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EASTLEIGH (Home) Friday, 4 September 2026 k.o. 7.45pm |
ALTY HEADLINES
- 2 Sep 2026 : HIGHLIGHTS OF WIN AT FGR...More
- 2 Sep 2026 : FGR VIEW OF ALTY WIN...More
- 2 Sep 2026 : NEXT: EASTLEIGH...More
- 2 Sep 2026 : ALTY OLD BOYS...More
OTHER HEADLINES
- 2 Sep 2026 : TUESDAY RESULT... More
- 2 Sep 2026 : SOLIHULL REMAIN POINTLESS... More
- 2 Sep 2026 : SUTTON SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT... More
- 2 Sep 2026 : "TAMWORTH AGAINST THE WORLD"... More
2 September 2026
HIGHLIGHTS OF WIN AT FGR
Alty TV has some eight minutes of highlights of Altrincham's win at Forest Green on Monday.
FGR VIEW OF ALTY WIN
After Altrincham had recorded their first win at Nailsworth since 2008, Forest Green Rovers reported that their team "fell to their third defeat in a row at the hands of Altrincham on Bank Holiday Monday at The New Lawn.Jimmy Knowles put the visitors in front nine minutes into the second half, beating Ethan Ross from range after turning Kyle Kelly in midfield.
Rovers hit back only 60 seconds later through captain Kyle McAllister, who fired past Owen Evans in the Altrincham goal.
Forest Green were then dealt a sucker punch in the final minute of injury time, as Altrincham substitute Kahrel Reddin grabbed the winner for the visitors...
The visitors found some joy down Rovers' right-hand side in the 25th minute, as Taylor delivered a good ball across the box which the visitors could not capitalise on. Altrincham captain Tom Crawford then scuffed what looked to be the best chance of the half.
Altrincham started the better of the two sides in the second half. Jimmy Knowles received the ball out wide and turned midfielder Kyle Kelly before striking low and hard past Ross in the Rovers net.
Rovers hit back instantly: half-time substitute Ricardo Rees picked the ball up on the left-hand side and drove at the Altrincham defence, creating room for McAllister to run into space. Receiving the cutback from Rees, McAllister smashed the ball past Evans to bring Rovers level...
FGR hearts were broken, though, in the dying embers of the match, as Altrincham substitute Kahrel Reddin (left)found the back of the net after Samuel Taylor's shot looked to be heading wide, sending Altrincham home with all three points and back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
It is another tough result to take for Robbie Savage's side, who face a tough away trip next up against in-form, newly promoted Hornchurch - a must-win fixture for Rovers, who have now lost three league games on the bounce",
TUESDAY RESULT
- FC Halifax Town 1-0 Hartlepool United
As a consequence of this result, Altrincham dropped a place to 16th.
NEXT: EASTLEIGH
For the second Friday night in succession, Altrincham have a home game on 4 September when, this time, it is Eastleigh who arrive after having to make a lengthy journey from Hampshire.After five games, the Spitfires lie ninth in the Enterprise National League, four points ahead of sixteenth-placed Altrincham.
The clubs' relative positions were reversed at then end of last season when thirteenth-placed Alty finished seven points ahead of Eastleigh, who ended up in seventeenth place.
Altrincham won the corresponding fixture to this Friday's at the JDS 1-0 last April, the goal being netted by Tom Crawford.
The result and others elsewhere ensured that both teams found themselves statistically safe from relegation. But Altrincham made extremely heavy weather of securing the win, allowing Eastleigh to dominate the closing quarter of the game.
The only goal of the afternoon arrived in the 18th minute when, from a Knowles pass, Humbles brought a fine save out of Eastleigh keeper McNamara but the ball was recycled and from a Kosylo feed Crawford netted.
Alty were largely comfortable rather than dominant before the weather and their performance deteriorated after the hour mark. Indeed, the Robins were greatly indebted for maintaining their lead to goalkeeper Hutchinson (pictured left, during the game) whose series of second-half saves earned him a deserved Man of the Match accolade.
In mitigation, nine players were unavailable to Neil Gibson for the match. Seven of them (Ross, Banks, Sass-Davies, Olson, Reed, Forde and Grant) were out of contention through injury whilst Barnes and Reddin remained suspended for this game.
Just five of the starters in April 2026 also started the Robins' match last Monday; they were Cooper, Humbles, Khan, Crawford and Knowles.
Alty's team last season comprised 30. Luke Hutchinson, 14. Matty Kosylo, 34. Dan Sassi, 5. Jake Cooper, 33. Eddy Jones, 28. Liam Humbles, 8. Isaac Marriott, 10. Otis Khan, 22. Tom Crawford (c), 7. Olly Crankshaw, 11. Jimmy Knowles. Subs: 27. Louie Fallon (gk), 12. Kian Breckin, 17. Lucas Weaver, 23. Tylor Golden, 25. Joel Bailey, 28. Remi Raymond, 40. Charlie Kirk.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Before surveying Tuesday's action for Altrincham "old boys", Phil Jordan reports that on Monday in the Midland League Premier Division, ASTLEY MULHOLLAND named himself in the Wythenshawe Town starting lineup as they beat second placed visitors Runcorn Town 2-1.A look at the league table reveals that the nearest of the current top 5 clubs to the actual Midlands are leaders Winsford United.
Coverage of Tuesday's games starts in League One where JUNIOR QUITIRNA wasn't in the Wycombe Wanderers squad which lost 1-2 to visitors Sheffield Wednesday.
Stevenage captain CARL PIERGIANNI played the whole of their goalless draw at Peterborough United, for whom CHRIS CONN-CLARKE (right) was a 70th minute substitute.
League Two : JUSTIN AMALUZOR wasn't in the Grimsby Town squad at Accrington Stanley, where they drew 2-2 despite being on top throughout, and having built a 2 goal lead.
JAKE BICKERSTAFF was an 87th minute substitute for Cheltenham Town, who had just scored what turned out to be the clincher as they beat visitors York City 3-2. JEFF KING came on for York after 67 minutes, at the same time as ALEX NEWBY was withdrawn.
KEVIN BERKOE played the full game for Shrewsbury Town on his return to Rochdale, where he made 9 appearances last season, but it was an unhappy return as, despite only having 7 shots to the Shrews 16, Rochdale won 3-0, converting every attempt they had on target.
Newport County led at Salford City, but the Ammies 32 goal attempts to their 4 eventually paid dividends with a 2-1 win. The clincher came in the 90th minute after County had brought on DAN SASSI 6 minutes earlier.
Tranmere Rovers, with JOEL SENIOR playing throughout, led twice against visitors Rotherham United, but had Bobby Faulkner sent off in the 94th minute, and conceded the equaliser 2 minutes later.
