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NEXT MATCH
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE
Wednesday, 5 November 2025
BOSTON UNITED (Home) k.o. 7.45pm

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

4 November 2025

NEXT: BOSTON UNITED

Altrincham host Boston United on Saturday in an Enterprise National League game.

This match will be interim manager Neil Gibson's third fixture and follows a goalless draw at Braintree Town and a 2-1 defeat in the FA Cup at Slough Town since his appointment last Thursday.

It will be Altrincham's thirteenth attempt to secure a win inside ninety minutes following a run of eight ENL games without a win and four cup competition games without a victory in regulation time.

Alty did win their FA Cup replay at Harborough Town but that was only after extra-time and was a victory gained against a much lower ranked club which had played since the seventh minute with ten men.

Boston lay thirteenth before this week's midweek games. Altrincham have yet to defeat any team lying currently in the top fourteen places, having taken just a single point in nine fixtures against such clubs.

Four of Altrincham's squad have previously played for Boston United; they are Sam Reed, James Gale, Keaton Ward and Jimmy Knowles.

SLOUGH'S "GREAT DAY"

The Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Johnny Goddard admits Slough Town had ‘a bit of a chip on their shoulders’ heading into Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie at home to National League Altrincham, but they used that niggling feeling to good effect as they claimed a fully deserved 2-1 win...

The Rebels came into the tie off the back of a heavy league defeats at Weston Super Mare and home to Maidstone United, poor performances which had left them languishing in the National League South relegation zone.

There were mitigating factors for that of course, a lengthy injury list that had robbed the side of much-needed quality and experience and an illness bug that had gone through the camp and taken down certain players, including player manager Scotty Davies...

'We had a bit of a chip on our shoulder from last week,' said Goddard. 'Last week was a reality check for us, and we owed the fans a bit of a bounce back today. We showed just what we’re capable of. Obviously, a great day for the club, the supporters and the players..

'To beat a team that’s a level above you on you need 11 players that are really at it, and then we had the subs that came on. Some weren’t expecting to come on that early as we had some injuries'".

ACADEMY UPDATE

In the National League U19 Alliance NLFA North Division Altrincham have played just two fixtures, compared with as many as six games played by their competitors.

Altrincham's side has not played a league fixture since 24 September.

Meanwhile, the other Academy team, which competes in the National Football Youth League NW Championship 1, was also not involved in league action last week. The team remains fifth in the twelve-club division.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE MIDWEEK FIXTURES

Right: Isaac Marriott is the only player to have started all of Altrincham's first sixteen league fixtures.

Tuesday 4th November

Wednesday 5th November

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN: FA CUP DRAW

The draw for the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup was made on Monday evening. Altrincham's conquerors, Slough Town were first out of the hat and will host Macclesfield FC, the reincarnation of Alty's historic rivals Macclesfield Town.

Details of the draw...

In Monday's First Round tie, Leyton Orient won 1-0 at Tamworth.

ALTY'S LOANEES

Altrincham FC's Charlie Staples has provided an update on Altrincham's players who have gone out on loan.

Above, left to right: Joel Bailey, Harry St Romaine, Isaac Mannion, Joe Weston, Owen German

Those covered in the article are:

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Monday in the FA Cup 1st Round, unfortunately for Tamworth's KENNEDY DIGIE, his 79th minute own goal saw his team knocked out 0-1 by League One visitors Leyton Orient.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wealdstone's "Board of Directors of Wealdstone FC wishes to update supporters and shareholders regarding the proposed investment by Nick Semaca.

The planned completion of Nick’s investment, which would result in him acquiring a 50.1% shareholding in the club, has been delayed beyond the expected date of 31 October. This is due to ongoing delays in the signing of the club’s new lease agreement for Grosvenor Vale.

We fully understand the frustration and uncertainty that these delays cause. The club remains in regular, constructive dialogue with our landlord, KSIMC, who continue to indicate their intention to finalise and sign the new lease imminently.

Importantly, Nick Semaca remains fully committed to completing his investment in Wealdstone FC as soon as the lease is executed. His enthusiasm and belief in the club’s long term vision have not wavered.

Nick is currently in the UK and ready to conclude his investment which will help unlock the potential of the club including the new stadium, as soon as the new lease for Grosvenor Vale has been signed.

Acting Chairman Dominic Whyley said 'While we are hugely disappointed by the continued delays to the lease signing, we remain confident that both the lease and Nick’s investment will be successfully concluded.

'Everyone connected with Wealdstone FC understands the significance of these developments for the club’s future, not only to secure our stability but also to continue our incredible progress towards the dream of a new, purpose built stadium. We will continue to work tirelessly to achieve a successful outcome for the club and its supporters.'”

Scunthorpe United "can confirm registered player Jonathan Gjoshe was one of the victims affected by the shocking attack on an LNER train bound for London on Saturday evening.

We can confirm that Jonathan sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the attack, but currently remains in hospital. Due to the ongoing investigations taking place, we are currently unable to update further.

Everyone at the club, from the Board, management and his teammates, along with all staff behind the scenes, sends our heartfelt well wishes to Jonathan for a full recovery, which is also extended to all the victims on board the train".

3 November 2025

NEXT: BOSTON UNITED

Altrincham play their third Wednesday night league fixture of the season when Boston United visit the J. Davidson Stadium on Bonfire Night (5th November).

For their defeat to Slough Town in the FA Cup Altrincham were without five of their defensive unit, with long-term absentees Ethan Ross and Billy Sass-Davies joined on the sidelines by Sam Reed, Sam Barnes and Lewis Banks.

Reed and Barnes would seem to have the best chance of rejoining the squad but the other three will not be available.

Louie Fallon retained his place between the sticks on Saturday but loanee Luke Hutchinson has completed his concussion absence and will be available. One player not available will be the red-carded Elliot Osborne.

The Pilgrims arrive in town lying thirteenth, six points ahead of Altrincham.

Whereas Altrincham have failed to win a game in any of their last eight ENL fixtures, Boston have won three, drawn three and lost twice in the same eight-match sequence.

Last time out they won 3-1 at Tamworth. In Dylan Hill, Rhys Lovett and Greg Sloggett they have three players who have started all 16 of their league games, whilst four others have been involved in all but one fixture this campaign.

Although they have only scored 18 times, the same as Altrincham, their defensive record is the third best in the league with just 13 goals conceded.

Lenell John-Lewis is their top scorer with just four goals to his name.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Sunday's activity involving former Altrincham players and loanees is reported by Phil Jordan...

FA Cup 1st Round : JOSH LUNDSTRAM played the full game for Eastleigh, but they were no match for visitors Walsall who hit 3 goals without reply.

JONNY MARGETTS lasted until the the end of the first period of extra time, by which time Accrington Stanley had regained the lead at Gainsborough Trinity. The Lincolnshire side had come from behind to force that additional period, but were unable to recover again, and lost 1-2.

Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE played the whole of Linfield's goalless draw at Cliftonville.

EMIRATES FA CUP

Sunday 2 November 2025

Monday 3 November 2025

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reports that " Carlisle United forward Regan Linney said he is happy to play 'on instinct" after his FA Cup giant-killing heroics.

Linney came on in the second half and scored a hat-trick as the National League side came from two goals down to knock out League One Reading in extra-time.

It was his second hat-trick of the season and took his tally to 14 in 17 games since joining the Cumbrian club from Altrincham.

'I think I do play on instinct. I just try to get myself in situations and create space for myself'... he told BBC Match of the Day...

He was introduced in the 69th minute, immediately after Reading had doubled their advantage.

The 28-year-old pulled a goal back in the third minute of stoppage time and then grabbed a dramatic equaliser in the eighth added minute as his shot went through Royals goalkeeper Jack Stevens.

And four minutes into extra time, Linney's completed the turnaround and his hat-trick to book Carlisle's place in the second round for the first time in three years.

'I'm still buzzing. I'm loving working under the gaffer, and obviously playing with the lads and scoring a hat-trick against a League One outfit was a special feeling for me,' he said.

'I'm a confident player at the moment, so if I get opportunities I'm confident I can take them.

'"I was hoping I would get in various situations with full-backs and other players and take them, and that's what I've done.'"

At Wealdstone "manager Sam Cox praised his side’s professionalism, spirit and togetherness after Wealdstone booked their place in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup with a hard fought 1–0 victory over Southend United at The Vale.

A first-half goal from Olufela Olomola proved decisive as Wealdstone produced a mature and disciplined display...

'Amazing. The changing room’s buzzing - the boys thoroughly deserved it,' said Cox after the final whistle. 'From start to finish we looked the dominant side. Southend had a spell early on, a few corners in the first ten minutes, but we weathered that storm and managed the game with real control and professionalism.'

Cox made several changes to his starting line-up, introducing Dom Hutchinson and Sak Hassan to add pace and width.

'We wanted to mix it up,' he explained... 'We do have 20 lads full of heart and spirit. Dom and Sak gave us great outlets out wide'...

The Stones boss also praised Terrell Agyemang... 'He wasn’t even in the squad last week, but messaged me asking when he could come in for extra running. His attitude was first class and it was hard not to play him today. He was outstanding.;

Striker Olufela Olomola grabbed the game’s only goal... 'He’s an outstanding human being and a real leader,'"

2 November 2025

"NO EXCUSES" FROM NEIL GIBSON

There are YouTube goal highlights from the Slough Town v Altrincham FA Cup tie here.

Alty TV has a post-match video interview with interim manager Neil Gibson.

He said that, in the first half, the team was "nowhere near the levels we'd expect". In short, the players have "got to deliver what we do [in training] Monday to Friday on a Saturday" when it matters in a match.

The goals conceded to Slough were, he judged, "avoidable... Certain individuals know that they could have done better".

At half-time "harsh words were spoken" and the performance improved in the second period until Osborne was sent off.

Neil believed the redcard for Elliot Osborne was very harsh as it was simply, inhis view, an incident in which the midfielder "collides accidentally" with an opponent.

After the game Neil went to speak to the supporters and understands their frustration but currently Altrincha are a "team short on confidence".

He went on to say that "We are not going to get out of this [poor form] as a team separate from the supporters" and with long trips to Truro and Southend coming up "we've all got to pull together".

Speaking to the NL Paper after the defeat at Slough Town, Altrincham's interim manager Neil Gibson said, "Full congratuations to Slough. Any time a team from a division below beats a team above, they deserve the congratulatoons they'll get.

"From our point of view, I'm really disappointed by how we played in the first half and there's no excuses for the manner of our performance in the first half".

SLOUGH TOWN 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham bowed out of the FA Cup to lower ranked opposition at a damp Arbour Park. They can now concentrate on the league- and they certainly need to after a current run of eight league fixtures without a win.

In all competitions the picture is even bleaker. This was the TWELFTH successive ninety minutes in which Altrincham had failed to win. Their only victory in that sequence was an added time win at Harborough Town against a team reduced to ten men from the seventh minute and from four rungs lower down the pyramid.

This afternoon, after a fairly uneventful half hour, Slough Town took a 32nd minute lead following a corner which Greenidge nodded down for substitute Janneh to net from close range.

Inside a further five minutes, a cross from the left by Dyce was converted by Makowski to make it 2-0 (37 mins).

Surprisingly there were no changes to the misfiring Altrincham personnel for the second half.

Soon after the hour-mark, however, Alty did make three changes and, within two minutes, one of the substitutes, James Gale (right), scored to make it 2-1 (66 mins).

Alty played better after the changes but eight minutes from time Elliot Osborne was shown a red card for a foul challenge.

The score remained goalless as nine added minutes were announced, with Altrincham's ten men largely on the front foot. But whilst they picked up two late yellow cards Altrincham could not get an equaliser.

And post-match, unconfirmed reports said that Tom Crawford had been shown a card after a post-match fracas, compounded by a heated exchange between Altrincham players and the travelling supporters.

Match report here

REBELS' REVEL IN WIN

Slough Town report on "a heroic 2-1 victory over National League side Altrincham at a rain-soaked Arbour Park.

First-half goals from debutant Ansu Janneh and Wiktor Makowski gave the Rebels a two-goal cushion before a nervy finale, as substitute James Gale pulled one back for the visitors to set up a tense final 25 minutes...

For the Rebels, this was a day to savour. A club battling near the foot of National League South toppled a side sitting 19th in the National League — one division higher — through heart, discipline and moments of real quality...

There was a buzz around Arbour Park even before kick-off. Scott Davies had strengthened his depleted squad with three additions during the week: striker Luke Holness, midfielder Ansu Janneh, and veteran goalkeeper Carl Dennison..

Davies made three changes from the Maidstone game, bringing in Tarik Gidaree, Tyrese Dyce and Jared Myers in place of Peter Ojemen, Brian Nelson and the suspended Harvey Walker...

After Drakes-Thomas had seen a deflected shot win a corner, the resulting set piece was headed back across goal by Reiss Greenidge and Janneh reacted superbly, meeting it on the volley to fire the Rebels ahead on 33 minutes.

Arbour Park erupted, and Slough — brimming with belief — struck again just four minutes later. It was a goal of real invention and teamwork: Goddard’s clever back-heel on the left flank released Dyce into space, and the full-back’s driven cross across the six-yard box was turned home from close range by Wiktor Makowski for 2-0.

The underdogs were rampant. Drakes-Thomas rattled the inside of the post with a superb curling effort in first-half stoppage time, inches away from a third...

Altrincham found a lifeline. Substitute James Gale latched onto a low ball inside the box and slotted coolly past Desbois to halve the deficit".

NEXT: BOSTON UNITED

Altrincham's next game is in the Enterprise National League on Tuesday, 5 November, when Boston United visit the J. Davidson Stadium (7.45pm)

Three of Altrincham's current squad are ex-Boston employees; they are James Gale, Keaton Ward and Jimmy Knowles.

The sides last met at the J Davidson Stadium on Saturday, 21 September, 2024 at 3pm.

The match last season ended two-apiece. Two-nil up by the 68th minute against ten-man Boston United, Altrincham contrived to throw away their lead against visitors who, in the first half, had forced five saves from Alty keeper Ross, whilst his counterpart Gregory remained untested at all at the other end by the Robins.

But it was to be Gregory's first real test, in the 50th minute, which opened the door to the hosts. Boston had just forced another excellent block from Ross, early in the second half, when Alty counter-attacked. As Amaluzor, who had somehow avoided a booking despite committing at least four fouls, got free he was clattered about 30 yards out from the Boston goal by Gregory (50 mins).

Referee Bannister showed an immediate red card but Gregory remained prostrate and needed nearly six minutes of treatment before trudging off to be replaced by substitute keeper Craven.

Against the ten men Altrincham attacked and scored twice in two minutes midway through the half. First, Newby put his side ahead with a low shot from the edge of the box (66 mins) before Reddin fed Linney who, from left of goal, netted with a good shot across the keeper into the far corner (68 mins).

Above, scorer of the second goal against Boston, Regan Linney, is congratulated by Tom Crawford and, right, Kahrel Reddin, who was credited with the "assist". In the background, left, we also see Radio Alty's Pete Scotson.

To their credit Boston did not accept defeat or settle for damage limitation. They forced yet another excellent save from Ross from a shot from their left, only for the ball to be worked to Keaton Ward, now playing for Alty, who scored with a firm shot (79 mins). Five minutes later, Green advanced up the inside left channel before hammering a low shot across Ross into the net to make it 2-2 (84 mins).

Added time was announced as a minimum of 11 minutes and Although Altrincham spent most of it laying siege to the visitors' goal, Boston spent the final moments in the Alty half, leaving their 200+ supporters to celebrate a memorable comeback.

It was good to see Crankshaw back from injury and named on the bench after more than twelve months' absence with an ACL injury suffered in only his second appearance for the club.

But fellow long-term absentee Isaac Marriott remained a spectator from the directors' box where he was joined by Justin Donawa, George Wilson and Max Haygarth, with Lewis Baines also still in the injured category.

