The FA Cup 3rd Round draw featured the following ties involving non-League clubs. Forest Green's involvement means that their match at Moss Lane on January 3rd will now be postponed. Alty were knocked out by Luton, who in turn lost to Southend in Round 2. Southend now have an away tie at Chelsea in Round Three.

THE ROAD TO BARROW

ALTRINCHAM 0 RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 4

Match report here.

Right: Mr Joyce lays down the law to Graham Heathcote at half-time. The man in black is the Referee Development Officer at the North Riding County FA and is a Football League assistant referee. Mr Joyce also reffed Altrincham's FA Cup match at Newcastle Blue Star earlier this season.

BSP FIXTURES

Saturday 29th

FA CUP FIXTURES

Round 1

"WALKING A FINE LINE"

MANY NEW FACES AT RUSHDEN

The official Rushden & Diamonds website confirms that the club has been busy on the loan-signing front...

In on loan:

Out on loan:

Other moves etc:

Of those players transfer listed in October, Phil Gulliver (Oxford City), Dean McDonald (Grays Athletic) and Sagi Burton (free agent) have all left the Diamonds. Sean Calcutt, John Wigglesworth, Lewis Hallford and Jack Higgins have all been registered with the League and FA as cover, these are not call-ups to the squad - but this will give R&DFC the option of calling those players up should they be required.

The Northants Evening Telegraph says that "Garry Hill is backing Rushden & Diamonds' loan signings to add another dimension to their attack. He believes they need more mobility up front after a spell of one goal in six games was ended by last weekend's 2-0 home win over Eastbourne Borough. Yannick Bolasie – who has arrived at Nene Park from Plymouth Argyle – provided extra pace on his debut and tomorrow's trip to Altrincham could see a first appearance for Wrexham forward Simon Brown...

The Diamonds boss said: 'Over the last 10 days there have been chats between myself, Justin Edinburgh (assistant-manager) and Chris Hope (player-coach) about a few things... We've fetched a bit more pace into wide areas. Yannick is a natural who can go past players while Simon gives us that and a little more by getting beyond defences. He can play up front or out wide. He's sharp around the box and will provide another dimension. Simon is also an option down the middle if we feel that's the right area for him'. Hill is allowed to select five loan players in his 16-man squad with Bolasie and Brown joined in that category by Dale Roberts, Clayton Fortune, Joe Wilcox and Luke Boden".

Off the pitch, the Evening Telegraph revealed "Rushden & Diamonds put forward plans to build a 150-bedroom, six-storey hotel on land at the front of Nene Park...which is being used as a car park... Bosses at the football club believe the hotel would assist it in its aim to be self-sustaining and if the plans are not approved it would have a 'devastating' effect on the club financially. They argue the hotel would be complimentary to the running of the club and offer accommodation to away fans, as well as for visiting the business representatives... The club's managing director Helen Thompson said: 'It costs a huge amount of money to keep our business going and this development will help us as we develop. There is a need for a hotel like this in the area... It will also provide much-needed accommodation for the Olympians who will be training here in the run-up to the London games in 2012'... The club has agreed to make a contribution of £46,500 towards the trunk road network if the plans are approved."

ALTY'S BEST 90 MINUTES

FA TROPHY

Other replays:

AUCTION

BSP NEWS - VICS IN TROUBLE BUT STILL SIGNING SOUTHERN REINFORCEMENTS

Last week Rushe said he had found a backer to fund his bid to buy back the club’s home. He is in negotiations with Deloitte... He said rumours of a rival bid from Manchester-based Summit Property Finance and Brokers – a lender to whom Beaconet owes a reported six-figure sum – were likely to be true.

Meanwhile, Vics have had to place their whole squad on half-pay due to the financial crisis at the club. The Vics players have received half their wage for November but are unsure about when they will be paid in full. However, Rushe insists the move will not see an exodus of players from the Marston's Arena. He said: 'Nobody will be leaving the club as 99% of them are contracted. Their contractual obligations have been met as half of their wages have been paid this month and the other half will be paid in full as soon as possible. But nobody is a bottomless pit and I am no different'...

Six of the first-team squad have been made available for loan transfers - Stuart Robinson, Mat Bailey, Michael Welch, Richie Sutton, Ryan Brown and Paul Barratt have all been placed on the loan list, but are not available for permanent transfers".

The Guardian adds that "Jim Rushe has agreed a deal with the taxman to keep Vics afloat. A registrar at London’s High Court yesterday adjourned a case against the club, which owes more than £300,000 in unpaid bills. 'It was a formality', said Rushe. 'The paperwork was sorted a couple of weeks ago but the hearing had to be listed to make everything official. I know a few people saw the club’s name on the court list and panicked – I can assure them that’s not necessary'. He told the Guardian he has negotiated to pay off the next instalment of Vics’ six-figure debt at the beginning of next year... Rushe told supporters earlier this month that the club’s finances were in better shape now than when his consortium bought the club at the turn of the year.

Their tax debt then was more than £460,000. That figure has since come down by £175,000 thanks to contributions by Rushe and former director Nick Bone. Between them the pair has pumped close to half a million pounds into the club. Making the playing staff full time employees cost more than £70,000 alone over the summer... 'The gates are lower than they were, which isn’t helping” said Rushe.

Vics will continue to pay rent to landlord Beaconet Limited, owned by former chairman Mike Connett, until next year after petition to wind up its landlord was also adjourned until January".

On the pitch, manager "Steve King says he’s signed the best goalkeeper in non-league’s top tier. Injury rules out Ryan Clarke making his debut tomorrow... 'I’m not sure fans realise just what we’ve done', the Vics' boss told the Guardian... The 26-year-old shot stopper switches from rivals Salisbury City on loan with a view to making the move permanent in January. He has yet to play a match this term after breaking a bone in his foot over the summer. 'He’ll be ready to play in a couple of weeks', added King. 'I think Salisbury’s supporters were convinced he would return to the Football League and other clubs were desperate to sign him but we were first to come in. To get him for nothing is a massive boost too. I’ve had three or four chief execs from other Conference clubs on the phone asking how we’ve pulled this deal off'... His arrival takes King’s collection of keepers to four. Teenager Stuart Robinson is likely to head out on loan, leaving the futures of Michael Jones and Scott Tynan uncertain".

in fact, "Vics are ready to lend six of their first team squad to other clubs. Steve King has made Stuart Robinson, Mat Bailey, Michael Welch, Richie Sutton, Ryan Brown and Paul Barratt available for loan. None are listed for transfer".

OLD BOY

FA CUP ROUND 2

Friday 28 November

TUESDAY

Tuesday 25th

SHORT INTERMISSION

UNITED MATCH OFF

REAPPRAISING THE FINANCES

Going out of the FA Cup will mean, like most clubs, the need to reappraise where our finances stand for the remainder of the season and this exercise is going on as we speak. We are not immune to the effects of the credit crunch and we do not, unlike what some believe, have a wad of cash in the bank. I may seem like I always moan on about raising funds for the Football Club but the reality is that gate money accounts for only 25% of turnover at our club. The rest has to be raised by advertising, sponsorship, donations, central funding and fundraising events or schemes.

The results of our financial appraisal will be analysed over the next couple of weeks and then decisions will have to be made to ensure that this football club remains debt free. There is no going back to the days of spend, spend, spend. A fans' forum will be held in the Noel White Suite so that fans will have the chance to question the Board and management on these decisions".

HELP NEEDED

CAMBRIDGE REFLECT

But with Colin Little pulling the United defence this way and that, it did not turn out that way, the hosts taking their example from the evergreen striker as they battled for every ball while the visitors were the team looking laboured... Credit must also go to Altrincham's defence for the way they closed down so quickly in twos and threes whenever United got into threatening positions... Keeper Andy Ralph only had to shift himself to make saves from Beesley just before the break and Jon Challinor midway through the second half.

The brave Ralph (left) needed treatment for a head injury after colliding with McEvilly in the first half. But despite finding himself on the deck twice more after another clash with McEvilly and one with Dan Gleeson, he inspired confidence in the rest of his team... Altrincham always looked strong on the counter-attack though, and they could easily have killed the game off had their finishing been of a better calibre, Dale Johnson being the main culprit of their wastefulness with three decent chances going begging in the latter stages... Altrincham held out for a win they arguably deserved".

Cambridge United say that "After United's disappointing 1-0 defeat at Altrincham, veteran defender Phil Bolland shared his thoughts. 'We started off really slow in the first half and we simply can't afford to do that... Altrincham are a very hard-working team who play good football and perhaps we underestimated them at the start of the game, but now we must look to take a leaf out of their book... We all want to get out of this league just as much as the fans do'".

