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August 2008 |
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August 2008 |
Above: Warren Peyton's 25-yard freekick has just crashed back off the underside of the crossbar, evading Dale Johnson.
The NL Paper reports that, on Saturday, Eastbourne's keeper and defence "worked hard to secure their first home win in the top flight... the heroic [goalkeeper] Hook made two brilliant saves to deny a spirited Altrincham. Afterwards manager Garry Wilson said, 'We have to thank Lee for his saves. We defended admirably.... I wouldn't say we were lucky. We never use the word 'lucky'... These are the types of games we need to win'. Meanwhile Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote and his coaching staff refused to comment".
In the NL Today paper, Borough's assistant manager Nick Greenwood said, "You could say we won ugly but there points is three points. We know we can play better but, at the moment, results are all that matter".
Above: This shot from Chris Senior, in the second half, was blocked by keeper Hook.
Altrincham contrived to lose this game despite dominating the second half. Indeed, they were also more than holding their own before Armstrong scored the game's only goal in the 28th minute. An Alty attack broke down and Eastbourne quickly played the ball over the top of the Robins' defence to set Armstrong free, despite suspicions of offside. Alty keeper Coburn rushed out of his goal, then stopped, and the Sports' captain clipped a fine shot over him into the net. Alty had proved reluctant to shoot in the first half but had several decent second-half chances as they went forward time and again. Peyton was very unlucky to see a superbly struck freekick come back off the bar but the home defence held out, with home keeper Hook lifting the man of the match award. Match report here.
Right: Colin Little was a used sub for Saturday's game.
SAM reports that "Colin Little is a doubt ahead of Alty's trip to newly-promoted Eastbourne Borough. The striker has been struggling with a knock picked up in Monday's draw with Wrexham but manager Graham Heathcote is confident he should be fit to start. Last season's top scorer will undergo a fitness test prior to the game at Priory Lane... Eastbourne, however, have a couple of worries with Simon Wormull (hamstring) and Andy Atkin (calf) both ruled out. Matt Crabb is also suspended after beign sent off in Monday's 1-0 win over Grays. But midfielder Mo Harkin is back in action after missing Monday's game with severely blistered feet".
Manager Graham Heathcote said, "We have to look to build on Monday's performance tomorrow. We were all very disappointed with the 4-0 defeat at Kidderminster but when you're reduced to 10 men it changes the course of a game. So we have to keep 11 men on the pitch first and foremost and not make any silly mistakes at the back. This is one of the games we will be looking at as a chance to pick up points".
For Eastbourne, known as The Sports as they were formerly called Langney Sports, SAM's Connor Murphy picks out "Paul Armstrong, captain and midfield lynchpin. Armstrong has been a consistent performer since joining the Sports from Crawley in 2006. He is the creative hub of the team and much of their play goes through him. A good passer of the ball and also able to get forward and provide goals from midfield".
The BBC confirms that "Eastbourne Borough will be without striker Andy Atkin (calf) and Simon Wormull for the game with Altrincham. Midfielder Matt Crabb serves a one match ban for his sending off against Grays Athletic". Meanwhile, "Eastbourne Borough manager Garry Wilson told BBC Southern Counties Radio: 'There'll be a number of games at home with teams that are going to be around the same area as us. Altrincham will be round about our group. These are the type of games where we are really desperate to get the points'".
"Steve Fallon has challenged Damian Reeves to find his feet and kick-start his Histon career against Forest Green tomorrow" claims the Cambridge News. "The Stutes' boss thinks there is more to come from the former Farsley Celtic striker, who has failed to score in the Blue Square Premier since arriving at the Glass World Stadium in the summer. And with Danny Wright struggling to overcome an ankle injury, the manager wants Reeves to grab his opportunity and recapture the form which saw him net 15 times last season. Fallon said: 'We thought Danny had gone over on his ankle against Rushden on Monday, but there's a lot of bruising as well, so it might have been a kick. He's probably 50-50 to play, and we've said to Damian that he's got to break into our top two striking positions. 'When he gets one of the slots, he's got to do enough to keep it and he needs to knuckle down and take his chance'".
The The Argus says that "Worthing will have talks with Eastbourne Borough about signing Andy Ballard. The defender played for the Rebels in last night’s prestige friendly against Arsenal and also had a run-out for them in pre-season".
"Kevin Spencer has had his contract with Kettering Town cancelled by mutual consent" says the Northants Evening Telegraph. "The young defender made just one start and six substitute appearances in his time with the Poppies having been signed by Mark Cooper last summer.He suffered a broken ankle towards the end of last season".
This is Nottingham reports that "There is no one in the Mansfield camp more focussed on beating Grays Athletic [on Saturday] than Billy McEwan... Since bringing in four players on the eve of the new season – Aaron O'Connor, Anthony Robinson, Tom Shaw and Luke Herriott – the Scotsman has maintained he wants to add three or four more names to his squad... 'It is difficult at the moment, I am still speaking to two or three players, and hopefully I will get in one or two before Monday',` said McEwan. 'But if I can't get them in permanently, I can use the loan system, as I have done before. There is a week after the deadline when you can't get players in except for an emergency, but after that you are okay again. It can be frustrating because you talk to managers at other clubs and they want to bring someone in before they will let someone else out'. England 'C' have this week unveiled their squad to play Bosnia-Hercegovina on September 16 in Sarajevo and Mansfield midfielders Jonathan D'Laryea and Nathan Arnold are in it... McEwan said: 'It is excellent to see the young lads gain recognition and it is good for the club, but it is not good for the manager. Personally, I would rather they stayed here with us because we are going to have to work as a group without two of our players. Anything can happen when players go abroad. They might get injured, be jet-lagged from the travelling or have their heads full of stuff from the different set-up – and it is a friendly'".
"John Batchelor, the controversial former owner of York City, says he is not part of the consortium aiming to buy the Northwich Vics site at Wincham", reports IC Cheshire. "But the colourful figure has been involved in talks with Vics owner Jim Rushe and watched recent Northwich games... The sale, says Rushe, 'is no further advanced' than it was last week. He said then he had expected the deal to be completed within days. Batchelor took York into administration and is a hate figure among fans who reckon he allegedly made money from his association with the club. Supporters at Mansfield campaigned against him buying their club, whom he wanted to rename Harchester after the Sky TV football programme. In an interview with noted journalist David Conn, he admitted: 'I do asset strip'. Batchelor told the Chronicle: 'I am interested in getting back into football, but I have no involvement with the consortium'. Rushe said: 'When the names of the consortium are revealed John’s will not be among them. I have sole control of Northwich Vics and I will not sign up to anything where Vics will suffer'... Mike Connett is believed to be asking just over £3m for the nine acres he acquired from administrators Begbies Traynor for £250,000 five years ago. The plan is for the consortium to develop the land, while receiving rent from Vics, who in turn would take over the catering rights now owned by Connett. Eventually they could buy the stadium".
It was a poorer tale at the Vics on Thursday as the Northwich Guardian says that "Micahel Barnes has left Northwich Victoria because the club could not offer him a deal. The former Manchester United winger did not want to stay at the Marston's Arena on non-contract terms, according to manager Dino Maamria. 'We were honest with Michael', he said. 'At the moment we are not in a position that allows us to offer any more deals'... Barnes, 19, made one substitute appearance at Burton earlier this month... Meanwhile Maamria told the Guardian there would be no new faces at the Marston's Arena before the transfer window closes at midnight on Monday. 'There is no money', he said. 'It's that simple - we can't afford to bring anybody in so I'm going with what I've got'. Full back Mike Aspin continues on non-contract terms after impressing on his first start at Grays. And Vics will need him while regular right back Richie Sutton battles to shrug off a groin strain. 'I'm hoping we can sort something out with Mike soon', added Maamria".
Fewer than 24 hours later, on Friday, the Vics seemed to be flush again as the Guardian adds that "Vics are on the verge of signing Chester City midfielder Paul Rutherford. Manager Dino Maamria - who told the Guardian earlier this week he had no money to bring anybody else in - appears to have had a change of heart after meeting the 21-year-old Merseysider at the Marston's Arena yesterday for talks. He has been training with Northwich for a fortnight". But later on Friday the saga continued as the Northwich Guardian confirmed that Maamria "heads to Sussex tomorrow, Saturday, with his squad swelled by the addition of full-back Phil Marsh and Portuguese forward Martins Almeida - both signed on non-contract yesterday, Thursday. Chester midfielder Paul Rutherford will not be on the coach after his move to the Marston's Arena fell through today."Paul Rutherford will not be on the [Vics'] coach after his move to the Marston's Arena fell through today".
