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NEXT FIXTURES:
  • FIRST TEAM: Sat. 19 Aug. 2017: MATLOCK TOWN (Away) 3pm
  • RESERVES: Sat. 19 Aug. 2017: RYLANDS (Home) 3pm
  • YOUTH TEAM: Sun. 20 Aug. 2017: Chester FC (Away) 2.30pm
  • LADIES' TEAM: Sun. 3 Sep. 2017: LIVERPOOL MARSHALLS FEDS RESERVES (Home) 2pm

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

17 August 2017

PATRONS' DRAW

The 2016-17 Patrons draw took place at 1.30pm on Wednesday, witnessed by Judy Henson and Noel Shields, and the results were

The hospitality places can be taken at either the Whitby game on Tuesday, 22 August or the Coalville Town game on Saturday, 26 August.

DAVE JOHNSON

Supporters are reminded that the funeral service for Alty volunteer, Dave Johnson, takes place in the Community Sports Hall at the J Davidson Stadium today (Thursday) at 1.30pm. It will be conducted by Club Chaplain, Rev. Andy Barclay-Watts.

Meanwhile, Altrincham FC supporter Gary Stubbs has created an attractive floral feature to enhance the Wall of Memories at the J. Davidson Stadium (pictured above). The Wall, sited adjacent to the main stand, comprises plaques requested by the family or friends of departed Altrincham FC supporters and staff. If you would like to commemorate a loved one on the Wall of Memories, please contact the club on (0161) 928-1045 or by e-mail

FA CUP

The EvoStik League reports that "South Shields are getting ready to fly the flag for the EVO-STIK League in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday after being chosen to showcase the BBC's new extended coverage of every round.

Millions of fans of the world's oldest cup competition around the globe are expected to watch the preliminary round clash between the 2017 FA Vase winners and Bridlington after the BBC confirmed their cameras were heading to Mariners Park on Tuesday...

Both clubs are set to receive a £1,000 TV fee after being chosen to front the preliminary round... which has been brought forward to kick off at 12.30pm."

TUESDAY GATES

SATURDAY FIXTURES

NEXT OPPONENTS: MATLOCK TOWN

On Saturday, Alty travel to Matlock Town where "Joint Matlock boss Glenn Kirkwood declared he was 'pleased' with Matlock’s start to the season which has yielded four points from two testing fixtures and a current sixth spot...

The Gladiators brought back a point from last season’s beaten play off finalists Stourbridge on Sunday before winning a five goal thriller at home to Hednesford Town on Tuesday night. This weekend’s visit from Altrincham, newly relegated from the National League North and who ended Matlock’s hopes of an FA Cup First Round Proper appearance with a 3-1 win at Moss Lane last October, completes a hat-trick of hard games.

'I’m delighted with the results, especially the Hednesford one when we played really well. It was the polar opposite to Stourbridge but there we were solid and didn’t look like conceding against a very good side. Against Hednesford we could have been masters of our own downfall, giving away far too many daft free kicks which put us under pressure. We were excellent with the ball and unfortunate not to be comfortably ahead at half time. The effort and commitment though in both games was first class.'

Shaun Harrad opened his account in competitive games for Matlock with a fine brace in midweek after being starved of decent service at Stourbridge.

'Shaun and for that matter Marc Newsham (Matlock’s scorer) were excellent with no service on Sunday and then on Tuesday Shaun showed just how important he’ll be for us. We felt we needed some fresh legs on Tuesday and the changes we made were to make us more effective going forward. We were wasteful on Sunday but very good defensively, the Hednesford match saw us much better attacking wise'...

Alty will be disappointed with a 3-0 home defeat to Stafford Rangers on the opening day before they drew 1-1 at Nantwich on Tuesday.

'It will be another really tough game, they’ve taken some very good players from Nantwich and a very good manager', said Kirkwood. 'There’s some really good sides in the league this year and Stourbridge, Hednesford and Altrincham will right up there. We said when we saw the fixtures that the first three would be mega mega tough and the three points we got against Hednesford turned Sunday’s good point into a great point, On Saturday we’ll be going for the jugular and be all out for three points.'

Matlock are on the road again on Tuesday to the artificial Coles Lane to take on Sutton Coldfield Town. Ryan Wilson will need a fitness check after jarring his knee in midweek while midfielder Michael (knee) and winger Jamie Yates , who has had a recent ankle operation, are still probably at least a couple of weeks from a return. Teenage 6’6” defender and Academy product Max Hunt has gone out on a month’s loan to Belper Town...

'We’ve had to leave a couple of players out of the squad this week which makes it very hard... It’s hard to keep everyone happy'. Meanwhile Matlock’s top scorer from last term, on loan Burton marksman Marcus Dinanga, has this week joined AFC Telford United on a season’s long loan."

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

At Farsley Celtic "Manager Adam Lakeland gave his reaction after the game at Hurst Cross. 'It’s never easy away at Ashton and coming into it we anticipated a tough game and probably would have been pleased with a point. However, after the way in which we performed in the first 45 minutes there is a frustration there that we haven’t come away with all three points. We created half a dozen clear cut chances and didn’t capitalise on them...

'It was only natural that Ashton came out and performed better in the second half as they are a good outfit with a lot of experience at this level and credit to them for changing shape at half time as their performance was much improved after the break... We had a great chance where Wally (James Walshaw) headed wide and they went closer still...

Looking at the squad... the Celts boss reported, 'Danny Ellis pulled up with a calf problem, so he will need assessing on Thursday... The good news is that Ryan Watson and Jordan Deacey will be pushing to be involved on Saturday if they come through training on Thursday unscathed and Nathan Turner is edging closer to a return to full training".

Buxton have made a winless start to the season and they report that "A late Will Jones goal for Witton Albion meant the Bucks returned pointless from Cheshire last night. The next match is away at Stafford Rangers on Saturday with Liam Hardy returning from suspension. We are still waiting International Clearance for new French midfielder Alpha Kaba".

16 August 2017

MANAGERS' VIEWS

Nantwich Town have posted interviews with both managers following the game last night at the Weaver Stadium.