The Cambridge website also has its "Travellers' Tales v Altrincham". It says "We availed ourselves of the official club car park behind the ground and a less salubrious place it would be hard to imagine. Piles of old tyres, broken glass and builders' rubble encroach on some of the parking spaces in an area that butts up against the back wall of the ground. Here, once-red paint seems in a hurry to peel away from the rusting surface. It's a different story inside the ground though. Here, red paint on crush barriers and perimeter fences seems much more recent and appears to be still on speaking terms with the surfaces it is meant to cover, while the decrepit advertising boards of previous visits have also been spruced up. Another addition since our last visit is the enclave of new houses on the site of the old derelict social club that used to crumble quietly behind the away end... Those new houses stand in stark counterpoint to the ground, accentuating the overall impression of an old fashioned, somewhat ramshackle venue... Given Altrincham's nickname, you'd think that the mascot would in the form of a robin. Well, if it was, it had been designed by someone who'd never seen a real one. I can't remember ever seeing a robin with bright orange cheeks and an orange crest.

Programme: £2 for 44 unnumbered pages. A5, rather than the more usual, large B5 in size, the 'Robins Review' is a publication that has worked hard to keep the production costs to a minimum. Little in the way of colour or photos, but there were a number of interesting articles - including one that's sure to prove as controversial as it is thought provoking, discussing phone-ins and message boards. There was something I hadn't seen before in the centre pages, a Pitch Sponsorship scheme - although the explanation looked a little complicated. Food/Drink: There was a good range of pies available and the tea bag was left in to allow customers to chose the strength of their brew. You had to be patient though as long queues formed as supporters tried to get anything to thaw themselves out.

State of Toilets: There were a couple of options: a limited number of portaloos or larger facilities with an open gutter and a stronger aroma"

BSP NEWS

Meanwhile The Press says that "Neil Redfearn has been appointed new manager Martin Foyle's assistant at York City. Former Oldham and Barnsley midfielder Redfearn has been promoted from his role as youth-team coach".

The Cambridge United official site says that "Gary Brabin has explained why Lee McEvilly is rejoining former club Rochdale on loan with a view to a permanent transfer... Fitter than ever under new boss Brabin, he started the season in great form with six goals in our first seven games, but since then he has only added two penalties to his league goal tally... 'We knew what type of character Lee was and I think we got more out of him in four months than some people have got out of him in the last four years', Brabin told cambridgeunited.com. 'But we just felt we had to freshen things up... his last league goal in open play was at Ebbsfleet at the start of September. I feel that we've really stood by him... but I feel that we need to change things a bit... Also, at the back of Lee's mind, his family is still in Liverpool and he's not prepared to move down here, which is a factor... It's a bold decision but we feel it's the right one.

We demand a high workrate from the players and I feel that sometimes Lee didn't always give us that... When he had the three-match ban we worked him hard again and he was a bit humble and worked hard... but we need a bit more consistency and we feel that now is the time to give the other lads a go... Lee was a strong personality and I feel him leaving will give the others a lift, so we've made the decision and we view it as a positive one'".

The Northwich Guardian says that "Dean Lodge became the fifth fresh face at the Marston’s Arena since Steve King took over as manager of strugglers Northwich Victoria. The Vics` boss handed a second half debut to the former Kingstonian winger during Saturday’s draw at Salisbury City after he agreed dual registration terms. “It was a surprise how quickly it happened,” said K’s manager Alan Dowson. “I received a phone call first thing Friday morning saying Northwich had come in for him – obviously Steve King had seen him when he was based down here and put together a good full time package that includes accommodation.” Lodge scored twenty-seven goals in ninety-six appearances for the Ryman League Division One South outfit, pledging only to leave if a professional club came in for him. Dowson insists his star man turned down other clubs to join Northwich... Lodge joins a King cast list that includes Charlton Athletic youngsters Scott Wagstaff and Rashid Yussuff, plus Wycombe stopper Will Antwi. Goalkeeper Stuart Robinson completes the roll call of new recruits since the ex-Lewes chief agreed to replace Dino Maamria as manager at the start of the month".

Meanwhile rumours persist that the Vics' players pay has slipped into arrears.

Always a source of informed news, Bulls News says that "The cut in the rate of VAT could work to the advantage of Hereford United and other football clubs. VAT is included in the admission charge supporters pay at the gate. So a £14 ticket for the Meadow End at Edgar Street is effectively £11.92 plus £2.08 in VAT. With the reduction in VAT to 15% the charge is £12.18 plus £1.82 in VAT. Assuming a 3,000 gate of which 2,000 pay at the turnstiles, Hereford United could gain 0.26 per person for adults and around 10p for youngsters. Perhaps a gain of around £300 per home game. Every little helps".

TROPHY HOME TIE

The full draw is:

GEORGE'S CALLING

ALTY LIKE HISTON?

CAMBRIDGE COMMENT

FOOTBALL DEBTORS

Other debtors cited were as follows, where the first figure is the debt, and the second the amount repaid.

SUNDAY SCORES

SUPPORT ALTY ON THE ROAD

CAMBRIDGE REFLECT

Right: Robbie Lawton fires home the winner. Picture courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

Cambridge United also have a match report on Saturday's game at Moss Lane. It starts, "Cambridge United's run of eight games unbeaten in the league ended with a toothless defeat at Altrincham... Altrincham manager Colin[?!] Heathcote made one change to the team knocked out of the FA Cup by Luton on Tuesday... calling up midfielder Shaun Densmore in place of Warren Peyton... The pace of the game inevitably dropped after the lively start and the ground was almost silent for long spells as both sides tried but failed to impose themselves on the game, largely cancelling each other out with similar 4-3-3 line-ups... United were testing the home side regularly but most moves foundered on the well-drilled Altrincham defence... The home side took the lead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time. It was a goal from nothing as Robins' captain Robbie Lawton connected with Bolland's headed clearance and drove a low shot beyond Potter and just inside the far post from 25 yards... Gary Brabin had used almost every attacking option at his disposal but luck deserted the U's and the home side battled and scrapped to show why Moss Lane has become such a fortress this season".

The Cambridge website adds that "Gary Brabin was desperately disappointed with his side's first half performance at Altrincham as the eight-game unbeaten run in the league was ended... Blaming his players' lacklustre first half for the defeat, Brabin made it clear that he will not accept the performance and it looks likely that there will be changes to the team for our next game. 'Very frustrating', was his opening comment to the waiting media. 'I genuinely thought this was going to be the turnaround for us. I was excited about the forwards we had on show today, we had four attackers on the bench and it's a very attack-minded system we play. I'll take it on the chin that we're not scoring goals but what I won't take on the chin is the first half performance. We were very below-par and that's what lost us the game. The way we set ourselves out in the first half left us chasing the game'".

NEXT UP

NL Daily adds that "Yannick Bolasie has joined Rushden & Diamonds on loan from Plymouth Argyle until January 2009. The midfielder joined Plymouth in 2008 from Maltese side Floriana after a successful trial - the Devonians beating off competition from Sturm Graz and Hoffenhein from Austria and Germany. Bolasie’s father played international football for the Democratic Republic of Congo and his cousin is former Newcastle and Portsmouth player Lomano LuaLua. Bolasie is often nicknamed Ya-La or La-La amongst his team-mates at Plymouth".

HATTERS' SCHEDULE COSTS ALTY DEAR

OLD & CURRENT BOYS

Former Alty captain Chris Timons was sent off as Hucknall lost in the FA Trophy. Alty trialist keeper James Coates kept goal for Vauxhall in the same competition whilst Ryan Toulson and James Dean played for Harrogate Town at Gateshead. Lee Thompson missed a penalty for Witton Albion who beat Bradford PA. Another ex-trialist, Dave Challinor, had to go in goal for Colwyn Bay for 82 minutes after the goalkeeper was injured; he kept a clean sheet!

HAVING A GOOD TIME

Above: Guests at Altrincham FC for the Cambridge match were children from Woodheys and Tyntesfield primary schools in Sale who are pictured above. They played a brief match on the pitch during the half-time interval. Picture courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

Right: The children from Woodheys and Tyntesfield primary schools in Sale enjoy themselves before the match.

FAT RESULTS

Saturday 22nd FA Trophy results (Northern section)

BSP NEWS

The Northwich Guardian confirms another new signing from the south of England at Northwich Vics as it states that "Kingstonian winger Dean Lodge made his Vics debut as a late substitute" on Saturday.

ALTRINCHAM 1 CAMBRIDGE UNITED 0

Altrincham moved up to eleventh in the table with this deserved victory in a very entertaining game at Moss Lane.

Above: the players greet each other before the match.