And this is confirmed by the Vics' website which announces "the signing of two players; Phil Marsh ex Man United & Blackpool & Martins Almeida who played in many of the pre-season friendlies. Both are non-contract. Leaving the club is 20 year old midfielder Michael Barnes". The confusion continues as the site then reports that "Northwich are also in the market for Chester City midfielder Paul Rutherford, and a signing looks a real possibility".
"Brian Little admits he is unconcerned about Wrexham’s away-day plight and has no fears ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Blue Square Premier leaders Salisbury" according to the Daily Post... 'We’ve only lost one game away so far', he said. 'We’ve conceded less goals than anyone else and are also one of the highest scorers. Maybe we could have picked up a couple more points away, and I would have liked us to have played better, but I am not concerned about playing away from home at all. Altrincham, as one of the nearest clubs to us, was probably a harder game for us than it will be for a lot of teams, but we went to Rushden and Diamonds who everyone said is going to be up there at the end and we came away with a draw and maybe should have had more. I think the only disappointment was York away and we have put that behind us now. We are still a very progressive side and people in this league obviously are very much aware of us'”.
Dear Geraint,
A quick email to say on behalf of Altrincham FC, a thank you to your club and supporters following the visit to Moss Lane on Monday. I am told it was our best league gate for 17 years. The behaviour of your supporters was excellent and the stewards did not even need to speak to anyone. Thanks also to Colin Edwards for organising some of your stewards to attend and assist our own staff. We look forward to meeting up again on Easter Monday.
Kind regards,
Derek Wilshaw, Secretary, Altrincham FC
Despite the switch of kick-off time, which was at the request of the local police, officials at Altrincham FC had always looked to encourage Wrexham supporters to attend and those who used the seating areas were made more than welcome in their social club. It was a different experience to the ones we are more used to, especially where local derbies are involved".
Dual pricing appears to be in operation at Kettering Town who have announced that their "forthcoming fixture on Tuesday 2nd Sept against Stevenage Borough (1945 kick-off) is a PREMIUM fixture and ALL prices for entry will increase by £1. Entry fee will be as follows; Main Stand; Adults £16; Under 16s £5; Concession £12.00: Terrace; Adults £14; Under 16s £4; Concession £10. This coming Saturday's fixture against Woking is normal match day prices". As Woking are bottom and Stevenage second bottom, what price the visit of Salisbury United?
Oxford United announce that "Midfielder Rob Davies and striker Michael Husbands have both left the U's. Former Wrexham and West Brom midfielder Davies was on an extended trial contract which expired at the end of August, and has been told he will not be offered a deal beyond that. Much travelled striker Husbands was with the club on non-contract forms. Davies made one start for the club, away at Barrow, while Husbands made two sub appearances. Boss Darren Patterson said: 'They weren't quite what we were looking for here'".
The Cambridge News claims that "John Howard wants to see the colour of Cambridge United's money before he will consider doing a deal with them over the return of the Trade Recruitment Stadium. Director George Rolls told supporters at last Thursday's fans' forum the club had had a £4million bid to buy back their ground rejected by former United vice-chairman Howard's firm Bideawhile. After that meeting, chairman Phil Law refused to comment further on the offer United had made.
Howard, who along with business partner Stephen Clark bought the then Abbey from the club for £1.92million four years ago, told the News last night they had not snubbed the bid. But he said Bideawhile would not mull over United's offer, which he claimed was made two months ago, until they had received concrete evidence the cash was in place to finance such a deal. 'The situation is this. The club did make us an offer, but part of the offer was that they were going to provide proof of funds shortly', said Howard, who quit the United board in 2006. 'That was two months ago and we haven't heard anything since. Anyone can say they want to buy anything, but only once we've received proof of funds will we take the offer seriously'... Howard said he did not know how United, who pay £200,000 annual rent, were planning to raise the cash... He said: 'We were dealing with the chairman Phil Law. They wrote to us, and made us an offer which we assumed was going to be kept confidential. Airing business in public isn't the way forward, in my opinion. When we have the proof of funds, we'll make a decision'... A £2.2million offer, backed by a loan from former vice-chairman Johnny Hon, was turned down three years ago".
The Argus reports that "James Fraser has returned to Bristol Rovers following the completion of his one-month loan spell at Lewes... It was decided not to extend his stay with the Rooks".
The NW Evening Mail says that Barrow's joint manager "Darren Sheridan was sent off during the reserve team game at Leigh Genesis last night. Sheridan – who was captaining the side – received his second booking following a tackle around the hour mark. Fellow boss Dave Bayliss, who along with Marc Ayres scored in the 2-1 win, felt the referee had over-reacted. He said: 'It was a bit embarrassing. He was a young referee and there was no banter. There was an assessor watching and maybe Darren was a bit of a scalp'. Bayliss added that, on the plus side, first-team forward players Chris Thompson, Paul Brown and Nick Rogan had played the full 90 ahead of Saturday’s home game with Stevenage".
At Burton Albion "Nigel Clough is hoping to add to his squad with a loan move for Morecambe defender Adam Yates. The 25 year old made 44 appearances for the Shrimps in their debut season in league two and during his time in the Conference has also played for the England C squad". Yates was briefly at Altrincham last season.
According to Cambridge United "United's appeal against Ben Farrell's sending-off against Kettering has been rejected... Ben's three-match suspension begins immediately".
"Ebbsfleet United have received an offer from a Football League club to purchase striker John Akinde... The latest bid made on Wednesday 27 August is in excess of £140,000. Ebbsfleet United could also recieve further payments depending on performance plus a significant percentage of any sell-on should the player be transferred to another club... Over the next 48 hours, Liam Daish, the CEO and Chairman are seeking the opinion of the club’s owners, the MyFootballClub members, and any decision will be made public immediately".
Confirmation comes from Kent Online which says that "Ebbsfleet striker John Akinde could end up playing in the Championship, according to one of the clubs chasing his signature. The Fleet have asked the 30,000 MyFootballClub members to decide whether to accept a bid in excess of £140,000 for Akinde. But his destination may not be Peterborough as the rumour mill has suggested. Reports there suggest that the 19-year-old has been talking to Bristol City with an eye to a move to Ashton Gate... Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson told The Evening Telegraph: 'I spoke to John and his father (Wednesday) to try and persuade them to sign for us so we will have to wait and see what happens. I'd be disappointed to lose out on John as we've been after him for a very long time. He would be a certainty to score goals at our level, but it was inevitable that other clubs would be interested in him'. Despite the speculation, Bristol City manager Gary Johnson said earlier this week that he is unlikely to dip into the transfer market before Monday's deadline... The 30,000 MyFootballClub members have until Friday to register their vote on Akinde's future."
Meanwhile, as "football clubs around the country have been setting a sartorial tone with new kits for the new season, Ebbsfleet United are giving the elbow to 'the men in suits' that populate boardrooms. Ebbsfleet Chief Executive David Davis has implemented a 'smart casual' approach to boardroom attire as fans representatives are now being welcomed into the club's inner sanctum on match days. 'We want to get away from the idea that football club boardrooms are a leftover from the days of gentlemen's clubs', says Davis. 'We've given our boardroom a facelift in the close season and we want it to be a welcoming environment for our guests. Whilst male guests are welcome to wear business suits we are equally happy for our boardroom visitors to be in smart casual attire. I think we would draw the line at jeans, trainers or shorts though!'" reports the Ebbsfleet United website.
The Kidderminster Shuttle says that "Securing the signature of defender Keith Lowe is one of Mark Yates’s top priorities according to the Kidderminster Harriers manager. Yates wants to sign the versatile 22-year-old, who made his debut in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Altrincham. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers player joined Harriers on a non-contract basis last Friday... With the deadline for signing players at midnight on Monday, Yates will also be trying to strengthen his squad and may also ship several players out on loan. 'I’m trying to keep Keith because he’s a good player and has played in the Championship', said Yates. 'When I was at Burnley we took him from Wolverhampton on loan and he was excellent. He’s a big solid defender but he can play, he's got quality... I have to speak to the chairman about new players and there are one or two things that may happen, but it might mean getting one or two out'.
Right: Richard Battersby made his first start of the season last Monday but limped off injured.
Thursday 28th
Altrincham remain 17th, ahead of Torquay on goals scored, with a game in hand.
Altrincham's only previous encounter with our next opponents Eastbourne Borough was on 15th May 2005 in the one and only North v South Conference play-off final, at Stoke (pictured above). Alty won 2-1. Of the squads that day, Eastbourne included five of the same players in their squad last Monday. For our part, only Stuart Coburn and Colin Little were involved at Stoke and also played in our game last Monday, so it will be like two new teams playing each other this Saturday.
The teams in 2005 were:
ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Steve ASPINALL, 3. Chris ADAMS, 4. Mark MADDOX, 5. Gary TALBOT, 6. Eddie HUSSIN (capt), 7. Colin POTTS, 8. Val OWEN, 9. Colin LITTLE, 10. Rod THORNLEY, 11. Gary SCOTT. Subs: 12. Lewis CHALMERS, 13. Richard ACTON, 14. George MELLING, 15. Kieran LUGSDEN, 16, Jonathan MITTEN.
