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NEXT MATCH: Tuesday, 3 December, 2019, 7.45pm
Away v STALYBRIDGE CELTIC
Cheshire Senior Cup First Round match

Other teams' matches at the JDS

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

6 December, 2019

NEXT GAME: BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

Altrincham travel to play Bradford (Park Avenue) on Saturday as they return to league action after two successive cup ties (FA Cup and Cheshire Senior Cup). The sides met four times last season, twice in the league and also in the FA Cup and FA Trophy with Alty winning all four matches.

Mike Garnett's records reveal the historical record betwen the clubs...

HALF-PRICE SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL

Travel coordinator, Mark Eckersall, writes...

"Firstly a huge thank you to the 151 of you that supported the coaches to Portsmouth to make up part of the wonderful 622 away support at Fratton Park. The coaches were a great mix of fans young and old, our alcohol rules were respected and everyone enjoyed the day despite its ending.

There is not much left to be said about the game other than to share in the immense pride everyone felt, despite the result, and to salute the team's bravery in going toe to toe with a very good League One outfit.

It was a special day to have been a part of and one that has put us back on the map once again. We thank the club for their contribution to reducing fares which played its part in such a great turnout.

As we don't do Cheshire Senior Cup Travel, our attention turns to Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday 7th December. The players need to continue their great league form and we must continue our support as we look to climb that table with our games in hand.

We want to get as many as possible there so TASC are offering better than half price coach travel to Bradford with details on the Away Travel page.

We hope you'll join us, please book early by calling the club on 0161 928 1045 from 10am on Friday and we look forward to welcoming you again."

AFC MONTHLY DRAW

Altrincham FC Monthly Draw winners for September were:

NORTH-WEST NEWS

The BetVictor NPL"Atherton Collieries have announced that a club record fee has been agreed for Ben Hardcastle to Ashton United.

Hardcastle will join former manager Michael Clegg in the swap from Atherton to Ashton.

Atherton Collieries said 'We can confirm that we have agreed an undisclosed fee with Ashton United for midfielder Ben Hardcastle. This represents our record amount received for a player. Last season’s Division One West Player of the Season leaves with all our best wishes.'"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Southport "confirm that Academy player, Edvards Servuts has today signed non-contract terms with the club and is available for selection on Saturday.

He is a versatile player who can play anywhere across the middle or on the right.

Liam [Watson] said 'Edvards has stood out playing for Darren and the U18s and we are never scared to involve a young player. Hopefully it enables other youngsters to break through to the first team'

Academy Manager Darren Wildman added 'Eddie has shown maturity and application beyond his years and we are excited to see how far he can progress. It further evidences the wealth of opportunity young players have to progress at Southport Football Club and the clear pathway the first team provides for the Academy'"

The Boston Standard reports that "Craig Elliott wants to mark his 100th game in charge of Boston United by maintaining the club’s promotion push.

The Pilgrims travel to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday and Elliott is adamant his side must not be distracted by their impending FA Cup replay against Rochdale, which will take place on December 16.

'The FA Cup’s been great, but getting promoted and staying in the play-offs is our main goal this season,' he said... Elliott first took charge of United... on November 18, 2017. In total, he has recorded 46 victories and 19 draws from his 99 matches."

And the Boston Standard adds that "Demeaco Duhaney's Boston United loan spell is over!... The right back has been recalled from his loan early by parent club Huddersfield Town.

The 21-year-old made seven appearances for the Pilgrims, playing an integral role in their recent run of good form.

Duhaney, who... made his Premier League debut for Huddersfield last season against Wolves, started in the club’s past two FA Cup matches, the 4-1 victory at Carshalton Athletic and goalless draw at Spotland against League One Rochdale last Sunday. But his impressive form has seen Danny and Nicky Cowley make the decision to bring the defender back."

According to Sports Byte "Mike Williamson’s Gateshead suffered their fourth straight defeat at the hands of league leaders King’s Lynn Town on Saturday.

The 36-year-old player-manager showed his frustration following the narrow defeat saying his side were ‘not good enough’... The defeat has piled the misery on the Heed.

'Not good enough. I am getting sick of opposition managers saying that we were the better team and that we did not deserve that,' said Williamson. 'We did dominate the first-half, large portions of the second-half and we had the better chances but came away with no points...

'The lads gave everything, they left everything out there but we have got to make sure we are finishing the job which is not happening at the minute,' he added".

In the Chester Standard we read that "Morale among the Chester squad has ‘never been better’, according to joint-manager Anthony Johnson.

Currently in the midst of a three-game winning streak, the Blues have rediscovered the form that has firmly established them as promotion contenders this season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Darlington, Johnson says... 'It’s all massively positive at the moment. The lads are full of confidence and that’s what winning football matches does to a side. We’ve come through a bit of a sticky patch where we’ve dropped some points with a few draws along the way...

'I’d say the mood here’s never been better. We’ve almost got a fully fit squad available and having Akwasi (Asante) back with us has given everyone a lift.'

The prolific Asante marked his return... with a sublime winner in last weekend’s hard-fought 2-1 success against bottom side Bradford Park Avenue. After toiling against the defensively-compact visitors in the first half, Chester’s quality ultimately came to the fore in the contest.

Johnson believes... '“What you get at this stage of the season are teams starting to get cut adrift at the bottom. It’s a cliche, but teams do turn up and start to park the bus. You don’t get that at the start of the season when there are plenty of high-scoring games around. But at this time of year the tension sets in and teams who have started to struggle start to play much more cautiously...

'Most people know we’re a possession-based side, but we’re pragmatic too... We told the players to make the pitch as big as possible and use the patterns of play we work on in training. Winning the ball back quickly, using our over-lapping full-backs and switching from defence to attack quickly, we did all those things well.'"

The Shropshire Star informs us that "AFC Telford United hat-trick hero Marcus Dinanga admits being dropped by Gavin Cowan worked out for the better...

The striker revealed his disappointment at being left out of Cowan's starting XI at Darlington, where he came from the bench at half-time to bag a remarkable second-half treble...

'The gaffer pulled me before the game and said I was not starting, which was a bit disappointing as a striker having scored the game before,' Dinanga, Telford's 25-goal top scorer two seasons ago, said. 'But he said that's just how the game was going, there was nothing I could do about it then...

'It's been hard for me this season but when I scored with my first touch it reminded me of before (two seasons ago), being in the right place at the right time. I've never scored a last minute winner. I'll remember it for the rest of my life. It felt like a play-off final. I was out to prove a point and what more can I do now?'

The striker, 22, revealed Cowan's words after the stunning National North turnaround were gratefully received. Dinanga added 'He said... if I worked that hard last game I would've started. I wouldn't have scored a hat-trick if I started. It all worked out well. It's advice from the gaffer and I'll take it on the chin.'"

