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NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 25 January, 2025
FOREST GREEN ROVERS (Home) 3pm
Vanarama National League match

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

23 Jan

23 January 2025

LUCAS WEAVER INTERVIEWED

Alty TV has Brian Flynn's interview with winger Lucas Weaver (right), filmed outside Timpsons' shop in the centre of Altrincham.

Lucas made his first National League start for Altrincham last week.

NEXT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Altrincham entertain Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

Forest Green Rovers' most recent arrival, last week, was "the signing of defender Cian Harries on a permanent deal from Woking.

The central defender joins following an excellent first half of the campaign making 24 league appearances with the Cards.

Harries, 27, is a cultured left-sided centre back with 61 EFL appearances to his name alongside 66 National League matches".

His previous clubs include Coventry City before "then-Premier League side Swansea City".

He has also had spells at Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard, "before joining Bristol Rovers on a permanent deal in 2019. He went on to make 56 appearances...

Harries has also had spells with Aldershot Town, Swindon Town, and Cheltenham Town".

Footnote: Harries played in both fixtures between Woking and Altrincham this season.

ALTY ACADEMY ACTION

In Wednesday's fixture in the National League U19 Alliance North Division, played at St Peter's Sports Hub in Wallsend, Altrincham drew 1-1 with Blyth Spartans.

The draw leaves Altrincham eighth in the 13-strong division but Blyth are sixth despite having played four games fewer than Altrincham.

The second Altrincham Academy team, which plays as "Altrincham FC Under-19s", also played on Wednesday.

They lost their second round home tie in the National Football Youth League Trophy 0-2 to Chesterfield FC under-19s.

The game took place at Egerton Youth Club in Knutsford.

ALTY WOMEN STAY TOP DESPITE DEFEAT

Despite losing on Sunday, 2-1 away to AFC Crewe Women, Altrincham FC Women remain top of the Cheshire Women's & Youth Football League's Premier Division. However, Crewe are now second and have five games in hand in which to close a four-point gap to Altrincham's points total.

Holly LLoyd was the Altrincham scorer on Sunday.

The Alty starting eleven comprised Phoebe Dunn-Barrett, Katie Evans, Elise Jones, Holly Lloyd, Grace McArdle, Brianna Morrison, Libby Newton, Emily O'Leary, Rhianna Pickering, Ariella Shapiro and Brogan Walsh

ALTY OLD BOYS

During the summer, a number of trialists featured for Altrincham but were not signed but have since found employment at other clubs.

Amongst them was ZAK MILLS, who was and remains a Boston United player and, indeed, played against Alty earlier this season.

Another summer trialist was Regan GRIFFITHS (left), a midfielder who started at Crewe Alexandra and was later at Tranmere Rovers, was on loan at Boreham Wood in 2023/24. Released by the Alex in January 2024, he join Kidderminster Harriers before joining Marine FC but he has left them this month.

Midfielder BEN KERSHAW also featured in pre-season for Alty. He had been at Stoke City and is now a regular at Hyde United.

Defender DEQUANE WILSON-BRAITHWAITE (right) also turned out for Altrincham last summer.

Last week, Cheshunt announced that they "gave a debut to defender Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite in their midweek County Cup win over Ware.

Dequane spent time with Hastings United this season, playing ten times. He has also spent time with Bedford Town. Last season saw him play for Royston Town, and you might also remember him from his time with Enfield Town.

He played for both Potters Bar Town and Carshalton Athletic in the Pitching In Isthmian Premier during the 21-22 season... He also spent a short time with Maldon & Tiptree... after joining from St Neots Town.

Dequane spent two seasons at St Neots, having previously played for Potton United. He spent three years at the Tottenham Hotspur Academy between the ages of twelve and fifteen, after which he was snapped up by the Luton Town Academy. He also played briefly for Welling Town in the Southern Counties East Football League".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Barnet FC has unveiled new designs for its stadium" reports the Barnet Borough Times

"The football club’s plan to return to the borough was first announced last February... Up until 2013 Barnet FC played at Underhill Stadium in Westcombe Drive, close to the location where the club now wants to build a new home.

Club chairman Anthony Kleanthous and architects AndArchitects have now unveiled updated drawings and designs for the stadium, which is set to have a capacity of around 7,000...

In a statement the club said, 'The plans for the stadium, to the south of the original location, allow for more rewilding and biodiversity features whilst better blending the stadium into the local environment...

The north and west stands will be the main hubs of the architecture and will feature the entirety of the football club operations. These stands will be out of view of local residents from the east and south sides of the land'...

However, some residents remain concerned that Barnet Playing Fields is located within the Green Belt...

Robin Bishop, planning and environment lead at the Barnet Society, said... 'There’s not much the Barnet Society can yet say, except that it would obliterate a very substantial part of Barnet Playing Fields'...

The club said it hopes to submit an application to Barnet Council by the end of the year".

The BBC confirms that "Aldershot Town manager Tommy Widdrington has returned to the sidelines less than two months after suffering two strokes but admits he's never been too far removed from the team...

The former Bristol Rovers and Eastbourne Borough coach joined Aldershot from King's Lynn in April 2023...

'I've never not been in touch, I've just not been here in person', he said... 'but it's not about me, it's about where we are and what we want to do and our intention hasn't changed since the start of the season.'"

At < href="https://ebbsfleetunited.co.uk/fleet-1-1-nottingham-forest-2-1-on-pens/">Ebbsfleet United "Harrison Firth’s penalty heroics secured the Fleet an extra point in the final group match in the National League Cup after his side had secured a draw with an equaliser in the last minute of normal time. Substitute Kwame Thomas bundled home that one after Forest looked to have won it with a late goal of their own.

Alex Lankshear was in the Fleet starting lineup following his loan move from Blackpool...

McAdam was the man who found himself on the scoresheet in the 82nd minute

Forest needed the three points to have a chance of progressing to the knockout phase but the leveller came as the clock ticked round to 90. Ben Chapman sent in a delivery from the left which floated to the back post where it fell for Thomas to stab the ball home... before the shootout to decide who would take an extra point.

And Firth made sure of it, saving three of Nottingham Forest’s five spot kicks". The attendance was just 215".

Hartlepool United, tell us that "The Club can confirm Roshaun Mathurin has returned to Crystal Palace upon the expiration of his loan deal.

The winger featured 12 times at the Prestige Group Stadium, having joined Pools at the start of September.".

Also in the North-East, Gateshead confirm the arrival of MK Dons defender Callum Tripp. "The 18 year-old makes the temporary move to Tyneside for the remainder of the 2024/25 season... Tripp appeared under [Gateshead boss Carl Magnay] at MK Dons earlier this season.

The defender has made seven first-team appearances for MK Dons during the current campaign".

However, Gateshead have also reported that "Josh Williams has been recalled by Birmingham City in order to facilitate a permanent transfer to another club... having made 13 appearances since joining the club on loan in November 2024".

Wealdstone "announce the return of defender Connor McAvoy, who has rejoined the club on loan from Premier League side Fulham until the end of the season.

