Alty Ladies line up against Northwich Vixens, 30 October 2016

Altrincham FC runs an open-age Ladies' team which plays (2015-16) in the North West Regional League, Division One South.

The venue for home matches is normally Mersey Valley Sports Club, Banky Lane, Sale, M33 5SL. Matches are normally played on Sundays, k.o. 2pm. Spectators are welcome at all games. For details of matches and times, please see the fixtures list below.

There is a separate website for the Altrincham FC Juniors and social activities.

Management

Keith Edleston

Phil Taylor

John McManus

Dave Grundy

• Manager - Keith Edleston
• Administration/Coach - Phil Taylor
• Fitness Coach - John McManus
• Coach - Dave Grundy

Recruitment

FA GETS IT WRONG!

The FA has now corrected its error as and revised its table to confirm that Alty Ladies actually finished sixth in the North West Womens Regional League Division One South.

Last Thursday, the champions, Merseyrail Bootle, beat Altrincham FC Ladies 6-1 on Merseyside.

VICTORIOUS AGAINST VIXENS

Northwich Vixens 0 Altrincham 2

Two well-taken second half goals not only secured Altrincham FC Ladies' eighth league win of the season, but also completed their second league double, defeating Northwich Vixens 2-0 at Lostock Gralam FC.

The first-half performance saw Alty, yet again, dominate but unable to convert a host of chances. Megan Rowley had an effort rebound off the crossbar, Megan Wright fashioned an opening, only to steer her shot agonisingly wide. Jade Hesketh also worked a shooting chance; her acute-angled shot was well saved when there were better options with a cut-back in the penalty area, as the match finished goal-less come the interval.

Right: Megan Wright taking on a Vixens defender.

Half-Time 0-0

On resumption, Vixens were quicker out of the blocks, Alty goalkeeper Lizzie Brereton was forced into making an impressive save and, moments later, the Robins were caught out defensively and saw the hosts narrowly steer a chance off target.

Undeterred, Altrincham worked their way back into the match, kept on pushing and probing, and they were rewarded with the opening goal on 68 minutes. Wright intercepted a free-kick, she passed to Hesketh who, with her back to goal, released an angled pass to Rowley, a player who has made her way through the youth ranks. She ran into space, unleashed an angled shot across goal and saw it nestle inside the far post for her first ever senior goal.

Alty kept on pouring forward and their second goal duly arrived on 88 minutes. Georgia Vernardakis dinked the ball into space on the right, releasing Rowley. Cutting inside, her by-line effort was pushed out by the Vixens’ goalkeeper. Kate Bryan reacted the quickest to smash her shot into the top right to secure victory.

With only two league fixtures left and results pending, Altrincham FC Ladies will finish in their highest ever league position since they were formed back in 2011.

LADIES WIN CHESHIRE DERBY

"A tough Cheshire derby saw the girls record a much needed win over Northwich Vixens; goals from Megan Rowley and Kate Bryan secured the points. A late call-off from left-back Kye Brown meant a quick starting reshuffle into a 3-4-3, where Megan Wright slotted in to left midfield and there was a starting front-two of Jade Hesketh and Megan Rowley, with Laura Dodds in a no.10 role.

The first half was cagey with both teams probing different angles and having quite differing styles of play. It took a bit of Rowley magic to nearly break the deadlock when she burst through and chipped the outcoming keeper. With us all thinking this was her first goal for the seniors, it struck the crossbar and bounced down onto the line and into a very grateful keeper's arms.

The half finished 0-0 but with plenty of positives, and with a half-time chat still ringing in the players' ears we set about the second half with renewed enthusiasm.

The game continued with us playing the way we do, with great link up from our midfield to the strikers and also spreading the play from side to side when possible.

Then the moment we have been waiting for arrived when, on 65 minutes, the deadlock was broken. A ball was played through to Megan Rowley, who then took it on past a defender, drew the keeper, then buried it in the bottom corner... GOAL 1-0.

It was her first goal since making the step up from juniors to seniors. A second goal arrived, near the end, from another Megan Rowley shot. The keeper parried the ball out, only for Kate Bryan to run onto it and slam it into the top corner to make it 2-0... and that is how it ended.

It was a gutsy, gritty performance from the girls that secured us the bragging rights in Cheshire for this season. Thank you to Northwich Vixens for their great hospitality and we wish them good luck for their remaining games".

AWAY WIN FOR LADIES

LADIES BATTLE FOR A POINT

"Jade Hesketh’s last gasp strike against Liverpool City was enough to see a share of the spoils on a pulsating second half encounter in a 2-2 draw at Moss Lane. Alty women would be perfect for the pools coupons, now drawing three out of their last four consecutive fixtures.

Right: Captain Bliss Molyneux leads the team out with mascot, 8 year-old Lucy from Altrincham JFC Robins.

Over 200 came to watch as, yet again, the Robins couldn’t make a number of chances count in the first half. Megan Wright and Georgia Vernadakis also posed the main attacking threat in the opening forty-five. However, Liverpool City, positioned at the base of the table, had their chances too. Direct in their approach play, launching it to attacker Sophie Hughes, on one occasion, her shot forced Alty goalkeeper Lizzie Brereton into making an impressive save as half-time arrived goal-less.

On resumption, the Robins were made to count for not taking their chances with Liverpool taking the lead on 52 minutes with an exceptional goal. Hughes found a yard of space and unleashed a long-range shot that flew into the top right from an acute angle.

Although Altrincham continued to press, they still couldn’t force an opening. Liverpool doubled their lead on 80 minutes. Hughes broke away along the right and cut inside to chip home.

Alty pulled a goal back in the 86th minute, Vernadakis dinked a ball over the top for Laura Kelly to run onto and expertly place home a diagonal shot.

