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NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 14 September, 2024
YEOVIL TOWN (Away) 3pm
Vanarama National League match

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

14 September 2024

TODAY: YEOVIL TOWN

Altrincham are away at Yeovil Town today (Saturday), as they look to climb up the table from their current sixteenth position.

The match is NOT being covered by Radio Robins but two alternatives are available:

Right: One familiar face on the home bench today is likely to be goalkeeper Matt Gould who left his goalkeeping/coaching role at the J. Davidson Stadium over this summer. The message on the Golf Road banner behind him in the adjacent image coincidentally alludes to Matt's following his family members Bobby and Jonathan into professional football.

Yeovil returned to the top-flight of non-League this season after successive relegations had taken them down to National South for 2023-24 season.

Since gaining EFL status in 2003 after winning the Conference, the Glovers have seen many ups and downs. By 2013-14 they had climbed to the Championship but finished bottom that season. Successive relegations saw them drop into the lower reaches of League Two by the end of the 2015-16 season.

Four seasons in the EFL's bottom tier saw them not finish higher than 19th and a bottom-place finish in 2019 consigned them back into non-League football.

After four seasons at National League level they were relegated to the regional South division in 2023.

They bounced back last season winning 29 of their 46 fixtures to clinch the National South championship.

So, they have not shared many seasons with Altrincham over the last twenty years, the clubs only meeting in 2020/21 and the following two seasons since 1999/2000, at the end of which campaign Altrincham were relegated.

The results in the most recent clashes in Somerset were as follows. Two of these games involved midweek treks for Altrincham!

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS

The Altrincham FC monthly draw for August 2024 has been made with the outcome as follows:

Congratulations to all the winners!

ALTY OLD BOYS

From Phil Jordan comes news that on Friday in the Irish Premier League, the much-travelled Padraig Amond converted BARRY BAGGLEY'S cross to put Waterford two goals up, and, although visitors Dundalk reduced the arrears, they went on to win 2-1.

And in the Cymru Premier, there was a clean sheet for JOEL TORRANCE as Bala Town comfortably beat visitors Aberystwyth 3-0.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

14 September 2023

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Boston United report that the club's "matchday shuttle bus service is back in action for 2024-2025 – with an expanded route...

The route from the bus station/Len Medlock Centre to the stadium via Boots in the Market Place and the Quayside Hotel on London Road remains as in previous years, with the route now expanded to return to the Len Medlock Centre via Sleaford Road with additional pick-up points added along Sleaford Road at Listers and the Woodville Road Park.

Buses depart the Len Medlock Centre at 12.00pm, 12.45pm, 1.30pm and 2.15pm – returning at 5.00pm and 5.45pm – on Saturdays.

Midweek buses will run at 5.00pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm and 7.15pm – returning at 10.00pm and 10.30pm.

A full map of the route together with approximate timings is available on our website (via above link).

The cost is £1.50 per journey. Payment can be made as you enter the bus either by cash or contactless cards".

Supporters' news of a less positive kind comes from York City who are "disappointed to report on repeated anti-social behaviour which continues to re-occur on matchdays, despite warning.

So far this season, seats have continued to be broken and even toilet urinals needlessly damaged. These incidents inevitably come at a cost to the Football Club.

Individuals continue to be identified, with retrospective action taken against those clearly involved...

The Club can be liable of being charged by The FA, with a range of sanctions a clearly outlined possibility if incidents occur, as stated last season and ahead of this season...

Please do not bring into any stadium any form of pyrotechnic or throwable missile, or engage in any form anti-social behaviour of any kind.

Supporters can text YORK to 60060 (£1 per text) to anonymously alert York Stadium Management Company and their stewards to anti-social or discriminatory behaviour within the LNER Community Stadium on home match days".

Our third report on supporters comes from Southend United where "The Club are pleased to announce details of a newly formed Fan Advisory Board, which will give fans a voice in helping to shape the Club’s future...

The Fan Advisory Board (FAB) is in addition to existing arrangements between the Club and various supporter groups but will allow a unified platform for fans to pass comments and ideas on to the Board. It will also keep fans involved and informed regarding the strategic direction of the Club.

The FAB will consist of eight members, each of which will retire after two years in the role... There will be two reserved positions, for a current Southend United Board member and for a member of the Shrimpers' Trust, as nominated by their membership.

Its remaining members will be selected by a panel consisting of a COSU member who is not a Board Director, a representative of the Football Supporters' Association, and Greg Marshall, who is the Head of Supporter Engagement at Rangers FC.

The FAB members will appoint a Co-Chair to sit alongside the nominated COSU Board Member...

The FAB will communicate regularly with fans via a dedicated section of the Club’s website... The FAB will meet at least four times a year but may meet more often if deemed appropriate.

They will discuss topics such as the Club’s future vision, efforts in relation to financial sustainability, home and away matchday experience, facilities at Roots Hall, local community and charity work done by the Club and much more".

And still on the theme of National League supporters, Aldershot Town are "delighted to confirm that we have sold over 1000 season tickets for the 24/25 season!

Now that season ticket sales have died down, we have been able to work out that a total of 1003 season tickets have been sold.

Not only is surpassing the 1000 season ticket mark a great milestone to have surpassed, it also represents around a 25% increase on numbers from last season.

We’re incredibly thankful for the brilliant support which has been shown already this season and look forward to the rest of the campaign and in the words of Tommy Widdrington, 'buckle up, it’ll be a great journey'"

Relegated from the National division last season, on Thursday Boreham Wood issued a two-sentence announcement "that the Club has parted company with Head Coach Ross Jenkins with immediate effect.

Everyone at the Club would like to thank Ross for his efforts during his time at Meadow Park and wish him the best of luck for the future".

The very next day came another statement from Boreham Wood revealed that the club "are delighted to announce the return of Luke Garrard to Meadow Park as First Team Manager.

Luke returns to Meadow Park five months after departing the Club, having previously spent nine seasons in the hotseat and 18 total years with the Club in various capacities...

Garrard takes over the team currently sat [sic] in 10th place in the National League South...

The Club urges the Wood Army faithful to get behind the Club, Luke and the team this weekend as we look to kick start our season following a difficult year, a poor start and an indifferent spell of results and performances of late".

Ross, the former manager of Oxford City was sacked after just eight games of the season.

The Halifax Courier reports that "Calderdale Council has issued a response after a compensation claim by FC Halifax Town for postponed games last season. The Shaymen had to postpone matches 11 times last season...

Chairman David Bosomworth said... 'The pitch was so decimated after rugby fixtures being played on an overly wet surface, the only outcome was the pitch was going to become unplayable... It left us with less than two weeks to find alternative venues to stage our three fixtures against Barnet, Ebbsfleet and Oldham Athletic...

'With all this has come a significant financial cost... We have submitted a claim for compensation of circa £76,000 to the council...

'We have had a brief reply from the council that simply states it is none of their responsibility (this will be in reference to the annual user agreement we are signed in to), but they have offered one month's free rent which is to a value of £3,939.75 prior to VAT, as a gesture of goodwill'".

Barnet "announce the loan signing of Bailey Hobson!

The 22-year-old midfielder joins the Bees on a month’s-long loan deal from Chesterfield FC.

Bailey began his career through the youth setup at Sheffield United before eventually joining Alfreton Town in 2021. He featured over 85 times for the Conference North side before joining Chesterfield on a permanent deal.

Hobson spent some time out at Kidderminster Harriers last season on loan where he featured 18 times in the National League.

So far this season he has featured five times for Chesterfield".

13 September 2024

VOTE FOR ETHAN AND CHRIS!

On the Altrincham FC website, John Edwards writes that "Ethan Ross [right] has proved it time and again, to the point where no one can be in any doubt - he is the best goalkeeper in the Vanarama National League.

Just over a year on from joining Altrincham, initially on loan and then, thankfully, on a permanent basis, the giant keeper continues to gain admirers...

He is widely regarded as the best in the business. It's an accolade that... would be nice to have... recognised by all and sundry...

Alty fans can help make that happen now by casting their vote for Ethan, and brilliant former Alty attacking midfielder Chris Conn-Clarke, in the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards, the UK's biggest regional awards event.

Ethan has been nominated in the NL Player of the Year category and Chris for Rising Star, and there is no question both would be worthy winners, should they be called forward when the silverware is handed out at the Gala Awards Dinner on Monday, November 25th at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club...

Come on, Alty fans, get voting here now".

SATURDAY FIXTURES

14 September 2023

NEXT: YEOVIL TOWN

With Radio Robins out of action on Saturday and no streaming permitted for 3pm kick offs that day, Altrincham's match at Yeovil Town this weekend will require any fans who cannot attend in person to follow the game via the brand new radio service offered by the Somerset hosts

Yeovil Town this week announced "the launch of Yeovil Town Radio, your brand-new, dedicated commentary stream covering all Yeovil Town fixtures! Whether home or away, you can now follow every kick, tackle, and goal as it happens.

Yeovil Town Radio will provide live commentary for matches across the Vanarama National League, FA Cup, FA Trophy, and Somerset Premier Cup. We’ll also occasionally bring you updates on our women’s team and under-18s, ensuring you never miss a moment of Glovers’ action.

Tune in and support the Green and Whites by clicking here when we’re live".

In addition, BBC Radio Somerset is also covering Yeovil's match with Altrincham on Saturday.

ALTY STORE HOURS

Altrincham FC advises that "This week's opening hours for our Altrincham town centre Retail Store and Community Hub" are as follow...

ANN RETURNS TO MOSS LANE

For many years Ann Wilshaw acted as unpaid secretary at Altrincham FC whilst her husband, the late Derek Wilshaw, served as the Club Secretary, also in a voluntary capacity.

The "Local Independent" free newspaper has an article in its September issue which tells us that "Two residents at an Alderley Edge care home have been treated to a trip down memory lane with a visit to Altrincham Football Club".

One of the two is "Football-mad Ann Wilshaw [who] has lived at Brookview Bupa Care Home for two years and [who] often talks about her time volunteering at the National League club, with her late hudband Derek".

The care home manager, Sharon Helliwell-Short arranged a visit to the Club for Ann and another resident, Christina Walker.

The article continues, "On arrival they were welcomed to a table in the hospitality lounge and Ann was presented with a Robins' scarf as a memento".

Ann said, "I want to thank the team for organising such a special event. It brought back many memories from years past and it made my day".

Sharon added, "You could tell it meant the world to Ann to see her local club again... I want to say a huge thank-you to the team at Altrincham FC, as they were so accommodating and excited to welcome Ann back".

Accompanying the article was a photo of Ann and her friend with Neil Dawson, Jackie Gallimore and her husband Ron, all of whom are longstanding Alty volunteers themselves.

NW NEWS

Former Altrincham keeper OLLIE BYRNE will soon be working under a new boss at FC United of Manchester after the club announced that they "have parted company with manager Neil Reynolds after almost six years in charge.

Reynolds, who joined the club in October 2018... was dismissed following Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Warrington Rylands.

That result leaves FC United in the Northern Premier League's bottom four, with just one win and six points to show from their opening eight league matches... They have also been knocked out of the FA Cup by local rivals Hyde United...