The highly-rated 22-year-old centre-back is no stranger to Grosvenor Vale, having previously enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Stones during the 2021/22 season. McAvoy quickly became a fan favourite in his first stint, making 28 appearances...

Since then, McAvoy has continued to develop his skills at Fulham... He has also enjoyed loan spells in Scotland with Partick Thistle and Ayr United. ..

McAvoy expressed his enthusiasm, 'I have great memories of my time here and I’m excited to be back'".

In midweek, Wealdstone exited "the National League Cup after defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion U21s.

Cam Peupion scored the only goal of the game, tapping home after 69 minutes.

Matt Taylor made ample changes to the side that faced Hartlepool United at the weekend with just Enzio Boldewijn and Taylor Clark keeping their place. Returning for his second loan spell with the Stones, Connor McAvoy slotted straight into the starting XI, having joined from Fulham."

A feature of the game was the 75th minute substitution of Micah Obiero by 47 year-old Wealdstone fitness coach Wayne Andrews to play in attack.

As reported above, and confirmed by Woking "Cian Harries is joining National League side Forest Green Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

Having joined in the summer from Aldershot Town, the defender made 29 appearances for the Cards...

'Cian’s been an integral part of the recent uplift and was pretty much ever-present under the previous manager too,' said Jody Brown, Director of Football at Woking FC.

'We know his strengths, what he costs, and his value, but Forest Green made a significant financial offer. That, coupled with his automatic one-year extension soon to be triggered, we decided to accept the offer.

'This wasn’t in our immediate plans, but longer term it does work for the club and the manager. We try not to make knee-jerk reactions, and we aim to only do things that we are all aligned on. This is no different.

'Cian’s a loss to our squad, but we wish him well'">

22 January 2025

NEXT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Altrincham face Forest Green Rovers on Saturday and the West Country side, with Ben Tozer in their side, is likely to make heavy use of its long-throw weapon as it did in the club's win at home to Rochdale last Saturday.

As the NL Paper reported, "a 71st minute strike from Liam Sercombe, via Ben Tozer's huge long throw, gave Rovers yet another three points".

Speaking after the game, FGR manager Steve Cotterill opined, "We knew going into the game that the long-throw would cause a problem.

"That was definitely a tactic that we were going to use and, to be fair, arriving in the box, there are not too many better than Liam Sercombe. He sniffs a goal out of nothing".

Alty have faced Tozer's long throws themselves notably when he played for Wrexham so, hopefully, they have a strategy in place to deal with his missiles.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULT

Tuesday 20 January 2025

Forest Green (1st), York City (2nd) and Barnet (3rd) are now covered by a single point at the top of the league table.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Chester FC "announce the return of DAN MOONEY.

The 25-year-old (left) is back down CH1 on a deal until the end of the season for a second spell, after spending the 2018/19 campaign on loan with the Blues...

During his time with the Seals, Dan made 35 appearances and scored six goals... From there, Dan signed permanently with Altrincham in 2020 and scored 16 goals in 62 games for the Robins – before being signed by another National League club in Southend United...

Mooney then returned to Alty for the 2023/24 campaign, before spending the first half of this campaign with newly promoted Boston United...

Manager Calum McIntyre said... 'He is a proven National League forward that brings a massive pedigree to the group... He hasn’t had the season he has wanted so far and it has been very stop and start for him.

'In our conversations, he has made it abundantly clear that he is desperate to play and produce and perhaps feels he has a point to prove for the rest of the season...

'He is a great fit for us and has turned down several other offers to join up with us for the rest of the season'".

According to the Derbyshire Times "JAMES BERRY’s exit from Chesterfield is edging closer.

Right: James Berry

The 24-year-old is having a medical at League One high-flyers Wycombe Wanderers ahead of a proposed move after a deal was struck.

The winger is set to depart the Spireites after 17 months in which he helped them win the National League title last season, contributing with double-figure goal involvements, and then carrying on his form into this campaign with 10 goals and four assists in all competitions. He is the Blues’ joint top scorer this term alongside Will Grigg...

He started only nine times in the league last year and 11 so far this time. That makes his goals per minute ratio impressive, but it was also viewed that there were other parts of his game that needed improving...

He was the subject of a bid from Blackpool earlier in the transfer window which was rejected".

Phil Jordan reviews Tuesday's games...

Championship: Swansea City left JOSH GINNELLY on the bench as they lost 1-2 at home to Sheffield United, while DUNCAN WATMORE played the first 78 minutes of Millwall's 2-2 home draw against Cardiff City.

League One : Another ex Robin not to make it off the bench was Peterborough United's CHRIS CONN-CLARKE as they were held 1-1 at home by Exeter City.

National League: York City substituted TYRESE SINCLAIR (right) on the 94th minute at Oldham Athletic, by which time the points were more or less secure with a 0-2 win. REAGAN OGLE was booked for Latics, as he and JOSH LUNDSTRAM put in a full evening's work for no reward.

National North : Having reportedly thrown his toys out of the pram at Boston United, DAN MOONEY signed for Chester this morning (see above), and celebrated by scoring the only goal by which they beat visitors Spennymoor after coming off the bench.

TOM PEERS started for the Seals, and DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY was also on the bench. He and MITCH HANCOX, who was making a quick return to the Deva Stadium after joining the visitors last week, were also second half substitutes.

National League Cup : KYLE FERGUSON played the full match for Rochdale as they beat Stoke City U21 2-0.

KENNEDY DIGIE opened the scoring for Tamworth, and although he later picked up a yellow card, his team beat Leeds United U21 2-1.

NPL Premier Division : A brace for JAMES HARDY was largely responsible for Ashton United's 0-3 win at Blyth Spartans.

Cheshire Senior Cup : Former Robins trialist HARRY BUNN was among the scorers as Hyde United romped home 7-0 in their home quarter final against Sandbach United.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Ebbsfleet United "confirm that Jez Davies’ loan deal has concluded and he has returned to Salford City.

Davies joined the Fleet in November and has featured seven times, his most recent appearance including an assist for Aaron Cosgrave’s equaliser against Yeovil Town last week".

At Southend we learn that at Roots Hall, "Recently the Solopress North Bank and north-west quadrant were reopened to home supporters for the first time since the mid-1990s.

It allowed us to host our biggest crowd in over five years against Charlton Athletic, and also meant more home fans could watch the Boxing Day win against Ebbsfleet United than would’ve been possible at the start of the season.

Opening additional capacity mid-season is a complex process and a lot of work was required to meet the Safety Advisory Group’s requirements...

Based on early feedback, we’ve already implemented a couple of changes since the Ebbsfleet game. The blue gate between the west stand and north bank will now remain open so people can access the new toilets and use ‘Eat Street’s’ catering facilities, irrespective of sitting in the west or north, and have also removed the fee for moving seats to the North Bank. Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback so far...

[We] will come up with a strategic plan for what to do in the North Bank next season".

. FC Halifax Town have announced that midfielder Scott High has extended his loan deal from Huddersfield Town until the end of the sseason

He joined the Shaymen back in September and will now be here until the end of the season".