With the last attack of the match, the Robins levelled the scoreline. Brogan Walsh slipped a through-ball to Hesketh who made a pocket of space, kept her composure and rounded the goalkeeper to slip a left-footed shot into the net to send the Moss Lane crowd into raptures".

LADIES' FIGHT-BACK

Above: Alty defend their goal in the first half.

Altrincham FC Ladies came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool City Ladies in Sunday's league match at the J Davidson Stadium. More on this match to follow...

Next week the Alty Ladies are away to Northwich Vixens.

LADIES' REPORT

Although the Robins are unbeaten in three matches, conceding only once, it is a lack of goals up front that is of concern. It was a promising start for Alty, Kyeshia Brown seeing a long-range effort well claimed by the visiting goalkeeper. The Robins' best chance came on nine minutes, Megan Wright collecting a ball over the top but her low effort was denied by an outstretched keeper’s leg.

The visitors did have a spell where they came close on a couple of occasions, while Megan Rowley saw her shot parried by the visiting goalkeeper. It looked destined to go in before the danger was cleared by a defender.

Chorlitans[Chorltonians] also came close themselves following a corner, a diving header cleared off the line, however neither side did enough to find a way through as the points were shared".

LADIES AT THE J DAVIDSON STADIUM

LADIES' CHANGE OF VENUE

We are grateful to Jane Morley, Stockport County LFC and Stockport Sports Village for accommodating us at such short notice. The game is a 2pm kick off on Pitch 1 (astro) and the clubhouse will be open from 12.30pm for refreshments. Why not come down and cheer the girls on towards three points?"

0-0, LADIES DRAW A BLANK

LADIES' AWAY VICTORY

"Two goals in the closing stages saw Altrincham Fc register an impressive 3-1 away victory against Liverpool Feds at I M Marsh Sports Centre, Aigburth.

Right: Megan Rowley shields the ball from a Feds' defender.

Although the result was about the superb all-round-team performance, it was the first-team start of Megan Rowley, who recently came through the junior ranks, which really impressed, chasing every lost cause in the attack and giving the Feds’ defence a torrid time.

The match was a tight affair in the opening stages, before eventually opening up. Liverpool had the first chance when a Feds’ player’s low effort beat goalkeeper Lizzie Brereton. Full-back Kyeshia Brown raced back to make an important clearance of the goal-bound ball.

Megan Wright twice went close with efforts, just off target, for the Robins. However, it was the Feds who took the lead on the half-hour mark. Following a cross from the right, Amie Hands nipped in to tuck the ball inside the right post.

After the break, Alty got the much much-needed equalizer on 52 minutes. They were awarded a penalty following a handball, Laura Dodds dispatching the resulting spot-kick into the bottom left corner.

Altrincham dominated the match thereafter. Kate Bryan had an effort that hit the crossbar and Wright had two more chances off-target. Victory appeared to be slipping away for the Robins until they struck on 89 minutes. Following a corner that was half-cleared, Alty recycled play, Dodds passed a ball behind the Feds’ back-line for Wright to sweep home from close range.

With the match in added time, Altrincham scored the deserved third. Full-back Tish Collins intercepted a Feds’ free-kick and played a ball over the opposing back-line. Marcia Jones-Sacharewicz latched onto this and expertly placed the ball into the net for her first goal for the club and wrap up a memorable afternoon for Altrincham FC women’s team.

LADY ROBINS TRIUMPH ON THEIR TRAVELS

In an even first half, where chances were at a premium, it was was a suprise when a cross into the box somehow managed to sneak into the net to give Feds a 1-0 lead.

It was a much improved second-half performance and, with our stamina and fitness wearing the Feds' players down, (well done John McManus - your fitness work is paying off), we equalized through a Laura Dodds penalty on 50 mins after a handball in the box.

After that, it was all one-way traffic and wave after wave of attacks finally payed dividends when a Megan Wright goal on 88 minutes finally put us in front and the icing on the cake was when Marcia was put through on a one on one and she finished in style to make it a final score of 3-1 to the Lady Robins.

Megan Rowley got her full debut today and played very well and deservedly got Opposition Player of the Game and also our Management Player of the Game, for such a young player stepping up from the Juniors she has an old head on her shoulders, which is fantastic. Good luck for the rest of the season to Colin and his girls at Feds". The Gaffer

DAMIAN'S RECORD THREATENED

Whilst Tarpey has already surpassed Birchall`s record, it`s going to be very tough task to overhaul the National League`s top division goalscoring record which has stood since the 1983/84 season when Paul Culpin netted 41 times in just 42 matches.

However, there`s a much better chance of the North division record being beaten this season. League leaders AFC Fylde's Danny Rowe already has 40 goals to his name and needs only 4 more to beat Altrincham's Damian Reeves who, ironically, scored 43 in the same season as Birchall set his record in the South for Dover".

LADIES' AWAY WIN

LADIES' NEW SIGNING

"The Gaffer is seen (right), on Thursday night, welcoming our new signing to the squad, Spanish goalkeeper Esther Henandez Rodriguez. Esther is a goalkeeper who has been training with us for a few weeks, (courtesy of Elina Parker who brought her down).

She comes with a fine pedigree at League 2 level (League 1 has Barcelona, etc in it). She will have to wait a few weeks though for her international clearance to come through but will still be involved in matchdays with current No.1 Lizzie Brereton in the warm-ups and also to help her bond with the squad. Esther will take the No.22 shirt.

Welcome to the club Esther".

LADIES' GAME ON

LADIES' MATCH REPORT

Lady Robins bow out in style

TRANMERE ROVERS 4 ALTRINCHAM 1

It’s fair to say that the cups have been unkind to Altrincham FC this season. Drawn against sides located in the leagues above them, the Robins felt they could have got something against Tranmere Rovers in the Cheshire County Women’s FA Cup.