Reynolds only signed a new two-year deal with the club in January, taking his time in charge to the end of the 2025/26 season".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Ebbsfleet United "announce the appointment of Harry Watling as the club’s manager...

Watling, 34, has most recent experience as first-team coach in the Scottish Premier League with Glasgow Rangers and before that he was first-team coach at Championship side QPR.

Prior to those high-profile roles... the new Fleet boss was head coach at USL Championship side Hartford Athletic, spending 18 months from January 2021 in the United States... He was one of the youngest coaches in England to achieve UEFA A, B and Pro licences having started out as an Academy coach for Chelsea aged 20....

Alongside Watling in the Fleet dugout will be assistant manager David Kerslake and first-team coach John Cotton... As assistant manager he has achieved promotion with Northampton Town and Nottingham Forest...

Fleet CEO Damian Irvine added 'We went through a process back in January for a new manager and so it hasn’t been a process we’ve had to start again from scratch when it came to do so this time... and we’ve been able to move quickly to secure the right people with the right credentials who are very highly regarded in football coaching circles to take this club forward.'”

Aldershot Town report that "James Henry has been named as the Vanarama National League Player of the Month for August 2024!

Despite an impressive career with over 500 Championship and League One appearances to his name, this is Henry’s first Player of the Month award!

The midfielder has enjoyed a successful start to his Shots career since joining in August and scored on his debut, coming off the bench in a 3-3 draw with Forest Green Rovers.

He then scored twice in our 4-1 win over Oldham Athletic, added a brilliant free-kick against Tamworth and netted and assisted Hady Ghandour in our 4-3 win over Maidenhead United to end August with five goals and one assist in just 330 minutes of action!"

Southend United have been "pleased to be able to extend the mural in our Blues Legends Lounge...

Part-funded by JLS Building Services’ sponsorship of the Southend United Ex-Players Association, the mural now includes the football from our Club crest as well as five of the greatest managers in our history.

The first manager is Dave Smith... In May 1976 he took over from Arthur Rowley as Southend manager...

Next on the wall is David Webb. Webb managed Blues on no fewer than three occasions...

Our third manager to be featured is Steve Tilson, who represented the Club as both a player and manager..

The fourth manager to feature on our mural is loveable figure Paul Sturrock [who]... "joined a crisis-struck Southend United in 2010...

The fifth and final manager to be featured is Kevin Maher... Maher joined Southend in 1998 and spent 10 years as an ever-present in the midfield...

The 47-year-old captained Blues to successive promotions in 2005 and 2006 and a famous League Cup win over Manchester United...

Maher [re-]joined the club at a tricky time in the Club’s history. The Shrimpers were languishing near the bottom of the National League after back-to-back relegations... However, Maher quickly turned the tide for Southend...

The team led by Maher, have won 60 of the 142 games Blues have played".

Sutton United "announce the signing of Chinwike Okoli on loan from Millwall, on a deal that runs until January.

The young defender is highly rated within the Lions’ youth setup and will offer aggressiveness and composure to Steve Morison’s backline, becoming the U’s 19th signing of the season and the third player to join from Morison’s former club following Nino Adom-Malaki last season and Nana Boateng earlier in the summer.

A Millwall academy product, Okoli has played... in the National League already, with a short-term loan spell at Torquay United at the start of the 2022/23 campaign...

The 20-year old later joined Bromley ahead of the 2023/24 campaign... and appeared 20 times during the first half of the season for the Ravens".

12 September 2024

PHIL: "LAPSE OF CONCENTRATION" TO BLAME

After the added-time defeat at Barnet on Tuesday, manager Phil Parkinson spoke to Laurence Howarth for Alty TV.

Despite the result, Phil though that the team is "ahead of where we were" last season, when Alty lost 3-0 at The Hive. This time, "We pushed them all the way" he stated.

He blamed the winning goal on "a lapse of concentration from a long throw". In short the result "was a tough one to take".

As for full debutant Lewis Humbles (right), the Alty boss felt that the Salford City loanee "acquitted himself brilliantly".

BARNET BOSS LAYS INTO HIS CRITICS

In a quite remarkable post-match YouTube interview, the Barnet manager Dean Brennan laid into those Barnet fans who had expressed criticism of him and his team both during the game with Altrincham but also in general this season.

The seething manager said "I'm very angry" and added that he was "sick and tired of miserable moaning" at games and he even threatened to go elsewhere if the moaning continued.

He was also critical of the overall attendance asserting that there "were only 900 fans here" by which he was drawing a distinction between the official gate of over 1,200 (which included 54 from Altrincham) and the actual number of Barnet fans who turned up, the difference presumably being accounted for by absentee season ticket holders.

BARNET MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Barnet have posted video highlights from Tuesday's narrow win over Altrincham.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports...

NPL Division 1 West: MASON FAWNS scored the only goal of the game as Mossley beat visitors Hednesford Town on Tuesday evening.

NEXT: YEOVIL TOWN

Altrincham's second long trip of the week takes them to face Yeovil Town on Saturday. The Glovers, like Altrincham, lost on Tuesday night, the Somerset side losing at home to the only goal of the match scored by Solihull Moors.

Gloverscast includes the following observations.

The home side produced "a flat performance... we already look like we could use some time to rest...

"Mark Cooper said he was underwhelmed with his attacking players, I say let’s give Jarvis a partner...

"We’ve now made the Half-Time double sub Hail Mary on each of the last two games, suggesting the first eleven probably wasn’t right, we’ve seen the defence chop and change more times in eight games than we did in 48 last year...

"How about this, on Saturday [v. Altrincham], Glovers fans promise to give you everything, the drum will beat, the ‘Everywhere we go…’ chat will fill the Thatchers stand.'"

The official Yeovil Town site reported that it was "their third home defeat of the season... following a 12th-minute goal from Conor Wilkinson...

Solihull’s momentum didn’t dip as they pushed for another goal...

Despite most of the second half being played in and around the Solihull box, the Glovers were unable to break through the visitors’ defence and equalise".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The National League "present the August Managers of the Month ... with three very worthy recipients honoured...

Gateshead manager Rob Elliot knew he had a job on to repair some broken hearts when EFL regulations prevented the club from competing in the play-offs in April.

But the Heed have suffered no lasting damage, and were the only National League side in the division to head into September undefeated.

Beginning the campaign in style with a 5-1 thumping of Ebbsfleet United, fellow strong starters Eastleigh and Yeovil Town were also put to the sword in the North East.

Solid draws at FC Halifax and Oldham Athletic as well as a 2-0 win against Woking means life on the road is good too. Just one team scored more than Gateshead, and only two conceded less".

In the regional divisions, Andy Butler, the Scunthorpe United manager , won the North divisional award.

Scott Davies of Slough Town earned the South award. "By beating Weymouth on the month’s final gameday, they took their unbeaten home run to 26 league games meaning they hadn't lost in front of their fans for a whole year".

Following the sacking of Danny Searle, Ebbsfleet United "kept a clean sheet against one of the division’s leading scorers to earn a first point at home against Aldershot Town in a much-improved display...

Under Josh Wright who watched from the dugout, the Fleet made four changes in welcoming Mustapha Olagunju back to the Kuflink and he was joined in the starting lineup by Franklin Domi, Jim Kellermann and Luke O’Neill....

Fleet produced plenty of effort and fight in that first-half and the second was much the same".

Last Friday, Woking announced "the signing of Tom Leahy. The 20-year-old joins on loan from Sky Bet Championship side Millwall until January.

A centre-forward, Leahy came through the Millwall academy, playing regularly for both their under-18s and under-23s sides, including an FA Youth Cup goal at Sheffield United in 2021.

After a pre-season where he scored against Real Murcia following a contract extension, Leahy has been involved in Millwall’s Championship squads, making... his debut late on against Bristol City".

11 September 2024

BARNET 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Right: Justin Amaluzor scored Alty's goal at The Hive.

For their second successive away game Altrincham lost 2-1 to a goal in added time.

Alty had taken the lead against the run of play in the fifteenth minute with a well-worked goal finished by Amaluzor after a one-two with Linney to his left.

But thirteen minutes later the Bees were level when a defence splitting pass set Chapman running at goal and his left-footed shot gave Ross no chance (28 mins).

Barnet dominated the second half but Alty defended well until the second added minute when a long throw from the left saw the ball clear James Jones at the near post and Browne headed home, unchallenged, to win the game (90+2 mins).

Nevertheless, Alty still had a good chance to equalise when Kosylo wriggled free but from the edge of the box dragged his shot wide (90+2 mins).

The Robins could not complain at the outcome but to lose to a goal from a poorly defended throw was very disappointing.

Match report here

BARNET, AFTER THE MATCH

Following their very late winner over Altrincham, Barnet report that " A slow start to the game didn’t create many opportunities for either side... But things quickly changed in the 14th minute of the game as number 11 Justin Amaluzor won the ball in the middle of the park quickly playing a pass out to Regan Linney who whips a low cross into the six-yard box that was finished past the keeper by Amaluzor.

Barnet didn’t let their heads drop and... in the 27th minute Zac Brunt controlled a fizzed ball into him as he quickly got his head up to find the run of Harry Chapman with a through ball that put the midfielder through on goal. Chapman took his chance slotting the ball past the keeper to give the Bees an equaliser that made the score 1-1...

As the second half carried on both sides played a tight battle as they both searched for a winner with neither team coming [close to?] getting a clear-cut chance until the 71st minute a low cross from Jordan Cropper found Mark Shelton just inside the edge of the box who blasted the ball towards the bottom left corner, but his effort was kept out by Ethan Ross with a quick reaction save...

Then in the 92nd minute of the game a long throw by Jordan Cropper into the box finds the head of Rhys Browne who blasts the header home past the keeper to give the home side a last-minute winner".

NEXT: YEOVIL TOWN

Following a 358-mile return trip to Barnet on Tuesday, Altrincham face a 438-mile round-trip to Yeovil for Saturday's fixture.

Alty now lie 16th after their third defeat in four away outings this season.

Like Altrincham, their opponents Yeovil also lost on Tuesday night, conceding the only goal of the match at The New Lawn to Solihull Moors.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's fixtures... .

National League: DAN MOONEY was brought off the bench by Boston United after 72 minutes, but having already lost their early lead to two Hartlepool United goals in the space of 7 minutes, they were unable to make any impression on BILLY SASS-DAVIES and his colleagues, and the visitors won 1-2.

Having been booked in the first half at The Shay, CALLUM DOLAN was substituted by Oldham Athletic just before the hour, and JOSH LUNDSTRAM also went off after 76 minutes. REAGAN OGLE (right) went the distance, but hosts Halifax came from behind to draw 1-1.

MILES WELCH-HAYES made his first start for Maidenhead United at Rochdale, and put in a full shift, but the home side won 3-1, with KYLE FERGUSON coming off their bench in the 81st minute.

TYRESE SINCLAIR was a 66th minute substitute for York City, as they recovered from going behind to visitors Braintree Town after just 4 minutes to earn a 2-1 win.

NPL Premier: Robins loanee LUKE WEAVER scored the third Bamber Bridge goal as they dispatched visitors Prescot Town 4-2.

ALTY'S ACHIEVEMENTS

LinkedIn has an interesting account of his time at the club by former Altrincham FC Head of Football, Rob Esteva.