NPL Premier Division : Warrington Town won 1-2 at Leek Town, despite playing with 10 men from the 51st minute. BEN ELLIOTT only came off the bench for them in the 88th minute, while HAYDEN CAMPBELL played the whole game for the hosts, who were still without ADAM PORTER.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS
On Monday, Solihull Moors "suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Fylde at Damson Park, leaving Chris Millington's side bottom of the National League table after losing each of the first five fixtures in the competition".
The Moors conceded the opening goal in the 34th minute.
As the Moors described it, "A corner at the other end of the pitch" led to the ball being "collected by Fylde keeper Jones, who then launched a long ball over the top of The Moors defence.
Metcalfe raced out of his box and attempted to head the ball clear, but was undone by an awkward bounce, the ball glancing off his head and Fylde's Harvey Broad was more than happy to run past and roll the ball into an empty net. It was very harsh on Solihull's number 1, who has been one of the bright sparks of the season so far. 0-1"
Just eight minutes later "Jack Morris was played through one-on-one with Metcalfe and made no mistake as he calmly slotted into the bottom corner to put his side two goals ahead. 0-2...
The second half kicked off with Solihull knowing they needed something special to turn the game around, and as he has so many times already this season, Wakeling was the man to produce it. The forward headed in from close-range following a flick-on from a corner...
Whatever [manager Chris] Millington had said at half-time clearly worked wonders as his side were transformed...
Wakeling was at the heart of everything", but after 59 minutes "Luca Thomas scored Fylde's third goal on the counter... 1-3...
Ultimately it was another frustrating afternoon for Solihull, but the second half performance in particular will be hugely encouraging in this tough period. Thank you as always for your unwavering support".
In contrast to the Moors winless start, Sutton United's "Dean Hammond insisted United will respond positively after suffering their first defeat of the season against Wealdstone on Bank Holiday Monday.
The U’s fell to a 2-0 loss courtesy of a brace either side of half time from Micah Obiero, but the result remains a minor setback in what has been an excellent start to the 2026/27 campaign, with five victories from the opening six matches, [including a National League Cup match]
With Chris Agutter being shown a straight red card in stoppage time, media duties fell to Assistant Manager Hammond, who was keen to stress that the focus must immediately switch towards the response...
't’s always disappointing to lose, frustrating to lose, but, you know, we’ve won five out of six games this season, which has been an incredible start'...
The result came just three days after Friday night’s dramatic victory at Gateshead, where the team played with ten men before securing a late 1-0 win through Temi Babalola, and the former Southampton and Leicester City midfielder acknowledged the demands of that trip, including the long journey back, but refused to use it as an excuse...
'You’ve got to remember that we had a really tough game on Friday night. We were down to ten men, the players came through that with a superb performance, and the mentality in that game was exceptional.”
'Then you’ve got the travel back as well. We got back really, really late, so you suffer a little bit in terms of your preparation. But no excuses...
'We’re a top team, we’ve got some top players, and they’ll do that; it’s about bouncing back@".
Another team coming to terms with defeat are Tamworth, where "Manager Andy Peaks was disappointed not to travel home from Somerset with at least a point on the board after a 3-2 defeat against Yeovil Town.
The Glovers took the lead, but it was Jake Hutchinson who levelled just before half time. Yeovil made it 2-1 in the 53rd minute, and added a third goal just after the hour mark. Kieren Donnelly got a goal back for Tamworth almost immediately, and the Lambs came close to equalising in the 89th minute, but Haydn Hollis’s finish was ruled out for offside.
Peaks said 'Frustrated not to get anything out of the game, to be honest... We had a good game plan here on how we could catch them, and I thought we were a threat from the first minute to the 98th minute, to be honest...
Hollis’s late goal was initially given, but after a lengthy delay, the assistant referee decided that it was offside and the score would remain at 3-2.
Peaks said... 'I’ve been and spoken to the referee and his assistants respectfully and in the right way, they could see I was frustrated.
'My problem is that whether it was offside or not, they haven’t got VAR, so I think it was a big call to go back on the decision they’d made because both the referee and the assistant gave the goal. Then something changed...
'It’s us against the world. That’s what we’re all about at Tamworth'">
1 September 2026
FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1-2 ALTRINCHAM
In a goalless first half Altrincham gave as good as they got and, indeed, they spurned the best chance of the half when Crawford shot wide from a good opening. However, Evans was the slightly busier keeper, albeit even he had only a couple of saves to make.
Altrincham took the lead in the 54th minute when Knowles (right) netted from outside the box on the right, with a low, left-footed shot into the far corner of Ross's net.
But a mistake by Banks to the right of the Altrincham goal allowed FGR to work the ball to McAllister who equalised little more than a minute later (55 mins).
The goal boosted Rovers and they dominated the attacking momentum for the rest of the second half, ending up with 27 shots in the game as a whole.
But, although Evans made a few fairly routine saves, the hosts could not score and they were stunned when, deep imto added time, Taylor won possession on the left. He interchanged passes with Breckin before getting into the box. From the left his low cross-cum-shot was netted from close range by Reddin, arriving at the back post, to clinch the three points.
For Altrincham, Cooper came in for Kosylo and Barnes returned on the bench but Lucas Weaver was again missing as were the long-term injured quartet of Charlie Olson (hamstring), Eddie Jones (hamstring), Owen German (ruptured achilles) and Kristian Dennis (unspecified injury).
Rovers made three changes as Rees and Patrick moved to the bench and ex-Alty man James Berry dropped out. Into the eleven came Osude, Kelly and Etaluku. Ethan Ross was named in goal to face his forner employers.
Match report here
NEIL GIBSON'S VIEW
Speaking after the win at Forest Green, Neil Gibson paid tribute on Alty TV not only to his team, for their second win in three days, but also to the travelling support.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports...National League : Although Boston United led twice, visitors Hornchurch won 2-3. The Pilgrims withdrew CONNOR TEALE after 88 minutes.
Carlisle United took an early lead against visitors Scunthorpe United. The Iron levelled, but REGAN LINNEY restored Carlisle's lead, and they went in 3-1 up at the break. By the time ROSS BARROWS, who played the full game, scored in the 84th minute it was merely consolation as they lost 4-2.
Regan's day was slightly soured by his second booking of the season, and he was withdrawn immediately after Ross's goal. Scunthorpe's JAMES GALE was also booked, and substituted after 75 minutes. DECLAN HOWE was a 62nd minute for them, but REAGAN OGLE was again not involved.
JOSH LUNDSTRAM (left) played the whole of Eastleigh's 1-1 draw, but visitors Aldershot Town withdrew MARCUS DINANGA after 70 minutes.