The Birkenhead side currently occupy the bottom slot in the Premier League Northern Division 1, two leagues above Alty. In an evenly contested first half, Tranmere’s class showed in the last thirty minutes of the second half, securing a 4-1 victory at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.

It started so promisingly enough for Altrincham when Laura Kelly was put clear in the early exchanges and, with only the goalkeeper to beat, steered her effort wide.

However, following some pressure, Alty made this count with only 12 minutes on the clock. Kelly passed inside from the right for Jess Hartopp to tuck the ball home to take the lead.

Alty’s goalkeeper Lizzie Brereton pulled off two impressive saves, however, their advantage only last 5 minutes. Tranmere played long ball; one such pass found Candice Nellist beating the offside trap to smash her shot hit the inside the far post before nestling into the net to level matters.

Then Birkenhead took the lead for the first time two minutes later, Lindsey Smith directed home a far-post header from a corner.

Altrincham were by no means overawed and could have equalised before half-time, when Kate Bryan’s strike struck the crossbar.

After the break, Laura Dodds’s header was diverted wide for a corner. From the resulting flag-kick, Kyeshia Brown’s header was just off target.

Tranmere’s experience in plying their trade in higher league echelons started to show, Nellist adding a third.

Hartopp had a chance to pull one back, steering an effort across goal just wide. However, Heather Scheuber netted their fourth in the closing stages.

Megan Wright drove a shot straight at the Tranmere goalkeeper before full-time but it was the Birkenhead side that progressed through to the next round of the cup".

LADIES' NEXT FIXTURES

The Ladies return to league action the following Sunday (26th) when they host Warrington Wolverines at Mersey Valley (2pm).

MATCH POSTPONED

LADIES' FRIENDLY FIXTURE

If you can make the trip over to support the girls we would love to see you there".

LADIES' LOSS

LADIES' MATCH ON

LADIES' NEWS

Last Sunday, the Ladies also had a cup match, when they won 1-0 away to Birkenhead in the Cheshire County Cup match. Courtesy of Paul Hatton and Keith Edleston we have a report on that fine victory...

Robins advance into Quarter Final of The County Cup

"Great result today in our Cheshire County Cup game away at Premier League opposition Birkenhead. Every time you go to Merseyside/Wirral you are assured of a very tough game and today was no exception. In a first half, which the girls took the game to their opponents and with a more than a few chances to take the lead, especially a superb Laura Dodds surge into the box which finished with her hitting the bar, it ended 0-0. With a bit more care and attention with the ball we knew we could break them down.

The second half continued the way of the first, with us having most of the play but the occasional foray into our box from Birkenhead meant we had to stay switched on. After running herself into the ground we let Jess Hartop have a rest with Laura Kelly entering the field of play. And it was her mazy run down the right-hand side that saw a quality ball into the box for Sadie Powell to notch her first (and ultimately the winning) goal for the club.

There was even time for a couple more chances and a Megan Wright shot on goal, which we all thought had crossed the line, before the last few minutes when Birkenhead threw everything, including the kitchen sink, at us but we held out.

We now take on Tranmere Rovers Ladies (away) in the quarter final of The Cheshire County Cup on the 19th February.

The final score was Birkenhead LFC 0 Altrincham FCL 1 (Sadie Powell 79 mins).

Well done to all".

NEW MIDFIELD SIGNING

Referring to the image (right), Keith says, "Our new signing Sophie Carolan shakes hands with the gaffer after Thursday night's training. Sophie, who is a young, pacy right-sided midfielder/forward, has been at Stoke City FC until the constant travelling two or three times a week from Altrincham was getting too much to do.

More recently Sophie has been playing for Wythenshawe Amateurs under-18s to keep herself fit and sharp. She has been allocated the squad number 20 shirt. Welcome to the club, Sophie".

LADIES' GAME POSTPONED

LADIES' FIXTURES

~After that...

• 22nd Jan: H v Bolton Wanderers 2pm
• 29th Jan: H v Merseyrail Bootle 2pm

All this is subject to games going ahead with no postponements as Birkenhead and Bolton are cup games.

OPPOSITION'S PERSPECTIVE

As early as the first minute when Beth Tattersall delivered excellent consecutive crosses with no end product, the general pattern of the game was established; United would strive forward in persistent red waves looking for the elusive, decisive strike whilst Altrincham would absorb the pressure, stifle their hosts and look to hit on the break...

Five minutes remained of a frustrating half as Chambers floated a fee kick into the danger zone causing panic in the Altrincham defence as Fran Davies fired the loose ball back in for Parker to beat Brereton who was saved by the woodwork as the ball cannoned harmlessly away....

The second half continued in much the same vein with United on the front foot from the restart... On 55 minutes first Wolstencroft, surging beyond Altrincham’s back line, struck the post from 20 yards with Parker doing the same within a minute.

With FC pressure and momentum building by the minute the breakthrough finally came midway through the half. McCarrick anticipated a forward pass from Altrincham’s defence to midfield and her well timed interception was played short and forward to Mia Holden who helped the ball through to McCarrick who had continued her run. Suddenly the defender-cum-midfielder was beyond the Altrincham rearguard one on one with Brereton and her abundance of calm, typical of her all round play, saw McCarrick stroke the ball past the excellent keeper to an outpouring of congratulations matched by relief on and off the pitch.

Further chances were spurned and as the game neared its end United protected their precious lead, nervously at times, giving away a dangerous free kick from which Laura Dodds drew a fine save from Gillingham. The United keeper, a spectator for large intervals, was injured with a couple of minutes to go as she bravely cleared from the edge of her area under pressure from Jessica Hartopp but United held the visitors’ late charge at bay...

