed he hopes to make at least one more signing - believed to be a forward - before the loan transfer window closes next week".

    "Imraan Ladak has revealed Kettering Town have identified a site for a new purpose-built stadium and potentially secured the majority of the funding" says the Northants Evening Telegraph. "But he insists any plans for a new stadium will have to suit all the relevant parties. The Poppies chairman feels he is closing in on solving the club's ground issue by the March deadline, which will need to be done to ensure Kettering can remain in the Blue Square Premier for next season. But he admitted there is no way the plans could work unless the club make a concerted effort to ensure it suits Kettering Council and the current landlord of the A-Line Arena, Ben Pickering.

    'There are four parts to this really and those are having a site, securing some funding, having something suitable for the council and also for the landlord', Ladak said. 'We feel the council will be fully supportive of us and I have no doubts about that. They have been great to me since I took over here... As a football club, we have our own needs and we can't expect the landlord to lose out for the benefit of the club... I don't think there has ever been a point where a plan has been in place that satisfies everyone concerned. But we are close to being in that very position. Of course, the biggest problem is time because we don't have a lot of it. The growth of the club on the pitch thanks to the great work of Mark Cooper and the players is ahead of the off-the-field matters'. Ladak also confirmed he has been receiving advice on the stadium issue from Milton Keynes Dons chairman Pete Winkleman. 'As everyone knows, Pete has recently managed to build a £50m, 30,000 all-seater stadium and he was able to put all the pieces together to achieve that', Ladak added2.

    Ebbsfleet United report that "British-born striker Matthew Delicâte, who has been playing for the Rochester Rhinos in America’s USL (a professional league one below Major League Soccer) for the last three seasons, joins the Ebbsfleet United squad this week. Matthew has flown over to the UK following the end of the USL season and is looking to continue playing football while he is in Kent. Matthew began his career in the League Of Wales aged 17, playing for Carmarthen Town during the 1999-2000 season. He scored a hat-trick on his debut in August 1999 and was a regular scorer until he departed in April 2000. He then went to the United States on a football scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University aged 18 in summer 2000 where he scored 44 goals and progressed to play for the Richmond Kickers for two seasons, netting 25 times. He joined the Rhinos in 2006 and this season played alongside former Fleet defender Ross Smith. He has 13 Rhinos goals to his name. Liam Daish added the 6ft 3in forward to his squad following a successful trial".


    20 November 2008

    CAMBRIDGE LOOKING FOR GOALS

    Altrincham entertain Cambridge United this Saturday.

    The Cambridge Evening News reports on the 1-0 win over York on Tuesday. "All eyes were on Scott Rendell after his shock return to Cambridge United just hours before the game. But Gary Brabin's side had to rely on a Ben Purkiss own goal to ensure they got back to winning ways against York summing up just why he moved to bring Rendell back to the Abbey. Rendell went from hero to zero when he left in February for bitter rivals Peterborough with some angered fans going as far as launching an internet hate campaign against the striker. At that time it was unthinkable Rendell, who remained United's leading scorer last season, would be back in amber and black. But finding himself down the pecking order at London Road this term and having just spent a month on loan at Yeovil, Rendell's name was suddenly in the frame once more.... And when he came on with 18 minutes left, the striker was welcomed with chants of 'there's only one Scott Rendell'". United are at Moss Lane this Saturday; on Tuesday their line-up was Potter, Gleeson (Coulson 90+5), Tonkin, Convery, Bolland, Hatswell, Beesley (Rendell 72), Carden, McEvilly (Crow 83), Willmott, Jardim. Not used: Drench, Holroyd.

    Rendell told the News "I've always got confidence in my ability at whatever level I play and my goal-scoring record at every club has been pretty good. Now I just want to get my head down and see if I can get my first one on Saturday" at Altrincham.

    Cambridge United confirm that "Gary Brabin was pleased with United's dominant performance against York and is sure that goals are not too far away... Loanee Scott Rendell issued a reminder of his deadly goal form of last season in a 20 minute cameo and he looks sure to weigh in with goals in the next few weeks. 'I thought some of the football we played from the first minute right to the end was brilliant', stated Brabin afterwards.'We really believe that it's only round the corner that hopefully all these lads are going to start scoring goals... We've been coming away nil-nil or losing by the odd goal but today we dominated and it was hard to lift the lads at half-time because they were giving everything and playing some fantastic football. I was a little bit critical and told them we should be breaking our necks to get into the box and get on the end of things, and it took an own goal for us to win but I'll take that. The defence were solid again and we know we're capable of doing that. As well as defending doggedly, we played some great football across the back four and across midfield. Everything I want we've produced today, and the only thing I want is more goals!'...