High was in the Shaymen's starting eleven on Boxing Day against Altrincham.

Oldham Athletic "confirm the signing of Tom Pett on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The midfielder joins from Cheltenham Town after making 27 appearances this season for the Robins...

Tom brings with him plenty of EFL experience for the likes of Stevenage, Port Vale , Lincoln City and most recently Cheltenham...

He said 'Over the weekend there was some movement and when I was asked if I want to do it, I said yes straightaway. Speaking to Tom (Conlon) he sold it to me...

'I want to be in a winning environment and hopefully my experience in gaining promotions can help the lads. I like organising on the pitch, I like both sides of the game attacking and defending'...

His career began at Boreham Wood... before moving to his hometown club of Potters Bar Town... His stint lasted nine years from 2003 to 2012 when he joined Wealdstone...

He was offered a trial at League Two side Stevenage. Pett impressed and subsequently joined the club for an undisclosed fee...

In January 2018, Lincoln City came calling for Pett’s services and bought the midfielder... The following season he left the club in the summer of 2020...

He rejoined Stevenage... until the end of the 2020-21 season...

He signed a two-year-deal with Port Vale... [In] the summer of 2023, he joined Cheltenham Town...

Manager Micky Mellon said... 'We have a few knocks in the middle of the park, so for someone like Tom to come in and help us is massive'">

21 January 2025

ALTY HAVE "GIVEN VLAD EVERYTHING"

Alty's connection with Ukraine through Matty Kosylo, whose heritage is from that war-torn country, but the BBC reports on another link with that country.

"A budding footballer has said he had lost all hope of realising his sporting dream when war broke out in his home country, Ukraine.

Left: Vladyslav Shtyhlian; his surname is misspelt in the BBC report below.

Vlad Shtyhilan's ambition to become a professional footballer seemed in real doubt as he fled Ukraine with his family when the conflict began nearly three years ago.

But the 18-year-old, who was 16 at the time of the Russian invasion, has since signed a youth contract at Altrincham Football Club...

He said the club had 'given him everything'. Vlad, who lives in Altrincham, Trafford, recalls how his life was very different not so long ago...

Vlad playing for his former team, FAPF Prykarpattya in Ukraine, [south of Lviv in western Ukraine]

'At the time the war started I wasn't at home, I was actually away with my team and then on the way back we just saw all the military go into the actual war zone,' he said.

'The first few bombs that landed, landed near us, so we heard how it was all happening, it was just scary'...

'I lost all hopes of everything because I didn't know where I was going'..

But nearly three years on, the striker said Altrincham had given him 'everything'...

Vlad has been playing for the club for 18 months, making appearances in friendly matches and training with the first team.

Ross Speight (right), Altrincham FC first team and academy coach, said 'He's doing well, he works hard, he's got a great attitude and comes from a really nice family'...

Vlad's mother, Natalia, now works in a laundrette and washes the team's football kit... She said that the coach and team had been really supportive and she hoped that one day her son would become a Premier League star".

Footnote: Vlad featured in Altrincham's FA Youth Cup team earlier this season.

NEXT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Altrincham host league-leaders Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

Whilst Altrincham have two scorers in the top six National League marksmen this season, with Regan Linney (15 goals, including two penalties) and Alex Newby (11 goals), opponents Forest Green have no one in the top ten of goalscorers despite having netted 45 goals to Alty's 43, albeit from one more fixture than the Robins.

FGR's leading scorers this season are, jointly, Christian Doidge and Kyle McAllister with eight league goals apiece, followed by Charlie McCann with seven goals.

Rovers have a largely settled side. Their ever-present starters are Jed Ward, Jamie Robson and Adam May whilst McAllister, Tom Knowles and Doidge have only failed to start in one fixture apiece.

They are managed by 60 tear-old Steve Cotterill. After suffering badly from COVID in 2021 whilst managing Shrewsbury Town, he resigned as their manager in summer 2023.

He took over at FGR in January 2024 with the Nailsworth club six points from safety in League Two but he could not save them from relegation at the end of the campaign.

They will arrive at the J. Davidson Stadium on the back of a sixteen game unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League. However, as with Alty's last opponents Eastleigh, FGR's unbeaten sequence is arguably deceptive.

No fewer than twelve of those sixteen games were home fixtures and nearly a half, seven, of the sixteen-match sequence ended in draws.

Their only two away wins in that sixteen-game run were at Eastleigh (currently 11th) and Maidenhead United (20th). The preponderance of home games at this stage of the season came about because FGR played six of their first seven matches away from home, at their request. In fact Alty were the first away team to visit the New Lawn.

In their current run, FGR's seven home wins were secured against Hartlepool United (currently 13th), Braintree Town (19th), Ebbsfleet United (24th), York City (3rd), Boston United (23rd), Yeovil Town (12th) and Rochdale (8th).

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday, 21 January 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Solihull Moors "confirm that Andy Whing leaves the club today to take up an appointment as Head Coach of League 2 Barrow AFC. The Club is naturally disappointed with Andy’s decision to leave at such a critical point in the season but we understand and respect his decision to pursue this new chapter in his career.

For this reason, we granted Barrow permission to speak to Andy...

We thank him for his service to the club, especially for the memories of last season.

Craig Pead will also be departing to join Andy’s backroom staff at Barrow... In the meantime, Richard Stearman, Kevin Poole and Stephen Ward will oversee training and manage upcoming fixtures, pending the new appointment.

As supporters will know, we have been somewhat disappointed with our results and performances this season, especially given the quality of the squad. This unforeseen turn of events now provides the opportunity to appoint a high quality replacement who shares the club’s ambition and community ethos and can get the best out of an undoubtedly talented squad, as we seek to reach the playoffs once again".

From Cumbria, the NW Evening Mail adds that Whing has joined The Blebirds "o a two-and-a-half-year deal.... having overseen a title-winning season with Banbury United... and a successful year and a half with Solihull Moors.

Whing joins The Bluebirds for an undisclosed fee... The new Head Coach said 'It’s a fantastic opportunity for me; I’m really, really excited to be here'...

Barrow sit 17th in the fourth tier despite their promising start to the campaign... Whing will be desperate to overturn the rotten run of form of just six points from a possible 30 that eventually saw Stephen Clemence lose his job at the weekend".

A recent arrival at Boston United is "the loan signing of Mansfield Town striker James Gale.

The 23-year-old, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Solihull Moors, has linked up with the Pilgrims until May.

Gale, a towering presence in attack, has previously spent time on loan at Guiseley".

At Ebbsfleet United "The Fleet have added attacking left-back Alex Lankshear to the squad from Blackpool on loan until the end of this season.

The 22-year-old spent the opening half of the campaign on loan with Welling United where he became a regular feature, making 15 appearances and scoring once. Previously, Lankshear had a spell on loan in the National League with Dorking Wanderers.

The former Arsenal youth player broke into senior football with St Albans City in 2021/22 and... was signed by Blackpool for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract [in 2022]."

Also Ebbsfleet United "have signed midfielder Ryan Carr from Ipswich Town on loan until the end of this season.

