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19 to 30 September 2005 |
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19 to 30 September 2005 |
The Leigh RMI site reports on their win over joint league-leaders Fleetwood Town, 3-2,in which "RMI suffered their 3rd dislocated shoulder of the season, this time the unfortunate Will Rider was the victim and the game was help up for half an hour as the ambulance arrived", with former Alty youth Ben Ashmole deemed Man of the Match with two goals.
"Crawley Town striker Danny Ekoku has joined Sutton United on a month's loan. Ekoku, 19, has made six appearances for the Red Devils, without scoring, since joining from Bradford in the summer" says the BBC. However, "Southport manager Liam Watson has failed in a loan move for Morecambe defender Carl Ruffer". Watson said, "I have identified two other players. But clubs are not enthusiastic in allowing their best players to move" .
NL Daily reports that "Following the release of midfielder Steve Jones and [ex-Alty] striker Tony Sullivan, Lancaster City have announced that contract players Joe McMahon, Iain Swan and Ryan-Zico Black have been placed on the transfer list and that all Conference clubs will be circulated". But “This is not to say that all three players will be leaving the club,” said managing director Les Taylor, “The financial situation has become very serious, we are therefore having to make some big decisions to secure the long term future of the club. This doesn’t mean we are dismantling the side but what it does mean is that you may see a number of younger players in the first-team squad".This comes after they "crashed out of the lucrative FA Cup at the Second Qualifying Round stage... New chairman, Steve Johnston...says: 'We need to get more fans through the turnstiles. We have to get bigger crowds... I cannot understand the poor crowd levels. We are playing some good football with some good players but the fans are not there'... Attendance figures have dwindled at Giant Axe this season with the club needing around 500 people through the gates... Phil Wilson has already released Steve Skinner ".
Bulls News previews Hereford's game with Canvey in which "On Loan striker [ex-Alty loan player] Matt Bailey is likely to continue up front with Danny Carey-Bertram, with his height causing problems for the Aldershot defence even if his overall performance was not spectacular".
From the BBC comes news that "Accrington have parted company with veteran midfielder Ged Brannan. Brannan, 33, has left by mutual consent after almost two years with Stanley".
This is Exeter reports that "Exeter City boss Alex Inglethorpe reckons the club's table-topping exploits at the start of the season have distorted fans' expectations as the Grecians battle to stay in touch with the Conference leaders... Inglethorpe said: 'The real problem is people forget we have had £160,000 less to spend on the team this year. We start off like a house on fire and people think that's it, we're promoted. Let's turn the lights off and all go home - we are up'... Meanwhile, Inglethorpe fended off questions linking him with both the vacant managerial posts at Bristol Rovers and Yeovil Town".
Confguide reports that Woking's coach was damaged at Exeter, as "Two or three of their supporters decided to have a go at our coach while it was waiting for the players. Exeter's secretary and safety officer were informed and we will be forwarding a quote for the damage, to the club".
The Gravesend Reporter reports that "Liam Daish was fulsome in his praise for Jimmy Jackson after the Fleet midfielder scored a blistering goal in his 500th game for the club to seal victory over Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday... Indeed, Jackson is beloved by the Fleet fans. A local lad playing for the team he supports, he scored with a trademark left-foot drive direct from a free-kick... After a moment to weigh up the situation, Jackson swung his trusty left peg and the ball rocketed into the net".
According to This is KHFC "Stuart Watkiss fears he is living on borrowed time as Kidderminster Harriers' boss - unless the club publicly states its realistic expectations for the season at Aggborough... The flak has already started flying Watkiss's way... 'It's not water off a duck's back, because it hurts', said Watkiss, 'I'm a proud man and when I see my team perform poorly it hurts me... At the moment the set up of this club isn't that of a club to get out of the Conference - if you look deeper it just isn't... There's clubs in this league that are a lot further down the line than we are. Look at Halifax who have been in the Conference for three or four years and look at the underbelly there. They've got a youth system where they're tied in with the college, so have Hereford and Exeter... I've had a chat with people from Crawley and I know their budget is bigger than ours, and they've got a college system, a youth system and their own training ground'".