    Looking ahead to Saturday when United travel to Altrincham on Saturday, Brabin concluded, 'They're on a bit of a run at the moment but - like I keep saying - if we can just hang in there for now, we genuinely believe that we're not a million miles away from producing that sort of form with goals on top. Hopefully we can time it right so we can make a late surge for the title'"

    ALTY SHIRTS REACH GHANA

    Daniel Eadie, a regular at Altrincham matches home and away, and a Vice-President of the Club, has kindly sent the website a letter from his brother Nick, who recently spread the word about Altrincham FC to Ghana. Nick writes:

    On October 16th, I was lucky enough to fly out to Ghana with a small party, led by the Rev. Ian Blay, Rector of Mobberley. our mission was to forge a partnership links with the Church in Ghana, with a view to supporting various projects such as schools, orphanages, etc.

    As they are football-mad in Ghana, we collected some Fairtrade footballs and a total of 85 football shirts of various colours and sizes, to take out as gifts. Eleven of these were Altrincham FC shirts which were donated by Paul Daine (Altrincham FC director) through my brother Dan Eadie, whom many of you will know. Many of the shirts were donated to St Anne's School in Kumasi. I enclose pictures of a young lad sporting an Alty shirt!

    Many thanks from us and even more from Ghana where not many are blessed with material things as we are!

    Love and God's blessing

    Nick Eadie.

    PS: Jackie Swindells is still my hero!

    ... AND WE ARE BIG IN NORWAY, TOO!

    Taivo Lepig from North Norway sent the following message to the website before Tuesday's game:

    Altrincham FC-fans in Norway hope team show up some big football and take club, sponsors and fans all over to next round of FA Cup. Here is nothing to lose or fear just all to win so forza go for gold. Keep up the good work in future and team will win many new fans to club. Fans all over cross all they have from top to toes and hope for the best. Take good care and have a nice week in Altrincham. BOL from us in Norway. ;) Forza alle alle".

    OLD BOY

    The Northwich Guardian reports how Witton beat Lostock 1-0 when "Kieran Lugsden headed the only goal as Albion stumbled through".

    LUTON VERDICT

    Right: Dale Johnson in action against Luton on Tuesday night. This and many other fine images from Gavin Rathbone are on his GR Photography website.

    Luton Town report how "Luton sneak through on penalties" at Moss Lane on |Tuesday. "Luton Town beat Altrincham 4-2 on penalties after drawing 0-0 after extra time... Luton's cause wasn't helped by Sol Davis's sending off in the 66th minute for a professional foul, which gave away a penalty. Luckily for the Hatters, Conrad Logan made the save to keep the scores level. Logan was the Hatters' hero once again in the shoot-out saving two Altrincham penalties, leaving Paul McVeigh to stroke home the winning penalty".

    In similar vein Luton Today also gives Alty credit. "Paul McVeigh netted the match-winning spot-kick to get a relieved Hatters side out of jail and into the next round of the cup. The Blue Square Premier outfit gave as good as they got throughout the encounter, so much so that, at times, you would have been hard-pressed to distinguish the full-timers from the semi-pros. Admittedly, Luton did play with 10 men for the best part of an hour following Sol Davis' dismissal but they created precious few chances in front of goal and were hanging on for the majority of the added period... The visitors lacked any kind of physical presence and too often squandered possession. Altrincham looked dangerous on the break which did not allow the Hatters to gain any kind of foothold in the contest until midway through the half when they should have gone in front.

    Things turned in Altrincham's favour in the 67th minute when Davis, who had only been on the field for six minutes, brought down Chris Senior after the midfielder had been sent through on goal. The referee had no choice but to point to the spot and show Davis a red card, but Logan kept the scores level when he saved Peyton's weakly-struck penalty low to his right... As extra-time came around... Altrincham were still on top, but McVeigh almost made Ralph pay for a bad misjudgement in the 94th minute when his header from Nicholls' cross drifted just wide".