EASTBOURNE BOROUGH: 1. Lee HOOK, 2. Danny CHAPMAN, 3. Stuart TUCK, 4. Matt SMART, 5. Stuart PLAYFORD, 6. Ben AUSTIN, 7. Yemi ODUBADE, 8. Matt CRABB, 9. Scott RAMSAY, 10. Danny SIMMONDS, 11 Andy ATKIN. Subs: 12. Loui FAZAKERLY, 13 Dean LIGHTWOOD, 14. Ollie ROWLAND, 15. Danny WILLIAMS, 16. Darren SMITH.
Full details of the Alty supporters' coach to the game on Saturday at Eastbourne are here.
Right: Man of the Match, Mark McGregor is squashed by players from his former club, Wrexham, in this photo from Gavin Rathbone. Many more of Gavin's excellent photos are on his GR Photography website.
"Alty boss Graham Heathcote believes his team must beat the bullies if they are to improve their form" according to SAM. "After an impressive preseason in which they won six of seven games, the Robins have so far struggled to transfer their form to the Blue Square Premier. And Heathcote believes that is due to the physical demands of non-league’s top flight. Alty are a relatively small side - with just six of their squad standing more than 6ft tall - and have often found themselves overpowered by bigger, stronger full-time outfits... He told SAM Sport: 'We’ve not had a bad start, picking up five points from five games, but we need to build on that now. We played really well in preseason and got some good results but now we are just having a few problems that we didn’t anticipate. The physical side of the game has now kicked in a bit and we have not handled it from either a defensive or an attacking point of view. We’ve been bullied a bit out there. But the reaction was superb on Monday. I always thought we would meet a strong physical challenge against Wrexham. We needed to be stronger in midfield, which meant I had to make sacrifices in other areas intially. But there were people out there on Monday who set their own standards but they need to maintain that. We need to raise our game against the teams lower down the table and if we do that we are more than capable of getting results... Hopefully we can settle down to defend properly and then integrate more of the players we bought to attack. If teams had been cutting us apart in our games then I could probably hack it a little bit. But they’re not, it’s just been sloppiness that has led to us conceding goals. We need to tighten up at the back because you can’t approach games in a kamikaze fashion. We defended well against Wrexham but if you can’t get yourself up for a game in front of 2,600 people then what game can you get yourself up for? We have to do the same in every game... The fact we got a result against Wrexham shows we should be able to cope with two games in four days. It’s about focus, the players might get tired but if they stay focused they’ll get a result'”.
Cammell Laird, Chorley, Leigh Genesis, Wakefield and Willenhall Town are all making their debuts in the competition". the game is on Wednesday September 10th at 7,45pm. All support will be very welcome.
The Burton Mail says that "Albion have reached an out-of-court settlement to resolve their dispute with pitch contractor Boughton Loam Ltd. The action relates to problems with the playing surface and the training pitch during Albion's first season at the Pirelli Stadium. A statement issued by chairman Ben Robinson said: 'At the beginning of August we were due to attend court in Nottingham in connection with our long-running dispute concerning the pitches at the Pirelli Stadium. However, the solicitors acting for Boughton Loam Ltd made an out-of-court settlement offer which, on consultation with our legal advisors, we have accepted'".
According to the
"Steve Fallon thinks Tyler Campbell will handle the pressure of facing Forest Green on Saturday if Histon's injury woes continue. The manager is sweating on the fitness of attackers Danny Wright, Antonio Murray and Jack Midson after they suffered injuries in Bank Holiday Monday's victory at Rushden.Midfielder Neil Andrews is also a major doubt... Fallon said: 'We've really got to hope our two strikers recover in time for Saturday. Antonio picked up a knock in the first minute when he went in to challenge the goalkeeper, and Danny turned his ankle... Neil could have done without another 90 minutes as his blisters are killing him at the moment, and Jack wanted to come off near the end as well. Tyler came on and he looked a little bit lightweight out there because people are very quick and strong in this league... The next time we need him I'm sure he'll be stronger and wiser'. Fallon has been thwarted in his attempts to bolster his midfield over the summer, with moves to sign Josh Simpson from Cambridge City and Cambridge United's Ben Farrell falling through. But the manager is content with his squad as the transfer window gets ready to close on September 1 and does not expect to make any additions. Fallon said: 'We've got no money, so people have got to go out if people are coming in - and we've got no plans for letting anyone leave at the moment'".
The Northwich Guardian says that "Billy McEwan admitted he was relieved his side escape with a win against Northwich Victoria. The Mansfield boss feared the Stags had blown their unblemished home record after allowing the visitors to draw level at 2-2. Mark Stallard’s stoppage time winner spared the hosts’ blushes. 'We had chance after chance and I kept thinking "come on, get it in, and kill them off" but we just couldn’t do it', McEwan told the Mansfield Chad. 'All credit to Northwich, they battled on, got back in he game and made it difficult for us in the second half. We went through this against Kidderminster (Stags ran out 4-2 victors after leading 3-0) and it was something we spoke about at half time today. But it seems it may be a kink in the armoury of this squad of players for some reason'".
Malcolm Curtis, the chairman of Weymouth writes "I am delighted to unveil our Vision Statement for a new facility in Weymouth - a sports stadium designed to benefit the whole community. Weymouth's role in the 2012 Olympics offers us a unique opportunity to create a lasting legacy of sporting excellence for the town... Our vision delivers the following [amongst other things]:
This window of opportunity is limited and requires action NOW! I therefore invite you to support us in meeting the challenge of Weymouth delivering on its Olympic promise by taking the time to read the Vision Statement... Yours sincerely Malcolm Curtis". The new stadium plans are here
Meanwhile the York Press reports that "Directors at York City FC are to carry out an investigation after up to 20 fans were involved in trouble at an away match. The football club said it would not jump the gun by taking action against any fans, but would carry out an inquiry to find out precisely what happened at Saturday’s game against Northwich Victoria, and who was involved. Cheshire Police have said ten to 20 City fans threw bottles over a wall into Northwich’s Marston’s Arena, and say a match steward was hit by a bottle inside the ground.
But Sophie Hicks, City’s communications and community director, said 'No arrests were made, and we have not received any formal communication or report from the police. We have not received any report from Northwich either'... Mrs Hicks said she had thought beforehand there was a potential for trouble as a result of City’s former owner John Batchelor being in the ground, but she had not seen any trouble. Inspector Simon Newell of Cheshire Police, who was in charge of operations at the ground, told The Press yesterday that bottles were thrown into the ground and inside the ground by a coachload of fans, who had been drinking before the game. He said at least 20 officers were called to the ground, following reports of trouble, but it had stopped by the time they got there. He said two City fans had been ejected for being “unruly” but said they had not thrown bottles. Insp Newell said the City supporters’ coaches had been escorted back to the motorway after the match, and said Cheshire Police’s football liaison officer would speak to York City to try to prevent any repeat problems".
Mr Batchelor is the man involved in a recent attempted takeover at Mansfield, where he wanted to rebrand the club as Harchester. He also had an unhappy spell at York City, hence the above comments from Sophie Hicks.
Alty travel to Eastbourne this Saturday where midfielder Matt Crabb will be missing as he has picked up a one-match ban for his dismissal on Monday. The referee for Saturday's game is Mr I. J. Cooper.
Warren Peyton slotted in at left back, where he provided a steady presence, while Matt Doughty moved to left midfield and on the right flank, Richard Battersby and Alex Meechan replaced the suspended Chris Lane and [also] Chris Denham... Alty were honest and industrious, while Wrexham seemed to lack the class to distinguish them as championship challengers... The visitors got themselves back on level terms six minutes before the break - with a little help from the referee. The man in the middle allowed towering striker Jefferson Louis to get away with all manner of grappling and wrestling in his battles with Alty's two centre halves. Even when the striker shoved Mark McGregor in the chest as the pair tussled for the ball, a free kick was mystifyingly awarded to Wrexham. From the set piece Tom Kearney delivered an inviting ball into the box and when Coburn flapped at it, Louis rose to head into the empty net. But Alty had their fair share of luck... Greg Young survived a strong penalty shout from the visitors after he dived in on Shaun Whalley just inside the area, sending the striker flopping somewhat dramatically to the turf... Although Alty were marginally the better team, Wrexham had by far the best chance of the half... Heathcote's introduction of Dale Johnson and particularly Chris Denham ensured there were still a few uneasy moments to be endured by the visitors. The direct running approach of Denham seemed to have the Dragons' defence at sixes and sevens, completely unsure how to deal with his threat... Ultimately, a draw was justice".