FC United of Manchester Women: 1. Amy Gillingham, 18. Morgan McWhirter, 2. Fran Davies, 5. Chelsea Patient, 3. Abbie Carrington, 17. Jess McCarrick, 6. Mia Holden, 15. Jade Parker, 10. Beth Tattersall, 11. Kirsty Chambers (Capt), 9. Shellby Wolstencroft. Subs: 4. Olivia Greenhalgh, 8. Adora Yau, 14. Leah Dolan, 16. Charlie Evans, 19. Allisha Marsh.

Altrincham FC Ladies: 1. Lizzie Brereton, 4. Kyesha Brown, 3. Heather Scott, 14. Megan Wright, 5. Louise Edleston, 6. Letitia Collins, 15. Jade Hesketh, 8. Gail Simpson, 16. Bliss Molyneux (Captain), 10. Laura Dodds, 11. Georgia Plant, Subs: 7. Jessica Hartopp, 9. Laura Kelly, 18. Lucy Smith, 21. Marcia Sacharewicz, 23. Brogan Walsh".

ALTRINCHAM FC LADIES' DRAW

Lady Robins sign off 2016 with a hard fought draw.

ALTRINCHAM FC 1 ELLESMERE PORT 1

Altrincham Fc women’s team finished the calendar year on an unbeaten note with a 1-1 draw against Ellesmere Port at Mersey Valley.#

Manager Keith Edleston who has described this season as a “work in progress”, saw Alty take a first half lead, however, Ellesmere Port’s second half equaliser was a tad questionable.

Memories were cast back to the reverse fixture earlier on in the season in a match that Alty dominated throughout but lost 2-1. However, on this occasion, it was the visitors who had more of the possession and, on the passage of play throughout the 90 minutes, a draw was a fair result.

With Alty winning their two previous fixtures, it was the visitors who looked the more settled outfit, the Robins had to be thankful to their goalkeeper Lizzie Brereton for pulling off two class saves. The visitors’ goalkeeper was

However when Alty were presented with a corner on 28 minutes, they took the lead. Laura Dodds’s corner was half-cleared to Heather Scott, she pushed to pass to Jess Hartopp, her cross picked out Laura Kelly unmarked at the near post, who turned to smash home from close range as the hosts entered the interval with a goal lead.

Ellesmere Port’s equaliser on 49 minutes saw a throw-in launched into the box, a lay-off to a player was clearly offside. Some Alty players stopped, expecting the referee to blow his whistle, but play was allowed to go on, the resulting cross picked out Hannah Perry to dispatch from close range.

Although Altrincham had promising passages of play, the nearest they came to scoring was when Wright was denied by a superb reflex save as they retained their sixth position within the North West Regional League Division One South, once the final whistle had blown.

There were also debuts for Tish Collins and Marcia Sacharewicz, two players who have recently signed for the club".

Pictured above, left, are Georgia Plant and Laura Dodds, and right, (no. 21) Marcia Sacharewicz and (24) Tish Collins, who came off the bench to make their debuts. Images courtesy of Keith Edleston.

LADIES' FIXTURE CHANGES

• SUN 12 MAR 2017 at 14:00 ALTRINCHAM FC LADIES -v- LIVERPOOL CITY LADIES COMMUNITY FC (was SUN 12 MAR 2017) Venue: Mersey Valley Sports Club
• SUN 19 MAR 2017 14:00 EGERTON -v- ALTRINCHAM FC LADIES (was SUN 11 DEC 2016) Venue: Egerton Youth Club
• SUN 26 MAR 2017 14:00 CURZON ASHTON FC (TAMESIDE) WOMEN -v- ALTRINCHAM FC LADIES (was SUN 12 MAR 2017) Venue: Tameside Stadium

LADIES' CHESHIRE DERBY WIN

"Here is a report and picture from our Manx reporter Paul Hatton who came over for the weekend (and also attended the first-team's Tamworth game)...

'Lady Robins secure all three points in the Cheshire Derby

A Brogan Walsh second half strike was enough for Altrincham FC women’s team to secure maximum points against Stockport County Blues, securing a 1-0 victory in the North West Regional Division One South at Mersey Valley, thus consolidating fifth place.

Although the visitors turned up with the bare starting XI, they did frustrate the Robins. The hosts dominated for large periods but could not convert that possession into a more comprehensive score-line.

With the match just over a minute old, Alty had a glorious opportunity to take the lead. Laura Kelly crossed from the left, picking out an unmarked Megan Wright at the far post, but she steered an easy chance wide.

The Robins continued to force the issue, Wright and Walsh had chances off target whilst, just before the interval, Kelly had an effort cleared off the line.

After the break, Alty kept up the pressure. Two handball appeals were turned down in the penalty area, Laura Dodds fired a free-kick straight at the goalkeeper and Kelly drove a low shot narrowly wide.

The breakthrough arrived on 62 minutes. Dodd’s corner was aimed at the far post, Louise Edleston pushed the ball onto Walsh’s path for her to steer home from close range.

Chances still came Alty’s way. Wright embarked on a weaving run, but drove the resulting shot straight at the keeper whilst Bliss Molyneaux lifted an effort over the crossbar following a corner but Alty could not add to their score-line.

Last Sunday also saw Megan Rowley make her senior debut for the team, replacing Walsh as soon as she scored. Rowley has came through the junior ranks. Manager Keith Edleston is keen to promote a pathway from the junior set-up through to the seniors.

Players' Player of the Match went to Heather Scott, Management Player went to Louise Edleston".

Above, right: Louise Edleston brings the ball out of defence. Image courtesy of Keith Edleston. .

LADIES' 1-0 VICTORY

TWO NEW SIGNINGS FOR LADY ROBINS

Altrincham FC Ladies' manager, Keith Edleston, announces...

"I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome two new signings to the Club, both of whom have joined us from Cheshire League leaders, Chester FC.