Kahrel Reddin started at home for the first time.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Ethan ROSS, 2. Lewis BANKS, 6. James JONES (c), 5. Jake COOPER, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 11. Justin AMALUZOR, 20. Kahrel REDDIN, 10. Alex NEWBY, 9. Regan LINNEY. Subs: 3. Eddy JONES, 7. Oliver CRANKSHAW, 14. Matty KOSYLO, 15. Liam HUMBLES, 24. Joe NUTTALL, 29. Jake BICKERSTAFF, 30. Harvey RANDLE (gk)

Boston had Zak Mills, a former Alty trialist in their starting eleven, as well as two more players with Alty connections on their subs' bench. These were Dan Mooney and Keaton Ward; the former was an ex-employee of Alty and the latter was to be a future signing as well as starting with Keaton Ward who was to join Altrincham in summer 2025, former player Dan Mooney and former Alty trialist Zak Mills were

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Saturday's action.

FA Cup 1st Round : ALI SMITH played the first 79 minutes for AFC Wimbledon at home to Gateshead, who produced one of the shocks of the round by scoring 2 without reply.

At Barnsley, York City led briefly, but were behind by the time they withdrew ALEX NEWBY after 82 minutes. They levelled 5 minutes later, but Barnsley won 3-2 after scoring in the 91st minute.

Crawley Town, missing DANNY CASHMAN (left), were already 2-0 down at Boreham Wood when they were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time. The hosts withdrew JEFF KING after 66 minutes, and added a third goal soon afterwards.

MARCUS DINANGA was withdrawn by Bromley after 64 minutes with the game goalless, but visitors Bristol Rovers, without JOEL SENIOR, scored 2 in 3 minutes, and hung on to win 1-2.

Chester travelled to Cambridge United, and suffered an early blow when, already trailing, they had to withdraw DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY after 19 minutes. JAMES JONES came on for the second half, by which time the home side had finished scoring and went on to win 3-0. TOM PEERS left the action after 88 minutes.

JAKE BICKERSTAFF lasted 85 minutes for Cheltenham Town, for whom one goal was enough to knock out visitors Bradford City.

Although Barnet, still lacking JOE HUGILL, scored a late goal at Fleetwood, it wasn't enough to stop the hosts winning 2-1, with HARRISON HOLGATE scoring the crucial goal. TOBY MULLARKEY was an unused substitute for Fleetwood.

JUSTIN AMALUZOR was a 78th minute substitute for Grimsby Town who had already wrapped up a 3-1 win over visitors Ebbsfleet United. The Kent club had led at the interval, but were reduced to 10 men just before the half time whistle. Macclesfield were briefly 2-3 down to visitors AFC Totton, but eventually triumphed 6-3, with SAM HEATHCOTE (right) claiming the assist for their fifth.

Buxton were taken to extra time by visitors Chatham Town, but a CONNOR KIRBY goal in the 114th minute saw them through.

Maybe being left on the Carlisle United bench at Reading until the 69th minute spurred REGAN LINNEY into action. His side were 2-0 at the time, and still trailed at the start of added time - then Regan struck in the 93rd minute, and again in the 98th with CHRIS CONN-CLARKE claiming the assist. Just 4 minutes into extra time he completed his hat trick. Chris was substituted after 110 minutes, and Regan slightly marred his day with a very late yellow card.

ELLIOT NEWBY put in a full shift for Barrow at Spennymoor, and scored the opener in a 0-2 win.

CARL PIERGIANNI was booked as Stevenage were knocked out at home by a lone goal from Chesterfield, for whom JAMES BERRY played the first 69 minutes.

CONNOR JENNINGS (left) was taken off by Tranmere Rovers at the interval in their home tie against another of his former clubs, Stockport County. It was goalless at that stage, but County went on to win 1-3.

MATT PENNEY could only watch helplessly from the bench as Aldershot went down 2-1 after extra time at Weston-super-Mare.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA played the first 78 minutes of Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 home win over Plymouth Argyle, for whom OWEN DALE played the full game.

Neither JUSTIN DONAWA for hosts Brackley Town, nor SONNY ALJOFREE for visitors Notts County, got off the bench as the game was locked at 2-2 after the regulation period - Brackley came from behind twice, the second time with a 96th minute penalty, and extra time saw no further score. Then they went on to win the penalty shootout 4-3.

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS was substituted at half time by Kilmarnock, as they trailed 3-0 at Falkirk. They did at least score the only goal of the second half.

Irish Premier Division : BARRY BAGGLEY was withdrawn after 59 minutes at Shelbourne as St.Patrick's finished the season with a goalless draw, finishing 5th in the 10 club division.

National North : LUCAS WEAVER (right) started for Chorley, and started the move from which they equalised at Peterborough Sports. Unfortunately, Chorley were reduced to 10 men after conceding a penalty which their goalkeeper saved. Within 3 minutes of the second half starting, Sports took the lead. Lucas was withdrawn after 70 minutes, and the Magpies were unable to mount a recovery, going down 2-1.

Worksop Town, captained by LUKE WATERFALL, won 1-0 at home against Scarborough Athletic.

National South : CALLUM DOLAN finally made his competitive debut for Torquay United, and put them ahead from the spot after 11 minutes, but visitors Hornchurch turned things round and went 5 points clear at the top of the league with a 1-2 win.

ASHLEY HEMMINGS started for Dagenham & Redbridge in their goalless draw at home to Farnborough, but was withdrawn after 71 minutes.

NPL Premier Division : Having been sent out on loan, OWEN GERMAN was spared today's debacle in Berkshire, but things were no better for him at Hurst Cross as Ashton United crashed 0-4 to visitors Cleethorpes Town.

JOEL BAILEY was another loanee whose afternoon was less than fulfilling, as Bamber Bridge went down 0-2 at home to FC United (who were without RON SITHOLE). Joel could console himself with being the only member of the Bridge back four not to be booked.

On his return from suspension, MONTEL GIBSON was on target in Hednesford Town's 1-5 victory at Guiseley before being withdrawn in the 57th minute.

By the time Warrington Town brought on DONTAI GABIDON after 53 minutes, they already trailed 3-0 at Hebburn Town. His introduction apparently did little to help as the side from Tyne and Wear were rampant, going on to win 8-0.

Hyde United fared better against visitors from the North East, beating Morpeth Town 2-0. NYAL BELL (right) again scored in the first minute, before being substituted after 65 minutes. It can be argued that MAX HARROP equalled his feat, adding the second within a minute of coming off the bench in the 75th minute. Skipper JACK REDSHAW was substituted after 86 minutes.

ADAM PORTER played the first hour for Leek Town at Warrington Rylands, where they lost 2-0.

NPL Division 1 West: One doesn't expect TONY THOMPSON and TOM HANNIGAN to be part of a defence that lets 6 goals in, but that's what happened to Bootle at Chasetown - and all DIOR ANGUS had to show for his full shift was a yellow card, as the Bucks could find no reply.

DAVE PARTON, on the other hand, kept a clean sheet as Congleton Town saw off visitors Wythenshawe Town 4-0. ASTLEY MULHOLLAND played the full game for the men from Ericstan Park.

Captain MARK LEES was booked as Mossley, again missing MASON FAWNS, were held 0-0 at home by Stafford Rangers.

Lower Breck now sit 5 points clear at the top of the division, and put Nantwich Town to the sword at the Weaver Stadium, winning 1-4. AIDY ROXBURGH put in a full shift for the Dabbers, while BYRON HARRISON was withdrawn after 80 minutes.

SEAN MILLER and LUKE WALL (right) were missing from the Runcorn Linnets squad at home to struggling Darlaston Town, while RYAN BROOKE came off the bench in the 70th minute, by which time his team had completed the scoring in a 4-1win.

KYLE BROWNHILL was the only Old Boy in action for Stalybridge Celtic, as they saw off visitors Newcastle Town 3-0.

Trafford were 0-2 down to visitors Shifnal Town midway through the first half, but SEAN HIGGINS was on target again after 80 minutes as they came back to draw 2-2. Unfortunately they are still 6 points adrift at the foot of the league.

NWCL Division 1 South : VLADYSLAV SHTYHLIAN was among the scorers as Cheadle Heath Nomads crushed visitors Haughmond 7-0.

INJURIES UPDATE

Altrincham FC held its AGM on Friday, 1 November at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Whilst the Club may issue a summary of the meeting in due course, some player news did also emerge from a Q&A after the AGM proper.

It is now expected that the long-term injured duo of Ethan Ross and centre-back Billy Sass-Davies will not return to action until late January 2026. Neither player has appeared this season, with goalkeeper Ross sidelined since league game 28 last season and summer signing Sass-Davies yet to kick a ball since his summer arrival.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Solihull Moors "confirm that Dan Creaney will be joining his former club Tamworth on a 2-month loan.

Moors Manager, Chris Millington, said 'We really wish Creans well for this loan spell. Creans suggested having a spell on loan to help him get back up to speed after his recent lay off. An opportunity to start games and build up that match sharpness will help hugely and ultimately serve Moors well'"

Also leaving Solihull Moors om loan will be Billy Corns, who "has extended his loan with Darlaston Town until 3rd January 2026...

Chris Millington, said, 'This loan makes sense for Billy. He’s a talented young player and I’m confident that the experience will continue to help him grow and develop'".

And loan movement is also reported by Truro City" from where "midfielder Seidou Sanogo has joined Taunton Town on loan until December 7.

Sanogo, 25, joined City in the summer of 2024 after he left Isthmian League outfit Folkestone Invicta.

He made his Truro City bow in the 24-25 season opener against Dorking Wanderers...

However, just six weeks into his maiden Tinners campaign, Sanogo suffered a broken leg in a freak training ground incident that ruled him out for the rest of the term.

After working his way back to full fitness, Sanogo has featured in all of City’s National League Cup games this season... scoring twice in the recent 3-0 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion under-21s.

He was an unused substitute for Truro’s 2-2 draw at Gateshead last Saturday".

1 November, 2025

SLOUGH TOWN 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham bowed out of the FA Cup to lower ranked opposition at a damp Arbour Park. They can now concentrate on the league- and they certainly need to.

This was the TWELFTH successive ninety minutes in which Altrincham have failed to win in regulation time. Their only win in that sequence was an added time win at Harborough against a ten-man team from several rungs lower down the pyramid.

After a fairly uneventful half hour, Slough Town took a 32nd minute lead following a corner which Greenidge nodded down for substitute Jannah to net from close range.

Inside a further five minutes, a cross from the left was converted by Makowski to make it 2-0 (37 mins).

There were no changes to the Altrincham personnel for the second half.

Soon after the hour Alty did make three changes and, within two minutes, one of the substitutes, James Gale, scored to make it 2-1 (66 mins).

Alty played better after the changes but eight minutes from time Elliot Osborne was shown a red card for a foul challenge.

The score remained goalless as nine added minutes were announced, with Altrincham's ten men largely on the front foot. But whilst they picked up two late yellow cards Altrincham could not get an equaliser.

Unconfirmed reports also suggested that Tom Crawford had been shown a red card after a post-match fracas, which was folowed by frank exchanges between players and travelling supporters.

Match report here

EMIRATES FA CUP FIRST ROUND FIXTURES

Friday 31 October 2025

Saturday 1 November 2025

BEFORE THE GAME: SLOUGH TOWN v ALTRINCHAM

Alty TV has Brian Flynn's video interview with interim manager Neil Gibson ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at Slough Town.

Neil was firstly asked about the draw at Braintree last weekend. Pre-match last weekend training had concentrated on "out of possession" tactics. That resulted in a first clean sheet in nine league matches.

This week they have been looking more at attacking options.

Whilst he was managing Wealdstone last season, Neil did keep an eye on nearby Slough Town so has some insights into their way of playing. Slough currently have numerous players missing through injury and Neil believes that in Scott Davies they have an excellent manager.

Neil has good cup pedigree having won the Welsh Cup, both as a player and manager, and is well aware of Altrincham's FA Cup history and the importance of the competition to supporters.

He expressed his gratitude to those supporters who made the long journey to Essex last weekend and hopes for a good following in Berkshire on Saturday.

LEWIS BAINES INTERVIEWED

Tom Jolley has interviewed Altrincham captain Lewis Baines (right) for Alty TV.

He reflects on the arrival of Neil Gibson and the team's prospects for the game against Slough Town today.

Whilst the First Round is as far as he has got in the FA Cup with Altrincham, for his previous club Chorley he got to the Fourth Round and played against Wolves.

PHIL PARKINSON'S LEGACY...

Phil Parkinson has posted the following statement on X, following his departure from Altrincham last week...

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that in the Welsh Premier League, Llanelli managed just 3 shots on target at Bala Town, and JOEL TORRANCE was equal to them all as his side won with the only goal of the game.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : ANDY DALES captained Mickleover to a 1-0 home win over Shepshed Dynamo.

NPL Division 1 West : There was also a captain's performance from JOE PIGGOTT for Atherton Collieries, although he picked up a booking in their 1-1 home draw against Vauxhall Motors, for whom KEVIN ELLISON played the first 74 minutes. SAM SHERIDAN was suspended and consequently missed the game.

News of another old boy comes from Peterborough Today which reports that "A change of manager at Peterborough United has made no difference to the mindset of out on loan forward CHRIS CONN-CLARKE.

Conn-Clarke has thrived at National League level with Carlisle United after he was frozen out by Posh manager Darren Ferguson. Ferguson was sacked last weekend and new Posh boss Luke Williams has yet to contact Conn-Clarke.

But the 23 year-old is adamant he wants to stay at Carlisle for the rest of the season. His current loan spell with the Cumbrians is due to expire at the end of January.

Conn-Clarke has scored twice and been credited with two assists in his first three games for Carlisle. He told the Cumberland News & Star 'I want to stay for the whole season. I’ve enjoyed the first three weeks or so and I want to win the league here.

'As soon as the club came in, I initially wanted it for the full season and maybe even further options, but we didn't do that. Hopefully we can extend it when the time comes.

'I haven't had any contact with the new manager yet, but I feel like Carlisle and Peterborough both know what my ambition is, which is to stay here for the season.

'I’m just a kid who loves playing football. Obviously I want to play at the highest level I can, but last season was tough for me, so the main objective for me was coming somewhere and just enjoying football and getting back to my best. I feel like I'm nearly there now'".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Scunthorpe United "confirm goalkeeper Rory Watson has been recalled by parent club York City.

Having returned to the club in the summer on a season-long loan from the Minstermen, Watson began the campaign as understudy to Maison Campbell, but was given his chance between the sticks away at Eastleigh as a late replacement in the warm-up due to injury.

Since that encounter, he's made the jersey his own, aiding the club to second place in the Enterprise National League with 10 league appearances in his third spell at the club...

In addition to the 10 league appearances, Watson also aided the Iron into the first round of the Emirates FA Cup... United's Ernie Storey Memorial Player of the Season award in the 2021–22 campaign, Watson had two previous spells at the club, firstly a loan before that was made permanent in 2017, making in excess of 100 appearances throughout that time".

Aldershot Town "is delighted to announce the loan signing of Bolton Wanderers Centre Back, Sam Inwood.

Sam, 20, signed his first professional contract with Bolton in 2023, before making appearances for the first-team in the EFL Trophy and subsequently in League One.

Sam told Shots TV... 'Obviously I’ve been with Bolton for a while and been in and around the first team, but I’m really excited to get out there and play some regular men's football.'

Manager John Coleman was delighted to get Sam through the door 'The calibre of football that we know he is capable of, having played in League One, can really benefit us. When we spoke, he didn’t hesitate at the opportunity to come and play for us, showing how keen he is'...

Sam joins us on a season-long loan".

31 October 2025

AT THE TWELFTH ATTEMPT?

Altrincham travel to Slough Town to play their Emirates FA Cup First Round tie on Saturday .