Photos of the Alty v Wrexham game are on:
Wrexham report that "Big centre back Darran Kempson might have been one of three players singled out by Brian Little as having performed adequately at Altrincham, but he was far from satisfied with the afternoon's outcome. 'We'll get a lot of scraps like that this season', he said. 'It's a very disappointing result... We should have won the game. We created chances but we just didn't take them and it was a big disappointment all round really'".
The winner of the Guess the Crowd on Monday was Mark Roberts who estimated the attendance at 2,624 - it was 2,619. The Golden Goal prize was won by a delighted Wrexham supporter.
"An eventful match resulted in http://www.histonfc.co.uk">Histon
27 August 2008
BANS CONFIRMED
Th FA confirms that Chris Lane's suspension for alleged handball was a one-match ban, so he should be available for Saturday's game. The referee who sent him off, Mr Simpson from Middlesex, was apparently officiating at his first match at Conference level.
BOROUGH IN FORM
Our next opponents, Eastbourne Borough report on a fine win at Grays on Monday."The 2 previous fixtures in the season had seen 3 goal deficits... Injury doubts for Andy Atkin and Allan Tait were groundless although Tait dropped to the bench; Mo Harkin unfortunately not fit to make the squad... Atkin [was] forced to leave the pitch injured after a 'rugby' tackle on 69 minutes, no card issued... As Boro cleared their lines the home side conceded a free-kick wide right. Matt Crabb delivered a wonderfully flighted ball into the box; Flitney didn't claim and Matt Smart's glancing header settled into the bottom corner; the 100+ Boro fans were jubilant... but Matt Crabb received his 2nd yellow challenging for a loose ball before Mr Fletcher called a halt to proceedings.". Eastbourne's side was: 1 Lee Hook
8 Paul Armstrong (C) 9 Andy Atkin 5 Ben Austin 2 Darren Baker 7 Pat Harding 3 Neil Jenkins 13 Jay Lovett 14 Jean-Michel Sigere 4 Matt Smart 6 Marc Pullan, Substitutes: 31 Darren Budd 15 Nathan Crabb for Atkin (69) 10 Allan Tait for Sigere (63)
11 Matt Crabb for Jenkins (73), 22 Chris Winterton.
WREXHAM OPINIONS
From the Sale & Altrincham Messenger we learn that "Pride was restored at Moss Lane as Alty snatched a point from Wrexham. Following their 4-0 thumping at Kidderminster on Saturday, a thick gloom had sat heavily upon the Robins. But the players showed renewed passion and focus for the visit of the Welsh promotion favourites and were good value for their point. Overall, the whole day was a positive experience, Wrexham bringing with them a huge army of fans to contribute to the biggest league crowd at Moss Lane in 17 years - 2,619. Anticipating an arduous afternoon, Graham Heathcote shuffled his pack to better cope with the Dragons' threat.
POPE TO FACE ALTY
Altrincham are away at Histon on Tuesday 2nd September. The Cambridge News confirms that "Craig Pope has reversed his decision to quit football because of the support he has received from Histon and their fans. The 25-year-old right-back wanted to hang up his boots after he failed on appeal to overturn the FA's charge of using a word that may be deemed insulting by race or colour towards the then Cambridge United forward Leo Fortune-West last season. But the former Cambridge City defender has been talked into coming back to the Glass World Stadium. He said: 'I've had a lot of support from the chairman (Gareth Baldwin), the manager and all the fans at Histon Football Club. I was dead set on quitting the game because of what I thought was the injustice of how it went about, but everyone stuck by me and I know how much they want me at the club'. Pope... must now serve the remainder of a four-match ban". He should be available against Alty.
Alty reserve Adam Brindle who reached Altrincham's first-team bench on several occasions in 2004/5 is now a central defender with Leek Town.
"Oxford United boss Darren Patterson has ordered his players in for extra training after the dismal goalless draw against Woking... The U's were second best to the bottom team, and only escaped with a draw thanks to some fine saves from goalkeeper Jake Cole. It has been a bad start to the season for United, with successive away defeats, players getting sent-off through indiscipline, and a surprise home defeat by Weymouth... Patterson said he was at a loss to understand why his players should perform like that, especially when they had had more rest and recovery time since their last game than Woking, who played at the weekend. 'We're in for training', United's manager said straight after the match. 'I can't accept flat performances like that. It's the nature of the performance, that's why we're in. We can't let that go, and we've got to make sure we nip it in the bud very quickly. It was as flat as a pancake and we can't be like that. We're at home, we haven't won many games here, fans still came out in their numbers to support us today and that wasn't enough - for them or for me. It was pretty awful from start to finish, as bad a performance as I can remember. Where it came from, I don't know. Too many people looked leggy, one-paced, and for some reason or other, the options for the man in possession of the ball were awful. We went to just punting it, straight, and losing possession because when we were passing it there was no movement. Why we resorted to that, I have no idea, because we don't do that, we don't play like that and we don't train like that. I'm a bit perturbed why... It's the first time since I've been manager that I've ordered them back in next morning, but we need to get in and work hard on it'" he told the Oxford Mail.
Cambridge United report that "Mark Cooper praised his defence for giving Kettering Town the platform to record their 2-0 win at the Trade Recruitment Stadium on Monday... Afterwards Cooper commented, 'I'm very pleased with our performance. We have some very good defenders - we've only conceded a goal a game before today - and to keep your forward line so quiet showed exactly how good they are... We were worried about the pace that your wide lads have and tried to get our wide players to tuck back in when you had possession of the ball, and luckily enough it worked for us... I thought the sending off was very harsh - in my day it may not even have been a booking but the referee was extremely quick to get the card out', he said. 'But I don't think it changed the result of the game. The key today - and whenever you go to any big club - is to make the fans quiet and get them frustrated, which we did'".
At Crawley Town "Reds' Boss Steve Evans complained it was 2 points dropped after he watched his team take only a point at Stevenage Borough. Evans said; 'We are leaving Stevenage Borough disappointed because we deserved to win given the chances we created and the quality of our play. At times we passed them off the pitch... I leave here today looking forward to working with two new signings tomorrow, Chris Giles and Steve Fletcher. We have not seen Fletch but some forget Gilo has also only played 20 minutes of proper football and they are both now fit... I may also add to the squad in the next week or so and I am working on that now. I know who I want and discussions are under way'”.
Meanwhile, Grays Athletic "have released Jon Munday and Joe Woolley".
York City's "21 year old forward, Richard Brodie, has been included in the Under 23, England C squad of 16 players who will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on 16th September. The friendly game will be played in Sarajevo." The squad excludes Liam Brownhill who almost joined Altrincham but opted for Droylsden instead. It comprises: Lance Cronin (Ebbsfleet United), Adam Bartlett (Kidderminster Harriers), John Brayford (Burton Albion), Anton Robinson (Weymouth), Danny Gleeson (Cambridge United), Jonathan D'Laryea (Mansfield Town), Luke Foster (Oxford United), Carl Tremarco (Wrexham), James Smith (Ebbsfleet United), Russell Penn (Kidderminster Harriers), Jamie Stevens (Crawley Town), Richard rodie (York City), Luke Moore (Ebbsfleet United), Mitchell Cole (Stevenage Borough), Shaun Harrad (Burton Albion), Nathan Arnold (Mansfield Town).
The Argus says that "Lewes are making progress. A 0-0 draw with FA Trophy winners Ebbsfleet not only ended a run of three straight defeats but also marked a significant step forward for the club... The overall performance certainly lacked the panache and fast-flowing football that Lewes played with last season but that is the way it is now. A crowd of 851 was a significant improvement on the previous home game but still a long way short of the 2,105 Eastbourne Borough attracted on Saturday... From a side thumped 3-0 and 4-1 by Crawley and Salisbury respectively Lewes now look like a team who can defend... Three of their next five matches – Woking and Altrincham away plus Barrow at home – are matches they should be looking to win if they want to stand any chance of surviving.... [Manager] Keehan said: 'It gives us a lift going into the next game... If we can go into games thinking we are not going to concede I think we have got players who can score. Two or three weeks ago Chamal (Fenelon) was a real concern for me. He wasn’t really fit enough or sharp enough and he was doing things I wasn’t happy with. We have worked on him and he has improved immensely. He is now a real thorn in the side of defenders'... Keehan made changes for the game including leaving out James Fraser, who could be on his way back to Bristol Rovers".
Essex's Thurrock Gazette says that "an 89th minute winner by Eastbourne’s Matthew Smart saw Grays Athletic poor early results continue - and they missed their third penalty of the season to compound a miserable start... Thurgood assumed the spot-kick responsibility after two misses by Danny Kedwell recently but Thurgood couldn’t do any better as the keeper saved his hard shot... Eastbourne manager Garry Wilson said: 'We fought hard. We are only part-timers and new to the division, so it gives us great pleasure to take the three points'".