First up, is Marcia Sacharewicz (on the right of the picture). Marcia is a pacy prolific striker who was the Cheshire League's leading goalscorer last season and leads the way again with twelve this season, before her transfer over to us.

Second up is centre-half/right-back Tish Collins. Tish (on the left of the picture) is a tough ball-winning defender who always wants the ball and has the quality to bring it out of defence to start the play, she has played for Stockport County LFC and, last year, played in Runcorn's title-winning Divison 1 team.

Welcome to the Club, girls..."

LADIES' CUP WIN

NEWS

LANDMARK FOR THE ALTY LADIES

He adds, "Over the past six months we have been working hard with Rachel (Girls' football co-ordinator), the Junior Girls' section of the club and specifically the Under-17s to try and bridge the gap between junior and senior football. We have had, (and will continue to do so), girls from Steve and Andrew's team down to our training sessions on a Thursday night to get them used to the transition.

All the girls have trained hard and, as Steve and Andrew have said, it's now showing and benefiting the girls when they play for their own team on a Saturday. Last night, a bit of history was made as Megan Rowley became the first player to make the transition into our squad, Megan (or her new nickname 'Junior' as we have christened her) has excelled when she has been down and I'm sure will continue to flourish with us over the coming season. She will still continue to play for her team on a Saturday but will also work with us on a Thursday and Sunday to continue her build-up into women's football and will be available for our squad selection. Megan will take the No.12 squad number".

LADIES' NEXT MATCH

The social club at Mersey Valley will be open throughout the day from 12 noon.

LADIES' MATCH POSTPONED

BEATEN BY ONLY SHOT ON TARGET

"A view from a Manx Man" by Paul Hatton (Port Erin Isle of Man)

ALTRINCHAM 0 CURZON ASHTON 1

Altrincham Fc Women’s team have now lost two consecutive league matches, after they were defeated 1-0 against bottom-of-the-table Curzon Ashton at Mersey Valley last Sunday.

The two teams had met in a pre-season game, which the Robins had won convincingly 4-1. However, this was a different footballing side which Curzon fielded last weekend.

Right: Laura Dodds taking on the Curzon defence.

In a match that Altrincham dominated throughout, they were made to pay for their profligacy, for not converting a host of chances.

The first half hour was a scrappy affair with both sides locked in a midfield battle with through-balls from both sides either over-hit or swallowed up by the opposing defences. The only chance on target fell to the visitors, from which they scored via a long range strike on 20 minutes.

As the first half drew to close, Altrincham created the chances. Georgia Plant’s low, angled shot forced the Curzon goalkeeper into making an impressive save, Jess Hartopp had a strike that was headed cleared off the line, whilst subsitute Laura Kelly came close, steering just wide with her first touch.

After the break, Altrincham continued to dominate. Plant had a free-kick that hit the side-netting whilst Hartopp found shooting space, but drove her shot straight at the keeper.

Brogan Walsh came off the subs’ bench. She, too, had a shot that was thwarted by the visiting goalkeeper. Kelly also came close when her shot was pushed onto the post and, from the lingering danger, Walsh curled wide.

The Curzon net-minder continued to perform heroics in the closing stages, superbly repelling Laura Dodds's shot.

But the Robins couldn’t find a way through as all three points were clinched by the visitors come the final whistle.

The two teams will meet again in the league on the 27th November where Alty will be looking to redress the balance".

LADIES' AID TOY APPEAL

"The Cheshire Cup begins...

We build up this week to the start of the Cheshire Cup and welcome Witton Albion to Mersey Valley this coming Sunday. This game is a 1pm kick-off and the usual facilities will be open from 12 noon. We always look forward to this cup as it's a huge competition and, if you win it, you can justifiably be called the 'Pride of Cheshire'. If you can, why not pop down and cheer the girls on to the next round? Also, we are proud to be helping our training kit sponsor Smart Storage and this year's Toy Appeal. If you can donate a toy to this fantastic appeal then please bring it along to Mersey Valley on Sunday. Thanks".

Full details of the Smart Storage toy appeal are here. Smart Storage are sponsors of the Altrincham FC Family Stand.

The match is at Mersey Valley, Banky Lane, Sale, M33 5SL. Any problems please contact me on 07711 961101 asap. We look forward to welcoming you down to Mersey Valley on Sunday.

LADIES' LOSS

FIXTURE CHANGES

The updated fixture list is here.

MIXED FORTUNES

LADIES LOSE AT WARRINGTON

The Ladies' next match is at home (at Mersey Valley FC) to Curzon Ashton next Sunday (2pm).

MANX MAN ON LADIES' WIN

A View From a Manx Man: ALTRINCHAM 3 NORTHWICH VIXENS 0

Altrincham FC Women’s team charted new territory, reaching their highest league position to date since the club was formed five years ago, following a 3-0 victory over Northwich Vixens at Mersey Valley last Sunday.

Alty now occupy third position within the North West Regional Division 1 South after registering their fifth win this season. However, this victory wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed. After dominating the first half, the Robins couldn’t convert a series of chances and the half finished goalless after a frustrating opening forty five.

The Vixens’ goalkeeper pulled off a number of impressive saves, denying Jess Hartopp with the first attack of the match and minutes later, repelling Kyeshia Brown’s strike.

However, Alty, on one occasion, were caught off-guard, a visiting player was clean through, only to see her effort superbly saved by Lizzie Brereton. Just before the interval, the hosts thought they had scored. Georgia Plant’s impressive free-kick saw the Vixens’ goalkeeper somehow clawing away the danger.

On resumption, Plant was unlucky not to score again, her strike hitting the crossbar.

The breakthrough arrived on 52 minutes. Jade Hesketh intercepted an opposing goal-kick and drilled it into the bottom right to make it 1-0.