SATURDAY

ROBBIE'S PLEA

Robbie Lawton has marked the end of Alty's gallant FA Cup run with a vote of thanks and heartfelt plea to all those who boosted the gate beyond the 2,000-mark against Luton on Tuesday. Read why the Alty skipper wants bumper crowds to become a regular feature at Moss Lane in his regular column, Captain's Log, in the Robins' Review matchday programme against Cambridge United.

TODAY'S GAME

"Cambridge boss Gary Brabin could hand striker Scott Rendell his first start since returning to the Abbey on loan. Midfielder Ben Farrell completes a two match ban, but both defender Dan Gleeson (hamstring) and midfielder Jon Challinor (ankle) will have checks". Also, "Cambridge United manager Gary Brabin told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: 'It's fair to say that anyone could be starting up front, but Scott is definitely in the frame. I've got loads of options and that's an excellent position to be in, I always like a bit of extra competition. It always inspires me when I look at the bench and there are people who are desperate to come on'".

The referee for today's game is Mr R. J. West. His previous Altrincham games include:

According to the Cambridge News "Gary Brabin is threatening Altrincham with a three-pronged strikeforce when Cambridge United travel to Moss Lane. With five forwards to choose from following the shock return of Scott Rendell on loan... Brabin admitted it had given him a big selection dilemma. It could mean Rendell getting his first start after his comeback from Peterborough, alongside Lee McEvilly and Mark Beesley. Brabin said: 'We could go to three up front, but we've got a lot of good options in the front positions. There's a chance Scott could start, but I won't be making any decision until after today's training session. I want to have as many different attacking options as possible, and I think some of the lads are finding a bit of form. Lee McEvilly has scored a few goals and Scott coming in has given everyone a bit of a lift. But the work that Bees does doesn't go un-noticed and we've also got Danny Crow getting fitter every day'.

If Brabin does switch to 4-3-3, it could mean Robbie Willmott and Felino Jardim being sacrificed, with Mark Convery keeping his place in midfield and Jon Challinor likely to come in after recovering from a bruised shin ... Ben Farrell is still suspended, but Dan Gleeson should be okay to continue at right-back after coming through training yesterday without a reaction to a hamstring problem... But Brabin said he was confident United could build on their midweek victory despite Altrincham abandoning their status as perennial strugglers this term. He said: 'I speak to their manager quite a lot and they're delighted with the way things are going for them this season. But we're playing with a lot of confidence at the moment and believing in what we're doing, so I think we could get a good result tomorrow'.

Meanwhile, Jordan Collins has joined Weymouth on loan for a month after featuring just twice this season for United.

Altrincham (probable): Ralph, Smith, McGregor, Young, Doughty, Senior, Lawton, Danylyk, Peyton, Johnson, Little.

United (probable): Potter, Gleeson, Bolland, Hatswell, Tonkin, Carden, Challinor, Convery, Beesley, McEvilly, Rendell."

POWER LOSS

COLIN HONOURS COLIN

Right: Colin Bell awards Colin Little his trophy. Photo kindly provided by Gavin Rathbone.

When Colin was about to be born at Wythenshawe Hospital on November 4, 1972, his City fan father Joey told mum-to-be Maggie that they would name their newborn after the player that scored City's first goal that Saturday afternoon. The Blues demolished Derby 4-0 at Maine Road with Bell grabbing the opener - so young Little was duly called Colin. Although not reaching the heights of Bell, Little has quietly carved out an excellent career for himself at Hyde, Crewe, and Macclesfield and has hit 100 goals for the Robins.

When the M.E.N. heard about how Little came to be christened Colin, we fixed it for Bell to hand over our trophy - in association with sponsors flybe.com - ahead of Altrincham's FA Cup replay against Luton at Moss Lane last night. A delighted Colin said: 'It's a good job Rodney Marsh didn't score the first goal! My dad was a big Blue but he's not with us any more. My mum lives in Spain and it's a pity she couldn't be here tonight'.

Meanwhile, ex-England international and City legend Bell said: 'It's quite a surprise to me that people like me so much they would call their son after me. I'm just a son of a miner and I always like to keep my feet glued to the ground so I would never think that people could be called after me. I played 700 games for City so it's really difficult to remember that particular goal'.

At the end of last season, M.E.N. Sport journalists marked all the pro and semi-pro players in Greater Manchester out of ten for their performances during the season and we asked readers, viewers of our sister TV station Channel M and users of our website to vote on who they thought should be honoured. United's much-decorated Cristiano Ronaldo was judged Player of the Year, with Little named the Unsung Hero.

Reader Mike McDonnell, 21, who works as an administrator for Co-op Retail, has been an Altrincham fan for five years and he gave his reasons why the award should go to Wythenshawe-born-and-bred Little. Mike said: 'He's at the veteran stage now, but as a striker he's awesome. He has sharp, predatory instincts and can always steal a yard because of his quick reactions on a defender. He's also such a down-to-earth bloke, a real talisman for the club'. Mike's vote for Little, and his reasoning, has won him a pair of flight tickets to anywhere in Europe courtesy of M.E.N. Sport sponsors flybe.com".

BSP NEWS

At Wrexham "Centre back Ashley Westwood has extended his stay at The Racecourse... The experienced Westwood initially earned a short term deal until January following a successful trial and has now signed on until the end of the season... Westwood was handed the captain's armband at Weymouth last Saturday" states the Evening Leader

According to NL Daily, "Rushden & Diamonds' Jake Beecroft has gone on loan to Solihull Moors.. until January... Beecroft signed for the Diamonds until the end of the 2010/11 season, after impressing in the youth team".

"Eastbourne Borough striker Allan Tait is set to remain with the club having been transfer-listed earlier this month... Eastbourne assistant manager Nick Greenwood told BBC Southern Counties Radio: 'We had a minor disagreement, these things happen quite regularly. He's still on the list technically, but that might change. He's looking forward to playing'. The Sussex side have confirmed they made a bid for the Salisbury striker Matt Tubbs, who has opted to join League Two side Bournemouth. Greenwood said: 'We've a few irons in the fire - not just in the forward positions. We're looking to strengthen the squad getting into the busy Christmas and New Year period'".

You may have thought that Northwich Vics were cash-strapped but the Northwich Guardian neverthless confirms that "Vics have missed out on the signature of Salisbury striker Matt Tubbs. The England C front runner has joined former Northwich boss Jimmy Quinn at Football League strugglers Bournemouth... 'It’s disappointing', Vics' boss Steve King told the Guardian. 'I spoke to Matt on a couple of occasions and he would have come here if he hadn’t had an offer from a league club. It’s sad to miss out on someone of his quality but I understand his decision'”.

"Liam Feeney is now expected to line up for Salisbury City tomorrow in their match with Northwich Victoria after his proposed loan move to Dagenham & Redbridge collapsed today2 says the Salisbury Journal. "Whites' boss Nick Holmes said the two clubs had failed to agree a loan move with a view to the player signing permanently in the transfer window".

More news of the Sports comes from Argus which tells us that ""Skipper Paul Armstrong is still out with an injured ankle but is expected to return to light training next week while Rushden captain Andy Burgess serves a one-match ban. Part-time boxer Curtis Woodhouse... is unavailable as he is due to return to the ring next week. Meanwhile, Borough defender Andy Ballard, who had been on loan with Hastings United this season, has rejoined former club Oxford City". The Argus adds that "Horsham have added to their squad by signing midfielder William Peauroux from Ebbsfleet".

THURSDAY GAME

Altrincham drop to 13th in the League table.

CAMBRIDGE CONFIDENT

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

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

SHOOT-OUT

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

BSP NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAMBRIDGE LOOKING FOR GOALS

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

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

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

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

ALTY SHIRTS REACH GHANA

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

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

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

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

Love and God's blessing

Nick Eadie.

PS: Jackie Swindells is still my hero!

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

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

OLD BOY

LUTON VERDICT

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

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

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

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

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

BSP NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LUTON REPORT

"WE LACKED PASSION"

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

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

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

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

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

FA CUP ROUND 1 REPLAYS

Tuesday 18th

BSP FIXTURES

Tuesday 18th

BSP NEWS

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

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

GRAHAM'S RALLYING CALL

DON'T BE LATE!

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

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

BEFORE THE GAME

COLIN'S AWARD

Manchester Evening News/Channel M Unsung Hero Award

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

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

JOIN THE FRIENDS!

The latest draw results are:-

HATTERS PREPARE

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

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

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

LAST GAME

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

JUNIORS

OLD BOYS

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

BSP NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

LUTON GAME - TURNSTILES READY

ANDY'S CUP PEDIGREE

That was also an FA Cup 1st Round replay, away at the North London club, where Andy made a vital save in the shoot-out and also saw another penalty go wide. By coincidence, Kevin Gallen, whom Luton signed last week, was a used QPR sub in the initial match in November 2002 so he will know all about Andy's exploits.

