Altrincham Football Club News Archive
16 to 21 September, 2004

21 September 2004

TRAVEL WITH THE BEST

Alty chairman Geoff Goodwin's company Go Goodwins Coaches, which won the national award for Best Corporate Executive Coach 2004-05, has revamped its website and you can now book its services on line. Alty fans will know that Go Goodwins supply the Altrincham F.C. team coach and the STAR supporters' coach, both of which will be going to Lancaster tonight. Details of tonight's trip are on the Away Travel page. As well as carrying Altrincham's finest, Geoff's company has a contract with the English Cricket Board and Geoff himself has spent the last fortnight ferrying round the Australian cricket tourists. Amongst his company's other famous clients have been Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Destiny's Child, Hear'Say, Steps, The Four Tops, The Temptations and The Beach Boys, not to mention Manchester City F.C, Bradford City F.C. and, Macclesfield F.C..

TUESDAY

Right: Another of Gavin Rathbone's excellent shots - available from the Robins' Shop - shows Colin Little at full steam against Worksop. More on the STAR site.

As well as Altrincham's league game at Lancaster City, tonight (Tuesday) sees the replay between Farsley Celtic, based at Pudsey near Leeds, and Marine - to determine who plays Alty in the FA Cup on 2 October. Whilst Marine are well known to us, the best known names at Farsley are probably Curtis Barnard and Michael Midwood.

NEXT SATURDAY

Nuneaton Borough visit Moss Lane next Saturday. IC Coventry says that "While Boro remain the only unbeaten side in Nationwide North on their travels, it's a different story on home soil where they continue to disappoint and let down their gutted followers... They wilted dismally, allowing Hucknall to net three times in a 19-minute spell... And the man who grilled Boro was the ever-dangerous Danny Bacon" - a rasher joke I haven't heard in years!

OLD BOYS

Three ex-Alty players have moved recently:
  • Goalkeeper Lance Key, at Alty in 1999/2000, has moved from Kingstonian to Histon.
  • The mercurial Danny McGoona has left Caernarfon Town to return to Colwyn Bay
  • Craig Skelton, an Alty fringe player in 1999/2000, has moved from Billingham T. to Thornaby.

    Meanwhile, Stalybridge Celtic report that ex-Robin, Sammy Ayorinde, "is currently plying his trade in China".

    NATIONWIDE NORTH

    From the other side, on This is Nottingham Hucknall manager Dean Barrick said "It was a fantastic team effort [to beat Nuneaton] and I could not have asked for more". On This is Hucknall he says of his predecessor, "I am disappointed for Ernie [Moss]. He made me his captain and I feel as if I have let him down... But this is a good opportunity for me".

    The NW Evening Mail says of Barrow that "Steve Ridley returns from an eight-match ban tomorrow to hand boss Lee Turnbull an early anniversary present... Turnbull celebrates five years at Holker Street this week... and is currently in his second term at the helm".

    After the signing of Justin Jackson, Harrogate Today writes that "Harrogate Town may still be pulling off big-name transfer coups, but the team are continuing to suffer from a lack of public support. A meagre crowd of just 480 diehards turned out to watch Town sail into the Conference North play-off places last weekend... The poor attendances come despite Town making bold strides into the transfer market - a policy highlighted again this week with the double swoop for Lee Duxbury and Clayton Donaldson". Manager John Reed said, "Maybe the fans don't realise just how well we're doing... We're knocking on the door of league football and to have that few people is appalling". Away from home, things are no better; last night at Droylsden, there were just 178 spectators watching Harrogate.

    This is Staffs reports on Stafford Rangers, whose manager Phil Robinson "gave a debut to goalkeeper Paul Crichton, recently released by York City, rather than recall James Lindley. Back in the side was central defender Craig McAughtrie after missing three games with an ankle injury, and his return was a timely boost for Robinson as Dennis Pearce has joined Northwich Victoria. Striker Neil Grayson missed the trip to Lincolnshire with a hamstring injury and was replaced by ex-Willenhall forward Nicky Campbell on his full debut".