GRAHAM'S PLANS Graham Heathcote has told the website that he is determined to maintain a long-term perspective and not to "decimate" the current squad in the interests of seeking a quick-fix to Altrincham's current campaign in the Conference. He feels that the season is settling down and that, as predicted, Alty's season is settling into a mini-league with the clubs in the lower half of the table. However, to panic and make drastic changes to the squad could be "a recipe for disaster" should success not be achieved; such a move could leave the club with a long-term rebuilding job. However, Graham is keen to prove that the club can compete at this level and the performance against Halifax was a great encouragement in that regard. Graham's goal is that, whatever the future holds this season, the club emerges stronger than it was at the start of the campaign.
On the SAM website, "Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote (right) has blamed himself for the heavy defeats suffered by his team in recent weeks... Heathcote said: 'Apart from York, who were a very good side, I'm the one to blame for our bigger defeats because we opened up in the second half against Dagenham and Cambridge, looking for goals. We finished the game on Saturday with four strikers on the field because what's the point in sitting back to lose 2-0 rather than trying to get a result?... But we know Moss Lane is the place where we have to pick up the bulk of our points... You have to
remember we are two or three years ahead of a strict plan and I am not going to put pressure on my board of directors to invest in the squad. I have spoken to a Premiership club about taking some of their players on loan but the fee they would demand is half of our total wage bill and we built up the debt at this club by spending to get to the football league. We cannot afford to expand the squad and all I can ask from my players is for them to give their all but if they shirk that responsibility I will let them know about it'".
The Argus says that on Tuesday "Crawley got the win that may well have saved manager Francis Vines' job. He said: 'It was ugly and we ground it out but that is what we needed. We are not playing with confidence at the moment so we have to get results any way we can. It will be no good if we go on and lose on Saturday. We need to make sure we keep a clean sheet and get another win so we can progress from there'". In that game "Vines handed one-time Luton Town goalkeeper Scott Ward his first league start after losing patience with Phil Smith, whose mistakes had cost Reds goals in each of their previous three games... Crawley suffered an injury blow on 62 minutes when influential midfielder Simon Wormull was forced off with a back injury and was replaced by Lee Blackburn".
Alty fans may think they have a lot of travelling to do this season but our opponents Crawley Town from Sussex have had an average away trip of 432 miles so far this season, according to a posting on the Conference Forum! It adds, "As for Saturday, the coach [to Altrincham] is almost full I understand (40 odd), there's a minibus (15) and the usual independent travellers. Heck, a few are even flying - so you'll have something near 100".
The BBC reports that "Crawley Town midfielder Lee Elam has left the Broadfield Stadium after less than three months with the club. Elam's contract was cancelled by mutual consent following an injury-hit start to the campaign which has seen the 29-year-old start just four games... Elam signed for Crawley in July from Morecambe at the end of last season".
Before their defeat by Crawley, Kidderminster boss Stuart Watkiss told This is KHFC "I'm amazed Crawley are bottom of the league with the way I saw them play. But then I've seen enough of this league already to know every team is going to be taking points off each other. In Clare, they have probably the best finisher in the Conference, a lad who is tried and tested in this division".
Alty physio Sean Riley (right) has landed an excellent position as ass istant physio to the first team at Preston North End, a role he started last Monday. Sean is still helping out with Alty until a replacement is found and, in that connection, Graham Heathcote is meeting a prospective replacement this week. Sean is often seen before Alty games engaging in the pre-match warm-up and his off-field activities include a role as an accomplished "rapper" - it is believed he may display this talent at Saturday's "Meet the New Players Event"! One player particulary endebted to Sean is Alty striker Marcus Hallows. But for Sean's prompt action when Marcus suffered a compound fracture of the leg last season, hospital sources revealed that Marcus might have lost his foot. All at Moss Lane wish Sean well at Deepdale.
Halifax Today quotes Martin Foster, "The manager is right - it was stupid. But it was just a reaction. Their player went to grab hold of my head and I went to push him away more than anything. I must have caught his head at the precise time the referee looked round he saw my arm swinging back". The match report adds, "Altrincham showed little adventure, starting the game with just one striker. But [manager] Wilder said 'Altrincham had three former Halifax players [Munroe, Owen, Little] in their side and none of them wanted to let themselves down... We didn't look as sharp as we have". It goes on, "The visitors made their intentions clear from the outset, playing five across midfield and only former Shayman Colin Little up front. He became increasingly isolated as the opening 45 minutes went on even after Town had taken the lead. They had a chance either side of the break but little else. And they spent much of the game either on the back foot defending or booting the ball out of their own half for poor old Little to chase after. They are not a side you would want to watch every week.