"Billy McEwan admits Mansfield's defending is still a cause for concern", says This is Nottingham>. "The Stags scrambled to their third consecutive home victory by beating Northwich Victoria 3-2.. But it was not before they had squandered a two-goal half-time lead... 'We have been through this before at Kidderminster and it has proven to be a weak link, little chink in our armour, with this squad of players', said McEwan. 'As a team we have to defend better. We can't give goals away like we are because it just puts pressure on you... Whether we are 1-0 up or 2-0 up we don't have to take our foot off the pedal... There are no poor teams in this league... It is a fantastic record to have won all three home games so far and all credit to the players for their efforts'".
According to Torquay United manager Paul Buckle refused to criticise his team after their third successive defeat, 1-0 to new Blue Square Premier leaders Salisbury City at Plainmoor yesterday, and insisted: 'The results will come if we keep playing like that'... They have now taken only four points out of the first 15 this season. But Buckle said: 'On another day we could easily have won by two or three goals, and they've won with their only shot on goal — that's how thin the line is... We were all over Salisbury. We just couldn't score... We will get back on the road of winning games... I can stomach a defeat if we give that sort of performance'. There were some boos from fans at the final whistle... Salisbury manager Nick Holmes admitted: 'Sometimes you know it's going to be your day. I thought we defended ever so well. Torquay had a lot of pressure, but we put our bodies in the way... We tightened up and became a little less expansive. We are never going to be the most entertaining of sides now, but we are effective. We had to do that'".
The Daily Post says that "Brian Little admitted it was a case of two points dropped as a result of the 1-1 draw with Altrincham ... Little said: 'The start unsettled everyone and we never really gathered ourselves after that... When you go into games like this the important thing is to try and get the first goal and I felt if we did take the lead we might take it away. Credit to Altrincham, because they worked hard, but it was a poor goal to concede... But I always felt that once we got back into this game we were the only team that was going to win... We are in a division where we are looked upon as a team the opposition want to play and we are getting a reputation based on our two home wins'... Little kept his players in their Moss Lane dressing room for nearly 30 minutes after the final whistle and emerged to say: 'I was not very pleased with that performance and I’ve just said that to them in the dressing room'".
A Bingo Evening, always a popular event, is planned at Moss Lane on Monday 24th November from 7pm.
More details of both these events will be posted nearer the time of their occurrence.
Right: Chris Senior feels the pinch from Steve Evans
Altrincham took a well deserved point from Wrexham in front of a bumper crowd of 2,619 on a sunny lunchtime at Moss Lane.
The same paper adds "A draw was still not good enough for Brian Little or the 1,500 fans who travelled across from North Wales... 'We started poorly and have given a bad goal away', he said. 'Everyone was trying, but for me there was only Tom Kearney playing. I can't explain why we were as poor as we were, but he seemed to be the only one who was trying to put his foot on the ball and pass it around. Having said that, we got a couple of chances to have won the game and probably should had done so... Being the home side, they were always going to put a couple of balls in your box, which could cause you a few problems... I need to get into people's heads, but for some reason we are not playing away from home, they way we are at home... We are in a division, where for the moment, we are looked upon as a team that others like to play against. But the disappointing thing is that any reputation we might be gaining from our home performances, is not being taken on our travels... I have just had a conversation in the dressing room, about this being the same side that beat Oxford United only four days ago, So do I then have to pick a different team for away games? As far as I'm concerned, I can't have a situation where we have players doing it one week, but not the week after. There are no more instructions from us, other then get in amongst them, pass the ball, play good football and score a few goals! I can't wait forever for the same team that produces at home to do it on our travels. So we might well find that we have different personnel who can do it away from home and I might have to make changes... Today is a game that many people would have said we should have won... We are all bitterly disappointed'".
NL Daily tells us that "Winger Daryl Taylor has joined Halesowen Town. The former Halifax Town, Tamworth and Walsall player spent pre-season with Kettering Town and featured in their first two games of the season".
Monday 25th August
Altrincham welcome Wrexham to Moss Lane today (Monday, 12 noon).
The last league match between an Alty and Wrexham side was in 1968 when Alty defeated Wrexham Reserves in the Cheshire County League, 3-1. The advent of the Northern Premier League put an end to this annual clash with the Dragons. Wrexham's keeper in the 1968 game was Gordon Livesey whom the programme tells us was well-known as a "cornet player in the Salvation Army Band". Seen, right, is the programme for that game.
The last time Altrincham hosted Wrexham's first team was in the FA Cup in 1963 (left) when the game was abandoned with Wrexham leading 2-1 after 76 minutes, due to fog. "Highlights" of the match were shown on BBC TV. The game was replayed and ended goalless four days later before Alty lost 3-0 in the replay at the Racecourse Ground on 26 November 1963. For that game, Alty's squad included two FA Cup finalists of just five years earlier - Ian Greaves of Manchester United and John Higgins of Bolton Wanderers. as well as Gerry Harrison, a Daily Express reporter, who later became a BBC North West TV journalist. At that time, Wrexham were managed by Ken Barnes the former Manchester City legend and father of Peter Barnes, the England and City winger. The Dragons also had Clive Colbridge, who is also an Alty legend. Wrexham's key man was Arfon Griffiths who had been at Arsenal.
Wrexham Supporters Trust have produced badges to celebrate their first league meetings with clubs in the BSP. All money raised by the Trust will be used to purchase equity in Wrexham Football Club and ensure its long term security. Wrexham's Trust say "The badges are gorgeous and are a nice memento of a (minor) historical fixture. Enjoy the game, cheers from Wrexham". Details are on E Bay.
Wrexham's Daily Post adds that "Striker Jefferson Louis is adamant the Dragons can still get even better... 'As the games go by you can actually see there is still a lot more to come from this side', Louis said. 'It’s quite a new side with a lot of new lads coming in over the summer and it was going to take a little bit of time, but the gaffer definitely knows what he’s doing... I think losing at York has made us realise what we did wrong and made us realise what mistakes we have to correct and I think we have done that' he added".
Above, Alty captain Daniel Fradley in action against Lostock Rangers.
Altrincham FC Youth beat Lostock Rangers under-19s on Sunday afternoon 2-1 in a friendly game. Report in the Youth section.
Phil Taylor, former Altrincham FC Security Officer and now involved in the matchday preparations at Moss Lane, is also a referee. He informs the website that on Saturday "I was running the line in St Helens at Pilkington v Linotype/Cheadle Heath Nomads. Linotype/CHN, who incidentally lost 8-2 were captained by Steve Bushell, the ex-Halifax and Altrincham captain".
For Trafford, playing against Harrogate Railway, Josh Mitten was sent off on Saturday.
"Neil Howarth spoke of the strength of Harriers' squad this season following a first win of the season over Altrincham... The side brushed aside the challenge of Altrincham with a 4-0 success, and for Howarth the difference has been clear... 'There's been something about the lads this week', he said. 'Ever since the half-time team-talk at Mansfield they've changed as a group of players - they've changed from being in pre-season friendly mode to realising what it takes to win matches... I didn't necessarily think we'd win 4-0 but it was nice to get that score line'... Altrincham remained furious after the game over the referee's decision to send of Chris Lane for deliberate handball - Justin Richard's resulting penalty kick went on to put the hosts 2-0 up. Howarth added: 'Their bench was complaining that it wasn't a red card but the lad has stopped a goal with his hand on the line so the referee has been left with no decision. Justin is full of confidence at the moment - it was probably one of the best penalties I've ever seen, the 'keeper guessed the right way but it was firmly in the top corner'"
Meanwhile the unofficial Harriers website said that "The Harriers got their overdue first win of the season today against a plucky Altrincham side that found themselves down to ten men after a controversial decision by yet another mediocre referee. With the Harriers already leading by a single Mark Creighton goal we had mounted another attack on Alty. With shots peppering the goal the ball seemingly struck Chris Lane on the chest and the ref gave a penalty after believing that it had struck him on the hand. Justin Richards easily converted it and from then on we took over the game completely... Alty were forced to re-group and their most dangerous player Colin Little was pulled back into midfield and could then only make the occasional forays towards goal".
Above: Alty's Young, McGregor, Doughty and Lawton watch Kidderminster Harriers' Barnes-Homer try to reach an aerial ball.
It was referee Simpson from Middlesex who determined the outcome of this game by adjudging Chris Lane to have deliberately handled the ball on the line after 33 minutes, when the defender had been hit on the body from point blank range by a Harriers shot.
Match report here.