    "Worcester City boss John Barton was left fuming at the officials as his side slumped to their first defeat in Nationwide North at Ashton United", says This is Worcester. When a penalty was not given, manager John Barton said, "It was not a case of bad luck but sheer 100 per cent incompetence. The officials should have seen that, no question". But he admitted "We could have played all afternoon and not have scored".

    Moves:

  • Liam Carson (Kettering T. to Corby T on loan)
  • Mark Cartwright (Runcorn FC Halton to Leek T.)
  • Mick Heathcote (Leek T. to Hucknall T.)
  • Richard Leadbeater (Redditch U. to Solihull B. on loan)
  • Murray McCulloch (Lancaster C. to Leek T.)
    20 September 2004

    ALTY DROP A PLACE

    Through the Years has been updated here.

    Monday

  • Ashton U. 0 Hinckley U. 2
  • Droylsden 2 Harrogate T. 1

    FA CUP

    Altrincham have drawn Marine or Farsley Celtic at home in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round to be played on 2 October. Farsley host Marine for the 1st QR replay tomorrow night, after a 1-1 draw last Saturday. Marine currently lie 18th and Farsley 15th in the UniBond Premier Division. The winner's prize money is £3,750.

    Right: Gavin Rathbone's picture of Eddie Hussin as he celebrates his goal against Worksop. Eddie could soon be facing his former club, Marine, in the FA Cup. For details of GR Photos, click here.

    Alty have never met Farsley Celtic in the FA Cup previously. But Marine have been FA Cup opponents on five previous occasions, with Alty emerging victorious each time:

  • 1961-62 1Q Home 3-3
  • 1961-62 1QR Away 2-2
  • 1961-62 1QR2 Away 1-0
  • 1962-63 1Q Home 1-0
  • 1964-65 1Q Away 3-1
  • 1965-66 2Q Home 4-0
  • 1994-95 4Q Home 2-1

    Other Nationwide North clubs' ties:

  • Barrow v Stalybridge C.
  • Leek T. v Nuneaton B.
  • Matlock T. v Alfreton T.
  • Holker OB/Silsden v Harrogate T.
  • Bradford PA v Squires Gate
  • Maltby M. v Ashton U.
  • Lancaster C. v Esh Winning
  • Ramsbottom U. v Southport
  • Spennymoor Utd/Fleetwood T v Runcorn FC Halton
  • Billingham T. v Vauxhall M.
  • Ashington v Droylsden
  • Gainsborough Trinity v Halesowen T
  • Redditch Utd v Histon
  • Worcester C v Cambridge C
  • Gresley R v Hucknall T
  • Hinckley Utd v Stamford
  • Moor Green v Carlton T
  • Stafford R v Kettering T
  • Worksop T v Sutton T/Stone Dominoes

    IF...

    If Altrincham were to win both their games in hand, they would go second in the league table. They still have the best defence in the division and Colin Little's 6 goals make him the fourth joint top scorer. Colin has now hit 8 goals in 9 league and cup appearances for Altrincham.

    THE OPPOSITION VIEW

    Worksop Town, beaten by Altrincham on Saturday, report that "Former skipper Linden Whitehead looks set to leave the club shortly following discussions with the Worksop management team". He took no part in Saturday's game. The Tigers' website says that "The majority of travelling fans were in disbelief that they were travelling back over the Pennines on the back of a 4-1 defeat after watching their side play some of their best football of the season. Once again the score-line does not reflect the promise which the Tigers showed, especially in the first half when they dominated for long periods". Tigers' midfielder Brian O'Callaghan is now "at Crewe, [but] is being released on Saturdays if not required by the first team". See below for the match report link...

    EAGLEY AWAITED WIN

    There is a match report on Alty Youth's first win of the season, at Eagley, in the Youth Team section.

    Above, Paul Lewis, Aron Hevingham and Alex Mike are seen during the game.

    NATIONWIDE NORTH

    Alfreton Town have "signed left-sided player Paul Riley from Notts County... 21 year-old Riley made 23 appearances for the Magpies first team last season".

    Nuneaton Borough" have signed Carl Adams from Leigh RMI. "Carl is a 30 year old left footed midfielder. His previous clubs include Kettering and Hucknall".

    Redditch United have signed Paul Edwards from Crewe Alexandra on a month's loan. Meanwhile, "Negotiations are ongoing as to [loan player] Scott Rickards's immediate future" at Redditch.

    On Saturday, Stafford Rangers "had a new face in the starting line-up, goalkeeper Paul Crichton [from] York City".

    "ELVIS PLAYS FOR ALTY"

    To a chorus of "Elvis plays for Alty" from the Golf Road supporters who formed part of a packed Noel White Suite last night, Alty striker Marcus Hallows performed an excellent set of Elvis Presley songs in aid of the Football Club's funds. Marcus, who has a well esablished Elvis act outside his football career, was top of the bill after a karaoke evening which had featured renditions of "Bring me Sunshine", "American Pie" and " New York, New York!" by Graham Heathcote, the Altrincham manager and club secretary. For some of these songs, he was accompanied by a backing group which included Alty director Grahame Rowley, Barry Pond, Bill Coop and Neil Faulkner. Above, "Elvis", who had played earlier in the day for Alty against Worksop, serenades Graham Heathcote's mother, Jean. If you ever need some good entertainment for a family or work event, then look no further than booking Marcus "Elvis" Hallows!

    19 September 2004

    ALTRINCHAM 4 WORKSOP TOWN 1

    Match report

  • League table
  • Alty line-up
  • Alty statistics

    Right: Chris Adams trots back to his half as his colleagues celebrate Alty's second goal.

    OLD BOYS

    The Pink has an interview with Danny Adams, now at Stockport - Danny was Stockport's man of the match on Saturday. Lee Thompson scored both goals for Skelmersdale as they knocked Blyth Spartans out of the FA Cup; Blyth were featured on BBC Football Focus, so look out for Lee in the next round. Neil Murphy played for Marine yesterday but Ian Craney was subbed by Accrington. James Glendenning scored for Vauxhall Motors, whilst Andy Lovelock netted twice for RC Warwick. Adam Farley (Droylsden) and Terry Bowker (Stalybridge) were unused subs. David Holt and Andy McDonald were in Woodley Sports' side in the FA Cup against Shildon.

    GIANT AXE

    Details of the STAR supporters' coach to the Giant Axe on Tuesday are here.
    18 September 2004

    RESULTS

  • Alfreton T. 2 Southport 1
  • Altrincham 4 Worksop T. 1
  • Ashton U. 1 Worcester C. 0
  • Bradford PA 0 Barrow 1
  • Gainsborough T. 1 Stafford R. 1
  • Kettering T. 0 Droylsden 2
  • Lancaster C. 0 Harrogate T. 3
  • Nuneaton B. 1 Hucknall T. 3
  • Redditch U. 3 Hinckley U. 0
  • Runcorn FC Halton 2 Moor Green 1
  • Stalybridge C. 2 Vauxhall M. 1

    SATURDAY NIGHT

    Don't forget the Karaoke Night tonight (Saturday, 7.30pm) at Moss Lane, featuring Marcus Hallows as Elvis Presley; details here.

    SUNDAY

    Alty Youth are away at Eagley on Sunday (2-30pm) in the NWYA Premier Division.

    PLAYER NEWS

    The MEN says that Niell Hardy and Peter Wright should be fit for today's game, "while Barry Shuttleworth... could also be back". In Friday's NL Paper, a reader has written in to say "how refreshing to hear the views of Colin Little of Altrincham" who was interviewed in the paper last week. He praises Colin for avoiding what the writer calls the "tabloid drivel of The Sun and Daily Star" but reading the NL Paper and the Manchester Evening News instead, and for watching Channel 4 instead of "yankee rubbish on ITV". Professional footballers at all levels serve as role models for young adults... Colin Little strikes the right notes".