Robbie Lawton and former Alty players Steve Aspinall and Nick Welton also played in the tie.

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

GREG'S CUP EXAMINATION

Defender Young is in the first year of a degree in Sport & Exercise Science at Sheffield University and will be tested on anatomy and biomechanics between 4pm and 5pm. Kick off is at 7.45pm (40 miles away). The 25 year-old, who could have avoided the situation by converting the Robins' best chance at Kenilworth Road said, 'I should still get there for half-six if I miss the M62 and go the back way but Graham wanted to do everything right and get everyone in a bit earlier for a pre-match meal. It's not the kind of game you want to miss, so I'll be doing my best to get there'".

TUESDAY'S OMENS

YOUTHS BACK ON TRACK

FGR CULL ON CARDS

OLD BOYS

BSP NEWS

The NL Today reports on John Hollins at Weymouth. The manager is quoted as saying, mysteriously, "I am not suspended by the club. I was instead placed on gardening leave and that is my situation". The Terras' chief executive Gary Calder added, "We will be sitting down with John soon. We will deal with the matter internally".

A manager who travelled the same route as Hollins recently is Dino Mamria whose gardening leave ended in the sack. In the NL Paper he reveals that during last summer he signed a three-year deal at Northwich Victoria, saying "The board had all been in agreement the club should be working towards promotion to the League within the next three years and I believed I was the man to guide them there".

CREDIT COLIN!

Apparently the referee is also uncertain who got the goal so will review the video; once a final decision is made, it will be posted here.

WATERFALL LEAVES

OLD BOYS

A loanee from Rotherham at Alty last season was striker Tom Cahill who scored for Ilkeston Town, where he is now on loan, on Saturday. Former Alty player Jim Vince has now taken FC Halifax Town to the top of the UniBond One (North), whilst ex-Alty reserve Ashley Stott netted for the Shaymen. Another ex-Reserve, John Maloney scored for Abbey Hey who took a 2-0 lead away at Whitley Bay in the FA Vase yesterday, only to concede two late-ish goals and go out 5-2 after extra time.

Our midweek CSC opponents Stalybridge Celtic beat Burscough 2-0 thanks to an opening goal by Richard Battersby.

FA CUP ON TUESDAY

This week's FA Cup opponents, Luton Town appear to be on the up, as their website reports that "A much improved home performance saw the Hatters collect three well deserved points at Kenilworth Road... Luton went on the attack and took the lead on 6 minutes when a one-two between Sol Davis and Chris Martin allowed Davis to slot home... [New signing] Kevin Gallen was unlucky to see his first shot for the Hatters deflected wide... The visitors pulled level... [before] McVeigh finished [a] movement off nicely, firing past the diving keeper to put the Hatters back in the lead just before the break... Luton Town: Logan, Gnakpa, Davis (Jarvis 76), Keane, Roper, Nicholls (Hall 84), Martin, Spillane, McVeigh, Gallen, Howells. Subs not used: Brill, Worley, Talbot". Gallen was the only player who was not in the squad against Alty last week.

Before the game on Saturday Luton Today confirmed that "Experienced striker Kevin Gallen has joined Luton Town on loan until the end of the year. MK Dons forward Gallen will remain at Kenilworth Road until December 28. The 33-year-old was former Dons manager Paul Ince's first signing, joining the the club from Queens Park Rangers in July 2007. In his first season he notched eight goals in 24 appearances but this season he has only made one start under new boss Roberto Di Matteo. He has also made five appearances from the bench and scored one goal".

Also "Hatters' boss Mick Harford admitted that the easing injury crisis at Kenilworth Road is helping to buoy his team after seeing Town battle to an invaluable 2-1 victory against Dagenham & Redbridge. He said: 'You look at the bench and we've got players to put on. We've got players out on the pitch who are still not 100% but I feel they got to play'... He is sure his squad is strong enough to cope with the busy schedule that lies ahead. He said: 'The games are going to come thick and fast, Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday'... 'We created lots and lots of chances... We came under pressure at the death when they threw bodies forward and the boys handled it well'... Harford singled out the performances of striker duo Chris Martin and Kevin Gallen for praise. On the signing Gallen, he added: 'I've known Kevin for years. He has got a great pedigree and a clever brain... Kevin can get in the holes and create chances for himself and others'".

FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1 ALTRINCHAM 3

Right: Alty celebrate their win as clouds gather over the New Lawn

Fielding two players making their Alty debuts in the BSP (Ralph and Smith), the visitors took the points against a FGR team whose poor first-half defending cost them dear.

BSP Premier

LANDMARKS

The only player to figure in all 23 Altrincham games, so far this season, is Anthony Danylyk, with 19 starts and 4 sub appearances. The most starts have been made by Mark McGregor and Robbie Lawton, with 22 each. Alty have used 21 players in league games to date.

BEFORE THE MATCH

Today, with Coburn injured, Lane suspended, Owen just returning to fitness and O'Neill recovering from a knee operation, as well as Munroe, Tinson, Sedgemore, Whalley having all left the club along with all five of the substitutes, only Warren Peyton, Chris Senior and Colin Little are likely to be starters this year.

The BBC claims that for the game "Forest Green include loan signing Josh Low after he completed his one-month transfer from Cheltenham. Defender John Hardiker and midfielder Lee Fowler are both out, while Alex Lawless (hamstring) and Mark Preece (groin) are doubtful. Altrincham will be without suspended defender Chris Lane, with Warren Peyton or Luke Waterfall set to replace him. Keeper Stuart Coburn is struggling with a calf injury, so Andy Ralph is likely to continue in goal.

Forest Green player-coach Jerry Gill told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: 'It was great to go through in the FA Cup in midweek, and it would be nice if that cash could go back to Jim [Harvey] so he could strengthen the side. Cup runs do breed confidence but it's important we get three points on Saturday to get us back to where we belong in the league. This is the first of five games in a row at home. We've got confidence we can play our style there and it's a chance to build towards Christmas and get some points in the bag'".

Goalkeeper Terry Burton was sent off last season for Forest Green at Altrincham but This is Glos says that he "will make his first Blue Square Premier appearance of the season for Forest Green in tomorrow's clash with potential relegation rivals Altrincham. The goalkeeper has been highly impressive in Rovers' last two matches, in which they have defeated Oxford United in the Setanta Shield and progressed to the FA Cup second round at the expense of Team Bath. But he has received no guarantee of a run in the side from manager Jim Harvey, who feels the previously ever-present Ryan Robinson is unlucky to be taking an enforced break. 'We're fortunate to have two very good goalkeepers here, with Ryan and Terry pushing each other all the time and neither able to rest on their laurels', said Harvey. 'I'm really pleased for Terry, who is a great character in the dressing room and never moans about having to wait for his chance... He's playing really well and making it hard to leave him out'... The 3-1 reverse in Cumbria [Barrow] extended Rovers' winless run in the league to 11 matches, with tomorrow's opponents six points better off and on a high after holding League Two side Luton Town to a goalless draw in the Cup.

Saturday's game at the New Lawn is a Kids Go Free fixture, meaning under-16s will be admitted without charge when accompanied by a paying adult... Final documentation in relation to the change of the club's constitution from a limited company by guarantee of members to a limited company with shareholders is now almost complete... Rovers are seeking to raise an initial £80,000, which the current board will match.

Altrincham have been beaten only twice in their last 10 games, form that belies their part-time status. But previous fixtures have tended to favour the home side and Jim Harvey's need is greater than his counterpart Graham Heathcote's at present. Though far from easy, Rovers can battle their way to a precious three points... Captain John Hardiker (knee) and midfielder Lee Fowler (ankle) could both be missing for several weeks... Youngster Ben Ashford has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem and remains on the sidelines with Mark Preece and Curtis McDonald (both groin). Fowler's absence makes it imperative that Alex Lawless (hamstring) passes a late fitness test.

Ticket prices: Stand - adults £15, concessions £10, under-16s £7. Ground - adults £13, concessions £8, under-16s £5. Kids Go Free.

CUP OPPONENTS

The Ilford Recorder quotes Dagenham boss John Still on Luton Town. "They have some very decent players there, Paul McVeigh, Wayne Andrews, Kevin Nicholls and on Saturday, Drew Talbot came back" he said. "They brought Talbot for £250k and he's a player I very much admire and would have him here tomorrow!".