Saturday 23rd August
According to the BBC Kidderminster's "On-loan defender Lee Baker is likely to return after a swollen knee, while striker Matt Barnes-Homer and winger Martin Brittain could feature. Altrincham have doubts over strikers Colin Little and Dale Johnson, with both suffering from minor injuries. Winger Lee Elam is also doubtful with a knock and he is likely to be replaced by Alex Meechan".
Right: Warren Peyton has yet to start a game this season but he made a difference last Saturday as a substitute. Here he is seen in that game by the lens of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.
Grays Athletic announce that "Striker, Matt Bodkin, has joined Blue Square South side Eastleigh FC on loan until the end of January. Also Jamie Day has had his contract with Grays Athletic terminated by mutual consent".
Crawley Town reported that "Co-owner and Director Phil Jarman reports that Friday evening's Sportsman's Dinner with guest speaker Barry Fry will be sold out... The Football Conference Chairman Mr Brian Lees is a special guest. Phil Jarman speaking on Thursday said; 'We are putting an infrastructure into this football club that has never been here before. We, as a board of directors, have invested over £400,000 into this venture since the beginning of April and at last we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel... Like others around the board table I have to spend money at times to support something I love. Business in the commercial property market is static so like everyone I have to be personally prudent but I will invest monies when I have to'".
According to the NW Evening Mail, "Barrow AFC have taken 18-year-old Oldham Athletic defender Paul Black on a month's loan... Black replaces former full-back Ryan Elderton who has been released by the club".
IC Cheshire reports that "The sale of the Northwich Vics' ground to a four-man consortium is set to go through in the next few days. The stadium and all nine acres of land will pass from Mike Connett to Vics' owner Jim Rushe and three colleagues. Mr Rushe said: 'It is always difficult to say when a deal will go through, but contracts have been drawn up. We are almost there'. For Vics it will mean the end of their association with Mr Connett, a controversial and unpopular figure. He rescued the club from the receivers in 2004, eventually completed the Victoria Stadium and celebrated Northwich winning the Conference North title three years ago. But Vics would have folded less than a year ago had it not been for the intervention of football mad Manchester businessman Jim Rushe. He bought the club and others are investing in the land, but Mr Connett is still the landlord until the deal goes through.
Mr Rushe said: 'Buying the land will make Vics more secure and will mean straight away there will be extra revenue streams for the club. I am solely concerned with the football side of things. The other three want to develop the land and that will enable the stadium to be sold to the football club, but we are a few years away from that'. Vics had debts of over £500,000 when Jim Rushe took over and he and others have been heavily subsidising the club since then".
On the Vics' forum, a Supporters' Trust member writes, "The fact that the ground will still not be owned by the club is important, and should act as a reminder to us all that we need to protect our club in the future and be aware of what is happening and why. All the more the reason for fans to join together in the Trust as there is strength in numbers rather than individuals and it remains an aim of the Trust to own shares. If it does go wrong, and that doesn't just have to be for 'Connett' type reasons, the club will be kept alive albeit probably starting at a lower level. However, I believe this situation bears little resemblance to Connett's tenure... All the feedback from people dealing with the new owners seems to be positive. Jim Rushe, in particular, is very approachable and open". Another correspondent on the Forum says "Jim Rushe told us, at the Supporters' meeting last week, that a holding company would run the ground. Northwich Victoria FC (2004) is not in a position to raise the necessary funds to buy the Victoria Stadium at the present time, that is something for the future once the debts have been addressed. He did say that everything which raised money in the ground would benefit NVFC, so once the deal is done, get up there and buy your beer, bovril and pies!!!".
But another club has been frustrated in its bid to buy back their ground claims the Cambridge News. "Cambridge United have had a £4million bid to buy back the Trade Recruitment Stadium turned down. Director George Rolls revealed the club had made the offer to ground owners Bideawhile at a fans' forum. Chairman Phil Law told supporters: 'We're still considering all options in terms of the ground position'. Law also fended off calls for him to stand down as chairman in a heated meeting, following a series of issues, prominent fans have been unhappy with his handling of in recent times. It came after the shock resignation of chief executive Norman Gautrey, announced just hours before the forum. But Law said 'We have a latent fanbase of 50,000 people but I know there may be several hundred fans who don't consider me worthy of the position. Mother Theresa had her detractors so if 200 people don't think I'm up to the job that still leaves 99 per cent who don't feel like that'. But Law said he was unhappy to see Gautrey, who took on his role last September, leave the club. Gautrey was unavailable for comment... but Law stated he left for personal reasons. Law said: 'He came in effectively as a volunteer and he's such a talented guy that he has turned around so many of the business and administration functions at the club. It's a huge loss to the club... To be fair, I don't think any of us ever saw it being a long-term appointment'... Meanwhile, Ben Farrell is likely to keep his place in the United line-up for tomorrow's trip to Eastbourne after replacing injured captain-assistant manager Paul Carden'"
The same paper reports elsewhere that "Confusion surrounds the sudden departure of Norman Gautrey... Vice-Presidents' Club member Colin Proctor suggested during the meeting Gautrey had unspecified issues with Law being at the helm. Proctor said: 'I know Norman Gautrey didn't want to leave this club. I can't disclose why, but I have to say if Phil Law steps down as chairman now, Norman will rejoin the club tomorrow'... Law added United will not appoint a new chief executive, but he along with Cambridge-based directors Attmore, George Rolls and Terry Baker would take on extra duties at the club... Meanwhile, with regards to last week's on-off Ben Farrell loan deal, in which an agreement between United and Histon was over-ruled by Rolls at the eleventh hour, Law told fans he felt he had been made a scapegoat. He said: 'There was poor communication on my part and I hold my hands up to that. But I've been a victim of a smokescreen campaign launched by Histon because they'd had some bad news last week. I think I've been dragged in to cover for the Craig Pope story'".
This is Nottingham says that Mansfield boss Billy "McEwan is pleased that his side have found the winning formula without yet finding top gear. I thought against Kidderminster we played like a new team. We didn't piece it together and it was a bit scrappy', said McEwan.'You don't win every game with pretty football, but we will play better than that this season and lose'".
The Woking Evening News & Mail says that "Busy Kim Grant is now focusing his sights on two new strikers after snapping up former Chelsea goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley this week. But the Woking head coach has refused to confirm speculation that his former Yeovil Town team-mate Abdoulai Demba is one of the targets. He commented: 'People will put two and two together because we played together at Yeovil but they will just have to wait and see. There are other strikers about and we’re making sure we bring in the right ones'... He insisted there was no immediate rush, neither of his targets being affected by the September 1 transfer deadline because they are not currently contracted to other clubs... With the Cards rock bottom of the table having lost their first three matches... Grant insisted his team’s position was not indicative of performances. 'They’ve been great', he said. 'We’ve been ahead against Torquay and Burton, who are favourites to make the play-offs. It’s individual mistakes that have let us down and if we stop those I don’t think we will have any problems at all... The fans aren’t stupid. They know the club is going through a transitional time and it took Aldershot time to adjust to a new regime with Gary Waddock. I’m not worried. I will make sure I get the foundations right and I believe we will do well this year'".
At York, The Press says that "Colin Walker has missed out on bringing Morecambe midfielder Michael Twiss to KitKat Crescent. The City boss said he had tried to sign the 30-year-old, but was foiled when Twiss revealed he wanted to remain in the Lancashire area... Walker said: 'He was quite keen to come to York of the teams who were interested in him. York was the one he wanted to come to, but his personal situation has stopped that happening'". Around 2000, Twiss was an Altrincham pre-season trialist.
"Micahel Ingham is set to make his debut between the sticks when York City travel to Northwich Victoria [on Saturday]. Manager Colin Walker has revealed the Northern Ireland international goalkeeper has finally shaken off the thigh injury which caused him to miss the start of the season... Said the Minstermen boss: 'He will be vying with Josh Mimms for that position. It is a boost for everybody. He’s a big name in the dressing-room and he commands respect. He will keep Josh on his toes'. Walker also revealed he was hoping to tie up two signings in the very near future – describing the prospective additions to his squad as 'very experienced players'. 'One of them [i.e. Russell from Kidderminster] is in our league and the other is in the league above', Walker added".
Following the statement today by Woking FC's Operations Director, Peter Jordan, (see below), which blamed Altrincham fans for alleged "unsavoury behaviour" at the game two weeks ago, Alty chairman Geoff Goodwin (right) has responded by expressing his anger at these accusations. At the game on August 9th, Geoff suffered £4,000 of damage to his team coach which was hit by a brick as it moved from the nearby parking area to pick up the team at Kingfield after Alty had won the game. Geoff points out that he has refused to make a big issue of the "bricking", pointing out in press interviews that he did not blame the Woking fans. He believes the damage may well have been done by supporters of a larger club who did not have a match that day and went to Woking instead, intent on mischief. The Alty chairman also wishes to thank those Woking fans who have disowned their own club's accusations about Altrincham's supporters (see below). Geoff intends to contact the Woking chairman to discuss the matter and demand an apology.