    But Luton Today reports on news that may cause Luton to regret the scuppering of the TV transmission of Tuesday's game, which cost them - and Alty- £37,000 each. The paper reports that "A speedy conclusion to former manager Mike Newell's legal case against the Hatters seems unlikely... National newspaper reports have claimed that Newell, who was sacked by the club's former regime in March 2007, is seeking £300,000 from Luton in outstanding commission on player sales. Newell, who took a hard line against agents and the money they took out of the game, is said to have had a clause in his contract giving him a 10% share in outgoing transfer fees... At present it is still not clear exactly what remuneration Newell is looking for and whether he may also be pursuing a case for unfair dismissal. The current Grimsby boss though has previously stated he does not want to punish the current club and his owner, but instead wants to pursue those who were in charge at the time".

    BSP NEWS

    "Former Vics' chairman Mike Connett spent the night in a police cell last week. Currently the Wincham club’s landlord, he was arrested by officers called to his home in High Legh - near Knutsford - on Remembrance Day following reports of a disturbance. He has not been charged. 'A 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault on November 11 and taken to Middlewich custody suite', said a Cheshire Police spokesman. 'He was released on bail the next day and has been asked to report to the same place on December 2'” according to the Northwich Guardian

    "Lee Steele has won a regional player of the year award. Vics’ veteran goal getter polled most votes in the Blue Square Premier category at the Northwest Football Awards, pipping Alty rival Colin Little to the title. He picked up his prize at a ceremony in Manchester last night, Monday" reports the Northwich Guardian

    According to the Football Conference "Torquay United manager Paul Buckle has praised his squad after they set a new club record of 15 games without defeat in their 4-1 win over Lewes on Tuesday. The Gulls have not lost in any competition since a 1-0 defeat at Kidderminster on 4 September. Speaking to torquayunited.com Buckle said 'We were aware of the club record but there have been other things going on at the club this week that has dampened thing for us but we are fully aware of the record. I am very proud of the record we have set and I'm very proud of my players. It is an unbelievable run that we are on'.

    Torquay United have also revealed that defender Chris Todd has been diagnosed with Leukaemia. Chris, 27, has been struggling to recover from an operation after picking up a stomach injury in the match with Forest Green Rovers back in September, and after blood tests earlier this week the diagnosis was confirmed. The Football Conference would like to send their best wishes to Chris, and hope he makes a full and speedy recovery". And so, too, would everyone at Altrincham FC wish him a restoration to full health.

    "York City manager Colin Walker has hit out at his team after a lacklustre performance saw them lose 1-0 to Cambridge United on Tuesday night" says the Football Conference. "A Ben Purkiss own goal gifted the U's the points, a result which means the Minstermen have only won three of their last 17 Blue Square Premier games. Walker told The Press: 'I can't defend anybody. I tried to change shape to get them all going, but it was quite difficult. I think it's only the second time this season that I can say it was a poor team performance and the other team were better than us... I work as hard as I can and I know it's my team, so I take the flak. That's the job I get paid for. I have belief in my own and the players' ability'".

    Also from the Conference, we learn that "Histon midfielder Robbie Nightingale is expected to go on a two month loan to Cambridge City this week. The 27-year-old is now likely to link up with former Lilywhites player Adrian Cambridge at Milton Road".

    "Eastbourne Borough manager Garry Wilson has revealed that striker Allan Tait has been placed on the transfer list this week... 'We had a bit of a disagreement and the fact remains that we only want players who are 100 per cent committed to this club'", Wilson told Eastbourne Today. "We are actively seeking to bring in another striker or even two within the next week or 10 days", he added

    The Grays v Carlisle United FA Cup replay, abandoned on Tuesday bceause of floodlight failure, will now be played on Saturday, 29th November which is the date of Round 2.

    "On Saturday, Crawley conceded a late equaliser which prevented them jumping back into a playoff spot and Evans is now preparing his squad for another push during the Christmas period. He said: 'Alex Ferguson talks about February and March as a crucial stage of the season but they finish later. Our season finishes in April and the big time is now. We have set ourselves a target of being in the playoffs on Christmas Day. We've made massive progress and we've got the players and set-up to deliver'" the Crawley boss told the Crawley Observer.


    19 November 2008

    LUTON REPORT

    A report on the Altrincham v Luton game is now here

    "WE LACKED PASSION"

    Following the FA Cup replay defeat by Luton after a penalty shoot-out, in today's Manchester Evening News Alty boss Graham Heathcote (right) said, "I'm just so disappointed. This side will never have a better opportunity of causing a cup upset. It's not just about the penalties. We should have won before 90 minutes or 120 minutes but we were inept as an attacking force. It was a miserable performance. We lacked that vital ingredient to go out to win the game and we lacked passion. We've got a very good team and good players but tonight we just didn't perform. It's a shame because there was a good crowd (2,397) here tonight. But in all my years here we've never bottled it on the big occasions".

    Chairman Geoff Goodwin added, "We were the better side... The club is in a healthy state and we live to fight another day. We are part-timers and our lads did a day's work before playing".

    ALTRINCHAM 0 LUTON 0 - Luton win 4-2 on penalties

    Altrincham paid a heavy price for three penalty misses - one in normal time and two in a shoot-out - against a Luton side which played for 52 minutes with ten men. The Hatters can count themselves very fortunate to have progressed in a game dominated by the defences. Kick off was delayed by more than 35 minutes after the floodlights failed, so the game did not finally end till after 11pm.

    The defining moment arrived in the 68th minute when Chris Senior was bundled over in the box and Luton's substitute Davis was sent off as he was the last man. However, Warren Peyton underhit his penalty and former Stockport keeper Conrad Logan saved the effort. Alty dominated the rest of the game but laboured to break down the 10-men of Luton and the game went to a penalty shoot out. Doughty and Meechan converted for the Robins but both McGregor and Lawton saw their spot-kicks saved by Logan to hand Luton a 4-2 win on penalties.

    The financial loss of the £20,000 prize money was compounded by Luton's refusal to play this match on a Thursday when £37,000 would have been paid to each club in television fees for a live transmission. Report to follow.

    ALTRINCHAM: Ralph, Smith, McGregor, Young, Doughty, Senior (Meechan 74), Lawton, Danylyk, Peyton, Little (Elam 46), Johnson (Lane 100).

    FA CUP ROUND 1 REPLAYS

    Monday 17th
  • Northampton T. 2 Leeds U. 5

    Tuesday 18th

  • ALTRINCHAM 0 Luton T. 0. Luton won 4-2 on penalties.
  • Dorchester T. 1 Oxford U. 3 aet
  • Grays A. v Carlisle U. Abandoned after 20 mins, due to floodlight failure, with Grays leading 1-0
  • Barrow 4 Eastbourne B. 0
  • Stockport C. 5 Yeovil T. 0
  • Fleetwood T. 2 Leiston 0
  • Hartlepool U. 2 Brighton & Hove A. 1
  • Rotherham U. 0 Aldershot T. 3
  • Droylsden 1 Darlington 0
  • Southend U. 2 AFC Telford U. 0
  • Lincoln C. 1 Kettering T. 2
  • Rochdale 3 Barnet 2
  • Dagenham & R. 2 Hereford U. 1
  • Oldham A. 0 Cheltenham T. 1

    BSP FIXTURES

    Tuesday 18th

  • Cambridge U. 1 York City 0
  • Stevenage B. 1 Histon 3
  • Torquay U. 4 Lewes 1
  • Weymouth 1 Woking 1 - gate 696

    BSP NEWS

    Altrincham's league opponents this Saturday are Cambridge United where "Until ten o'clock this [Tuesday] morning the main team news was the return of stalwarts Paul Carden and Phil Bolland from their respective one-match bans, the absence of Jon Challinor due to the impact injury he sustained in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Crawley, and fellow midfielder Ben Farrell beginning a two match ban following a harsh second red card of the season in that game. However, we announced earlier that former striker Scott Rendell has returned on loan until January 1st... Carden looks set to make an immediate return to the centre of midfield, particularly as Challinor and Farrell's unavailability means the squad is suddenly stretched thin in that position. Mark Convery enjoyed a rare start in a midfield three at Crawley and scored the vital equaliser... 'There's only really him and Paul Carden available in midfield tonight, but that's not to take anything away from Mark's performance on Saturday', commented Brabin. 'His second half performance was excellent and that's what I want from him'.

    The U's manager must decide whether to recall Bolland or keep faith with Josh Coulson, who deputised admirably on Saturday in his first league start of the season... 'Robbie Willmott has done great so far but it's important that we don't put too much pressure on him too soon, and that applies to Felino too, but there's a good spirit here and the lads are working well and looking forward to each game'", the manager added.

    According to the BBC, "Barnet winger Kieron St Aimie is having further talks with Wrexham. The 19-year-old former Queens Park Rangers trainee is listed as available for transfer or loan. St Aimie started this season in the first team but has only made four appearances for the League Two club since, all as a substitute. Earlier this season the youngster spent a month on loan with Grays Athletic. Barnet signed St Aimie at the beginning of the year after he was released from Queens Park Rangers".


    18 November 2008

    GRAHAM'S RALLYING CALL

    Before Tuesday night's game, the Manchester Evening News reported that "Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote is challenging his plucky part-timers to seize a golden opportunity to follow him into the Robins' FA Cup hall of fame by claiming the scalp of League Two strugglers Luton... 'We've got a great history in the Cup and I've told the lads this is their chance to be part of it', said the Robins' chief. 'But it would be daft for anyone to think we now start as favourites, because, as when any part-time team takes on a full-time club in the Cup, you're always at a disadvantage. That's where our supporters will have a major part to play, because, if we can attract the sort of crowd we're expecting and they create an electric atmosphere, it will be like having a 12th man on our side. Our lads know that, despite the great result they achieved in securing this replay, they'll quickly become the forgotten men of the Cup if we don't follow it up by knocking Luton out. If we're going to follow the likes of Curzon and Blyth into round two, we simply have to rise to the occasion'... Heathcote is, though, boosted by having a near full-strength squad at his disposal, with midfielder Shaun Densmore his only slight injury doubt. Andy Ralph will almost certainly get the nod to continue in goal despite regular No.1 Stuart Coburn having now fully recovered from the calf strain which has sidelined him for more than a fortnight. Set to join Coburn on the subs' bench is striker Joe O'Neill, now back in contention after his recent cartilage op".

    DON'T BE LATE!

    For tonight's FA Cup replay with Luton Town, a big crowd is expected so please arrive early for the 7.45pm kick-off.

    To reduce delays, Altrincham FC ask all supporters to bring the right admission money to the turnstiles. Prices are:

  • Standing - Adults - £12; Concessions - £7; Aged 12 to 16 - £5; Under 12s - £2.
  • Seating - Adults - £14; Concessions - £8; Aged 12 to 16 - £5; Under 12s - £2.

    As usual, Altrincham FC and Altrincham FC Juniors' season tickets are NOT valid for cup games. Also, please note that Altrincham Leisure Centre vouchers are no longer valid.

    BEFORE THE GAME

    The BBC says that "Altrincham are sweating on the fitness of Shaun Densmore's calf injury but are boosted by the return of Chris Lane after suspension. [Shaun is seen, right]. Val Owen and Joe O'Neill are likely to be on the bench, while Chris Denham and Kevin Street are long-term absentees. Luton will be without the ineligible Kevin Gallen and Tom Craddock, who has been refused permission to play by parent club Middlesbrough. Chris Martin and Paul McVeigh may lead the forward line in their absence".

    COLIN'S AWARD

    Alty's joint Press Officer, Brian Flynn, advises us of an important event tonight:

    Manchester Evening News/Channel M Unsung Hero Award

    Colin Little will receive his award for being the Manchester Evening News/Channel M "Unsung Hero" for season 2007/8 before tonight's F.A. Cup First Round Replay with Luton Town. The presentation will take place in front of the main Stand at 7.00pm. Channel M cameras will film the presentation and that, along with post-match interviews, will be broadcast on Wednesday.

    The presentation is by a mystery celebrity so don't miss it! Also at Moss Lane tomorrow will be the camera of Sky Sports News.

    JOIN THE FRIENDS!

    The Friends of Altrincham FC scheme is an important fundraising schems for the Club. All members are entered into a monthly draw. Each entry costs £5 per month which can be paid at any time during the month by standing order. There is no limit to the number of entries any one person can have in the draw. A minimum prize of £100 is drawn every month. Follow the above link for the details of joining the scheme:

    The latest draw results are:-

  • 1st - No. 23. Lisa Jones (£100)
  • 2nd - No. 19. Diane Swindells (£35)
  • 3rd - No. 6. Karen Rowley (£15)

    HATTERS PREPARE

    Right: Alty line up before the game at Kenilworth Road ten days ago.

    Luton Town have a match preview; "Altrincham's 3-1 victory away from home against Forest Green last weekend is bound to build their confidence ahead of [tonight's] FA Cup replay... And the side contains one or two players which may be familiar to Luton fans. Kevin Street joined Altrincham in the summer and some fans may remember that the midfielder spent a brief spell at Luton Town in 2001. The 30-year-old joined on a month's loan from Crewe Alexandra and made just two appearances, the first a 1-0 home defeat against Hull, where he came on for the last minute, before starting the 4-1 away defeat at Macclesfield. Another player who may be familiar is former Crewe, Mansfield and Macclesfield striker Colin Little, whose goal two weeks ago was his 100th since signing for Altrincham in July 2004... Joe O'Neill (Preston, Bury and Chester), Warren Peyton (Rochdale, Bury and Doncaster), Mark McGregor (Port Vale) and former Luton trialist, Alex Meechan (Swindon Town and Bristol City) all have league experience with them playing in both of last season's matches between Vale and Luton, so this is anything but an easy tie as was evidenced when Altrincham held Luton to goalless draw two weeks ago. Add to the equation the previous good form of Alty in the FA Cup and Mick Harford will be acutely aware of what his counterpart Graham Heathcote and his side can do, so the Hatters can afford no slip ups... Against league opposition Alty have, in the past, given a good account of themselves. They held Tottenham Hotspur to a draw at White Hart Lane in 1978 and defeated Birmingham City 2-1 at St. Andrews in 1986".

    According to Luton Today, a "Difficult task awaits Hatters. A place in the second round of the FA Cup is the only thing on Mick Harford's mind as he prepares his charges to face Altrincham... The Hatters make the trip to Moss Lane on the back of an encouraging - and much needed - victory against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday ... He said: 'Hopefully we can take this into the game at Altrincham'. The prize of a trip to either Telford or Southend awaits the victors... He added: 'We'll be on our guard. We've marked the players' cards about the possibility, and I'm sure Altrincham will be looking for the possibility, of an upset. They're a good little outfit. They're sitting comfortably in mid-table in the Conference and they'll be a danger for us I'm sure'. As to what the Hatters will expect at Moss Lane, Harford is expecting a fairly partisan atmosphere. He continued: 'It'll be tricky. The crowd will get behind them and they'll make it as vociferous as possible and it'll be a difficult tie for us if we're not spot on like we were on Saturday'... The Hatters will be without both Tom Craddock and new loan-signing Kevin Gallen. Craddock has not been given permission to play by his parent club Middlesbrough while Gallen is cup-tied having played for the MK Dons against Tranmere. George Beaven is still missing with bronchitis and the only other problems involve George Pilkington and Lewis Emanuel who are expected to return to training early next week".

    LAST GAME

    This is Gloucester reports that "The New Lawn natives are no longer interested in excuses and, rightly so, after Altrincham's part-timers exposed more crippling weaknesses in Jim Harvey's battalion. Aided by some horrific defending, the men from Cheshire looked as surprised as anyone to find themselves three goals to the good inside 32 minutes... His post-match comments made it clear radical changes are afoot, yet even a basic level of competence at the back on Saturday would surely have secured a point at least".

    Meanwhile, This is Glos adds that "Jim Harvey could axe as many as six players from his misfiring Forest Green squad after losing patience with their sorry league form. Saturday's 3-1 defeat at home to Altrincham extended Rovers' winless run in the Blue Square Premier to 12 matches... A livid Harvey said: 'Yes we've had our injuries and the team has changed every week, and some of the football we produced in the second half (on Saturday) was terrific, but when we get into the final third we're not clinical at all. Too many mistakes are re-occurring – mistakes that we've worked on – and eventually you feel like you're knocking your head against a brick wall. I'm not going to do it any more, so I'll be looking to make changes now because some of the boys haven't come up to scratch. I can cover it for a period of time, which I probably have done over the past couple of months, so now I've got to say enough is enough'. All three Altrincham goals stemmed from defensive errors, but Harvey made it clear he was equally concerned about the other end of the pitch. 'You can take your pick as there were lots of bad performances', he said. 'I don't think we were under pressure at any stage – it was just three counter-attacks. We dominated the rest of the game but we weren't clinical and couldn't find the final pass'".

    JUNIORS

    Richard Holland, the Altrincham FC Juniors' under-10B manager, has created a website for the Junior teams and this can be found here.

    OLD BOYS

    NL Daily says of Vauxhall Motors that "rejoining is former Altrincham and Droylsden defender James Glendenning, who has recently been released by Colwyn Bay and has received international clearance".

    ` In a remarkable 5-5 draw between FCUM and Cammell Laird last week, ex-Alty man Kyle Wilson netted twice, and Chris Baguley also scored.

    BSP NEWS

    Trevor Benjamin has left Northwich Victoria for Hednesford Town.

    NL Daily reports that the Wales under-23 squad for Tuesday's match against Finland has suffered the withdrawal of several players including "Wrexham brothers Mark and Mike Williams". The 18-man squad now has "Wrexham's Neil Taylor, Welling United's Adam Gross and the unattached Michael Byrne, who looks set to join Forest Green Rovers after he returns from international duty,[as] the only three from outside the League of Wales".

    More Setanta televised fixtures have been announced and once again there is no Altrincham involvement. All are at 7.45pm unless shown.

  • 1 Jan. Histon v Cambridge U. 3pm
  • 6 Jan. Weymouth v York C.
  • 8 Jan. Woking v Northwich V.
  • 15 Jan. Torquay U. v Wrexham
  • 22 Jan. Wrexham v Cambridge U.
  • 29 Jan. Cambridge U. v Oxford U.

    "Stevenage today installed last year's Manager of the Year, Dino Mammria, as replacement for Steve Greaves who left the club today. Manager Graham Westley felt a reorganisation was needed and persuaded Mammria, 38 to join up with him after the two worked together at Rushden. Mammria was an important part of Stevenage's run to the Promotion Final scoring the goal that put Stevenage through to the Final. He is an A Licence coach and was a popular figure at Broadhall Way as a player".

    "Mansfield Town chairman Andy Perry has said he hopes the takeover of the club will be completed by their next home game, against Oxford on 4 December" claims the BBC. "Perry, along with Andy Saunders and Steve Middleton have businesses in the town and are long-standing supporters. The trio took control of the club in the summer but the paperwork is yet to be finalised. Perry told BBC Radio Nottingham: 'It's a building season for us and we're all going to be supporting the manager and existing players'".

    This is Nottingham adds that "Billy McEwan is delighted he can keep Emile Sinclair for another month after watching the young hitman destroy Salisbury City. The 20-year-old scored one and set up another to put the Stags on the road to their first victory in six matches. Sinclair's month-long loan from Nottingham Forest was due to run out after Saturday's clash. But the player has agreed to stay and the Reds have extended his loan... Said McEwan, 'It says a lot for Mansfield that they can entice players like him, Paddy Gamble and Adnan Ahmed to come to the club. Emile has come in when we have changed the system round a bit and gone with three strikers. The understanding is now coming that they have to defend at times and we saw that against Salisbury. We need people up there to run off Jason Lee and Mark Stallard, and Emile does that. At this level pace is a bonus and I always like to have players in my side like that. Emile still has a lot to learn and some of the things he does shows he is still a bit naïve but he is only young and you expect that... We have not actually played that badly at home' he said.'We know we are not the finished article by a long, long way. We are searching for the right recipe'"



    Click here for EARLIER NEWS


    THE FOOTBALL CONFERENCE SPONSORS' ADVERTS:


    SEARCHING THIS SITE

    Searching this website is slightly complicated by the fact that at present, its content from the year 2000 to date is spread over three domain names. Therefore each domain name needs to be searched separately to get a complete list of search "hits".

  • For current material (i.e. 2005 onwards): most but not all current material is in the www.altrinchamfc.co.uk domain
  • For earlier material: this is either to be found in the www.lusa.u-net.com domain or the www.luso.u-net.com domain.

    All three domains can be searched, separately, using the appropriate Google search box below. Make sure you check the correct button beneath each search box.

    I am sorry that this is a bit messy but eventually I will get everything into just one domain. However, the above method does allow you to find everything on the site which has appeared since Spring 2000.

    Google
    WWW http://www.altrinchamfc.co.uk
    Google
    WWW http://www.lusa.u-net.com
    Google
    WWW http://www.luso.u-net.com

    WEATHER FORECAST


  • ABOUT THIS WEBSITE & ITS AIMS

     

    Copyright 1999-2007: ©
    Compiled by John Laidlar

    Counter at 1/1/2002: 69,547
    At 1/1/2003: 178,589
    At 1/1/2004: 296,757
    At 1/1/2005: 456,114
    At 1/1/2006: 697,566
    At 1/1/2007: 1,001,771
    At 1/1/2008: 1,385,722


  • Site accessible as http://www.altrinchamfc.com, http://www.altrinchamfc.co.uk and
    http://www.luso.u-net.com/alty1.htm. Search the site here