The Robins will be making their twelfth successive attempt to win a game in any competition inside ninety minutes after their last eight league games have brought six defeats and two draws whilst three intervening cup games (two in the FA Cup and one in the Cheshire Senior Cup) have produced a draw, a defeat and an extra-time win against ten-men.

WOMEN'S FA CUP ODYSSEY CONTINUES

Altrincham FC Women will know the North of England like the back of their hands after being drawn to play away to Northumbrian side Ponteland United in the Second Round of the Women's FA Cup.

They have already travelled to Stockton Town in Co. Durham and to Penrith in Cumbria in the competition.

ALtrincham FC's "second round clash against the Northumbria-based tier five opponents will likely take place on Sunday, November 23rd with kick-off at 2pm.

So far this season the Robins, who play in the sixth tier North West Women's Regional League Division One South, have beaten Macclesfield, Atherton LR, Stockton Town and Penrith on their historic FA Cup run, under the guidance of first-year manager Daryll Abrahams.

On Sunday the squad return to Partington Sports Village at 2pm to take on fifth tier Crewe Alexandra in the first round of the Alliance Design & Print Cup - entry is FREE for everyone".

DAZN'S DECEMBER COVERAGE

The National League reports that "Following the announcement of 12 Games of Christmas last week, DAZN and the National League have now confirmed two more games for coverage.

Morecambe host Boston United at the Mazuma Stadium, now at 12.30pm on Saturday 6 December. Later that day, Tamworth’s trip to Scunthorpe United will now be available in the 5.30pm slot.

Fans in the UK have an amazing chance to catch plenty of action over the Christmas period with all National division games on Boxing Day, Tuesday 30 December and Saturday 3 January also available to stream on National League TV on DAZN wherever fans are in the world.

Every game in the Enterprise National League, and selected matches in Enterprise National League North and South, are available on DAZN, either live and/or on-demand. That’s over 600 games all in one place.

NLTV on DAZN is available on any device, including Smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles, and, for viewers in the UK, your Sky box.

Confirmed DAZN picks for December:

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wealdstone are away at Yeovil Town next Tuesday.

But the club says "You can still enjoy all the matchday excitement right here at Grosvenor Vale!

Our new majority shareholder Nick Semaca is inviting supporters to join him in The Vale Social Club to watch our National League fixture away at Yeovil Town on the big screen.

Nick will be buying the first drink for every fan who joins him in watching the match!

Come down early, grab your free drink, and enjoy the match on the big screens with fellow supporters. It’s a great chance to meet Nick, get to know his thoughts on the club’s progress and get behind the lads as they take on Yeovil!"

30 October 2025

NEXT: SLOUGH TOWN

Slough Town face Altrincham in the Emirates FA Cup First Round on Saturday, with The Rebels lying in the bottom four of National South and Altrincham nineteenth in the National League.

And both teams are in poor form. The Berkshire club has lost five of its last six league games, whilst Altrincham have lost six of their last eight in the National League, with just two points culled from those eight fixtures. Those draws were both secured away from home.

For their part, Slough have conceded 21 times in those last six league matches. In chronological order the results were...

Slough Town summarised their most recent defeat, against Maidstone United, stating "Despite the margin of defeat, there were positives for the Rebels.

Davies’s stunning free-kick briefly brought the hosts back into the contest, while the continued emergence of young players such as Marin, Gough, and Anyanwu provided encouragement for the future.

The returning Greenidge and Dyce also offered some much-needed defensive reinforcement as Slough look to navigate a busy run of fixtures.

The defeat leaves Slough still searching for consistency in the league but with the chance to regroup quickly and channel their energy into a far bigger occasion next weekend — a huge Emirates FA Cup First Round tie against National League side Altrincham at Arbour Park.

With several senior players getting closer to returning, and a home crowd certain to rally behind them, the Rebels will be determined to produce a performance worthy of the occasion and continue their memorable cup run".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Wednesday's action...

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS played the full game for Kilmarnock, but the only goal of the game was claimed by visitors Aberdeen.

NPL Division 1 West : RYAN BROOKE (right) scored at the end of the first half to put Runcorn Linnets two goals up at Avro.

SEAN MILLER was withdrawn at the interval, and Ryan eventually left the action after 69 minutes. Avro scored in added time but Runcorn won 1-2.

NWCL Premier Division : JOHN JOHNSTON put Irlam 0-4 up in the 52nd minute at West Didsbury & Chorlton, and, although the hosts reduced the arrears, Irlam went on to win 2-5.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Foyrth-placed Boreham Wood "confirm that goalkeeper Fin Herrick has been recalled from his loan spell by his parent club, West Ham United to join up with their first team squad.

The 19-year-old shot-stopper and England youth international joined the Wood at the beginning of September and has made a huge impression during his loan spell...

Herrick recorded an impressive six clean sheets in 11 appearances for Luke Garrard’s side...

Following Fin’s departure, the Club have recalled club legend Nathan Ashmore from his loan with Enterprise National League North side Bedford Town. Nathan will return to Meadow Park immediately, having kept three clean sheets in his four appearances for the Eagles".

29 October 2025

APPRECIATING PHIL AND NEIL

Following the departure last week of long-serving Altrincham management duo Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel, Altrincham FC has published an appreciation of the duo.

Right: Phil and Neil are pictured here at Tamworth, with chairman Grahame Rowley, on 29 April 2017, the day after their appointment as the management duo at Altrincham FC.

They watched the game from the back of the stand before taking over hands-on management for the start of the 2017-18 season. Already confirmed as relegated to the Northern Premier League, Alty lost the match to The Lambs, 2-1.

Altrincham FC state "When Phil Parkinson walked through the doors at Moss Lane in April 2017, Altrincham Football Club was at one of its lowest points in decades. Relegated to the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the mood around the club was flat, and the rebuild ahead looked huge. But for Phil, and for his long-time assistant Neil Sorvel, it was the start of something special.

Phil joined Altrincham just three days after his Nantwich Town side had fallen short in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs. In his two years there, he had transformed The Dabbers from relegation candidates into promotion contenders. Neil, his trusted assistant, had been by his side for that journey, bringing both experience and calm to the touchline."

One year later they were at Grantham, celebrating confirmation of the club's promotion back to the National North.

Above: Alty manager Phil Parkinson and assistant Neil Sorvel leave the pitch at Grantham on 21 April 2018

The next promotion, back to the National League itself in 2020, was sadly not witnessed by supporters as the game had to be played behind closed doors owing to the Covid pandemic restrictions.

Five seasons in the National League started with three respectable lower mid-table finishes (17th, 14th, 17th) with a part-time side before two top-ten finishes (4th and 9th) were achieved after the club had gone full-time in May 2022.

Sadly, 2024-25 did not go well, leading to a parting of the ways. But the duo left the club two divisions higher than the position it was in when they took over for the start of 2017-18 season.

Also Radio Robins commentator Laurence Howarth discussed the achievements of Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel on Radio Alty.

TRANSITION AT ALTY

Writing in the Sale & Altrincham Messenger, press and media officer John Edwards writes that "Altrincham are searching for a new face at the helm after the longest uninterrupted managerial reign in their 134-year history ended in the sack for Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel.

A penalty shootout defeat to North West Counties League Winsford United, coupled with six defeats and a draw in their previous seven National League fixtures, proved the final straw for Alty’s board...

When an uncertain start to this season turned into a full-blown crisis, with Alty perilously close to the relegation zone after taking just one point from 21 since early-September, the board heeded growing calls for a change of manager from increasingly disgruntled fans...

Former Wealdstone boss Neil Gibson has been named interim manager, with Lee Jones as his assistant...

Gibson, who started with a 0-0 draw at Braintree on Saturday, said 'I’m proud to be here, and while the board focuses on the recruitment of a permanent manager, Lee and I will give everything to move this team up the table and build momentum as quickly as possible'".

NEXT OPPONENTS: SLOUGH TOWN

When Altrincham meet Slough Town in Berkshire next Saturday it will be the Robins' third FA Cup game this season, following a First Round tie and replay against Harborough Town at the first hurdle of the Fourth Round Qualifying.

However, for Alty's hosts, it will be a fifth tie of the FA Cup campaign.

They entered the competition at the Second Round Qualifying in which they drew away at Welling United, 1-1, before winning the replay 1-0.

Another away draw followed in the Third Round Qualifying, this time at Bedfont Sports, whom they defeated 2-1.

For Round Three Qualifying they were assigned a home match against Enfield, which they won 3-2.

Slough Town has a complicated history. In 1890 a club called Slough FC was founded. It lost its stadium in 1936 and ground-shared at Maidenhead United before merging with Slough Centre FC, the new entity being called Slough United.

After World War Two, United instigated the formation of a new league named the Corinthian League. This action prompted the club nickname of The Rebels.

However, by 1947 Slough United had broken up into its constituent parts, with the former Slough FC element rebranding itself as Slough Town. Town retains the Rebels nickname to this day.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's games...

EFL Trophy : Already a goal up, Barrow brought ELLIOT NEWBY off the bench after 79 minutes, going on to beat visitors Nottingham Forest U21 2-0.

EFL Cup : JUSTIN AMALUZOR was an unused substitute as Premier League visitors Brentford hit 5 goals without reply.

National League Cup : LIAM HUMBLES (right) played the full game for Rochdale, but KEVIN BERKOE was substituted at half time. Visitors Manchester United U21 won 0-2.

League Two : CONNOR JENNINGS played the full game for Tranmere Rovers as they drew 1-1 at Accrington Stanley.

National North : Visitors Peterborough Sports were bottom of the table at kick off, and looked likely to stay there when Southport were 2-1 up in the 83rd minute, but then the Sandgrounders, who were without LUKE BURGESS, conceded twice, and the 2-3 defeat leaves them on the bottom instead.

NPL Premier Division : MONTEL GIBSON was substituted by Hednesford Town half an hour after they were reduced to 10 men in the 36th minute. Visitors Stockton Town had already levelled by then, and went on to win 1-2, leapfrogging the Staffordshire side into 4th place in the process.

NYAL BELL's 26th minute strike was enough to earn the points for Hyde United at Prescot Cables. Bell (right) was substituted after 73 minutes, as was captain JACK REDSHAW 13 minutes later after he'd been booked. New signing from Witton Albion MAX HARROP made his Hyde debut from the bench after 78 minutes.

Ashton United's Robins loanee OWEN GERMAN picked up a yellow card during his full shift at Warrington Town, where they lost 2-1. DONTAI GABIDON was an 89th minute substitute for Warringto Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE scored as Linfield earned a two goal half time lead at Coleraine, but the home side fought back after the break to earn a 2-2 draw.

NPL Division 1 West : The only Old Boys in action for Witton Albion tonight were JOEL BEMBO-LETA, and JAMES LAWRIE, who was booked in their 1-1 draw at Kidsgrove Athletic.

At Mossley both captains were booked - MARK LEES for the hosts, and JOE PIGGOTT for Atherton Collieries - while Collieries substituted SAM SHERIDAN after 64 minutes as they went down 3-0. Mossley were without MASON FAWNS.

KYLE BROWNHILL (left) was the only Old Boy in action for Stalybridge Celtic, who crashed 4-0 at Stafford Rangers.

By the time Vauxhall Motors introduced KEVIN ELLISON after 55 minutes, visitors Nantwich Town's BYRON HARRISON had already scored the game's only goal.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 1 NOVEMBER

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data reveal that the last game played by Altrincham on next Saturday's date, 1 November, was in 2014 when they lost 0-1 at home to Alfreton Town.

Above: Altrincham defend a first-half corner against Alfreton.

Indeed, Altrincham could have no complaints as Alfreton went home with all three points.

Throughout the 90 minutes, the Robins scarcely tested the visitors' keeper in a lacklustre display.

However, Altrincham had started quite well, before they lost the initiative. Alfreton won two corners and the unmarked Graham headed home the second of these to give the visitors a lead after 20 minutes. Alty lost Nicky Clee to injury to compound a wretched first half.

Altrincham again struggled to create chances in the second period but raised their game in the closing stages without ever really looking like scoring until Reeves's toe-ender span wide of the post in the closing stages.

Keeper Dawson became the Reds' hero as he saved Gillespie's injury-time penalty, a spot kick which the substitute had himself won.

ALTRINCHAM: 1 Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (c), 5. Gianluca Havern, 16. Tom Marshall, 6. Scott Leather; 4. Jake Moult; 25. Peter Cavanagh, 11. Nicky Clee, 7. James Lawrie, 10. Damian Reeves, 14. Kyle Perry, Subs: 8. Simon Richman, 9. Steven Gillespie, 15. Greg Wilkinson, 17. Dave Parton 18. Sean Williams.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

Last week's results in the National League Cup were as follows...

Tuesday 21st October

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Solihull Moors "announce the appointment of Dave Boddy as CEO of the club...

His most notable role was as CEO of Coventry City from 2017-2024 overseeing a rise from League Two to the Championship and being a penalty kick away from the Premier League. He was also previously Chair of Worcester City, CEO of Newport County AFC as well as holding senior roles in the general administration of the game...

Dave said 'I am really excited about the opportunity that the Moors are offering me and excited to be back in the game. Darryl and the rest of the team have built a great infrastructure for the Club and the Training Ground is the envy of most League One and Two Clubs...

Myself and Darryl have been speaking about the possibilities for over 6 months and Darryl involved me in the process of appointing Chris Millington at the back end of September which gave me a great insight to how the Club operates and what great potential there is'".

At Forest Green Rovers "Sean Etaluku has completed his medical and signed his contract with the club, subject to league approval.

The signing of the 21 year old was announced in principle with Macclesfield FC on Sunday, 12th October 2025. Etaluku signed for The Silkmen in November 2024 from League Two side, Barrow, and has featured heavily throughout his time with the club.

The rapid winger had been on loan at Matlock Town and his performances caught the eye of then boss Robbie Savage - who Sean teams up with at Rovers once more.

A product of Burnley’s Academy, Etaluku’s speed and quality caused a number of problems for opposition sides in their promotion-winning 2024-25 season.

He was also named 2024/25 Northern Premier League Premier Division – Young Player of the Year".

28 October 2025

NEXT: SLOUGH TOWN

Altrincham are away at Slough Town on Saturday to contest an Emirates FA Cup First Round tie.

It is five years since Altrincham reached Round Two, by defeating York City at Bootham Crescent, 1-0. They met Portsmouth in the Second Round and lost to a late goal, 2-1, at Fratton Park.

ALTY'S INJUSTICE CITED IN "3UP" CAMPAIGN

As part of its "3UP" campaign, the National League has cited the injustices suffered by Altrincham when they failed to win election to the Football League despite twice winning the ALliance Premier League, the forerunner of today's National League.

The NL is claiming that three promotion places should be assigned to National League clubs each year. "As we count down to our Day of Action on Saturday 15 November, we’ll be sharing stories that give context to that claim. And where better to start than the painful, protracted process that finally led to our first promotion place, four decades ago.

Right: Altrincham with the Alliance Premier champions' trophy, which they had won for the first time in 1980

When Altrincham manager Sanders guided his side to the inaugural Alliance Premier League title in 1979, it was a moment of immense pride. But what followed was colossal frustration – not just for the club, but for anyone involved in English football who valued ambition and justice.

The Alliance Premier League – the forerunner to the National League – had been formed for the 1979-80 season, with a view to establishing a gateway to the Football League...

20 teams competed – and under Sanders’ stewardship, Altrincham rose to the top of the pile, playing football that was both attractive and effective, averaging more than two goals per game. Few could argue they hadn’t earned the right to take the next step.

It should have been a formality. Nevertheless, promotion wasn’t guaranteed – even for the champions. The tired old “election” process remained in place. At the Football League’s AGM, member clubs cast ballots to decide whether to re-elect the four bottom sides or to grant access to the sole representative from the Alliance. In the previous 21 years, only five struggling clubs had failed to win re-election...