CALLUM DOLAN was booked as Kidderminster Harriers drew 1-1 with visitors Barrow, who had led with a goal set up by KEATON WARD. OLLY CRANKSHAW was withdrawn after 29 minutes, and Keaton returned to the Barrow bench after 81 minutes, although KENNEDY DIGIE and ISAAC MARRIOTT played throughout.
Jacob Wakeling has scored 4 goals in 5 games for Solihull Moors, but yet again his strike was in vain as they remain rock bottom without a single point. Today's visitors were AFC Fylde who won 1-3. CRAIG MAHON'S side actually had less chances (6) to Moors 14. CHRIS MERRIE played the full game.
Boreham Wood were behind at Worthing at the break, and withdrew TYLOR GOLDEN (right) at 1-1 in the 72nd minute. What followed was exactly what Worthing's fans wouldn't have wanted to see as their former player DANNY CASHMAN struck twice in 5 minutes. Wood survived a late penalty to win 2-3, and are the new leaders after Sutton United went down 0-2 to visitors Wealdstone.
Neither MATT GOULD nor JACK KINGDON were in Yeovil Town's squad, as they won 3-2 at home against Tamworth.
National North : LEWIS BAINES and ELLIOT NEWBY both started for Morecambe at Chester, and PHIL PARKINSON'S Seals were on the wrong end of the game's only goal. Despite scoring last time out, BILLY WATERS only joined the action as a replacement for TOM PEERS after 62 minutes. The defeat sees Chester drop to 4th.
The new leaders are Macclesfield, who despatched newly promoted Hebburn Town 3-0 at the Moss Rose. ELLIOTT OSBORNE (left) and GEORGE WILSON started, but SAM HEATHCOTE wasn't in the squad.
Radcliffe lost to the only goal against visitors Darlington, who were down to 10 men from the 69th minute. JORDAN HULME captained Boro, and played the full game, while BRAD JACKSON was withdrawn after 87 minutes. JUDE OYIBO was a 72nd minute substitute.
Southport's HARRY PERRITT won Man of the Match despite being sent off in the 88th minute, as visitors Hereford scored the game's only goal from the penalty spot. REGAN GRIFFITHS also started for the Sandgrounders, and was booked, while LUKE BURGESS was pressed into action from the bench as early as the 13th minute, only to be withdrawn just before the hour.
DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY played the whole of Hednesford Town's 1-1 draw at Spennymoor Town.
National South : MILES WELCH-HAYES was booked as Maidenhead United were held 1-1 by visitors AFC Totton.
Welsh Premier League : LOUIS FALLON conceded twice, one of them a penalty, but Airbus comfortably saw off visitors Holywell Town 6-2.
JOEL TORRANCE also conceded twice, but with unhappier consequences as Llandudno lost 2-0 in their local derby at Colwyn Bay.
JOHN DISNEY dropped MIKEY STONE to the bench, but JAMES JONES (right) captained Connah's Quay Nomads in their local derby at Flint Town United where they won 1-2. Mikey eventually joined the action after 59 minutes.
NPL Premier Division : DANNY WHITEHEAD captained Curzon Ashton to a 2-0 victory in their Tameside derby, while JOSH OLLERENSHAW watched from the bench. JAMES HARDY played the full game for visitors Ashton United.
DAVID FITZPATRICK played the full game for Avro, who won 3-4 at Broadhurst Park against FC United, who remain in bottom spot and winless.
A crowd of 2,167 saw Hyde United captain JACK REDSHAW score the clincher before his 83rd minute substitution, as they beat visitors Bury 2-1. WILL HALL and DONTAI GABIDON played the full game for the Tigers, who were only able to field 3 substitutes.
NPL Division 1 East : ZAK GOODSON's 35th minute effort earned Matlock Town a 1-1 draw at bottom club Hallam.
NPL Division 1 Midlands : TOLANI OMOTOLA was one of the scorers for Boldmere St.Michaels in their 3-3 draw at Coleshill Town, although he picked up a late booking.
ANDY DALES was withdrawn by Mickleover at the break in their home game against Loughborough Students. Mickleover would have gone second with a victory, but the visitors gained their first win of the season in quite some style, hitting 6 goals without reply.
NPL Division 1 West: 1874 Northwich got off to a bad start against visitors Vauxhall Motors by having a player sent off in only the 2nd minute, but despite that handicap they opened the scoring. Without KEVIN ELLISON, Motors did eventually beat MAX BEDDOW (right) to earn a 1-1 draw. After one of their substitutes came on in the 73rd minute and left after a second yellow just 8 minutes later, 1874 were probably relieved to share the points.
Although SEAN LAWTON put in a full shift, Newcastle Town lost their Potteries derby at Hanley Town 3-2.
There was another derby just up the road, where visitors Congleton Town saw their goalkeeper DAVE PARTON concede twice as Kidsgrove Athletic won 2-1.
JAMES LAWRIE played the whole of Witton Albion's 0-3 win at Nantwich Town. BEN HARRISON'S team were without JOEL BEMBO-LETA, while former Robins trialist DAMOLA SOTONA was an unused substitute. JOSH HANCOCK, JOE PIGGOTT and AIDY ROXBURGH all played the full game for the vanquished Dabbers.
TONY THOMPSON was denied a clean sheet as he and SHARIF DEANS played throughout Prescot Cables 1-1 home draw with Runcorn Linnets. SEAN MILLER (left) was an 81st minute substitute for the visitors.
Stalybridge Celtic were surprisingly beaten 0-4 at home by Atherton Collieries. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game for Celtic, while GREG WILKINSON was an unused substitute. Collieries captain SAM SHERIDAN played the whole match, but AARON BENNETT was left on the bench.
Wythenshawe FC captain JEROME WRIGHT was booked, and DARIUS PALMA was withdrawn after 85 minutes, but they beat visitors Mossley 2-0. Lilywhites skipper MARK LEES and MASON FAWNS played throughout.
Midland League : West Didsbury & Chorlton dropped LEWIS BILLINGSLEY to the bench for their visit to Runcorn to face Northwich Victoria, where they lost 2-1. Vics withdrew ELLIOTT ROKKA after 71 minutes.
ENL FIXTURES
For the second home game in a row, Altrincham are playing on a Friday night, as Eastleigh face a lengthy trek from Hampshire for the 7.45pm fixture at the J. Davidson Stadium on 4 SeptemberTuesday 1st September
- Halifax Town v Hartlepool United
Friday 4th September
- Altrincham v Eastleigh
Saturday 5th September, 3pm unless stated
- AFC Fylde v Worthing
- Aldershot Town v FC Halifax Town (12.30pm)
- Barrow v Sutton United
- Gateshead v Solihull Moors
- Hartlepool United v Woking
- Hornchurch v Forest Green Rovers
- Scunthorpe United v Harrogate Town
- Southend United v Yeovil Town (12.30pm)
- Tamworth v Boston United
- Wealdstone v Kidderminster Harriers
- Boreham Wood v Carlisle United (5.30pm)
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
In the National League, Gateshead's keeper Pete Jameson scored the opening goal of the match against his former club Harrogate Town from a long clearance. You can view it here.