NL Daily confirms that "Radcliffe Borough have extended Accrington Stanley winger Matty O'Neill's loan at the club".
Above: Stuart Coburn is sent the wrong way by Midgley's penalty at The Shay last night.
Match report here.
RIght: Stephen Rose, whose 40 yard freekick was pushed onto the bar at Halifax.
Meanwhile Confguide says that "Crawley Town have offered a £500 reward for information on the 'mole' who is leaking club secrets to the media. In a post on Crawley Town's fan website, ctfc.net, General Manager Paul Hobbs disclosed, 'confidential information' about the club had been made public. He writes: 'We want to know who the 'mole' is. We will offer a £500 cash reward to the person who tells us who the mole is. Confidentiality assured' ... Speaking to the Crawley Observer, Hobbs did admit: 'It could be somebody from the club, it could be somebody from a local paper, it could even be somebody from the hotel where the players are staying'".
Stevenage Borough report that "Phil Wallace, chairman of Nationwide Conference National club Stevenage Borough, has formally declined a substantial offer for the club by a Bedfordshire based consortium. 'It was very flattering and they had obviously done their homework, which was reflected in the price offered', Wallace explained, 'but I politely declined. I have no financial need to sell and I’m still enjoying building the club’s infrastructure... We have a thriving club, a supportive council, a decent stadium and passionate fans. I’m chasing the dream of promotion along with everyone else at the club, which is great fun, so why sell? The £3 million of investments we’ve made in assets and people over the past five years provide surplus income every month and are the foundation of future growth, with or without me. It may not be the quickest way to success but it is the safest if you want to protect the club from being dependent on a benefactor".
"Graham Turner, director of football of Hereford United, has spoken of his delight at the on-going refurbishment project at Edgar Street. Several areas of the ground are nearing full transformation, including dressing rooms, ticket office and foyer area, to keep up with demands of a modern-day stadium... Turner said: 'We have got to make the stadium fit for modern-day supporters, including things like the public address system, toilet and canteen facilities and all those will be taken care of over the next few years...We have paid as we have gone along'... Turner added: 'The floodlights are the next thing and a company will be getting the order to replace the `luminaries', as they are termed. There is unlikely to be a lot of change out of £50,000, a big expense but one that is necessary in order for us to comply with Conference rules'" reports This is Worcester.
Gary Talbot (right) will again be missing from Alty's side tonight at Halifax due to a foot injury but Chris Adams is fit again. Colin Potts is also doubtful but no decision has yet been taken about him. Both Gary Scott and Steve Aspinall are expected to play for the Reserves tomorrow at Moss Lane versus Ossett Albion (7.45pm).
Right: James Olsen, signed from Vauxhall Motors this summer, has been operating on the Alty left in recent games.
Alty enter the FA Cup in the 4th Qualifying Round; the 3rdQR draw included the following ties for local clubs:
The Non League Paper quotes Hereford boss Graham Turner whose team lost to the Shaymen on Saturday, "We let them get an early second half goal and after that we were never in it. Halifax were by far the better side and they clearly deserved to win the game". Halifax had brought on Craig Midgley at half-time in place of Wayne Jacobs and scored soon afterwards. Bullsnews reports that "Chants of "what a load of rubbish" from some in the away (Hereford) end pretty much summed up the second half from The Bulls and there was a confrontation between some 'supporters' and Jon Brady as the players left the field. There is a lot of work to be done if Hereford want to achieve their goal this season, and maybe a switch of formation would aid this".
The Halifax line-up was Dunbavin, Haslam, Quinn, Ingram, Wright, Forrest, Thompson, Foster, Jacobs, Sugden, Grant. Subs: Leister, Bowler, Midgley, Young, Senior.
Above: Stuart Coburn pushes the ball over the bar.
Match report here.
Right (click image to enlarge it): Alty fans dodge the cow pats on the half-mile hike through a field of unfenced cattle from the dropping off point dictated by Cambridgeshire Constabulary for away fans' supporters coaches at Cambridge United. Even the drop-off point was only reached after a diversion from the direct route of several miles from the A14, again at the behest of the Constabulary. The ground's floodlights are visible on the horizon.