On 6 June 1980, behind closed doors in the smoke-filled rooms of London’s Café Royal, votes were cast. Sanders and the Altrincham delegation were kept out in the corridor while others decided their fate. Altrincham missed out by a single vote – 26 to 25 – losing to a Rochdale side that had finished rock bottom of the Football League and were, by any measure, in crisis.

Salt was rubbed into the wound: two delegates who had allegedly committed to backing Altrincham missed the vote – one caught in traffic; the other in the wrong part of the hall and didn't get handed a ballot slip...

Altrincham kept their end of the bargain. They won the Alliance again in 1981 – by a wider margin – and Liverpool-born Sanders guided his team to the FA Cup third round for the third consecutive season, where he had the privilege of leading his side out at Anfield... Surely this time, the Football League couldn’t turn them away?

They could – and they did. The League closed ranks. Halifax received the fewest votes of the clubs up for re-election, yet their 41 easily eclipsed Altrincham’s paltry 15.

The pattern repeated year after year, to increasing derision. There wasn’t even a pretence of fairness. It was a closed shop...

But towards the end of the 1985-86 season, when the pounding on the door had become deafening, the Football League finally found its moral compass. At an extraordinary meeting held on 28 April 1986, members voted to abolish re-election – a 19th-century tradition finally consigned to history. Automatic promotion and relegation would begin in 1986-87.

And so at the following month's AGM, Enfield would become the last club to suffer the indignity of a pantomime vote: seven points clear at the top of the Alliance but handed just 7.5 election votes. Torquay, six points adrift at the Football League’s nadir, collected 61.

If the triumph at the extraordinary meeting was too late for Enfield, it was certainly much too late for Altrincham – and for Telford, Bath, and Maidstone (twice), who had all applied for League status in vain in those seven years.

Under a young Neil Warnock, Scarborough became the first club ever to be automatically promoted into the Football League in the summer of 1987...

Our Day of Action is coming on Saturday 15 November. The history books will forever show our games kicking off at 3.03pm, as we draw attention to the 3UP campaign – a small gesture that’s captured the imagination and prompted the question: why are we waiting?".

BRAINTREE'S VIEW

Following Saturday's game with Altrincham, Braintree Town reported that the clubs "shared the spoils from Saturday's goal-less draw. Iron were arguably the better of the two sides during a cagey first 45 minutes.

First chance of the match came after just ten minutes when Chay Cooper tried his luck from the edge of the 18 yard box but his effort crashed against the crossbar before ricocheting over. George Langston tried his luck on 39 minutes but visiting keeper Fallon palmed the ball wide.

The visitors did better after the break. Debutant keeper Jack Thompson, on loan from Derby County, was equal to James Gale's 48th minute header for the visitors.

Thompson had to be alert on 54 minutes when he pushed Kahrel Reddin's cross onto Langston before catching the rebound. In time added on Aidan Francis-Clarke had to [be] alert to block substitute Oliver Crankshaw's close range effort before the five minutes added expired and the game finished all square".

THE JDS IN DAYLIGHT

Above: The sun shines on the Popular Side and the former British Gas communications pylon which towers above the J. Davidson Stadium (JDS).

Altrincham are currently into a period of a full month between daytime league games at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Following the league game against Woking on 18 October, the next ENL match with a 3pm kick-off at Moss Lane is not until 15 November when Brackley Town renew their acquaintance with the stadium after the Northamptonshire club's return to the top flight of non-League this season.

ACADEMY UPDATE

Altrincham's U-19 Academy team has played twice in the National Football Youth League over the last fortnight.

On Wednesday, 15 October, at Egerton Sports Club, Knutsford, the U-19s lost 0-3 to the Steven Gerrard Academy NWC 1 team.

The following Wednesday (22 October) they hosted Burnley FC's SYT NWC team and secured a 1-1 draw at Egerton Sports Club.

The squad comprised in a/z order, Theo Bunting, Harry Cain, Rafael Fereday, Josh Herreaman, Kian Leckey, Kian Mattison, Benjamin Mensah, Joshua Obamwonyi, Theo Bunting, Archie Rowlands and Jimmy Taafe, who were the starers and substsitutes Charlie Hough, Callum McCormack, William Molloy and William Sneyd.

Alty led at the interval through a goal from Herreaman before the visitors levelled in the 70th minute.

TRAFFORD TURMOIL

Football is at a low ebb in the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, and that's not just at its largest club, Manchester United.

Its largest non-League club, Altrincham, is currently sitting in the lower reaches of the National League, and its second club, Trafford FC, in even deeper trouble.

A model of stability since their foundation in 1990, Trafford FC is currently experiencing an horrendous season in the Northern Premier League Division One West in which it finished, like Alty in the National League, in ninth place last season.

After fifteen fixtures this campaign, however, Trafford have won just once and following Saturday's games found themselves nine points from safety as the bottom club in the 22-club division.

On Sunday they announced "the departure of manager Karl Marginson with immediate effect.

"This outcome has been reached by mutual consent...

"Karl was appointed when the team were struggling in October 2023 and he guided us to safety by the end of the 20223-24 season.

"Last season Karl led us to a highly respectable ninth-place finish.

"Unfortunately, the current campaign has seen us unable to build on last season".

After that, Trafford FC "appointed Tom Baker as the club’s new manager.

"Tom is of course well known at Shawe View having been in charge from 2015 to 2020...

"In 2020 Tom stepped down following the abandonment of football due to Covid. During his five years at the helm, Tom brought silverware to Shawe View in the form of the Northern Premier League Cup in 2019. He also guided the team to a place in the League Play-offs in 2018.

"Under Tom’s leadership the club never finished outside the top ten in the league. He also led us to two Manchester Premier Cup Finals...

"Since leaving the role five years ago, Tom has focused on his family and his business, whilst keeping in touch with the non-league scene by carrying out scouting, most recently for Altrincham FC".

Footnote: Tom Baker was a former Barnsley player who also played in Neil Brown's Altrincham FC Reserves before, more recently, scouting for Alty under Phil Parkinson's management.

CHESHIRE NEWS

National North club Chester FC lost 0-3 at home to Bedford Town on Saturday and lie seventeenth in the league.

"Following the weekend's result, the Board of Directors would like to provide an update to supporters.

We are all disappointed with the poor start to the season and understand and share the concern and frustration you have expressed.

Immediately after full-time on Saturday, we held extensive discussions with Manager Calum McIntyre and his coaching staff regarding the team’s performance...

Calum, his staff, and the players are united in their belief that they can deliver the results and performances needed to rectify the current situation, and in wanting the opportunity to do so.

The unanimous view of the Board of Directors is that the significant contribution Calum and his staff have made to the football club over three-and-a-half years is deserving of this opportunity.

All parties have therefore agreed clear targets for our upcoming league fixtures, and are in agreement that it is essential these are met to retain the best chance of achieving our expectations this season...

Your backing makes a huge difference and we ask that you continue to get behind the team, starting with Saturday’s visit to Cambridge United in the FA Cup First Round".

Chester have on their books ex-Altrincham men James Jones, Tom Peers and former Alty loanee Dylan Mpttley-Henry.

27 October 2025

BRAINTREE HIGHLIGHTS

ALty TV has highlights of the goalless draw at Braintree Town last Saturday.

ALTY WOMEN PROGRESS IN WOMEN'S FA CUP

Leading 3-0 at the interval, Altrincham FC Women showed great resilience to emerge 3-2 winners after a Penrith comeback in the second half.

Altrincham FC's Ben Edwards reported that "First half goals from Georgia McKnight, Milla Jacobson and Kira Saycell were enough to seal victory on a wet afternoon in Cumbria for the Robins, who've now won four ties in this season's competition, the last three being away from home.

The deadlock was broken for the visitors after just 85 seconds. Milla Jacobson played an excellent ball through to Georgia McKnight, who beat the offside trap and produced a composed finish...

Just 12 minutes later, Altrincham’s advantage was doubled, as Lawson’s clearance was picked up by Jacobson in midfield. Her turn beat three players incredibly, as the right-winger drove forward and converted one-on-one into the left-hand side of the goal...

The Robins’ were rewarded for standing firm defensively, as Kira Saycell chased Ireymika Bammigboye’s long ball forward, and was dragged down by a defender with the referee point to the spot. Having won the penalty, the number seven stepped up to take the spot kick, and although it lacked power, Lawson was rooted to the spot as Saycell placed the ball into the bottom right".

Penrith pulled back two goals in the second half but Alty held on to their win.

WOMEN'S MANAGER INTERVIEWED AFTER WIN

Alty Women's manager Daryll Abrahams was interviewed after his team had triumphed at Penrith in the Women's FA Cup Second Round. The audio interview with Ben Edwards can be heard courtesy of Alty TV.

NEXT: SLOUGH TOWN

Altrincham travel to Slough for an FA Cup First Round tie next Saturday.

It will be almost thirty years since Alty last played in the town when bboth clubs were on the Conference in August 1996. SLough Town are currently fourth bottom of the National League South so, like Altrincham, are currently struggling to avoid relegation worries.

Since then Slough Town has relocated to Arbour Park Community Sports Stadium.

The Football Ground Guide adds that "Arbour Park still has that ‘shiny new’ look, having been opened in late 2016. Normally most new builds nowadays are fairly boring affairs, but pleasingly Arbour Park is a little different, mainly down to the smart-looking Main Stand on one side of the pitch...

With no supporting pillars to contend with and with the rake of the stand being quite steep, then supporters can enjoy fine views of the playing action. Even the team dugouts are located on each side of the stand rather than the normal in-front position...

The opening of Arbour Park in December 2016, was a major milestone for the Club, finally returning to their Slough hometown after an absence of 13 years. They had vacated their former Wexham Park ground in 2003 and had been forced to groundshare elsewhere until Arbour Park was built.

The pitch at Arbour Park is one of 24 FIFA-approved pitches in the UK to use 3G instead of natural turf. The stadium hosted a number of games at the 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup...

If segregation is in place then visiting supporters are mostly housed in the South Terrace at one end of the stadium. This covered terrace comprises six rows and has a capacity of around 700. In addition, several seats which are also undercover are made available to away fans in the East Stand".

PRE-CHRISTMAS GAMES

As Altrincham fans get used to the idea of their pre-Christmas derby with Rochdale being switched from 3pm on Saturday, 20th December, to 7.45pm on Friday, 19th December, they will be just one of 24 clubs' supporters whose plans will change.

Owing to the streaming requirements of DAZN, all twelve fixtures in the Enterprise National League have been moved away from their original Saturday afternoon 3pm timing.

The 12 fixtures now share seven different kick off times. One match is on Friday evening, two are on Saturday lunchtime, two on Saturday tea-time and one on Saturday evening. The other six games have been switched to Sunday with four at 2pm and two at 4pm.

Amongst the longer trips for away fans are Carlisle United supporters getting to Boreham Wood for a Sunday 4pm kick off, Eastleigh travelling to Gateshead for 2pm on a Sunday and Truro's fans facing a 5.30pm game at York on the Saturday.

The new times are;

Friday, 19 December

Saturday, 20 December

Sunday, 21 December

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Sunday in the Scottish Premiership, MARCUS DACKERS picked up a booking and played the whole of Kilmarnock's 3-1 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox.

NATIONAL LEAGUE'S NEW FACES

Whilst the National League is dominated by former Football League clubs, with six of the top seven places currently occupied by clubs which have previously enjoyed time in the top four levels of English football, the National League's two regional feeder divisions continue to display a much different pattern.

Rather than being dominated by clubs seeking to regain a previously held higher status as is the case in the National League proper, the North and South Divisions are led by a preponderance of clubs which have never tasted football at a national level.

So in both National North and South only two of the current top seven have ever played at a higher level.

In the North only AFC Fylde (2nd) and Kidderminster Harriers (7th) have ever tasted national competition. Likewise in the South, just two of the top seven have competed in a national league; fifth-placed Torquay United and sixth-placed Maidstone United.

So the other ten clubs in the regional divisions' top seven would all be newcomers should they achieve promotion in 2026.

In the North division those clubs are South Shields (1st), Radcliffe (3rd), Scarborough Athletic (4th, a different club from the former Scarborough), Buxton and Spennymoor Town (6th and 7th).

In the South those aspirants who have only ever played regional football are Hornchurch (1st), Weston-super-Mare (2nd), AFC Totton (3rd), Hemel Hempstead Town (4th) and Horsham (7th).

So, at this early stage of 2024/25 season it seems probable that there will be some new faces competing in the National League in 2026/27.

26 October 2025

BRAINTREE TOWN 0-0 ALTRINCHAM

If ever a venue was suitably named to witness the transformation of a sow's ear into a silk purse, The Rare Breeds Meat Company stadium at Braintree was it. But it was too much to expect, after just 48 hours in post, that Neil Gibson could produce a transformation of such proportions in Alty's misfiring team, which had not won a game inside ninety minutes in its last ten fixtures.

Nevertheless, securing a point at a ground where Altrincham had comfortably lost on all three of their previous visits indicated some progress, as did recording a first clean sheet in their last nine league outings this season.

Neil will hope to build on this performance when the Robins face Slough Town in Round One of the FA Cup next Saturday.

Match report here

NEIL GIBSON, POST-MATCH

Interim manager Neil Gibson spoke to Radio Robins' Laurence Howarth after the goalless draw at Braintree. The video interview is viewable through Alty TV.

Neil declared himself "really pleased with the players' efforts". He said that he had found the Alty players to be "a special group... the best group I've walked into [as a manager]... they have taken on board the information" that I gave them quickly.

Asked about his change to Alty's customary 4-3-2-1 formation Neil said he thought that a "tweak" would help to change the mindset and the performance. He singled out Jake Cooper's performance, considering it was his first league game of the season.

He agreed with Laurence's observation that Kahrel Reddin had been pushed further up the pitch after the interval and that gave him more impact on the proceedings.

Overall he judged that "a draw was a fair result".

As for next week's FA Cup tie at Slough Town, Neil confided that he knew "a bit about them", from "managing down South [at Wealdstone] last season"

NEXT: SLOUGH TOWN

Altrincham's next game is on Saturday, 1 November, when they travel to play Slough Town in the Emirates FA Cup.

The sides last met in the 1996-97 season at the end of which Altrincham were relegated from the Conference for the first time. The following season saw Slough follow them out of the top flight and whereas Altrincham have returned to the national level on four subsequent occasions, Slough have never made it back to that level.

The Berkshire club have played a total of six seasons at national level, spread over two spells. Their first spell comprised four seasons which amidst three finishes of 19th or lower in the 22-strong division, strangely included a fifth-place finish in 1993.

After a season back in the Isthmian Premier in 1994-95, Slough returned to the top flight in 1995 for a further three seasons in which they finished 17th, 16th and 8th in 1998. However after failing to make mandatory ground improvements, Slough Town were demoted to the Isthmian League Premier at the end of that season.

So their last season in the same division as Altrincham was 1996-97 when both sides lost their home fixture 1-0!

In six games played by Altrincham at Slough, they have never lost, winning five times in that sequence and drawing on the other occasion. Bizarrely, at Moss Lane, Alty only won two of the six encounters and in 1991-92 season suffered a humiliating 3-7 defeat at home!

However, it is modern-day Slough Town who have suffered two humiliating scores this week. On Saturday they lost 1-4 at home to Maidstone United in National League South.

Last Tuesday they crashed 5-1 away at Weston-super-Mare. In fact they have lost their last three league fixtures having previously being beaten 2-1 at Salisbury City.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Saturday's action.

League One : ALI SMITH (right) played the full game for AFC Wimbledon, but they were made to pay for missing a first half penalty against visitors Burton Albion who scored the only goal of the game early in the second half.

CARL PIERGIANNI was booked as Stevenage, behind after just 3 minutes to visitors Bradford City, came back to earn a 1-1 draw.

All the serious action at Adams Park was over by the time JUNIOR QUITIRNA came off the bench in the 85th minute, Wycombe Wanderers taking full advantage of Huddersfield Town striker Andy May's 25th minute dismissal to score three times without reply.