Altrincham doubled their lead on 71 minutes. Plant’s corner was curled in and Laura Dodds directed home a header from close range.

Brogan Walsh came close to adding a third with an effort that went narrowly over the crossbar, so too Laura Kelly when her low strike was pushed onto the post.

Alty got their third with the last attack of the match. Following another Plant corner, the ball skimmed off Kelly’s head, directing her effort home at the near post to complete the scoring.

Player of the Match (voted by the players) was a three-way tie between Louise Edleston, Bliss Molyneaux and Georgia Plant. Manager's Player of the Match went to Jade Hesketh.

Onto this Sunday, when we are on our travels to Grappenhall Sports Club, where we take on Warrington Wolverines with a 2pm kick-off. This will be another tough game, and they come thick and fast, but we will be up for this as ever. Why not pop over to support the girls in their quest for another 3 points?

ALTRINCHAM LADIES' 3-0 WIN

LADIES' BOSS'S VIEW

"Sunday's Argyle Sports League Cup First Round tie ended in a 2-4 defeat for the Ladies.

In a game which we started off so well and in which we took the lead through a great finish by Jade Hesketh, we seemed to have 20/30 minutes of 'indecision' and made some mistakes from which Stingers capitalised, so we went in at the interval 1-4 down!

Our second half performance was much better, with crisp, sharper passing and we really took the game to them. An early goal was needed and we got it through another fine strike from Megan Wright to make it 2-4. Game on!

We turned the screw now and we had Stingers rocking although, being a Premier League side, they were still dangerous on the break and they had a couple of chances to increase their lead, (thankfully wasted),

In the closing stages two one-on-ones with the Stingers' keeper were missed and, no matter how much we tried, our opportunity to advance into Round Two was over. I can't fault the girls' attitude and workrate as we took the game to them and nearly pulled it off. A massive thank you also to the sizeable crowd that are turning up to support us each game now. We do really appreciate it. Thank you!

Manager's Player of the Match went to Megan Wright for her non-stop work up front and a great goal.

We go again this coming Sunday with another home game, down at Mersey Valley at 2pm, versus Northwich Vixens. We'd love to see you there".

Pictured, right is Laura Kelly closing down a Stingers defender.

PHIL'S MATCH REPORT

LADIES ARE MADE OF THE WRIGHT STUFF

A 90th minute speculative strike from Altrincham’s Megan Wright made sure there was a share of the spoils when they drew 3-3 against Liverpool Feds at Mersey Valley in the North West Regional Division 1 South.

It was a match of two halves which saw the visitors take the lead on three occasions, only to be cancelled out by the Robins.

Altrincham played 4-5-1 in the first half, which saw them struggle to get a foothold, especially by the high standards they have set themselves this campaign. Liverpool repeatedly played the ball behind the hosts’ back-line which resulted in the opening goal. Captain Bliss Molyneaux was looking to shepherd the ball back to goalkeeper Lizzie Brereton, Levi Walmsley nipped in ahead to poke the ball into the net.

Altrincham’s only chance in the first half saw them score with 26 minutes played. Jade Hesketh slipped a pass to Jess Hartopp on the right who unleashed a trade-mark long range effort that flew into the roof of the goal.

However, the Feds restored their advantage, Carina Mendes received a through-ball and guided her shot into the net.

Brereton pulled off a great save before the interval, however, the Robins levelled for the second occasion on 51 minutes. Kate Bryan collected a Georgia Plant pass, side-stepped her marker and drillrd a low shot just inside the left post.

Liverpool scored for the third time following a corner wasn’t cleared. Jade Moore poked home from close range.

Alty pushed forward for another equaliser. Hartopp had a header cleared off the line, the Feds’ goalkeeper pulled off saves denying Plant and Wright.

On 90 minutes, Altrincham got their deserved equaliser. Plant’s corner was half-cleared, Wright unleashed a long range strike that landed into the roof of the goal and saw them maintain their fourth place in the league.

Player of the Match: Georgia Plant".

Keith adds that, below, we see (left) captain Bliss Molyneaux, leading out the team with mascots Faye (U11s) and Lucy (U8s) from our junior girls' teams and, right, Laura Dodds in typical midfield action.

REPORT ON SUNDAY'S WIN

ALTY LADIES' PLAYER HONOURED

Laura began studying on Edge Hill’s Dip HE Paramedic Practice course in 2013 and immediately highlighted to her tutors that she struggled in the past with her academic work due to her dyslexia. Despite this, Laura put 100% effort into her work and successfully completed the first semester scoring good grades in each of the assessments.

As the main carer for a relative, Laura dedicates a vast proportion of her time to helping support her family at home, and struggled with balancing her home commitments and study for her examinations. She was determined to persevere with her studies however, and successfully passed the examinations and assessments.

During this period and throughout the course, Laura also helped her peers who were struggling with their own work... Laura also attended external Continual Professional Development days and became a British Heart Foundation Heart start instructor, running sessions teaching lifesaving skills in the local community.

As well as receiving a certificate at an official presentation, Laura’s name will be added to the Roll of Honour on the College of Paramedics records and website, and included in their Annual Report. Laura is now completing a BSc (Hons) Clinical and Professional Paramedic Practice".

3-1 WIN FOR LADIES

Above: Laura Dodds celebrates after her goal (left) and Megan Wright takes on the Liverpool defence (right).

Altrincham Ladies defeated Liverpool City 3-1, away, today. The goals came from Laura Dodds, Jade Hesketh and Kate Bryan. The Ladies are now fourth in the league and host fifth-placed Liverpool Marshalls Feds Reserves next Sunday at Mersey Valley, on Sunday at 2pm.

Manager Keith Edleston writes, "Just a few words from Sunday's game against Liverpool City LFC,

We travelled up onto Merseyside where you are always guaranteed a tough game, in whatever competition you are in, and today was to be no exception.