NANTWICH TOWN 1-1 ALTRINCHAM

Above: James Poole played an important role in the draw at Nantwich. Here he is seen in Alty's new away kit (purple) during the game, by Mike Ripley's camera.

Despite playing for more than an hour with ten men after Hannigan had been dismissed in the 38th minute for a rash challenge which earned him a second yellow card, Altrincham battled to a deserved draw with a late penalty...

Match report here

SEGREGATION

Bill Waterson, on behalf of the Board of Altrincham FC writes...

"Dear Fans

The board of Altrincham FC regret the incidents that took place at Moss Lane on Saturday. We do not and will never tolerate such behaviour at Altrincham Football Club. We are now reconsidering our approach on a game by game basis to segregation.

In addition we are reviewing the relevant match day operations and procedures from Saturday's game so that we can act on our findings, once we have gathered all the relevant information. Thank you for your support.

AFC Board"

RESERVES DEFEAT

On Tuesday night, Alty Reserves lost 4-1 at Eagle Sports. On Saturday they are at home to Rylands at Egerton Sports Club.

THIS WEEK'S GAMES

Monday 14 August

Tuesday 15 August

PATRONS' DRAW

The draw for members of the Altrincham FC Patrons will take place at the Club today (Wednesday) with the results made available as soon as possible afterwards.

EVO-STIK LEAGUE PREMIER NEWS

NL Pitchero. reports that "Newly-promoted Shaw Lane AFC are finding the higher-level Evo-Stik League Premier tough and went down to a second successive defeat, this time a Monday night home defeat to Mickleover Sports.

It was the visitors, who opened up with a draw at the weekend, who grabbed the lead just past the half-hour mark through Evan Garnett. However, right on half-time, experienced striker Paul Clayton pulled the Ducks back on level terms. And the home side looked to be in the ascendancy when, on 66 minutes, former Duck Jake Scott was shown a straight red card for an alleged stamping incident off the ball.

But it was the ten-men who went on to win the game with a 77th minute Bradley Grayson effort."

The EvoStik League reports that Stourbridge "defenders Brandon Ball and Liam Slade have both left the Club... Both remain registered with us on NPL forms, and remain part of Gary's plans. Two players have linked up with other clubs on dual registration basis; keeper Reiss Jeavons (Tividale) and forward Josh Cooke (Sporting Khalsa)".

Witton Albion "have confirmed the loan-signing of teenage midfielder, Ben Hedley. He joins us from Morecambe for a month".

STAFFORD VIEW

Stafford Rangers report on Saturday's win at Altrincham. "Rangers’ new campaign got off to a dream start with a thoroughly deserved 3 points against pre-season promotion favourites, Altrincham Town. The Alty had the greater share of possession and played some attractive flowing football, with much of the first half being played in the Rangers end of the pitch. But their efforts were frustrated by a solid and skilful Rangers’ defence led by courageous club captain Matt Bailey, who had been felled by a short range pile driver to the face in the opening few minutesn a man of the match performance by Adam Whitehouse and some wayward finishing.

In stark contract Rangers' first attack produced a debut goal for Dan Westwood on 10 minutes. A fluent move saw the ball reach Louis Briscoe who held off several defenders before slipping the ball through to Westwood who steered it past the Alty keeper from about 12 yards. Rangers’ second on 44 minutes was a sublime lob by Jo Thomas from the edge of the box.

The second half started more evenly and Rangers went further ahead from a diving header by Richard Batchelor on 52 minutes. Increasing Altrincham pressure brought some panicky moments to the Rangers defence with a succession of skied clearances but Alty squandered their best chance with about 10 minutes to go when Adam Whitehouse saved a penalty which he had conceded after bringing down an Altrincham forward inside the box. In a great all round team effort teenage debutant Kai Davis at left back gave a stand out performance."

15 August 2017

NANTWICH TOWN v ALTRINCHAM: LIVE COVERAGE

You can follow this fixture via this website's minute by minute text updates by clicking on the icon below. Alternatively, Radio Robins' coverage of the game is outlined below as well.

updates radiorobins

Brian Flynn announces that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Tuesday night's game. The match commentary sponsor is 'Italian Apartments'. The commentators are Simon Ellis and Ian Wilkinson and the match summariser is Dave Stringer.

Coverage starts at 7.30pm with the game kicking off at 7.45pm".

Guidance for Listening to Radio Robins

There will be 4 ways to listen to Radio Robins via Mixlr

The Chatroom software on radiorobins.com has been updated and should be accessible now for all users.

SUPPORTERS' COACH TO NANTWICH AND MATLOCK

TASC confirms that it will be operating supporters' transport to Nantwich for today's game (15 August) and to Matlock Town on Saturday (19th). The fares and times of each journey are on the Away Travel page. Please book your places as soon as possible, by ringing the Club on (0161) 928-1045 during weekday office hours.

DABBERS DATA

Mike Garnett informs us of the statistical record in matches between Alty and Nantwich Town. Whilst Moss Lane is certainly not a happy hunting ground for The Dabbers, the record at Nantwich is pretty even.

Entry prices are £10 for adults, £7 for concessionaries and £3 for "juniors", who are free with a paying adult.

Before kick off Nantwich Town wrote ""Ah, the magic of football. Who could’ve predicted that Nantwich’s first competitive home game would be against our previous management team? We take on Altrincham on Tuesday night, and we offer a warm welcome to Phil Parkinson and his team as they return to the Weaver Stadium for our home opener...

Nantwich haven’t met Altrincham in the league for many years but Altrincham’s two consecutive relegations brings the sides together... This will be the 80th fixture between the two sides, the last of which was a 3-0 victory for Altrincham in the final of the 2008/09 Cheshire Senior Cup. However, it may be considered revenge for the fact that we beat Altrincham in the Senior Cup final just one year previously, after an exciting 3-3 draw, with a 5-3 penalty victory for Nantwich.

Nantwich have recorded twenty-three wins over Altrincham, as well as seven draws and forty-nine losses. Interestingly, when we travel to Altrincham in October for the reverse fixture, Nantwich will be looking to break a ninety-two year league streak of not winning at Alty (not including Senior Cup final in 07/08).