League Two : Having sneaked ahead against the run of play when Walsall's veteran defender Aden Flint put through his own goal in the 92nd minute, hosts Cheltenham Town immediately withdrew JAKE BICKERSTAFF to bring on a defensive midfielder, and hung on to win 1-0. They pull clear of the relegation places, but a real dogfight is developing with only 7 points separating the bottom 11 clubs.

Crawley Town remain in one of those spots despite thrashing Bristol Rovers 4-0 at the Broadfield Stadium. Rovers, without the injured JOEL SENIOR (left), went down to 10 men with the game still goalless. Crawley missed the resulting penalty, but broke the deadlock in the 9th added first half minute, taking full control after the break. DANNY CASHMAN was missing from the squad, and may well still not be fully fit.

Fleetwood Town were another side to miss a penalty, but were already 2-1 up on visitors Accrington Stanley. There were no further goals. HARRISON HOLGATE played the full game, but TOBY MULLARKEY wasn't in their squad.

Manchester United loanee JOE HUGILL is still missing for Barnet, who were held 2-2 at Barrow, for whom ELLIOT NEWBY played throughout.

Another United loanee not involved recently is SONNY ALJOFREE, who wasn't in the Notts County squad that won 2-1 at home to Cambridge United.

MARCUS DINANGA (right) came on after 86 minutes, though Bromley had already turned things around against visitors MK Dons and held on to win 2-1.

Grimsby Town were level 2-2 at Crewe Alexandra when they took off JUSTIN AMALUZOR after 80 minutes. He'd made his mark by then, earning the assists for both goals, but there was no happy ending for the Mariners as 20 year old Stoke City loaned Emre Tezgel completed his hat trick in the 87th minute to seal Crewe's win.

Oldham Athletic had to come from behind twice to earn a 2-2 home draw with fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town. Neither REAGAN OGLE nor CHARLIE OLSON were in their squad.

Chesterfield were leading at Tranmere Rovers when hey took off JAMES BERRY after 70 minutes, but CONNOR JENNINGS, who had put in a full shift, scored in the 93rd minute to earn Rovers a 1-1 draw.

National League : ALEX NEWBY played the full game for York City who, despite having 22 goal attempts to only 5 from hosts FC Halifax, had to come from behind to draw 1-1.

JOE NUTTALL was withdrawn by Morecambe after 73 minutes at Eastleigh in the wake of the hosts going 2-0 up with a penalty. JOSH LUNDSTRAM played throughout for the Spitfires, who conceded late on, but won 2-1.

JEFF KING was booked after 57 minutes, and withdrawn by Boreham Wood 2 minutes later, as they lost 2-1 at Forest Green Rovers.

On loan from York City, TYRESE SINCLAIR (right) put in a full shift for Solihull Moors, but could do nothing to prevent them from losing 2-0 at Hartlepool United.

Brackley Town left JUSTIN DONAWA on the bench, as hosts Southend United left it late to beat them 2-0, scoring after 95 and 98 minutes.

Rochdale withdrew KEVIN BERKOE (left) after 71 minutes at Woking, while LIAM HUMBLES wasn't in the squad as they drew 0-0.

CHRIS CONN-CLARKE claimed the assist for Carlisle United's equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Yeovil Town, where both he and REGAN LINNEY played the full game. In contrast, both KYLE FERGUSON and MATT GOULD stayed on the home bench.

Although Boston United were still without CONNOR TEALE for their visit to Tamworth, former Alty trialist ZAK MILLS returned to captain them to a 1-3 win. The home side substituted KENNEDY DIGIE after 77 minutes.

National North : CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde saw off visitors Hereford by the odd goal in three. RYAN COLCLOUGH, CHRIS MERRIE (booked and later withdrawn), and LIAM BROCKBANK started for the Coasters, while GEORGE WILSON was a 71st minute substitute.

Captained by CONNOR KIRBY, Buxton ran riot against fellow Derbyshire visitors Alfreton Town, winning 6-0. Both LEWIS SALMON (withdrawn after 85 minutes), and HARRY PERRITT (left) started for Town, who never recovered from conceding 5 in 14 minutes by the time the game was only a third of the way through.

Although JAMES JONES was missing, both TOM PEERS and DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY were in Chester's starting XI against visitors Bedford Town. Tom lasted 78 minutes, while DYLAN played the full game, but the South Midlands club, playing the Seals for the first time, took the points with a 1-2 win.

Chorley were reduced to 10 men after 39 minutes, and LUCAS WEAVER was sacrificed straight afterwards so that they could bring on an extra defender. It didn't help their cause, visitors Merthyr Town winning 0-2.

National South : The veteran Andy Carroll was the Dagenham & Redbridge scorer at bottom club Chippenham Town. ASHLEY HEMMINGS was withdrawn after 77 minutes.

Welsh Premier League : Although Bala Town only had a single attempt on target, JOEL TORRANCE (right) made three saves to earn them a goalless draw at home to Barry Town.

Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE picked up a yellow card, but Linfield beat visitors Ballymena 2-1.

FA Trophy : RON SITHOLE was handed a start by FC United in their home tie against Bamber Bridge, but, with the tie goalless, they withdrew him after 63 minutes, going on to score the only goal of the tie in the 90th minute. JOEL BAILEY played the full game for Bridge.

NPL Premier Division : DONTAI GABIDON was an 89th minute substitute for relegation threatened Warrington Town, who ripped up the form by beating Lancaster City 3-2. The visitors were knocked off the top of the league as a result.

PL Division 1 West : BYRON HARRISON came off the Nantwich Town bench to join AIDY ROXBURGH after only 17 minutes at Newcastle Town. The Staffordshire side had just scored, and added two more later to win comfortably.

REMI RAYMOND made his Congleton Town debut from the bench after 75 minutes at Bootle, after TONY THOMPSON had already been beaten by the game's only goal. The hosts withdrew TOM HANNIGAN after 87 minutes, as Bears keeper DAVE PARTON (left) enjoyed a clean sheet.

JOE PIGGOTT played the full game for Atherton Collieries at Darlaston Town, and was joined for the second half by SAM SHERIDAN, but the Midlands side ran out surprise 2-0 winners.

Trafford were without JEROME WRIGHT at Kidsgrove Athletic, and SEAN HIGGINS'S 80th minute goal came with his team 4-0 down. They pulled another one back later, but are now 7 points adrift at the foot of the league after Darlaston's win.

MARK LEES was booked, and MASON FAWNS substituted in the 90th minute as Mossley lost 3-1 at Shifnal Town.

Runcorn Linnets scored in the opening minute at Stafford Rangers, but eventually had to settle for a 2-2 draw. SEAN MILLER played the first 68 minutes, while RYAN BROOKE came off the bench 10 minutes later.

Vauxhall Motors had just gone 3-2 up when KEVIN ELLISON came on in the 69th minute, but visitors Bury equalised late on.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND put in a full shift for Wythenshawe Town at Ericstan Park, where they saw off Witton Albion 2-1. MAX HARROP (right) and JOEL BEMBO-LETA were substitutes in the latter stages, but JAMES LAWRIE remained on the bench.

NWCL Premier Division : SHERIFF NJIE rescued a point for Cheadle Town after they had trailed for the best part of an hour at Euxton Villa.

Player coach JOHN JOHNSTON gave Irlam a 14th minute lead at Longridge Town, but they only held it for 3 minutes and eventually crashed 5-1.

Premier League Two : DERMOT MEE got an outing for Manchester United U21 as they won 4-1 in their home fixture against their counterparts from Tottenham Hotspur.

25 October, 2025

BRAINTREE TOWN 0-0 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham started shakily and were on the backfoot for the opening stages. They were fortunate that Chay Cooper's shot cannoned off the Alty bar rather than finding the back of the net (10 mins).

Altrincham did create a chance after 13 minutes but Knowles failed to turn Reddin's feed into the net and Langston cleared off the line.

But Braintree continued to have the better of the game and dominated up to the interval but failed to turn their superiority into a goal, with Akinde missing a good chance shortly before the break.

Altrincham were the better side in the second half, and the game was more open, but there were no goals as a match between two struggling sides ended goalless. It was Altrincham's first clean sheet in nine league matches.

Report to follow

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 25th October

TEAM NEWS

Neil Gibson made changes at centre-back for the game at Braintree, determined by fitness issues.

With Lewis Banks injured, Jake Cooper (right) started his first league game of the season after injury and captain Lewis Baines returned to the starting eleven, with the injured Barnes and Sam Reed dropping out.

On the bench, Kosylo came in but only six players were named the, with loanee Waters back at Oldham Athletic after injury.

ALTRINCHAM: 30 Louie Fallon, 23. Tylor Golden, 34. Dan Sassi, 5. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines (c), 22. Tom Crawford, 6. Elliot Osborne, 8 Isaac Marriott, 20. Kahrel Reddin, 11. Jimmy Knowles, 9. James Gale. Subs: 7. Olly Crankshaw, 10. Keaton Ward, 14. Matty Kosylo, 21. Jack Hinchy, 40. Charlie Kirk, 41. Max Beddow (gk)

Braintree were hit by the loss of their loanee keeper Henry Gray on the eve of the match. Only signed on Tuesday, Gray was recalled on Friday by parent club Ipswich Town. He had been the loan keeper at Braintree for half of last season.

So Braintree hastily recruited Derby County teenage keeper Jack Thompson, meaning that both keepers today were eighteen year-olds.

BRAINTREE TOWN: 13. Jack Thompson, 2. Aidan Francis-Clarke, 24. Frankie Terry, 4. George Langston (c), 6. James Vennings, 17. Jacob Pinnington, 8. Marley Marshall-Miranda, 18. Sahid Kamara, 38. Terrell Works, 11. Chay Cooper, 14. John Akinde. Subs: 33. Olly Davis, 16. Goran Babić, 39. Elliot Thorpe, 5. Manny Omrore, 21. Regan Clayton.

NEIL GIBSON INTERVIEWED

Alty TV has a video interview with the club's new interim manager, Neil Gibson.

He started by telling Tom Jolley that he was "over the moon to be coming in to the football club".

He outlined his background, firstly as a player, at clubs which included Tranmere Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday.

Then, as a manager, he took his hometown club Prestatyn Town from the third tier of football in the Principality to the Welsh Premier and also into European competition.

Niel has also coached at Tranmere Rovers "over different spells" and arrives at Altrincham with "more than 750 games in my managerial career" behind him. Neil obtained his UEFA Pro licence in 2018.

Altrincham "is 50 minutes from where I live" and is his nearest National League club. "I came to watch a lot of games" at Altrincham he stated.

In terms of the players at Altrincham, they "have been fantastic today in training".

Asked about the supporters he said the onus was on the staff and players to get the supporters behind the team. At his previous clubs he had always tried to "build a connection with the supporters" and aimed to do so here as well.

LEE JONES, ASSISTANT MANAGER

The focus on Altrincham's new management duo has naturally fallen mostly on Neil Gibson but his assistant, Lee Jones, also has a significant background in football where he had a career as a forward.

After making 39 appearances for Wrexham, Lee joined Liverpool, playing three first-team games for the Anfield club. Spells at Tranmere Rovers and Barnsley came before he moved back to Wales to represent Caernarfon Town and Prestatyn Town.

Off the field, he had a brief spell as joint caretaker manager at Wrexham towards the end of the 2014–15 season. After working at Wrexham's Academy, he returned to Tranmere Rovers to run their Academy.

In January 2025, he joined Wealdstone alongside Neil Gibson as the club's management team.

BEFORE THE GAME: BRAINTREE TOWN v ALTRINCHAM

The first match of the post-Parkinson era takes Altrincham to Essex where they will face Braintree Town, the club immediately below them in the Enterprise National League. Alty lie 20th and The Iron are 21st, just a point behind. At least one of the two clubs will be in the bottom four tonight.

Altrincham have never won at Braintree and have lost by two goals or more on all three of their previous visits. Their previous league results at Cressing Road have been defeats by 4-2, 3-0 and 2-0.

One member of Alty's entourage did, however, win at Braintree last season and that was new interim manager Neil Gibson who guided his Wealdstone team to a victory there.

Since his appointment as interim manager on Thursday, Neil Gibson will have had barely 48 hours before kick-off to devise his match strategy, select his team and boost morale after an appalling run of results.

Altrincham have lost six of their seven most recent league games and, including cup ties, have failed to win any of their last ten games inside ninety minutes, their only victory in that period being in extra time at lower-ranked, ten-man Harborough Town in the FA Cup.

Morale had been further sapped by the midweek defeat in the Cheshire Senior Cup of an Alty side featuring nine starters who were in their first-team squad by a Winsford United team from four levels lower in the pyramid.

For the match on Saturday Altrincham are likely to be without their almost ever-present defender Lewis Banks (left) who was reported to be undergoing an x-ray on suspected ligament damage.

However, another defender, Jake Cooper, who had not been fit enough to play this season until the Cheshire Senior Cup tie in midweek, is expected to be in the squad tomorrow.

Goalkeeper Ethan Ross and centre-back Billy Sass-Davies have missed the entire season so far through injury and their absence will continue on Saturday.

Replacement goalkeeper, loanee Luke Hutchinson, will also be missing under the 21-days' terms of the concussion protocol, so Louie Fallon is expected to continue in goal.

Team captain Lewis Baines has also been carrying a knock but he did play part of the game at Winsford in midweek.

ROCHDALE GAME SWITCHED TO FRIDAY NIGHT

DAZNstreamAt the request of the streaming service DAZN, Altrincham's home game against Rochdale scheduled for Saturday 20 December has been moved to the preceding Friday night at 7.45pm which will certainly diminish what would have been a bumper pre-Christmas attendance for a local "derby" against the current league leaders.

This is the fourth Altrincham league fixture already this season that has been altered in timing and/or date for DAZN, including the reverse fixture at Rochdale.

RAYMOND LOAN SWITCHED TO CONGLETON

Altrincham FC announce that "Midfielder Remi Raymond (right) has joined Congleton Town on loan after being recalled from his temporary stint with Witton Albion.

The 18-year-old academy graduate, who has already featured for the Robins in the Enterprise National League this season, goes straight into The Bears' squad for Saturday's Northern Premier League Division One West clash at Bootle".

Footnote: Remi has made two brief National League substitute appearances for Altrincham this season and was also named on the bench but not used as a substitute in five other fixtures.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 25th October

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Friday's matches...

Irish Premier Division: BARRY BAGGLEY was substituted after 71 minutes against his old club, Waterford, who forced a 1-1 draw at St.Patrick's.

Premier League Cup : JACK KINGDON captained Cardiff City U21 at QPR U21, as they recovered from being two goals down at half time to earn a 2-2 draw.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reminds us that "This weekend, the 914 miles Truro City travel to Gateshead [and back] will become the new record for the longest away trip in English football...

It means a mammoth 10 to 12-hour journey on a bus on Friday, interspersed with a training session at Championship side Derby County.

'When I signed for Truro I never thought in all honesty I'd be going to Gateshead away,' Tinners captain Connor Riley-Lowe told BBC Radio Cornwall... 'I've been at Truro for 10 years now and we're very, very used to travelling'...

Even their closest away game, at Yeovil Town, is at least three hours away...

Says manager John Askey, 'Clubs that come down to us, most of them are flying down and staying over on the Friday, so for us to have to do it on the coach is obviously not ideal'...

For Truro's Canadian chairman Eric Perez [said]... 'I'm actually looking forward to it as I'm going to be taking the journey with the players. I'm really looking forward to breaking the record with them'...

Former PE teacher Riley-Lowe [said], 'People didn't realise last year when we were part-time we used to work all day on the Friday, we'd meet the bus in Exeter and we'd travel in the evening and we would not be getting to the hotel until 11 or 12 o'clock [at night],' he says.

'This year none of us are working, we're travelling in the day, so as hard as it sounds it's a lot easier; certainly a lot easier than doing a full day at work then travelling.'"