31 August 2026
MONDAY FIXURES
Monday 31st August 2026, 3pm- Boston United 2-3 Hornchurch
- Carlisle United 4-2 Scunthorpe United
- Eastleigh 1-1 Aldershot Town
- Forest Green Rovers 1-2 Altrincham
- Harrogate Town 2-1 Gateshead
- Kidderminster Harriers 1-1 Barrow
- Solihull Moors 1-3 AFC Fylde
- Sutton United 0-2 Wealdstone
- Woking 1-1 Southend United
- Worthing 2-3 Boreham Wood
- Yeovil Town 3-2 Tamworth
NEXT GAME: FOREST GREEN ROVERS
Monday afternoon brings Altrincham to Nailsworth to take on Forest Green Rovers.FGR first reached national level in 1998 but did not meet Altrincham until the 1999-2000 season when Alty briefly returned to the Football Conference, having been relegated in 1997.
Both matches in 1999-2000 ended in 1-1 draws.

The current FGR squad includes two former Altrincham players in ETHAN ROSS and JAMES BERRY (right).
Goalkeeper Ross (left) joined FGR in summer 2026 having missed more than a year at Altrincham with an ACL injury.
Berry (right) also joined FGR last summer, albeit as a loanee from Wycombe Wanderers.
He was hailed as a future star when Altrincham announced the signing on 5 August 2021 of former Liverpool, Wigan Athletic and (most recently) Hull City youngster.
He had made two pre-season appearances for Altrincham at that point but before the season began he hhad gone on loan to the newly formed Macclesfield FC, an arrangement that was extended in January 2022 until the end of the 2021-22 season.
But on 10 March 2022 it was announced that Berry had joined Macclesfield on a permanent basis for an "undisclosed fee", having scored 11 times in 32 appearances for the Silkmen at NW Counties Premier level (step five).
He moved to Chesterfield in 2023 and then Wycombe Wanderers in 2025. The Chairboys, for whom he made a handful of appearances, loaned him back to Chesterfield.
In June 2026 Forest Green Rovers signed him on loan from Wycombe, with manager Robbie Savage hailing him as "undoubtedly one of the best talents I have ever worked with, and his ability is unquestionable". Berry had featured under Savage at Macclesfield.
MANAGERS' VIEWS
Following Altrincham's 2-1 win over FC Halifax Town on Friday night, the Non-League Paper spoke to both managers.Alty's Neil Gibson said "We have played well for long periods of our games so far but to put in that sort of professional performance across 90 minutes, we got the win that we needed.
"The fans could see tonight how hard the players are working to pull us out of the false start we've made results-wise".
In contrast the Shaymen's boss, John McGrath opined, "We were so passive in the first half. We didn't lay a glove on Altrincham and individuals didn't do their jobs, which means the structure falls apart.
"The first goal is on us [management], we're encouraging him [Bardell] to play it back to our keeper but the second goal is criminal, we duck out of the first header and then turned our back on the strike.
"We were better in the second half".
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports:League One : Despite being booked, ALI SMITH played the whole of AFC Wimbledon's 1-0 home win over Wigan Athletic.
ALTY'S BAD TIMING
Altrincham supporters well know that their club peaked at the wrong time, twice winning the forerunner of the National League but they did so in the period when promotion to the Football League was not automatic.Likewise none of Alty's 17 FA Cup victories over League clubs earned the club the kind of mega-money available these days for such giant-killing matches.
And in the context of this weekend's news that Swedish club Djurgardens is to pay at least £1.5 million for Boreham Wood's Adbdul Malik, another instance of Alty being in the right place at the wrong time occurred in March 1990 when the Robins entertained Djurgardens at Moss Lane!
Back on 28 March 1990 Altrincham lost a friendly against the Swedish First Division side at Moss Lane, 0-2, but no mega-bucks offer from the Stockholm club followed for Ken McKenna or any other of Alty starts of the day.
Barry Pikesley has kindly provided details of the 1990 game which include a press report that Djurgardens became "the first ever European outfit to visit Moss Lane".
For the game, Alty fielded a team which included "new signings and promising young blood" and lost only to two second-half goals.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The BBC reports that "Swedish club Djurgardens have signed Abdul Abdulmalik from Boreham Wood for a National League record fee of an initial £1.5m.
The deal could rise beyond that figure through add-ons, while Boreham Wood have also secured a sell-on clause.
The transfer surpasses the previous fifth-tier record, set in 2012 when Leicester City paid Fleetwood Town £1m for Jamie Vardy.
Abdulmalik completed his medical in Sweden after the deal was agreed on Sunday morning.
The forward enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2025-26, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists as Boreham Wood reached the National League play-off final, where he scored and set up a goal at Wembley...
Stockholm-based Djurgardens are currently fifth in the Allsvenskan... and remain in contention to qualify for Europe".
30 August 2026
ALTRINCHAM 2-1 FC HALIFAX TOWN
Altrincham's first win of the season, in their fourth fixture of the campaign, lifted them out of the relegation places, leaving them 19th as they prepare to face Forest Green Rovers on Monday afternoon.
Right: Kane Hemmings made his Altrincham debut as a late substitute on Friday night against FC Halifax Town.
FGR: THE LAST TIME
On Monday, Altrincham are away to Forest Green Rovers.Last season Altrincham took just 15 recorded supporters to a Wednesday night clash at the New Lawn in January 2026. They missed a very creditable draw for Neil Gibson's side.
Altrincham, having made four changes to their starting eleven for the second match in a row, secured their hard-earned point as the hosts succumbed to their tenth draw of the season.
In awful swirling rain and wind, Altrincham started well and went ahead in the 11th minute. Matty Kosylo, playing at right-back, fed Jimmy Knowles to his right and he found Olly Crankshaw whose shot was curled into the net from a central position, his fifth league goal of the campaign.
Crankshaw was later to force a near post save from keeper Isted's legs (26 mins) as Robbie Savage's men faltered. The FGR boss responded to his team's lacklustre showing with a triple change at the interval and a fourth substitution within ten minutes of the second half resuming.
An improved Rovers dominated the second half, especially up their left flank, and they levelled in the 58th minute with a low shot from 20 yards by substitute Jayden Clarke.
Alty defended for much of the rest of the game and barely threatened at the other end as FGR increased the corner count which finally amounted to sixteen against Altrincham's six, with the shots' count reflecting similar numbers, 17 v 5.
NEXT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS
Altrincham face Forest Green Rovers at The New Lawn on Monday (3pm). FGR were one of the pre-season favourites for the title but they have started indifferently, lying fourteenth as they welcome Alty to Gloucestershire.