TOY APPEAL

See the adjacent poster, right, for full details of the annual Christmas Toy Appeal, organised by Alty stand sponsors, Smart Storage. Please support this initiative if you can!

Donations can be left at the Altrincham FC offices.

5 December 2019

LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 7 December 2019
4 December 2019

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 2-0 ALTRINCHAM

Stalybridge Celtic knocked Altrincham out of the Cheshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night. Alty fielded a much changed side featuring no one who has been a regular first-team starter in recent weeks.

On Saturday, Alty resume their league campaign with a trip to play Bradford (Park Avenue).

TUESDAY LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday 3rd December

MID-WEEK TROPHY FIXTURES

Tuesday 3rd December

Buildbase FA Trophy, Third Round Qualifying replays affecting the northern half of the draw.

CHANGE OF DATE

Altrincham FC has announced that the date of the home game against Blyth Spartans, set for Tuesday, 10 December, 2019 has now be re-arranged again to Tuesday, 7 January.

GAZZA AT ALTY

Altrincham FC haent.s announced that "Altrincham Football Club are delighted to announce that, in partnership with Border Events, we welcome football legend Paul Gascoigne to The J. Davidson Stadium on Friday, 14th February 2020 at 19:30".

Follow the above link for full details of the event follow the above link.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The Boston Standard reports that "Boston United's FA Cup replay against Rochdale will be screened live on BT Sports.

The contest will be held on Monday, December 16 (KO 7.30pm) after the two sides played out a 0-0 draw on Sunday. The winners will host Newcastle United in round three".

Curzon Ashton "followed >last week’s win with another point in a scoreless 0-0 draw against Kettering Town...

A point apiece saw both of clubs move four points clear of the dreaded relegation zone... Three clean sheets in as many games will have pleased star man Cameron Mason as it's the first time in his Curzon career that he has achieved this.

Mark Bradshaw’s side had been in a fine run of form coming into this scrap between two sides fighting at the lower end of the table. Three wins from their last three included a victory in the FA Trophy against Kidderminster Harriers...

Kettering’s midfielder Connor Kennedy struck Robbie Evans with what looked to be an elbow. Bradshaw and his backroom staff were convinced it was a red card offence, but the foul only ended in a controversial yellow card and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Kettering had the better of the first 20 minutes... The Nash grew into the game as the half progressed... Sean Miller saw the Kettering goalkeeper Paul White called into action for the first time.

On the stroke of half-time an ugly set of affairs took place as Mason was caught late by Gary Stohrer as they both dove [sic] for the ball. This sparked a brawl between both sets of players which should have resulted in a red card for the visitor’s defender, however the referee’s decision of a yellow card did not please the Nash crowd...

Both sides saw themselves all level at the break with a lacklustre performance on a freezing cold Monday night at the Tameside Stadium.

The action in the second half did not improve for either side as there was little to no action to report on throughout the half...

Mark Bradshaw will be delighted to keep the impressive run of four games unbeaten streak alive".

The Northern Echo reported, before Tuesday's games that "Having watched with dismay as his side collapsed in the second half on Saturday, Darlington manager Alun Armstrong will make changes for this evening’s trek to Leamington.

Quakers meekly lost 3-2 to Telford United despite holding a 2-0 advantage at half-time, the manner of their play and charitable approach to giving goals away enraging the manager and his assistant Darren Holloway.

As a consequence, they held a post-match inquest in the Darlington dressing room at Blackwell Meadows, and Armstrong later admitted 'A lot of strong words were said. The lads know that was nowhere near acceptable'...

Armstrong usually makes no more than two changes to his starting XI, but he made four on Saturday for various reasons. He explained 'I don’t like making too many changes because it can upset things, but in the first half it looked like it hadn’t upset anything. The lads have been here long enough now, everyone knows how we want to play, but I was massively disappointed with the second half.'

He knew prior to Saturday that Louis Laing and Michael Liddle would be unavailable this evening due to work commitments, so Terry Galbraith and Jordan Watson return to the defence. Galbraith sat Saturday’s game out as he was not 100 per cent due to injury, while Watson served a one-match ban.

Goalkeeper Chris Elliott is on standby to play if Liam Connell, a PE teacher at a school in Sunderland, is unable to travel. Should Omar Holness and Jarrett Rivers have recovered from illness then they will be in contention to start...

Added Armstrong, 'I never saw it coming. We’ve got to repeat what we did in the first half for the full 90 minutes. It’s been a shortfall of ours all season, because the squad isn’t big enough, we haven’t got enough players to continue from the first half...

Donawa made his third start of the season, and Armstrong said 'Justin tired in the second half, he wasn’t doing the runs that he was in the first half, he was in front of their defence again. He’s fine when he’s playing in front of the dug-outs when we can talk to him, but I think Ben Hedley missed Jarrett a bit because he helps out defensively'".

3 December 2019

"OUR TIME IS COMING"

On the Altrincham FC official site, club Director, Bill Waterson, reflects on where Alty stand after the recent games at York and Peterborough.

He concludes, "Our time is coming, and we are getting ready. Come and see how the club is moving forward. We are Alty FC and we are on the way back."

THIRD ROUND DRAW

In the Third Round draw of the FA Cup, the only National League North club in it, Boston United, have drawn Newcastle United at home should they win their replay against Rochdale next week.

Portsmouth's reward for defeating Altrincham is an away tie at Fleetwood Town.

MONDAY LEAGUE FIXTURE

Monday 2nd December
2 December 2019

NEXT GAME: STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

Following the high profile FA Cup tie at Portsmouth, Alty return to action on Tuesday (3rd December) with a trip to Bower Fold to face Stalybridge Celtic in the Cheshire Senior Cup, Round One. This fixture is one of the club's eight successive away cup draw of the season, with five such ties in the FA Cup and two in the FA Trophy as well as this CSC encounter. However, the winners of this match will have a home game in the next round against Vauxhall Motors in January 2020.

FA CUP TIES

Sunday 2 December at 2pm

Monday 3 December at 2pm

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The Boston Standard reports that "Boston United held League One Rochdale to a draw, but Craig Elliott admitted he was ‘grumpy’ his side didn’t win...

In an open game Andi Thanoj could have won it for Boston, although Dale’s Ian Henderson missed a sitter in stoppage time.

'It’s me being grumpy. I’m disappointed, I think we could have won. We should have won', Elliott said. 'We had good chances and good moments and turned the screw...

'We were excellent for long periods and players deserve a lot of credit.'

Elliott elaborated, praising his squad for sticking to the game plan and not being overawed by the occasion. He continued, 'We put a lot of time and effort into getting ideas across, but the hardest thing is doing it. They all deserve credit. Even the subs who came on bought into it. The game plan worked. You need a bit of luck to go for you and it didn’t quite happen today.'”

From the Telegraph & Argus we learn that "Bradford (Park Avenue) came close to pulling off a major shock as they led at half-time at promotion-chasing Chester, only to end with a 2-1 defeat and ten men after a late red card for Isaac Marriott.

The opening spell was all the home side but they couldn’t get a sight of Joe Green’s goal... Chester had a lot of first-half possession but little to show for it...

Bradford were good value for their half-time lead but it all went wrong soon after the interval and it was a controversial goal that began the comeback.

A ball over the top took a deflection and dropped for former Guiseley loanee Anthony Dudley and, with only Green to beat, he slotted in the equaliser. Avenue immediately claimed offside but the match officials were unmoved. The incident seemed to unsettle the visitors and they allowed mistakes to creep into their game.

Five minutes later, Chester’s Jackson carried the ball forward and found Akwasi Asante and his shot from the edge of the area took a big deflection before finding the top corner of Green’s net.

In the penultimate minute Marriott picked up a second yellow card and was sent off.

While the defeat leaves Avenue still four points adrift at the foot of the table, Chester remain in the same position as they and the two clubs above them, leaders King's Lynn Town and second-placed York City, all won.

Park Avenue manager Mark Bower said 'There are obviously positives to take out of it but there is also a huge sense of injustice about it. We were beaten by an offside goal and a shot that took a massive deflection. The equalising goal was a joke.

'The assistant and the referee missed a long ball that came off their man who was offside. There was no argument that the player it came off was behind our defence but they thought it was one of our men.

'They more or less put their hands up to that one after the game but it’s hard to take because we deserved a point.

'We played like we did at Gloucester (last week’s 2-0 win in the FA Trophy) barring one ten-minute spell at the start of the second half, but we deserved something from a tough game against a full-time side.

'We were a goal up, a really good goal from a set-piece,

'The goal that should never have been given really knocked the stuffing out of us and we had a bad ten minutes. That was a poor reaction on our part. We need to be stronger than that and get on with things no matter what the circumstances. But I can’t criticise the lads at all...

A lot of things have gone against us recently but that’s what happens when you’re down there, but if we keep doing what we are we’ll pick points up.'”

Another upset manager is the subject of a report in The Chad. It tells us that "Alfreton Town manager Billy Heath hit out at match officials after more decisions went against the Reds in a 1-0 defeat at York City. Second-placed City claimed the points with a 12th minute goal from Jordan Burrow at the near post on the end of a slick David Ferguson cross.

But the Reds had already had an eighth minute goal ruled out in mysterious circumstances when Dominic Smith headed home from a Dale Whitham corner.

Heath said 'It's just ridiculous. We seem to be getting a big decision that goes against us every week. (It was) embarrassing for it to be ruled out, laughable really.'

It was difficult for Alfreton to push forward before the break, but just two minutes into the second half Amari Morgan-Smith rattled the bar from another Whitham corner...

York racked up a plethora of corners without causing the visiting defence any massive problems... The Reds never gave up trying, but inevitably slipped to their first defeat at Bootham Crescent in four visits to that historic stadium...

'l thought the players were magnificent again,' added Heath. 'We're down to the bare bones, but l thought we were the better team in the second half... Every player has done what they can to try and give us something from the game.'” Heath said his players could not have done anymore to get something'"

1 December, 2019

PORTSMOUTH 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Just as at Colchester four years ago in Round Two, Alty were deprived of a deserved place in Round Three with a 93rd minute winner from their opponents.

After a goalless first half, in which each side struck the post, it was Altrincham who would have been the more satisfied at that stage. With Jordan Hulme causing problems for Pompey, his upending by Oli Hawkins should have produced a penalty decision, shortly before half time, but referee Nield thought otherwise.

Against the run of play Pompey took a 56th minute lead when Close fired home following a Densmore clearance. However, Alty kept going and Hulme won a penalty in the 82nd minute which Hancock converted.

But with almost the last kick of the game, Pitman converted a home corner to snatch an undeserved win for the League One side.

Match report here.

The BBC's video highlights of the game are available here.

POMPEY VIEWS

After the game, Portsmouth reported that " Pompey’s performance against Altrincham at Fratton Park in the Emirates FA Cup was well below their best... They certainly left it late, with Brett Pitman nodding home deep into stoppage-time after Josh Hancock’s late penalty had cancelled out an impressive Ben Close opener.

And Jackett felt... 'We have to say congratulations to Altrincham because they played very well... It could have gone either way and I didn’t feel comfortable at any stage, so credit to our opponents for that...

'Ellis hit the post and the keeper made a good save, but they’ve had opportunities to score of their own. We got ourselves ahead through an excellent goal from Ben... Then we tried to build on that, but again were wasteful when we really should have put the tie to bed.

'That was frustrating and the penalty meant Altrincham got to 1-1. I’m pleased to say we then dug deep and got the winner from a set-piece... Brett was able to lose his man at the far post to get the late goal and make sure we came out on top in a difficult game.'"

Portsmouth's match report is here.

SATURDAY FA CUP GAMES

The revised Round Two draw is below. Altrincham and Boston United are the only representatives from National League North.

Saturday 1 December

The Third Round draw will take place from approximately 7pm on Monday on BBC Two.

SATURDAY LEAGUE GAMES

This Saturday, with Altrincham's continuing FA Cup involvement, they will slip further behind many of their rivals in terms of league games played.

Saturday 30th November, Vanarama National League North

ALTY AND THE FA CUP

Before Saturday's game at Portsmouth, GQ Magazine published Andy Mitten's article entitled, "Why Altrincham FC are the greatest non-league team in FA Cup history". Andy, well-known for his activity on the Manchester United fanzine, "United We Stand", has been a good friend of Altrincham over the years

Follow the above link for the full article on Alty's "incredible giant-killing history... Over a four-year period between 1978 and 1982 the Robins boasted a better FA Cup record than any side in the old divisions three and four. Alty, based in the Cheshire town that has long been incorporated into Greater Manchester as a middle class suburb eight miles south of the city centre, took on Liverpool at Anfield in 1981. In 1986 they became only the second non-league team to beat a top-flight outfit on their own ground, knocking Birmingham City out of the FA Cup, a result that made the opening credits of the Nine o’Clock News.

They can boast other big scalps, knocking Sheffield United out of the cup too. When they took on Spurs at White Hart Lane, their players flying into Osvaldo Ardiles and Ricky Villa, they surprised everyone with a draw. Describing Altrincham’s football that day as 'the finest non-league performance I have ever seen', then Manchester City chairman Peter Swales offered the use of Maine Road for the replay. Swales had been an Alty director and also owned an

Right: Alty's "walking refirigerator" a.ka.a Tony Thompson.electrical shop, hence the club had offered their players appliances in lieu of win bonuses. Another director, Noel White, became chairman of Liverpool and a head of the Football Association.

Bill Shankly came to watch Altrincham games, Tommy Docherty managed Alty and Frank Sidebottom, no less, was their celebrity fan...

This isn’t a bankrolled club steaming its way up the leagues, but a community club for whom every penny matters. Their playing budget is the 14th highest in the league, with every one a semi-pro rather than full-time professional footballer....

Manager Phil Parkinson, a 39-year-old sports lecturer in Cheshire, tells me 'I make sure the players know about the history when they arrive here... I like big characters here, people who want to progress in football. We have a goalkeeper, a big personality and a real a man mountain, a walking refrigerator.

'We also have a core of players who’ve played 300, 400, 500 games for the club. They’re Alty through and through... We also have a multifaceted fanbase, which took a while for me to get my head around. We have a London branch, a Yorkshire branch too. And we have a lot of younger new fans coming through...

'We train twice a week, or once a week if we have a midweek game. We play attractive football and I’m proud of that'".

NEXT GAME: STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

Following the high profile FA Cup tie at Portsmouth, Alty return to action on Tuesday (3rd December) with a trip to Bower Fold to face Stalybridge Celtic in the Cheshire Senior Cup, Round One. This fixture is one of the club's eight successive away cup draw of the season, with five such ties in the FA Cup and two in the FA Trophy as well as this CSC encounter. However, the winners of this match will have a home game in the next round against Vauxhall Motors in January 2020.

When Alty last met Stalybridge it was in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League in 2017-18 season. Both clubs had been relegated the previous season from National League North. 2017-18 was to end with Alty promoted as champions and Stalybridge evading a second successive relegation by a single point, only because Halesowen Town had four points deducted. Yet it was Celtic who did the better in their league clashes woth Altrincham, securing a goalless draw at Bower Fold and winning 2-1 at Moss Lane.

In that last encounter at Stalybridge, on 30 September 2017, Altrincham wasted a chance to move closer to the then league leaders Shaw Lane with a disappointing goalless draw at a very wet Bower Fold against a Stalybridge side which had Julien sent off in the 76th minute for a second yellow-card offence.

Lacking the guile of the injured John Johnston, Altrincham nevertheless won numerous corners but created few clear openings. Had James Poole done better with a good chance in the match's opening thirty seconds, things might have been different. However, in the latter stages, following the home side's introduction of substitute Theo Bailey-Jones (who later played for Alty), Altrincham could have lost all three points but for a good block from goalkeeper Thompson.

Alty also finished the game with ten men when substitute Josh Amis had to hobble off after injuring himself making a challenge.

Alty, remained fifth, have not dropped a single point in six matches against teams in the top half of the table yet having managed just one win in six attempts against teams in the lower half of the league.

Disney, Miller, Johnston and Taylor were all again missing for Altrincham as they recovered from their various injuries but Max Harrop returned from suspension to join the bench. Both teams' starting elevens were unchanged from midweek. So the only changes were on the benches, where Celtic replaced ex-Alty man Greg Wilkinson by new signing Edmilson and Alty named Harrop in place of keeper Tim Deasy.

Joel Bembo-Leta was playing for Alty against one of his former employers.

ALTRINCHAM : 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 3. Shaun DENSMORE, 4. Tom HANNIGAN, 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. Tom PEERS, 8. Sam SHERIDAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. James POOLE, 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs 12. Simon RICHMAN, 14. Lewis SHORT, 15. Josh AMIS, 16. James JONES, 17 Max HARROP.

Mike Garnett's records reveal the statistical record of matches between the two clubs...

THROUGH THE YEARS

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records for next Saturday (7th December), when Altrincham travel to Bradford (Park Avenue) for a league match, are here.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Blyth Spartans report that "Debutant Zach Hemming feels he had a good debut in between the Blyth Spartans sticks during the 1-1 FA Trophy with Alfreton Town" last Saturday.

"Hemming joined until the end of the season from Middlesbrough on a youth loan deal, which means that he will also be available to play for Boro’s under-23 side. The 19-year-old was previously with Hartlepool United, but his parent club decided to recall him after he failed to make an appearance since his summer arrival.

This led to Lee Clark swooping in to bring Hemming to Croft Park, and he will now compete with Mark Foden and Nathan Harker for the number one spot. There was no time to adjust, though, as Hemming was thrown straight into the action against Spartans’ National League North counterparts.

'I thought I had a good debut,' admitted Hemming. 'It was nice to meet the lads and play with them; they are spot on... We controlled the first half but just couldn’t get that killer second goal, and now we go down there on Tuesday and try to win again. It was just one of those games where if we took our chances, we probably would have won and saved ourselves a long journey on a Tuesday night.”

30 November 2019

PORTSMOUTH PRE-MATCH UPDATE

This morning (Saturday), the Portsmouth News reported that "Pompey welcome Altrincham to Fratton Park in the FA Cup third round today. Kenny Jackett's men are firm favourites to defeat the National League North side.

Kenny Jackett will name a strong side to face Altrincham. The Blues boss can afford to give his fringe players a run-out in next week’s EFL Trophy clash against Northampton and aims to continue the momentum his side have recently built. Sean Raggett is back from an adductor injury he picked up in the first-round win over Harrogate. Tom Naylor and Ross McCrorie (both hamstring)... Jack Whatmough [and]... Bryn Morris remain sidelined...

Likely line-up: Craig MacGillivray, Brandon Haunstrup, Christian Burgess, Oli Hawkins, Lee Brown, Ben Close, Anton Walkes, Ryan Williams, John Marquis, Ronan Curtis, Ellis Harrison. Subs: Alex Bass, Paul Downing, James Bolton, Andy Cannon, Marcus Harness, Gareth Evans, Brett Pitman".

JAKE EXPECTATIONS

On Friday, the Manchester Evening News quoted Alty captain Jake Moult as saying of the FA Cup game today (Saturday) against Pompey, "It's a massive occasion for everyone at the club. I'll be a very proud man to lead the team out against a side who have won the competition twice.

"For us the FA Cup is a huge competition and to play in front of fans at a great stadium like Fratton Park is something that I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

"This kind of game does not come around too often, so I'm certainly going to take the opportunity with both hands and do the best that I can.

"Momentum is crucucially important and we're on a good run at the moment. I don't think we could be going into the game in any better form so, hopefully, we can get a positive result.

"We're all just so excited to go and showcase our strengths and give it a real good go.

"The game against Colchester [in 2015, see below] was another big occasion for us all and we came so close to progressing to the Third Round.

"My early goal really settled us down but I've never felt so deflated after a game of football because I thought we were the better team.

"I remember sitting in the changing rooms thinking how have we lost this but it comes down to fine margins and I thought we were unlucky on the day.

"I'm not too sure I can get that high up the pitch nowadays but I'll definitely be giving it a go", he concluded.

Alty TV also has a 25 minute press conference. However, the sound quality is, sadly, not good as regards the questions being posed.

JACKETT AND THE TIE: POMPEY PERSPECTIVES

SECOND ROUND LAST TIME

Before today's clash at Portsmouth, the last time Altrincham reached the Second Round of the FA Cup was four years ago when, as in 2019, they faced a long away trip. On that occasion their opponents were Colchester United. Having defeated Barnsley in the First Round and, as in 2019, Chester FC, in an earlier round, Alty arrived on in Essex, 6 December 2015, with two players suspended (Josh O'Keefe and Luca Havern). In addition Stuart Coburn and Tom Marshall were missing, long-term injured, and Shaun Densmore, who had missed the previous nine matches through injury, was also ruled out. So five of Alty's seven subs were youth or reserve players.

Right: Jake Moult is buried under his team-mates after opening the scoring.

Altrincham were the better side for much of this game but paid the price for defensive lapses, losing to a goal in the fourth added minute at the end of the match.

They got off to a great start when Jake Moult expertly lobbed the United keeper from outside the box in just the third minute. But 11 minutes later Alty gifted the hosts a leveller when Leather dwelt on the ball and lost possession, Harriott going on to score.

The start to the second half was even more electric as Michael Rankine scored after 16 seconds but, again, the lead could not be held. When goalkeeper Tim Deasy slid to collect the ball, low down near his right post, the ball escaped his grasp. The resulting cross was headed in by Lapslie at the back post.

Late on, Deasy made a couple of fine saves and, at the other end, Nicky Clee had a great chance to net a third for Alty. But when Scott Leather's clearing header came to Harriott, the United man lashed a shot past Deasy to clinch a very late winner in the fourth and final minute minute of added time.

For the 2015 tie, Alty took 398 supporters to Essex, a total that will be exceeded today in Hampshire.

ALTRINCHAM: 17. Tim DEASY, 20. Jordan SINNOTT, 12. Sam HEATHCOTE, 6. Scott LEATHER, 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT (capt), 8. Simon RICHMAN, 10. Damian REEVES, 19. Ryan CROWTHER, 7. James LAWRIE, 9. Michael RANKINE. Subs: 11. Nicky CLEE, 23. Callum WILLIAMS, 18. George BOWERMAN, 21. Joel SWIFT, 24. Rhain DAVIS, 25. Ioannis STOUPPIS, 22. Harry CAIN.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The Telegraph & Argus says that "Bradford (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower accepts that on paper, there is a huge gulf between themselves and tomorrow's opponents Chester FC...

Bower said, 'You just need to look at Chester’s first team and bench on Saturday, and compare it to ours (at Gloucester), when we basically only had one sub. They have a massive squad, with good resources, and they’ve been really tough to beat all season. They've scored goals all over the pitch recently and they’ll want to come out on the front foot, as they’ll think they can have the game won in the first 15-20 minutes.

'We have to go in with that underdog siege mentality again, just like how no-one gave us a chance at Gloucester (City) on Sunday. The longer we can keep a clean sheet, and be as solid as can be, without just sitting back for the full 90 minutes, then we’ll stand a chance, as our players are capable of getting something.

'People might look at us and think because we’re the team at the bottom, we’re all useless but that’s not the case here. We’ve got some good players.'

One of those is 19-year-old Isaiah Bazeley. The full-back is on loan from Aston Villa Under-23s and is starting to get a run of games after impressing his manager in the West Riding County Cup. Bower said 'He’s done well. I went with more experience when I first came in, but I’ve introduced the younger lads over time. Isaiah and Isaac Marriott both put in good performances against Harrogate in the County Cup and have earned their places since.

'I played Isaiah further forward at Gloucester. He used that chance well, got his goal, and speaking to him after the game, he told me he’d enjoyed the role.'

Bazeley would have been grateful for the guidance of experienced midfielder Ryan Toulson. The club's former player-coach re-signed for them last week. He made a first appearance of the season at Gloucester, with Bower saying 'Tully (Toulson) is on the coaching staff and he's mainly here to help us off the pitch. But the young players need direction and he knows this level well. He's a presence on the pitch and it also gives us another voice in the dressing room.'

That voice proved vital at Gloucester, with Bower arguing it was Avenue's best performance of the whole season. He said 'We were hanging on when we beat Hereford (3-2) and the Darlington win before I arrived (1-0) sounds like it was backs against the wall at times.

'This was a proper win, we were the better team and we deserved it. It was a solid performance and a standard we need to keep."'

Bower, who expects to welcome Jonathan Royle and Liam Hughes back into the starting line-up tomorrow, added 'We now have to make sure we concentrate for the full 90 minutes... The last seven minutes against King's Lynn and the first nine against Leamington cost us both matches."

Also from Bradford (Park Avenue) we learn that "Towering striker Tom Clare has put pen to paper to join the Avenue. Clare joins the Avenue after he mutually departed Boston United yesterday... Tom is no stranger to Bradford having joined Boston from neighbours Bradford City, initially joining Boston on loan in March 2019 then signing permanently when he was released by Bradford City in July 2019.

Clare came through the youth ranks at Barnsley and has also had loan spells at Frickley Athletic and Ossett United.

The club can also confirm that following [ex-Alty loanee] Jon Moran's short-term loan deal to Stafford, he has now opted to join Stafford on a permanent basis".

According to Lincolnshire Live "Boston United boss Craig Elliott believes he has found chinks in Rochdale’s armour ahead of their FA Cup showdown.

In their first appearance in the second round as a non-league club since 1996, the Pilgrims will attempt to cause one of the shocks of the round at Spotland on Sunday.

Elliott has done extensive homework on Brian Barry-Murphy’s side and, while he respects the League One outfit, he believes they can be unsettled...

'I’ve watched their games, I’ve spoken to players, managers, scouts; I’ve tried to cover as much area as I can,' said Elliott. 'The same messages are coming back about their strengths and weaknesses. I’m respectful of the fact they’re a League One side. I know it’s going to be hard because they’ve got some good players.

'But if we get our tactics right, if the players can raise their game and if we can stay in the game into the second half, we’ve got a chance.'

On Rochdale’s approach, Elliott added 'I’m surprised how they play for a League One team. They’re very expansive, a bit like Manchester City. We’ll have to play in a certain way against them. In their last game [against Portsmouth] they had 68 per cent possession and lost 3-0. That shows how they like to play football. We’ll need to try and control game without the ball, if that makes sense. We need to keep them in areas where they’re not hurting us.

'We need to acknowledge that we’re going to go long periods without touching the ball. But when we do we need to take our opportunities.'

Keeping experienced forward Ian Henderson quiet could be key to the Pilgrims’ chances of causing an upset... Said Elliott... 'If we stay disciplined, we could exploit the areas where they are weak. I would rather play a team like that rather than a team that bullies you and puts long balls into the box. Sometimes that’s hard to defend against'".

Meanwhile, Chester FC "announce the signing of Elton Ngwatala... The midfielder left AFC Fylde earlier this week after just three substitute appearances for the Coasters this season.

Prior to this, the 26-year-old had a spell in Scotland with Dundee and scored on his debut away at St Mirren. Elton played just under 90 times for Kidderminster Harriers, and scored 15 goals for the club before his move to the Scottish Premiership...

Anthony Johnson had this to say, 'This is a major coup for our club. To get a player of Elton’s ability shows our progression both on and off the pitch. He was wanted by numerous clubs but chose Chester as he can see our ambition and what we’re building here.'"

Kettering Town "Manager Paul Cox dips into the loan market to sign defender Matthew Taylor on loan from Harrogate Town.

Matt has played for Derby County U23’s, Gainsborough Trinity, Banbury United and Oxford United, having been a scholar at Wigan Athletic. He will be at Latimer Park until January 2020".

Kidderminster Harriers "would like to assure all supporters that considerable work is continuing to help strengthen the club and on and off the field.

The club’s current owners assumed control at Aggborough with many procedures, personnel and cultures in place. Committed to creating a long and stable future for the club, we will rightly take responsibility for everything that comes in future but cannot control what has gone before.

While there has been much speculation and public comment about the apparent state of the club and mistakes that have been made in the past, we feel we are at a time where we must stop focusing on what has gone on before and instead channel our energies into the future.

Purely to give supporters an insight, since taking control, the club’s current owners have worked tirelessly to:

All of this work is being undertaken by a very small number of people. We are committed to investing in the right areas and are making real inroads, but it is not work that can be completed overnight, and we have to remain patient...

Creating and sustaining a stable, and inclusive football club and football team remains our sole priority, but this can only be realised with the support and encouragement of everyone involved. As such we’d again ask supporters to stay behind the team, and Russ". [Russ Penn, the caretaker manager].

At Southport "Striker George Newell has joined Marine on loan until 6 January.

George has made two league appearances from the bench for Southport. He made his debut, coming on as a sub, against Scarborough in the FA Cup and scored with his second touch.

He then picked up a bad injury in the game against Brackley in mid-October and has been out of action since then.

The 22-year-old, who played last season in Scotland with Motherwell and Albion Rovers, will join the BetVictor Division One North West side in order to gain game-time."

29 November, 2019

JACKETT: "WE KNOW A LOT ABOUT ALTRINCHAM"

24 hours before the tie today at Fratton Park, Portsmouth reported that "Pompey have been steadily climbing the League One table in recent weeks to close in on the play-off spots. But the focus switches to FA Cup progress this weekend, with National League North outfit Altrincham visiting the south coast.

Kenny Jackett... said 'It’s important you don’t overestimate or underestimate any opposition, while realising you have to set your own standards. The team you’re playing against will obviously have an effect, but you need to take ownership of your own performance.

'It might be a little bit more low-key than Rotherham on Tuesday or Peterborough the following Saturday but that doesn’t matter. It’s something we have to overcome and make sure that we get the crowd on board. We know a lot about Altrincham and I’ve got friends who work in that league and have played them recently. We’ve done our due diligence...

We want to get through to third round. We won’t be messing with the team too much. I might feel that someone needs a break, but I don’t want the rhythm to change for the sake of it.'

Pompey go into Saturday’s contest having suffered just one defeat in their past 12 fixtures in all competitions.

Jackett said 'Recent results and performances have encouraged everyone and it means our season is ahead of us and that’s an exciting prospect. You look at the table and we’re within touching distance of the top six, but what matters now is what we do moving forward'".

Portsmouth News reports that "Kenny Jackett once lived in Altrincham, now he's facing them in the FA Cup...

Jackett has history with Altrincham, having lived in Timperley, a village within the Manchester town, during 2007. At the time working as under-23s boss with Manchester City, he stayed for seven months before [being] installed as Millwall’s manager. Ironically, Jackett’s maiden game in charge was an FA Cup first-round trip to Altrincham, the town where he was still residing.

Above: Kenny Jackett's Millwall and Altrincham run out onto the pitch at Moss Lane in November 2007, and in the queue of players Alty's Colin Little greets his former Crewe team-mate, Millwall's Marcus Bignot now the joint manager at Guiseley.

It was a fixture safely negotiated, albeit Millwall fighting back from a 1-0 half-time deficit to triumph 2-1. And, 12 years later, he once again encounters the club from his ex-home town.

Jackett told The News, ‘Altrincham is a nice place. I used to live in Timperley, which is a village in Altrincham. For a season I worked with Stuart Pearce at Manchester City, I was number three with my role involving taking the under-23s... Then when I got the Millwall job, my first game was Altrincham away in the FA Cup three days later. I was still living there at the time, half a mile from the ground. I travelled from Millwall to Altrincham on the coach that day, we trained on the way up'...

And Jackett has been picking the brains of others to get the low down on the 15th-placed side. He added ‘We have done our research. A good friend of mine, Russell Slade, is manager of Hereford and they played them a few weeks ago. Hereford lost 5-1, but some people at that level will always help you.’"

Given Slade's Hereford team had no answer to Alty, hopefully his advice will not have been much help to Jackett!

Portsmouth also report that "Pompey are aiming to take their total earnings from this season’s FA Cup to £165,000 on Saturday... While Kenny Jackett’s side won’t be underestimating their opponents, it’d be a major giant killing should the National League North side advance into the coveted third round.

The Manchester-based side sit 66 places below Pompey in the pyramid. The Blues have already banked £110,000 from the Cup. They received a £36,000 windfall for the 2-1 victory at Harrogate Town earlier this month, along with a £75,000 broadcast fee from the game being aired on BT Sport.

Should Jackett’s troops prevail into the next stage, an additional £54,000 in prize money will be added to the PO4 coffers... as the January transfer window approaches. Then that would mean the Blues are in the hat for the third round, meaning there’d be the chance of drawing a big Premier League side. Of course, Pompey could have accrued even more cash had they took [sic] up the option for the game to be broadcast by a overseas TV company.

However, the offer was turned down as the club were keen to ensure a Saturday afternoon fixture for the Fratton faithful". In fact, the game IS being televeised overseas.

In addition, Portsmouth have a preview which states that they "will look to avoid being victims of an FA Cup upset when they face Altrincham... Their opponents have enjoyed plenty of past giant-killings, most notably in the 1980s, and upset Barnsley four years ago...

And they head to the south coast on the back of an impressive 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions... It means there will be two in-form sides meeting on Saturday, with Pompey losing just one of their past 12 fixtures...

Pompey have no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s win, while a fit-again Sean Raggett is back in contention. Ross McCrorie (hamstring) and Tom Naylor (hamstring) are both expected to return to full training next week. Jack Whatmough is not ready for selection after recovering from a serious knee problem, while Bryn Morris (groin) is still sidelined...

This will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs... The match has been selected for live overseas television coverage and supporters should check local listings to see if it is being televised in their region... Pompey are the 1/5 favourites with Sky Bet to progress on the day, while the visitors can be backed at 12/1."

PORTSMOUTH v ALTRINCHAM

In advance of Saturday's FA Cup clash...

PORTSMOUTH TO FIELD STRONG SIDE

The Portsmouth News reports that "Kenny Jackett reveals Portsmouth selection plans for [the] Altrincham FA Cup game".

The article says that "Pompey won’t make wholesale changes for this Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Altrincham. Kenny Jackett wants the Blues to carry on their momentum and make it eight games unbeaten in all competitions..

The hosts are firm favourites to be in the hat for Monday night’s third-round draw and are looking to avoid a banana skin. The Blues have built impetus in recent weeks after a stuttering start to the season, with their 3-2 victory over Rotherham moving them to within two points of the play-offs. Despite playing an Altrincham side 66 places below them in the pyramid, Jackett is set to name a similar side to the one that beat the Millers.

The boss said ‘We won’t be messing with it too much. If I do feel someone needs a break or a change then I’ll be looking for like for like. I don’t want the rhythm of the side necessarily changing for the sake of it or give people minutes. It is an important competition, winning is a good habit and we have to do everything we can to win'...

He added, ‘Sean Raggett will be added to the group – he's been training this week. For the likes of McCrorie and Naylor, a realistic target for them to come back is next Saturday against Peterborough.’"

PORTSMOUTH COACHES: CAN YOU HELP?

Travel Co-ordinator Mark Eckersall writes "Thanks to all who have booked with us for Saturday's trip to Portsmouth. We are on our way to filling our third and final coach now and it's going to be a great day down there for everyone with such good numbers travelling.

We are looking for a supporter on each coach to help on the day by counting people back on the coaches before we leave Fratton Park and the services and arrange a collection for our drivers on the way home.

You'll be a point of contact for passengers but will also have the spare driver on each coach to liaise with and my phone number if you need any help at all.

The coaches are alcohol free and as all tickets have been paid in advance, it will just be a ticket check rather than cash collection so it's nice and easy.

As a thank you we are happy to reimburse your coach ticket and you'll be really helping us to make the day run smoothly.

It's a responsible job so we are looking for someone over 21 who will take it on for us, there will be very little impact on your trip and full instructions and support will be given.

Can you help? Please drop me an e-mail as soon as possible and we will make plans."

NORTH-WEST NEWS

The BetVictor NPL reports that "Ashton United have appointed Michael Clegg as their new manager.

The Premier Division side recently parted ways with Jody Banim... The club have announced that he will take charge of training from next week...

‘Despite broad interest in our vacancy from a number of outstanding individuals, Michael fits the ethos and ambition of our club perfectly,' said joint chairmen David and Jonathan Burke".

"The main headlines of the NWCFL midweek action were the return of former Wales and Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage to competitive action as he turned out for NWCFL First Division South side Stockport Town after signing just 24 hours previously.

Monday saw the 45-year-old turn out for Adam Jones side and with the Sky Sports cameras there, they ran out 3-2 winners against league leaders FC Oswestry Town".

ALTY BOYS AT TRAFFORD

On Tuesday in the North West Division of the NPL, 120 spectators saw Colne lose 1-2 at home to Trafford, for whom the goals came from Lewis Salmon and Lewis Walters.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Bradford (Park Avenue) "owner Gareth Roberts has confirmed that the club have agreed terms on a 30-year lease to take control of Horsfall Stadium from the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

The proposals have been in the pipeline for months, but now the paperwork has finally been completed and the lease will be effective once it is approved by Fields in Trust which has already indicated that it should be a formality. Roberts and The Horsfall Community Trust, which he helped found two years ago, have ambitious plans and are looking to install a 3G pitch, improve lighting, fencing, roadways and parking, and some building work, with help from funding partners.

The improvements would provide a space to extend and improve existing uses, provide a better experience, and allow more opportunity for the public, especially children, to play a range of sporting activities at the ground every day, something the owner feels is vital for the Bradford community.

Roberts, who is from Bradford but now lives in Texas, flew over from America at the end of last week to help finalise the deal.

Gareth said 'We’ve been working hard on the lease for a long time... We have created the conditions for the community to come together and invest in what I believe can be a fantastic sports hub and a whole set of varied facilities for decades to come. In anticipation of the signing of the lease, we have appointed Colin Wilson as our Consultant Director of Development to add to our existing team and help pull everything together...

Gareth also said, 'We’ve got plenty of pictures of what the ground should look like in future... In the works are security fencing around the site, a 3G pitch and get some proper lights fitted around the ground, as the current lights are pointing all over the place! We couldn’t apply for financial help from the FA Stadium Improvement Fund until the lease was signed.

The project is close to Gareth Roberts’ heart. His family is originally from Wibsey and feels that there is not enough on offer for youngsters in the city, despite the best efforts of the council...

'My goal is to help kids in Bradford. So many of the local grass pitches are in poor shape. Our proposed 3G pitch could be used every day and the new, modern lights cost less to run too...

'We need to get the 3G pitch laid, with a crash pad underneath, so it suits both rugby and football, before we can have rugby played there... There will be play on the 3G pitch during the week and on weekends. We could stage amateur rugby league games if teams want to use it, and we could potentially look at enabling or creating another rugby league team to play there, up to Rugby League Championship standard. To come up to those standards we would need a few things doing, but not too much. And our official capacity is about 3,500 but with a few changes, we could quickly expand that to 5,000.

'These improvements will not come cheap and, unfortunately, the 3G pitch is not eligible to get any funding from the football powers that be. That means that we will need to find partners to help with its funding'".

The Telegraph & Argus adds, regarding rugby, that "Roberts is not thought to have held discussions with the Bulls' new owners over a potential ground share but had previously pledged support to accommodate the club following their decision to leave Odsal...

Roberts dubbed the Bulls' move out of the city to play at Dewsbury 'a sad day for Bradford' when their decision was announced... Bulls will play their 'home' games in 2020 at Dewsbury's Tetley's Stadium but the new ownership have made it their priority to return the club to Bradford.