Right: Rob is pictured, far right with Neil Sorvel and Phil Parkinson.

Rob writes, "Turning the ship round took time and a whole lot of energy and expertise but leaving this summer after coming within two wins of making it to the Football League for the very first time in the club’s history, I knew I could not be leaving the football ops in better shape...

"Success can be measured in many different ways.

We’ve set ourselves ahead of so many others at Altrincham because we have constantly sought to drive forward and we’ve built an environment that so many want to be part of. Loaning players from Manchester United was a pipe dream when we first came in."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

On match day last Saturday, Ebbsfleet United announced the signing of Will Randall and gave him his debut against Altrincham.

Rabdall stated that Randall was "the Fleet’s third new signing this past week as the 27-year-old arrives on a permanent deal following his departure from Notts County in the summer.

Randall secured promotion to the EFL... as Sutton United won the 2021 National League title... The Swindon-born wide player made his senior debut for his hometown club in League One the day after he turned 17 and went on to make nine appearances for them before Wolves signed him for a fee in 2016. While at Molineux, he had loan spells with Walsall, Forest Green Rovers and Spanish third-tier club FC Jumila.

The Fleet’s newest signing settled at Sutton after his release by Wolves, joining the U’s in 2019 after a brief spell at Newport County. He spent four years at Gander Green Lane, making almost 130 appearances and scoring 18 times...

Randall moved on to League Two new boys Notts County in summer 2023 and featured 13 times for the Magpies".

Gateshead have announced the arrival "on a temporary basis" of centre-back Ben Radcliffe from Derby County. In 2022-23 Radcliffe was at Burton Albion from where he went on loan at Banbury United.

Also joining Gateshead "on temporary terms" is right-sided midfielder Ryan Carr from Ipswich Town. Aged 19, he spent the final part of last season on loan at Essex club Aveley in the National League South where he made eleven appearances as the club reached the play-offs.

Maidenhead United report that "There may not have felt like much to celebrate following the reverse to Aldershot Town last Saturday afternoon but the match marked a significant milestone for Alan Devonshire. The seven-goal thriller at The Rec was Dev’s 800th game in charge of Maidenhead United, across two spells.

Initially coming in at York Road in the summer of 1996, Dev shared management responsibilities with former QPR player Martyn Busby until March 1997 before going it alone after Busby decided to step down. Dev left in 2003 after a hugely successful period which included promotion to the Isthmian Premier League. He was tempted back in the summer of 2015 with United a perpetually struggling National League South club. Nine years on and we are established in the National League".

And also at Maidenhead United "United’s match programme will go DIGITAL ONLY. The programme will be available as a FREE download to all supporters, with the opportunity to catch our regular features and club news and statistics via a QR code which will be displayed around the ground.

Our digital programme can also be found here!

Whilst there will be no printed versions to purchase on a matchday there will remain an option for supporters to purchase a printed version which will be posted to your home address, by selecting the relevant match on our ticketing portal".

Rochdale boss "Jimmy McNulty says he is pleased with the four recent additions to his squad.

Three made their Dale debuts during Saturday’s win at Aldershot Town, in the form of David Robson, Dan Sassi and Leon Ayinde, whilst Joe Westley was an unused substitute.

Goalkeeper Robson featured in our pre-season... and was called upon by the Head Coach to replace the injured Luke McNicholas at the weekend.

'“We’ve looked secure and calm defensively thus far, and the team have made a really respectable start,' commented McNulty... 'Luke picked up an injury with his groin and he has been working through it... The problem was getting worse, and, in the end, it was too uncomfortable for him to carry on further... We’ll be without Luke for some time'...

Defender Sassi made his second debut for the club, after playing ten games for Dale on loan last season... 'He had a brilliant loan here last season and only lost once in ten games. To come into the defence as a young lad and to have that record is something to take note of...

Off the back of having a solid start from the base of the team, we’re suddenly without captain and goalkeeper, so we’re really happy with the guys that have joined us.”

Striker Westley was named in the matchday squad, having signed on a one-month loan from Burnley last week... 'He’s here to support Kairo [Mitchell] and impact the team... The actual out-and-out nine position is one that we’re not deep in squad-wise... Dev [Devante Rodney] has been playing behind the striker a bit and there are other guys who play in-and-around Kairo a lot.

'But we’re always looking for quality, freshness, variation to give ourselves as many options as we can'".

10 September 2024

MIDWEEK FIXTURES

Tuesday 10th September

NEXT: BARNET

In advance of tonight's match, Barnet tell us that the Bees are "looking to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat at Gateshead.

In our last league outing away in the northeast against table toppers Gateshead, it was the hosts who took all three points in a two-nil win ... Callum Whelan opened the scoring... and despite most of the pressure coming from the Bees it was the hosts who grabbed the second".

Alty will be aware that Barnet's last home game ended in a7-0trouncing of Tamowrth and, prior to that, they beat Southend United and Forest Green Rovers at The Hive...

Forward Regan Linney will be one to look out for...

The last time these two sides met was in January this year when in a close thrilling encounter at the J. Davidson Stadium it was Altrincham who took the win [3-2]."

The match will be covered both in video via the National League and in audio by Radio Robins.

Also Altrincham FC has announced that "Our free Watch Party opens in the CSH Bar at 7:15pm on Tuesday evening and includes live coverage of both Barnet v Altrincham and England v Finland on our big screens".

BARNET, LAST TIME AT THE HIVE

Ahead of Tuesday's trek to Barnet, Altrincham FC quoted manager Phil Parkinson's interview after the victory over Ebbsfleet United.

The Alty boss said "Barnet are the champions elect; they and Forest Green... I can see why with Barnet. Dean [Brennan]’s built a brilliant team there, he’s a superb manager, they’re really attack- minded and it should make for a great game. It’ll be an entertaining one no matter what happens because they certainly won’t hold back and we won’t either.”

Altrincham lost the corresponding match last season 3-0, their heaviest defeat of the campaign. Coincidentally the match took place a year and a day before tonight's clash.

Left: Ethan Ross saved a penalty last time Altrincham visited The Hive London

At the time Barnet were the league leaders going into a match which was played in sweltering heat of more than 30C. The referee showed no mercy adding nine minutes to a first half which ended with Altrincham fortunate to be just a single goal adrift.

Alty were outplayed in the opening stages and went behind in the tenth minute, to a header from a corner by Collinge.

Alty did improve for a while but could have fallen further behind when Amaluzor was penalised for supposed handball in the box. However, Ross made a good save from Pritchard's spot-kick. The same player also put the resulting loose ball over the bar (32 mins).

However, it did get worse for an Alty side already without main striker Linney, through injury, when Crankshaw suffered what proved to be a season-ending injury.

The hosts dominated the second half before a superbly worked second goal was scored by Brunt (67 mins).

Altrincham were no threat in the second half as Barnet once again camped in the Altrincham half and the Bees deservedly picked up a third goal in added time when a short corner led to a low ball being diverted by an Alty defender for Kabamba to tap in at the far post.

Just six of the startine eleven at The Hive last September also started Alty's most recent game this season.

Alty's line-up at Barnet was: 29. Ethan Ross, 2. Lewis Banks, 3. Eddy Jones, 6. Elliot Osborne, 27. Ollie Crankshaw, 14. Dior Angus, 15. Jake Cooper, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 11. Justin Amaluzor, 8. Isaac Marriott (c), 16. Sam Roscoe. Subs: 4. Lewis Baines, 7. Matty Kosylo, 17. Justin Donawa, 22. Joey Jones, 32. George Burroughs.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The NL Paper reports that JAMES JENNINGS (right) has been appointed "assistant boss at Cheadle Heath Nomads.

"Jennings, 37, will act as number two to Adam May... after PAUL FAY stepped down...

"Fay runs the Altrincham Academy and opted to stand aside owing to increasing workload. He took the Nomads to the highest ever league position, boasting a squad with an average age of under 21".

ACADEMY SEASON STARTS WITH DEFEAT

Altrincham FC Academy who play in the under the name "Altrincham FC U19 A Red" finished the 24-match 2023-24 season in seventh place in the thirteen-club National League's "NLFA North Division", aka "National League Under-19 Alliance North Division".

They have completed one fixture so far this season, a match played at Cheadle Heath Sports Club, which they lost 1-4 at home to Solihull Moors at lunchtime on 28 August.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Southend United "announce the arrival of striker Macauley Bonne... on a one-year deal with a Club option...

The forward was in the academies of Ipswich Town, Norwich City and Colchester United... While at Colchester, Bonne would play with current Blues man George Moncur, before he joined Leyton Orient in 2017... Between 2017/18 and 2018/19, he scored 45 goals in 90 appearances as Orient were promoted back to the EFL.

The season after, he netted at a ratio of one in three at Championship level for Charlton before doing similar for Ipswich in League One in 2021/22.

Last term Bonne spent time at both Gillingham and Cambridge, and the 28-year-old... said 'I’m really happy to be here and crack on. I’ve been in today and trained with the boys and it’s a really good group, so I’m really happy...

'The last couple of years haven’t really gone to plan but I spoke with the manager and hopefully I can get back... to scoring goals in a league I know really well'...

Head Coach Kevin Maher added '[Macauley]’s got a proven record in the National League and has played higher up so we’re really pleased to have someone of his pedigree in... He’s not been playing but he’s kept himself in good shape'".

The next visitors to the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday week, Boston United "are advertising for an Apprentice Sports Turf Operative to join the team... [on a salary of] £13,312 a year for "40 hours per week Monday to Friday including matchdays (Saturday and Tuesday)...

This is a great opportunity for an individual to learn and practice a range of grounds duties and to assist the groundsman in the preparation, presentation and maintenance of the main pitch and 3G at the Jakemans Community Stadium, including site maintenance...

Successful applicants will be required to complete a Sports Turf Operative (Level 2) course with Bishop Burton College.

Key responsibilities include "divot management, assisting with mowing, line marking, renovation and setting out equipment".

"A typical day in the life of an apprentice Sports Turf Operative would include some of the following:

9 September 2024

EBBSFLEET MANAGER GOES AFTER DEFEAT AT ALTY

Following thei 4-0 defeat at Altrincham last Saturday, Ebbsfleet United "have relieved first-team manager Danny Searle of his duties with immediate effect.

The Club would like to go on record as recognising the incredible job that Danny achieved last season in saving the club from relegation, after taking over initially as interim manager in February through to that memorable afternoon at Boreham Wood that maintained the Fleet’s National League status.

Right: A pensive Danny Searle watching Ebbsfleet in their 4-0 reverse at the J. Davidson Stadium last Saturday.

It is with that very status in mind this season, however, that the decision has been made to part company with Danny after a start to the season which has fallen below expectations. Such a decision is never one that is taken lightly or without due consideration but it must always be taken with the good of the football club in mind.

The club would also like to thank Assistant Manager Anwar Uddin for his contribution to the club as he departs the Kuflink Stadium with Danny today.

We wish Danny and Anwar every success in their future careers. Both men deserve all our gratitude not only for steering the club clear of relegation last season but for their immense hard work and dedication for the duration of their time at the club.

A management update with be provided later this week whilst in the interim, [team captain] Josh Wright will lead the team from the dugout in tomorrow evening’s fixture v Aldershot".