The record of Nantwich vs Altrincham at home is pretty even – winning 13, drawing 1 and losing 15.

Nantwich have had a promising pre-season, losing just one of their games, and opened off the season with a narrow 1-0 away defeat at Stalybridge on Saturday... Nantwich fans welcome back players and staff such as Josh Hancock, Ben Harrison, Lewis Short, John Johnston and Max Harrop – with Phil Parkinson on the side-lines with Neil Sorvel and Chris Parkes as his backroom staff.

A headed goal from a corner from Alex Honeyball was enough to give Stalybridge Celtic a 1-0 victory over The Dabbers in the first league game of the season. Stalybridge had the better of the first half, with the largely young and inexperienced team getting their first taste of competitive football this season. Some excellent saves from goalkeeper Speiss kept the score-line at 0-0, but the pressure told and a goal came just before half time... The second half saw a much improved performance from Nantwich as they grew into the game...

As you can see, we haven’t met in the league for many years, the last five meetings are outlined below:

BEFORE THE GAME AT NANTWICH

On Saturday, the Nantwich News reports that "Nantwich Town suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat away at Stalybridge Celtic despite a spirited performance... Dave Cooke’s much changed side from the one which finished the previous campaign under Phil Parkinson, was forced to soak up lots of pressure in front of almost 500 fans at Bower Fold.

Nantwich did pose a threat going forward on the break, with Mullarkey, Stair and Davies all seeing attempts on goal thwarted. But it was a goal a minute before half-time that proved decisive. The hosts forced a corner, and from the set piece Alex Honeyball rose to power a header home into the top corner, giving Dabbers keeper Fabian Spiess no chance.

Nantwich huffed and puffed after the break... But the visitors could not find a way past a stubborn Celtic defence who held on for the three points. Nantwich will be looking to put that right when they welcome Phil Parkinson’s new side Altrincham to the Weaver Stadium. With several Dabbers players from last season now lining up for Altrincham, it is set to be tasty affair".

THIS WEEK'S GAMES

Monday 14 August

Tuesday 15 August

GARNETT'S GUIDE: STAFFORD RANGERS

From last Saturday's "Robins' Review", Mike Garnett's "Guide to Stafford Rangers" is here.

STAFFORD'S VIEW

The Staffordshire Newsletter reports that "Neil Kitching was delighted to see Stafford Rangers get their season off to a winning start with a 'fantastic' 3-0 win at promotion favourites Altrincham on Saturday...

'I'm well, well pleased,' said Kitching. 'Any away result is a good one, but coming to the title favourites and getting a 3-0 win is fantastic. I thought we played well throughout. We didn't see lots of the ball, but when we did, crucially, we were clinical with it. We scored three good goals and we've deserved the victory.'

Alty, relegated from the Conference last season, had a lot of the possession and chances, and also won 16 corners to Boro's one, but the only statistic that mattered in the end was the scoreline.

'Altrinhcam had a lot of the ball, and played well, to be fair to them, doing all but finishing off the chances they had,' admitted Kitching. 'They moved the ball well and I was impressed with them. But our lads gave everything they could, and that gets you a result'.

There was almost a blot on Boro's copybook towards the end of the game when Alty were awarded a penalty... Said Kitching, 'It looked to me like a dive, but the lads are saying Adam clipped him. But it's irrelevant because Adam made the save and kept the clean sheet. On that note, I thought Adam was excellent today. He made key saves at key times, especially early on, and put in a right performance'".

SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS: MATLOCK TOWN

The Matlock Mercury tells us that "Matlock Town were pegged back and held to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season at Stourbridge. t took only until the fifth minute for Marc Newsham to open Matlock’s goalscoring account, but hosts Stourbridge fought back to level on the stroke of half time...

The Gladiators handed debuts to Ryan Wilson, Darnelle Bailey-King, Callum Lloyd and Shaun Harrad but they were without the injured Michael Williams and Ted Cribley who had to work. They were on the front foot almost immediately... They made a confident start and their dominance early on brought its reward as a long punt from Phil Barnes saw Harrad challenge the home defence, the ball falling for the alert Newsham to cleverly lift his finish over the onrushing Matt Gould...

Towards the interval Stourbridge, last season’s beaten play off finalists, began to threaten more... With the game three and a half minutes into added time and the visitors wondering just where referee Neil Pratt had found all of the additional time, the hosts found a leveller. Matlock struggled to clear their lines from a corner and Archer’s scuffed shot found the bottom corner...

The Gladiators, though could easily have won all three points themselves when substitutes Luis Rose and Zeyn Hakeem combined well on the left, Hakeem’s cross though being met by a soft finish from Bailey-King which Gould saved with relative comfort... Town’s defenders were in fine form with joint boss Glenn Kirkwood quick to praise them after scarcely putting a foot wrong...

MATLOCK TOWN: 1 Phil Barnes 2 Ryan Wilson 3 Jake Green 4 Joe Doyle-Charles 5 Adam Yates (15 Nico Degirolamo 90) 6 Dwayne Wiley 7 Darnelle Bailey-King 8 Callum Lloyd 9 Shaun Harrad 10 Marc Newsham (12 Zeyn Hakeem 62) 11 Rhys Sharpe (14 Luis Rose 81) Other subs: 16 Todd Jordan 17 Rory Coleman".

EVO-STIK LEAGUE PREMIER NEWS

According to the Lancaster Guardian, "If there was any doubt that the Dolly Blues wouldn’t be able to hold their own in their new surroundings, they were [sic] erased with a hard fought 2-1 victory at promotion chasing Buxton on Saturday.

With the added achievement of overturning an early goal for the hosts to seal a comeback victory, the first victory for Phil Brown’s side in the Evo-Stik Premier Division felt like business as usual for the Division One North champions. In a game that was few on chances with defences on top, the visitors were understandably cautious and nervy in the opening stages whilst the Bucks came flying out the traps.