The NL Paper leads with the threat to resign by Grays' chaiman Mick Woodward following fans' criticism. "They only have to push me one step further. I'm ready to get it over. They are morons". Grays boss Mark Stimson after his 3-1 win at Crawley said, "It was a very difficult game - you always know when you come to Crawley, they're going to get the ball down and play, and cause you problems. I'm surprised they are where they are in the league (bottom), as they gave us a good test and created some decent chances, but we dug in. Simon Wormull scored a free-kick for them that would grace the Premiership".
Courtesy of information from manager Neil Brown, there is a brief match report from the game at Lancaster last Tuesday, here. A report on Saturday's win at Guiseley is to follow.
The Alty team was 1. Ellison, 2. Monaghan, 3. A. Brown, 4. Lindsay, 5. McAllister, 6. Jones, 7. M. Brown, 8. Maloney, 9. McFadden, 10. Sutton, 11. Baker. Subs: 14. Grimshaw, 15. Stewart, 16. Ball.
From< ahref="http://www.confguide.com/">Confguide says that "Cambridge United boss Rob Newman looks set to ring the changes for the visit of Altrincham. The U's were on the receiving end of a 5-3 battering by in-form Grays on Tuesday night and Newman may promote two players who started on the bench that night. Recent signing Craig Westcarr has had two substitute appearances since arriving at the club earlier in the month and could start in attack, while Parys Okai may also be brought in. Darren Quinton (ankle) is recovering well and played for the reserves this week, although this game is likely to come too soon for him. David Chick misses out again through suspension while Jonathan Harkness is playing the last game of his one-month loan from Walsall. Altrincham boss Graham Heathcote is sweating on the fitness of several players ahead of the trip to the Abbey Stadium. Doubts hang over midfielder Colin Potts (ankle) and defensive duo Gary Talbot (foot) and Mark Maddox. Maddox sustained a suspected hamstring strain during the midweek draw against Scarborough and had to be substituted, but tests have revealed the injury is not as bad as first feared and the 32-year-old will face a late fitness check. Long-term absentees James Olsen [they mean Eddie Hussin] (cruciate) and Stephen Aspinall (ankle) are still out, although the later played 70 minutes in the reserves this week and Heathcote expects the defender to be back in contention for the trip to Halifax".
Cambridge have lost their last five games, whereas Alty have picked up 5 points in their last five matches.
Cambridge News says that "Marvin Robinson is believed to be a loan target for Cambridge United ahead of Saturday's home clash with Altrincham. United manager Rob Newman watched the Lincoln City striker play in the friendly between the clubs' reserve teams on Monday... But after Robinson fired home the Red Imps' final goal in their 5-4 Carling Cup defeat at Fulham, after coming on as a substitute, Newman could be thwarted. Robinson, 25, moved to Sincil Bank from Stockport in the summer and has scored twice, but has largely been on the bench. Newman would not comment on targets, but said: 'Alexander said to give him a ring and any of them we fancied might be available.We're going to speak to Lincoln again and we've got one or two names who would benefit our squad - and if it comes off, they might be in place for Saturday... Altrincham is one that you'd like to win, but we've got no divine right and we've got to be prepared and do things effectively. They'll see that we're on a bad run, but if we can do what we did in the second half on Tuesday and get rid of the errors from the first, then we've got a good chance'".
The BBC says that "Tamworth striker Julian Alsop is set for a quick return to action after learning his foot injury was not as bad as first feared. Alsop, 32, was hurt in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Southport and there were fears he had broken a bone in his foot. Player-manager Cooper told the club's website: 'It's not as serious as we first thought, although he will still be out for at least a fortnight'". The BBC also says that "Bristol Rovers striker Lewis Haldane's loan spell with Forest Green has been cut short following the League Two club's decision to sack Ian Atkins" and that "Kidderminster have agreed with Barnsley to extend midfielder Simon Heslop's loan spell... The youngster will remain with Kidderminster until the end of October."
Above: Peter Band, as ever competing for every ball, here against Scarborough. Picture courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography whose products are available in the club shop
Alty's average gate this season, so far, is 1,051 compared with 665 last season, a rise of almost 60%. Only once in the last 11 years have Alty averaged more than 1,000 over a season at Moss Lane (1994/95), when the average was 1,002. The last time Moss Lane saw a higher average than now was in 1990-91 when Alty almost won the title and the average gate was 1,385. For Alty's average home gates since 1987 click here.