Aldershot Town "confirm the appointment of John Coleman as the Club’s First-Team Manager.

The highly experienced 63-year-old will take over the position next week and arrives at the EBB with over 25 years of managerial experience for the likes of Accrington Stanley, Rochdale, Gillingham and many more...

Club Chairman, Shahid Azeem, said of the appointment 'First of all, all of us here at ATFC want to sincerely thank Alan Dowson and James Henry for stepping up to the plate in this interim period..

Alan and his team will lead The Shots out this weekend, and the Club are right behind them. We look forward to continuing to work with them'".

Footnote: Since leaving Accrington Stanley, Coleman has had two managerial jobs; first of all he spent less than three months at Gillingham where he left with just two wins to his name from 14 matches.

In May 2025, he became manager of Waterford in Ireland and left there after five months having won five of his 20 fixtures in charge. Four weeks after leaving Waterford he has now been appointed at Aldershot.

A second signing in twenty four hours at Yeovil Town sees "the signing of Dan Ellison from Bristol Rovers on a deal until the summer of 2027.

The 20-year-old centre back joins the Glovers after spending last season on loan at Aldershot Town from Bristol Rovers, where he played a key role in the Shots’ FA Trophy victory, scoring at Wembley Stadium in the final.

Ellison began his career with Chippenham Town... before earning a move to Bristol Rovers in 2024...

Manager Richard Dryden said 'Dan is a player I know well from our time together at Aldershot...

'He is strong, composed, and hungry to keep improving'".

York City report that "Paddy McLaughlin has joined National League North side Darlington FC on a month's-long loan.

Paddy is celebrating his tenth season with the club and has made 266 appearances so far, scoring 29.

Paddy’s testimonial year will continue to work alongside the Minstermen across the season".

Also loaned out is an ex-Alty loanee as "TYRESE SINCLAIR has joined fellow National League side Solihull Moors on loan until January.

Tyrese joined the club in the summer of 2024 from Rochdale AFC.

Since his arrival, he’s gone on to feature nearly 60 times in the league so far, scoring 8 goals and assisting 5.".

24 October 2025

ALTY'S NEW INTERIM BOSS

Neil Gibson, Altrincham's new interim manager is best known to National League followers as the former manager of Wealdstone who steered them away from relegation in 2024-25 season.

Now aged 46, his managerial career started in 2007 at Welsh club Prestatyn Town. In 2011 he moved to the Director of Football role and he was succeeded as manager there by his assistant at Altrincham, Lee Jones.

From 2018-20 he was back at Prestatyn as manager, before managing Flint Town United (2020-22)

Two years managing Connah's Quay Nomads followed till 2024.

Wealdstone appointed him in January 2025 where he stayed till the end of that season when he left, citing travel difficulties from his base in Wales.

Gibson's playing career took in Tranmere Rovers, Rhyl, Sheffield Wednesday, Southport, Halesowen Town, Leigh RMI and Prestatyn Town, where he ended his playing career in 2012.

On his appointment Wealdstone stated "Neil holds the UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in Europe and has a track record of success as a manager, winning the Welsh Cup twice, securing four promotions and qualifying for UEFA Europa League/UEFA Conference League four times. Neil has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract... Former Liverpool, Wrexham, Tranmere and Wales international forward Lee Jones joins Neil as his Assistant Manager".

GIBSON KNOWS HOW TO WIN AT BRAINTREE - AND AT ALTRINCHAM!

For the first time in more than eight years, Altrincham will have a new face in the technical area when they play at Braintree on Saturday as Neil Gibson takes interim charge of the team following the sacking of Phil Parkinson on Thursday.

When Gibson was employed at Wealdstone last season he oversaw 20 games, winning eight, drawing four and losing eight, earning 28 points to keep the north London club in the National League.

Left: Neil Gibson watches his Wealdstone side beat Altrincham last March at the J. Davidson Stadium.

One of those wins was over Altrincham when the Stones won 1-0 at the J. Davidson Stadium and, in light of this Saturday's fixture, he also guided Wealdstone to an away win at Braintree Town!.

At the time NW Sport wrote that "Former Prestatyn Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads manager Neil Gibson has pulled off The Great Escape at his latest club Wealdstone.

Final day drama in the tier 5 National League saw The Stones haul themselves out of the bottom four with a 3-1 win over Halifax Town...

Gibson took over at the Ruislip-based club in the London Borough of Hillingdon in late January. It was his first job since leaving Connah’s Quay Nomads in August 2024 having led the club to Welsh Cup glory four months earlier...

When he joined The Stones, they were in the National League relegation spots.

In a tough start, Wealdstone claimed just one out of a possible nine points, but then came three cracking wins over Yeovil Town, Braintree Town and Ebbsfleet United...

The next three months brought mixed fortunes, but 1-0 victories over Altrincham Town [sic], Woking and Boston United, plus a 2-1 success against Forest Green Rovers, kept Gibson’s charges on course to stay up.

Come the final day, Wealdstone were fourth from bottom and needed to beat Halifax while hoping Dagenham and Redbridge failed to win at Solihull Moors.

The Daggers drew 1-1 and went down, Wealdstone won 3-1 and survived...

Gibson’s haul of 28 points from his 20 matches in charge proved enough to keep the club in the National League for a fifth successive season".

TEN MANAGERS GONE IN 66 DAYS

In a little more than nine weeks of the Enterprise National League season there have been ten changes of management with Altrincham's Phil Parkinson and his assistant Neil Sorvel being the most recent to depart their roles.

The full list of the ten departures (so far) this season is below; all were sackings unless otherwise stated...

  1. MORECAMBE: Derek Adams, sacked on 18 August 2025
  2. YORK CITY: Adam Hinshelwood
  3. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper
  4. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor
  5. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison
  6. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis
  7. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation)
  8. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Simon Grayson
  9. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Tommy Widdrington (resignation)
  10. ALTRINCHAM: Phil Parkinson

ALTY OLD BOYS

OWEN DALE was a 71st minute substitute for Plymouth Argyle but he could not help his side recover from a 2-0 deficit in the Devon Derby at Exeter City.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 25 OCTOBER

Details of Altrincham's previous games on 25 October, the date of next Saturday's visit to Braintree Town, are in Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data.

The most recent match on that date was in 2022 when Altrincham beat Oldham Athletic 1-0 at home in the Vanarama National League.

Right: Back in 2022 against Oldham Athletic, Ryan Colclough finished the game with the captain's armband after Jordan Hulme was substituted.

Altrincham deservedly took the points against a disappointing Oldham side who started quite brightly but faded badly in the second half.

Shots were at a premium in the first half but Altrincham's second-half dominance got its reward after 72 minutes when Colclough and Conn-Clarke combined for the Fleetwood loanee to curl a superb curling shot from twenty-plus yards into the upper reaches of the Oldham net.

Watched by Joe Royle, the Latics were booed at the end by a section of the 1,606 travelling supporters in a magnificent midweek gate of 3,553. The win lifted Altrincham to fifteenth in the National League.

Altrincham started with the same eleven and same players on the bench who had been named at Torquay the previous Saturday.

Alty were again without injured vice-captain Toby Mullarkey, as well as longer-term injured players Kosylo, Baines and Marriott.

Altrincham: 1. Oliver Byrne, 22. Ross Barrows, 23. Jake Cooper, 26. James Jones, 2. Eddy Jones, 10. Elliot Osborne, 8. Josh Lundstram, 11. Ryan Colclough, 16. Chris Conn-Clarke, 9. Jordan Hulme (c), 30. Marcus Dinanga. Subs: 21. Matt Gould, 17. Brad Jackson, 18. Ben Pringle, 31. Dan Malone, 33. Egli Kaja.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Truro City "announce the signing of Saikou Janneh...

The 25-year-old forward has inked terms at the Truro City Stadium until the end of the 2025-26 Enterprise National League season.

Born in The Gambia, Janneh moved to these shores as a teenager and after initially joining Bath City, caught the eye playing Western League football for both Clevedon and Cadbury Heath.

This paved the way for a move to SkyBet Championship side Bristol City in 2018, spending four years at Ashton Gate.

During Janneh’s time with the Robins, he enjoyed loan spells at Newport County, Shrewsbury and Torquay United. His most prudent loan spell came at Plainmoor during the 2018-19 season, as Janneh netted a double figure return as Torquay won the National League South title.

After leaving Bristol City, Janneh joined Cambridge United with a loan at AFC Wimbledon during the 2022-23 campaign.

Released by Cambridge in the summer of 2024, Janneh has subsequently been playing in the Middle East for Kuwait Division One team Al-Jazira.

Also in the South-West, Yeovil Town "announce the signing of 20-year-old midfielder Max Jolliffe on loan from Colchester United until the end of the season.

A product of the Arsenal Academy, Jolliffe joined Colchester in 2022 before signing his first professional contract in June 2024. He made his senior debut for the U’s earlier this year in a 3–0 win over Fleetwood Town and has also gained valuable experience on loan with Maldon & Tiptree and Billericay Town.

Manager Richard Dryden said... 'He’s composed on the ball, reads the game well, and has shown real maturity for his age'".

23 October 2025

EX-WEALDSTONE PAIR TAKE CHARGE AT ALTY

Following the departures of Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel (see below), Altrincham FC "confirm that the process to appoint a new First Team Manager is now underway.

In order to prepare for the upcoming crucial fixtures we are pleased to confirm that Neil Gibson has been appointed to lead the team on an interim basis, joining immediately alongside Assistant Lee Jones.

The pair most recently managed Wealdstone FC, where they guided the club to National League safety on the final day of last season after taking charge of a side sitting in the relegation zone in January.

Chairman Mark Luby [pictured, right] said, 'This is a pivotal moment in the season, and a rigorous recruitment process to identify the next Manager is already underway.

'As that process progresses, we’re pleased to welcome Neil and Lee to the club. The impact they had under challenging circumstances at Wealdstone was impressive by any measure, and they demonstrated clear leadership under pressure.

'Neil brings strong contacts within the game, a clear outlook on performance improvement, and a proven ability to lift a squad quickly. He will have the full support of the club in stabilising performances and driving results.'

Neil was at our Egerton training base this afternoon and has already begun preparations for Saturday’s fixture at Braintree, where he will take charge of the Robins for the first time.

Speaking about his appointment, Neil Gibson said 'I’m proud to be here. When the club shared its ambitions and the immediate challenges ahead, I felt there was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, and I was excited to accept.

While the Board focuses on the recruitment of a permanent Manager, Lee and I will give everything to move this team up the table and build momentum as quickly as possible.

I know how passionate the supporters are, and I look forward to speaking with them more fully in due course and to seeing the travelling fans at Cressing Road on Saturday.'

Neil will address supporters further in an upcoming video interview.

The club will make no further comment while the recruitment process continues".

ALTY PART WAYS WITH MANAGEMENT DUO

Around 11am this morning, Altrincham FC issued a statement saying that the club "have today parted company with Manager Phil Parkinson and Assistant Manager Neil Sorvel.

Given recent form and the current league position, it is clear that results have not met expectations. The Board therefore believes a change of direction is necessary at this point in the season.

The Board wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Phil and Neil for their outstanding contribution over the past nine years. Their achievements, professionalism, and commitment have played a major role in shaping the modern-day Altrincham FC. A full tribute reflecting on their time with the club will be published on the official website in due course.

Right: Time has run out for Phil Parkinson (right).

Chairman Mark Luby said: 'Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel leave the club in a much stronger position than when they arrived. They can rightly be proud of everything they have achieved during their tenure. Whilst making this change has been extremely difficult, we felt we were left with very little alternative given our current league position.'

A process is now underway to identify and appoint a new leadership team within the football department — one fully aligned with the Board’s long-term vision for the club.

In the immediate term, focus must turn to the crucial run of fixtures ahead and the urgent need to climb away from 20th position in the table.

A further update on first team management arrangements for the Braintree fixture will follow".

PHIL AND NEIL'S RECORD

It is just over six months ago that Phil Parkinson was feted as the longest-serving manager, in a single spell, in the club's 134-year history. Throughout his tenure of eight and a half years, he was assisted by Neil Sorvel.

The duo were appointed on 28 April 2017 with the club languishing at step three in the Northern Premier League after two successive relegations. They immediately earned promotion to National North as NPL champions in 2018 and, two years later, they won promotion back to the national level through the play-offs.

Their management record in the league (excluding play-offs and expunged games) was as follows...

If play-off games are included, they managed 366 league games and won 152 matches, a win rate of 41.53%.

This season (25/26) saw the duo confronted by the loss over the summer of their three top scorers, Linney, Newby and Amaluzor, to other clubs, having also lost their top scorer in the previous season as well, when Chris Conn-Clarke departed.

These losses were exacerbated by serious injuries to goalkeeper Ethan Ross, new signing Billy Sass-Davies and his fellow centre-back Jake Cooper, none of whom has yet been fit to start a league match this season.

It was therefore vital that the summer signings in 2025 hit the ground running but their form has often proved to be disappointing, with the club having taking just a single point from its last six league games.

That sequence of five defeats and a single draw was accompanied by four red cards received in three consecutive games, for which none of the new players can be blamed, as all those dismissed had been at the club last season.

Over little more than a year, Alty lost their four most recent top-scorers in Chris Conn-Clarke, Regan Linney, Alex Newby and Justin Amaluzor, who all left for other clubs

Other injuries in 2025/26 included that to captain Lewis Baines, who missed the opening six games, and three-week concussion absences for both centre-back Sam Barnes and goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson.

Recent loanee striker Billy Waters also managed just 17 minutes of league action before he too was injured and returned to his parent club.

In addition to their league travails, there was an unconvincing FA Cup replay win over lower-ranked Harborough Town and this week's exit from the Cheshire Senior Cup at the hands of a club four-levels below them, despite fielding nine first-team squad members in the starting eleven.

In these circumstances the Club has decided to act to try and rescue a season which currently has witnessed ten successive games in which Altrincham have failed to win a single game inside ninety minutes.

Regardless of the 2025/26 record, the club and its supporters must remain indebted to the the duo for their transformation of the club's fortunes since the summer of 2017 when they were appointed to manage a relegated club starting the season at step three of the non-League pyramid.

NEXT LEAGUE OPPONENTS: BRAINTREE TOWN

Altrincham's 16th fixture of the league season takes them to Essex to face a Braintree Town side which lies a single place behind them and one place below them in 21st.

In three previous visits, The Robins have never won at Cressing Road which is now named The Rare Breeds Meat Co Stadium.

The Iron returned to the National League last season and are now into their ninth season at National League level.

They first reached the national level for 2011-12 season and, subsequently, they enjoyed five top-14 finishes before being relegated in 2017 when finishing 22nd of the 24 teams.

Having finished sixth in the South division the following season, they were promoted through the play-offs, only to go straight down again after a single season in the National League. They almost suffered a double relegation when lying second bottom in the South in 2020 at the point that Covid curtailed the campaign.

But by 2024 they had finished fifth and were promoted back to the National League, again through the play-offs. In 2024/25 they finished seventeenth in the Vanarama National League.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that in Wednesday's Cheshire Senior Cup tie, Stalybridge Celtic rotated their squad for the visit to Northwich Victoria, but neither GREG WILKINSON nor ELLIOT ROKKA played the whole game, both being substituted around the hour mark. Vics won comfortably 5-1.

After scoring twice on Tuesday night in their 4-0 away win at Boston United, JOE NUTTALL spoke to his club Morecambe's website.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Carlisle United report that "Mark Hughes will serve a one-match touchline suspension for this Saturday’s fixture against Yeovil, following the accumulation of three yellow cards this season.

His third caution came during last weekend’s clash with Forest Green Rovers, when he was booked for leaving his technical area.

Although Hughes will not be permitted on the touchline during the match, he will still be able to fulfil his pre-match, half-time, and post-match responsibilities. During the game, he will watch from the directors’ box".

"Injury-ravaged Boston United suffered a comprehensive home defeat at the hands of Morecambe on Tuesday evening.