The 20-year-old spent the opening half of the campaign on loan with National League promotion contenders Gateshead...

The right-sided player started out in Newcastle United’s youth team before moving to Carlisle United...

After two years at Brunton Park, he was a deadline day signing for Ipswich... in January 2023".

At the other end of the National League, Gateshead report that "Owen Mason's loan deal from Mansfield Town has been extended until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The goalkeeper arrived on Tyneside on temporary terms from the EFL2 side in November 2024 and [he] has gone on to make 12 appearances since then, playing his part in six wins".

Rochdale announce that "Work on the Crown Oil Arena playing surface has been completed, ahead of Tuesday's National League Cup tie against Stoke City Under-21s. Starting last Monday, the centre of the pitch has been completely replaced.

Work began to excavate a square covering the centre of the pitch, to a depth of 200mm, before the area was filled with sand.

Fresh turf was installed on top of the new material, followed by the area being restitched – the insertion of synthetic fibres – over the weekend.

On Wednesday, the pitch will be Dryjected, a process which assists in allowing any retained water the best possible chance of draining through".

20 January 2025

EASTLEIGH HIGHLIGHTS

Extended highlights of Altrincham's win at Eastleigh on Saturday are available courtesy of DAZN and the Eastleigh website.

NEXT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Altrincham host Forest Green Rovers next Saturday. The Nailsworth club beat Alty 2-1 in the reverse fixture but only courtesy of a 95th minute winner.

Last Saturday, FGR were at home to Rochdale, who report that " Dale were beaten 1-0 at league leaders Forest Green Rovers despite a dominant performance. The only goal of the game came in the 70th minute through Liam Sercombe, who turned home a long throw-in...

The reverse fixture between the sides earlier in the season at the Crown Oil Arena resulted in Dale’s only 0-0 league draw of the season to date, despite McNulty’s men dominating possession.

The first half at The New Lawn followed much of the same pattern, with the hosts’ shots on goal either well-blocked or off-target...

After the break, the hosts saw chances from Sercombe and Jamie Robson go off target, whilst Barlow had a shot blocked and Mitchell directed Buyabu’s cross wide.

Dale goalkeeper Sam Waller made a good double save after a long throw-in fell to a home shirt, saving a snapshot and then a follow-up header... bbefore the hosts’ long throw weapon resulted in Sercombe turning home from the edge of the six-yard box.

McNulty’s men continued to control the majority of the game".

The FGR squad comprised 1. Jed Ward, 17. Jamie Robson, 4. Ben Tozer (c), 5. Ryan Innis, 3. Sean Long, 24. Jordon Garrick, 19. Adam May, 10. Liam Sercombe, 16. Harvey Bunker, 9. Christian Doidge, 7. Kyle McAllister. Subs: 23. Harry Cardwell, 11. Tom Knowles, 25. Luke McCormick, 6. Emmanuel Osadebe, 22. Joe Quigley, 2. Marcel Lavinier, 20. Jamie Searle

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Solihull Moors "confirm that Andy Whing leaves the club today to take up an appointment as Head Coach of League 2 Barrow AFC. The Club is naturally disappointed with Andy’s decision to leave at such a critical point in the season but we understand and respect his decision to pursue this new chapter in his career.

For this reason, we granted Barrow permission to speak to Andy...

We thank him for his service to the club, especially for the memories of last season.

Craig Pead will also be departing to join Andy’s backroom staff at Barrow... In the meantime, Richard Stearman, Kevin Poole and Stephen Ward will oversee training and manage upcoming fixtures, pending the new appointment.

As supporters will know, we have been somewhat disappointed with our results and performances this season, especially given the quality of the squad. This unforeseen turn of events now provides the opportunity to appoint a high quality replacement who shares the club’s ambition and community ethos and can get the best out of an undoubtedly talented squad, as we seek to reach the playoffs once again".

Fro m Cumbria, the NW Evening Mail adds that Whing has joined The Blebirds "o a two-and-a-half-year deal.... having overseen a title-winning season with Banbury United... and a successful year and a half with Solihull Moors.

Whing joins The Bluebirds for an undisclosed fee... The new Head Coach said 'It’s a fantastic opportunity for me; I’m really, really excited to be here'...

Barrow sit 17th in the fourth tier despite their promising start to the campaign... Whing will be desperate to overturn the rotten run of form of just six points from a possible 30 that eventually saw Stephen Clemence lose his job at the weekend".

Southend United report that "Head Coach Kevin Maher gave his reaction after the defeat to Barnet. The Shrimpers were beaten 3-0, conceding twice from set pieces, as a brace from Danny Collinge and a goal from Mark Shelton condemned Blues to their first defeat of 2025.

Post-match Maher said 'Give Barnet credit, they’re a really good side and up at the top of the league for a reason. We’re behind them, but we said in there [the changing room] that we shouldn’t be that far behind and we’ve got to be better. We’ve got to keep improving, both boxes have got to be better...

'I think we’ve got to realise where we are as a club and we’ve got to stick together. The takeover has happened but there’s a lot to do and we’ve got to win football matches'...

Set-pieces were a key factor in Barnet’s win... Maher said 'The last game we lost was away at York which was set pieces again and this season it’s costing us massively....

'I’ve watched the one back that [we scored, which] was disallowed and it’s an unbelievable decision. Their ‘keeper’s dropped it over their player, Walks [Josh Walker] is nowhere near it which is why he can just tap it in. So it’s an incredible decision from a referee who I thought was really poor all day, but he’s not the reason we lost'".

Alty's last opponents, EAstleigh announce that "Dominic Gape has left the club following the expiration of his contract.

Despite Eastleigh FC offering Gape a new contract, the midfielder has decided that he wishes to explore opportunities elsewhere and whilst we are disappointed, we understand and respect his decision".

There was a much happier mood at Aldershot Town after "Josh Barrett’s brilliant hat-trick earned the Shots three points in a 3-1 win over Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park.

Oldham had lost just three times in the Vanarama National League so far this season before kick-off this afternoon, with one of those defeats coming against the Shots at the EBB Stadium back in August...

Luca Woodhouse was put in from the start for his Shots debut having signed on loan from Wycombe this week and joined fellow loanee Will Armitage in defence as Jonny Stuttle was given a start.

Oldham began the strongest of the two sides... The Shots had their backs against the wall for most of the first-half but were doing well to keep Oldham at bay but... Manny Monthe headed home... just before half-time in the 42nd minute.

But... it would be Aldershot who would go into half-time in front thanks to a sublime brace from Josh Barrett... Barrett who dinked the ball over the on-rushing Matthew Hudson with his left-foot and just four minutes later, deep into first-half stoppage time, Barrett lobbed Hudson again as another Olly Scott ball forward was knocked down into his path and the Oldham ‘keeper hadn’t learned from his earlier lesson as he was forced to watch Barrett catch him off his line once more.

Incredibly, Barrett completed his hat-trick just six minutes into the second-half...