Footnote: The Fleet remain without a win this season, having earned a single point from thir seven fixtures.

.

ALTY v EBBSFLEET HIGHLIGHTS

Alty TV has video highlights of last Saturday's 4-0 win by Altrincham over Ebbsfleet United.

NEXT TUESDAY: BARNET

Many people's title favourites, Barnet, are the hosts of Altrincham on Tuesday night. But The Bees lost at home at league leaders Gateshead on Saturday. They now lie seventh after four wins and three defeats this season so far.

On Saturday, Barnet reported that "The Bees fell to defeat at the Gateshead International Stadium as goals from Whelan and Adom ensured the three points would be staying in the northeast...

Despite the early pressure from the Bees, it was the hosts who took the lead. An initial first shot was well saved by Nick Hayes, but the ball was poked into the path of Callum Whelan who placed the ball into the net...

With five minutes to go in the first half Gateshead looked to make it two, Kain Adom received the ball down the right-hand side before cutting onto his right foot and bending an effort goalwards, he saw his shot strike the post and bounce away.

Gateshead were raring to go again in the second half and doubled their lead when Adom’s clever footwork inside the box allowed him space... before placing his effort past Hayes."

Lineup: Hayes, Hall-Johnson (Kanu 57’), Stead (Cropper 76’), Chapman, Glover, Brunt (Wilkinson 62’), Hartigan, Shelton, Oluwo, Kenlock (Okimo 57’), Kizzi.".

NEXT SATURDAY: YEOVIL TOWN

Altrincham are away at Yeovil next Saturday. The wonderful Gloverscast independent site reports on Saturday's 4-3 win for Yeovil Town, away at Fylde.

It was a third away win for The Glovers "in a chaotic, see-saw match at AFC Fylde yesterday.... That was absolutely bonkers. If anyone doubted the Spirit of 2023/24 had departed, think again. In the second half, we just went for it and it was a performance built on fearlessness to attack, character to get back up after Fylde pulled it back to 3-3, and a healthy dose of quality.

Aaron Jarvis quite rightly got the plaudits from his manager post-match...

But can I also give a shout out to Ollie Wright? He’s had his critics this season, but made some important saves... All that said, Sam Pearson was my Man of the Match...

Mark Cooper... only had five [subs] to pick from today... and the changes he made all paid off... That is three wins from four away from home, now let’s get our home form going".

Altrincham will be hoping that the upturn in home form is at least a week away! Before that, the Glovers welcome Solihull Moors on Tuesday night.

The official Yeovil Town site adds that the Glovers came "from 2-0 down at half-time to secure a 4-3 victory over AFC Fylde. Second-half goals from Sam Pearson, Aaron Jarvis, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, and Dom Bernard completed a remarkable turnaround...

Mark Cooper was forced into two changes from the side that won at Boston United the previous week, with Alex Whittle and Dom Bernard replacing the injured Raphael Araoye and suspended Jake Wannell...

[At half time the score was 2-0 and Fylde's] Haughton nearly completed his hat-trick immediately after the restart... Yeovil were in desperate need of a response, and Cooper [had] made two changes at the break, bringing on Sam Pearson and Jordan Young for Finn Cousin-Dawson and Sims.

[At 2-2], with the game now finely balanced, Cooper introduced Sonny Blu Lo-Everton in place of Brett McGavin. Lo-Everton made an almost instant impact, picking up the ball from 25 yards out and rifling a low shot into the bottom corner to put Yeovil ahead for the first time, [before the Coasters levelled it at 3-3].

Undeterred, Yeovil pushed forward again... Bernard... smashed the ball into the net to spark wild celebrations on his debut".

ALTY OLD BOYS

FA Trophy: As reported yesterday by Phil Jordan, KEVIN ELLISON hit the crossbar twice in the first half for Vauxhall Motors as they bowed out of the FA Trophy at home to Newton Aycliffe. Now we learn that, a week earlier, Kevin scored in the Motormen's win 3-2 victory over Stalybridge Celtic in the NPL West division. Alty supporter Ian Beesley points out that Kevin also scored against Stalybridge for Altrincham in the replayed FA Cup Fourth QR replay in 1999.

After a draw at Moss Lane, Celtic had won the original replay at the Bower Fold (2-1) but, afterwards, they were found to have played an ineligible player. Rather than being thrown out of the competition, the FA in its wisdom ordered a replay, which Celtic again won (3-2). So Kevin has now scored two goals against the same club (Stalybridge), separated by 25 years, which may be a record!

Above: Kevin is pictured (far right) in that game at Stalybridge in October 1999.

Alty fans will hope to see Kevin again when Vauxhall Motors visit Altrincham on 1 October in this year's Cheshire Senior Cup.

On Saturday, another Ellison, the former Alty reserve keeper CRAIG ELLISON, made a vital save for Bradfprd (Park Avenue) as they won 3-1 at Witton Albion in the FA Trophy

8 September 2024

ALTY "CONTROLLED THE GAME"

After the 4-0 win over Ebbsfleet United, Altrincham assistant manager Neil Sorvel told the Non-League Paper, "I'm really pleased. We were really convincing and controlled the game from back to front".

Against the bottom club, he added "Everyone expects you to win but it's not like that in this division, anyone can beat anyone".

Altrincham had two players make their club debuts from the bench on Saturday. Left, is Lewis Humbles who is on loan from Salford City, and right is ex-Waterford forward Remi Thompson who joined the club after one brief pre-season appearance.

Altrincham had 17 shots, 8 on target, whilst the Fleet failed to muster a shot on target and had only two off-target efforts.

Fleet boss Danny Searle said, "I'm lost for words. I'd just like to apologise to the fans who have travelled up...

"In spells we looked good but every time the ball turned over, it looked like they were going to score".

ALTRINCHAM 4-0 EBBSFLEET UNITED

Match report here.

Tom Jolley interviewed Phil Parkinson after the Ebbsfleet game on Alty TV.

EBBSFLEET'S VIEW

Following their 4-0 defeat at Altrincham, Ebbsfleet United's Katie Humphris reported that "Altrincham got off to a blistering start as they had last season, scoring twice in the 9th and 10th minutes to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb.

The good news pre-match was that Rakish Bingham returned to starting line up following two months on the sidelines while Kwame Thomas was back on the bench. There was also a debut for Will Randall whose signing was announced an hour before kick-off...

The Fleet did settle after that but struggled to execute a threatening chance on goal...

The second half was under way for less than a minute when Altrincham extended their lead through Eddy Jones. Again it was a good shot from distance...

A fourth arrived for Altrincham late on when substitute Kahrel Reddin drove in from the right and rode a tackle to squeeze a shot inside the post".

NO RADIO ROBINS NEXT SATURDAY

It is believed that Radio Robins will be unable to provide live commentary from Yeovil next Saturday. Should this be the case BBC Radio Somerset is covering the game.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that SONNY ALJOFREE (right) has joined Accrington Stanley on loan.

Further afield, he advises that in Australia's NPL Victoria, Oakleigh Cannons, with CONNOR HAMPSON in their side, won the League Playoff Final by the only goal of the game at South Melbourne, who had finished top of the regular League despite dropping four points to Oakleigh.

Unfortunately, there is no promotion on offer, and next season will see changes - a new National Second Division is due to start, although Oakleigh are not expected to be involved - however they do have their Australia Cup quarter final at Macarthur to look forward to next Saturday. Watch this space.....

As for "old boys" in action on Saturday...

In League Two: ELLIOT NEWBY was booked, and later substituted, as Barrow suffered the handicap of their goalkeeper being sent off after 42 minutes when they were a goal up. Visitors Swindon Town (who also finished with 10 men) equalised after 98 minutes, to make the final score 1-1.

JEFF KING put in a full shift for the Railwaymen.

JAMES BERRY opened the scoring for Chesterfield before being substituted after 70 minutes as they won 2-1 at home to Grimsby Town.

MARCUS DINANGA was withdrawn midway through the second half of Bromley's 1-1 draw at Colchester United.

National League : BILLY SASS-DAVIES was booked in Hartlepool United's goalless draw at home to Halifax.

National North : CONNOR KIRBY scored Buxton's clincher in a 2-0 home win over Rushall Olympic.

TOM PEERS scored the only goal as Chester beat South Shields at the Deva Stadium.

JOSH HANCOCK (right) opened the scoring for Radcliffe at Southport, but, after being two down at the break, the hosts fought back to draw 2-2.

Welsh Premier League : JOEL TORRANCE was beaten only once, but that was enough for visitors Cardiff Metropolitan to beat Bala Town and retain second place in the league behind Penybont on goal difference - though TNS, who have won the last three championships, have three games in hand and a 100% record.

FA Trophy: As City of Liverpool hosted Mossley, MARK LEES captained Mossley, while MASON FAWNS was a sub, used just after the hour. The game ended 2-2 but Mossley lost the shootout 4-2.

DAVID PARTON (right) kept a clean sheet as Congleton Town won their home tie with Wythenshawe FC by the only goal.

RYAN TOULSON was booked as Liversedge were beaten 1-2 at home by AVRO.

Vauxhall Motors' KEVIN ELLISON hit the crossbar twice in the first half and, soon afterwards, they fell behind to visitors Newton Aycliffe. He was substituted after 65 minutes, but although his team equalised they bowed out 3-2 on penalties.

7 September 2024

ALTRINCHAM 4-0 EBBSFLEET UNITED

Four well-struck goals secured Altrincham a comfortable win over an Ebbsfleet side which never troubled Alty keeper Ethan Ross.

Right: Regan Linney takes the plaudits after opening the scoring.

Ebbsfleet started reasonably but were hit by two goals in quick succession inside the opening ten minutes. Alty had already won two corners and Linney had fired a shot miles over the bar before a neat flick from Bickerstaff on the right allowed Newby to advance and, when the ball came back out to Linney, he hit a fine shot from outside the box into the back of the net (9 mins).

And no sooner had play resumed when Newby fired home an equally good shot, again from outside the box, to make it 2-0 (10 mins). Alty then comfortably retained their lead to the interval.

A third goal arrived just a minute after the start of the second period when Eddy Jones smacked home a shot, again from the edge of the box.

After that, the half was blighted by eight stoppages for substitutions but Altrincham added a fourth goal in the 88th miinute when substitute Liam Humbles, making his debut on loan from Salford City, flicked the ball forward in his own half and the move culminated in another substitute, Kahrel Reddin, firing home from right of goal.

Match report here.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday, 7 September 2024

ALTY SIGNING

Press and media officer John Edwards reports on the Altrincham FC website, on the morning of the match against Ebbsfleet United, that "Phil Parkinson has bolstered Altrincham's midfield options after completing a loan deal for Salford City prospect Liam Humbles.

The 20-year old arrives with a reputation as an energetic central midfielder with an eye for goal...

Parkinson said 'I'm really pleased to get Liam in to the club for the next month, as we've got a few knocks and niggles in that midfield area. We needed to address that, but it's not easy finding someone of real quality at this point in the season, particularly when the budget is done, so we are extremely grateful to Salford for supporting us in that regard.

