Altrincham Football Club News Archive
19 August to 4 September, 2005

LUTEL GETS FIT

ALTY DROP TO 7TH

HEREFORD GAME

The official site at Hereford United quotes the club physio Wayne Jones on Tamika Mkandawire, "Tamika picked up a knock to his knee very early on during Saturday's game... [but] he managed to continue. Unfortunately he's got some medial ligament damage and ... I'd say he's 50/50 for Saturday at the moment. Wayne then confirmed that the only real injury concerns were those of long-term absentees Jamie Pitman and Simon Travis. Guy Ipoua has been in all week, and his hamstring is a lot better now so he should be fully fit for selection on Saturday... Reflecting on Ryan Green's sending off Wayne says Graham Turner has got to make a decision as to whether to stick with Rob Purdie as he did for the last 10minutes at Tamworth, or to put someone else in Ryan's place... Wayne believes it will be a big loss though".

This is HUFC confirms that "Injuries are beginning to bite at Edgar Street -- but Graham Turner admits there is plenty in the Hereford United locker to dampen the spirits of new boys Altrincham. The Bulls were without crocked quartet Tamika Mkandawire, Guy Ipoua, Simon Travis and Jamie Pitman as they battled to a 1-0 Conference win at Tamworth last Monday... 'It could be that we have four players out injured again', said Turner. 'We were poor last Saturday, so the response at Tamworth was excellent...It has been an inconsistent start to the season'... Turner added: 'They were two very big wins for Altrincham over the Bank Holiday. It proved that they are a very capable side at this level. We must approach this game in the right manner'" .

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RESERVES

CONFERENCE NEWS

GENERAL NEWS

ORDER YOURS NOW!

RESERVES 5 LANCASTER CITY 2

Match report link on Reserves' page.

SATURDAY

Altrincham travel to Hereford for a noon kick off on Saturday. The clubs have only met twice before in the Conference (season 99/00) when Alty won 2-1 at Moss Lane and drew 2-2 at Edgar Street with a last minute goal from Dickie Landon, following Gavin Price's 83rd minute effort.

The Hereford official site previews the game with Alty. "The Robins are one of an ever decreasing band of part-time Conference clubs, and they will need to battle hard against their full time opposition, although their current run of three victories in a row show signs that they might not be as out and out relegation favourites as some suggested. With Tamika Mkandawire rated as doubtful, Simon Travis and Jamie Pitman still not fully fit, and Ryan Green suspended, Graham Turner will have a major headache ahead of Altrincham's visit this Saturday, as he tries to decide how to best fill the gap left by Green in the right-wing-back position. Turner could decide to change the formation, although that would still leave players being drafted into unfamiliar positions. Possibly his best bet is to play Australian Jon Brady as Green's replacement, allowing Rob Purdie to fill the gap behind the front two. Alternatively he could give the nod for Purdie himself to play as the right-wing-back, allowing Brady to continue occupying the free role behind the front two... Brown is a likely starter ahead of Mawson in goal... Should centre back Tamika not pull through, the back 3 will remain as Beckwith, James and Blewitt, and possibly even if Tamika does return in time, Turner may not be willing to rush him back too early from his medial ligament damage... The midfield of Ferrell, Brady and Stanley... will be looking to retain their starting places, and likewise could be said for the strike partnership of Stansfield and Carey-Bertram. If Ipoua's hamstring pull is still not fully recovered then it looks as though Graham Turner will have no hesitation to rest the ex-Doncaster man. Altrincham boss Graham Heathcote faces the possibility of being without up to nine of his squad. Rod Thornley is England's masseur so is away on International duty, whilst Eddie Hussin, Kirk Hilton, Richard Norris, Lutel James, Kieran Lugsden, Gary Scott and Karl Munroe are all injured. Gary Talbot received an injection to an injury this week and will face a battle to regain fitness in time".

The unofficial site of Hereford United reports that "With the transfer deadline passed Graham Turner has not made any new signings to bolster his squad, despite the recent indifferent performances of the team. The same site quotes the Hereford Times to the effect that "both Tamika Mkandawire (knee ligament) and Guy Ipoua (hamstring) are struggling with injuries ahead of Saturday's match with Altrincham. The report also notes that Graham Turner was attempting to sign a loan full back to cover for Ryan Green's suspension, with Simon Travis still at least three weeks from full fitness. ... Altrincham were listed as relegation favourites by most bookmakers and pundits, but the Lancashire [!!!!] club come to Edgar Street on the back of three straight wins... Rumoured to be operating on the smallest budget in the Conference, Altrincham have assembled a 26 man squad with considerable Conference experience".