It took just four minutes to open the scoring... The home side enjoyed most of the possession and territory in the opening half and in the early stages it looked as though it may be a long game for their newly promoted opponents. City grew into the contest though, levelling ten minutes before the interval thanks to a slice of good fortune... The ball fell to Sam Bailey 25 yards from goal... the midfielder hit a swerving shot that flew straight through keeper Jan Budtz’s gloves.

The second half was an almost complete reversal of the first. With the wind and gentle slope on the pitch on their side the Dolly Blues took the game to the Bucks... Despite dominating the half, chances were next to non-existent... It took a moment of real quality from Winder to set up the winner that on the balance of play was completely deserved... Winder beat his man and carried the ball all the way to the box before squaring for striker Oliver Wood to calmly take a touch before hitting a deflected strike into the left corner of the net...

City host Warrington on Tuesday night and on Saturday, the new Neil Marshall Stand will be unveiled before they take on Mickleover Sports."

The Telegraph & Argus states that "Farsley Celtic came back from a goal down to win their first game back in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division 3-1 at home to Coalville Town.

The visitors' keeper Matt Coton had prevented Richard Marshall from giving the Celts a tenth-minute lead with a superb save, but Lee Cox headed Coalville in front a minute later. The game remained end to end throughout, and Nathan Cartman, the former Liversedge, Brighouse Town and Darlington forward, was denied by Coton on two occasions before he marked his Farsley debut with a goal.

Cartman was a late signing and had played no part Celtic’s pre-season training or warm-up games but new boss Adam Lakeland gave him a start and he paid back his gaffer’s faith in him... There was a huge turning point early in the second half when the Ravens were denied a penalty after Nathan Watson appeared to have been tripped before the Celts were awarded a penalty from the counter-attack.

Last term’s leading scorer James Walshaw was fouled and got up to beat Coton from the resulting spot-kick.. The Celts wrapped up their victory as Walshaw netted his second".

At the top of the table are Grantham Town who report that "Grantham will look to follow up Saturday's impressive win with another three points as they travel to Rushall Olympic on Tuesday night. Saturday's emphatic 5-0 victory over Marine was the best start the club has made in its 143 year history...

Despite the weekend's results, Grantham manager Adam Stevens isn't going to allow complacency to creep in. 'Of course, Saturday's result was a very good start to the season and has given the players a lot of confidence, but we have to remember it is only the first game. Tuesday will post a different kind of threat'...

Stevens will also have a selection headache on Tuesday by having a fully fit squad to choose from... Dales Lane [Rushall] has not been a happy hunting ground, as the Gingerbreads have won just once in ten visits".

A new face at the Bower Fold is the subject of a report from Port Vale which says that "It was a great debut for young goalkeeper Joe Slinn this weekend, as he made his debut for Stalybridge Celtic. Slinn kept a clean sheet in his first game for Celtic as they defeated Nantwich Town 1-0".

News of an ex-Alty player comes from Hednesford Town which reports that "After an even start Hednesford almost went ahead in the eighth minute when the ball was played into James Lawrie but his first time right-footed effort flashed across goal before hitting the inside of the post and rebounding to safety.... {After falling behind], the Pitmen were back level when they were awarded a penalty after Lawrie was brought down in the area. Danny Glover stepped up and sent goalkeeper David Carnell the wrong way".

14 August 2017

INTERVIEW WITH PHIL PARKINSON

Alty Press & Media Officer, Brian Flynn, interviewed Phil Parkinson after the Stafford game. It can be heard here.

NEXT SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS: MATLOCK TOWN

Next Saturday, Altrincham travel to Matlock. NL Pitchero reports that "The only game played on Sunday was the Evo-Stik League Premier encounter between Stourbridge and Matlock Town. The Glassboys welcomed the Gladiators to the War Memorial Ground today due to cricket still being played on the ground on Saturdays...

A good crowd of 1,050 saw the sides battle out a 1-1 draw, which was a pretty fair outcome on the balance of play. However, it was the visitors who got out of the blocks the quickest and were ahead inside the opening 5 minutes when Glassboys` keeper Matt Gould was beaten to a through ball by Marc Newsham, who poked the ball home.

Matlock had the better of the majority of the first half, but it ended with the sides all-square as Stourbridge grabbed an injury-time equaliser when a cross from Jordan Murphy was headed down by Leon Broadhurst for Jordan Archer to net from close range.

The second half was goalless but the Glassboys improved immensely and were a little unfortunate not to have grabbed a winner with young sub Brandon Hague especially lively after coming off the bench."

OLD BOYS

After his brief stay at Alty, Sefton Gonzales scored for Droylsden on Saturday. Three ex-Robins netted for Glossop NE; they were Dale Johnson, Ben Deegan and Jude Oyibo. Jerome Wright got a brace for Ramsbottom United whilst Astley Mulholland did the same for Colwyn Bay. At Trafford, James Dean netted but the local side lost to South Shields. Dave Parton was in goal for Kidsgrove Athletic as they lost 3-0 to Peterborough Sports.

In the Football League, Jordan Sinnott was an unused sub for Chesterfield. And, finally, more than 17 years after leaving Moss Lane for Leicester City, Kevin Ellison is still starting League Two games for Morecambe.

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

The Stourbridge News reports that "Stourbridge boss Gary Hackett was pleased with the way his side overcame a lacklustre start to take a point from their league opener against Matlock Town. The Glassboys manager felt his side could even have taken all three points if they'd only been a little more clinical in front of goal in the second half.

He said.'I thought for the first 25 minutes we didn't start particularly well, we didn't keep the ball and we gave a very poor goal away that came straight down the middle... and we've had to fight hard to get back in the game. We changed the formation a little and in the last 15 minutes I thought we shaded it and scored at the death to give us some momentum going into the second half.

I though in the second half we should have won it. We had some good opportunities and didn't quite finish them off... We were a yard off the pace but we settled down and got on top at the end. I think they were more relieved for the final whistle than we were... Maybe, all in all, a draw was the right result. It's always cagey at the start of the season but we'll look to Coalville on Tuesday night now".

The EvoStik League reports "Player movements registered from Sunday 5 August to 11am on Saturday 11 August 2017". Below are movements involving EvoStik Premier North clubs and ex-Alty players moving outside that league.