Liverpool have got a fair few new players in this season, so they were going to be a bit of an unknown qauntity to us but we knew, if we stuck to our game, then we should be OK. A text-book goal from Laura Dodds, after some lovely play where we swung play from one side of the pitch to the other, sent Jess scampering down the right to the by-line and she cut a perfect pass back to Doddsy where she gratefully smashed the ball into the net... 1-0.

A harsh penalty, converted just on half time for Liverpool meant we went in 1-1 at the interval. A few points were made and, within two minutes of the restart, a through ball sent Kate Bryan away and she finished to the keeper's left. A further goal from Jade Hesketh saw us see the game out without too many worries but, boy, there are games when you have to earn the win and we certainly did earn this one!

It was a good, gritty team performance today from the girls and now we take this on to our next match, this coming Sunday, down at Mersey Valley Sports Club in a 2pm kick-off, where we entertain another team from Merseyside in Liverpool Feds Reserves.

Players' Player of the Match: Laura Dodds".

ALTRINCHAM LADIES 2 FCUM LADIES 3

Right: Jess Hartopp unleashes a rocket into the net.

Phil Taylor has filed his customary excellent report on the Altrincham FC Ladies' latest match. This time it was a home game against FCUM last Sunday. It can be read here Next up for the Ladies is a trip to take on Liverpool City Ladies on Sunday, 8 October (2pm).

And manager Keith Edleston has also provided "a guest report from a friend (and reporter from the Isle of Man) Paul Hatton...

A View from the Isle of Man

Despite being Altrincham Fc’s first home defeat of the season, losing 3-2 to top of the league table FC United of Manchester, the Robins can take a lot of positives from this performance last Sunday at Mersey Valley.

Considering that Alty finished with only six points and narrowly avoided relegation last season, their fortunes on the pitch have dramatically improved. Flying high in the league table, last Sunday, the Robins fought right to the end and gave FC United a scare.

Alty made the first impression, Georgia Plant came close to opening the scoring with a long range effort just over the crossbar. At the other side, Lizzie Brereton pulled off a great save from point bank range.

However, the visitors got their break-through on 20 minutes, Allisha Marsh’s pass across goal was converted by Chloe Wilde at the far post.

The Robins cranked up the gears, Megan Wright’s low shot was well saved, just before the half hour mark, they got a deserved equaliser. Jess Hartopp latched onto a through-ball and unleashed a long range effort into the net.

With the match in added time, the visitors recaptured their lead. A near carbon copy of their first goal, Marsh crossed from the left for Nicole Hatcliffe to slot home on the right.

With the match in the early phases of the second half, the visitors extended their lead further, Marsh raced clear from the left and convert their third.

Left: The FCUM keeper saves well at Laura Kelly's feet.

Although the visitors enjoyed swathes of possession, captain Bliss Molyneaux was superbly leading the troops and organising the back four and Brereton pulled off another impressive save. The Robins pushed forward and reduced their deficit on 87 minutes. Following a free-kick that was half-cleared, Jade Hesketh pounced on the loose ball and expertly placed her shot into the net.

However, the Alty were denied a last minute equaliser; Kyeisha Brown’s long-range shot was superbly saved by the FC United goalkeeper".

Keith adds that Players' PoM went to Bliss Molyneux. Staff PoM went to Louise Edleston.

Next up for the girls is a visit to Merseyside to take on Liverpool City Ladies at Admiral Park, Liverpool, L8 8JN. It's a 2pm kick off and we would love to see you there to cheer the girls on".

LADIES' NARROW DEFEAT

LADIES' 100% RECORD

LADIES' THIRD WIN IN A ROW

Above: The girls after the game with our Norwegian Supporters' Branch flag which they had they sent over for us".

"It was a great result today down at Mersey Valley where, after giving Egerton an early one-goal start, we had to dig deep, roll our sleeves up to get back into the game and we did so with some aplomb.

Right: PofM Anna Dillon celebrating with goalscorer Kate Bryan and Kye Brown.

I am proud of the team for not letting their heads drop. Even when things didn't come off, they kept on playing the right way and, in the end, it paid off. Manager's Player of the Match, and also the Players' Player of the Match, was given to Anna Dillon for her non-stop performance in midfield and creative ability pushing the girls forward.

A massive mention must go to our ever-growing band of supporters who keep turning up. Today must have seen approximately sixty there, cheering the girls onwards. Huge thank-yous to you all. We now look forward to another tough test this coming Sunday, when we travel up the M56 to take on Ellesmere Port. Roll on Sunday!"

FINE WIN

OPENING DAY WIN

WIN IN LAST PRE-SEASON GAME - AND A NEW SIGNING

Manager of Altrincham FC, Keith Edleston, has provided the following brief report and accompanying image from last Sunday's 4-1 win over Curzon Ashton.

Pictured, right, is Jess Hartopp's headed goal.

"It was a great game today down at The Tameside Stadium as we took on Curzon Ashton in a hastily arranged last pre-season game. The game was played in some heat, and on astro, but we played some lovely football and created a fair few chances throughout the ninety minutes. Curzon also played their part in an entertaining game with some good performances especially from the no.9, Amy, who never gave up and caused us a few problems. And, I must thank Sam and Curzon Ashton for accommodating us at such short notice.

Special mention goes to our Elina "Nana" Parker who ably stood in in goal and played superbly. Next up is the start of our league campaign and it's an away trip across town to play Chorltonians LFC next Sunday, 4th September at 2pm. Let's carry on all the hard work in training and hopefully have a great season!

Sunday's goalscorers were Laura Dodds, Megan Wright, Laura Kelly and Jess Hartopp".

The season starts for the Ladies next Sunday with a trip to Chorltonians (2pm).