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OLD BOYS

Accrington have got international clearance for veteran keeper Andy Dibble, signed from Wrexham. Both Steve Torpey and ex-Alty Reserve Adie Orr netted for FC United against Winsford on Wednesday in front of 2,200 at Northwich's new ground.

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Underfire Terry Brown, manager of Aldershot Town, has secured the signing of experienced centre back Greg Heald. The 33-year-old has a wealth of Football League experience with Barnet, Rochdale, Leyton Orient and Peterborough United. This season has already seen Heald feature briefly in the colours of York City, Burton Albion and, most recently, Ashton United... Also joining is Matt Gearing, a young striker from Northampton Town, who has agreed a season-long loan deal... Another signing is 27-year-old Bristol Rovers winger Ryan Williams who will also join the club on a one-month loan deal".

. "Woking have confirmed that central defenders Stuart Nethercott and former favourite Luke Oliver have joined the Cards on loan... Oliver is re-joining Woking on a month’s loan. The England National Game defender was transferred to Yeovil in the summer" reports the club website.

Southport's Midweek Visiter reportd that "Southport supporters who made the trip to Kidderminster were angered by the Harriers' unfair pricing policy. Kidderminster did not open the away visiting end which meant Port supporters had to pay £16 for a pitchside seat rather than the advertised £13 which home supporters enjoyed at the opposite end of the Aggborough Stadium. Secretary Ken Hilton will be informing Conference administrators about the issue this week".

Gravesend & Northfleet"have been awarded a grant by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, supporters of the Football Foundation, for 50% of the estimated £70,000 cost of rebuilding the Northfleet End".

Accrington Stanley "announce the signing of 20 year old attacking midfielder Romuald Boco from France. Romuald has 14 international caps and is now the captain of his national side Benin... Chairman Eric Whalley said "We are very excited about bringing Romauld into the country, he has the potential to be one of the biggest signings the club has ever made". But "winger Matty O'Neil has gone to Radcliffe Borough on a month's loan... [and] Tranmere Rovers midfielder/forward Paul Brown has signed for Stanley on a month's loan. 20 year old Paul started in the youth set up at Tranmere and has worked his way up to the first team squad.... He made four appearances last season and can play with both feet on either side of the field".

Cambridge Utd have signed Ritchie Hanlon from Weymouth whilst Exeter have acquired Tony Scully on loan from Notts County

This is KHFC says that Harriers' manager Stuart Watkiss "is keeping tabs on a Football League striker who could join his tribe in a temporary deal. He is happy with the last loan signing, Barnsley's teenage midfielder Simon Heslop, who impressed on his full debut at Cambridge".

From Halifax Today comes news that "Steve Bushell hopes to discover today exactly when he will be able to resume training. The Town skipper is to have another X-ray on the leg he broke at Barnet last April... But even if he gets the all clear, it will be at least three weeks before he can join the rest of the squad in training... Of the four players who missed Monday's 1-0 win over York, Steve Haslam is the only one who has a chance of facing Stevenage on Saturday... Gary Brabin will have a scan on the knee he injured at the Lawn tomorrow or Friday and if the results are good he could be back in action next week. But both Peter Atherton (hamstring) and Greg Young (dislocated shoulder) face a further three to four weeks on the sidelines".

This is Exeter states that Exeter City have "sealed the capture of Notts County winger Tony Scully on a one-month loan deal... Scully, who has commanded £350,000 of transfer fees during his career, started out as a trainee at Crystal Palace. In 1997 Manchester City stumped up £200,000 for the pacy wide-man, before QPR paid £150,000 to recruit his services in 1998... Another piece of transfer activity at St James's Park yesterday saw Danny Seabourne sent out on loan to Tiverton Town".

The Burton Mail says that Nigel Clough "put in a bid in excess of £10,000 for a centre–half at a league club, but that was rejected.The Burton manager said "What we are bidding is a lot of money at our level and there are not many Conference clubs doing it. However, we have a couple of loan options and if we can add one or two players it will help".

The BBC says that "Forest Green Rovers have handed former Norwich striker Zema Abbey a contract until the end of the season".

LAST GAME

CONFERENCE NEWS

The Scarborough website confirms that the club has "completed the signing of Sheffield United youngster Jake Speight, who has scored two goals in two outings for Boro after joining initially on work experience. Speight said of last season, “I had a double hernia in pre-season which obviously needed an operation, and I was out of action until Christmas. It was then hard to get back into the United set-up, and I spent some time out at Gainsborough Trinity on loan”.

"Billy McEwan, manager of York City, is urging his side to stay positive after Monday night's sickening 1-0 defeat at Halifax Town, despite dominating the game from start to finish... 'We are sick as parrots that we have not taken anything out of the game', The manager said 'I don't know how we lost it... We've dominated the game and not won but that's football isn't it? They say there were 1,000 people from York and that's just amazing... We just keep shooting ourselves in the foot by giving away silly free-kicks and silly penalties away and at this level the officials are not fantastic and you see some bizarre decisions'", reports This is York.