On Friday they lost 2-0 at Mill Farm against AFC Fylde.
Forest Green Rovers admitted that "It was a difficult evening in West Lancashire, as Harvey Broard’s brace saw Rovers fall to a 2-0 defeat against AFC Fylde. The first half saw both sides have chances, but neither could break the deadlock.
Broard and Fylde scored twice in three second-half minutes, which secured the points for the home side...
The first half was a good watch despite the 0-0 scoreline, and both teams will have felt they could have gone in at the break ahead. Half Time - AFC Fylde 0-0 FGR
The second half started as the first finished, and Rovers played well until a crazy few minutes changed the game completely...
The home side took the lead in the 65th minute, with Harvey Broard beating ETHAN ROSS from close range.
The Coasters doubled their lead just three minutes later as Broard got his second of the game, volleying home Aaron Drewe’s cross.
The goals, unsurprisingly, knocked the wind out of the lads, and despite a few flurries forward they couldn't break down a well-drilled Fylde side...
FGR: Ross, Clarke, Campbell, McAllister, Haughton (Kelly 63’), Rees (Mellor 63’), Berry (Etaluku 49’), Patrick, Agina, Mabete, Sass (Osude 74’) Subs not used - McNicholas, Ajayi, Ewing".
THROUGH THE YEARS: 31 AUGUST
As Altrincham travel to FGR on Monday 31 August for game five of the 2026-27 season, the fixture has uncanny parallels with 31 August 2002 which likewise was game five of a season in which Alty had lost their first three games and won their first game in their fourth fixture! And the parallels continue as Alty went into their fourth game in 2002 lying 23rd and ended it in 19th place, just as happened this season.
That fifth game on 31 August 2002 was a 2-0 away win in Northumberland against Blyth Spartans.
Right: A fine performance from Altrincham deservedly resulted in a win away at Blyth Spartans in a match in which both sides were reduced to ten men and Rod Thornley scored twice but missed a penalty, as shown.
For details of all of Altrincham's fixtures on 31 August we are indebted to the Through the Years records of Howard Watts and Mike Garnett
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports on Saturday's games.League One : Peterborough United left CHRIS CONN-CLARKE on the bench at Blackpool, where they were beaten 4-0.
Right: Altrincham face FGR at Nailsworth on Monday. Back in 2011 in the corresponding fixture, CARL PIERGIANNI is seen closing down a Rovers player as Alty lost 1-0.
CARL PIERGIANNI (right) played the whole game for Stevenage, who opened the scoring against visitors Doncaster Rovers, but had to come from behind to draw 2-2.
By the time JUNIOR QUITIRNA came off the Wycombe Wanderers bench at Edgeley Park in the 71st minute, they were 4-1 down to Stockport County, who added a fifth late on.
League Two : Cheltenham Town had come from behind at Barnet to lead 1-2 when JAKE BICKERSTAFF came off the bench after 68 minutes, but they couldn't hold on to their advantage and the game ended 2-2.
JUSTIN AMALUZOR was substituted at half time as Grimsby Town were held 2-2 by visitors Fleetwood Town.
Newport County brought DAN SASSI on for the second half at home to Tranmere Rovers. They led at the time, but after JOEL SENIOR (left) assisted the equaliser they found themselves 1-2 down as time was running out. However they snatched a 2-2 draw in the 90th minute.
KEVIN BERKOE played the full game for Shrewsbury Town as they won 1-0 at home against his old club Salford City.
ALEX NEWBY put York City ahead in the 7th minute at home to Exeter City, and after JEFF KING came off the bench midway through the second half they increased their advantage. Alex came off in the 91st minute, and the Devon side scored a late consolation goal.
Scottish Premiership : All JOE HUGILL had to show for a full stint in Kilmarnock's home game against Dundee United was a yellow card as they lost 0-4.
Scottish Championship : Livingston lost by the only goal at Arbroath, and it had already been scored before TYRESE SINCLAIR came off the bench after 69 minutes.
Scottish League One : KIAN TAYLOR was a 74th minute substitute for Airdrieonians as they were held to a goalless draw at home by East Fife
National North : Macclesfield trailed at the break at Darlington, but came back to win 1-2. ELLIOTT OSBORNE, SAM HEATHCOTE, and GEORGE WILSON all started, but George limped off on the stroke of half time, while Sam picked up a booking.
Although BILLY WATERS equalised for them at Hereford, Chester lost their 100% record with a 1-1 draw. TOM PEERS was withdrawn by PHIL PARKINSON after 69 minutes, but Billy played the full game.
Captained by JORDAN HULME, and with BRAD JACKSON also starting, Radcliffe suffered a hammer blow at Marine when the hosts scored inside 10 seconds. Jordan was withdrawn at half time, and Brad gave way to JUDE OYIBO after 75 minutes, by which time Marine had sealed a 2-0 win.
Southport's journey to the opposite coast ended badly, as Scarborough Athletic hammered them 5-1. REGAN GRIFFITHS joined the game for the second half, and HARRY PERRITT came on after 61 minutes. Captain LUKE BURGESS might have played the whole game but for a 95th minute red card.
Bart Cybulski's hat trick ensured that Spalding United didn't miss the injured YUSIFU CEESAY (right) as they beat visitors Worksop Town 3-1.
National South : One goal was enough to see off Maidenhead United at Chelmsford City. They weren't helped by a 41st minute red card. MILES WELCH-HAYES was an unused substitute.
NPL Premier Division : This was the place to watch goals today, as the 8 matches provided 49 of them. There were 8 at Avro as DAVID FITZPATRICK played the whole of their 5-3 win over Stockton Town.
They were more evenly apportioned at Bamber Bridge where Hyde United drew 4-4. Skipper JACK REDSHAW opened the scoring, but left the action after 74 minutes. WILL HALL and DONTAI GABIDON played throughout.
Warrington Rylands captain DEAN FURMAN returned to play the full game as they won 1-2 at Alfreton Town.
FC United were again without the injured GEZ SITHOLE as they lost 3-2 at high-flying Redcar Athletic.
Warrington Town shared 4 goals with visitors Emley. BEN ELLIOTT played for 93 minutes.
Although HAYDEN CAMPBELL played the full game for Leek Town, they lost 3-2 at Workington. ADAM PORTER remains on the injured list.
FA Trophy Qualifying Round : MAX BEDDOW was beaten twice in the opening 25 minutes at Croft Park as Blyth Spartans knocked out 1874 Northwich 2-0.
TOLANI OMOTOLA (left) was withdrawn by Boldmere St.Michaels after 77 minutes. Visitors St.Ives Town forced a goalless draw, but lost the shootout 5-4.