The Pilgrims were humbled by their impressive visitors, who belied their lowly standing to sweep to a huge win with two goals in either half. Already missing Jordan Cropper, Jacob Scott, Jordan Richards, Frankie Maguire and Jacob Hazel, centre-half duo Connor Teale and Zak Mills were late omissions through injury, while Alex Lankshear was serving a one-match suspension.

United failed to clear their lines in the 15th minute and CAIN cracked home the game's opening goal from 25 yards...

Morecambe crucially doubled their lead six minutes before half-time... After half-time... Morecambe soon decisively took the game away from United. NUTTALL saw his header creep over the line eight minutes into the half - and NUTTALL stroked home from the spot five minutes later".

22 October 2025

POST-MATCH PARKY

After the game Brian Flynn spoke to manager Phil Parkinson (right).

In an audio video which is available through Alty TV, the manager admitted that "We should be coming away comfortably winning".

He revealed that for this match against lower-ranked opposition in the Cheshire Senior Cup, "We were going to send the kids but we didn't want to disrespect the opposition" so, instead, we sent a strong squad, largely comprising first-team players who needed game time.

But he conceded that "it looks really poor to come with a strong team and not get a result".

Having started the season with his first-choice goalkeeper and centre-backs out injured, we have played with a new keeper and a rebuilt side after the departures of three major forward players. In addition Phil alluded to how the squad has also been hit this season with a spate of red cards and more injuries.

The latest injuries were listed as goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson (concussion), Billy Waters ("PCL on his knee" which has terminated his loan) and Lewis Banks, who has ankle ligament problems and needs a further x-ray.

So, he said "we need to bring in one or two to strengthen the group".

Looking forward he promised that "We will turn a corner and the results will come".

The boss appealed to supporters to stick with the team stating that we don't need "venomous comments from the side". People need "to get off the players backs" and direct any criticism to him and not the players. In short his message was "get behind us"!

WINSFORD UNITED BEAT ALTRINCHAM IN CSC

For the tenth game in succession Altrincham failed to win a match inside ninety minutes as, for the second year running, they bowed out of the Cheshire Senior Cup at the first hurdle in a penalty shootout after, in this case, a goalless ninety minutes.

Alty started with nine first-team squad members and two Academy players, albeit only two of the starters had also started the last National League game. (They were keeper Fallon and striker James Gale).

Despite winning numerous corners Altrincham were unable to find the net and Ollie Crankshaw missed a second-half penalty.

Right: Chris Antoniades was one of four Academy players in the 16-man squad at Winsford.

The shoot-out went to fourteen kicks and despite Winsford blinking first by missing their fourth kick, Baines then missed his attempt before Kosylo had his spot kick saved. So Winsford won 6-5.

The most obvious conclusion to be drawn is that the fringe members of the first-team squad who were involved tonight are in some cases not currently fit enough or, in other cases, just not good enough to challenge those in possession of the first-team shirts.

Altrincham: 27. Louie Fallon, 4. LewIs Baines (c), 5. Jake Cooper, 7. Olly Crsnkshaw, 9. James Gale, 10. Keaton Ward, 14. Matty Kosylo, 21. Jack Hinchy, 23. Harry St Romaine, 24. Raion Rowe, 41. Charlie Kirk. Subs: 6. Elliot Osborne, 9. Jimmy Knowles, 19. Chris Antoniades, 34. Dan Sassi, 42. Max Beddow (gk)

Match report here

NEXT LEAGUE OPPONENTS: BRAINTREE TOWN

Next Saturday, 25 October, Altrincham travel to Cressing Road in Essex to face Braintree Town

The Iron currently lie 21st, one place below Altrincham, just a single point behind.

Two of the Braintree players have started all of their league fixtures; they are goalkeeper Mason Terry and defender Aidan Francis. Neither has missed a minute's action this campaign.

Unrelated to the keeper of the same surname, Braintree's Frankie Terry is a defender on loan from Colchester United. His uncles include two well-known players and former England players in John Terry and Paul Konchesky.

Amongst their other players Altrincham will have bad memories of John Akinde who hit a hat-trick against Altrincham for Barnet in a 5-0 win at The Hive in 2014.

Although now 36 years of age, Akinde has started 12 times this season and made two further league appearances from the bench. Surprisingly, the big forward has yet to score this season.

Indeed, goalscoring has been a major problem for Braintree, who are the lowest scorers in the National League with just 13 goals recorded in 15 outings.

Midfielder Terrell Works, a 20 year-old loanee from Fulham's Academy, is the Iron's leading scorer this season with four goals to his name from just seven starts.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's games...

National League : Boston United were without their preferred central defensive partnership of CONNOR TEALE and ZAK MILLS, and Morecambe took advantage to win 0-4, with JOE NUTTALL (right) scoring the last two, the final one a penalty.

It had been 1-1 at Eastleigh last month when the game against Scunthorpe United was abandoned late on. The pointlessness of doing it all over again tonight was demonstrated by the final score line being exactly the same. JOSH LUNDSTRAM played the full game for the Spitfires.

Boreham Wood were unable to field JEFF KING at his parent club, but led twice before drawing 2-2. Hosts York City reduced the arrears the first time through ALEX NEWBY, who was substituted at 1-2 in the 78th minute. TYRESE SINCLAIR was left on the York bench.

National League Cup : Aldershot brought MATT PENNEY off the bench for the second half, with visitors Southampton U21 having surrendered the lead twice. They proceeded to do it again and the game ended 3-3, but Matt was one of two Shots players to fail from the spot as they lost the shootout 2-4.

It was a not dissimilar tale at Brackley, although JUSTIN DONAWA didn't step up in the shootout after playing the full game, which ended 1-1. The victory margin for Everton U21 was also 2-4.

National North : TOM PEERS opened the scoring from the spot at Alfreton Town, and then struck again as the Seals won 0-2. DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY was substituted in the 94th minute, while JAMES JONES was an unused substitute. Both HARRY PERRITT and LEWIS SALMON were in the home lineup.

CONNOR KIRBY left it late to score Buxton's winner at Peterborough Sports, sealing a 1-2 victory in the 96th minute.

JORDAN HULME scored Radcliffe's second in a 3-1 home win over Darlington.

Alty loanee LUCAS WEAVER was joined in the Chorley starting XI at Southport by veteran keeper STEVE DRENCH (above, left). He's 40 now, and no longer a regular starter, but he and Lucas both played the whole of the 1-1 draw.

RYAN COLCLOUGH scored twice as AFC Fylde walloped Spennymoor 0-5 on the road.

National South : An ASHLEY HEMMINGS penalty couldn't prevent Dagenham & Redbridge from dropping into the bottom 4 as visitors Horsham won 1-2.

Southern Central : YUSIFU CEESAY (right) was among the scorers as Spalding United coasted to a 4-0 home win over relegation threatened Royston Town. The result lifted them to the top of the table as Harborough Town were held to a goalless draw at home by Stratford Town.

NPL Premier Division : JACK REDSHAW played the first 55 minutes for Hyde United, who were held 2-2 by visitors Stocksbridge Park Steels despite having been 2-0 up at the break. NYAL BELL was an unused substitute.

NPL Division 1 West : MASON FAWNS opened the scoring for Mossley, captained by MARK LEES as they dented the promotion hopes of Bury with a 2-1 win.

Nantwich Town won 3-2 against Clitheroe at the Weaver Stadium. BYRON HARRISON was among the scorers, but all AIDY ROXBURGH had to show for his efforts was a yellow card. Player coach JON MORAN was an unused substitute.

SEAN MILLER was withdrawn after 86 minutes, but had already scored in Runcorn Linnets 4-1 home over Sporting Khalsa. Both RYAN BROOKE and LUKE WALL were missing from the squad.

MID WEEK SCORES

Before being pegged back by York City, Boreham Wood were briefly top of the National League on Tuesday evening. Morecambe's win means that in the league table, three of the bottom four could overtake Altrincham should the Robins lose on Saturday. They are Braintree themselves, Truro City and Morecambe, with the Shrimps also having a game in hand.

Tuesday 21st October

THROUGH THE YEARS: 25 OCTOBER

Next Saturday, 25 October, Altrincham play at Braintree and Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data reveal that on the last three occasions that Altrincham played on that date it was to contest an FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying Round match.

The last time Alty contested an away game on that date was back in 2014 when they met Leicestershire club Barwell.

Right: Kyle Perry is congratulated on his goal at Barwell in 2014

In that 2014 FA Cup game, after a disappointing first-half showing, James Lawrie gave Alty the lead in added time before the interval. Sub Kyle Perry hit a long-range second goal early in the second half before Damian Reeves scored, following good work by Scott Leather and Kyle Perry.

ALTRINCHAM: 1 Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (c), 5. Gianluca Havern 16. Tom Marshall, 6. Scott Leather; 4. Jake Moult; 8. Simon Richman, 25. Peter Cavanagh, 11. Nicky Clee, 7. James Lawrie, 10. Damian Reeves Subs: 9. Steven Gillespie, 14. Kyle Perry, 15. Greg Wilkinson, 17. Dave Parton 18. Sean Williams. 20. Joel Swift

21 October 2025

NEXT: WINSFORD UNITED

Tonight (Tuesday), Altrincham are away at Winsford United tonight (7.45pm) for a Cheshire Senior Cup Round One tie.

Admission charges are:

Winsford have advised that food and drink facilities will be available.

Alty exited at this first hurdle last season, losing at home, 1-3, to Kevin Ellison and his Vauxhall Motors team.

In 2023-24 Altrincham reached the Third Round before exiting 2-0 at Ewen Fields to Hyde United in a home tie which had been switched to Tameside to protect the pitch at the J. Davidson Stadium.

That season they had beaten Northwich Victoria in Round One in a penalty shoot-out at the J. Davidson Stadium before recrding a 4-0 win over Stalybridge Celtic in Round Two =, also at Moss Lane.

ALTY IN CLASH OF TWO OF THE "DIRTIEST" TEAMS

According to the Halifax Courier when Alty face Braintree Town on Saturday it is not only a clash between 20th and 21st in the Enterprise National League points table, but also a meeting of the third and fourth "dirtiest" teams in the division, as the newspaper describes them!

Altrincham lie 22nd from the top in the Courier's table of club bookings and dismissals this season, having accrued "29 yellow cards, one second booking and two red cards, 42 points". These figures are actually out of date as Alty have now amassed (subject to confirmation) 33 league yellows and 4 reds (Crawford, Golden, Reddin and Weaver).

The Courier's statistics rank Braintree as 21st from the top in the disciplinary table with 31 yellow cards, two second bookings and one red card totalling 42 points, the same total that they attribute to Altrincham.

The only two clubs with worse disciplinary records this season are Eastleigh and, bottom of the pile, Aldershot Town.

Last season, Alty lost 2-0 at Cressing Road, where previous encounters have seen them on the wrong end of the score on each visit...

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan informs us that on Monday in the Irish Premier League, BARRY BAGGLEY played throughout as St.Patrick's earned a goalless draw at Bohemians.

BARRY ASHWORTH R.I.P.

Belatedly, it has emerged that former Altrincham player BARRY ASHWORTH died in December 2024.

Terry Rowley has provided the following obituary and statistical information.

He writes...

Barry Ashworth: Belated RIP

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Barry Ashworth, peacefully at home, last December.

Stockport born Barry Ashworth, a combative and fiery half-back began his professional career with Bangor City and then transferred down south to Southend United in July 1963 (6 goals in 36 starts all competitions) before joining Hartlepool United in March 1965 (4 goals in 49 games) and then on to Tranmere Rovers (4 goals in 24 starts) and finally Chester, 14 goals in 141+3 games from 1967-69.

His combative nature at Chester was such that he suffered two six-week suspensions which eventually led to his release after a failed transfer to neighbours, Wrexham, had fallen through in February 1970.

His release was not appreciated by the Chester fans but Chester’s loss became Altrincham’s gain when he was signed by, then Altrincham Manager, Laurie Brown in June 1970. He made his debut as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat at Morecambe. and went on to establish himself at left-half and finished the season with a North West Floodlit League winner’s medal, playing in both legs of the 4-3 aggregate final win.

Barry scored a total of ten goals in the league plus a further goal in the FA Trophy. His most memorable goal was a freak as he struck in the 11th minute, from the halfway line in a 3-1 win at Canal Street against Runcorn.

The following season Barry scored thirteen League goals and a further goal in the North West Floodlit League and, although Roy Rees intended to sign him on for the following season, he in fact joined Ellesmere Port in August 1972 returning briefly to Altrincham for the beginning of the 1973/74 season, scoring two further goals in nine appearance.

His final game, like his debut was as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat at Skelmersdale on the 17th November 1973. Barry then moved out on loan to Northwich Victoria, managed by former Altrincham team mate Brian Taylor before being released by Altrincham and heading back to Bangor City in December 1973 where he became captain and later acting Player/manager in the January 1975.

After retiring Barry became a property developer.

His Altrincham career was 27 goals in 108 games (105 full games and 3 as substitute).

Career

MIDWEEK LEAGUE FIXTURE

Tuesday 21st October
  • Boston United v Morecambe
  • Eastleigh v Scunthorpe United
  • York City v Boreham Wood

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Aldershot Town "confirm the signing of energetic midfielder, Ciaran Gilligan, on loan from Burton Albion.

Gilligan came through the ranks at The Brewers having joined their academy as a child, and made his debut as an 18-year-old.

The 23-year-old has made 78 appearances for Burton, with 60 of those coming in League One".

Boston United "would like to issue an update after the club received a Football Association charge in relation to a home fixture in March. The club were charged and sanctioned after a homophobic chant was heard from the North Stand against Woking on March 8.

The club strongly condemn the chant and re-iterate our zero tolerance policy on supporters found to have committed offences, home or away – with discriminatory abuse being offensive and potentially a criminal offence.

United chairman David Newton said 'The club have been sanctioned over homophobic chanting that took place at the home fixture against Woking in March. This has resulted in a £700 fine for the club, and we are now subject to an action plan as directed by the FA, to try to prevent such actions in the future.

'We need to say that this arose around the chant of 'get up you puff' – and what may have been deemed 'acceptable' in the past is not acceptable in any way today. We need the help of all supporters to stamp this out.

'We also have dealt with the racial abuse of a player (by an away fan) not long ago. This is simply not acceptable.

'We have a fantastic fanbase which overall represents Boston United in the right way, and are a credit to the club, but there remains a minority that cross the line. We ask all fans to support the club passionately, but please do not cross the line@">

Wealdstone "announce that goalkeeper Lucas Covolan has departed the club following the expiration of his short-term contract.

The Brazilian arrived at the Vale in the summer and made two appearances for Sam Cox’s side in the National League Cup, whilst also providing experience in the dressing room.

Everyone at Wealdstone FC thanks Lucas for his contributions to the club and wishes him the best for the future".

Southend United announce that "We’re pleased to announce plans to appoint a new head coach for Southend United Ladies, the first time the position will be a paid role.

The move represents another positive step in the club’s commitment to developing women’s and girls’ football in Southend and the wider region. It forms part of our longer-term ambition to establish a semi-professional women’s team within five years...

Southend United chairman Justin Rees said 'Since the takeover, our focus in relation to the women’s game has been on better integrating the women’s first team into the wider club and creating more pathways for girls at grassroots level under the leadership of Southend United Community Foundation.

'This appointment will mark our first tangible on-pitch contribution and a small but significant step as we look to help our women’s team progress up the pyramid'".

20 October 2025

NEXT: WINSFORD UNITED

Alty travel to Winsford on Tuesday to meet a United club now playing at step 5 who were rivals to Altrincham for many years.

The clubs were last in the same league in 1998-99 when Altrincham won the Northern Premier League (then, step 2) and Winsford finished eleventh.

The following season, Altrincham were playing in the Conference as Winsford were relegated from the NPL.