Woking manager Glenn Cockerill told the Woking News and Mail, after his side's draw with Canvey, "I was happy with a point because we didn't perform but I'm disappointed with my team because they didn't play like one. They all just did their little bits on their own... If they can't see that they're in the wrong game because that is amateurish in my eyes".
Confguide says that "Gravesend boss Liam Daish paid tribute to his side's fighting qualities following their 1-1 draw at Hereford on Tuesday. 'We came back well after we went a goal down', Daish told the Gravesend Messenger".
Gravesend's official site confirms that "Gravesham Council leader John Burden announced at a council cabinet meeting that the council are working with government agencies and the football club to move the Fleet away from Stonebridge Road, their home since being formed in 1946. He also emphasised that a new stadium would be for them alone, scuppering overtures by Coca Cola League One side Gillingham to move to the borough... Specific details of the location are yet to be revealed, but it will be near to Stonebridge Road, close to the river Thames. Part of the site is currently occupied by a cement factory which is due to be decommissioned by 2008 according to owners LaFarge". Burden said, "We are Gravesham and our local club is Gravesend & Northfleet. Our prime interest is Gravesend & Northfleet Football Club and securing their future. The way Gillingham are playing at the moment the clubs could be playing each other next year".
"We are very pleased with the start to the season,"Conference chief executive John Moules told BBC Sport. "Not only are crowds holding up, they are on the increase. We monitor on a monthly basis and the August figures are well up on last year". He added, "Last season the league enjoyed a three-and-a-half per cent rise with 462 league and cup games attracting over one million spectators. We still offer traditional, three o'clock Saturday football, which is affordable. We still offer traditional, three o'clock Saturday football, which is affordable and competitive". Moules "rates average ticket prices at £9 and £12 for a seat". He went on "With 18 of the 22 clubs full-time, we employ somewhere in the region of 500 full-time players across those clubs, which is a fair indication of the progress we have made over the last couple of years". The article adds that "Wage bills have gone up accordingly and while playing budgets vary across the clubs from less than £5,000 a week to around £10,000, the Conference has tried to make the competition a level playing field". (Alty's budget is under £5,000 but at least one club we have played this season claimed to have a budget twice as high as £10,000). But "Moules is predicting this season's promotion race to be even more competitive and with the league expanding to 24 clubs next season, he believes the future is bright".
"Tamworth target-man Julian Alsop is facing a possible lengthy spell on the sidelines with a foot injury. The ex-Swansea and Cheltenham striker, 32, was hurt in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Southport with scans still to confirm whether he has broken a bone. 'It is a big blow for us to lose Julian. He is a major player for us'", player-manager Mark Cooper told the Tamworth Herald.
The Burton Mail reports that "Albion were hoping to secure the signing of Derby County youngster Nathan Doyle on a month's loan... Rams' boss Phil Brown is willing to release the 18-year-old midfielder, who has failed to figure in the first-team so far this season... Clough told Mail Sport 'He is a dogged and determined type of player and that's just what we need at the moment... We need all the help we can get at the moment'". Brown confirmed: "There is another club interested — a League club — so it is by no means a foregone conclusion".
This is KHFC says that "Under-fire boss Stuart Watkiss admits he must take the rap for 'the worst back to back performances'" of his Kidderminster Harriers reign. Watkiss insisted "'no teacups were thrown' during a constructive dressing room post mortem after the Halifax defeat. 'I can understand the crowd's frustration and their anger because I'm a football fan too. It was not just losing, it was the manner of the defeats... We haven't played well at home all season. Away from home it's been a different story... I have had a chat with the chairman about it, but all that was said was everyday business".
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Colin Little celebrates his goal against Scarborough. Picture courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography whose products are available in the club shop
In SAM's report, it says that Alty "will be disappointed not to have taken all three points after drawing 1-1 with Scarborough on Tuesday... The result was harsh on the home side, who had dominated the first half and put in an admirable performance considering both of their previous games had ended in 5-0 defeats... Manager Graham Heathcote said: 'These are the kind of games you would categorize as being between two of the eight or ten teams who will all be in a pack fighting it out this season so in that respect it was a big game and I look at it more as two points lost than a point gained. I'm disappointed at the way we conceded the goal because three weeks ago we wouldn't have conceded that goal, we just got a little bit tired and instead of closing them down and stopping the shot in the first place we sat back and let the shot happen. But I just said to the lads we've come a long way, we're disappointed with drawing at home to Scarborough and this time last year we were probably playing Moor Green so you keep things in perspective if you can. We're in a batch of games now where we need to pick points up and I don't think we've had a poor start, it's a reasonable start and if we get 11 points out of the next nine games I'd be just as happy'".