Nantwich Town travelled to the "other" Boston club, Boston Town. Captained by JOE PIGGOTT, they led before being pegged back just after the hour. However AIDY ROXBURGH picked up Joe's through ball after 66 minutes to send the Dabbers through 2-1
There was no clean sheet for Congleton Town's keeper DAVE PARTON, but it made little difference as they eliminated visitors Atherton Collieries 4-1. Collieries captain SAM SHERIDAN (right) played the whole match, while AARON BENNETT was a 61st minute substitute.
Mickleover travelled to Grantham, where Altrincham were crowned NPL champions in 2018. ANDY DALES played the full game as they went through 1-3.
JAMES WALSHAW took his Ossett United side to Guisborough Town, where they lost 3-2.
Mossley crossed the Pennines to the Sheffield suburb of Crosspool to take on Hallam FC.
Captained by MARK LEES, they also started MASON FAWNS. It didn't go well, and they trailed 3-0 at the break. However a battling second half performance saw normal time end 3-3, and the tie went to penalties. Unfortunately the Lilywhites lost that 5-4 so they won't be repeating their 1980 run to the Wembley final when they were runners up to Dagenham.
Captained by DARIUS PALMA, but without JEROME WRIGHT, Wythenshawe FC travelled to Geordieland where they beat Heaton Stannington by the only goal of the game.
Matlock Town's ZAK GOODSON scored before being substituted after 76 minutes as they eased through 0-5 at Lichfield City.
Still without TOM HANNIGAN, Bootle cruised through 0-5 at Liversedge.
Witton Albion made the 376 mile round trip to Morpeth Town, but returned home defeated 2-0. BEN HARRISON started JAMES LAWRIE, while JOEL BEMBO-LETA was on the bench.
KYLE BROWNHILL started for Stalybridge Celtic at home to Bradford (Park Avenue), where they were behind in 9 minutes, but were level at half time. It was still 1-1 when GREG WILKINSON joined the action after 76 minutes, but Celtic scored 5 minutes later to win 2-1.
NWCL Premier Division : A single goal from RYAN BROOKE was enough to give Trafford the win at home to FC Isle of Man.
CRAIG ELLISON wasn't involved for struggling Widnes Town, who were only able to name 2 substitutes at Sandbach United, and lost 6-0.
Midlands League : West Didsbury & Chorlton won comfortably 0-4 at Darlaston Town. LEWIS BILLINGSLEY was brought down in the penalty area to allow Joe Berks to open the scoring from the spot, and added the third goal himself. Berks went onto complete his hat trick.
ELLIOTT ROKKA scored twice, and won the Man of the Match award as Northwich Victoria beat visitors Abbey Hulton United 5-3, having earlier been behind.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Altrincham's last opponents, FC Halifax Town "confirm the signing of midfielder Theo Wainman, following a spell with Chesterfield’s academy and Dearne & District.
Coming through the youth setup with Chesterfield, Wainman progressed to the under 18s. Whilst with Chesterfield, the midfielder spent last season at Dearne & District in the Northern Counties East Football League Division One. Dearne & District were crowned champions last season, with Wainman being named young player of the season having made 32 appearances and scored three.
The midfielder joins having impressed on trial throughout pre-season".
29 August 2026
AFTER THE GAME: NEIL GIBSON
After the 2-1 win over FC Halifax Town, manager Neil Gibson spoke to Alty TV's Erin Carroll.
He described the match as "a wide-open game" as Halifax went "man for man all over the pitch", a tactic which Neil saluted as very brave as he personally likes to have "more control" on proceedings.
Right: Alty's opening goal came from Jimmy Knowles, who is pictured here during the game.
The manager also pointed out that Halifax, 2-0 down at the interval, "changed their wingers and went even more on the front foot". Given Alty's poor start to the season he admitted that his team showed some nervousness as a consequence.
Overall, however, he paid tribute to the players as they "have not felt sorry for themselves after the first few results".
He considered that "Kirky and Humbles ran themselves into the ground" which led to Breckin and Reddin coming on. Breckin he feels has deserved more minutes this season.
Overall, the "players' data output was through the roof" so they will have a day off today (Saturday) before coming in on Sunday to work on the game-plan for Monday's fixture at Forest Green Rovers. Neil added that he is likely "to freshen it up in one or two positions" for the match at the New Lawn.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Monday 31st August 2026, 3pm- Boston United v Hornchurch
- Carlisle United v Scunthorpe United
- Eastleigh v Aldershot Town
- Forest Green Rovers v Altrincham
- Harrogate Town v Gateshead
- Kidderminster Harriers v Barrow
- Solihull Moors v AFC Fylde
- Sutton United v Wealdstone
- Woking v Southend United
- Worthing v Boreham Wood
- Yeovil Town v Tamworth
ALTRINCHAM 2-1 FC HALIFAX TOWN
Altrincham finally secured a first win of the season, in their fourth outing, with this ultimately narrow victory over the Shaymen.The Robins took a sixteenth-minute lead when Knowles took advantage of a Halifax lapse to finish impressively past the keeper.
Altrincham doubled their lead in first-half added time as Crawford volleyed home after Kirk's freekick had come out to him from Lopata-White (pictured, right). It was fitting that Alty's captain scored as it was he who had been fouled to earn the freekick from the right.
Halifax made two changes at the interval and soon had a goal disallowed for offside before they went on to keep Altrincham penned back for a period.
However, Alty seemed to have weathered the pressure until Bray got forward on the right. His cross was inadvertently powered into the net by Matty Kosylo as he and David Kawa went for the same ball (81 mins).
Altrincham had a third goal disallowed (85 mins) and retained their lead without two many alarms in the closing stages.
Match report here.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan first reports on Saturday's game in the Australian NPL Victoria, where CONNOR HAMPSON played the whole of Oakleigh Cannons' last game of the regulation season, in which they scored first before finding themselves 1-3 down to visitors Dandenong City.They did manage to pull one goal back late on. They were crowned "Premiers" last weekend, so there was nothing at stake - and they finished 5 points clear as Hume City also lost.
They will now have a 2 week break before they play their Championship semifinal.
Earlier, Phil surveyed the activities of former Altrincham players and loanees on Friday...
South Korea K League 2 : A goal down at the break at Ansan Greeners, Daegu brought on MARCUS DACKERS for the second half, and went ahead on the hour. Marcus missed the last penalty he took, so he wasn't entrusted with the one they earned on 70 minutes, especially since it offered his Brazilian teammate Cesinha the chance of a hat trick - however he missed too. Marcus was booked late on, as his team hung on to win 1-2 and move up to 2nd, although two teams behind them have games in hand.