'In return, we can help them by giving him the game time he needs to support his progress... He's a high quality player with a degree of experience in League Two after making 10 appearances for Salford last season and one so far this time, as well as a few from the bench.

'We're talking about a player who is really pushing for a place in a League Two club's first team,'...

Liam started for Salford in our pre-season friendly against the Ammies...

After coming through the youth ranks at Salford, Liam had a loan spell at Nantwich Town from last March until the end of last season".

TODAY: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Altrincham welcome Ebbsfleet United to the J. Davidson Stadium today (Saturday).

The club has announced that "Solly Temkin (from The Bliss) will be playing live in the Fan Zone (home fans only), which opens at 1pm AND we'll have special guest Chris Conn-Clarke involved in a live interview with Brian Flynn at 1:30pm".

LEWIS'S LANDMARK

When Lewis Banks (right) started the game at Forest Green recently, he became the eighth member of the current squad to reach the landmark of fifty starts for Altrincham. He has also made three appearances from the bench, the third of which came only last week against Oldham Athletic, as he now faces competition from new signing Tylor Golden for one of the two wide defensive positions.

Like Tylor, Lewis is comfortable on either flank, whilst Eddy Jones has been the first-choice left-back over the past seasons, so Phil Parkinson faces some difficult choices over the season.

27 year-old Lewis's arrival at Moss Lane was announced on 14 June 2023. He had ended the 2022-23 campaign up at Arbroath in the Scottish second-tier where he had made 12(+1) league appearances. Prior to that he had made 118 appearances for Sligo Rovers, since early 2019, in the Republic of Ireland and had appeared for them in the European Conference League.

However, Lewis had started out at his hometown club of Stoke City where he had played up to under-23 level before leaving to join Stafford Rangers in summer 2018.

Lewis soon established himself as the regular right-back at Altrincham where he was not only reliable but weighed in with four goals, playing predominantly on the right of the back line.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Daily Echo reports that "Eastleigh have announced that star striker Paul McCallum has signed a new two-year contract, keeping [him] at the club until 2026.

McCallum, 31, has scored 74 goals in his 116 appearances for the club across two spells... He first joined the Spitfires back in 2017 and spent two seasons at the club...

He returned to SO50 last season and scored an impressive 35 goals across all competitions...

McCallum said 'I think me and the club have got a good history. I have always scored a lot of goals here. I enjoy my time here, it's my second home. Even though it's a long drive down from London every day, I enjoy being here'...

The Daily Echo understands Eastleigh rejected approaches from National League rivals Forest Green Rovers to keep McCallum this summer".

Forest Green Rovers "announce the first professional contracts of young academy talents Keon Sanniola and Will Merrett.

The pair were part of the group during pre-season and featured in and around the first-team squads.

Sanniola already has first-team experience... on the final day of the League One season in May 2023.

Merrett is yet to make his senior debut... Both have progressed through the academy system here".

Maidenhead United "announce the loan signing of James Golding from Oxford United until January.

The 20-year-old defender was on loan with the Magpies last season during the first part of our National League campaign and made ten appearances before being recalled by Oxford United. Golding impressed during his first spell at York Road and we look forward to seeing him soon!

The East Anglian Daily Times reports that "Ipswich Town youngster Leon Ayinde has joined National League side Rochdale on loan until January.

The 19-year-old forward, who turns 20 next week, featured for Kieran McKenna's side throughout pre-season and scored the U21s’ goal in their 3-1 friendly defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach.

Ayinde joined the Blues from Cork City in January 2023 and has been a regular goalscorer for John McGreal's team in the Professional Development League".

York City "confirm the signing of Mo Fadera from Garforth Town.

The 19-year-old winger joins Adam Hinshelwood’s squad after impressing on trial...

The youngster netted against York City in pre-season for Garforth Town...

Fadera originally started out playing grassroots football with Hamilton Panthers, who play at the Knavesmire, before joining Garforth in the summer".

lso the inews reports on "In a decade York have gone from fighting for survival to flying high in the National League after a busy summer of transfers...

[Matt Uggla] York’s 30-year-old co-owner... says 'I’m happy with how it’s going but I do remember where we were... The Altrincham defeat turned out to be the start of a revival rather than a staging point on more regression.

Under Adam Hinshelwood, the bright young manager with a free-flowing, attacking philosophy that Uggla plucked from Worthing to replace Neal Ardley, a stunning unbeaten run followed. National League status was retained on the final day of the season...

Before York there was an ill-fated takeover attempt [by Uggla] at Yeovil Town. 'An absolute mess, lawless,' he says now, looking back...

'We wanted to find one [club] that had fallen from grace a little bit but had the chance to go far,' he explains...'[York] is a big club in a big city but it’s almost like it had been left to rot for 10 to 20 years. That was quite shocking... We rushed... and we made mistakes in terms of our recruitment'...

The club’s wage budget now mirrors what Uggla sees as the 'magic number' of £1.8m-a-year that took Stockport and Notts County out of the National League".

As well as Regan Booty extending his contract at the International Stadium, The Deck reports that "Northern Premier League side Macclesfield FC have signed the former Manchester United winger D’Mani Bughail-Mellor, despite the 23 year old signing a short-term deal with Gateshead in August...

The winger had a number of trials this summer with fellow National League sides AFC Fylde and Hartlepool United and seemed to have found his home for a period of time in Gateshead two weeks ago. However, Mellor has signed a deal with the ambitious Northern Premier League side...

After a loan spell with Salford City, the 23 year old moved to Wycombe in 2022... He spent the majority of his time out on loan with spells at Rochdale and Sutton United.

After... an unsuccessful couple of weeks at Gateshead, D’Mani has taken a step down the pyramid to sign for Macclesfield FC... The 23 year old is a direct and pacy winger who likes to run at the opposition".

And the independent Ipswich Town site, TWTD reports that "Blues youngster Ryan Carr has joined Gateshead on loan until January 5th.

The 19-year-old moved to Town from Carlisle in January 2023, then spent time on loan with Essex-based National League South side Aveley last season.

Midfielder Carr featured for the [Ipswich] first team in pre-season friendlies, having joined the senior players for the training camps in Austria and Germany...

Carr [said] 'It’s one that has been trying to get sorted for a while now – I’ve watched quite a lot of Gateshead anyway... I know [player/assistant manager] Louis [Storey] from being at Newcastle when I was younger'".

Hartlepool United "announce left-back David Ferguson has signed a new deal to remain at the Suit Direct Stadium...

The 29-year-old will enter his fifth season at Pools, having joined in August 2020 from York City. Since then, Ferguson has amassed 193 appearances...

Ferguson stated 'I wasn’t thinking about going anywhere else. Since I’ve been here, it’s felt like home...

Manager Darren Sarll commented... 'He’s got great experience and attributes that will compliment the new Hartlepool United'".

Yeovil Town "announce the signing of former Forest Green Rovers captain, Dom Bernard, who joins us on a one-year deal.

The 27-year-old defender has been without a club since leaving Forest Green Rovers at the end of the 2023/24 season...

His talent led him to join Birmingham’s Academy at the age of 12... In the 2018/19 season, Bernard joined Aldershot Town on loan and became a regular starter...

Bernard signed with Forest Green Rovers, where he quickly established himself as a reliable defender".

6 September 2024

CSC DATE CHANGED

The draw for the First Round of the Cheshire Senior Cup has pitted Altrincham against Vauxhall Motors at the J. Davidson Stadium. The tie was announced by the Cheshire FA as taking place on Tuesday 15 October at 7.45pm. Now Altrincham FC has announced a change of date to 1 October 2024, at 7.45pm.

Hopefully, Alty's former star man, Kevin Ellison will be included in the Motormen's squad for the match.

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

This season, Altrincham have already hosted a top-of-the table club in unbeaten Eastleigh who led the National League when they arrived on 24 August and departed with three points.

This Saturday the Robins welcome bottom of the table Ebbsfleet United, who have yet to win a National Game this season.

Altrincham currently lie fifteenth after winning twice and drawing once in their six fixtures to date.

Both The Robins and The Fleet have netted just four times this season, making them the lowest scorers in the National League, apart from three-goal Braintree Town.

In previewing the game Ebbsfleet United point out that they will "take on Altrincham with new signing pair Charles Ondo and Mustapha Olagunju part of the squad aiming to build on the last away point at Braintree...

This weekend is not subject to the 3pm blackout so you can stream the game on NLTV – or better still, join us at the Kuflink Stadium for free to watch it… just register your attendance here in advance" so travelling supporters are likely to be limited in number.

Whilst goals may be in short supply for both teams in 2024, last year there was a glut of goals when the two sides met...

THE LAST TIME: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Alty won last season's home match against this Saturday's visitors, Ebbsfleet United, 6-1 on Saturday, 23 September, 2023.

That day, Ebbsfleet were without their leading scorer Dominic Poleon and they had no answer to a scintillating first-half display from an Altrincham side lacking half a dozen injured players.

Alty were without Ollie Crankshaw, Regan Linney, George Wilson, James Jones, Liam Brockbank and Matty Kosylo. New loanees Gerald Sithole and Alex Newby joined the squad.

Phil Parkinson made three changes for this match. Out went Joey Jones, Roscoe and Banks whilst the two Justins, Donawa and Amaluzor, as well as Alex Newby all came in to the starting eleven. Newby was deployed on the left with Donawa at right-back.

By half-time it was 4-1 thanks to Alex Newby (5 mins), Lewis Baines (16 mins), Justin Donawa (32 mins)and Chris Conn-Clarke (45 mins), with Nathan Odokonyero pulling one back for The Fleet in the 41st minute.

The second half was largely an anti-climax in which the visitors had the lion's share of the ball and territory but they spurned a great chance in the 81st minute when Ross saved a penalty awarded against substitute Lewis Banks for a foul.

Alty's then on-loan keeper from Stockport County had now saved three penalties in his last six games since joining the club this season. The previous saves were against Barnet and AFC Fylde.

Ross's save (above) allowed Alty to go on to a 6-1 win..

However, in the seven minutes decreed for added time, Altrincham scored twice more.

The fifth goal saw Conn-Clarke net his second goal of the afternoon (90+2 mins).

And the icing on the cake was a sixth goal for the Robins in the 95th minute when an excellent header from Baines flew past Cousins in the Fleet's net. It was the first time since February 1991 that Altrincham had scored six in the top level of non-League football.

The Fleet were missing their top scorer Dominic Poleon who had been withdrawn during their midweek game suffering fatigue. They had also made numerous changes from their midweek game.

ALTRINCHAM: 29. Ethan Ross, 17. Justin Donawa, 15. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines, 3. Eddy Jones, 6. Elliot Osborne, 8. Isaac Marriott (c), 11. Justin Amaluzor, 28. Alex Newby, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 14. Dior Angus. Subs: 2. Lewis Banks, 16. Sam Roscoe, 22. Joey Jones, 32. George Burroughs, 28. Gerald Sithole.

EBBSFLEET UNITED: 1. Mark Cousins, 4. Josh Wright, 7. Omari Sterling-James, 8. Ousseynou Cisse, 10. Craig Tanner, 11. Darren McQueen, 16. Franklin Domi, 20. Chris Solly (c), 21. Nathan Odokonyero, 23. Hayden White, 25. Shaq Coulthirst. Subs: 17. Toby Edser, 18. Billy Clifford, 22. Ben Chapman, 26. Haydn Hollis, 24. David Amoo.