In its Saturday review, the EvoStik League reports that there were "mixed fortunes for the new teams in the division. Relegated Altrincham and Stalybridge Celtic are strong tips to make a rapid return to National League North. While Steve Burr`s new-look Celtic side edged their opening game 1-0 at Bower Fold against another fancied side, Nantwich Town, courtesy of a goal right on half-time from Alex Honeyball, Alty suffered a 3-0 defeat at the J. Davidson Stadium to old rivals Stafford Rangers...

Of the newly-promoted teams, Shaw Lane AFC were expected to challenge after making some impressive signings, but it was Farsley Celtic and Lancaster City who made the headlines on the opening day, while Witton Albion earned a useful away point. Shaw Lane came unstuck on the 3G at Coles Lane against Sutton Coldfield Town, who ran out 3-1 winners...

Farsley beat Coalville Town 3-1 at Throstle Nest. And they had to come back from being an 11th minute Lee Cox goal down to win, thanks to former Darlington striker Nathan Cartman after 32 minutes, the ever prolific James Walshaw from the spot five minutes into the second half and again 12 minutes from time.

The Dolly Blues earned a good 2-1 win at Silverlands against Buxton, who got off to a great start when Niall Doran put them in front after just four minutes. Sam Bailey equalised eight minutes before the break and then Ollie Wood won it for the visitors on 68 minutes.

Witton had a great start at a Mickleover Sports side who have made some impressive summer signings. Steven Tames gave the visitors an early second minute lead from the spot. But the Derbyshire side scrambled back into the game with a 57th minute Danny Gordon leveller.

The biggest winners of the day were Grantham Town, who hammered Marine AFC 5-0 at The Meres... It represented Grantham`s best start to any season in their 143-year history.

Workington AFC attracted a crowd of 638 to see them beat Halesowen Town 3-1 at Borough Park... Barwell opened up with a 1-0 Kirkby Road win over Whitby Town, thanks to a goal from Ryan Seal 11 minutes from time, while Warrington Town were the day's other winners, seeing off Rushall Olympic 2-0 at Cantilever Park with goals from Connor Hughes after 17 minutes and then from Joe Mwasile right at the end.

Hednesford Town and Ashton United shared a 1-1 draw in the day`s remaining game, Matty Chadwick putting the Robins in front after 27 minutes before a Danny Glover penalty seven minutes later earned the Pitmen a point."

13 August 2017

PHIL: "RESULT IS SICKENING"

After the 0-3 defeat by Stafford Rangers, manager Phil Parkinson (right) told the NL Paper, "I thought we played really well actually; for the first hour we dominated. But the result is sickening, people will be very upset, I know.

"We've got to score when we're on top. We've had seven or eight chances, when our keeper hasn't had a save to make, apart from picking the ball out of the net.

"I've got my way of playing and the club's bought into that. We've got a lot of good players and people have got to keep with us".

ALTRINCHAM 0 STAFFORD RANGERS 3

Pre-season optimism at the J. Davidson Stadium was dealt a heavy blow with this heavy home defeat by a Stafford Rangers team which gave its hosts a lesson in both defending and taking chances. Alty were without the injured Disney and Miller, the ill Amis and the suspended Poole but nevertheless enjoyed more than their share of the ball and, in terms of the corner-kick count, they were comfortable winners. But they lacked incision in and around the box and were prone to defensive lapses.

Left: John Johnston was Alty's Man of the Match (image courtesy of Mike Ripley)..

Rangers took a tenth-minute lead against the run of play as Briscoe cleverly fed Westwood, whose low shot beat Deasy, just inside his left post. Thomas made it 2-0 just before the break, with a goal out of nothing as he volleyed the ball impressively over Deasy from the edge of the box.

Although Johnston harried Rangers throughout the afternoon, they defended solidly and warpped up the game seven minutes after the break when Batchelor, one of the smaller men in their team, stooped to head home a corner unchallenged. The final blow to Alty came in the 85th minute when Moult's penalty was saved, low to his left, by keeper Whitehouse, the kick being awarded for a foul on Peers.

Match report here.

CORRECTION: RESERVES' BIG LOSS

Altrincham FC Reserves lost to Knutsford on Saturday, 6-0. And, like the first team, they had a late penalty saved by the opposition keeper.

OLD BOYS

Greg Wilkinson was named Man of the Match for Stalybridge Celtic and Joe Mwasile netted for Warrington Town. There was varying fortune for former centre-back pairing Scott Leather and Luca Havern. Scott scored for Chorley but Luca put through his own net for Bradford PA.
12 August 2017

OPENING DAY FIXTURES

Today (12th) is the opening day of the Evo-Stik League's 2017-18 season. The fixtures in the Premier (North) are...

AMIS AND DISNEY OUT TODAY

Brian Flynn spoke to Alty boss Phil Parkinson in advance of today's match against Stafford Rangers. Here is what Phil said...

"Today is the big day, the start of the new season and a home game against Stafford Rangers at 3pm.

It’s my first competitive game as manager and I’m really hoping that my players can be brave enough to implement the lessons learned through all of the hard work that has gone in during the pre-season. We have played nine games, but the team has only been together for less than two months and until the serious business of the league starts, you never quite know.

I do know all about Stafford Rangers though. One of the reasons that I was appointed is that I have an in-depth knowledge of the teams, players and managers in this division and that will stand us in good stead throughout the campaign, starting today.

Today’s opponents, like ourselves, are a big non-league club, with a very proud history and there is another parallel with us, in that they have had some difficulties in recent years, dropping a league lower than the EVO-STIK Premier Division not too long ago, before being promoted the season before last.

Stafford will be organised, disciplined and very hard working. If we get into an arm-wrestle with them, we will come off second best, so we need to play our football in the style that the players have been working on throughout the pre-season training sessions and friendlies.

We have had a big blow in the last couple of days with Josh Amis (right), who was rushed into hospital with appendicitis. Following his operation, he is likely to be missing for about six weeks, which is a real blow, as I think that Josh has done really well since he joined us during the pre-season schedule.