    CSC RESULT

  • Warrington T. 3 Tranmere R. 3 (Tranmere won 6-5 on pens)

    UNIBOND NEWS

    The UniBond League says that "Blyth Spartans are to feature on the BBC TV Football Focus on Saturday 18th September. In the BBC's coverage of the FA Cup, the BBC cameras were at Croft Park on Tuesday night to take in the UniBond Premier League fixture against local rivals Bishop Auckland". Also, "The Football Association has named Wakefield-Emley’s Steve Dutton, as UniBond League Groundsman of the Year... [He] was only one point off clinching the top overall non-league national prize won by Erith and Belvedere... Wakefield-Emley beat off UniBond competition from runners up Hyde United, in third place was ex UniBond club Gainsborough Trinity".

    OLD BOYS

    Marc Whiteman, at Altrincham two seasons ago, has now gone on loan from Nationwide South club Lewes (Sussex) to Eastbourne Borough. The Lewes boss "is confident that [he] will come back match fit and raring to get back into our team". Steve Hawes, now at Stocksbridge PS, has just returned from injury.

    NATIONWIDE NORTH

    Confguide says that "The fixtures originally scheduled for 30th April 2005 are now set for Tuesday 19th April, but clubs will have the right to move them if all parties agree. The final day of the Nationwide Conference season was originally set for 30th April, with promotion play-offs starting just a few days later. A month ago the Conference announced that these games would be rescheduled, and that the season would now end on Saturday 23rd April".

    The Harrogate Forum says that "Justin Jackson put pen to paper this afternoon in a deal which should see Harrogate really pushing for honours".

    The BBC says that "Northwich Victoria manager Steve Burr has further strengthened his defence with the signing of former Wolves and Notts County full- back Dennis Pearce...from Conference North side Stafford Rangers".

    Hinckley United's new stadium "is set to see it's first game on Boxing Day when Hinckley United play Kettering Town in the local(ish) derby."

    Hucknall Town report that "The new management team at Hucknall Town, Dean Barrick and Roy Hunter, face a difficult task in their first game... Still out of the side with long term injuries are Matt Taylor and Danny Mayman, there are doubts over centre half Chris Timons, who picked up a knee injury on Tuesday".

    "It has been confirmed that Tamworth will be recalling striker Norman Sylla after the upcoming match against Hinckley United this Saturday following his month long spell at Redditch United. United's "Scott Voice is still on loan at Solihull although his loan period should also expire this week".

    Stalybridge Celtic "are coming into this game with a usual litany of injuries, but Nathan Wharton may well be back and on the bench, and Scott Bonsall came through 90 minutes of cup action mid-week... Gregg Pearce broke his leg at Nantwich, and will be out until at least Christmas, whilst Phil Eastwood is out with a viral infection, and Darren Bowman with an ankle injury. Chris Denham's fracture flared up after his run out at Moor Green, and will again be on the physio table for another couple of weeks". The MEN adds that Celtic are "preparing to exchnage [ex-Alty] centre-half Terry Bowker... for Radcliffe's free-scoring midfielder Simon Carden". Also, Lee Connell has left for Bacup Borough, "who also want fellow Bridge reject Ian Monk".

    17 September 2004

    RESERVES

    There is now a brief report on the Alty Reserves' game at Guiseley in the website's Reserves' section.

    TAKING STOCK

    "Altrincham FC are hoping a 3-2 cup win will help to kick start their league campaign", says SAM... Altrincham's cup diversion means they have two games in hand on some of their opposition and manager Graham Heathcote wants his side to make up lost ground... He said: 'We need to get back on track and start to climb up the table... Worksop are a big strong team and the way around them is to keep playing our football - rather than being dragged into a long ball game'". Graham added, "It's nice to progress in a cup competition... I played a full strength team apart from Peter Wright, Niell Hardy and those lads still out injured. Overall I thought the attitude of my players in the game was good - apart from the last 15 minutes when we went a bit sloppy. At Southport, I felt we should have got something out of the game. But the difference between the sides on the day was Terry Fearns, whose finishing for Southport I thought was absolutely top drawer". SAM adds that "Gary Scott and Barry Shuttleworth are still out injured and will miss the Worksop game... The squad may even be boosted by the return of Sean Smith (right) and Rod Thornley, who both played for the reserves during the week".

    NEXT UP

    Alty play Worksop Town at home on Saturday. Their website say that "Following a meeting with the local council... work [on their ground] could possibly commence in January". Worksop Today says that "defender Gary Brown will get the chance to fight for a Tigers contract after joining the club on trial this week. That is after fellow stopper Brian O'Callaghan was poised to sign for Championship side Crewe Alexandra... The 23-year-old from Limerick missed Tuesday night's game because of the proposed move. A deal is expected to be concluded before the weekend. But Worksop boss Ronnie Glavin has moved quickly to bring in Brown, who was a trainee with Manchester City and played his football in Holland last season. [Ex-Robin] Michael Reynolds, who played under Glavin at Wakefield and Emley was this week released after failing to sufficiently impress... The only major injury concern ahead of tomorrow's game at Altrincham is Dene Cropper... with a hamstring problem. Meanwhile, chief executive Peter Robson has parted company with the club".

    Next Tuesday, Alty travel to Lancaster where Lancaster Today reports that "City boss Phil Wilson has called for his players to build on their superb comeback victory at Droylsden... And Wilson wants more of the same when Harrogate and Altrincham visit Giant Axe". Talking of new man Chris Beech, Wilson said, "For someone who has not played a lot of football, he has done really well to play two games in three days. He is only 30 so is in his prime... Wilson has also brought in defender Danny Stone". But "Wilson is wary of City's next two opponents who have both strengthened over the summer, with Altrincham signing ex-City player Colin Potts".

    GET YOUR ALTY PICTURES

    Above: Gavin Rathbone's picture of Steve Aspinall, as he plays the ball against Cammell Laird, - Colin Potts looks on.

    GR Photography of Altrincham are now selling excellent photos and other photographic souvenir products of Altrincham FC in the Robins' Shop. Their 2004-05 team and individual prints are available already, as are key rings and mouse mat samples. The price list is here. Orders can be sent to Gavin Rathbone by e-mail. Please indicate which product is wanted (as listed on the price-list) and which picture you require e.g. team, individual player or whatever. Items can be collected and paid for in the Robins' Shop.

    Right: Marcus Hallows in front of the Golf Road supporters after putting the ball in the net for Alty's third goal against Lairds (Pic: GR Photography).

    "KING" MARCUS

    SAM reports that "Altrincham striker Marcus Hallows will be swapping his football boots for 'Blue Suede Shoes' after Robin's game against Worksop Town on Saturday. The 29-year-old Elvis fan has performed as his hero on a number of occasions, including team mate Peter Band's wedding. He will don his gleaming white suit and perform catchy Elvis tunes as part of a karaoke night, which is being held to raise money for the club - (for details, see here). But Marcus, who has been a striker the Moss Lane club since 2003, says that performing on the pitch, rather than the stage, is his priority. Tickets, which cost £5, are available in advance from the club or on the door (first come first served basis)". The hard-copy of SAM features a picture of Marcus in his Elvis gear.

    NATIONWIDE NORTH

    Barrow's Holker St Newsletter confirms that "Following an impressive trial at Scunthorpe United, Barrow AFC have cancelled Michael Rankine's contract but instead just placed him on non-contract terms because Scunthorpe want a longer look at him. As a result the Coca Cola League Two side have also signed him on non-contract terms as they weren't prepared to take him on a loan spell and Barrow didn't want to stand in Rankine's way. Barrow will be able to play Rankine, but only if Scunthorpe don't want him to turn out for them".

    Barrow's "board of directors are hoping Tuesday’s dramatic fall in crowd was not a result of fans voting with their feet. Just 595 supporters watched the Bluebirds 1-1 draw with Ashton... 321 down on Saturday’s gate... It appears that many spectators have shown their disappointment at the team’s poor start to the season by choosing to stay away" reports the NW Evening Mail.

    "Rod Brown, manager of Redditch United, has an anxious wait over his two loan star strikers Norman Sylla and Scott Rickards... Sylla, currently on the books at Tamworth, has netted 9 times in 6 games... while Kidderminster Harriers' striker Rickards is also on a month’s loan at the Valley... Brown said: "[Sylla] will go back to Tamworth at the end of his spell and then they will decide whether to extend the loan or not". However, "Brown thinks Rickards spell could be extended" reports NL Daily.