On the opening day of the season the Altrincham team coach was "bricked" as it moved to the ground to pick up the team. It is surprising therefore to read on the official Woking website that the Surrey club has proclaimed to the world that "Due to the unsavoury behaviour of some of the Altrincham fans at our last home fixture and due to general safety implications, the Club has decided to start segregation for most of the home games, starting with our match tomorrow. The Safety Officer will take a decision to open up the terraces to all fans on a match-by-match basis".
Interestingly a whole raft of Woking fans have responded on their club's own forum with comments such as "Is this a joke? I guess the Alty fans stoned their own coach" and "The FGR fans are not a threat, given what I've read neither were the Alty fans - it was their coach that got stoned. Unfortunately, the Safety Officer prefers the path of least resistance rather than hoiking out our trouble makers and awarding them ground access bans" and "I'm not keen on the club portraying it as Alty causing the problems. Are we pretending that Woking (fans) weren't at fault?" and "I am sure it was our fans that tried to cause trouble. If there was any trouble with Alty fans then fair enough but from what I saw it's a bit unfair tarnishing them with our misdemeanors" and "It was OUR [fans] that caused/were trying to cause trouble that day... The Alty fans behaved themselves very well from what I saw and certainly the two I chatted to in the bar at half time were friendly guys. I'd like to apologise to any Alty fans reading this thread because the club are completely wrong to blame them".
According to the NW Eevening Mail "Barrow AFC hope to boost the squad with a new signing ahead of the weekend. But they were keeping their cards close to their chest... With Mike Pearson suspended for Saturday’s home game with Mansfield, Barrow are short of cover for the back four. [Manager] Bayliss added: 'Me and Shez [joint-manager Sheridan] watched him last night and will be talking again to him today. We need to speak to the chairman but hopefully we could have him signed tonight in time for Saturday’s game'. In contrast to the defence, the Bluebirds will have their four recognised strikers available for selection for the first time this season. New signing Lee Hunt and the experienced Paul Tait started in the 2-1 defeat at Cambridge where Nick Rogan had his first run-out as sub, while Jason Walker has recovered from a bout of tonsilitis'".
From the Burton Mail we learn that "Burton Albion are set to retain the services of teenager Matt Bailey until the end of the year.The 19-year-old's initial spell on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers expired yesterday, and Albion are now looking to extend the deal until December 31. Albion boss Nigel Clough told Mail Sport: 'Wolves have agreed that Matt can stay with us... He has already showed that he gives us good cover in a couple of positions. Like a lot of clubs these days, Wolves don't run a reserve side so from their point of view it's ideal for him to be playing competitive football at a decent level'. Bailey made his debut in the left midfield slot on the opening day of the season... He was then switched to left-back at home to Northwich Victoria, only to miss the second half after suffering a broken nose... Clough said: 'Matt did a solid job for us in midfield at Salisbury and he certainly has a chance of being involved at Histon'. Winger Keith Gilroy is already a doubt for the trip to Cambridgeshire because of back and hamstring strains".
The Argus says that "Danny Cullip will make his Lewes debut at Weymouth on Saturday. Manager Kevin Keehan has confirmed Cullip will be fit to play after missing the first three games of the season with a poisoned toe. Tom Lyons could also come into contention after scoring a hat-trick as Lewes Reserves beat Gillingham 3-1... on Wednesday".
"Alan O'Hare is convinced Mansfield's attention to detail at set-pieces will prove crucial this season" says This is Nottingham. "The central defender and the rest of the Stags' squad have spent countless hours on the training ground working on dead-ball situations at both ends of the field... 'We have had a few weeks to work on the set-pieces. The manager has set his stall out and wants things done in a certain way', said O'Hare. 'We are even working on things like throw-ins that some clubs wouldn't work at. Set-pieces are important in every league, but especially in this one. We were a bit shaky in pre-season defensively from them and we have also conceded too many free-kicks in and around the box'... O'Hare, who was a trainee with Bolton and then plied his trade at Chesterfield, has been impressed by the standard in the Blue Square Premier. He is adamant the standard in the top half of the table is as high as in the Football League. 'I think the Conference is really a League Three now; Aldershot and Exeter have had decent starts since going up. We just can't expect to go up and if anything it's going to be more difficult'".
Cambridge United report that "Gary Brabin has returned to his previous club Southport to sign goalkeeper Steven Drench on loan until the New Year. It is the second time Brabin has signed the 22-year-old, having signed him from Morecambe in June when he was still manager of Southport...The loan is to 1st January inclusive, and he will provide competition for Danny Potter".
Thursday 21st August
The NW Football Awards announce:
Following the massive success of last year’s inaugural event, the Award winning Northwest Football Awards returns in 2008 to recognise the region’s sporting prowess. The prestigious panel of sporting experts will assemble once again to pick the cream of the footballing crop, however the Player of the Year Award will be adjudicated by the harshest of critics – you, the footballing public.
Our one and only Colin Little is competing against Northwich Victoria’s Lee Steele for the Player of the Year award so lets get behind him and vote, vote and vote again! Log on to the North West Football Awards and Vote for Little now! The winner will be announced at the Northwest Football Awards, headlined sponsored by Bank of America on the 17th November 2008, Midland Hotel, Manchester.
Firstly, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your support last year at the Glenn McGrath Celeb Football Game & Dinner in September 2007, in which over £40K was raised ! As we are sure you are now aware, Jane McGrath died on Sunday 22nd June 2008 at the age of 42.
We feel that this should not be the end of the fundraising but the beginning and we have set ourselves a mission to raise £100,000 over 5 years for the McGrath Foundation. We met Tracy Bevan yesterday, Jane's best friend and general manager of the McGrath Foundation, and she has agreed to support any future events for Jane's charity and has agreed to travel to the UK for the event this year.
With this in mind, we have arranged a celeb charity football game on Sunday 28th September with a Questions and Answers session in the evening with Darren Gough. The game starts at 2pm at Moss Lane and is between an Altrincham XI (including England & Manchester United ex-captain Bryan Robson and cricketer Darren Gough) and an All Stars XI including stars of Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Please put this date in your diary and come along to support this good cause.
Although we realise that times are hard at present, please email me if would would be able to support this event. Further information will be emailed as it becomes available".
The Sale and Altrincham Messenger says that "Mark McGregor (left) is aiming to turn Wrexham fans’ fond memories of him to nightmares when his new team meet the Dragons on Bank Holiday Monday. The 31-year-old became a fan’s favourites at the Racecourse ground during a six-year spell there after graduating from the club’s youth set-up. But now his loyalties lie with Alty... He told SAM Sport: 'I had a throughly enjoyable time at Wrexham and have some really good memories. I always did my best for the team and we had some good times while I was there, both in the League and the FA Cup, so I think the fans still associate me with that time and that’s why I’m held in good regard. My time at Wrexham was probably the most important of my career. (Then manager) Brian Flynn and (coach) Joey Jones had a big impact on me... I’m really looking forward to the game. It’s a Bank Holiday, there’ll be a good crowd and we’ll all be bang up for it'... He added: 'Obviously there were a few down faces after the Kettering games and that shows we know we can do better... We limited them to very few chances and that will build some confidence, especially after going behind. I was really happy to score. I hadn't been going up for corners but with it being late I thought I might as well throw myself forward. Warren (Peyton) but a decent ball in and when their keeper lost it I just aimed to get a decent head on it... We are all still gelling as a team, so we just have to look forward to the next couple of games and keep making improvements... I’m sure we’re capable of going on a good run... Sometimes the early goal can kill you off but we showed we have the character to face these tests'”.
A well known face helping out in the Sponsors' Lounge at Moss Lane every matchday is that of Mike Healing. But not many people know that Mike is also something of an expert on Rugby League - as well as having a background in athletics with Sale Harriers. Mike has written a book entitled Dreams to reality: a pivotal year in the history of Widnes Vikings, which covers life at the club, on and off the pitch, during the turbulent year of 2007 which saw the club miss out on a place in Super League and fall into Administration.
Right: Mike Healing (in white shirt) is seen outside the Halton Stadium presenting copies of his book to Head Coach Steve McCormack and some of the players. Picture reproduced by kind permission of the Runcorn & Widnes World newspaper.
The Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News interviewed Mike this summer and explains how "A chance encounter for sports fan Mike Healing turned into a love affair with Widnes Vikings. Six years ago, Mike and his wife Lynn had stayed overnight in her Widnes home town after a family party. The following day, they were invited along to a Vikings game at the then Halton Stadium and that unexpected visit was the start of a strong and lasting relationship. 'I was immediately hooked and have only missed one home game since then', explained Mike. Enthusiasm for his adopted club has now led the 57-year-old into print... And all this for a football fan from Watford, who coaches athletics and lives in the rugby union stronghold of Sale!"