I have brought in Max Harrop, who is a winger, who previously did a good job for me at Nantwich. Max is a local lad, based in Chadderton. He has trained with us this week and is likely to be involved today. He’s the sort of player that I’m sure the Alty fans will enjoy watching.

John Disney (left) will miss today’s game, through the ankle injury sustained at Trafford last Saturday. He could probably play at a push, but we have two quality right backs at the club, therefore Shaun Densmore will play in the number two shirt. Lewis Short has recovered from his injury from the Bradford Park Avenue game a fortnight ago and will start the game.

James Poole is suspended, having been sent off for Salford City at the end of last season, but he is available for Tuesday’s first away game at Nantwich.

It would be fantastic if we can get a good crowd in this afternoon, giving great vocal support to the team. It means a lot to the players and if we are going to achieve our objective of promotion this season, the fans can really play a big part in that!"

OUR OPPONENTS SIGN TWO

On the eve of their match at the J. Davidson Stadium, Stafford Rangers report that they "have signed former Nuneaton player Exodus Geohaghon... Also Jordaan Brown"

Geohaghon (32) is well known to Alty fans having already played against us for a number of clubs, including Histon, Nuneaton Town, Torquay United, Solihull Moors and Kettering Town. Defender Jordaan Brown was previously at Hayes & Yeading, AFC Wimbledon and Staines.

SATURDAY'S GAME

Turnstile prices:

Mike Garnett reminds us that Altrincham and their opponents, Stafford Rangers, have met nearly 100 times previously...

Colwyn Bay report that they "have completed the signing of Jamie Menagh (left) from Airbus UK Broughton ahead of their opening Evo-stik North game on Saturday (August 12th, 3pm) away to Ossett Albion. The 23-year-old wide midfield player, who was with Blackpool and Stoke City as a youngster and has also had spells at Chester, Altrincham and Marine, played and scored for Airbus in the recent friendly at the Bay and manager Phill Hadland said, 'He is player I have admired for a while and he gives us another option going forward. A number of clubs have been showing interest in him, but he trained with us this week, enjoyed it, and said he wanted to sign, which is great.'

His registration, however, won’t be through in time for him to play at Ossett Albion on Saturday."

News of a player who turned out for Alty in a friendly match against a Manchester United u-18 side in January 2017 comes from Welsh Premier. It reports that "Connah's Quay have signed two brothers on full-time contracts... with Michael and Mathias Bakare arriving at the Deeside Stadium. Michael, is a 30-year-old striker whose career began at Leyton Orient, Welling United, Thorrock and Bishop's Stortford where he first made an real impact, converting from a full back and midfielder to a forward player.

Following an impressive nine goals in 14 games early in the 2011/12 season, Bakare joined Conference South club Chelmsford City where he scored five goals in 10 games, earning a move to then Football League side Macclesfield Town in January 2012. After failing to start a single game with the Silkmen, Bakare was released and joined Southport where he was loaned to Droylsden. A journeyman career continued with spells at Chelmsford City, Dover Athletic, Tonbridge Angels, Braintree Town, Bury Town, VCD Athletic and Witham Town before rejoining his former club Welling United for the 2015/16 season.

In June 2016, Bakare joined Wrexham... He was loaned to Billericay Town before returning to the Racecourse Ground, where his contract was cancelled by mutual consent this January and he moved to Warrington Town".

EVO-STIK LEAGUE PREMIER NEWS

Buxton "start the new campaign with a home match against Lancaster City at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium ... The Bucks pre-season campaign performances grew stronger as the summer progressed with good wins over Gainsborough Trinity and Leek Town giving Martin McIntosh’s side good momentum for the first match. It has been a busy summer of comings and goings with the likes of Jamie Green, Nicky Walker, Jamie Jackson, Matty Williams and Brad Grayson departing to be replaced by Josh Meade, Jake Williams, Andy McWilliams (right), Joe Maguire, Tyler Williams, Ant Wilson and Sam Smith. The squad certainly looks physically stronger on paper with another young midfielder, Frenchman Alpha Kaba, awaiting international clearance before he can join.

The Bucks will be without Liam Hardy on Saturday and against Witton Albion on Tuesday as he completes a suspension... but with Wilson and Smith finding the net in the last two pre-season matches there is great confidence on the attacking front. Defender Jake Williams (Pictured) is the latest addition to the squad after he signed on Wednesday on a dual registration with FC United of Manchester. Jake did have a brief stay at the club two years ago without making a start".

Hednesford Town report that Saturday "sees the start of a brand new era for Hednesford Town as Neil Tooth takes charge of his first league match with the Pitmen... with a home game against Ashton United...

Tooth said, 'Since taking over in May my team and I have been working tirelessly to build a squad capable of bringing what we hope will be a successful period to the club... Pre-season seems as though it went on for a lot longer than normal and, overall, I’ve been really happy with how it’s gone when you consider that the squad has really been built from scratch.

'Tomorrow’s opponents, Ashton, are a very good side and they have added some very good players to their squad during the close season... Our opening matches are all tough but momentum plays a big part for any team that is successful and if we can get off to a good start at home, then we can carry that into the two tough away matches that follow'.

The manager will have the tough job of choosing a squad of players to face Ashton, with all having impressed over the course of the summer. One player who won’t be in contention tomorrow is George Cater with the striker having joined Chasetown on loan/dual-registration in order to get some game time".

LOCAL NEWS

Altrincham fans will recall our own club's brush with Travellers but now the Sale & Altrincham Messenger reports that "Travellers have been reported as having moved on to the football fields at Crossford Bridge in Sale. Several caravans were sighted in the field on August 9".

Sale United Football Club reported that "Travellers have made their way onto our football fields at Crossford Bridge... This may impact on our abilities to run anything at Crossford Bridge in the upcoming days"...

They later commented that their facilities had been threatened and damage had already taken place. One woman said... 'This facility has a large car park, their choice of parking on the playing pitch not on the car park implies to me that they are inconsiderate of the local community'...