National League : Following a goalless first half at AFC Fylde, Forest Green Rovers withdrew JAMES BERRY only 3 minutes into the second half. However it was CRAIG MAHON's team who stepped up the pressure, and, with CHRIS MERRIE (left) putting in a full stint in their midfield, they beat ETHAN ROSS twice in 4 minutes midway through the half and held on to win 2-0. Rovers managed only a single attempt on target.
Harrogate Town also suffered a reality check in Hampshire. MARCUS DINANGA set up the first goal for Tristan Abrahams, who scored a first half hat trick. Marcus went off after 79 minutes as Shots won 3-1.
Barrow's miserable start to the season continued as they went down 1-2 at home to Yeovil Town, whose squad included neither JACK KINGDON nor MATT GOULD. Barrow gave a full game to both ISAAC MARRIOTT and KENNEDY DIGIE, while KEATON WARD (right) came on after 72 minutes and opened the scoring 7 minutes later. The Cumbrians had 15(9) shots to Yeovil's 7(4), but the Glovers provided the sting in the tail courtesy of an 87th minute penalty, and a 94th minute winner. Barrow left OLLY CRANKSHAW on the bench.
Despite KYLE FERGUSON putting in a full shift, and facing 10 men from the 57th minute onwards, Gateshead lost 0-1 to visitors Sutton United, who scored their goal after they'd lost Noah Nzuzi to that red card. The London club now have the only 100% record in the league after 4 games.
After a goalless first half at Hartlepool United, the hosts found themselves down to 10 men only a minute after the restart when Neo Eccleston picked up a second yellow card. There were still no goals when visitors Eastleigh withdrew JOSH LUNDSTRAM after 86 minutes, but they scored the only goal of the match after 97 minutes.
Solihull Moors took the lead at Scunthorpe United, but the Iron were level at the break, and JAMES GALE (left) put them in front after 56 minutes before being substituted 15 minutes later. ROSS BARROWS played the full game as Scunthorpe won 3-1, while DECLAN HOWE was a 64th minute substitute. However REAGAN OGLE missed out. Solihull are now the only team without a point after 4 matches.
When Southend United went in front after 10 minutes, most people would have expected visitors Kidderminster Harriers to have an uphill struggle, but it wasn't the case. They equalised on the hour, and then went on to win 1-3 with CALLUM DOLAN playing the full game.
Carlisle United lost TOBY MULLARKEY to injury after 22 minutes at Wealdstone, while REGAN LINNEY was withdrawn after 58 minutes. The Cumbrians led by the only goal at that stage, but Wealdstone equalised in the 90th minute to save a point.
National North : Hednesford Town, with DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY (right) in their starting lineup, came from behind to beat visitors Harborough Town 2-1.
LEWIS BAINES and ELLIOT NEWBY started for Morecambe at home to AFC Telford United. They led 2-0 at the break, and although JAKE MOULT's brother Louis gave them a late scare they held on to win for the first time this season 2-1.
LIAM BROCKBANK was a 61st minute substitute for Buxton, who won 2-3 at Oxford City.
Irish Premier League : St.Patrick's left BARRY BAGGLEY on the bench for their home game against his previous club Waterford, who struck twice without reply to further dim their hopes of finishing top.
Welsh Premier League : It was a difficult night for LOUIE FALLON as Airbus lost 4-2 at league leaders Barry, who have the only 100% record in the league after 5 games.
JOEL TORRANCE, on the other hand, kept a clean sheet as Llandudno won 2-0 at home to Haverfordwest, who played with 10 men from the 41st minute.
JAMES JONES played the full game, while MIKEY STONE was withdrawn after 70 minutes, as Connah's Quay Nomads beat league newcomers Cambrian United 3-0. It was the 4th consecutive win for JOHN DISNEY'S men who climbed to 3rd in the table.
FA Trophy Qualifying Round : TONY THOMPSON played the whole game for Prescot Cables, while SHARIF DEANS was a second half substitute, as they knocked out visitors Vauxhall Motors 4-1. KEVIN ELLISON wasn't in Motors' squad.
NPL Premier Division : Although Ashton United's JAMES HARDY played the full game, they were beaten 1-2 by visitors Gainsborough Trinity.
Cleethorpes Town had been unbeaten in their first 6 games, and are still top of the league despite losing 1-3 at home to Curzon Ashton, captained by DANNY WHITEHEAD. JOSH OLLERENSHAW wasn't in the Curzon squad.
28 August 2026
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Thursday 27th August 2026, 7.45pm- Boreham Wood 2-1 Boston United
Friday 28th August 2026, 7.45pm
- AFC Fylde 2-0 Forest Green Rovers
- Aldershot Town 3-1 Harrogate Town
- Altrincham 2-1 FC Halifax Town
- Barrow 1-2 Yeovil Town
- Gateshead 0-1 Sutton United
- Hartlepool United 0-1 Eastleigh
- Hornchurch 1-0 Woking
- Scunthorpe United 3-1 Solihull Moors
- Southend United 1-3 Kidderminster Harriers
- Tamworth 3-2 Worthing
- Wealdstone 1-1 Carlisle United
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
The arrival of Kane Hemmings (see below) means that he joins the select band of Altrincham players whose fathers have also played for the Club.Back in summer 1999 Kane's father Tony signed for Altrincham and turned out for the Robins in August of that year. He made two substitute appearances in that month when Alty were playing in the Football Conference but left on 22 August.
NINTH NEW SIGNING FOR ALTY
On Friday lunchtime, Altrincham FC announced "the signing of forward Kane Hemmings.The 34-year-old moves to The J.Davidson Stadium after spending last season in League Two with Barrow, and goes straight into contention for this evening's home game against FC Halifax Town...
Neil Gibson [stated] 'Kane's a player I've watched for a long time and he has great experience both in the EFL and the top levels in Scotland.
'We've been looking to add to the squad to help the players at the top end of the pitch. After meeting Kane it was clear he has the desire to come and help drive the team forward.
'He's someone who, in and around the box, has a good eye for goal, he's given the players a lift in training already, he's looked quite sharp and we'll [be?] excited to add him to the squad.'"
Footnote: Kane, who will wear shirt number 28, is the ninth newly contracted player of the summer but is the tenth signing at the J. Davidson Stadium since the end of last season, if loanee signing, Reuben LOPATA-WHITE is included.
The eight players previously contracted this summer are Aidan BARLOW, Sam BARNES, Kristian DENNIS, Owen EVANS, Andy FIRTH, Liam HUMBLES, Charlie OLSON and Sam TAYLOR.
Sadly, four of the contracted players have yet to start a match this season, these being Barnes, Dennis, Firth and Olson, with three of them (Barnes, Dennis and Olson) being sidelined by injury.
As for Kane Hemmings (d.o.b. 8 April, 1992 in Burton upon Trent) the six feet one inch tall forward has twelve previous clubs in his C.V..