Oldham... got a lifeline in the 65th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Olly Scott brought down half-time substitute JOSH LUNDSTRUM. Billy Waters stepped up to take the spot-kick on his Oldham debut, but Marcus Dewhurst guessed the right way and pulled off a fantastic save to his right".

19 January, 2025

EASTLEIGH 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here.

Altrincham played for over an hour with a man advantage after the red-carding of Shade for head-butting Olson yet had to endure some pressure from the Spitfires in the closing stages.

After a quiet opening, Alty took a seventh-minute lead when Eastleigh keeper, McDonnell, with the ball at his feet, took a poor touch, allowing Newby (right) to steal in and sidefoot into an empty net Things got worse for the hosts when Shade reacted to a foul by Olson and he head-butted the young defender who went down (25 mins). Shade was given a red card and Olson saw yellow.

However, Eastleigh immediately equalised as Francillette volleyed home (27 mins).

Altrincham failed to convert their one-man superiority until the 71st minute when Tom Crawford scored with a shot which left the keeper flat-footed, making it 2-1 to the visitors.

Despite being a man down Eastleigh applied some late pressure but Alty defended well and had several chances in added time. The win saw them rise to sixth in the league.

PHIL'S PERSPECTIVE

Interviewed after the match by Laurence Howarth, Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson spoke on Alty TV about the 2-1 win at Eastleigh.

As for the Eastleigh red card following Charlie Olson's foul, Phil declared that "Shade's reaction has just killed his team". Having been booked, Olson (right) was withdrawn at the interval and replaced by James Jones who is "an accomplished footballing centre-half" who, it was felt, could exploit the expected increased possession against ten men.

Talking of Lucas Weaver, Phil said that "he had the full-back on toast". Unfortunately, Weaver is ineligible for the FA Trophy against Eastleigh next month.

He was also "so proud" of late substitute Jake Cooper for his maturity now that he has not been a regular starter.

NEXT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Next Saturday, Altrincham welcome league leaders Forest Green Rovers to the J. Davidson Stadium for the first time since the opening day of the 2015/16 season. In that campaign, the visitors emerged with a 1-0 win. FGR were runners-up that season but it was not till the end of the following campaign that they gained promotion to the EFL, through the play-offs.

Five seasons in EFL2 culminated in promotion to EFL1 for the 2022/23 season. But FGR suffered a double relegation to end up back in the National League this season.

Alty lost the reverse fixture at the New Lawn this season, 2-1.

Right: Alty's Tom Marshall had his hands full with Jon Parkin in the match with FG in August 2015.

In that last meeting at Moss Lane, a game played on a hot afternoon, Altrincham had some half-chances in a goalless first half but, after the interval, the visitors dominated, winning a further 11 corners to add to their three first-half flag-kicks. Predictably they won the game from one of these corners, in the 74th minute, when Parkin was allowed a free header at the near post from Frear's left-wing kick.

At the other end, Alty scarcely threatened in the second half with the succession of FGR corners being defended by all eleven players leaving them on the back foot for much of that period.

Before kick-off Altrincham had been hit by the absence of the injured duo of Simon Richman (ankle) and Nicky Clee (groin).

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Shaun DENSMORE (capt), 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT, 5. Luca HAVERN, 16. Tom MARSHALL, 7. James LAWRIE, 14. Josh O'KEEFE, 9. Michael RANKINE, 10. Damian REEVES, 20. Jordan SINNOTT. Subs: 6. Scott LEATHER, 15. Anthony GRIFFITH, 17. Tim DEASY, 18. George BOWERMAN, 19. Ryan CROWTHER.

RESERVES TAKE A BEATING

On Saturday in the Cheshire Football League Premier Division, Altrincham FC reserves lost 1-7 at home to Lostock Gralam.

Needless to say, they remain bottom of the league.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan's review of Saturday's action starts in the Championship. With visitors Hull City already leading by what proved to be the only goal of the game, Millwall withdrew DUNCAN WATMORE after 72 minutes.

Swansea City opted to leave out JOSH GINNELLY (right) for the South Wales derby at Cardiff City (they lost 3-0), while OWEN DALE missed Oxford United's 1-0 home victory against Blackburn Rovers with a muscle strain.

League One : Although CHRIS CONN-CLARKE put in a full shift, Peterborough United were held 0-0 by visitors Leyton Orient.

All the goals in Bristol Rovers' 3-1 home win over Barnsley had been scored by the time they brought JOEL SENIOR on in the 87th minute.

Trailing at the break, Crawley Town withdrew TOBY MULLARKEY at half time. JUNIOR QUITIRNA played the whole game, and visitors Burton Albion eventually had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

CARL PIERGIANNI was booked in the first half as Stevenage fell 1-2 to visitors Wigan Athletic. Both sides finished with 10 men.

League 2: SONNY ALJOFREE played the full match for Accrington Stanley, but couldn't prevent a 0-3 defeat at the hands of visitors Notts County.

AFC Wimbledon, with ALISTAIR SMITH involved throughout, beat visitors Tranmere Rovers 2-0. The Wirral team featured CONNOR JENNINGS throughout, and CHRIS MERRIE joined him from the bench after 73 minutes.

Chesterfield earned a 1-1 draw at Grimsby Town, JAMES BERRY returned from injury, coming off the bench after 68 minutes, while RYAN COLCLOUGH, who had started, was withdrawn 11 minutes later.

Crewe Alexandra had already scored the game's only goal when hosts Morecambe withdrew MARCUS DACKERS after 75 minutes.

ELLIOTT NEWBY was withdrawn by Barrow in a triple substitution after 64 minutes at Swindon Town. They were already a goal down, and went on to lose 2-0.

JOE HUGILL has been moved on again by Manchester United. He played the full game for Carlisle United as they lost by the only goal at home to Bradford City.

National League : Trailing 1-2 at the break, Oldham Athletic sent JOSH LUNDSTRAM on for the second half to join REAGAN OGLE who had started the game. It was to no avail - they surprisingly lost 1-3 to Aldershot Town.

CONNOR TEALE was on the wrong end of a 3-0 Boston United defeat at Tamworth, who left KENNEDY DIGIE on their bench.

LUKE WATERFALL captained Hartlepool United to a 1-1 draw at Wealdstone, but BILLY SASS-DAVIES was left on the bench.

York City brought on TYRESE SINCLAIR on the hour, and JEFF KING in the second added minute. There was still time after that for both of them to be booked - but not for the Minstermen to avoid a 1-2 home defeat by Sutton United.

National North : TOM PEERS scored the clincher as Chester beat visitors Alfreton Town 2-0.

YUSIFU CEESAY (right) scored the equaliser as Hereford drew 1-1 at home to Southport.

Spennymoor were already 5-0 up when MITCH HANCOX came off the bench for his debut after 72 minutes, and they went on to crush relegation threatened visitors Rushall Olympic 7-0.

NPL Premier Division : JAMES HARDY was among the scorers at Hurst Cross as Ashton United saw off visitors Whitby Town 5-0.

NPL Division 1 West: SEAN WILLIAMS scored the clincher as Bootle beat visitors Clitheroe 2-0.