A Trafford Council spokesperson said, 'Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police have visited the site and started the legal process to remove the travellers at Crossford Bridge as quickly as possible'".

11 August 2017

OLD BOYS

There is bad news from Ashton United to the effect that "Midfielder Ryan Crowther has been ruled out for the 2017/18 campaign after suffering a serious injury in the first half of the pre-season friendly against Radcliffe Borough. Scans confirmed that the midfield dynamo has torn his medial and cruciate ligaments in his knee.

Manager Jody Banim was ‘absolutely devastated’ to hear the news about Ryan Crowther stating 'he was a shining light for us last season'. Jody also went on record to say 'I was really looking forward to watching him and Chaddy pick up where they left off. The club will offer its full support in Ryan’s rehab and we’ll hopefully have him back fit for the start of the 2018/19 season'.

After Crowther scored 15 goals over the course of the 16/17 season, Jody has moved quickly to find a replacement re-signing Jack Dyche on loan from Scunthorpe United on an initial six-month loan deal."

According to NL Pitchero the registration of a recent Alty trialist, Joel Bembo-Leta, has beeen transferred from Buxton to Shaw Lane AFC.

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EVO-STIK LEAGUE PREMIER NEWS

Warrington Town boss "Paul Carden has warned Warrington Town youngster Dylan Vassallo to expect 'a bit of treatment' from opposition sides but has backed him to cope. The 19-year-old put in several impressive performances after arriving at Cantilever Park part way through last season.

He caught the eye of several professional clubs and was invited for trials by Burnley and Charlton Athletic. However, the winger committed his future to Yellows by signing a contract with the club in June. Carden admits the mercurial youngster could be targeted by their Evo-Stik Premier Division rivals when the season gets underway.

'We’ve been speaking to Dylan about his play. He’ll actually tell you he prefers to play on the right and cut in, but he’s got to mix his game up more,' he said. 'At times, he can be too predictable but when he’s on it, nobody can get near him. He’s going to get a bit of treatment from opposition sides this year because he’s a little bit more known. He handles it well and continues to look a threat'...

Carden says it may take a couple of games for his side to produce their best form. 'If we can nick a few results and gather momentum, we will get stronger through picking up more understanding of each other', he said... 'It might take a couple of weeks to get us at our best.'"

According to the Lancaster Guardian, "Lancaster City boss Phil Brown expects Buxton to give his side a flavour of what to expect in the Evo-Stik Premier Division this season. A trip to Derbyshire on the opening day of the new campaign awaits the Dolly Blues...

'They are a decent side who have been at the top end of the division for the last couple of years,' said Brown. 'They are well organised and will play a standardish shape, a flexible 4-4-2. I think they will be typical of what we’re going to encounter this year and a good test'...

After a pre-season programme that saw his side win four and lose three of their seven games, 'You can’t replicate playing for three points', said the City boss... 'It’s really good pre-season in getting things together'... The friendly campaign finished with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at rivals Bamber Bridge on Saturday, Brown feeling the schedule took its toll on his side...

Brown said, 'We weren’t at the level we needed to be and weren’t at the races to be honest. It was our seventh game in 21 days though because we didn’t start playing until the 15th and finished on the fifth... I’m not making excuses but maybe you could understand it because we were flat and out of sorts... but we’ve had a good pre-season on the whole.'

Having made former Barrow winger Andy Haworth his final signing, the Blues boss now has the task of picking a 16-man squad for the trip to Buxton... Said Brown, 'Everybody is up for selection even if some maybe are a little bit behind physically for a variety of reasons'".

Across the Pennines, the Telegraph & Argus says that "Farsley Celtic kick off their first season back in the Evo-Stik Premier Division with a home fixture against Coalville Town on Saturday, and Celts boss Adam Lakeland... said, 'This is a very competitive league with some big clubs in it like Workington, Altrincham, Stalybridge Celtic, Stafford Rangers, Stourbridge - the names just keep rolling off the tongue. We know how difficult, it’s going to be week in, week out but the players are champing at the bit.

'It’s been a hard pre-season but I think more positives than negatives have come out of it and the players have come through it apart from Jordan (Deacey). Jordan picked up that knee injury but it wasn’t as bad as first thought and he’ll be back soon... and Nathan Turner is still on his way back from an operation but, apart from that, the lads are all ready to go.'"

10 August 2017

RESERVES START WITH A WIN

Altrincham FC Reserves won their first league game (on Tuesday night) beating Linotype Cheadle Heath Nomads 1-0 at home (Egerton Sports Club). The goal was scored by Ricardo Pembele. The league fixtures for the first month are:

RADIO ROBINS

Brian Flynn writes that "Radio Robins is trialling a new method of broadcasting called Mixlr. This service seems to be the industry standard in this field and, whilst benefits to the listener may not be immediately apparent, it provides more options and flexibility for the Radio Robins team on match days. It is hoped it will also enable the station to broadcast a wider range of content.

There will be 3 ways to listen to Radio Robins via Mixlr

radiorobinsWe will be doing a test broadcast at 8pm on Thursday August 10th.The broadcast will last for 15-30 minutes and we would like as many people as possible to listen.

Feedback during the broadcast can be given on the Radio Robins Chatroom and, after the broadcast has finished, we would welcome your thoughts on your listening experience on the Fans Forum at www.altyfans.co.uk

For the test broadcast, Paul Burton has put together a WIX website which we will use for testing without having to change the existing Radio Robins website. In simple terms, this website replaces www.radiorobins.com for broadcasting the test broadcast, although we would still like you to use the Chatroom on the Radio Robins website for feedback purposes".

SAM AND KYLE JOIN RAMSBOTTOM

Former Altrincham defenders Sam Heathcote and Kyle Brownhill have both joined Ramsbottom United where they team up with Jerome Wright, who also left the J Davidson Stadium recently, as well as with Tolani Omotola who is on loan there from Altrincham.

INTEGRO CUP HOME DRAW

Altrincham have secured a home draw in the EvoStik League's cup competition, the Intergo Cup. The match is on Tuesday 18 October. For the full draw and other details, see yesterday's news, below.