"Liam Daish, manager of Gravesend & Northfleet, expressed his frustration at so far not being able to get another forward into his squad before the transfer deadline. Daish said: 'I have spoken to many clubs and players, many of whom are quite simply asking silly money... The chairman made a formal offer on my behalf for Alex Revell at Braintree Town but that was turned down. I will keep working away though as to finish off the squad we do need another forward'. Meanwhile, the Fleet have rejected a transfer request from unsettled midfielder Andy Drury, who wants to leave before the transfer window closes. The 21-year-old is being strongly linked with a move to Barnet", says the Fleet's website.

"Gary Owers is backing his Forest Green Rovers players to permanently shake off their 'whipping boys' tag after becoming the first team to take points off Exeter City... He said: 'We set up the team slightly differently to do a job and got exactly what we wanted - it's a fantastic point and we probably had the better chances to win it. We got here nice and early and we could sense there was going to be a carnival atmosphere. I'm sure their fans were looking at Forest Green as the whipping boys and were expecting an easy win. ... Yet we've come to the best team in the league and they didn't hurt us'", reports This is Glos.

Confguide confirms that "Wycombe defender Stuart Nethercott has joined Woking on a four-month loan... The 32-year-old former Tottenham centre-back was a regular in Wanderers' back four last season".

Alex Inglethorpe of Exeter City is the Conference National Manager Of The Month for August.

BUCKETS

TACTICAL SUCCESS

Alty players and fans celebrate one of the goals against Morecambe. Picture courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photos. Orders can be placed to purchase prints, posters and merchandise at the Robins' Shop, with the club benefitting from the profits raised.

This is Trafford reports on Alty's wins at Aldershot and versus Morecambe. Of the latter game it says, "The Shrimpers were thwarted by a tactical masterstroke from Graham Heathcote, whose team lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, rather than the usual 4-4-2. Alty's defence, marshalled by Peter Band, suffocated the opposition's dangerous front line while the midfield controlled proceedings, proving to be both disciplined in defence and incisive in attack... And although the Robins will not expect to be in the play off picture come May, they have proved they can compete in this division whatever the odds stacked against them and relegation no longer looks to be a possibility". In its player ratings, SAM made Gary Williams the star man at Aldershot whilst Peter Band and Colin Little were the joint winners against Morecambe.

TAKING STOCK

Geoff Goodwin was interviewed both about Alty and his driving of the Australian cricketers' team coach. His guest at Moss Lane last Monday, bowler Shaun Tait was also interviewed. In a separate interview on Radio Lancashire, Tait annoyed Morecambe fans by saying how much better part-time Alty had been than full-time Morecambe!

The Morecambe official site also has a match report on Monday's game at Moss Lane. which concludes that "Overall it was a terrible day at the office for Jim Harvey's men as once again they failed to convert the numerous chances they created".

CONFERENCE NEWS

The BBC reports that "Aldershot boss Terry Brown wants to sign a striker and a central defender before the transfer window closes.... Brown told BBC Sport: "At the moment we are not strong enough in either penalty box. I'm hoping to sign a new centre half and a new striker before Wednesday's transfer deadline. I hoped to have some of my injured boys back by now but I still have seven or eight out. When you lose touch with the leading pack you have to make decisions. We are not in a false position, we are the worst team in the league at the moment". But "Brown has placed defender Tobi Jinadu on the transfer list.... Midfielder Bertrand Cozic and forward Bertie Brayley, who were both on short-term deals at the Recreation Ground, have left the club".

The Aldershot News added that "Terry Brown admitted for the first time that he is fighting to save his job after this latest disaster saw Aldershot Town plummet to the foot of the table for the first time in its short but sweet history... in the face of a second successive home defeat to a part-time side this season — one which led to a chorus of boos from some disgruntled fans... He said: 'My aim at the moment is to keep myself in a job. You’re at a senior club, you’ve suffered back-to-back defeats at home against sides that, in all honesty and no disrespect to Tamworth or Altrincham, we should be beating if we have title aspirations.... I can point to a catalogue of injuries but I have to look at the bigger picture... There is more in that squad of players and I’ve got to get more out of them... Two identical right wing crosses from Altrincham’s Colin Potts within the space of seven second half minutes proved the difference between the two sides as woeful defending handed the Conference newcomers the points in an ultimate smash-and-grab raid".