CSC

Cheshire Senior Cup

Tuesday 11th November

Wednesday 12th November

Alty host Witton Albion in the CSC Semi-Final on January 20th. The Northwich Guardian states that Witton boss "Gary Finley saw his struggling side end a run of 10 successive defeats with a midweek Cheshire FA Senior Cup victory over Congleton and they hope to transfer that fortune to the league for the visit of Worksop. He has a major doubt over [ex-Alty defender] Gary Scott (groin), who limped off at Ossett last week... [Another ex-Robin] Kieran Lugsden is ready to return after coming through Tuesday’s game unscathed, while new boys James Olsen [also ex-Alty] and Mark Smyth should keep their places".

The Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News. reports that "Runcorn Linnets bowed out of the Cheshire Senior Cup after losing a controversial home quarter-final 3-2 last night. Linnets were beaten by UniBond League Division One North’s Woodley Sports, several key refereeing decisions having gone against Steve Wilkes’ side. ... With two minutes left, the referee played advantage when [ex-Alty man] Nehru McKenzie was fouled in midfield. The ball was knocked forward for Crewe to run onto and the Widnesian thought he had netted the winner – only to find an offside flag contentiously raised. Four minutes into extra-time Woodley took what proved to be a decisive lead. [Ex-Alty trialist] Gavin Salmon squeezed the ball past Glaysher at his near post". In extra-time "Linnets had the ball in the net again near the end of the first period when McKenzie’s header was touched home by Thomas Boden on the line. This time, there were no complaints about the offside ruling but Runcorn can feel aggrieved at the manner in which their county cup campaign was ended".

BSP NEWS

The Guardian adds that "Vics will add two more fresh faces to their line up ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Stevenage. Manager Steve King told the Guardian that he plans to conclude loan deals for a defender and a forward... He said, 'I’m always looking to improve things'... Loan pair Scott Wagstaff and Rashid Yussuff made their debuts against the Brewers while another, Peter Winn, has agreed to extend his temporary stay until after Christmas. 'If we want to make progress then I’m not prepared to settle for players who are rated as "OK", said King. I don’t want opponents to pick on weak links, I want to be looking down our teamsheet and seeing top drawer names in every position'".

Also from the Northwich Guardian, we read that "SteveE King has strengthened his side’s leaky defence... First up the Vics' boss turned to Wycombe Wanderers stopper Will Antwi as cover for banned Michael Welch. 'He’s got everything', King told the Guardian... Antwi, 26, should slot in alongside Mark Roberts in Welch’s enforced absence, with Simon Grand staying at left back. The former Aldershot Town stopper has... [been] plagued by a persistent groin injury over the past two years... Antwi will be joined... by teenage shot stopper Stuart Robinson – brought in as cover Scott Tynan, who is ill. The huge 19-year-old played for King at Lewes last term, coming through the youth ranks at Fulham before that... 'We’ve not brought him in as competition for the other two guys. As a young lad he’s one of those we feel we can develop and improve over time'”.

From the Daily Post we learn that "Wrexham have signed midfielders Nathan Woolfe and Nathan Fairhurst on one-month loan deals. Nineteen-year-old Fairhurst has already captained Preston North End's reserves having signed his first professional contract in the summer. Bolton midfielder Woolfe, 20 came on for the Trotters in a Uefa Cup away match at Sporting Lisbon in March. Boss Dean Saunders could hand them their debuts in Saturday's visit to Weymouth."

At Eastbourne Borough "The club was surprised when it was informed by the F.A. that the previously agreed date of Tuesday November 18th. for the Barrow v Eastbourne Borough 1st round F.A. Cup replay had been changed to the following day. Barrow contacted the Football Association asking to switch the tie to Wednesday November 19th, following the Scotland Under 21 call up of on loan Leeds United goal-keeper Alan Martin for the international match against Northern Ireland at Hamilton next Tuesday. Borough protested to the F.A. with strong objections to a change and asked that the original date, signed off by both clubs, should stand, citing that 5 days notice is totally inadequate for a club with part-time players who have to get permission to take time off work and use holiday entitlement, and with travel, hotel and training facilities already booked. It is difficult enough for semi-professional players facing a 760 mile round trip for a mid-week game but to be confronted with this only days before is unacceptable. The Football Association apologised for not consulting EBFC and that the matter was being reconsidered by the Competitions Committee. Late this afternoon the club was informed that the 1st round F.A. Cup replay - Barrow v Eastbourne Borough - will be played at Holker Street on the originally agreed date of TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18th".

From the other side, Barrow say that "After a confusing twenty four hours, the Football Association have finally ruled that Barrow's FA Cup First Round replay with Eastbourne Borough will go ahead on Tuesday evening as originally planned. The FA had initially given their blessing to moving the game back twenty four hours following the call up of Alan Martin by Scotland U-21s, who play on Tuesday 18th. This move was unacceptable to Eastbourne, who objected and this caused a re-scrutinsation of the rules on call ups, which are only kept at Soho Square[!]. On closer examination it was discovered that the facility to move a cup tie due to an international call-up does not apply to short term loan players, so the earlier ruling was reversed. Manager Dave Bayliss is now resigned to playing without Martin but is still positive about the tie saying 'We will still beat them. Tim (Deasy) now knows he will be playing and he is focussed and will be fine'".

"Last week’s meeting between officials of Vics and rivals Witton Albion proved fruitless with Albion’s acting chairman Mark Harris stating they could not do anything to help Northwich" confirms the Mid-Cheshire Chronicle. "But club owner Jim Rushe is eager to build a relationship between the two clubs and believes a ground-share venture in the future is a very real possibility. He said: 'Until people come to the table with an open mind then nothing will ever be achieved. I am surprised to hear Mark say that Witton Albion can’t help us because I never asked him for any help. I met Mark to shake his hand and see if both football clubs could help each other and perhaps start talks about one day sharing a nice new football ground as a developer is interested in their land'".

the Salisbury Journal states that "Aldershot Town have today confirmed that they have signed Salisbury City's Andy Sandell on loan with a view to making the move permanent during the transfer window. Sandell, who had scored five times for City this term, becomes the second player to depart the Ray Mac this week as the club attempts to reduce its wage bill. Robbie Matthews has already joined Havant & Waterlooville on loan while Matt Tubbs and Liam Feeney are understood to be attracting the attention of Football League and Blue Square Premier clubs. Feeney is rumoured to be on the verge of signing for... Dagenham & Redbridge".

OPPONENTS' SIGNING

BRING YOUR CHANGE

To reduce delays, Altrincham FC ask all supporters to bring the right money to the turnstiles for Tuesday night's FA Cup replay against Luton Town. Although it is hoped to have 13 turnstiles open, please do come early to make sure you don't miss the opening stages of the game.

If you are an adult and can help on Tuesday as a turnstile operator, please contact the club on 928-1045.

Turnstile prices are:

HELP NEEDED

GEOFF SPELLS IT OUT

Indeed, Jay is the subject of a substantial article in the same issue of SAM. The article outline his continuing success in the world of karting.

Meanwhile, Geoff himself is being interviewed on Monday for Tuesday night's Granada Reports programme, so look out for him then.

SPONSORS

BSP NEWS

Aughterson believes at least £100,000 of next season’s shortfall has already been accounted for, although costs have now been 'cut to the bone'. Geoff Chapple’s arrival is set against those cost savings although his salary is minimal and is based mainly around commission terms. Chapple’s position as commercial manager is said to be crucial in terms of bringing in extra revenue... 'The £300,000 deficit is not as depressing as it sounds when you look at the costs we’ve already saved... We would like to think Geoff will bring in around £50,000 worth of extra money from advertising and sponsorship... Ideally what we need is six or seven people putting in £5,000 or more, while increasing the total number of shareholders to around 200... We have made it accessible at £2.67 a month at the minimum level of £100 for 10 shares. There will be various exclusive benefits too.... I will sit down with Phil Gilchrist in December and discuss player contracts for next year', he added. 'It’s not a coincidence that we currently have no contracted players for next season. The general environment has changed. Any player who thinks they will be able to leave Woking and just walk into another contract at another club is mistaken... So the players are playing to impress Phil, and for their future careers. We will also listen to offers for players in January. We have to be realistic. This is the real world where cash is king. No player is bigger than the club or sacrosanct, whoever they are. Phil has a clean sheet for next season and I believe he will be able to bring in players of the same quality for 75% of the amount we are currently paying'.

Aughterson also warned fans that signing players will only be achieved through shipping others out... 'It remains our number one priority to provide Phil with a competitive budget in order to achieve the club’s ambitions, which remain as achieving promotion to the Football League. I’m comforted by the fact that... those looking after the finances at many other Conference clubs are probably worse off than us'”.