CCC RETURNS... FOR ONE DAY

In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger John Edwards tells us that "Chris Conn-Clarke will be guest of honour" when Ebbsfleet United visit the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday..

"As evidence of the lasting affection he has for his old club, he will address supporters in the Fan Zone at 1.30pm and then join hospitality guests in the John King Sponsors’ Lounge at 2pm before cheering the Robins on".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wrexham "confirm striker Billy Waters has joined FC Halifax Town on loan until January.

The 29-year-old played for The Shaymen in 2021/22, scoring 19 goals in 47 games – earning a move to Barrow, from where he then moved to Wrexham in 2023.

The striker... ended last season out on loan with Doncaster Rovers...

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said 'There were a number of clubs interested in him, but he had his heart set on Halifax, where he had a successful spell before, and I wish him well.'”

The most recent signings for tomorrow's visitors to Altrincham, Ebbsfleet United are, firstly, "defender Mustapha Olagunju, a 22-year-old [who] joins following a previous loan spell with the club last season. The defender came to us originally on a temporary deal from Huddersfield Town in October 2023... and he featured nine times in all for the Fleet during that loan.

The 6ft 3in centre-back joined the Huddersfield academy ranks from Kent Football United in 2018... Olagunju then went on to make six EFL appearances for Port Vale on loan in 2021, adding another League Two outing with Crawley Town following his time at the Fleet last season".

The other new arrival at Ebbsfleet United is Charles Ondo, "The 20-year-old Spanish-born wide left player moves to the Kuflink Stadium after four years with Huddersfield Town, during which time he has also earned four international caps for Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The tall and versatile Ondo started out with Millwall as a youth, moving into Huddersfield... in 2020.. He made his senior debut in October 2022 against Hull City in the Championship...

Direct and speedy, Ondo crossed the Irish Sea last year to gain further experience in playing for Waterford on loan"

5 September 2024

ALTY GAME A "LIVE PICK"

FC Halifax Town report that "The broadcast selections for DAZN enhanced coverage for National League fixtures in October have been announced.

NLstream Until the Vanarama National League is available on the DAZN platform, fans will continue to sign up to NLTV in order to watch enhanced games, and all other National League matches.

Once up and running with the migration of NLTV onto the DAZN ecosystem as an add-on channel the agreement with DAZN will run until 2031. This agreement will, for the first time, enable National League games to be accessed around the globe across devices including desktop, smart TVs, IOS, Android, SKY Q, Apple.tv, Amazon Firestick and even games consoles.

Confirmation of DAZN live picks:

So, as noted above, the match now kicks off at 5.30pm and not 3pm as originally arranged.

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Altrincham welcome Ebbsfleet United to the J. Davidson Stadium this Saturday.

The Real EFL reminds us that "Six games into the National League campaign and Ebbsfleet United are the only side yet to register a victory...

Danny Searle led the Kent side to safety on the final day of last season...

Opening the season with the long trip to Gateshead, Searle’s team returned home on the wrong end of a 5-1 scoreline, followed by a 2-1 home defeat to title favourites Barnet.

Two more defeats away at Yeovil and at home to Woking did nothing to lift the gloom before they registered their first point and clean sheet in a 0-0 draw at Braintree Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

However, a fifth defeat last weekend by a single goal to FC Halifax Town has left the Fleet three points adrift...

Searle hasn’t yet seemed to find the right combination to turn losses into wins. Prolific striker Dom Poleon has struggled to find game time so far with Dominic Samuel and Kwame Thomas preferred instead... the loss also of Rakish Bingham has hampered the side in the final third of the pitch.

Defensively, no one has conceded more in the same amount of matches...

The chance for Tyler Cordner to rebuild his career and the solid signing of Lewis Page from Dagenham & Redbridge have not shown signs yet of any green shoots".

WOMEN OUT OF FA CUP

As reported here on Monday, Altrincham FC Women "bowed out of The Adobe Women’s FA Cup at The J.Davidson Stadium on Sunday, as a strong Macclesfield side deservedly progressed...

Despite dominating the tie from the early minutes, Macclesfield were thwarted by a disciplined defensive performance from the Robins, led by Charlotte Bromley and Brianna Morrison, before two goals in three minutes around the half hour mark, from Katie Locke and Ebony Stewart, put Mark Alderson’s team firmly in the driving seat...

Despite being outplayed, Altrincham kept plugging away and were rewarded midway through the second period, with a wonderful move, involving four of Alty’s most influential players, producing the finest goal of the game to halve the deficit..

Alex Hilton-Slee reflected on his first game in charge 'In the first half we struggled to retain the ball in attacking areas and failed to create real chances so at half-time we switched formation and brought Katie Robins into the game along with Rhianna Pickering. Both players made a real difference, and we managed to get a goal back through Kira Saycell.

'I couldn’t be prouder of the girls’ efforts'".

Alty TV has highlights of the match.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

London News Online reoprts that "Crystal Palace winger Roshaun Mathurin has joined Hartlepool on loan until January.

This will be the 20-year-old’s first spell in senior football after joining the Eagles following his release from Tottenham Hotspur last summer..

Mathurin stated... 'It’s a new experience for myself but one I’m really looking forward to. I’m eager to get out on the pitch and play in front of the fans'...

Pools manager Darren Sarll added... 'He brings us great athleticism in wide positions that we’ve been short of since the injury to Luke Charman. His ability to dribble and create chances will be evident from the outset'".

Tamworth report on "An Afternoon to Forget at Barnet [as] Tamworth recorded their biggest defeat in 34 years, as they were beaten 7-0 away at Barnet on Saturday. The loss was the Lambs 3 rd of the season, and it sees them move into the relegation zone for the first time.

Peaks made no changes to the side that won 3-2 against Aldershot last Monday. Barnet were in control from the first minute, and it took just 7 minutes [for Zak Brunt] to put the Bees ahead. Ryan Glover doubled Barnet’s lead 20 minutes later... In the 32nd minute, Brunt turned home his second of the game... to put Barnet three goals ahead and in complete control of the tie...

The Bees started the second half strongly as they were given an early penalty... Brunt grabbed his hat trick by sending Jas Singh the wrong way... 60 minutes in, Dean Brennan’s side made it 5-0... Shortly after, Callum Stead got in on the act to grab Barnet’s sixth goal of the game...

76 minutes in and... Harry Chapman ran onto and smashed the ball into the back of the net to make it 7-0. The result was Tamworth’s biggest loss since 1990, when they lost 7-0 to Nuneaton Borough away.".

4 September 2024

CLIVE FREEMAN R.I.P.

Yesterday Altrincham FC announced the premature death of Clive Freeman at the age of 61.

Right: Clive pictured playing for Guiseley against Altrincham in 2002

Terry Rowley's profile in his Alty Legends series tells the story of Clive's impact at Altrincham..

  • Born: 12/9/1962
  • Position: Full-Back

    Although only at Moss Lane for one single season, Clive made a lasting impression. He will always be remembered at Moss Lane as a legend, if only for that goal against Chester, which was captured on film by the BBC Sportsnight cameras and subsequently went on to win the November Goal of the Month competition. (We assume most Robins will have this on videotape!).

    Clive started his career with Farsley Celtic and had spells at Doncaster Rovers, Bridlington Town, Swansea City (14 League games) and Swansea City (on loan, 4 league games) before arriving at Moss Lane pre-season for trials which led to him signing terms just prior to the start of the season. Gerry Quinn appointed him captain but it was to be a tempestuous relationship, with Freeman unable or unwilling to conform with the defensive duties allotted him.

    He opened his scoring account with a relatively tame second half penalty equaliser against Witton Albion. But the first sign of his phenomenal shooting ability came with a 25-yard bullet in the defeat against Macdesfield in the Drinkwise Cup. He followed this with another long range effort against Sheffield F.C. in the F.A. Cup.

    In fact most of his goals came from 25 yards+ (the exceptions included 2 penalties). As for the goal that qualifies him as a "legend", we believe most Altrincham fans will need no reminding but just in case...the setting was Moss Lane, the occasion, the F.A. Cup 1st round replay against Chester. With a capacity crowd of 3,000 in the ground and thousands more witnessing the highlights on Sportsnight. Altrincham were leading 1-0 coming into injury time. Bradshaw ran down the right wing, towards the Golf Road end before pulling the ball back into the path of the oncoming Freeman.

    He ran on to it, hit it from at least 35 yards and the ball, travelling like a bullet, hit the back of the net a split second later. Freeman later admitted that he was so exhausted that, rather than run on, he quite literally just hit it.

    Up until December he had scored 11 goals; he only scored 3 more all season.

    But all was not well in other areas. He was dropped for the game against Welling for missing training and, from then on, relations between Captain and manager were soured. A deal transferring him to Bridlington Town fell through. To be fair to Clive, he had spent most of his career playing in midfield, but the manager expected him to take on defensive responsibilities and Clive simply could not or would not comply.

    The fans loved him but it was no surprise when, in spite of finishing as leading scorer with 14 goals, Freeman was released, ending up the following season at Doncaster and subsequently Emley and Bradford Park Avenue.

    By 2002-03 he was player/assistant manager at UniBond Division One side Guiseley having formerly been the player/coach.

    Footnote: By coincidence Alty were drawn against Guiseley in the FA Cup in 2002 and lost 1-2 in Yorkshire, with Freeman ironically playing at full-back for the victors, as seen above.

    ALTRINCHAM RECORD

    Clive Freeman            
    GAMES              
    Season League FAC LC CSC FAT    
    1992/93 26+6 9 2 3 0    
    Total 26+6 9 2 3 0    
                   
    GOALS              
    Season League FAC LC CSC FAT    
    1992/93 8 4 1 1 0    
    Total 8 4 1 1 0    

    NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

    It is 45 years since next Saturday's visitors, Ebbsfleet United, visited Moss Lane, under their former name of Gravesend & Northfleet in the inaugural season of the Alliance Premier League. This was the beginning of national-level non-League football in England and, today, has become the Vanarama National League.

    Like Altrincham, the last forty-five years have witnessed many ups and downs. In their case that has meant no fewer than eleven relegations or promotions! That total cold have been even higher as they were also involved in three failed play-off campaigns.

    1. In 1979 Gravesend & Northfleet qualified for "promotion" to the Alliance Premier League and spent three years at national level, finishing fifth in their inaugural season when Altrincham became the champions.
    2. They were relegated in 1982.
    3. They dropped another level in 1986.
    4. They regained Southern League Premier status from 1989.
    5. Another three-year cycle meant they were relegated in 1992
    6. Southern (later Isthmian) League Premier status was earned in 1994.
    7. 2002 saw them back in the top-flight (Conference) before the club changed its name to Ebbsfleet United in 2007.

      They won the F.A. Trophy in 2008 and were losing finalists the next season.

    8. Ebbsfleet were relegated to the South in 2013.
    9. Having twice lost out in the promotion play-offs, they succeeded at the third attempt in 2017

      In 2018, after finishing sixth they lost out in the play-offs for promotion to the EFL

    10. After the curtailed Covid-season of 2019-20 they were relegated to the South on the PPG principle
    11. They regained National League status as champions of the South division.