A second successive relegation followed the next season as Winsford found themselves demoted to the NW Counties league, where they competed, initially at Premier level, then in Division One, from 2001 until last season when they were champions of the NWCFL Division 1 South.

The club

's reward was to be transferred to the Midland League Premier where, currently, they lie fifth in a division of only 18 teams.

Last Saturday, Winsford were at home to Wombwell Town from South Yorkshire in the FA Vase. Winsford won 1-0.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 21 OCTOBER

On Tuesday, 21 October, when Altrincham travel to Winsford for a Cheshire Senior Cup match it will be two years to the day since they were scheduled to host Dorking Wanderers. However, a waterlogged pitch at Moss Lane meant that the game was postponed.

Above: Back in 2017, it got congested in the Alty goalmouth whenever Warrington won a corner kick!

So Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data remind us that the last time Altrincham actually played on Tuesday's date, 21 October, was in 2017 when they played out a goalless draw at Cantilever Park in the Vanarama National League North.

Surprisingly for such close neighbours, this was Altrincham's first competitive match at Cantilever Park. Mike Garnett's records confirmed that all five of the previous encounters between the two clubs had been at Moss Lane, in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

In 2017, on an afternoon when the squally wind and heavy rain were the only winners, Altrincham were unable to convert their general superiority into a goal at Cantilever Park. But Alty remained top of the Northern Premier League table on goal difference.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 3. Lewis SHORT, 4. James JONES, 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. James POOLE, 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs: 12. Max HARROP, 14. Tom PEERS, 15 Shaun DENSMORE, 16. Mason WALSH, 20. Tim DEASY

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Carlisle United beat Forest Green Rovers 4-2 on Saturday with Regan Linney scoring twice.

Cumbria's News and Star reported that Carlisle boss "Mark Hughes said he 'ignored' the Robbie Savage sideshow as Carlisle United found a way to win against Forest Green Rovers...

Savage’s touchline antics were a feature throughout but his former Blackburn Rovers and Wales mentor Hughes got the last laugh.

The Carlisle head coach said 'I know him probably better than a lot of my staff who were a little bit goaded by him on occasions. I know what he's like and, for the most part, I just ignored him.

'Sometimes he’s got to be a little bit careful with what he says – he's sometimes a little bit disrespectful to people who have been in the game a long time, so that was the only thing that I reacted to'".

Alty supporters will recall Savage's childish behaviour at Moss Lane earlier this season.

Hughes added that FGR are "a good side and have got some good individual talent... But you've still got to be able to learn how to win matches, even if you haven't got a total foothold or total command of the game...

'We’re really strong at the top end of the pitch at the moment and it gives us a really good outlet when we get those players running at National League defences.'

Carlisle made their move after a red card to Forest Green defender Laurent Mendy... 'At that time [after the red card], it was a little bit like a basketball game, which, probably they would have preferred, given they were down to ten men....

Carlisle, after losing consecutively to York City and Rochdale, have won four games in a row in all competitions".

The BBC reports that, for his part, "Robbie Savage says more action needs to be taken against the 'vile abuse' he has suffered from opposition fans.

Savage's side were beaten 4-2 at Carlisle United on Saturday in the National League and the former Wales midfielder says he was subjected to abuse that 'crossed the line'.

'I'll take the banter, and when they're singing songs about me as an individual I've got no problem,' Savage told BBC Radio Gloucestershire after the loss.

'But when it crosses the line, when it becomes nasty and some of the stuff said is wrong, what's done about it?...

'Stewards, volunteers, whoever's standing there, it's [still] allowed to happen consistently,' he added... 'I don't think it's acceptable, but nothing's going to be done, nothing's ever done.'"

19 October 2025

ALTRINCHAM 1-3 WOKING

Defeat to Woking left Altrincham without a win in seven league games, from which just a single point has been gleaned. Indeed they have produced no wins inside ninety minutes in their last nine fixtures if FA Cup games are taken into account.

Match report here.

Right: Goalkeeper Louie Fallon made his first start in the National League for Altrincham against Woking.

POST-MATCH PARKY

After a fourth successive home league defeat manager Phil Parkinson said "We were a million miles away from the standards we have set this season". He went on to concede that "It was the worst performance of the season".

He admitted that "We looked flat, devoid of ideas, we were blunt in attack and defence and the midfield was overrun".

NEXT: WINSFORD UNITED

Altrincham's next game is on Tuesday, when they travel to play Winsford United in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

The sides last met in the CSC in 2018 at the quarter-final stage when Winsford won 1-0 at Moss Lane.

It had been the second game in 24 hours for Altrincham, following a 1-1 draw with Mickleover Sports. Winsford had also played earlier this week but they started this game with a more settled eleven.

Alty, for their part, made eleven changes for this tie. The starters comprised a mixture of first-team squad members, two recent signings, and players from the youth and reserve set-ups.

The decisive goal arrived seven minutes after the interval when the lively Scott Taylor got in a cross from the right byline, which Perry Bircumshaw headed home from close range.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tim Deasy (c), 2. Callum Jones, 3 Dontai Gabidon, 4. James Jones, 5. Sam Heathcote, 6. Chris Merrie, 7. Theo Bailey-Jones, 8. Max Harrop, 9.Tom Peers, 10. Rhain Davis, 11. Darius Palma. Subs: 12. Harry Sheridan, 14. Tom Westall, 15 Dylan Scanlan, 15 Scott Smith, 20 Cameron Terry.

Incidentally, Winsford is the birthplace of Alty winger Charlie Kirk.

Winsford play in the Midland Football League having been promoted from the NWCFL Division One South as champions in 2025. They had spent two seasons in the South division before their return to the higher level.

The play at the Barton Stadium, Winsford CW7 3AE and currently lie fifth in the Midland Football League Premier.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Saturday's action.

League One : CARL PIERGIANNI played the full game for Stevenage, who lost by the only goal at Lincoln City.

When Wycombe Wanderers introduced JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 61 minutes at Blackpool, they were a goal down, but dramatically snatched a 1-1 draw in the 12th added minute.

ALI SMITH played the whole game for AFC Wimbledon as they won 1-2 at Plymouth Argyle. The hosts didn't have OWEN DALE in their squad.

League Two : MARCUS DINANGA (right) wasn't in Bromley's squad as they went down 2-1 at Cambridge United.

Another to miss out was CHARLIE OLSON, while REAGAN OGLE was substituted at half time as Oldham Athletic lost 1-0 at Salford City.

Neither of the two Manchester United loanees JOE HUGILL (Barnet) and SONNY ALJOFREE (Notts County) were involved as the Magpies scored the only goal at The Hive.

Tranmere Rovers gave CONNOR JENNINGS his first start for some weeks, and he scored twice, before being substituted after 79 minutes. The team from The Wirral scored 4 without reply at Bristol Rovers, who lacked the injured JOEL SENIOR.

HARRISON HOLGATE played the full game for Fleetwood Town as they drew 1-1 at Chesterfield. TOBY MULLARKEY wasn't in their squad, while JAMES BERRY played 63 minutes for the Spireites.

There was a full shift from JUSTIN AMALUZOR as Grimsby Town won 1-0 at home to Gillingham, who were down to 10 men after 33 minutes, and to 9 after 63 minutes.

Cheltenham Town had settled their 0-2 win at Newport County before withdrawing JAKE BICKERSTAFF after 77 minutes. The win lifted the Gloucestershire Robins out of the bottom two at the expense of Crawley Town, leaving Newport rock bottom. As for Crawley, they were holding on at Shrewsbury Town when DANNY CASHMAN (left) came off the bench in the 66th minute after missing 8 games through injury. Unfortunately they'd been reduced to 10 men a minute earlier, and went on to lose 1-0.

Barrow also lost a player at Walsall early in the second half, when they were leading by courtesy of ELLIOT NEWBY'S 31st minute goal, but they went on to increase their advantage and eventually won 1-2. Elliot was withdrawn in the 88th minute.

National League : MATT PENNEY had missed the last 14 games for Aldershot, and came off the bench after 86 minutes with his side level 1-1 against visitors Tamworth. The Staffordshire club, with KENNEDY DIGIE putting in a full shift, struck in the 7th added minute to win 1-2. Aldershot's goal was their only attempt on target.

Boreham Wood had just gone ahead when visitors Eastleigh brought JOSH LUNDSTRAM off the bench after 65 minutes, and, after withdrawing JEFF KING 11 minutes later, the hosts struck again to win 2-0.

ZAK MILLS lasted 78 minutes, while CONNOR TEALE played the full game as Boston United were held 1-1 at home in their Lincolnshire derby with Scunthorpe United.

JUSTIN DONAWA was left on the Brackley Town bench as visitors Gateshead forced a goalless draw.

Things are now so desperate at Morecambe that they handed JOE NUTTALL a start. They were already two down when they took him off after 79 minutes, and visitors Southend United won 0-3.

Neither KEVIN BERKOE nor LIAM HUMBLES was in the Rochdale squad that saw off visitors Yeovil Town 3-0. KYLE FERGUSON was withdrawn after 71 minutes of an unhappy return to the Crown Oil Arena, while MATT GOULD was, as usual, on the bench.

ALEX NEWBY (left) emulated his brother's contribution to Barrow's cause by rounding off the York City scoring in a 4-0 home win over Wealdstone. TYRESE SINCLAIR wasn't in the York squad.

Carlisle United's REGAN LINNEY was the obvious choice for Player of the Match at Carlisle United, as they won a feisty clash with visitors Forest Green Rovers. Having given them the lead from a CHRIS CONN-CLARKE assist, he restored it after Rovers had equalised. The visitors levelled again early in the second half, but, after Chris, booked earlier, was one of three Carlisle player substituted just before the hour, the Gloucestershire side found themselves down to 10 men after a second yellow card.

The referee cautioned 9 players, as well as Carlisle boss Mark Hughes, as he struggled to keep control. Regan followed his goals with the assist for the Cumbrians' third, before being substituted in the 90th minute. Carlisle added a penalty 2 minutes later to wrap up a 4-2 win.

National North : LUCAS WEAVER started his loan at Chorley on the bench, as they travelled to Buxton, who were captained by CONNOR KIRBY, who picked up a booking. Lucas came on after 73 minutes with the teams tied at 1-1. Chorley went ahead in the 81st minute but Buxton equalised in the 89th minute and went on to covert a 94th minute penalty to win 3-2.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY equalised for Chester to earn a 1-1 draw with visitors Kidderminster Harriers. TOM PEERS also started for the Seals, as did their former winger DAN MOONEY for Harriers - he picked up a yellow card before being substituted in the 87th minute.

RYAN COLCLOUGH put CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde 0-2 up at the break at King's Lynn, and they went on to win 1-2. CHRIS MERRIE and LIAM BROCKBANK (right) were also in their starting XI. Ryan came off after an hour, and GEORGE WILSON came on 8 minutes later. MICHAEL GYASI came on for the Norfolk side at the start of the second half.

Worksop Town captain LUKE WATERFALL put through his own goal to hand visitors Marine an early lead, and the Merseyside club went on to win 1-2.

National South : After they had trailed to visitors Enfield Town at the break, Dagenham & Redbridge recovered to win 3-2, with ASHLEY HEMMINGS notching their second. The win lifted them 3 places, and clear of the relegation zone.

Southern League Central : ZAK GOODSON scored the goal that sealed Quorn's 2-0 home win over Bury Town.

YUSIFU CEESAY was one of five different Spalding United scorers as they came from behind to see off visitors Sudbury 5-1.

Scottish Premiership : Kilmarnock's MARCUS DACKERS was substituted after 81 minutes, as league leaders Hearts comfortably hit 3 goals without reply, ensuring they will remain top even if Celtic win at Dundee tomorrow.

Scottish Championship : KIAN TAYLOR, having missed 8 games, was a 58th minute substitute for Morton at Ayr United. They equalised, but the hosts fought back to win 2-1, despite missing a penalty.

NPL Premier Division : Gainsborough Trinity were without hot shot JONNY MARGETTS, and one goal was enough for visitors FC United to win. RON SITHOLE was left on the visitors' bench.

With score level at 2-2, Leek Town brought ADAM PORTER (left) off the bench in the 82nd minute. Hosts Hebburn Town went 3-2 up, but Leek snatched a point in the 96th minute.

MONTEL GIBSON was withdrawn by Hednesford Town after 68 minutes of their goalless draw at leaders Lancaster City.

With Robins loanee OWEN GERMAN at the heart of their defence, Ashton United won 1-2 at Stockton Town.

DONTAI GABIDON was a 94th minute substitute for Warrington Town, who gained 3 vital points by beating visitors Guiseley 2-0.

Bamber Bridge had more or less wrapped up their 2-0 win against 10 man hosts Whitby Town by the time they substituted Robins loanee JOEL BAILEY after 87 minutes.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : ANDY DALES captained Mickleover, who, having come from behind to lead, eventually drew 2-2 with visitors Rugby Town.

NPL Division 1 West : JOE PIGGOTT scored twice, and SAM SHERIDAN added another against Congleton Town keeper DAVE PARTON as hosts Atherton Collieries won 4-2

Runcorn Linnets were again missing both RYAN BROOKE and LUKE WALL, and could only name 4 substitutes against visitors Shifnal Town. They trailed error, but, although SEAN MILLER was on target for them, they were only on terms for 3 minutes and lost 1-2.

There was a clean sheet for TONY THOMPSON, assisted by TOM HANNIGAN, as Bootle won by the only goal at Stalybridge Celtic. DIOR ANGUS was booked, then substituted after 65 minutes. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game for the hosts, but ELLIOT ROKKA and GREG WILKINSON were left on the bench.

A goal from BYRON HARRISON, who was substituted after 80 minutes,was enough to give Nantwich Town the win at Trafford, who finished with 10 men. AIDY ROXBURGH played the full game for the Dabbers, as did SEAN HIGGINS for the hosts.

Vauxhall Motors were held 1-1 by visitors Witton Albion. The Northwich side had a whole game performance from JOEL BEMBO-LETA, while JAMES LAWRIE and MAX HARROP were second half substitutes - Robins loanee REMI RAYMOND was left on the bench. The seemingly ageless KEVIN ELLISON played the final quarter of the game for Motors.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND (right) picked up a yellow card, and was substituted after 75 minutes as league leaders Lower Breck won 0-2 at Wythenshawe Town.

FA Vase : JOHN JOHNSTON opened the scoring for Irlam, before visitors Shildon briefly led. The tie finished 2-2, and Irlam went through 5-4 on penalties - JJ didn't take a kick.

DARIUS PALMA scored both of Wythenshawe's goals in a 2-2 draw with Holker Old Boys, but it was the Cumbrian visitors who won the shootout 4-3.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday 21st October

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wealdstone "announce the signing of exciting young goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk!

The 22-year-old arrives at the Vale with a tremendous pedigree in youth football, as he has represented England at the under-16, under-17 and under-18 levels.

He will be looking to provide competition for Dante Baptiste, who has started every league game for the Stones thus far.

Born in Poland, Graczyk moved to England as a child. He spent a considerable amount of time in the Arsenal academy after joining the Gunners from Everton aged 14...

Slough Town signed the youngster on loan at the start of the 2023/24 season, giving him his first experience in senior football. He made four appearances and kept one clean sheet during his stint for the sixth-tier side...

He moved to Manchester United... [and] was named on the substitutes bench in both FA Cup and Premier League matches last season. He also featured four times for Man United’s under-21 side".

Solihull Moors "announce the signing of midfielder Scott High on loan from Barnet.

The 24-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Moors, having made 50 appearances for Huddersfield Town and enjoyed successful loan spells at Dundalk and FC Halifax Town, where he worked closely with [Moors manager] Chris Millington...


Click here for EARLIER NEWS

Alty Files Website Index

The following pages, which initially replicate those pages with the same web addresses which formed part of the official Club website, will be re-branded from 2018 as part of this new unofficial Alty Files site.

A/Z Site Index to The Alty Files at www.altrinchamfc.co.uk