The BBC also says that "Scarborough boss Nicky Henry is hoping to sign promising teenage Sheffield United striker Jake Speight on a permanent basis... after scoring twice in two games. 'He's got pace, he's dangerous and he certainly knows where the net is'", said Henry who "has also been given a boost by the news that key defender Steve Baker did not break a bone in his leg during Monday's draw with Accrington, as had been feared. Meanwhile, Scarborough have allowed striker Jermaine Palmer, 19, to return to Grimsby following a month on loan".

"Halifax boss Chris Wilder told the Halifax Evening Courier: "We certainly need to bring in a couple of players, we're out on our feet in terms of injuries. We are going to have to call in a few favours and use the loan system. It's difficult but we need to strengthen" after Peter Atherton, Gary Brabin, Greg Young, Steve Haslam and Steve Bushell all missed Town's win over York City.

"Woking manager Glenn Cockerill is keen to loan out his son Liam to help him develop his game away from Kingfield. Cockerill believes the midfielder has been unfairly treated by a section of the Cards' supporters and is looking to fix up a temporary deal elsewhere", he told his club's website. And "Woking's former Arsenal midfielder Ian Selley, 31, is to see a surgeon concerning a hernia problem".

The BBC says that "Cambridge boss Rob Newman is hoping to bring in a new midfielder, after they were beaten 2-0 by Kidderminster. 'People say to me we're a young side and we're still learning, but it's a tough old world and this game is a rat race. The midfield four we finished with was Dave Daniels, Darren Quinton, Stephen Smith and David Bridges - there's not much experience in there... and I've got to get someone in there to help them'", he said.

IN THE PICTURE

A magnificent photo of Lewis Chalmers rising above the Morecambe defence, courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photos. Orders can be placed to purchase prints, posters and merchandise at the Robins' Shop, with the club benefitting from the profits raised.

ALTRINCHAM 2 MORECAMBE 0

Right: Chris Adams contests possession against Morecambe, as Owen, Rose and Melling look on.

Match report here.

DEVELOPMENT

DOC RETURNS

NEXT UP

ALTY, "A POOR SIDE" SAY BOTTOM PLACED SHOTS

The Times has a match report on the Aldershot v Alty game.

TUNING UP

Julieanne Gresty, the Alty Youth physio, puts her brother Richard and his team-mates through their pre-match routines on Sunday before the Lancaster City Youth game. See the Youth section for a match report.

AFTER THE MATCH

CONFERENCE NEWS

NL Daily reports that "Stalybridge Celtic have announced the signing of midfielder Steve Garvey from rivals Northwich Victoria... Celtic fought off strong competition from Conference National new boys Altrincham to secure Garvey's signature". Garvey was on trial at Moss Lane this summer.

RESULTS

Right: Peter Band, again gave his all for Alty today.

SET THE ALARM CLOCK!

ALTY YOUTH HIT SIX

ALDERSHOT TOWN 0 ALTRINCHAM 2

Above: Action from Saturday's win at Aldershot. Peter Band, left, hits the deck, as Chris Adams, arm raised, appeals for a goalkick.

Updates:

RESERVES

ALDERSHOT TOWN 0 ALTRINCHAM 2

Alty celebrate at the end of the Aldershot match.

Match report here.

The Shotsweb site has an Aldershot view of Saturday's game.

ALTY RESERVES LOSE

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RESULTS

Right: Colin Little - scored his first of the season at Aldershot.

Alty are now joint 9th in the league table but listed as 10th on alphabetical order behind Accrington.

FRIDAY

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NEWS

The BBC says that "Young Barnsley midfielder Simon Heslop is set to join Kidderminster on a month's loan. Heslop is set to link up again with Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss, who was formerly the Tykes' academy manager before moving to Aggborough as boss".

Scarborough Today says that "Boro boss Nick Henry will be running the rule over former Sheffield United frontman Adrian Littlejohn next week. Littlejohn, 34, has been without a club since leaving Rushden and Diamonds in the summer". Also, "Nick Henry could hand teenage striker Jake Speight a debut when his side visit Dagenham tomorrow. The Seasiders have taken the 19-year-old on work experience from Sheffield United and after an impressive run-out for the reserves on Wednesday he may have forced his way into Henry's plans. Centre-back Paul Foot may also grab his first start". Henry said: "I am planning a few changes to the side just to refresh things a little... Not all of the players are firing on all cylinders at the moment".

Herts-Essex News states that "Stevenage boss Graham Westley is anxious to ensure that the on-going race row involving Dino Maamria does not deflect attention away from his side's promotion push. The Tunisian striker has accused Woking midfielder Ian Selley of racially abusing him during last week's Conference clash... Boro' are in the process of writing a letter of complaint to the FA on behalf of Maamria... But Woking say they are fully behind Selley, who has fiercely denied the claims and is taking legal advice". Stevenage chief executive Bob Makin "confirmed that Maamria had been docked two weeks' wages, following his dismissal last week".