The Northants Evening Telegraph tells us that "Rushden & Diamonds chairman Keith Cousins insists the decision to put eight players on the transfer list was not motivated by money. Club captain Andy Burgess and first-team skipper Curtis Woodhouse remain open to offers along with strikers Lee Phillips, Leon Knight and Lee Tomlin while Phil Gulliver, Sagi Burton and Dean McDoanld have already left Nene Park. However Cousins says the squad shake-up was purely a performance-related move rather than a bid to ease financial concerns. He admitted: 'We've tried to freshen it up by replacing some squad members with younger players, initially on loan... Our strategy is all about getting those under-performing names off the wage bill'".

Dorchester Town "owner Eddie Mitchell wants to take over Weymouth – and base them at the Jewson Stadium... With the Terras losing, reportedly, £30,000 a month, chairman Malcolm Curtis is inviting offers... Mitchell said: 'I would love to take control and bring them to our place. That is what I have said from day one. I am prepared to make a move for it if there is one to be taken... There is no reason why both clubs should not play at our place. I would like to think they would not get a new owner – I would like to think I would be the new owner", reports the The Western Gazette. "'I think in the future we will be accustomed to clubs as near as ourselves and Weymouth, who are in touching distance of the Football League, amalgamating. I know I have been in football for only 18 months but it does not take me long to weigh up what needs to be done. That will happen and I hope it happens in my time so I can orchestrate it. With us and Weymouth being so close, past rivalries do not matter because it is about survival – especially in this market. The real investment that comes into a club is through people who come through the turnstiles. We need 1,000 through the turnstiles – and if you add Weymouth and us on a good day there would be 1,500'. Curtis said: 'I have not had any dealings with Eddie Mitchell... I know what he is doing at Dorchester and I know what his plans are. I will speak with anyone who is interested (in Weymouth)'".

Meanwhile "Crawley today pulled out of a deal to sign Stuart Beavon from rivals Weymouth. Reds tabled a five-figure bid for the striker but pulled out when a deal could not be concluded this morning. Boss Steve Evans said: '(Weymouth manager) John Hollins kept his word when we brought in Malky Michael on loan last week but my understanding is that John is on gardening leave and that has made it difficult to get any clarity on things... They... couldn't give us an answer in a week so the offer has been withdrawn'".

From NL Daily we learn that "Midfielder Nathan Woolfe has joined Wrexham for one month after manager Dean Saunders completed his signing from Bolton Wanderers. The 20-year-old Mancunian will join the Dragons' squad for their game at Weymouth on Saturday. Saunders said: 'The lad is coming here because he believes a run of senior games with us will give him a better chance of breaking into Bolton's first team... He can play on either side of midfield'".

The England 'C' team "secured their place in the final of the International Challenge Trophy on Wednesday, by picking up a 2-2 draw with Italy in Benevento... They will now face Belgium in February 2009 in the final". Josh Simpson and James Constable scored. England: Bartlett (Kidderminster Harriers), Gleeson (Cambridge United), Tremarco (Wrexham), Smith (Ebbsfleet United), Simpson (Histon), Geohaghan (Kettering Town), Penn (Kidderminster Harriers), D’Laryea (Mansfield Town), Constable (Oxford United), Cole (Stevenage Borough) Pitman (Crawley Town). Substitutes: Bostwick (Stevenage Borough), Cronin (Ebbsfleet United), Harrad (Burton Albion), Robinson (Weymouth), Wright (Tamworth)".

Blue Square Football adds that "Adam Bartlett, goalkeeper with Kidderminster, made his debut for the England 'C' side, whilst Stefan Moore has signed a new one-month deal with the club. Moore agreed to extend his stay for an additional month. The player has been a free agent since leaving Walsall".

"Ebbsfleet have bolstered their midfield options by snapping up midfielder Karl Murray on loan from Bromley. The 26-year-old... joins Liam Daish's charges on a short-term deal... Murray has enjoyed spells with the likes of Shrewsbury, Woking and Grays Athletic" states Blue Square Football.

The Salisbury Journal claims that "Salisbury City midfielder Liam Feeney may be the next player to leave the club due to its current financial crisis. Manager Nick Holmes, who made strikers Robbie Matthews, Matt Tubbs and Andy Sandell available for loan moves earlier this week in a bid to reduce the club's wage bill, confirmed that Feeney has had talks with Dagenham & Redbridge concerning a loan deal and a possible permanent move to the Daggers when January's transfer window opens. Holmes told Journal Sport that the club would be seeking a fee for the popular player they signed in June 2007 from Hayes... Robbie Matthews has joined Havant & Waterlooville on loan while fellow strikers Andy Sandell and Matt Tubbs (already suspended for Saturday's game) are understood to have attracted the attentions of Football League and Blue Square Premier clubs".

JOHN HOLLINS SUSPENDED

This is the second managerial suspension in the BSP in recent weeks following the suspension of Dino Maamria at Northwich.

FGR INJURY PROBLEMS

The euphoria of Cup success has been tempered this week with the news that Forest Green captain John Hardiker faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines with a new knee injury... Medial ligament damage has now been confirmed, a different problem to that which has caused him to miss nearly two months of football already this season. To compound Harvey's frustration, midfielder Lee Fowler is certain to miss this weekend's fixture at home to Altrincham with an ankle injury... Harvey said: 'We seem to have been cursed with injuries since the end of August and there is no sign of it improving at the moment... Both John and Lee will be out for a while... They are key players who make a massive difference to the team'"

JACK'S BOOK

One review describes the book as follows; "If you want a real football story, a real life story of a true Manchester man, and if you want a change from the 'story so far' of a twenty-something millionaire footballer, the tale of Jack Crompton has the lot. as Sir Alex Ferguson says in the foreword, 'Jack's story is a refreshing departure from the endless modern and unremarkable football autobiographies which hit the bookshops these days. His recollections are taken from a veritable treasure trove of memories and make truly fascinating reading'.

Copies of the book will be available in the shop on Tuesday at a discounted price of just £12. It is called From Goal-Line to Touchline: My Career with Manchester United.

TOO YOUNG TO FACE ALTY

CELTIC REPORT

Stalybridge Celtic report that against Altrincham on Tuesday "Celtic gave away two early goals, and despite playing some excellent football were unable to take advantage of any mistakes made by the Altrincham back line, with the visitors riding their luck on more than one occasion... It was a very good performance from Celtic, and against a less stern defence would have seen a hatful of goals".

OLD BOY

BSP NEWS

And another tale of woe comes from the Northwich Guardian, which says that "Vics' owner Jim Rushe reckons he has found a backer to fund his bid to buy back the club’s home ground. He told supporters last night that, should a deal follow, he may no longer be in sole charge of the town’s biggest team. 'I’ve been talking to a group of people', he revealed. 'And they have enough money – it’s a consortium who want to buy the football club too'. Rushe would remain at the helm, saying the key to any deal would be a continued role for him in Vics’ short-term future. However the new owners would take shares in Northwich Victoria Football Club (2004) Limited for free. At the moment Rushe is the only stakeholder. 'It’s very expensive to run Northwich Victoria', he added. 'To move to the next level we have to have affluent people who can write cheques themselves or are in a position to borrow large amounts of money. At the moment this club has a poor reputation for managing its finances and so can’t lend [?borrow] under any circumstances'... The company that currently owns and runs the Marston’s Arena, Beaconet Limited, had its main asset seized by receivers from global finance services firm Deloitte & Touche at the end of last month. They will now sell off the nine-acre site to pay off debts totalling more than £1m. Rushe had agreed a deal with Mike Connett, Vics’ landlord and former chairman, to buy the land for £3.2m over the summer but was unable to find the money. He hopes to shake hands soon on a deal worth substantially less. 'I’m in negotiations with Deloitte', he said... Connett paid £225,000 for the land in December 2004. Since then he has borrowed money from three lenders using the land as surety... One of those borrowers, Clydesdale Bank, has asked Deloitte experts to recover the cash it is owed under the terms of the Law of Property Act (1925). That debt alone is £1.25m. Connett, who last year sold Northwich Victoria Football Club (2004) Limited to Rushe when the club owed more than £350,000 to HM Revenue and Customs, has no say on what happens next".

The Guardian adds that "Northwich Victoria supporters were due to meet, on Tuesday, to discuss how they could raise some of the cash to reclaim the Marston’s Arena. 'It would be fantastic to have their support', said the club’s owner Jim Rushe. 'We are talking about a considerable sum of money – the land won’t come cheap – but I’m happy to look at ways we can work together to make this happen'... Should they wish the receivers can restore mains-supplied electricity to the ground, which is currently powered by two stand-alone generators. Their failure caused a crucial FA Cup tie to be abandoned at half time last month... A 25-year lease agreed with Mr Connett at the turn of the year will ensure Vics will not be left homeless... Anybody who buys the stadium must honour the agreement".