    Above: Altrincham lost 2-0 on their first visit to Gravesend of the current millennium, in November 2005. Their team comprised 1. Stuart COBURN; 11. Gary SCOTT, 15. Peter BAND, 4. Mark MADDOX (capt), 16. Chris BUTLER; 14. Lewis CHALMERS, 8. Val OWEN, 12. Warren PEYTON, 23. Kirk HILTON; 9. Colin LITTLE, 29. Kyle WILSON. Subs: 2. Steve ASPINALL, 7. Colin POTTS, 17. Karl MUNROE, 19. James ROBINSON, 20. Kieran LUGSDEN.

    ALTY'S LOANEES

    Altrincham FC has an update on its players who have gone out on loan this season.

    "Owen German (left), who sealed a month-long loan to Witton Albion on Friday, began his spell... by helping Albion reach Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying with a dramatic 3-2 victory over City of Liverpool...

    Also featuring in this game for Witton Albion was young centre-back, Joel Bailey... He has already made seven appearances across August...

    Lucas Weaver made a strong first impression on his debut for Bamber Bridge... playing the ball out wide to be crossed into Mark Cullen who finished clinically...

    Two Alty academy prospects played a part in Cheadle Heath Nomads’ 3-1 victory away from home against Foley Meir.

    Afernee Denise (right) started the match and Harrison Howells made an appearance from the bench".

    ALTY OLD BOYS

    Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's fixtures...

    National North: It was a mixed evening against Chester for ASHLEY HEMMINGS. Having given Kidderminster Harriers a 65th minute lead, he saw a red card just 11 minutes later, and from the penalty he conceded the visitors equalised to draw 1-1.

    EFL Trophy: HARRISON HOLGATE was a 65th minute substitute for Fleetwood, but a strong Aston Villa U21 outfit, including Emmy Buendia (who scored two goals), Ross Barkley, and Jacob Ramsey, ran out 2-3 winners.

    CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was credited with the assist for Peterborough United's opening goal at Gillingham, but was substituted midway through the second half as his team went on to win 0-2.

    JOE HUGILL was a second half substitute for Wigan Athletic with his side trailing to visitors Morecambe. He equalised from the penalty spot, but within two minutes the visitors regained the lead and went on to win 1-2.

    MARCUS DINANGA scored in the first minute for Bromley, and added a second midway through the first half - but visitors Cambridge United turned the game on its head and led 2-3 within two minutes of his being substituted after 66 minutes. Bromley equalised in the 90th minute to send the game to penalties, and won the shootout 5-4.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    York City "announce the signing of defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott on a season-long loan deal from Championship side Cardiff City.

    The 22-year-old... [was] picked up by Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 13.

    Fagan-Walcott penned a first professional deal with the Premier League side in 2018 before going on to gain senior experience with Spurs in the EFL Trophy, the UEFA Champions League from the bench, and with Dundee during a brief loan spell...

    Cardiff City acquired him in the summer of 2023... In January, Fagan-Walcott was signed on loan by Dunfermline manager James McPake, who’d initially taken the defender to Dundee previously.

    15 appearances in the Scottish Championship followed".

    From the Farnham Herald comes the story of how "Aldershot Town beat Maidenhead United 4-3 in the National League at the EBB Stadium on Saturday.

    The Shots went 1-0 up within three minutes... [as] James Henry... struck the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net.

    In the 12th minute, Maidenhead made it 1-1 through Tristan Abrahams...

    Just before the hour mark, the Shots regained their lead... The visitors equalised almost immediately..

    The Shots reacted well and went 3-2 up in the 62nd minute... Nine minutes later, the Shots doubled their advantage... In the 78th minute, the Magpies made it 4-3".

    There is yet another new face at Gander Green Lane as Sutton United "announce the signing of Ipswich Town right back Edwin Agbaje on a loan deal until January.

    The 20-year old... will offer Steve Morison athleticism, diligence and composure on the ball... Born in Edenderry, Ireland, Agbaje began his career in the Shamrock Rovers academy where he caught the eye of Ipswich Town, with the Tractor Boys bringing him to England in 2020...

    Agbaje gained first team experience whilst on loan at Yeovil Town last season, featuring ten times...

    'Coming from Ipswich Town, where we’ve also secured Fin Barbrook on loan, it’s clear that Ipswich sees the value in nurturing young talent through our club'" opined manager Steve Morison.

    3 September 2024

    CLIVE FREEMAN R.I.P.

    Altrincham FC has announced "the death of Clive Freeman, our Player of the Season in 1992-93.

    Right: Clive pictured playing for Guiseley against Altrincham in 2002

    He is of course immediately memorable for 'That Goal', probably the most famous goal ever scored by an Altrincham player. The strike came in stoppage time in the FA Cup 1st Round Replay against League Two side Chester City, securing a 2-0 win for the Robins in a game that was televised on BBC TV’s Sportsnight programme".

    Footnote: Clive was only 61 at the time of his death. There will be more on this sad news, later...

    FOUL PLAY AT THE JDS!

    For the last two Altrincham home games in the National League fixtures, spectators have been witnesses to the NL fixtures with the highest number of freekick awards for fouls on each of those dates.

    On 24 August, against Eastleigh, the NL Paper recorded 27 stoppages for fouls, 15 awarded against Altrincham and 12 against Eastleigh.

    Last Saturday (31st), despite referee Yates arguably not penalising quote a few challenges, there were 31 stoppages for fouls, 10 fouls by Alty and a whopping 21 by Oldham.

    Above: Altrincham defend one of the freekicks awarded against them last Saturday when facing Oldham Athletic. The defensive wall here comprises Justin Amaluzor, James Jones, Lewis Baines and Tom Crawford.

    And the omens for next Saturday at home to Ebbsfleet United are not good either, as The Fleet's last fixture, at home to FC Halifax Town, was the match with the second highest number of fouls, 29, comprising 16 by the hosts and 13 committed by the Shaymen.

    When combined with a potential for ten substitution stoppages this season, second halves of games in particular are in danger of becoming punctuated by repeated breaks in play.

    The fouls have translated into fifteen yellows and one red for Altrincham so far this season, with Tom Crawford picking up three successive yellows in his most recent games. The former Hartlepool midfielder amassed twelve yellow cards last season for the Pools!

    Alty's only red card arrived after some 12 minutes of the new season when Eddy Jones was dismissed against Woking.

    ALTY OLD BOYS

    On Monday night, Phil Jordan reports that in the National South, a late goal from DANNY CASHMAN (right) earned Worthing the points in a 1-2 win at Boreham Wood.

    ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

    Alty TV has highlights of the match last Saturday between Altrincham and Oldham Athletic.

    RESERVES' NARROW DEFEAT

    On Saturday, Altrincham Reserves suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat at Crewe FC's Cumberland Arena. The match saw recent first-team signing Remi Thompson (pictured, left) in the starting eleven.

    The line-up was: Jack Alexander Chandler, Oscar Cooper, Charley Jarrald, Kian Leckey. Henry Murphy, Charlie Noble< Remi Raymond, Vladislav Shtyhlian, Ben Taylor, Remi Thompson and Thomas Whyte. Subs: Sekouba Camara, Alfred Igbinake, Kyran Webster and Nathan Wood

    22 year-old Remi was the last signing of pre-season, having appeared only as an 83rd minute substitute on the right-wing in the final game of 2024 pre-season fixtures.

    Remi was previously with Fulham, Manchester United and Huddersfield Town as a youngster but made his professional bow in Ireland with Waterford.

    NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

    Ebbsfleet United are the next visitors to the J. Davidson Stadium, on Saturday 7 September.

    The Fleet currently lie bottom of the National League but have strengthen their ranks since last weekend with "the permanent signing of defender Mustapha Olagunju. The 22-year-old Olagunju joins following a previous loan spell with the club last season.

    The defender came to us originally on a temporary deal from Huddersfield Town in October 2023, making his debut at Southend United, and he featured nine times in all for the Fleet during that loan.

    The 6ft 3in centre-back joined the Huddersfield academy ranks from Kent Football United in 2018 where he went on to feature 31 times for the U17s, earning him a move to the U19s in 2020.

    His first senior football experience came in spells in the Northern Premier League with Tadcaster Albion and then a further seven appearances for Welling United in the National League South. Olagunju then went on to make six EFL appearances for Port Vale on loan in 2021, adding another League Two outing with Crawley Town following his time at the Fleet last season".

    This follows the acquisition of another defender ten days ago when Ebbsfleet United announced that manager "Danny Searle has made pacy defender Giles Phillips his latest addition to the Fleet squad as the 27-year-old arrives with League One and National League experience.

    Born in Milwaukee in the USA, Phillips played college football there before joining QPR from FC Barrington in 2017... He made 11 League One appearances in the Chairboys’ promotion season in 2019/20 before joining them on a permanent basis in 2020.

    His first link-up with Danny Searle came in a loan move to Aldershot Town... earning a permanent deal there in 2021. Phillips spent the next two years at the EBB Stadium...

    Phillips reunited with the current Fleet boss again at Waterford in January 2023... He returned to England and played the final three months of last season with Oxford City".

    JOSEPH ACHIEVES HIS GOAL

    Congratulations go to 21 year-old Joseph Adams, an Altrincham (and Liverpool) supporter with Downs Syndrome, who has completed ten 10km runs in ten European countries over a five day period. He has raised more than £300,000 for the Altrincham FC Community Sports charity.

    Former Liverpool captains Stephen Gerrard and Jordan Henderson were amongst the celebrities to have sent Joseph encouraging video messages.

    Right: Joseph, with his father, and (right) Pete Scotson, the man behind Radio Alty, pictured at the Altrincham game against Eastleigh on 24 August.

    On Sunday, his final 10km run brought him down Moss Lane to the town centre as part of the Altrincham 10K event.

    His European runs took place in Amsterdam, Liege, Luxembourg, Stuttgart, Bregenz, Zurich, Como, Monaco, and Nice.

    Joseph's feat was marked in a feature on BBC's North West Tonight, broadcast on Monday evening. And at the Community Sports Hall at the J. Davidson Stadium, the Alty players and staff were present to welcome Joseph and to applaud him on his achievement.

    Contributions to Joseph's fundraising can be made via GoFundMe.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    News of Altrincham's next but one away opponents comes Yeovil Town where the Club "and Jordan Maguire-Drew have mutually agreed to terminate Jordan’s contract.

    The 26-year-old joined Huish Park in December 2022, initially on a one-month loan deal from Grimsby Town. A month later, Maguire-Drew officially departed Grimsby by mutual consent and subsequently signed an 18-month contract to join Yeovil Town permanently.

    In August 2023, Maguire-Drew extended his contract by signing a new two-year deal, which saw his current deal run until Summer 2025.

    Jordan featured in 30 matches for the Glovers, scoring four goals during his time in Somerset".

    Rochdale "announce the signing of Dan Sassi on loan from Blackpool. The defender, who made ten appearances for Dale last season, has joined on an initial two-month deal.

    Sassi is a product of Stoke City’s academy, where he departed to join Burnley as a scholar in 2020.

    Whilst at Turf Moor, the 20-year-old impressed in their under-18s before moving up to the under-21s...