YOUTHS LOSE LEAD

ALTY'S BANK HOLIDAY GAMES

Alty have their first overnight trip of the season when they travel down to a hotel in Farnborough for Saturday's game at Aldershot. Reserve and ex-Youth striker, Lee Hendley (18), signed on Wednesday (see below) will be with the squad.

SAM quotes Graham Heathcote on injuries: "Other teams have been complaining about injury problems but I've got almost a third of my squad missing now... we've lost 7 players so are down to 18 now. The first week was physically demanding. We are used to playing full-time teams on a one-off basis in cup ties but playing three games one after another is very demanding for us". SAM adds that "Heathcote will wait to check on the fitness of Karl Munroe and Steve Aspinall in training this week. But Stephen Rose has yet to regain full fitness... while both Gary Talbot and Rod Thornley are injury doubts". SAM adds: "Aldershot have qualified for the Conference play-offs two years in a row and narrowly missed out in last year's semi-finals... But they have experienced a terrible start to the season and Alty will take heart from the fact they have already lost to two part time teams (Tamworth, Canvey) so far this season". But "Manager Terry Brown has brought in several players with league experience... including former Newcastle and West Ham striker Paul Kitson, as well as loan signings Scott Guyett and Chris McPhee from Yeovil Town and Brighton respectively... Dangermen: Tim Sills and Nick Crittenden.

Aldershot report that Shots' boss Terry Brown welcomes the return of his skipper... Steve Watson to help kick-start his season — starting this weekend... The Shots' Player of the Year spent all summer on the sidelines following a groin operation in May, but made a welcome return to full training this week... Brown is hoping to introduce his trump card either for Saturday’s clash with Altrincham or Monday’s trip to Grays Athletic". Aldershot have also been without six other players but "Brown is also boosted this weekend by the return to fitness of Tarkan Mustafa, who came on as a second half substitute". But "for Saturday’s visit of Altrincham... with key striker Tim Sills suffering a foot injury and flying winger Ahmed Deen trying desperately to shake off an ankle injury", Brown still has problems. Brown commented: “It’s an absolute catastrophe isn’t it?". However, "new signings Matt Somner and Bertrand Cozic [are] already making an impact" but "Brown looks to bring in at least another centre back and centre forward". In fact, Brown is closing in on a "transfer target whom he hopes to lead the attack on Saturday alongside loanee Chris McPhee and in the possible absence of Sills... The visit of Play-Off winners Altrincham will provide a stern test for the boss... The Shots boss commented: 'Altrincham are not your usual visiting northern side who like to put men behind the ball, they are a good footballing side, who like to play in all areas of the park. They have two good strikers to be wary of and I think we could be in for an entertaining and exciting game'".

Bank Holiday Monday, 29th V Morecambe (H) 3pm.

BBC Sport says that "Morecambe boss Jim Harvey has given his backing to the introduction of a transfer window for the Conference. Harvey is keen that clubs survive on coaching ability now they are unable to sign players on a permanent basis after the end of August. The Shrimps boss said: "Whenever we have a problem I don't often go outside the club to solve it, I get on the training ground". Morecambe Today quotes Harvey after defeat at Exeter; "If we were short on anything we were short on a bit of luck... We probably played the best football we have played in the three matches so far". The Shrimps "face a double-header this Bank Holiday with Crawley at Christie Park on Saturday and then a visit to Altrincham on Monday. Former Shrimps player Lee Elam is now at Crawley but is rated a doubt for Saturday with a groin injury. Jimmy Kelly will miss both games after his red card at Scarborough last Tuesday". A supporters' coach will travel to Moss Lane.

RESERVES

CONFERENCE NEWS

Accrington Stanley "have signed 18 year old Craig Gallagher. The former Everton youth team goalkeeper has signed on non-contract terms".

BBC Sport says that "Hereford midfielder Jamie Pitman 29, has been sidelined so far this season with a shoulder injury but helped Hereford's reserves to a 7-0 win over Kidderminster on Tuesday". He will return to the first-team squad after another Reserves' outing.

Cambridge News reports that "David Chick will be out of action for Cambridge United until the start of October... after suffering a foot injury in last Tuesday's 2-1 win at home to Hereford. But while Chick will be back to full fitness soon, he will play no part for United until at least their trip to Southport on October 1 as he is suspended for a month". Manager Rob Newman "moved quickly to bring Jonny Harkness in on a month's loan from Walsall last Friday... He will watch five trialists in a reserve team friendly... on Thursday. Among them are defenders Jean-Yves Anis (ex-Partick) and Tommy Laws (West Ham), midfielder Jamie Hand (Watford) and wingers Chris Jones (Leeds) and Adrian Graham (Kingstonian). Newman said: "If they're any good, we're in a position where we might be able to take them".

This is Glos states that "Forest Green are awaiting the results of a knee scan before deciding whether to sign striker Zema Abbey on a permanent deal. The 28-year-old, who is on trial at The Lawn after being released by Torquay United... Rovers boss Gary Owers was impressed with Abbey's contribution as a second-half substitute during last week's 2-1 defeat at Altrincham".

RESERVES

LEE SIGNS

TWO INJURY-HIT SIDES

The 11 injured players are:

In addition, Mark Maddox is suspended and last season's second top-scorer, Marcus Hallows (not allocated a squad number) is still out of action after a compound leg fracture last season.

CONFERENCE NEWS

Cambridge United "Goalkeeper Jamie Waite (19) has signed on non-contract terms". He was briefly at Barrow last season. Portchat quotes the "Midweek Visiter" as saying that "After recent speculation linking Peterborough with Terry Fearns, Liam Watson revealed at the weekend that Accrington Stanley had made an official request to speak to the player. 'Terry's initial reaction was that he wanted to stay with us and compete for his place'", said Watson.

RESERVES' GOOD WIN MARRED BY INJURY

IF YOU WANT A DRINK...

Aldershot have advised that no ticket means no drink at the ground.

RESERVES

SO FAR, SO GOOD

BUCKETS

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NEWS

From The Argus is news that "A vocal fan got it just right shortly after the final whistle of Crawley's undeserved defeat. 'Don't worry Reds, it will come', he shouted at the players as they jogged forlornly around the pitch... Crawley dominated large parts of the game against a Hereford side who are 9/2 favourites to win the title". Manager Francis Vines said: "You would have thought we were the ones who were favourites to win the league because we outplayed them at times". But "he does admit Crawley's lack of goals is a cause for concern", even though he "played with four strikers on the pitch for the last 25 minutes... {these] included transfer-listed Danny Davidson, who made his first appearance of the season since turning down a full-time contract in the summer... Davidson was only in the squad because Danny Ekoku was unavailable due to a mix-up with his registration at Bradford... He should not have played in Crawley's first two games but the Conference have decided to take no action".

From This is KHFC comes news that "Stuart Watkiss cannot wait for Iyseden Christie to settle into life in the Nationwide Conference. The Kidderminster Harriers manager is expecting fireworks and goals a-plenty from the talented striker once he finds his feet. Christie played for Watkiss at Mansfield Town and smashed home 19 goals at Coca-Cola League One level... The explosive striker, a pacey customer who can hold the ball up effectively as well as twist and turn for space in the box, is still searching for his first competitive Harriers goal... The Harriers' boss said: "Iyseden has to realise he can't do it for one game or spasmodically. He's got to do it week in week out in order for him to progress as a footballer". But "Wayne Hatswell was widely regarded as the best performer in the mid-week 1-0 defeat at Exeter City. Hatswell, usually a centre-half, has been on the end of some fans' criticism in his current left-back role but has started the season well". Watkiss added, "We've already played two of the teams (Scarboro, Exeter) that are going to be there or thereabouts in this division this season and we've compared favourably to them. We're going to come across a direct style of football and we have to stand up and be counted". However, Watkiss "is less impressed with plans for the youth team... The 250-club has raised around £8,000 but more than twice that figure was needed to pay a full-time youth team manager... Instead club stalwart Phil Mullen will combine the role with his position of new business manager. The youth team... will continue to train on a part-time basis".

The BBC reports that "Southport manager Liam Watson hopes highly-rated striker Terry Fearns will stay at Haig Avenue. Port have received an enquiry from a rival Conference side for Fearns, 27" Watson said, "There has been interest and I told him about it but he said he was happy at Southport, which is what I wanted to hear". Referring to last week, he said "I thought we out-footballed Stevenage. I know that we will adapt and go on to do okay".

PREPARATIONS

Alty travel to Aldershot on Saturday. Visiting supporters can enter the ground from 1.30pm via the Redan Hill turnstile, off Redan Road in the SE corner of the ground. Away fans can use Wally's bar in the South Stand for which vouchers are issued. Cover is expected to be available for away fans in the East Bank but there is also an open terrace. Admission is £12 (terrace), £15 (stand), with concessions £7 and £8 respectively. Programmes are £2.50.

The Yorkshire Post says that Halifax switched from 4-4-2 to 4-4-1-1 on Saturday "to counter the attacking threat of Aldershot full-backs Hassan Sulaiman and Lewis Hamilton" before going to 4-4-3 "to create more chances".