On the pitch, "Wing man Peter Winn will play for Northwich Victoria until the New Year. The Scunthorpe United midfielder has agreed to extend his loan stay after impressing in his first four weeks at the Marston’s Arena. 'We’re pleased to have him here', said Vics' boss Steve King. 'I think Peter is a talented boy and he can bring a lot to our team'. Teenager Winn, a second year professional for the Iron, made four substitute appearances in the Championship last season after impressing in the reserves at Glanford Park. He has so far starred five times for Northwich in league and cup but has yet to score his first goal".

The latest Setanta televised fixtures are listed below. These are until 31 December and all are 7.45pm kick-offs except on Boxing Day, which is at 3pm.

The Football Conference says that Tuesday's "Setanta Shield 3rd Round fixture between Grays Athletic and Chelmsford City was postponed due to floodlight failure. The fixture will now be played on Tuesday 25th November with a 7:45pm kick off".

According to NL Daily "Havant & Waterlooville have signed striker Robbie Matthews on loan from Salisbury City. Salisbury-born, Matthews returned to the Old Sarum club in 2004 from Eastleigh, having previously risen through the Whites' ranks... He was invited to turn professional at the start of the 2007/8 season and, aged just 25, still has a bright future at a club, for whom he has notched almost a goal every other game". The loan is for a month.

"Keith Webb, manager of King's Lynn, is stepping up his efforts to extend defender Luke Graham's loan stint at The Walks. The versatile Kettering Town defender's initial spell ends after Saturday's trip to Southport".

NL Daily also says that "Mansfield Town have taken 22-year-old goalkeeper Chris Howarth from Carlisle United on a week-long trial".

Meanwhile, the BBC adds that "Salisbury City manager Nick Holmes has warned that more players could leave as the club struggles financially. City have made Andy Sandell, Matt Tubbs and Robbie Matthews available for loan and Holmes is worried more could follow soon as they try to cut the wage bill. 'There's still certain other measures that will have to be taken. This is the start of what is happening', he told BBC Radio Wiltshire. 'If we carry on the way we're going we'll be in serious problems... We have to cut the wage bill, that was the unfortunate decision. The three that have gone on the list are big earners. It's not a thing that I certainly would have wanted to do. I don't want to get rid of my top players'. Sandell is seen as Salisbury's prize asset at the moment, with Blue Square Premier rivals and also League Two outfits interested in him. His departure would be a major blow to Salisbury... The manager said 'They're footballers at the end of the day so they get paid to play football wherever they are. A footballer's life is short and they have to get what they can'".

The Cambridge News announced that "Louis Fazakerley is on the verge of joining Histon and could make his debut in Saturday's crunch clash against Kettering. The Welling winger will train with the Stutes this week and is set to sign on non-contract terms... Former Fulham trainee Fazakerley caught Steve Fallon's eye in a Bishop's Stortford shirt when the Histon manager was scouting Jack Midson last season". However, Kent Online claims that "Welling forward Loui Fazakerley has put pen to paper with the club after turning down a move to the Blue Square Premier. Fazakerley joined the Wings two weeks ago from Bromley and was immediately the subject of a seven-day approach from Histon. But the diminutive attacker has decided to commit his future to Park View Road and signed a deal... Wings' assistant boss Jimmy Dack said, 'He would have no problem stepping up to Blue Square Premier but he can go beyond that. If he goes to the wrong team then you won't see the best of him but we're delighted he is staying with us'".

Yetserday the Crawley Observer reported that "manager Steve Evans will finally find out today (Wednesday) if he has had a five-figure sum accepted for a Conference striker. Town made the bid last week courtesy of director Phil Jarman who stumped up the cash out of his own pocket".

"A wealthy Sussex businessman is set to meet with Lewes FC bosses to discuss taking over the club, the Sussex Express understands. A club source confirmed that the un-named individual will meet with senior club officials towards the end of the week. It is understood that the businessman, who is out of the country at the moment, is not part of any group or consortium". And the Sussex club could be barking up the wrong tree as "A a club spokesman has revealed that the club has received 36 emails protesting at tonight's fundraising 'dog night' at Hove Greyhound Stadium. The writers of the emails are protesting at the club's involement in a sport they believe practices cruelty to animals".

From This is Nottingham says that "Mansfield Town chairman Andy Perry would love nothing more than to bring Field Mill back up to scratch. And he has not ruled out the possibility of the club once again owning the stadium they currently lease from former owner Keith Haslam. A revamp of the Bishop Street stand – to make Field Mill a four-sided ground – is well within Mansfield's scope, believes Perry. He said: 'Making it a four-sided ground is very much a long-term goal. It would give the ground a better feel for everyone who comes to games... It is not quite as dilapidated as we were led to believe and it is not a case of knocking the whole thing down and starting again because the structure is quite sound... We could have a standing area there, which would be allowed with the amount of seats we have in the other areas of the ground. An alternative is to have it as a seating area or a corporate area, which would free up some space over in the West Stand which is full in the week for meetings and conferences. "We would also like to put the television cameras on that side looking towards the west stand. That way when people see pictures of the ground they are seeing it for the better rather than boards'.

Perry added the club are looking at all possibilities regarding their future home but insists buying out Keith Haslam and staying could happen... 'We have the option to purchase the ground, which would be beneficial, but if we do that we have to make sure it is for the right reasons and cost effective... We will be discussing it with Keith Haslam'. Mansfield are one of only a handful of clubs averaging over 2,000 for home games as fans have stayed away during the onset of economic downturn. Perry said, 'We are doing everything we can to keep the crowds coming back and we have our 'double bubble' offer for the Altrincham and Salisbury home games coming up... We have sold 1,200 season tickets and for others who pay on the day we have taken on board the fact they think the prices are a bit hefty'... Perry revealed 'The budget is there and still not been fully spent. It is not that Billy doesn't want to, but that in the current climate he can only bring in loan players... We said we would make money available in January if we were going well and if there is someone who will benefit the club long-term and Billy wants to bring in on an 18-month contract. We said we would back the manager if we were up there but we will also back him up if he needs a player to make sure we keep stability at the club... The FA Cup has been very important from a monetary point of view'".

Meanwhile, "Emile Sinclair will not be playing his last game for Mansfield against Salisbury City on Saturday if boss Billy McEwan has his way. The winger/striker's one-month loan from Nottingham Forest is due to run out after the game against the Whites. But McEwan is hopeful he can persuade Reds boss Colin Calderwood to let him keep the 20-year-old".

The Woking News & Mail we learn that "Phil Gilchrist insists he has an open mind about his players’ futures ahead of contract negotiation talks in the new few weeks — by which time he will have been told what his budget is for next season. The Cards’ boss must wait until the club knows what the take-up is on the new shares scheme before making decisions on players... 'The players have to show me they are worth a contract next season', he said".

MANSFIELD

CSC DRAW

A match report on Alty's win at Stalybridge Celtic in the quarter-final is here.

FGR COACH

ALTY REACH SEMIS

ALTRINCHAM (Red & white striped shirts, white shorts, red socks): 13. Andy RALPH; 17. Luke WATERFALL, 22. James SMITH, 2. Chris LANE, 7. Robbie LAWTON, 8. Val OWEN, 16. Anthony DANYLYK, 11. Warren PEYTON; 15. Alex MEECHAN, 14. Dale JOHNSON, 18. Lee ELAM. Subs: 4. Mark McGREGOR, 5. Greg YOUNG, 3. Matt DOUGHTY, 9. Colin LITTLE, 19. Chris SENIOR.

BSP NEWS

In September, the club launched a fund raising drive to raise £100,000 to help them compete in the top level of English non-league football but failed to reach half of that target. Chairman Neville Beal recently reassured supporters that the club was not about to enter administration... All three are full-time squad members, and could be loaned out before Salisbury travel to Mansfield on Saturday".

LUTON REPLAY

Meanwhile, Luton Today reports that "Rejuvenated defender George Beavan says he was just pleased to be in the hat for the next round after the Hatters' goalless home draw against Altrincham... Town were left frustrated against the non-league part-timers but Beavan admitted it would always be difficult task to break down a side intent on defending for their lives. He said: 'We were saying in the dressing room afterwards that teams come here and know we're a good passing team, know we're going to come forward and they just sit and put 11 men behind the ball and it's hard for us to break down... I went to Salisbury and got some match fitness and I feel a lot fitter and sharper... It was the decision of both the club and myself to come back. I just wanted to come back and fight for my place at Luton'... Luton... dominated possession but were lacking in the final third and Altrincham to their credit, could have been in front at half-time. The home side got a real let off on 22 minutes when Keith Keane's poor back pass almost gifted Chris Senior the opener, while centre-half Greg Young then blazed a glorious opportunity over the bar from the edge of the box shortly afterwards.