    On NL Daily quotes the Conference's John Moules, "The Draw for the much awaited Conference Cup is to be made later this month".

    This is Worcs reports that every Alfreton "fan attending the Southport game will be given a free £1 discount voucher upon entry to use at next Friday’s rearranged home league game with Runcorn FC Halton. The voucher will be redeemable against any goods inside the ground including the bars, kitchen, club shop and match programme which, for example, could be purchased for half price at £1". The article goes on, "The quality of football on offer has to be seen to be put into some kind of perspective for it is a competition which is full of players with aspirations to get back into the Football League or to actually reach it". Also, "Defender Barry Woolley could be back in action for Worcester City in a fortnight as hospital scans revealed no break in his left ankle... City chairman Dave Boddy said: "I think we are looking at him being out for two to three weeks"... Goalkeeper Danny McDonnell is also improving on schedule from his punctured lung and could make a surprise return to the first-team at Harrogate a week on Saturday".

    16 September 2004

    UPDATES

    I am grateful to Terry Rowley for the Nationwide North attendance chart and to Howard Watts for the Through the Years data for Saturday.

    PHOTOS

    Altrincham-based photographer Gavin Rathbone has kindly sent me a number of excellent photos from the Cammell Laird CSC game last Tuesday. The first, right, shows Colin Potts threatening the visitors' goal.

    Last night in the CSC:

  • Nantwich T. 0 Stalybridge C. 4
  • Northwich V. 3 Crewe A. 5

    NEXT OPPONENTS

    Alty host Worksop Town on Saturday. In their last game "Both Chris Cleary and Dene Cropper starred for the Tigers in their 2-1 win over Bradford PA... [and] goalkeeper Rogers played a major role in keeping a clean sheet in the second period", so these are likely to be influential players at Moss Lane on Saturday.

    NEIGHBOURS RE-GROUP

    Northwich Vics say that "Following the issuing of a winding up order against the club, administrators Begbies Taylor have been appointed to run the Vics. The sale of the club is expected to be concluded before the end of the month". Confguide adds that the winding-up order came from "a company unpaid for work on the new Victoria Stadium. Tarmac claimed to be owed about £17,000... Gordon Craig of Begbies said that: 'There is a buyer and the survival of the club is paramount. The buyer is prepared to put enough money into the club to ensure the ground is finished and the club can continue'". IC Cheshire adds, "Chairman Dave Stone and director Derek Nuttall have resigned... A consortium, believed to be led by High Legh-based businessman Mike Connett, is expected to conclude a deal with administrators... The club would remain members of the Nationwide Conference...Shareholders will be disenfranchised by the move, their investment wiped out. One, who did not want to be named, stormed: 'It stinks. I think shareholders should demand a police enquiry into the affairs of the club'... Vics sold the Drill Field - with the overwhelming backing from shareholders - for an estimated £2.3m in 2002...In each of the past two seasons the club has lost about £250,000 and debts are thought to be considerable".

    NATIONWIDE NORTH

    Barrow boss Lee Turnbull told the NW Evening Mail "I’m under no illusions that if we continue to get beat then I will be out of a job, but that is life. As regarding pressure, I don’t feel any at all. I enjoy what I do".

    Stalybridge had hoped to sign Gary Williams but he has now joined Leigh RMI.

    The Stafford Rangers website says that the game against Redditch on Tuesday "was over-shadowed though when Boro' keeper Will Smith was stretchered off with a serious injury - just as bad was the appalling and disgusting behaviour of the Redditch 'fans' as they cheered and laughed as he left the field".

    Harrogate Town "are delighted to announce the signing of ex-Bradford City, Huddersfield Town and Oldham Athletic midfield player Lee Duxbury from Bury... The signing of Lee with his experience and ability again demonstrates the club's determination to continue its rise through the pyramid to the Football League. Town have also secured the services of Hull City striker Clayton Donaldson in a 1-month loan deal... A new offer has been made to Shrewsbury Town for striker Jody Banim".

    FOR EARLIER NEWS, CLICK HERE