The BBC quotes Graham as saying: "The important part was to get something on the back of two 5-0 beatings, because that can sap the confidence. That aspect pleased me but we could have played better and if we had played more football then we would have won. However, this is a tough league for us, physically."
The Scarborough site has some interesting statistics of the game which include:
Scarborough Today quotes Michael Coulson who scored against Alty on Tuesday, "When I am sent through one-on-one with goalkeepers I like to take the ball around them and that was what I had in my mind. I tried a little dink and then a trick, but the keeper (Stuart Coburn) just stood up and made the save. He did very well all night though, making some brilliant stops".
Alty have never met Cambridge United competitively before but we have played Halifax Town 8 times in the Conference and never lost. All the away games have been draws, whilst at home Alty have won 3 and drawn 1. We have also met twice in the FA Cup, losing both times. In 1975-76, in Round 1, we lost 1-3 at The Shay and in 1988-89 we went down 0-3 at Moss Lane in Round 2.
The Cambridge News reports on Cambridge United's 3-5 reverse at Grays saying that "Ritchie Hanlon was the man who finally ended Cambridge United's long-running barren streak in front of goal after almost eight-and-a-half hours". Likewise Alty broke their 6 and a half hour barren goalscoring spell on Tuesday. But for United "suicidal schoolboy errors ensured United's Conference woes continued". After getting back to 5-3, "it was too little, too late for United, who now they have rediscovered the art of scoring, also need to halt a worrying run of five defeats". Manager "Rob Newman is ready to put players on the transfer list... Newman said more changes needed to be made if United did not win at home against Altrincham on Saturday... He said: 'Players may have to go and if it means putting three or four on the transfer list and getting rid of some of the non-contract players, we'll do it... I'm under pressure, everyone at the club is under pressure and we have been for the last four or five months... It's basic errors that have cost us. The fans quite rightly have voiced their disapproval and I know it's not good enough".
Halifax Today reports that "Town ended a six-month wait for an away win when Lewis Killeen bagged the only goal of the game at Kidderminster... Boss Chris Wilder said, "It was not a matter of dropping anyone. I had to change things round... Lewis and Ryan Sugden have waited for their chance and they came in last night and gave me their lot. If we are going to be successful it will take a group of players to do it". The report adds "Among the many highlights was an impressive debut from on-loan youngster Jake Wright who replaced Greg Young at left back. Jake came into the squad from Bradford".
The Burton Mail reports that "Albion had to endure a chorus of boos at the Pirelli Stadium last night after crashing to the foot of the Nationwide Conference for the first time". Manager Nigel Clough said: "Fans will always vent their frustration if they think that's the best way to get the lads going and support the team. We're pleased the majority stayed behind and gave us a bit of encouragement to the end. That's the bit we'll take heart from... We played well in spells, but every time they went in our box they seemed to score... Four-nil suggests a thrashing [by Morecambe], but we just feel a little bit hard done by. It's quite scary what's happening at the moment... We've hit the bottom now and I can think of no better place to go and get a point than away to the league leaders [Exeter]".
Match report here
Former Alty player Graham Barrow has had his managerial contract terminated by Bury. Graham is seen on the right of the adjacent picture (courtesy of Terry Rowley) with John King.
The Scarborough website quotes Scarborough chairman Malcolm Reynolds: "Losing Brian Wake to an injury has been a real blow just after he had shown us his true capabilities. We have also lost Chris Hughes without a ball being kicked, then Mark Quayle". The article adds, "Boro are also seeking to bring in an established Conference midfielder on loan, although some difficulties were experienced on Friday with his current club. The player is expected to sign for Boro during this week, possibly in time for the match at Moss Lane on Tuesday".
The Scarborough FC site reports that the Seadogs "make a return visit to an old hunting ground on Tuesday when they visit Moss Lane in Altrincham. Boro and The Robins faced many battles in the 1970s and 1980s when, as members of the Northern Premier League and then the Alliance Premier League, they were two of non league football’s most feared teams".