The home side's only real effort on target during the entire match came in first half stoppage time but Chris Martin's header from Claude Gnakpa's right-wing cross failed to really trouble goalkeeper Andy Ralph... With eight minutes remaining, Keane had to produce a fierce last-ditch tackle to prevent substitute Lee Elam from getting a clear run on Conrad Logan's goal".

BSP NEWS

Histon "are pleased to announce that their FA Cup 2nd Round fixture against Leeds United or Northampton Town will be broadcast live on ITV on Sunday 30th November - kick off is 12.15pm".

"Crawley Town's live television fixture with Ebbsfleet United scheduled for this coming Monday evening has been put back to Thursday of next week. As a result of the above date change, the match away at York City scheduled for Saturday 22nd November 2008 has been put back 24 hours to Sunday 23rd November 2008".

LUTON GAME

WARREN'S DOUBLE LIFE

'The FA Cup is first and foremost about being in the hat for the next round', he added. 'Our history tells us not to get carried away. We've not done the job, we've done half a job but we've done a good job. I know they've had injury problems of their own but when you've got an 18-man squad and injuries on top of that then it's not going to be easy. It's an exciting cup tie. They have a great Cup pedigree and we've got a great history in terms of overcoming league sides. We're halfway there in terms of giving a good performance today. But Luton have got a far better away record than we have and I'm fully aware of that. Nothing will be taken for granted but we know what we've got to do. Anybody in the FA Cup would take a draw away from home. If you can't do the job on your own pitch you can't really argue if you go out of the competition. It would be a shame if we came here, put in a good performance and weren't able to finish the job at home. But it's lovely for our, I call them new supporters because we're gathering more all the time, and our young players."

Altrincham could even count themselves unlucky after creating the best chances. Veteran striker Colin Little almost grabbed a winner in the second half but Luton keeper Conrad Logan's despairing leg got the ball as the Robins top scorer tried to go around him. And minutes later, Little's back-heel put in strike partner Christopher Senior, who finished neatly, only to be brought back for a close offside flag.

But midfielder Anthony Danylyk (right) was delighted with the draw and reckons Altrincham have a good chance of an upset in what could be another famous night in the Robins' remarkable cup history a week tomorrow. 'We're very happy. I'd have definitely taken a draw before the game', he said. 'It keeps us in the hat for the next round and then we can get them back to our place and give them a good game. I'm not so sure this was a missed opportunity. In the first half they were the better team but not in the second - we could have sneaked a couple of goals'".

CHRIS'S BAN

FGR ON SATURDAY

This is Glos adds that "Forest Green manager Jim Harvey admitted he was relieved to be in the second round of the FA Cup after his side sank luckless Team Bath... Said Harvey 'We'll pick up £20,000 now, which is certainly welcome, and it's nice to have been handed a decent home draw'. The win was marred by injuries to Lee Fowler and John Hardiker, the latter's so serious that he was taken to hospital after being helped off the pitch in the 59th minute. Club captain Hardiker was playing only his third match since a six-week lay-off with knee ligament damage, and it is feared he may have suffered a recurrence'... Mohamed had been the Rovers hero earlier in the week with the extra-time winner against Oxford United in the Setanta Shield. Harvey added: 'Kaid is developing a nice habit of scoring late goals'". The speedy Mohamed played against Alty for Torquay last season.

The referee on Saturday at Forest Green is Mr S. Burt who oversaw the Woking v Alty game on the opening day of the season.

LUTON REPLAY

The FA reports that "The first of two live FA Cup First Round Proper replays has been confirmed". They have chosen a clash between two League clubs, Tranmere Rovers v Accrington Stanley which "will be broadcast on Setanta Sports with The FA TV replay fee of £37,000 going to each club". So the non-League survivors will have to hope there is better news for "the remaining televised replay, and also news of the three Live Second Round proper ties, [which] will be released later this week". The Tranmere game will be on Thursday 13 November 2008, 7.45pm on Setanta Sports 1. At least Bournemouth reported later that their "FA Cup match against Blyth Spartans is to be shown live on Setanta".

FA CUP ROUND 1 REPLAY

FA CUP ROUND 2 DRAW

Full draw:

HEAVY DEFEAT

BSP NEWS

The FA reports that "England C Manager Paul Fairclough has been forced to make two changes to the England C squad travelling to Italy on Sunday evening for their crucial International Challenge Trophy Group A decider with Italy C. Firstly, Crawley Town’s Jake Wright failed to recover from an earlier injury and was replaced by Anton Robinson from Weymouth, who did not disappoint on his debut in Sarajevo in September. This was followed by the withdrawal of Ebbsfleet United striker Luke Moore who has failed to recover from a gashed leg. Moore... had earlier replaced Greg Pearson from Burton who has educational commitments. England were then hit by the news that Antonio Murray was injured in Histon's game with Swindon Town in The FA Cup, so he has been replaced by Jonathan D'Laryea of Mansfield Town... Fairclough said: 'The forthcoming fixture against Italy is arguably the single most important fixture that this team has had to play'... Fairclough added that: 'The squad selected has experienced campaigners at this level. It is complemented by a number of new, hungry and exciting players'".

The Daily Post says that "Wrexham's unsuccessful battle to preserve their Football League status earlier this year cost the club more than £400,000, according to owner Geoff Moss. The money, over and above the playing budget originally approved at the start of last season, was spent after Brian Little’s appointment 12 months ago when he brought in nine new players in a bid to stave off relegation. The figure has been revealed in a statement issued by the club to update supporters... The statement... says: 'We have and will continue to endeavour to make funds available to the manager for players as is possible. We would like to point out that the club authorised over £400,000 of expenditure on players in excess of the original budget during the season, 2007-08. This unsuccessful attempt to avoid relegation meant that the 2008-09 budget had to be reduced as a result of the reduction in Football League funding available to the club... So we would appreciate the continued support of fans. Finances will also be dependent on the levels of commercial income and fundraising we are able to achieve. We trust that the supporters will agree with our optimism regarding the appointment of Dean Saunders as manager'... Reaffirming the intention to develop surplus land around the Racecourse, the statement continues: 'The development depends on two factors – a successful planning application and the support of a developer to fulfil the scheme... We believe that both of these factors... are now close to fruition'... The club plans to build a student village on part of the Yale Stand car park and to work with the local council and the Welsh Assembly on the provision of a new all-seated stand at the town end of the stadium. The profit from the development would be used to pay off the club’s debts".

The statement added: "We have in place numerous plans to improve the club". Meanwhile, "former Cameroon international Patrick Suffo has agreed a ‘pay as you play’ deal with Wrexham manager Dean Saunders and has not ruled out a more permanent stay... The 30-year-old, striker, who has been training with the Dragons for a month... said 'I’m very happy to sign on in the short term, then see how things develop, 'There are times when it’s about more than the money and I hope I can establish myself with Wrexham'... Saunders is hoping to bring in another striker shortly, in the coming days to further strengthen his squad, but it could be Christmas before the Dragons have a full complement. Summer signing Kyle Critchell is at least a month away from a return to training following ankle surgery and fellow long term casualties Andy Fleming (ankle) and Simon Spender (dislocated elbow) are looking at a further six weeks of rehabilitation. But on loan Stoke City defender, Ritchie De Laet, who sustained a slight groin strain during last week’s Setanta Shield win at Altrincham, is making a speedy recovery and should be back in training in the next couple of days".

ALTY'S EXTRA MAN

Left: Altrincham's "twelfth man [and woman!]" on Saturday was the 359-strong contingent of supporters who made the trip to Luton. They provided great support, singing from start to finish. Here a section of them are seen by Gavin Rathbone's lens. More of Gavin's images are to be found on his GR Photography website.

FIXTURE POSTER

Chris Ainsworth of The Altrincham FC Supporters' Club (TASC) has produced an attractive colour poster/flyer for fans to print off and distribute to local companies, shops and other organizations. You can print off the poster here. A smaller version of it is shown, right.

STEWARDS NEEDED

Altrincham FC's Darren Gregory writes: "Matchday Stewards are required for Altrincham and MUFC reserve games. I am looking to recruit more stewards for the above games you must be over 17 years of age, physically fit and a good communicator. Full training will be given and all successful applicants will be expected to sign up for the NVQ 2 in Spectator Control run by Telford College. (All training sessions will be held at Moss Lane). For Altrincham matches stewarding is done on a voluntary basis, but for MUFC reserve matches you will be paid, after deductions for tax. I would like applicants to consider doing stewarding for both sets of games and not just come down for the money.

Hours for Altrincham matches: