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23 September 2018

ALTRINCHAM 5-0 WHITLEY BAY

Above: Jake Moult's fine header was kept out by the woodwork but Tom Hannigan was to be on hand to net the rebound at the back post, making it 3-0.

Altrincham advanced into the Third Qualifying Round with a comfortable win against their Northern League opponents who kept going to the end, despite playing for more than half the game with ten men.

Alty took a 28th minute lead when Richman and Moult did well to get the ball to Jordan Hulme. He slid the ball past the advancing keeper, Flynn, to make it 1-0. Alty were unable to build on their lead but Whitley Bay were reduced to ten men in the 41st minute when Hassan felled Max Harrop, just outside the box, as the midfielder advanced up the middle after winning the ball.

In first half added time Alty had a great chance to double their lead when Flynn brought down Hulme in the goalmouth but John Johnston's penalty hit the base of the post and rebounded off the keeper, who then grabbed the ball.

The second half was one-way traffic. Moult made it 2-0 after 55 minutes when he scored from close range with help from Jordan Hulme in the build-up. The third goal came from Tom Hannigan at the back post after a Moult header had been kept out.

Substitute Tom Peers made it 4-0 when fellow sub, James Poole, laid on a chance for him and Peers added a fifth with a superb lob from a long ball forward by Harrop in the 84th minute.

Above: Tom Peers turns away as his shot hits the back of the net to make it 4-0.

ALTRINCHAM 1. Elliot Wynne, 2. Simon Richman, 3. Andy White, 4. James Jones, 5. Tom Hannigan, 6. Jake Moult (c), 7. John Johnston, 8. Sean Williams, 9. Jordan Hulme, 10. Max Harrop, 11. Josh Hancock. Subs: 12. Owen Dale, 14. Tom Peers, 15. Liam Goulding, 16. James Poole, 17. Joseph Thompson, 18. Connor Hampson, 20. Tony Thompson

WHITLEY BAY 1. Thomas Flynn, 2. Adam Redford, 3. Lewis Walton, 4. Karl Ross, 5. Luke Taylor, 6. Ibrahim Hassan, 7. Peter Glen-Ravenhill, 8. Ryan Redford, 9. Stephen Ramsey, 10. Oliver Martin, 11. Luke Salmon. Subs: 12. Liam Anderson, 13. Kieran Brannen, 14. Sam Disley, 15. Ben Christensen, 16. James Proctor, 19. Liam Powell.

SUPPORTERS' TRANSPORT TO KIDDERMINSTER

Travel Coordinator Mark Eckersall writes.. "TASC are running a coach to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday 29th September with the details on the Away Travel page. We've managed to keep prices the same as our last visit two years ago, in 2016, but we can only do this with your support. If you've considered coming to an away match before then we hope you might join us on this trip.

We offer a smart, modern vehicle with a family friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages and we have travellers old and young come with us. We don't allow alcohol to make sure we preserve this but always arrive in time for a drink before the game or to have a wander and see the local area if you prefer.

We'll be stopping at the services for thirty mins on this trip on the way down, with a toilet stop on the way home to get you back for evening arrangements.

You can book your seat by calling the club in the week on 0161 928-1045. We've had some enjoyable trips this season already so why not join us and support the coaches and team as we push on together?"

FA YOUTH CUP DRAW

In the FA Youth Cup, following their walkover against Lancaster City, Altrincham FC Youth have been assigned another away ficture, this time at Bolton club Daisy Hill in the week commencing 1st October.

SATURDAY FIXTURES

Saturday 29 September 2018

NEXT OPPONENTS: KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS

Altrincham's hosts next Saturday, Kidderminster Harriers, report that "Harriers produced a thoroughly dominant showing to ease themselves through to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup thanks to a 5-0 win over Atherstone Town. Dan Bradley netted a hat-trick while goals from Joe Ironside and Kane Richards added to the tally.

The home side dominated their visitors and showed zero signs that they'd be taking their task lightly, racking up well over 30 attempts at goal through the afternoon, with Atherstone managing just a couple.

The first half was as one-sided a half as you'll see... The pressure finally told on 34 minutes with the opening goal; Bradley on hand to finish after O'Neill had parried a Weeks shot...

Harriers quickly set about adding to their tally after the break and had the chance from 12 yards with just eight minutes gone - Ironside picking himself up after being fouled by Bilic to tuck away from the spot... A couple of minutes later, it was 3-0 as Weeks and Ironside and Bradley combined superbly for the latter to finish into an empty net...

On 67 minutes, Baxter struck over with the visitors' first chance of the day, before Bradley wrapped up his treble by sticking away yet another superb pass from Weeks... Harriers completed their scoring 13 minutes later... when Richards was quickest to meet Vaugan's driven cross to find the net."

More comes from Harriers Online who add that "The Harriers boss Neil MacFarlane was keen to avoid a shock and named a strong side with just four changes made to the team that were defeated by Chester on Saturday. Ryan Johnson, James Baxendale, Dan Bradley and Sam Austin all received the nod whilst the bench was warmed by U23 and Academy prospects Declyn Cummings, Harry Stratford and Reiss Taylor-Randle...

A professional performance from Harriers saw them progress into Monday’s third qualifying round draw. The final word must go to the visitors though who were well supported by 179 vocal fans and a credit to themselves and their league as their great cup run came to an end. They can rightly be proud".

ALTY OLD BOY

The EvoStik League tells us that Alty Youth product, defender James O'Hara has signed forms for Skelmersdale United

SATURDAY'S CUP GATES

Attendances in the Emirates F.A Cup 2nd Qualifying Round on Saturday include...
22 September 2018

ALTRINCHAM 5-0 WHITLEY BAY

Above: Hulme nets the opening goal.

EMIRATES FA CUP

The Northern element of the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup, to be played this weekend, is as follows...

CSC DATE SET

Altrincham's Cheshire Senior Cup tie at home to Congleton Town will take place on Tuesday, 6 November at 7.45pm.

Mike Garnett reminds us of the previous record against The Bears.

NEXT LEAGUE OPPONENTS: KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS

Above: John Cyrus heads clear during Alty's last visit to Aggborough in September 2016, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

Alty travel to Aggborough next Saturday, from where Kidderminster Harriers state that "Jimmy O’Connor is demanding Harriers maintain their high standards as they enter the Emirates FA Cup against Atherstone Town [this] Saturday... While sitting four levels below Harriers in the pyramid, the team have begun their season strongly, particularly in this competition where they have already successfully negotiated three rounds...

He said 'With any draw in the FA Cup, you always ask for a home tie, that’s what you want first and foremost. We’ve got that, against a team who are a couple of divisions lower, and that presents different challenges'...

'We’re at home and we always fancy our chances against anybody,” added the former Walsall man. “If we prepare right, do what we’re supposed to do and stick to our game plan, I’d fancy us against anybody... Saturday presents a different challenge and they have earned the right to be in this round of the FA Cup, so fair play to them but we have to focus on ourselves on Saturday and make sure we keep hitting those levels and maintain those high standards. If we do that I’m sure we’ll get a positive result.'"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

According to the National League "It’s been another frantic Friday of transfer deals as managers take the opportunity to fine-tune their squad ahead of the weekend...

Southport manager Liam Watson is 'absolutely delighted' to sign towering Coventry City midfielder Bouwe Bosma has agreed an initial two-month loan...

Elliot Osborne is meanwhile back at Stockport County after an agreement was reach[ed] for the 22-year-old midfielder to leave Southport until January 5".

And still at Edgeley Park, the National League "Jim Gannon admits he takes his Stockport County side to South Shields in the FA Cup fearful of a difficult day...

'We have to be concerned about the opposition as they are top of the Evo-Stik Premier, they’re at home and they’ve got a lot of experience,' he said in the build up to the game. 'They’re the next wave of Darlingtons and Spennymoors. They’ve attracted a lot of players from the National League North. They are a big, strong side and it’s obviously a tasty one for them, they’ll be relishing Stockport County coming to their place. We’ve learned a lot of lessons from the likes of Blyth and Darlington last season, Spennymoor - they were all tough games.

'Travel has an effect on it, you’re on a coach for three or four hours, you’re having to feed lads. It’s a tough fixture but we’ll deal with all that and make sure we are ready... Then you just pick your strongest side in terms of having the physicality and mentality to be aware it will be a hard game.'”

Across the Pennines, the Ilkley Gazette tells us that "Big defender Shane Killock has netted three goals already for Bradford (Park Avenue) this season, and manager Mark Bower is delighted with his side's current set-piece prowess.

Killock volleyed home Avenue's opener in Saturday's defeat against Altrincham, and Bower has been pleased with the defence's attacking contribution so far. He enthused 'With Adam Boyes leaving, we lost a big chunk of goals, so we knew we had to score from different areas. We've been strong from set-pieces this season, with Shane Killock scoring three and (his centre-back partner) Conor Branson also netting on Saturday. When you're on top in games like we have been, you get more free-kicks and corners and the delivery has been excellent over the last few weeks'...

Avenue visit Darlington in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round and Bower... joked 'I've always had a nightmare in the FA Cup but I just say I'm saving myself up for one big cup run. There was one year (2000/01) at York City when we beat Reading in the second round and landed an away tie at Leicester City but that's about it. The prize money has doubled this year though which is an incentive and hopefully we can have a bit of luck and get a big first round draw.'

Bower spent one season as a Darlington player in League Two but the club has changed a lot since his departure eight years ago. He said 'They've been through a tough time after administration but they're still a big club at our level. Their manager Tommy Wright has turned them round and they're a really hard team to beat, although we have done better against strong sides this year. It's not the draw I would have chosen though. I've come up against Darlington three times as a manager and lost on every occasion.'"

York Press asserts that "Sean Newton believes he is due a spot of FA Cup fortune having endured an 'abysmal' time in the world-famous competition...

The Liverpool-born utility man, who turns 30 on Sunday, was a member of the City side that lost 3-2 at eighth-tier South Shields last season... Newton was also in a Telford team that were dumped out of a first-round tie 4-0 by Chelmsford , whilst his biggest moment in the Cup – a 2008 match-winning brace for Droylsden against League Two Chesterfield– was tarnished because he should have been suspended for the tie and the Greater Manchester outfit were subsequently expelled from the tournament, missing out on a trip to Championship outfit Ipswich.

On his nightmare FA Cup record, Newton admitted 'I’ve not really had the best of draws in the competition... With Newton one of six players in the current squad that endured the ignominy of defeat at South Shields, the others are Hamza Bencherif, Simon Heslop, Adriano Moke, Jon Parkin and Dan Parslow, the former Wrexham left back reckons that experience should serve as a painful lesson learned ahead of tomorrow’s second qualifying round home tie against the North West Counties League’s bottom club Ashton Athletic.

'For the lads that were here, it’s a game to look back on and realise you can’t take teams for granted,' Newton reasoned... 'It’s all about mentality... Ashton will be treating it as their cup final... If we don’t win the game, it won’t be because they have got the better players, it will be because we have under-achieved and not treated the game with the respect it deserves. We’ve got to start with a good tempo and get the ball down and play good football like we did against Brackley and Blyth,' he said.

'If we do that, without being disrespectful, they shouldn’t be able to live with us. We’ve got to look to kill the game off early doors and then let our fitness levels take over'...

Newton returned to the team against Kidderminster last weekend after missing four matches due to medial ligament damage. During his absence, the captain’s armband has been handed to Joe Tait, but Newton has accepted that decision...

He added 'If I could pick a position, it would be left-back but, wherever the manager tells you to play, all you can do is try your best.'”

Off the field news from York City is that "The possibility of safe standing or rail seating at the new Community Stadium is currently being explored with key stakeholders. The club is due to leave Bootham Crescent, its home since 1932, at the end of the 2018-19 season and will re-locate, along with the York City Knights Rugby League club, to the new 8,000 all-seater stadium provided by the City of York Council at Monk's Cross.

A statement released on behalf of the club's board of directors states: 'It is widely documented that the conditions of the club's Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) loan stipulate that the new stadium should be all-seater. Those conditions will need to be met in order for the loan to be converted into a FSIF grant. Any changes to the plan for an all-seater stadium will require an amendment by the FSIF to the terms of their loan.

The club is aware that the introduction of rail seating and safe standing is a topic of great debate among football fans and in the football industry which has gained momentum in recent times. Discussions have taken place with various key stakeholders about this as a possibility at the new stadium"

According to the Hereford Times, "Dean Holdsworth is one of the names being hotly linked to the vacant manager’s job at Hereford FC. The Edgar Street club appointed Tim Harris as Head of Football yesterday but are still looking for someone to replace Peter Beadle in a new role of Head Coach.

The Hereford Times understands that Holdsworth, a former Wimbledon striker, has applied for the position and is being considered by the Bulls' board. Holdsworth succeeded Beadle as manager of Newport County in 2008 and has also managed Aldershot Town, Chelmsford Town and Brentwood Town... The Hereford Times has also been told that Lee Clark, the former Newcastle United midfielder and Birmingham City manager, is another name being considered by the Hereford FC board."

And the Hereford Times adds that "Head of Football Tim Harris said that he wants Hereford FC to turn full-time ‘sooner rather than later’ as he prepares to spearhead a new era at the club. The 58-year-old former Newport County manager... took on his role this week. His first job will be to sift through between 60 and 70 applications for the Head Coach role...

'As much as momentum is great reality tells me there comes a stage when you've got to plateau and, without being unkind, that's where Hereford are at this present moment in time,' said Harris. 'We all know what we want, but it is going to take time, fans don't want to hear the words being patient but I will say look at York City. It took them eight years to get out of the National League they got into the Football League and two years later got relegated and another year relegated again.

'It's not a case of boom and bust but there has to be a plan and a development and everybody has to grow. I've experienced the transition from part-time to full-time as if this club is going to get back into the Football League it needs to be full-time. Because when you train, at this moment in time, once a week at the level we are playing at it is not acceptable'...

Harris said that he needs to be able to work closely with the new Head Coach. 'We've had 60 or 70 applicants now and looking at the calibre of applicants who have applied is superb. The problem is what are they thinking of Hereford FC? What are their expectations?... It's managing their expectations and making sure we find the right fit for this football club where it is today. Ideally we would like somebody with the experience of this level and the levels above. Ideally we would like someone who can develop players so that we can look down the route of developing those...

'The most important thing is that I've got to be able to work with them. I worked with three manager at Newport in Dean Holdsworth, Anthony Hudson and Justin Edinburgh. We had a terrific relationship and a very successful period so that's the key to it... There's no time-scale on it and we don't want to rush in but if we can get it done quickly then it's important for the football club where it's currently situated... I'm not precious about being in the dugout but what I am conscious of is that we need to look at recruitment and get a chief scout in looking and finding the little gems out there that we can bring in and help develop and hopefully get success on the pitch and then sell them to progress the club'...

He added 'Momentum is one thing and reality is another and where we sit in this moment in time is a big league. You can't just throw money at it... The important thing now is that next step. When you look at Stockport County and the history behind them they have really struggled to get out of this league'".

On the field, Hereford FC "have bought in youngster Tom Harrison from Bristol City on an initial month-long loan deal. The powerful defender who plays for the City U23 squad can play anywhere across the back four. He comes with a reputation for being a player who leads by example. Interim Head Coach, Gareth Davies told the official Hereford FC website... 'He’s got a good level of aggression that he channels in the right way, and I feel that he will really add something to the squad.'"

Nuneaton Town advise that "Michael Tweed and Obaro Edobor have joined Romulus FC on an initial month-long loan".

Southport report that "Bouwe Bosma has signed on an initial two-month loan from Coventry City. The 6’4” tall midfielder had a one-month loan spell at Lewes FC recently where he impressed again after joining the Sky Blues from the Rooks originally in the summer following their promotion.

Bouwe makes the move back North, after also having spells at Eastbourne Borough and Peacehaven, as he continues his development away from the League One club, who have a track record of promoting young players with potential into their first team. Born in Liverpool, the 22 year-old is of Dutch descent and is a powerful presence in the middle who is strong on the ball and can find the net when needed."

Also, "Southport Football Club can confirm that Elliot Osborne has joined Stockport County on loan until the start of January 2019. The former Fleetwood midfielder will link up his new team mates this weekend... The 22 year-old made his league debut for the Port against Stockport at the start of 2018 and scored recently in the away fixture at Alfreton from range."

Up at Spennymoor Town the Moors "travel to Witton Albion in the Emirates FA Cup, looking to build on their impressive form in September. Moors’ scintillating league performances, which have heralded 13 points from a possible 15, will have to be put on hold as Jason Ainsley takes his in-form side to Wincham Park, where they won 2-1 on their last visit in October 2015...

Both sides have enjoyed substantial success since that meeting, with Albion earning promotion from Division One South in 2017, the same year as Moors sealed their place in the National League North... [Witton] are yet to taste defeat at home".

21 September 2018

NEW SIGNING AT WHITLEY BAY

In the run-up to Saturday's FA Cup tie with Altrincham, Whitley Bay report a "New signing! With Jack Cooper expected to be out injured for 4-6 weeks, we have signed experienced defender Ben Christensen from Ashington. He is not cup-tied so is available for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Altrincham".

Above: Ben Christensen, second from left in the row of defenders, playing for Shildon against Alty in 2012.

Alty fans may remember Christensen who Ashington report is a "Solid and experienced defender, who signed from Shildon in October 2013, Ben is a reliable player who attackers find difficult to get the better of. Can play anywhere across the back and is a real leader in the team. Date of Birth 16th November 1986". Christensen was Shildon's right-back when they played Altrincham in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Match played on Saturday, 22 September 2012, which Alty won 3-0.

BAY'S VASE EXIT

Our FA Cup opponents, Whitley Bay report on their FA Vase exit last week against Tyneside club, Whickham.

"Whitley’s recent good form deserted them as they suffered an early exit from this season’s FA Vase, beaten by an unfortunate own goal in extra time at Whickham. Making their first ever visit to The Glebe ground, they failed to come to terms with a difficult sloping playing surface and were a pale shadow of the side that only seven days earlier had created one of the upsets of the FA Cup in beating Whitby Town at Hillheads.

This game brought together two former Vase winners, Whickham having been the first north east side to lift the trophy back in 1981 and despite having been promoted this season to the Northern League First Division they came into the game as clear underdogs...

Foalle had a great opportunity to give Whitley a 35th minute lead, but hesitated when clear on goal allowing Clayton time to block his attempt. Whitley were getting on top... The pressure finally paid off in the 41st minute when Olly Martin raced away along the left wing before cutting in and playing the ball across goal where Foalle drilled it home from eight yards. Three minutes later the lead might have been doubled when Salmon played a corner up the slope and Dan Taggart’s header flew inches over the bar. Whitley looked to be ending the half well on top but deep into added time, Whickham got an equaliser out of nothing... a tremendous shot that flew into the top corner of the net leaving Flynn helpless.

The second half developed into a largely scrappy affair with neither side creating much and passes frequently going astray...

In extra time, Foalle twice had chances... Two minutes before the end of the first period came what proved to be the decisive goal. Mole crossed up the slope from the Whickham left into the Bay goalmouth, the ball hit defender Luke Taylor and crept into the net at the near post.

Five minutes from time, Jack Cooper was injured by a bad challenge that went unpunished and when play was eventually stopped to allow treatment, he had to be helped from the field unable to continue...

WHITLEY BAY: Flynn, McFarlane, Cooper (Gillesphey 117mins), Richardson, Taylor, Anderson, Glen-Ravenhill, Salmon, Taggart (Ramsey 78mins) Foalle, Martin (Walton 84mins). Subs not used: Ross, A Redford...

[Manager] Andy Gowens reflects on Whitley’s disappointing exit from the FA Vase at Whickham “I thought we were very bitty today. We didn’t retain the ball well... I think it should really have been ‘game over’ by half time. Then Jack scores and we think we’re on our way now, so let’s settle down. We were on top, really in control of the game then we gave the ball away and they scored a ‘worldie’ just on half time which gave them a lift. Tom had no chance with it...

'It was a bit like a basketball game at times, end to end and totally open which wasn’t the way we wanted to play. At the end of the day we didn’t control the ball when we had it, we gave it away too many times in the last third. Decision making - we made the wrong pass and when we actually got people in we didn’t take the chances. They worked really hard trying to stop us playing which worked'".

NW NEWS

From the EvoStik League website, we read that "Warrington Town have released striker Richard Brodie, manager Paul Carden has confirmed. Brodie, 31, moved to the Yellows in the summer having scored 16 goals for Rushall Olympic in the Premier Division last season. He scored twice for Warrington, but was sent off for a second bookable offence against Marine on Saturday, having only come on as a late substitute.

Carden told the Warrington Guardian 'Richard Brodie’s left us. He said he wanted to play more football. That’s him done, so we’re possibly in the market for another forward'".

ALTY OLD BOY

Bradford (Park Avenue) report that their "Academy [were] in FA Youth Cup action, welcoming Harworth Colliery to the Horsfall Stadium". Before the game it added that former Alty forward "Alex Meechan’s youngsters advanced into the First Qualifying Round with an impressive win over Staveley Miners' Welfare and will be looking to pick up where they left off against Harworth". However, BPA lost 4-2.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The National League reports that "Tim Harris is Hereford’s new Head of Football, the club have confirmed. The news comes less than a week after Peter Beadle left his position as the National League North club’s manager. Harris, who stepped down at Tamworth recently, is now looking to recruit a head coach.

Hereford announced they are going in a new direction in an attempt to take the club into the Football League. Harris told the club’s website 'I am absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity. My father and my uncle were big Hereford United fans and they took me many years ago. I will give everything to help this great club progress to where it deserves to be.'

Chairman Ken Kinnersley thinks ... 'He is a perfect fit in the new structure. He impressed every member of the board greatly when we met him but most of all he has great experience'".

Harris may be known to Alty fans as a former Forest Green Rovers manager.

From Spennymoor Town "Forward Kevin Hayes has joined Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One East side Marske United on a one-month loan deal. Hayes, 19, who moved to The Brewery Field from Stockton Town in the summer, has made three substitute appearances this season... Spennymoor Town manager Jason Ainsley feels the current form of the side has been a big factor in Hayes’s limited opportunities; 'Due to the current form of the lads playing in Kevin’s position, we feel a month of getting regular games will benefit both parties when he comes back... Kevin has been excellent in training and is going to play a big part in the season.'”

One player who won't be facing Alty at Aggborough next Saturday is the subject of a report from Kidderminster Harriers who tell us that "Ed Wagner has today linked up with Redditch United for a one-month loan spell. The American defender was a summer signing at Aggborough after spending time with Alfreton Town last term. ‘Ned’ has yet to make his Harriers bow, though, and will join United for some key first-team game time over the course of the next few weeks".

Brackley Town have a "New signing. Shaun Jeffers joins us from Boreham Wood. Striker Shaun previously played on loan for us when he was with Newport County, scoring two goals".

From Derbyshire we learn that Alfreton Town confirm earlier reports from Devon that "the loan signing of centre back Josh Gowling has been extended until the end of the season. Josh joined the Reds in mid-August on an initial one month loan from Torquay United and has been a stand out performer in the back-line since his arrival. Gowling has made seven appearances so far for Billy Heath’s side.

Manager Billy Heath on Gowling staying with the Reds for the rest of the season [said], 'It’s a fantastic move for us to have Josh stay with us until the end of the season. It’s massively important to keep him here; he’s settled so well and has been excellent since he came to the Reds. When Josh initially joined we were always looking to extend it. He has come in with valuable experience and his stand-out performances show that. We are delighted to have him until the end of the season now and it’s a brilliant signing'".

20 September 2018

CUP OPPONENTS: WHITLEY BAY

The Whitley Bay website provides a list of the club's players, in advance of their visit to Altrincham in the Emirates FA Cup this Saturday...

One Whitley Bay player needing no introduction to Altrincham is Gavin Caines. The defender has played against us for Kidderminster Harriers (2009/10), (from where he had a loan spell at Luton Town), Forest Green Rovers (2010/11) and Eastwood Town (2011/12). He has also played for Hednesford Town.

Fellow defender Ibby Hassan spent seven years at Whitby Town and experienced goalkeeper Tom Flynn, who was Man of the Match in the last round of the Cup, spent three years playing in Scotland at Cowdenbeath and also had a spell at Alfreton Town.

Whitley Bay's squad in the last round of the FA Cup was: Flynn, A Redford (Walton 69mins), Cooper, Anderson, Hassan, Caines, Martin, Glen-Ravenhill, Taggart (Ramsey 78mins), Foalle, Salmon. Substitutes not used: Carr, Brannen, R Redford, Taylor, Powell.

ALTY BOARD UPDATE

Altrincham FC director, Rob Esteva, has written an update on developments at the club on its official website.

NEXT LEAGUE OPPONENTS: KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS

Kidderminster Harriers' "Boss Neil MacFarlane says Chester were worthy winners over Harriers on Tuesday night but has backed his team to respond in style. A 3-1 win for The Seals inflicted on Harriers their very first defeat of the new season. Ed Williams had reduced a two-goal deficit to 2-1 with around 15 minutes to play but the hosts responded with another goal...

'I thought Chester deserved their win,' he said. 'We’re obviously disappointed as a group that the unbeaten run has gone but we have to bounce back, and I am convinced that this group will. We’re ten games in and this group has come so far in that ten games and we can’t lose sight of that. Tonight, it just didn’t happen for us; not through a lack of effort, but the touches and the moments that were so good for us at the weekend just didn’t happen for us tonight'...

Harriers now go into the Emirates FA Cup this coming weekend when they meet Atherstone Town at Aggborough".

And the following Saturday (29th), Altrincham are the guests at Aggborough.

Right: Damian Reeves is congratulated on his goal when Kidderminster last visited the J. Davidson Stadium in April 2017. That goal made it 1-1 but the Harriers won the game 4-1

The Harriers' team at Chester comprised Hall, Vaughan, Taylor, O’Connor, Horsfall, Digie (Richards 63), Weeks, Daniels, Ironside (Bradley 46), Chambers, Williams. Subs: Baxendale, Austin, Johnson.

Kidderminster Harriers add that "Chester did a sound job of keeping Harriers at arms length with only distance efforts from Daniels to speak of... Harriers had their first big chance seven [minutes] before the break when Chambers, played in by Weeks, saw a firm shot blocked, Vaughan then almost catching the goalkeeper off target with a looped cross that almost found the net.

The second half, frustratingly for Harriers, began in much the same way as the first; an early goal for the home side. A dangerous corner from Mooney loop[ed] up into the air where Hughes was on hand to turn it home... A handball inside the area gave Harriers their lifeline on 73 minutes – Livesey penalised and Williams stepping up to net his sixth of the campaign. Two minutes later, a flurry in the area saw Bradley and Chambers both have shots blocked at close range.

The final word would be with the home side, though. They added their third with nine left to play when Hughes got in at the by-line, holding up the ball for a team mate in the middle before deciding to go for it himself, slamming in a tight finish into the far corner".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Hereford's unofficial Bulls' News reports a "statement...from Pete Beadle and Steve Jenkins. Like many people we were shocked and disappointed on Thursday 13th September with the news that Hereford FC was terminating our employment with immediate effect.

On reflection over the weekend we still feel that it was a little rash or harsh. We both knew that the block of games we’d just come out of was always going to be tough and, after them, we felt we knew what was needed. Sadly we never had that opportunity and instead we sat having coffee reflecting on what has been an incredible journey.

# We have so many people to thank for playing a part and sharing in our journey. Along that course there were 3 Championships, a Wembley Final, an amazing FA Cup run in which we got to the 2nd Round proper, 3 HFA final wins, a League Cup win and a Champion of Champions win. There were also three Club of the Year awards and Non-League Team of the Year last season.

Our first thanks go to the players who, despite many people's thoughts, were right behind what we were doing and the way we were doing it. Our changing room was as strong and together last Saturday as it was in the first season, something we’ve been very meticulous about is, whatever happens, the changing room must "always be together". So we would like to thank every player that has pulled on a Hereford shirt during our tenure and always given nothing less than 100%.

Next, we thank the "behind the scenes" volunteers... We salute you the supporters... I know there are some supporters out there, who for whatever reason didn’t like the way I did things but, rest assured, every decision made by myself and Steve was always in the best interests of the club. We had a job to do and did it to the best of our ability every single training session and match day. So we thank you all for your incredible support'".

The National League reports that "Chester are finally becoming what their new managers knew they would after taking Kidderminster’s unbeaten record last night.

Joint boss Anthony Johnson says finally the club have laid to rest the ghost of their August 8-1 humiliation at Blyth Spartans... 'We are now starting to see signs of what we talked about we would bring here in the summer,' Johnson said. 'We are starting to put that Blyth Spartans result [an 8-1 defeat] to bed now finally. We’re picking up and that was great to watch. We really rate Kidderminster as a team; they are the benchmark as a club of where we want to be. We watched them back against York, they demolished them really. We knew how hard this was going to be but the way we went at them was fantastic.

'The players’ work rate was phenomenal. They are really starting to take the information we’re giving them on board... I can’t believe how many chance we created. We talked about playing on the front foot and it was so pleasing. They came here to play and we knew that would create gaps and we exploited that. We kept our shape and we have set a benchmark.'"

Chester FC add that the team "put in a sublime performance to see off a previously unbeaten Kidderminster Harriers... An Anthony Dudley penalty got things rolling, before Matty Hughes added a brace, with an Ed Williams penalty in between as the Blues looked confident against the league's second-placed side.

Chester’s pre-match preparations were thrown into disarray as captain Scott Burton pulled up with an injury, resulting in Iwan Murray making his senior debut, while [ex-Alty loanee] Jon Moran replaced Dominic Smalley who picked up an injury at the weekend".

19 September 2018

NEW SIGNINGS IN ACTION

All three of Altrincham's most recent signings (Joe Thompson, Callum Harris and Ross Woodcock) were in action for Trafford FC in the Integro Cup on Tuesday night (as seen on the teamsheet, adjacent). The Shawe View side beat Skelmersdale United on penalties, following a 3-3 draw, with Joe Thompson netting the winning spot-kick as well as scoring in the match itself. Former Alty man Laurence Taylor also played whilst Aaron Burns was on the bench.

The same Alty trio also played for Altrincham FC Reserves last Saturday, with Thompson scoring in a 4-1 win over FC St Helens.

FIXTURE SEQUENCES

This season's fixtures have thrown up some interesting sequences. It looks as if the fixture computer devised the first half of the season then attempted to replicate it as closely as possible for the second part of the campaign.

So, by way of evidence, we note that Alty's first four fixtures of the season were against Leamington, Southport, Spennymoor and FCUM. We then meet the same four clubs in consecutive games for a second time in January/February 2019, albeit in slightly different order.

Similarily our next six league fixtures in September to November 2018 are against Kidderminster, Alfreton, Chorley, Ashton, Nuneaton and Hereford; our last six consecutive league fixtures of the season are against the same six clubs, with just a minor change in the sequence of clubs.

And in November/December we play Chester FC, York City and Brackley in successive fixtures, only to have the exact same treble in March 2019.

Another sequence which was not planned is that, so far, whenever Alty have won a game this season, (all away from home so far), they have drawn the next match then lost the following two fixtures! Thus the win at Southport was followed by a draw at Spennymoor and defeats against FCUM and Boston United. Likewise the win at Darlington was followed by a draw with Guiseley and defeats against Blyth Spartans and Curzon Ashton.

MIDWEEK

Tuesday's win for Chester means that Altrincham drop to thirteenth in the table.

NO AXE TO GRIND

The official site of Altrincham FC reports that "Press and Media Officer John Edwards has submitted [an] article for inclusion in this week's Sale and Altrincham Messenger... [in which he says that] Phil Parkinson has revealed how the axe was hovering over some Altrincham players ahead of a battling 3-2 win at promotion-chasing Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday". Follow the above link for the full story...

SEAN'S SHORTS

Above, Sean Williams's shorts seem to be a source of humour for Jake Moult and his team-mates before the match at Bradford last Saturday.

CHESHIRE NEWS

The Hallmark Security (NW Counties) League announces that "1874 Northwich have announced a ground share agreement with Barnton, commencing at the start of next season. Since joining the league in 2013, 1874 have played home games at Winsford United's Barton Stadium, and also staged home FA Vase games at Wincham Park, home of Witton Albion, last season.

A statement on the club website said 'The Board of 1874 Northwich FC are pleased to announce that in line with the clubs stated aim of playing football within the Northwich area, an agreement has been reached with Barnton FC for the club to play home matches at the Townfield ground from the start of the 2019/2020 season on an initial two year agreement.

'A core ambition of 1874 Northwich FC is to achieve a permanent home base for the club within Northwich, this is the first step towards that ambition'.

Meanhwile "Barnton have announced that for the remainder of their 2018/19 season, their ground at Townfield Lane will now be newly named as ‘The Offside Trust Stadium’. The unprecedented move is designed to fully support the organisation that has highlighted child abuse through sport, and is led by ex-footballer Steve Walters and former professional golfer Chris Unsworth...

Steve Lloyd, Chairman of Barnton FC commented,'With the introduction of our Junior section at Barnton FC we felt the timing was right for us make this move and we are extremely proud to throw our full support behind such a noble and brave appeal'”.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The EvoStik League tells us that Lee Sinnott, the former Alty boss, now managing Gainsborough Trinity has "announced the signing of centre-back Kelvin Lugsden. Lugsden spent the majority of his career at Glossop North End, making 420 appearances for the Surrey Street club. He has since played for Shaw Lane and Droylsden, and goes straight into the squad for Gainsborough’s Integro League Cup match away at Gresley on Tuesday night."

Right: Under the watchful eye of Alty Club secretary Derek Wilshaw, former Alty defender Kelvin Lugsden (no.4 in blue shirt) helps Shaw Lane to defend an Altrincham corner in the match between the two clubs at Athersley in April this year.

The EvoStik League also record the following new registrations...

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Boston United "have completed the signing of experienced midfielder David Norris. Norris played under United boss Craig Elliott at Shaw Lane last season and went on to finish the campaign with 49 appearances to his credit. It completes a spectacular homecoming for the 37-year-old who launched his career in style with the Pilgrims in 1999-2000, securing a move to Bolton Wanderers in the process.

He subsequently enjoyed a seven goals in six matches loan return to York Street the following season to take his overall United tally to 18 goals in 37 appearances. Norris has since represented the likes of Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town, Portsmouth and Leeds United and played against the Pilgrims for the first time in March 2017 for Salford City".

According to the National League "Hereford’s board of directors have expanded on their decision to part company with Peter Beadle last week and outlined the new direction they are about to take...

Their statement read 'As a board we understand concerns raised by supporters over the past few days, but can offer reassurance that the Directors unanimously believe the decisions that have been made are in the best interests of this football club. Over time we have been taking the opportunity to speak to a number of respected figures from within the game to try to understand the type of structure that will best suit the club as we look to continue our progress up the football pyramid.

'We have spoken to people with a long track record in the game, who clearly have far more knowledge and experience in football than we do, so we can give Hereford FC the best possible chance of further success through maximising the resources we have available. We believe we cannot just focus on the here and now, and that we have to start to develop a scouting network that will help us secure the services of players with bright futures in the game by attracting them to Edgar Street and giving them a chance to perform and develop to their full potential.

'We not only want to recruit players for our first team, we also want to bring our own players through our academy and feel we need greater expertise at the club to do that. In addition, we also need to consider when we might be able to go full time, which in itself is a huge project for us to be thinking about. With all that in mind, as a board we feel we need to go down a different route in terms of the football leadership and will therefore be recruiting a Head of Football to manage all aspects relating to the playing side of the club.

'A Head Coach will be brought in to focus on the management of the first team squad, and he will report to the Head of Football and work closely with him to ensure all football areas are pulling in the same direction. The recruitment process for both these positions has started in earnest and supporters will be provided with updates as soon as they are available. While the directors understand that the recent changes to the management structure here at Edgar Street have come as a shock to many, the board all agree the new direction is the best approach to give us success on the pitch and ensure we become as professional as the clubs we are now competing against.

'Rest assured the board are under no illusions about how important this football club is to its supporters, but we also feel that the club cannot stand still and that making changes now, from a position of strength, will potentially have enormous benefits for the long-term success of the club.'”

The National League tells us that "A year is a long time in football. Just ask Leamington manager Paul Holleran. Last September the Brakes were wondering just how long they would be a part of the National League North having just earned promotion. Languishing near the bottom of the table, Holleran feared the worst. Some 12 months on, they are wondering if they have a chance to escape the division via a more dignified route...

'Ten games in, we have competed in each of them so far, which again is pleasing because at times in the first ten games last season we looked out of our depth,' Holleran told the club’s website. 'The squad was a little stretched but it was an excellent performance against Blyth, I’m delighted. There were some massive individual performances but more importantly a massive collective team performance'".

The Boston Standard reports that "Grant Roberts has linked up with Hyde United on a dual registration. Manager Craig Elliott wants the midfielder to get game time under his belt as he returns to full fitness. Knee problems have sidelined the 27-year-old for most of the past two seasons".

From York Press comes news that "York City caretaker boss Sam Collins has admitted he is carefully managing Jon Parkin’s workload to avoid the veteran striker breaking down during the season again. Parkin, 36, netted 25 times last term in 30 starts before a long-standing knee problem flared up and meant that he missed all but the final match of City’s eight-game run-in to the end of the campaign. The Minstermen subsequently took five points from a possible 24 and alarmingly fell out of play-off contention.

This season, Parkin has only started a third of the Minstermen’s first nine fixtures, but the side are still to score a goal in 2018/19 without him being on the pitch. Under Collins, meanwhile, the ex-Stoke and Hull forward is yet to start consecutive matches, with the temporary boss adding, 'I understand the team hasn’t scored without Jon being on the pitch this season and he’s got goals throughout his career. When he came on for us (at half-time during Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat to Kidderminster), he had some good moments as you’d expect, but one of the things we are trying to do a little bit is to protect Jon.

'He’s not getting any younger and we’re trying to manage the situation with him. Ideally, if he was a couple of years younger, you’d play him in every game and for 90 minutes, but we have to think about the bigger picture, because we’ve got to get him through the season and we don’t want to kill him.'

With Parkin starting on the bench, Collins opted for a youthful front three of Jake Wright, Macaulay Langstaff and Fergus McAughtrie against the Harriers, but admitted that decision might require a rethink as the hosts failed to muster a first-half on-target effort. 'We wanted to get our three quick forward players in one-on-one situations against their centre-halves,' Collins reasoned. 'But Kidderminster set little traps to stop us playing out and we went a bit direct at times, which was difficult for the players up there when there was no big presence.

'Everything’s easier in hindsight, but we decided to go that way as we thought it would get us a good result. Now, we’ve got to look at it again and think about what things we can do a bit better.'

McAughtrie, the son of former City defender Dave, was replaced 45 minutes into his home debut, but Collins has told the teenage winger to keep his spirits up, saying '“He never really got into the game and that can happen. We didn’t get the ball up to him as we did against Brackley, who are a different type of team. Sometimes, your forward players can get isolated when they don’t see a lot of the ball, but he’s still a young kid who has done great for us so far and I told him at half-time not to be disappointed because he’d been substituted, because we just had to make changes to get back into the game and he was fine with that.'

Sean Newton, meanwhile, made his first appearance following five games out with medial ligament damage as McAughtrie’s replacement. The former Wrexham utility man lined up in midfield, having started this campaign at left-back, with Collins still deciding where he might best fit into the current 4-3-3 formation.

'He’s probably a victim of his own versatility and it’s quite tough for him because, maybe, he sees himself playing in a particular position,' Collins pointed out. 'He’s comfortable on the ball and, with us wanting to control possession in midfield, I thought playing there would suit him but, if we do change things and think about something else, we’ll look at that. The main thing is he’s back fit. He’s been out for a few weeks, so we’ve got to get him up to speed... We wanted to see if his left-foot deliveries could get us back in the match. The third goal killed us though.'"


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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