PHIL IN FULL

On Monday we quoted from the interview with Phil Parkinson in the NLP. Now the Non-League Paper has put the full article on its website.

ALTRINCHAM FC FANTASY FOOTBALL

Jack Jolly writes, "Calling all wannabe managers! This is your chance to prove you're the next Phil Parkinson. Altrincham FC fantasy football has launched.

The game is free to play and the winning manager or managers will be invited to join Phil Parkinson at Stubborn Mule Brewery for an evening of beers and food to discuss the season, where they'll also receive their trophy. It is hoped there will be plenty of other spot prizes throughout the season to keep it interesting.

Sign up to play for free here.

Each manager has £35m to spend on a 6-a-side squad based on valued determined by Altrincham's own Rob Esteva. Rob currently provides the valuations for the UEFA Champions League version of the game.

We will run the game until December 30th, and start a new season on January 1st ready for the run-in".

EVO-STIK LEAGUE PREMIER NEWS

The Stourbridge News reports that "Glassboys' boss Gary Hackett says he's targeting a top five finish and another cup run this season. Stourbridge will begin the new Northern Premier League campaign against Matlock Town at the War Memorial Ground this Sunday...

They will look to put last season's play-off final disappointment behind them after welcoming a host of fresh faces to Amblecote. Luke Benbow, Matt Dodd, Chris Lait and Tom Tonks all moved on over the summer after starring in a season that also saw Stour reach the third round of the FA Cup. They were quickly replaced by Jordan Murphy, Ryan Rowe, Connor Gater, Aaron Forde, Aris Christophorou, Danny O'Callaghan and Bobby Moseley as pre-season began.

Hackett said, 'As ever, we will aim to finish anywhere in the top five. Hopefully we can be in around the top sides once again. It is going to be a very tough but open league... We have done really well in recent seasons and it would be brilliant if we could emulate that again.

'We are going to aim to play our usual open and attacking football this season. I think the fans appreciate that and will hopefully come and support us in force again... I'm happy with the squad at the moment'".

News of Rushall Olympic comes from the Walsall Advertiser, which states that "The 'Pics have added to their backroom staff with the appointment of a former Premier League goalkeeper. Brian Jensen will join Rushall Olympic as their goalkeeping coach.

The 42 year-old, affectionately known as The Beast, played over 450 senior games during his career which saw him give great service to West Bromwich Albion and Burnley... He is still playing in Northern Ireland's top-flight with Crusaders as well as carving out a reputation as a well-respected coach...

He moved to Burnley in 2003... before going to Bury. Spells with Crawley Town and Mansfield Town followed before he joined up with Crusaders during the summer. He will combine this with coaching The Pics' goalkeepers...

Said manager [and ex-Alty loanee] Wayne Thomas, 'He's a great character and a fantastic coach, so it's a real boost to have him on board here'".

Alty's opponents on tne second Satyurday of the season are the subject of a report by the Matlock Mercury which says that "Glenn Kirkwood acknowledged the tough opening his Matlock Town side face to the new season this week, but says his players are itching to get started. The Gladiators’ first game is at Stourbridge on Sunday, 24 hours after everyone else gets under way with home games to follow against Hednesford Town on Tuesday night and Altrincham next weekend.

'We couldn’t have asked for a tougher start,' Town’s joint boss admitted. 'Those three clubs will be right up there at the end of the season. Stourbridge are rightly one of the favourites for the league title... They did really well in the league last season and were unlucky not to be promoted (losing 1-0 in the play off final at Spennymoor).

'But we think we’re ready and we’re sick to death now of playing friendlies and training... Me and Hoppo remarked what a strong squad we have this season. It’s what we wanted, not just the basic 11 players. We have ready made replacements if someone drops out for whatever reason.'

As Kirkwood pointed out both Matlock and Stourbridge will have different squads from last season. Most notably prolific striker Luke Benbow has moved to Solihull Moors from Stourbridge while the Gladiators have 10 new additions to their ranks, having lost three. Marcus Dinanga has returned to Burton Albion and Niall McManus has returned to London following the completion of his university studies in Sheffield.

This week full-back Liam Marsden has also left the club. Matlock had already signed full backs Ryan Wilson and Rory Coleman, former Matlock Academy defender Max Hunt, defensive midfielder Todd Jordan, winger Luis Rose and striker Shaun Harrad before Kirkwood and fellow boss Craig Hopkins made four more signings during the past week.

Mansfield Town strikers Tyler Blake and Zayn Hakeem have arrived in separate loan deals, Blake until Christmas and Hakeem for a month. Rhys Sharpe, who had a loan spell at Matlock at the end of last season has also checked in... Then on Tuesday former Rotherham United winger Darnell Bailey-King signed on the dotted line after impressing in the pre-season build-up.

'Tyler, Zayn and Darnell should be really big players for us,' said Kirkwood. 'And we’re really fortunate to have Rhys Sharpe. Both Stourbridge and ourselves will be two new sides and it’s a case of whoever adapts the best. We’ve said all along, it’s all about that first game when points are at stake, results and performances in pre-season don’t mean anything.'

Matlock could be in their brand new away strip of all-anthracite at Stourbridge after it was given a debut on Friday night when goals from Harrad and Dwayne Wiley saw them end their pre-season programme with a 2-1 home win over Belper Town".

Down in Somerset, Ciderspace an independent Yeovil Town site, reports that "Former Yeovil Town attacking midfielder Ollie Bassett has found himself a new club. He has signed for Coalville Town, penning a one year contract with them. There had been local media reports linking the former Southampton academy player with a move to Barnsley back in May, but there was no sign of that happening at the Yorkshire end, and in fact the Leicestershire club have stated that the 19 year old has been training with them throughout pre-season but as a trialist.

Coalville report that Ollie's arrangements had been that he would stay with them throughout the pre-season period on an informal basis on the understanding that if a Football League side came in for him, that he might walk. With no suitable deal on the table, and the 2017-18 season having started, he has now agreed to put pen to paper for a club that is close to his family home.

Ollie scored twice for Coalville in pre-season. He agreed terms with them for the 2017-18 season on Tuesday night".


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