Halifax Today also reports on The Shots' 1-1 draw at Halifax in which "it was not until the final 10 minutes that Halifax looked like getting back on top. Too much of the home side's passing was sloppy and Town manager Chris Wilder was right to pick out decision-making in possession as another area in which they disappointed. Their cause was hardly helped by a series of poorly delivered set-pieces".

FOREST GREEN

Above: Colin Potts has just scored to make it 2-0 against Forest Green last Saturday. Picture kindly supplied by Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography'

SAM has a match report on the Forest Green game which says "Alty never seemed completely comfortable on the ball and a string of unforced errors throughout the game meant they were never able to recreate the fluent football played against Accrington Stanley. But one thing is certain, Alty are in awe of nobody in this league and despite their full time opponents' greater share of the possession on Saturday, Stuart Coburn hardly had to make a save". The Forest Green site also has a report, which says "The Rovers boss could not hide his disappointment with his team's first half display, which was at times more ponderous than the M6 traffic had been en route to the match". Manager Gary Owers said of Alty's second goal, "The linesman must have put his flag up 20 times in the first half, sharp as a tack. Then, on the one occasion when everyone thought it should have gone up, it didn't". The FGR MAD site also has a report.

STANLEY

OLD BOYS

CONFERENCE NEWS

Accrington Stanley report that "Darlington have recalled goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu... John Coleman expects to name a replacement shortly and is also looking at bringing in a left back from a Championship side".

East Thurrock Utd have signed "former England semi-professional international Steve West from Grays Athletic".

"Kettering Town made an appeal to the Northamptonshire FA, and a decision was made to reduce new striker Christian Moore's suspension from 35 days to 14 days... As a consequence of Moore’s initial suspension, the FA at Soho Square are taking a look at why this anomaly can happen and are expected to close the loophole so that players in Nationwide North and South are treated in exactly the same way as those in the Conference National".

"Canvey Island manager Jeff King has made David McGhee, 26, who can play in central defence or midfield, available for immediate transfer... [Also] King has made two young players available for loan spells. Jason Hallett, 19, is a promising young striker... [and] Midfielder or forward Leon Gordon, also 19, is another looking for regular first-team football [by going on loan]after breaking into the senior squad last season" reports the NL Daily.

The BBC states that "Halifax Town have completed the signing of former Leeds United midfielder Brenton Leister. The 19-year-old has joined Town on non-contract terms after being released from Elland Road... He follows striker Justin Bowler, 19, in making the switch from Leeds".

In the Burton Mail Nigel Clough "was hugely critical of Albion's performance" on Saturday. "In the last few minutes we had (Darren) Tinson giving a free–kick away that led to one goal, (Andy) Corbett giving the ball away and Webster giving a penalty away, so they are all culpable... The bottom line is that if we continue to make the decisions we made today, then we're destined to be a bottom half of the table team".

MOSS LANE VIDEOS

GOOD DRAW

CLOAK & DAGGER

DIARY DATES

JUNIOR ROBINS

There will also be a Junior Robins' page in the Robins' Review and this will include a quiz and puzzles.

To join, please either e-mail Paul Roberts or send your details and £5 subscription to Altrincham Football Club, Moss Lane, Altrincham WA15 8AP - or ring the club for further details (928-1045).

ALDERSHOT

STAR is running an executive coach to the game; details on the Away Travel page.

Alty have injury problems with Aspinall, Scott, Hussin and Hallows all recovering from surgery, and Munroe nursing an injured calf, but Aldershot are at least as badly troubled by lay-offs. Six regulars are out - David Lee, Steve Watson, Darren Barnard, Gary Holloway, Tarkan Mustafa and John Brough. After Saturday's draw at Aldershot, their first point of the season, manager Terry Brown said, "The reason we did not win this game is that we were not strong enough... We are probably a month behind the rest of the league. We are badly missing many of our senior, first-choice players and it may be the end of Spetember or later before I can field anywhere near my best side... We never seem to last the full game with two fully-fit strikers".

CONFERENCE NEWS

Canvey have placed defender Dave McGhee on the transfer list.

Crawley Town "Striker Danny Ekoku was absent from the Crawley squad after it emerged that his registration with Bradford City’s youth academy had not yet been cancelled. Ekoku featured in Crawley’s first two league matches, but the club have been informed they will not face any penalty".

CATCH THE COACH

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

CONFERENCE NEWS

Confguide says that "Sheffield United have allowed 20-year-old midfielder Adrian Harper to join Scarborough on a month long loan... after the Seadogs lost the use of Chris Hughes who is out for six weeks with an injury and Neil Bishop is banned".