    He joined Blackpool on a permanent deal earlier this year, before joining Dale on loan for the remainder of the campaign. In his ten appearances, of which six were starts, Dale were beaten just once".

    2 September 2024

    GEORGE MAKES HIS MARK

    Above, left George Wilson and, right, Eddy Jones.

    Although left-back Eddy Jones was named as Altrincham's Man of the Match after a good performance against Oldham Athletic on Saturday, a rival for that accolade must have been 23 year-old midfielder George Wilson.

    Making his first start of this season, his tenacious tackling and impressive runs forward brought post-match praise from manager Phil Parkinson. The Alty boss said that George had shown the qualities against Oldham that he had seen in him before signing him from Coalville Town in summer 2023

    Phil went on to state that George had now set himself a standard for the rest of the season and that, if he achieved that high level consistently, he was likely to be snapped up by a club higher up the footballing pyramid.

    When George was initially signed last summer, after a year at Coalville Town, the Alty boss had indicated that the midfielder would go out on loan. However, he impressed sufficiently to remain at Altrincham last season and to make 17(+10) first-team appearances and to score twice.

    Last season, an injury sidelined him after his second start for Altrincham, at Fylde, in September 2023 before he returned to action in November. From February 2024, he established himself as a regular starter until red-carded near the end of the season at Dorking.

    As for Eddy Jones he has come through a bad start to the season, being sent off early in the opening game against Woking and suffering a three-match suspension.

    On his return, last week, at Forest Green, he was substituted at half-time after an imperfect 45 minutes. But the normally ever-present left-back now seems to have got back to his former high level of performance.

    LATICS' BOSS EXPLAINS SUBSTITUTION

    The Oldham Times states that "Oldham Athletic will not take any chances with James Norwood as he edges towards full match fitness.

    The striker, who turns 34 next week, scored in only his second game since recovering from a calf tear, only to see his goal against Altrincham cancelled after he had been substituted.

    In the two games Norwood has started, he has been brought off around the hour mark by Micky Mellon, with the Latics boss carefully managing the former Tranmere and Barnsley front man's return to first team action...

    'He was frustrated to come off but we've got to be careful because we have to be scientific with it, if you like,' said the Latics boss, Micky Mellon.

    Mellon added 'It was a good goal because we pressed them really well and we knew they would want to try to take chances and we knew if we got things right we would catch them, which we did a couple of times, so it was nice to see it go in.

    'For about half an hour we were excellent, scored the goal and sort of settled on it... but it became a bit scrappy... We gave away a cheap goal and then missed three that you would expect to at the very least hit the target'".

    ALTY WOMEN BOW OUT OF FA CUP

    In Sunday afternoon's Adobe Women's FA Cup First Round Qualifying tie, at Moss Lane, Altrincham FC Women lost 1-3 to Macclesfield FC Women.

    ALTY OLD BOYS

    Phil Jordan advises us that on Saturday "in the NPL Division 1 West, a goal from LUKE WALL was enough for Runcorn Linnets to see off visitors Congleton Town.

    JEROME WRIGHT scored the winner as Trafford won their home fixture against RYAN SHOTTON's Hanley Town 2-1.

    KEVIN ELLISON scored again as Vauxhall Motors beat visitors Stalybridge Celtic 3-2".

    Meanwhile in the FA Cup DONTAI GABBIDON netted for FC United of Manchester in their 3-3 draw with Hyde United.

    Also in the Cup, DANNY MITCHLEY's shot was diverted into the net by a team-mate as his City of Liverpool team drew 2-2 at Witton Albion.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    AFC Fylde "confirm that prior to [the] deadline for EFL Clubs to complete their transfer business, the club rejected a significant six-figure bid for midfielder Taelor O’Kane.

    The 19-year-old, who recently signed a two-year extension to his original deal, has come through the ranks at the academy... The teen made 19 starts last season... and has since made a further four appearances this campaign...

    Director of Football Alex Hughes said 'We are pleased to see clubs in higher divisions taking note of our club’s successes... He remains central to our future plans and the decision to reject the bid by the Chairman was made without hesitation.'”

    On the eve of Saturday's postponed game with Southend United AfC Fylde had announced the "loan signing of Jamaican international Tyler Roberts from Wolverhampton Wanderers... which runs until January 31st.

    A product of the Wolverhampton Wanderers academy, the Jamaican... earned EFL experience whilst on loan at Sky Bet League Two side Doncaster Rovers last year... Roberts featured in 15 games ...

    Roberts said... 'I’ve been at Wolves for around 13 years so a long time and it’s good to get out and have new experiences...

    Head Coach Chris Beech also added... 'Tyler adds a different dynamic to our side. He adds amazing pace and loves driving at defenders, asking questions of his opponents which is exactly what we we’re looking to add to the squad...

    'With a couple of more additions, I think we’ll have the balance across all areas of the pitch to be a competitive force in this division.'”

    1 September 2024

    WOMEN'S FA CUP AT JDS TODAY

    This afternoon (2pm) at the J. Davidson stadium, Altrincham FC Women face Macclesfield in the FA Cup. Entry to watch the game is free.

    ALTRINCHAM 1-1 OLDHAM ATHLETIC

    A battling performance from Altrincham earned them a point against an Oldham side which looked the far better side for the opening 23 minutes.

    Right: Jake Bickerstaff had a quiet debut. He is seen here with Justin Amaluzor

    It was at that stage that the Latics took the lead when they gained possession off Osborne deep in the Alty half on their right flank. The ball was worked inside to Norwood and, with Ross out of his goal, he had the simple task of netting from a central position... Regan Linney glanced a header across the keeper and into the net to level the score (69 mins).

    Match report here

    Match highlights from Alty TV.

    ALTY MANAGER'S REACTION

    Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson was interviewed after the game with Oldham Athletic. The video interview is provided by Alty TV

    OLDHAM'S VIEW

    After the draw at Altrincham, Oldham Athletic reported that "Latics were forced to settle for point at the J Davidson Stadium, after Altrincham came from behind in the second half to end the game all square...

    The visitors started the game on the ascendancy, taking the game to Altrincham... Their pressure was then rewarded on the 24th minute as good work from Harry Charsley on the right hand side resulted in him taking possession from the Altrincham defender. He played the ball to Dan Gardner who squared it for James Norwood and the striker made no mistake, firing home to put Latics ahead.

    The hosts grew into the game after the set back and took the game to Latics...

    In the 69th minute Altrincham won a free-kick on the right hand side of the pitch. Alex Newby delivered a low ball into the box which was met by Regan Linney who headed home to bring the scores level".

    NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

    The visitors to the J. Davidson Stadium next Saturday are Ebbsfleet United who lie bottom of the National League after a 1-0 defeat at home against FC Halifax Town.

    The Fleet report that they "were unfortunate to fall to an early deflected goal as FC Halifax Town took that and held on to it for 87 minutes to bring the three points back to Yorkshire. Danny Searle made only the one change, Dom Poleon in for Dom Samuel, whose broken leg injury was confirmed, and he also named new signing Charles Ondo on the bench.

    But it wasn’t to be the start that the manager and his team wanted or needed as the visitors found the opener with just three minutes on the clock. It was wide player Angelo Capello who found the back of the net following a double-deflected assist from Adan George that was initially saved by Mark Cousins before Capello made sure of it...

    EUFC: Cousins, Phillips (Tanner 75), Page (Chapman 71), Dallison, Cordner, Wright, Kellermann (Domi 63), Fonguck (Edser 57), , Cundle (Ondo 57), Tanga, Poleon. Subs not used: O’Neill, Berry FCHT: Johnson, Senior, Adetoro, Capello (Galvin 81), Evans, Cooke, Smith, Hoti, Oluwabori (Emmerson 72), Bray (Pugh 85), George (Wright 68), . Subs not used: Arthur, Jenkins, Ford".

    ALTY OLD BOYS

    Phil Jordan reports on Friday's game in the Australian NPL Victoria: CONNOR HAMPSON was quickly back in action just three days after Oakleigh Cannons fine Australia Cup win, as they travelled to Avondale in the playoff semi final. They had lost the home league meeting 1-2 early in the season, but a 3-3 draw in the return match seven weeks ago offered some hope.

    Wednesday's exertions proved no problem, however, and Cannons produced another top drawer to performance to win 0-3. They now face an away final against local rivals South Melbourne, who topped the league in the regular season. The winners will go on to play another state league winner - there is no promotion to the A-League however, as it is a closed shop.

    And Phil adds that, closer to home on Saturday, in the Championship, DUNCAN WATMORE scored Millwall's second goal in their 3-0 home win over Sheffield Wednesday.

    League One: JOE HUGILL was withdrawn after an hour at St.Andrews as his Wigan Athletic side lost 2-1 to Birmingham City.

    CHRIS CONN-CLARKE came off the Peterborough United bench at the start of the second half, but couldn't help his team avoid a 0-2 home defeat by Wrexham.

    CARL PIERGIANNI was booked in the 10th added minute as Stevenage went down to a home defeat by the only goal of the game against Lincoln City.

    League Two: Although Bromley led after just two minutes, visitors Crewe Alexandra didn't take long to turn things round, and went on to win 1-2. Andy Woodman apparently didn't think that bringing MARCUS DINANGA (right) off the bench would help.

    CONNOR JENNINGS was credited with the assist for Tranmere Rovers' winning goal in a 1-2 result at Carlisle United.

    National League: MILES WELCH-HAYES, signed from Livingston yesterday made his Maidenhead United debut as a 70th minute substitute with his new side trailing 3-2 at Aldershot; they eventually lost 4-3.

    DAN MOONEY only came off the Boston United bench in the 80th minute of Boston United's 1-3 home defeat by Yeovil Town.

    TYRESE SINCLAIR played 89 minutes for York City, who won 0-2 at Dagenham & Redbridge.

    After LUKE WATERFALL saw a 35th minute red card for Hartlepool United against visitors Braintree Town, BILLY SASS-DAVIES came off the bench at the start of the second half. The game ended goalless.

    National North: Chester's final goal in their 3-0 home win over Peterborough Sports was scored by TOM PEERS.

    JONNY MARGETTS scored both King's Lynn goals in their 1-2 victory at Radcliffe.

    National South: After Worthing had trailed early at Hampton & Richmond, DANNY CASHMAN equalised, and his team went on to win 2-3.

    NWCL First Division South: After they'd gone behind at Foley Meir, HARLAN RODGERS-MORRIS (right) equalised for Cheadle Heath Nomads from the penalty spot. Two late strikes gave them a 1-3 win.

    Welsh Premier: A JOHN DISNEY penalty featured in a 1-5 win for Connah's Quay at Briton Ferry.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    Southend United reported on Saturday that "Our game against AFC Fylde has been postponed.

    The train carrying our players to the game has suffered a power failure between stations. The train left London at 10.18am and was due to arrive in Preston at 12.39.

    Avanti West Coast are in the process of organising an 'evacuation train' which will take the players back to London. It is currently unclear when the evacuation train will arrive and so a decision has been made to postpone the game.

    We apologise to our supporters for the inconvenience caused. For those who are already in Fylde, we have put some money behind the supporters' bar at the stadium - please have a beer on us".


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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