An 88th minute KEVIN ELLISON goal rounded off a 4-2 Vauxhall Motors win over visitors City of Liverpool.

Northern Ireland Premiership : Linfield hadn't conceded a goal in any competition since December 3rd, a run of 6 matches. They finally conceded the last goal of the game at Portadown after an hour on Saturday - not that SAM ROSCOE and his colleagues will lose too much sleep over it, as they won 3-1 to remain 15 points clear at the top of the league.

NWCL Division 1 North : BILLY HASLER-CREGG, on loan from Bamber Bridge, was among the scorers as Nelson won 4-2 at home against Maine Road.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Saturday 25 January 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

CityAM claims that "The case of Ebbsfleet United shows why the incoming football regulator’s powers are needed throughout the English game, says [former MP] Damian Collins...

In Westminster, legislation is being debated that will create a new Independent Football Regulator, with the power to oversee the financial operation of clubs playing in the top five divisions of English football, from the Premier League to the Vanarama National League...

For fans of Ebbsfleet United Football Club, the 2024-25 season marks a race against time that they may be destined to lose...

Ebbsfleet United has also been rocked by unstable leadership within its boardroom and rising debts...

In 2013, Ebbsfleet United was acquired by a Kuwaiti businessman, Dr Abdulla al-Humaidi, through his family business KEH Sports... [leading to] al-Humaidi being declared bankrupt in the High Court in 2023...

Al-Humaidi stood down as chairman and as a director of Ebbsfleet United in December 2023.

A statement from the club at the time nevertheless made clear that 'Dr Abdulla will be passing the reins of chairman across to his cousin Abdullah Al-Humaidi'. The club remains under the ownership of KEH Sport...

As for the club itself, it continues to fall deeper into debt...

The [new] law will include the powers to insist on rigorous financial checks on clubs, and background and integrity checks on their owners

18 January, 2025

EASTLEIGH 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

After a quiet opening, Alty took a seventh-minute lead when Eastleigh keeper, McDonnell, with the ball at his feet, took a poor touch, allowing Newby (right) to steal in and sidefoot into an empty net

Things got worse for the hosts when Shade reacted to a foul by Olson and he head-butted the young defender who went down (25 mins). Shade was given a red card and Olson saw yellow.

However, Eastleigh immediately equalised as Francillette volleyed home (27 mins).

Altrincham failed to convert their one-man superiority until the 71st minute when Tom Crawford scored with a shot which left the keeper flat-footed, making it 2-1 to the visitors.

Despite being a man down Eastleigh applied late pressure but Alty hung on and rose to sixth in the league.

Altrincham made three changes for the game.

Lucas Weaver started for the first time in the National League as Ollie Crankshaw dropped out of the squad after his 45 minute cameo in midweek. There was a welcome return in defence for Lewis Banks, with Casper Pasiek dropped to the bench.

Also on the bench, where James Jones returned, Owen German was named for a third NL fixture this season but he has yet to get on the pitch.

A third change saw Joe Nuttall replace Isaac Marriott who left the field injured on Tuesday night.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Ethan ROSS, 2. Lewis BANKS, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 31. Charlie OLSON, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 10. Alex NEWBY, 17. Lucas WEAVER, 9. Regan LINNEY, 24. Joe NUTTALL. Subs: 5. Jake COOPER, 16. James JONES, 20. Kahrel REDDIN, 29. Jake BICKERSTAFF, 30 Harvey RANDLE (gk), 32. Casper PASIEK

As for Eastleigh, Maguire came in as striker McCallum was out through injury. The Spitfires named only six substitutes.

EASTLEIGH: 1. Joe McDonnell, 31. Niall Maher, 6. Ludwig Francillette, 4. Lloyd Humphries, 21. Noa Boutin, 2 Richard Brindley, 7. Chris Maguire, 18. Angel Waruih, 14. Lee Hodson, 8. Jake Taylor (c), 10. Tyrese Shade. Subs: 5. Luis Fernandez, 26. Joe Ryan, 13. Tommy Scott, 23. Jai Semenyo, 30. Connor Underhill, 29. Malachi Dotse.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Friday 17th January 2025

Saturday 18 January 2025

BEFORE THE GAME: EASTLEIGH

Alty face a hard-to-beat Eastleigh side today. The Spitfires are unbeaten in their last nine National League outings. However, they have won just three of those fixtures, all 1-0, against Ebbsfleet United, Maidenhead United and Solihull Moors.

In none of those nine games have they scored more than two goals.

Altrincham arrive with a record of two defeats in their last dozen league matches. Eastleigh are the only team to have beaten Alty at the J. Davidson Stadium, but away from home the Robins are less impressive with both of those defeats in the past dozen fixtures being on the road. And, worryingly, they have conceded ten times in their last four away fixtures.

Matty Kosylo remains suspended and it is expected that Eddy Jones, Justin Amaluzor and George Wilson will continue to be sidelined by injury. The fitness of Lewis Banks is less clear after the right-back missed his first league game involvement of the season in midweek. James Jones must also be a doubt having, apparently, been ill in midweek.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Boston United have issued a very brief statement saying that they "can confirm that midfielder DAN MOONEY has left the club.

Mooney, who arrived at the Jakemans Community Stadium in the summer, made 17 competitive appearances for the Pilgrims.

He departs with the club's best wishes for the future".

Footnote: In the National League Dan has made 13 appearances this season for Boston without scoring a goal. After starting the first four fixtures of the season he made just two more league starts. His league pitch time this season has comprised just 515 minutes or less than six full games.

Dan is still only 25 years of age but, since he left Altrincham for Southend United in May 2022, he has not settled elsewhere.

He arrived at Altrincham from Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee, a move that was unveiled on 4 February 2020. His 2020-21 season was disrupted by injury and he made just 13 starts and ten Altrincham appearances from the bench.

2021-22 promised to be better as he completed seven of the first ten fixtures but after that he failed to play for 90 minutes in any of the next 19 league fixtures. Nevertheless he scored twelve times.

Dan decided to move sideways to Southend United in May 2022.

With the Shrimpers he did not settle at the financially troubled club and was announced as a permanent re-signing for Altrincham on 22 December 2023. He had scored three times for Southend in his 47 appearances.

On his return to Alty he played often as a substitute, coming off the bench eight times in his 16 appearances, and was released in summer 2024, having scored once.

His total career appearances for Altrincham comprised 55 starts and fifteen appearances from the bench. He scored 18 goals.

As for Friday's action, Phil Jordan reports that in a match involving a 720 mile round-trip for the visitors in the National League, Gateshead, with LIAM HUMBLES putting in a full shift, forced a goalless draw at Yeovil Town.

Meanwhile, in the Welsh Premier League, the original fixture between Connah's Quay Nomads and Bala Town was abandoned due to fog without a goal having been scored.

After tonight's delayed rematch, the league splits into two sections; the top 6 clubs compete for the Championship, the bottom 6 to save themselves from relegation.