OLD BOYS

RESERVES

CATCH THE COACH

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

CONFERENCE NEWS

Confguide says that "Sheffield United have allowed 20-year-old midfielder Adrian Harper to join Scarborough on a month long loan... after the Seadogs lost the use of Chris Hughes who is out for six weeks with an injury and Neil Bishop is banned".

OLD BOYS

RESERVES

WORKINGTON RESERVES 3 ALTY RESERVES 7

ALTRINCHAM 2 FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1

Match report here.

Right: Steve Hawes, man of the match.

Saturday 20th:

RESERVES, A CREDIT TO ALTY

IAN DELIVERS

A NEUTRAL VIEW

CONFERENCE NEWS

Accrington Stanley boss "John Coleman has signed goalkeeper Martin Fearon on non-contract terms to replace the injured Danny Alcock. 16 year old Martin... will take the first team squad number 18... Martin will travel down to Cambridge with the squad". But later the club reported that "goalkeeper Stuart Jones has left the club due to a recurring ankle injury. Jones started in both of our opening matches [incl. at Moss Lane] but has been playing with a strapping on and has also been experiencing considerable pain after each game. John Coleman has been quick to react however, signing a further two goalkeepers ... Bertrand Bossu joins us on a month's loan from Darlington. The 24 year old French goalkeeper came to England five years ago as a trainee with Barnet. He made 32 Conference appearances with Hayes before moving on to Gillingham and Torquay United... Also signed is 20 year old Paul Harrison, who was released by Liverpool... [after] working his way up to the bench in several Premiership matches last season".

Shotsweb reports that Aldershot Town manager "Terry Brown has swooped to bolster his threadbare and injury ravaged side by adding a midfielder to the squad. Former Northampton and Kidderminster midfielder Bertrand Cozic has signed non contract ... The 27-year-old also had a short spell at Hereford United before the Cobblers took him". Also, "Former Brentford and Cambridge United defender Matt Somner has signed a one year contract with the Shots just weeks after joining Bristol Rovers on non contract terms. Despite being offered a contract by the Gas, the 22-year-old - who can also play in midfield - has decided to join Aldershot. Brown is also hoping to add at least one more player to the side" by Saturday.

TEAM NEWS

MOSS LANE VIDEOS

COLIN AND FOREST GREEN

Forest Green Rovers are the third of four successive opponents this season whom Altrincham have yet to beat (or, in Aldershot's case, play) in the Conference. Alty's two previous matches against FGR ended 1-1 in 1999-2000. On the Forest Green Forum the Club Secretary writes about player Matt Gadsby; "Matt's injury was the result of clash of heads and due to dizzy spells he was medically withdrawn at half time as a a precaution. He was attended by the Tamworth doctor who did not stitch the injury and was confident that the player would be able to play on Saturday with the right protection in place". A supporter adds, "The thing Gads brought last season and again this is height in midfield. With Paul Wanless as well, we now win a lot more first and second high balls in midfield and I think that is one of the reasons why we are able to play a bit further up the pitch. I guess Gosling or Rogers would replace him if necessary".

STANLEY'S LUCK

Above: Another fine shot from Gavin Rathbone's GR Photos shows Gary Williams in action against his old club on Tuesday.

In Friday's NL Paper, Stanley boss John Coleman admitted "Alty were unlucky to lose". Graham Heathcote added, "We certainly had enough opportunities to win the game but foootball can be cruel at this level. Hopefully, it will even itself out and we can nick a result like that. But if we play that well all season, I'll be delighted".

RESERVES

YOUTH CHANGE

CONFERENCE NEWS

CSC & OLD BOYS

Since taking over, Pickering snapped up Matty Taylor, Mario Daniel [ex-Alty] and Gavin Salmon [ex-Alty trialist] from one of his previous clubs, Mossley... Former Altrincham, Hyde United, Droylsden and Curzon Ashton forward Chris Young has joined from Flixton, youngsters Liam Horrocks and Aaron Ratchford have arrived from Bury and Crewe respectively, young midfielder Keiran Delaney joins from Hyde United having previously been with fellow Tameside outfits Curzon Ashton and Oldham Town, Chris Curley [ex-Alty Res.] had signed from Atherton LR, Liam Dickenson from Trafford, ex-Rochdale and Hyde midfielder Glyn Barker from Clitheroe and defender Steve Mallinson, another to have played under Pickering at Mossley, has been snapped up from Witton Albion".

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Halifax Town have today confirmed the signing of ex Bradford City and Jamaica winger Jamie Lawrence" - once well known for his brightly coloured hair.

Scarborough "will be missing their Captain Neil Bishop for 3 games following the failure of an appeal to the FA... Boro had sent documentary and video evidence to Soho Square to support the club's claims that Bishop had been harshly treated" when sent off.