Mike said "I have lived there for 30 years, never more than a mile from Sale’s old ground before they moved to Stockport. I used to coach at Sale Harriers and a fellow coach used to go quite regularly to Sale. I always promised myself I’d go along but never made it. Now I’ve got my teeth into rugby league, I can’t abide rugby union although I have only ever watched it on the television. League to me is much better, faster and skilful. The more I went, the more I appreciated the game. Certainly, my disappointments with Watford – and their sad times this season – have been tempered by the fact rugby league and Widnes in particular has become my chief sporting preoccupation".
The book describes "A season in which the team won the Northern Rail Cup and got to within 80 minutes of returning to Super League before Grand Final defeat to Castleford was blown apart when the club went into administration". Copies can be obtained from the publishers Trafford or at Waterstones in the Trafford Centre, or ordered through any book retailer quoting ISBN number 978-1-4251-5860-6. The price is £10.99.
"Weymouth FC are pleased to announce that Richard Barnard has signed a contract until the end of the season. The goalkeeper, who has impressed in the Terras opening fixtures was drafted in after an injury to Danny Knowles".
In the East Midlands, the Burton Mail says that "Summer signing Jake Buxton looks set to make his Burton Albion debut at Histon on Saturday. After completing a three-match suspension, the recruit from Mansfield Town played the full 90 minutes in a reserve team outing... Clough said: 'Jake is fit and available, which means he's a serious contender to start at Histon'. With skipper Darren Stride still being nursed through a knee injury, Buxton is an obvious candidate to shore up Albion's defence... Clough said: 'We've got a pretty good idea of the pressure that Histon will try to put us under from throw-ins and set plays. Unfortunately, our current centre-halves (Tony James and Ryan Austin) have not been particularly impressive in the last two games, which is an obvious concern. We're probably going to need someone like Jake in the side. Stridey has done a great job for us coming off the bench in the first three games, but I don't think there is a any way he can get through a full game at the moment'. Meanwhile, former Derby County forward Lee Morris took another step towards clinching an Albion contract with a hat-trick in Monday's Central Conference opener at Bromsgrove... The Brewers' boss is adamant, however, that Morris will not be rushed as he tries to rebuild his career after suffering a serious knee injury with Yeovil Town a year ago... Danny Holmes... is a doubt for the trip to Histon after colliding with an advertising board and hurting a knee, while winger Keith Gilroy is struggling with back and hamstring strains".
In Sussex, the Argus tells us that "The man who got Chamal Fenelon’s career back on track believes Lewes will have a great player if they nurture him correctly. Fenelon scored his first Blue Square premier goal for the Rooks in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at home to Salisbury. It marked the 25-year-old’s full debut for the club and was accompanied by a performance which offered plenty of encouragement... Fenelon’s troubled background has been well-documented. He served four years and eight months of a seven-year prison sentence for attempted murder before being released in June 2005. He had been about to launch a professional career at Millwall when he was convicted following a brawl in a Crawley street. When he came out of prison Fenelon played for a few County League sides before settling with division three Pease Pottage under manager Bob Laundon and sidekick Bob Booker, Albion’s reserve team boss... Fenelon played for Horsham (twice), Havant and Waterlooville and Chichester on loan before linking up with Lewes in the summer. Laundon, who is now manager of Seaford, said: 'When Cham came to me I helped him in a lot of ways. I explained to him he really needed to stay at a club for a whole season rather than continually falling out with people and jumping ship... I am really pleased he has now got an opportunity at Lewes. He is a raw talent, a great lad with a heart of gold'... Lewes manager Keehan is fully aware of what Fenelon is capable of... He said: 'Chamal gives us something different. He is big and strong but he can be frustrating as well. We are trying to get him to have a little more vision going backwards, just to lay it off. When I did my homework about him prior to signing him it was a question of everyone saying to me if you get him right he is a League player but the question is can you get him right?'... Fenelon said 'I knew 90 minutes would be hard work, especially at this level, because I hadn’t played 90 minutes since March'".
"Mansfield chairman Andrew Perry today vowed to make money available to strengthen the Stags' squad later in the season – if they are in with a chance of promotion" claims This is Nottingham. "Manager Billy McEwan said on Saturday he still hopes to add three or four new faces to his squad... Perry confirmed there is still money in the pot for players to be brought to the club in the short-term... Said Perry, 'If you spend that much more, it doesn't always guarantee results. Billy is an old head at this level and in this league. He knows what a pound is worth and when players are not worth what they're asking. We will support Billy if everything is right. Billy hasn't used his budget up for players right now. If things go well on the pitch and we get to Christmas with a few tired legs, and we need strengthening to keep us up there, then we will look at things. If we are not going to go up or down, then we might see things differently'... Perry is enjoying the challenge of leading the Stags, along with fellow joint owners Andrew Saunders and Steve Middleton... 'Soon Andy, Steve and myself will be looking at he ground, and other things that will benefit the club'".
Mansfield's Chad adds that "Billy McEwan has a goalkeeper, two defenders and a midfield player on his shopping list at the moment... He said: 'I know that we are still short. The transfer window is on 31st of the month but I can always use the loan system after that. I know where the players are and I have got to go and get them. I am still looking for a goalkeeper, a couple of defenders and possibly a midfielder. I feel we are okay up front at the moment'. One player who won't be joining him is former Halifax defender Adam Quinn who had been training with Stags but opted to join BSP rivals Crawley. 'We had been helping Adam get fit here so I was disappointed to get a call from him to say he was off to join Crawley before we had even talked about finance. But they had made him a huge offer which I wouldn't have given him, even if he was fit. They can pay much bigger money than we can so I won't lose any sleep over it'".
The Evening Leader reports that "Chester City were last night given permission to speak to Wrexham striker Michael Proctor. The 27-year-old has not featured in The Reds starting line-up this season, and the club have told the player he can leave".
Pictured are Alty trialists - Dave Challinor (left) and Veysel Satiroglu (right). A Google search on the latter name finds one Asik Veysel Satiroglu who was an early 20th-century "Turkish minstrel and highly regarded poet of the Turkish folk literature" - not the same person, I think!
After defeat to Ebbsfleet, the website at Torquay United says that "boss Paul Buckle was making no excuses after watching his side slip to a disappointing 2-0 home defeat... 'I've got to be honest I don't think we did a lot right tonight. We needed to play the conditions as Ebbsfleet did, I felt their weight of pass was correct when they were against the wind while I thought ours was poor and we didn't deserve anything at all from the game. I'm not blaming the conditions at all, as a group of players they need to work games out, in these conditions it was never going to be a pretty match, it was a game where we would have to show some fight, win second balls, challenge, compete and I felt that Ebbsfleet won so many battles all over the field that's why they won the game... There was a lot of indecision in our game tonight and we didn't deserve anything. There are players who have been patient so far and now we have drawn one, won one and lost won and some of those players will get their chance. I thought the supporters stuck with us, they are entitled to moan at that and I have to agree with them, we were poor tonight and there is no getting away from it, that is not the standard we expect, it's one of the few times since I have been at the football club that I felt we have been really, really poor. I have to be big enough to take that on the chin, it's not great to have that shown on t.v. and the only place to put that right is on the training ground and that will start tomorrow morning'".
Accoprding to the NW Evening Mail "Barrow AFC are set to run up a bill of around £50,000 in travel and accommodation in the Conference this season. Around a dozen overnight stops have been planned in a hectic schedule that involves an unprecedented total of over 11,000 miles in round trips... AFC chairman Brian Keen said 'We have come up with around a dozen overnights... It is important the players feel fresh before a game. We have been looking to do deals with hotels but, with petrol prices, we’re probably looking at £50,000 in travel and accommodation. It is a pity there isn’t something in the coffers where the Conference can help subsidise clubs in our position'. The incredulous [incredible] mileage – enough to get halfway round the world – has already been highlighted by the Evening Mail, while the Non-League paper this week focused on Barrow’s travels... means they will end the season as non-league football’s most travelled side. The 732-mile round-trip to Eastbourne and back is the longest in the league and will take well over 12 hours by road with journeys to Lewes, Weymouth and Torquay not far behind. Blyth Spartans face the most travelling time in Blue Square North with over 7,300 miles in round trips... A Football Conference spokeswoman today told the Evening Mail there was no policy to help clubs with travel. She said: 'Barrow do benefit from a system where money is pooled together by the clubs to meet referees' and officials’ travelling expenses'. Barrow AFC manager Dave Bayliss felt the overnight stay had given the team the best possible chance for the Cambridge game. He said: 'I know as a player that I used to enjoy the chance to relax and prepare for the game, to go for a walk on the Saturday morning and buy a paper'".
After their draw at Moss Lane, the