Altrincham FC Ladies' registered players for 2016-17 were as follows...

• Elizabeth Brereton
• Samantha Briggs
• Kyeshie Brown
• Kate Bryan
• Anna Dillon
• Laura Dodds
• Louise Edleston
• Jessica Hartopp
• Judy Henson
• Jade Hesketh
• Laura Kelly
• Bliss Molyneaux
• Paloma Ortiz-Lopez
• Elina Parker
• Georgia Plant
• Heather Scott
• Gail Simpson
• Lucy Smith
• Brogan Walsh
• Megan Wright

But Keith now reports an important new signing...

"I would like to take this opportunity to announce and welcome Anna Dillon (right) to our team. Anna who lives on the Isle of Man joins us from Corinthians LFC and is also the captain of the Island's Representative team. We first saw Anna when the Isle of Man representative team played us a couple of years ago and myself and Dave commented then how good she was and it would be nice to have her in our team. Little did we know that, after our tour this year, it would come to fruition.

After a few months of chats and texts over the phone, working out travel arrangements, etc. and with a couple of pre-season games under her belt, she has finally said yes and joins us in time for the new league season. Anna is a 100% tough-tackling ball winner with quality distibution and an eye for a pass out from midfield/defence. She will wear the number 19 shirt. Welcome Anna!"

CHANGE OF FIXTURE

GOOD PRE-SEASON PERFORMANCES

In images courtesy of Keith Edleston, we see above (left) Megan hurdling the keeper and other action from the game. Below, we see Anna breaking forward from midfield.

"A lovely, sunny day dawned on Sunday down at Mersey Valley Sports Club, where our visitors for our third pre-seadon game were Leigh RMI Ladies. The pitch was looking well after a morning "Vets'" game on it and was a very lush green colour so it all bode well for a cracking game. I organized four tough games for the girls this pre-season, as I like to test them and pick stuff out to work on rather than just turn up and beat a team 6-0. I really think you don't learn anything about yourselves from doing that.

Well, after a chat on how we wanted to play, we witnessed some superb passing football, from the first whistle, all over the pitch (especially building up from the back). This was appreciated by a decent sized crowd.

A shot from the edge of the box from a corner saw Laura Dodds put us 1-0 up and set the tone for a high intensity game. Leigh played their part in it, as well, and an equalizer from them saw us go in 1-1 at the break. Second-half goals. one a fine debut goal for our young striker Megan Wright, a Laura Dodds penalty and a fine finish from Brogan Walsh eased us to a 4-1 win.

Both teams played their part in an entertaining game and I wish Leigh RMI Ladies the best for the new season. Plus-points for me were the way we asked the girls to play, which was taken on board and applied, Megan scoring her first goal and everyone in the squad that day got some quality game-time in preparation for the new season. Onward to our last pre-season game this coming Sunday, when we face a trip up the Wirral to face a stern final test against Tranmere Rovers LFC, with 2pm kick-off.

We're looking forward to the 2016/17 season and hope to see you down at Mersey Valley Sports Club to watch a game or two this season. I'm sure you won't be disappointed".

LADIES' DOUBLE SIGNING

Paloma Ortiz-Lopez

Megan Wright

Keith Edleston, manager of Altrincham FC Ladies says "We have made two new signings over the last month to complement our squad. First up is Paloma Ortiz-Lopez. Paloma (27) is a Spanish midfielder who joins us from AFC Stockport. Paloma has a good footballing pedigree as, before she came over to England, she played for Villarreal. She is determined, has good technique and is a great passer of the ball. 'P' will wear the number 12 shirt.

Second up is Megan Wright (16), who is a forward who joins us from West End Girls and is a pacey, strong girl with a great eye for a goal. Even at such a young age she has a fantastic CV, having played for both Manchester United and City then latterly with West End, winning many trophies and accolades. Meg is certainly one to be excited about. She will wear the number 14 shirt".

LADIES' PRE-SEASON DRAW

Player of the Match was Jess Hartopp and the attendance was 47.

Keith adds, "It's onto matchday 3 which is another home game down at Mersey Valley Sports Club, Banky Lane, M33 5SL this Sunday 21st August against Leigh RMI, 2pm kick off. Why not pop down and support the girls? We look forward to seeing you there".

Pictured, below (left to right) are Bliss Molyneaux leading the team out with Lucy from our Under-8s and trialist Amy Whittle taking on a Rhyl defender.

CHANGE TO LADIES' FIXTURE

ALTY LADIES' FIXTURES

Manager Keith Edleston says "It's going to be a tough season with the two promoted teams from the Cheshire League being put into our league along with two Premier teams dropping into ours too, but we will relish the challenge.

Our pre-season games are as follows...

• 7th August: v Bury LFC (Dev/Squad), Away 2pm
• 14th August v Rhyl LFC, Home 2pm
• 21st August v Leigh RMI LFC, Home 2pm
• 28th August v Tranmere Rovers LFC, Away 12 noon

ALTY LADIES' AWARDS NIGHT

The awards were...

• Manager's Player of the Year: Jess Hartopp
• Players Player of the Year: Kate Bryan
• Most Improved Player: Lucy Smith
• Sportswoman of the Year: Lucy O'Dwyer
• Blue Dog Player of the Year: Heather Scott
• Isle of Man Player of the Tournament: Laura Dodds
• Parents' & Supporters' Player of the Year: Elina Parker
• Top Goalscorer: Kate Bryan
• Physio of the Year: Alan Ainsley

The images below are courtesy of Keith Edleston.

Above: The Ladies after the Presentation Evening.

Jess Hartopp	Kate Bryan
Lucy Smith	Lucy O'Dwyer
Heather Scott	Laura Dodds
Alan Ainsley	Elina Parker

Manager Keith Edleston