Odsal has been mothballed by the RFL, who own the lease and estimate it will cost £130,000 to maintain the empty stadium next year with the hope Bulls will return to Odsal in 2021".

Bulls' News informs us that "Hereford have confirmed that Tuesday's game with York City will take place as planned after their suggestion to move the fixture was turned down by the Minstermen.

As reported here, there was talk that the match could be moved to December 14 due to both clubs now being free on that date.

But York turned down the request to move it, stating that changing the date would be detrimental to any of their fans who have booked non-refundable travel and/or accommodation."

Gateshead report that "The Heed travel to Norfolk to face the league leaders on Saturday in search of a big result following a rough patch of form

Gateshead face the Vanarama National League North leaders, King's Lynn Town, on Saturday in search of a return to form.

The Heed were defeated twice at Altrincham and Halesowen Town last week, but now have the opportunity to get things back on track by claiming a big result in Norfolk."

28 November 2019

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Another managerial casualty in their North division is reported by the National League which confirms that "John Pemberton has left his role as manager of Kidderminster Harriers".

The Kidderminster Harriers statement says that the club "can confirm the departure of John Pemberton from the club with immediate effect.

Discussions were held with John earlier this week in light of the team’s current league position and early exit from the FA Cup and FA Trophy. While managing the club has had its challenges this season, we feel strongly that, with the players at our disposal and with what is a considerable budget for this division, we should be in a far better situation than we currently find ourselves.

At the end of these discussions, John offered his resignation which was accepted by the club. We would like to thank John for his effort while in post and wish him well for the future.

The club feels it is still well placed to achieve this season, and as such, the owners will take their time in appointing the team’s next manager, an appointment which will be crucial.

In the interim, Assistant Manager Russ Penn will take charge of the team for at least the next three or four matches, with our full support. It is clear that Russ, is extremely popular with both players, staff and supporters and we are confident they will respond accordingly during a busy period of fixtures".

However a different slant is to be found in the Halesowen News which says that "Ex-Kidderminster Harriers boss John Pemberton has launched an astonishing attack on the club in a row over his resignation.

Pemberton claims a statement from the Harriers announcing his departure was fake news designed to blame him for the club's poor form. He claims when he was hired he was told he would get cash to buy players but, two weeks later, the club said it was in administration and the coffers were empty.

Pemberton said 'I was given a blind horse and asked to win the Grand National. All I've been told is lies. The statement made it clear they have taken no responsibility. I found the position untenable, I cannot carry on in the circumstances, for six months it's been a firefight.

'I have had no backing at the club, all they have done is move the goalposts, I was promised the Earth but they cut budgets'...

The former boss says budgets were so tight he was not sure if there would be a team bus for an away match at Blyth Spartans. He added 'I had nine players for pre-season, I signed Ashley Hemmings and thought that would start a turnaround but I was told I couldn't bring in any players.'

Pemberton, who has previously worked for bigger clubs including Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, says he was willing to go quietly until he read the statement. He said 'I found it difficult to read, I thought that is not right. I walked away and was happy to keep my mouth shut but they are pushing it under my door. I wish they had been honest from day one so I knew what I was walking into.'

Harriers declined to make further comment."

The Leamington Observer reports that "The Brakes have been rewarded for their slender victory over Spennymoor Town with a trip to another National League North rival in AFC Telford United in the first round of the FA Trophy.

A 2-1 win at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium, courtesy of goals from Connor Taylor and Jack Edwards, continued Leamington’s recent revival as they extended their winning run to three games... The result against the division high-fliers was made all the more impressive given that Paul Holleran was without George Carline, Jordan Murphy, Dexter Walters and Callum Maycock due to administration problems, while Josh March was rested despite passing a late fitness test.

After a lacklustre start to proceedings, Leamington took an 18th-minute lead when Taylor fizzed a shot into the bottom corner of the net from Kaiman Anderson’s lay-off... Spennymoor were made to survive for extended periods without possession but went close through Glen Taylor’s effort...

After a slow start to the second half, the visiting Moors threatened to level the tie... Chances continued to be wasted as Edwards failed to trouble Spennymoor keeper Matt Gould with a header, a miss that looked to be crucial as the visitors levelled 11 minutes from time through Taylor...

But just five minutes later the Brakes were back in front, following a goalmouth scramble from Junior English’s cross that was poked home by Edwards past the helpless Gould. Leamington managed to see the game out with relative ease, meaning they go into Saturday’s trip to Guiseley on the crest of a wave."

King's Lynn Town "secured their passage into the first round of the FA Trophy with a stunning replay victory at Edgar Street, Hereford on Tuesday evening.

With both teams locked in a Walks stalemate at the weekend this time they [King's Lynn] made no mistake in front of goal and early strikes from Rory McAuley and Ross Barrows, both from set pieces, saw Town ease into a two goal lead with only seven minutes played.

As was to be expected the hosts came more into the game in the second spell and Lynn had keeper Alex Street to thank for preserving their two goal advantage when he produced a fine penalty stop to prevent the hosts reducing the arrears. With five minutes remaining substitute Sonny Carey made sure there was to be no sniff of a home comeback with a goal from close range to complete a memorable evening for the Linnets.

Lynn will now host National Conference side Dover Athletic on Saturday December 14th."

BUILDBASE 'TRANSFER DEAL'

According to NL Daily, "Six clubs that have been playing in this season’s Buildbase FA Trophy or Buildbase FA Vase are in with a chance of winning a share of the Buildbase £100k Transfer Deal 2019 to renovate their facilities.

The six-strong shortlist includes Stowmarket Town FC, Bridlington Town AFC and Cottesmore Amateurs S&S from the Buildbase FA Vase and Barton Rovers FC, Basford United FC and Hendon FC from the Buildbase FA Trophy.

The clubs will pitch against each other and present their plans to a panel of judges at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Monday 9 December 2019. Two winning clubs will each walk away with a £25,000 product bursary, which includes building, electrical and hire products to renovate their club facilities.

Judges from Buildbase and the FA will be looking for the clubs to demonstrate how feasible their renovation plans are as well as how far they go to benefit the club and fans as well as wider community.

As part of the application process, clubs have been working with local Buildbase branches to plan and cost out their projects from enhancing the spectator standing area at Stowmarket Town to creating a professional kitchen at Hendon FC.

Paul Roche, Managing Director of Buildbase said 'Many non-league football clubs desperately need support to improve their facilities and every year we’re inspired by the passion and vision of those applying. It’s a competitive programme and those shortlisted have done exceptionally well to get this far. We look forward to hearing more about their projects at Wembley.'

The Buildbase renovation programme has been running since the builders’ merchant became the title sponsor of the FA Trophy and Vase in 2016. The latest winners are Weymouth FC and Barnoldswick Town FC".


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