Connah's Quay were already doomed to the lower group regardless, but a victory tonight would drag Bala down with them. However a clean sheet for JOEL TORRANCE, including 3 saves, was key to Bala winning 0-2 and helping his team into the top half. Connah's Quay captain JOHN DISNEY must battle on at the wrong end of the league".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

A centre-back who started against Altrincham this season and who has made 13 appearances for Aldershot Town this season has dropped down to join Macclesfield FC who "announce the signing of defender Rollin Menayese following his departure from Aldershot Town.

The 27-year-old centre-back adds plenty of Football League and National League experience... having played over 100 EFL games most notably with Grimsby Town and Walsall".

The NPL adds that "The DR Congo-born centre-back began his career in Cardiff City's youth setup...

In 2022, he made a permanent move to the Saddlers [Walsall] and was subsequently sent to Hartlepool United and Aldershot Town on loan, before joining the Shots on a long-term basis".

Moving upwards rather than dropping down is Oldham Athletic's Sam Clucas who "has completed a transfer to Lincoln City.

Clucas leaves Boundary Park after a clause in his contract was triggered by an approach from the League One side.

The club has exhausted all avenues during our negotiations in trying to keep Sam but despite the offer of an improved contract, it became apparent that the lure of returning to his hometown club and future opportunities beyond playing football were too great.

Sam made nine appearances for Latics after joining in November".

Wealdstone "announce that winger Will Randall has joined Wealdstone on a permanent deal as a free agent.

Randall boasts a wealth of experience in the English football pyramid... with over 150 English footballing appearances to his name, as well as a National League title with Sutton United.

Born in Swindon, Randall made his first appearance for his hometown club, Swindon Town... before signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers on an 18 month deal for an undisclosed fee, in 2016.

A number of loan spells, to Walsall, Forest Green Rovers and FC Jumilla followed, before a brief spell with Newport County at the end of the 2018/19.

The 27-year-old winger's career began to flourish after joining Sutton United in 2019... winning the League title in 2021 and spending the following two years of his time at Sutton United in League Two... Randall departed Gander Green Lane in the summer of 2023 to sign for then League Two newboys Notts County on a two year deal".

17 January 2025

ACCOLADE FOR ALEX

Following the 4-0 win against Maidenhead United, the Sale & Altrincham Messenger reported, in the words of press and media officer John Edwards, that "Phil Parkinson led the acclaim for a stunning first-half hat-trick by Alex Newby...

So often a provider for others, attacking midfielder Newby showed he can be a predator as well with three clinical first-time finishes which, allied to a Regan Linney penalty...

Top scorer Linney is now on 15 goals for the season, and with Alty announcing before the game that striker Jake Bickerstaff’s loan from Wrexham has been extended for the rest of the season, Parkinson is delighted with the firepower at his disposal...

'We’ve played better but we were just extremely clinical on the night,' said the Alty boss...

'Alex doesn’t always get the credit he deserves, even though everyone at Altrincham knows what a good player he is. His assists are right up there with the best in the division, and his finishing tonight was outstanding. It has been coming, and I’m really pleased for him.

'With Regan, he has this explosive pace. He goes through the gears, and just when you think you have a chance of catching him, he finds another. He tore their full-back apart and was superb again.

'I’m really pleased Wrexham have allowed us to keep Jake until the end of the season. I feel he’s really starting to find his feet with us, and he does give something different to Regan and Joe Nuttall'".

ALTY SETTING THE PACE AT HOME

On X @onionbagstats tells us that the "Midweek Vanarama fixtures saw Altrincham win their 300th home game" which, it seems, is the most of any club at non-league's national level.

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

Altrincham visit Eastleigh on Saturday, a location where they have not won in five attempts since their last victory there, just over a decade ago on 4 January 2015.

On that occasion Altrincham won 2-0, courtesy of a Jack Midson own goal and a late goal from Shaun Densmore.

In that game Altrincham had a lot of defending to do in this match, with the hosts winning numerous corners. But, for all their approach play, keeper Stuart Coburn only had two good saves to make. After Alty's industrious defending had kept Eastleigh out, Altrincham took the lead in the 39th minute.


Above: During the January 2015 clash at Eastleigh, Alty got everyone back to defend this freekick from the edge of the penalty area.

A left-side corner by Crowther was diverted by the stretching Jack Midson, who was positioned between the corner flag and the near post. The ball flew off his boot and into the net.

The Spitfires again went forward after the break but, after 72 minutes, Eastleigh's Green was sent off for a gratuitous shove on Damian Reeves. Having already been booked, the referee produced a second yellow card and the inevitable red one followed.

But losing a man seemed to fire up the hosts and they continued to press forward. However, by the closing stages they had failed to break through and Alty substitute Steven Gillespie won a freekick on the front edge of the Eastleigh box. Shaun Densmore expertly fired the free kick past goalkeeper Flitney to make it 2-0 (86 mins).

Altrincham: 1. Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (capt), 5. Gianluca Havern, 16. Tom Marshall, 3. Adam Griffin, 4. Jake Moult, 8. Simon Richman, 25. Peter Cavanagh, 19. Ryan Crowther, 10. Damian Reeves, 11. Nicky Clee. Subs: 6. Scott Leather, 18. Sean Williams, 9. Steven Gillespie, 14. Kyle Perry, 17.Dave Parton.

Since then the results have been completely in the Hampshire club's favour and coincidentally. For the fifth time running the game is a Saturday fixture and for the third year running it falls on the eighteenth day of the month.

A strange feature of these five games is that in the four to which spectators were admitted, the gate has varied by just 87 spectators.

HALIFAX'S MATCH OFF

More than 24 hours before the planned kick-off time, FC Halifax Town announced that "Following today’s pitch inspection, tomorrow’s match has been postponed due to the pitch being frozen.

Our game against Dagenham & Redbridge will now be rescheduled".

ANOTHER FREE GAME IN NL CUP

Altrincham FC tell us that they "are heading into their final National League Cup group game with all to play for in just under a fortnight's time, and the club are delighted to announce that match sponsorship has again been secured to enable free admission for everyone.

Wolves under-21s are the visitors to The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday January 28th (kick-off 7.30pm), and a competitive edge is assured, with both teams going into the game harbouring hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

Alty need to win and hope results go their way elsewhere... <> Brown-field development experts McAuliffe have stepped forward and generously agreed to sponsor the game in a gesture that allows us to open the doors to everyone for free... Sponsors' Group CEO John McAuliffe explained... 'With our business headquartered in Wolverhampton, and having an office in Altrincham, this makes for a very interesting game!... As a Wolves fan who moved to the Altrincham area over 20 years ago, I have always had a soft spot for Alty as the local team....

Founded over 50 years ago in 1970, McAuliffe have gone from strength to strength and firmly established themselves as a leading remediation and enabling works contractor for UK housebuilders, developers and main contractor

Footnote: free entry to each of Altrincham's National League Cup games has meant that attendances have been good:

ACADEMY REPORT

As reported here earlier this week, Altrincham's Academy team lost 3-2 to Solihull Moors.

Solihull Moors report that "Mike Fowler’s Third Year group won 3-2 against Altrincham as a brace from Ethan Bracher and Kyle Moseley secured the win.