Mark Eckersall, the STAR travel coordinator writes:
As well as a new ground for most Alty fans, supporters travelling on the STAR coach to Cambridge could win themselves a pair of tickets to the Meet the New Players night on 1st October - worth £35. Altrincham director Grahame Rowley has kindly donated three pairs of tickets to the STAR Travel Club and these will be won by three lucky travellers picked at random on the coach during the journey down to Cambridge. The coaches have been a great success once again this year and the club are very grateful for the fantastic away support. Entry to the draw is free, all you need to do is book on the Cambridge coach at the Scarborough game on Tuesday or at the offices in the week (from Wednesday) to be in with a chance.
Details of the Cambridge coach times and fares will also be posted on this site after Tuesday's game.
This is York reports that "York City's stand-in skipper Emmanuel Panther believes the best is yet to come from his new team despite Saturday's 5-0 trouncing of Altrincham... He said: 'At the start of the season nobody knew each other so I think the more we play and train together we will get a bit better as a team and have more performances like that against Altrincham'... Panther admitted that Saturday's display marked one of the best team performances he had ever been involved in".
The unofficial Minstermen website also has a report.
Cambridge News says that "Rob Newman admitted Alan Shearer might struggle to score for Cambridge United as their goal drought stretched to five games after Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Woking... making it the club's longest run without a goal since October 1973. The result also marked United's fourth successive defeat as they slumped to 19th in the table from third a month ago". He added, "We look as if we couldn't score if we're playing all day and we have to get rid of that fear factor. They looked like they'd rather pass than shoot and I know a lot of them are only kids but you can only say that for so long. Craig Westcarr has only been in the building this week and I don't think his fitness is there because he hasn't had a lot of football in the last three or four months". But "Newman said he could understand why fans booed United from the pitch... He said: 'The fans have got every right to voice their disapproval, but when they're on that pitch, the players need all the help they can get... We're all pulling together but because we've lost the last four games, it just feels really bad at the moment'".
Southport "are back in action on Tuesday night against Tamworth... Dominic Morley came through his first outing since the opening day of the season. Kevin Leadbetter returns to the squad after feeling ill at last Thursday's training session. Liam Watson describes Tuesday night's Conference clash as 'the biggest game of our season so far'. After three successive defeats everyone wants a win on Tuesday night however a clean sheet would indicate a tightening at the back having conceded 11 goals in 4 home matches".
Crawley Town say that "Yeovil Town midfielder Andy Lindegaard has signed for Crawley on a month’s loan ... Lindegaard has made over 100 appearances for the West Country outfit, including 29 in last seasons promotion winning side. Director of Football Steve Duly explained “With the introduction of the transfer window this season, we are now only permitted to take players on a short term loan in the event of an “emergency”. We reviewed the injury situation last week and contacted Gary Johnson regarding Andy’s availability, and with Danny Brown, Neil Jenkins and Rob Kember out of contention and Paul Armstrong and Simon Wormull rated 50/50 for tomorrow's match, we contacted the Conference who approved our request. 25 year old Lindegaard operates on the right hand side".
"Aldershot have signed Yeovil full-back Steven Reed on a month's loan just a few days after he returned from a temporary spell with Woking. The 20-year-old has yet to feature for the Glovers first team this season.... [but] Reed enjoyed a two-month loan spell with Forest Green where he made just nine appearances" says the Football Conference.
This is Exeter reports that "City striker Craig Farrell fired a chilling warning to the rest of the Conference by claiming his partnership with Lee Phillips could yield 40 goals this season... 'We are friends off the field and I think that helps... I went from being top scorer two years running at Carlisle to not being in the side... But luckily Alex has taken a gamble on me".
For details of Alty's FA Youth game at Selby Town on 26 September, see the Youth Page.
But our next opponents, Scarborough, left their manager Nicky Henry rueing "a frustrating end to a frustrating week" after losing at Canvey Island. "You've still got to do the most important thing and that's put the ball in the back of the net. We didn't today. We've had chances, we've hit the bar, the goalie's made a good save - so yeah it's a frustrating day at the end of a frustrating week" he told BBC Radio York. Former Alty striker "Mark Quayle picked up a hamstring injury and looks set to be sidelined for the next two to three weeks".
Above: The Alty fans watch a throw in by York's Price. Below: Mark Maddox raises his arms in despair as O'Neill opens the scoring for York.
Match report here
One consolation - all four Alty defeats this season have been against teams now in the top six in the league table. Report to follow.