Altrincham started the match strongly and nearly took the lead in the eighth minute. A deep corner caused confusion in the Moors' defence, leaving their striker with a clear shot. However, Billy Corns was perfectly positioned to clear the effort off the line...

Moors responded swiftly and decisively. In the 12th minute, Kyle Moseley intercepted a wayward goal kick and found Ethan Bracher in space. Bracher calmly slotted the ball past the Altrincham goalkeeper to open the scoring.

Just before halftime, Moseley doubled the Moors' advantage... After the restart... Bracher coolly finished past the Altrincham keeper for his second goal of the match.

Altrincham fought back with two quick goals to reignite the contest. Their first came from a sharp counter-attack, while their second was the result of relentless pressing".

ALTY OLD BOYS

The National League report that "Vanarama National League North leaders Curzon Ashton have moved to tie manager CRAIG MAHON down to a new long-term contract.

The Nash have rewarded Mahon and assistants Jack Salkeld and Mark Bradshaw with [a] deal which will keep them at the club until 2027.

Curzon are the division’s surprise pacesetters, enjoying one of their best ever seasons as they punch above their weight.

Player/manager Mahon has made more than 200 appearances for the club and was quick to extend his stay for a further two years. A club statement read... 'Whilst the manager role at Curzon Ashton was a step into the unknown for manager Craig Mahon, he has excelled in the position, guiding The Nash to two first-round qualifications in the FA Cup where they faced league opposition, [and] leading them to their highest league finish last season.'"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Alan Devonshire concedes Maidenhead United's current form 'ain't great' but he's determined to turn around their fortunes in the second half of the season, and with players returning from long term injuries he feels he's got a better chance of doing that now...

Against Altrincham... on Tuesday evening, the visitors conceded four times without reply, despite having plenty of chances themselves... but they're conceding too many goals and chances and not being clinical enough at the other end of the field. It doesn't help that eight of their last 11 matches in all competitions have been away from York Road...

'It ain't great,' admitted Devonshire. 'They’ve had four shots, and they’ve scored four goals. We’ve had about eight shots, and we didn’t score any.. We defended poorly though; we’ve got to step that up..

'Listen, we’re in a situation where we’re in a dog fight... The performance on Tuesday wasn’t a 4-0 game but, at the end of the day, we got beaten 4-0...

'It’s been hard this year because of the injuries. We’ve had six major injuries this year. Four of those players would have played for me all the time...

'The money people are spending in this league is frightening really... We’re not in a situation like Ebbsfleet where you’re getting a bit adrift, and it feels like there’s no way up. We’re still in there and there’s lots of points to fight for'".

AFC Fylde "announce the loan signing of defender Dan Sassi who joins from local side Blackpool until the end of the season.

The centre half joins the Coasters having previously spent two loans spell at Rochdale... Sassi signed for the Seasiders in February 2024 after arriving from then Premier League side Burnley for an undisclosed fee...

Prior to his spell with the Clarets, the 21-year-old was also on the books at Championship side Stoke City...

Head Coach Kevin Phillips added... 'We’ve been looking to add to our defensive ranks... I watched him just before Christmas and I thought he stood out and he of course already has National League experience which is crucial'".

Oldham Athletic "announce the signing of Billy Waters on a deal until June 2026.

The striker joins Latics following his release from Wrexham... This season, Waters has played in the National League for Halifax, scoring five goals in 18 games...

Waters added....'When I heard of the interest I was wanting to do it from the off'...

Waters, born in Epsom, began his career with Crewe Alexandra... On 29 June 2015, Waters joined Cheltenham Town helping to fire them to a National League title in his first season at the club...

He rejected a new deal... and joined Northampton Town on a three-year-contract for an undisclosed fee... He enjoyed loan spells at Cambridge, Cheltenham and Newport in his three year stint at the club.

Torquay were next for Billy, joining them in 2020 ... Waters then enjoyed one of his most prolific campaigns at Halifax... earning him a move to EFL side Barrow.

Nine goals in 32 games meant Wrexham came calling and bought the striker for an undisclosed fee. However things didn’t quite click at Wrexham and he was loaned out to Doncaster and most recently back to Halifax.

Manager Micky Mellon [said]...'Billy wanted to come, he had options to play football elsewhere but he chose to come here'".

Southend have had some bad luck on their travels this season. Earlier in the campaign a train breakdown meant that they could not get to Fylde for a National League fixture. And this week, there was more misfortune for Southend United as "Head Coach Kevin Maher said Tuesday’s abandonment [at Boston] was 'very frustrating'...

The game was suspended after seven minutes due to thick fog limiting visibility. After a 30 minute break, the decision was made by referee Craig Hicks to abandon the game with the scoreline still goalless.

Maher said... 'We’ve all travelled up, taken a great number of fans again and I feel for them coming up on a midweek, spending money and obviously we want a game for them. “The referee went by the protocols to be fair to him...

'It was quite unbelievable really because it came in so fast just as the warm-up was coming towards the end'".

Woking "announce the signing of Tariq Hinds.

The 24 year-old right back joins until the end of the 2024/25 season following a brief spell with Braintree Town.

A Tottenham Hotspur academy product, Hinds left the club in February 2021 to join Portuguese side Lusitano de Evora. He returned to England with Billericay Town in October of that same year, where he would stay until joining National League South side Tonbridge Angels in October 2022... departing to join Braintree. He made three appearances for Braintree before joining the Cards.

Director of Football Jody Brown added, 'We couldn’t risk not bringing in a right back with Dion and Dan Moss now expected to be out for a while. Tariq has always been on my radar, having worked with him when he first came out of Tottenham’s [under] 23s a few years back'".

At Yeovil Town, the club "announce the signing of Lewys Twamley from Merthyr Town, who joins us on a deal until the summer of 2026.

Lewys is a forward who is making a real name for himself at Merthyr Town, with 15 goals in 21 league appearances so far this season...

After making his debut for Newport County in 2020, Twamley spent time on loan at Salisbury and Pontypridd United before being released by Newport at the end of the 2022-23 season. He joined Merthyr Town in September 2023".

FC Halifax Town "confirm the signing of forward Luca Thomas on loan from Championship side Leeds United until the end of the season.

Capable of playing across the front three, Thomas has spent most his career in the Leeds academy... Thomas was awarded his first professional contract with Leeds in July 2022...

He then signed a new deal running until the end of the 2024/25 season.

In October of this season, the forward signed on loan with fellow National League side York City. initially just for one month, this was extended in November until January when he returned to Leeds".

Aldershot Town "announce the signing of Luca Woodhouse on loan from Wycombe Wanderers until the end of the season!

The 20-year-old centre-back has made one senior appearance for Wycombe this season in the EFL Trophy, but has spent the first half of this season on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge... Woodhouse made 16 appearances and scored one goal which coincidentally came against his new teammates...

Head of Recruitment Jamie Hedges said... 'He’s been a long-term target of ours having been a player we’ve kept tabs on for a while.

We wanted to add another left-footed option to the group'".


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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