Three of those clubs are in Scotland, where he started his professional career at Glasgow Rangers in 2011. He made 9 appearances for the Ibrox club and in two spells at Cowdenbeath (2013-14) and Dundee (2019-20) he made more than a hundred appearances in total.
His first club south of the Border was Barnsley (23 appearances 2014-15), followed by Oxford United (2016-18 40 apps), Mansfield Town (37 apps on loan in 2017-18) and Notts County (38 apps in 2018-19).
Subsequent spells at Burton Albion (2020-22), Tranmere Rovers (2022-23), Stevenage (2023-24), Crewe Alexandra (2024-25) and Barrow (2025-26) saw him amass more than 180 further appearances in which he scored 44 goals.
NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN
It may only be the fourth fixture of the season but tonight brings the third different kick-off time for Altrincham. After two 3pm kick-offs on a Saturday to open the campaign, a lunchtime start at Boston is followed tonight by a 7.45pm start on a Friday night.
Tonight's game is part one of a double bill for August Bank Holiday with part two comprising a trip to Forest Green Rovers for a Monday 3pm start on 3 August.
Altrincham will be seeking a first win of the season whereas The Shaymen ended their pointless start to the season with a 4-1 home win last time out at home to Tamworth.
Whether Altrincham's injured list has grown or diminished remains to be seen but last time out they were missing six first-team squad members. They were Charlie Olson (hamstring), Eddie Jones (hamstring), Owen German (ruptured achilles) and a trio of players with unspecified injuries in Tom Crawford, Sam Barnes and Kristian Dennis.
In addition, the fitness of Anthony Forde must be in doubt as he has yet to kick a ball in competitive action this season, despite being named on the bench in each game so far.
THROUGH THE YEARS: 28 AUGUST
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's updated Through the Years records show that the last time that Altrincham played a game on today's date, 28 August, they drew 3-3 away at AFC Fylde in 2023.
An injury to Geprge Wilson (right) left Altrincham to complete the game with ten men.
Back then, in a strange first half, Alty's much-changed side struggled for half an hour to produce anything in the way of impressive football against a Coasters' side which dominated possession without really testing Ethan Ross. Then Alty scored twice in as many minutes.
They took the lead on 33 minutes when the home keeper failed to hold an Angus shot from the right and Linney tapped the ball home.
Then, a good ball from Osborne gave Linney possession on the left and he fed an unmarked Angus in the central, outer reaches of the box and he beat the keeper with a fine shot, his third goal in 48 hours. So Alty led 2-0 at the break.
After 57 minutes Fylde won a clear penalty when James Jones brought down Haughton left of goal. Haughton's penalty was well saved by Ross to his right but as the ball bounced away in the box from Ross's save, debutant starter George Wilson went to hook it clear. From behind him Whitehead went for the ball too and the referee construed the incident as a second penalty, just seconds after the earlier spot kick. This time Houghton converted confidently to make it 1-2 (58 mins).
Substitute Omatayo headed in an equaliser from a cross from the Fylde right (79 mins). But despite not threatening at all from open play in the second half, Alty sub Amaluzor wrestled with Obi on the byline, left of goal, and the referee pointed to the spot. Conn-Clarke's hop-skip-and-jump penalty kick fooled the keeper to put Alty ahead again (88 mins).
But as ninety minutes approached, George Wilson was injured and, though he resumed after lengthy treatment, he had to go off soon afterwards leaving Alty to negotiate what turned into more than ten added minutes.
Fylde pressed forward against the ten men and got a very late corner on the left which was taken short to Whitehead, whose cross was headed in at the back post by Obi to leave the result 3-3 (90+10 mins).
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that on Wednesday, in the National League, Boreham Wood were trailing at home to Boston United when TYLOR GOLDEN was withdrawn after 80 minutes, but they struck twice in the dying minutes of normal time to win 2-1. CONNOR TEALE put in a full shift for the Pilgrims.
Carabao Cup : ALI SMITH played the full game for AFC Wimbledon at Craven Cottage, but they were no match for Fulham and lost 3-0.
Europa Conference League Qualifier : Larne were firm favourites to progress, given they commenced their home second leg against Lincoln Red Imps with a two goal advantage, but the team from Gibraltar struck twice in the last 8 minutes of normal time, and then snatched the win with a penalty after a minute of added time in extra time.
To make matters worse for the team from Northern Ireland, MONTEL GIBSON (right) came on as a 69th minute substitute, was booked inside 2 minutes, and was then sent off for a second yellow card having played for only 18 minutes.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Yeovil Town "are proud to commit to the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment to recognise and support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families...
Yeovil has a particularly strong connection with the Armed Forces, with RNAS Yeovilton playing an important role within the local community. Yeovil Town are proud to recognise that connection and the contribution made by members of the Armed Forces and their families across Somerset.
The club already has a history of recognising the Armed Forces community through our annual Remembrance and Armistice activities at Huish Park...
Yeovil Town will continue to look for opportunities to strengthen our links with local service personnel, veterans and military families, while supporting relevant Armed Forces initiatives and events within our community...
Yeovil Town Football Club are proud to recognise and support those who serve, those who have served and the families who support them".
At the other end of the country, Carlisle United report that goalkeeper "Adam Desbois says he is confident in his ability to make a positive impact at Carlisle United after impressing in his home debut against Hornchurch last Saturday...
Despite a first clean sheet evading him, Desbois is happy with his early work...
He said 'I'm hungry to do well; I haven't arrived somewhere and thought, "Oh, here we go, this is the life, I'm here, I'm happy now".
'It's work, work, work, keep pushing on, and whatever happens, happens, so that's the main focus... The season before [last] I was out the whole year with an ACL (injury)'.
Desbois has also received plenty of praise from Head Coach Rob Elliot, who described him as one of the best goalkeepers in the league following Saturday's performance... 'When he says I'm the best goalie in the league, I've got to believe it. Because if I don't believe it, who else is going to believe it? So you have to believe it. So I believe I'm one of the best at whatever I do. If I am or not, who knows? But I've got to have that belief.'".
The Friday night assignment for Sutton United sees the "U"s having to make a 600-mile round trip to face Gateshead.
The head coach of Sutton United "has called for full focus on Gateshead as Sutton look to maintain their 100 per cent record in their longest away trip of the 2026/27 season".
After a perfect start to the season, Agutter said, "It’s a game at a time – just focus on the next game. Genuinely, I haven’t even thought beyond that... It’s just been 100 per cent focus on Gateshead".
"The opposition are expected to provide a possession-based challenge... 'Typical Gateshead, I’d say, in terms of wanting to dominate the football. They’ve got a young, talented group with a sprinkling of experience. That’s very much the club’s identity, which I think has been consistent over a period of time, irrespective of the manager in charge. They try to dominate the football and control the centre of the pitch...
'You only hear positives about Lee Cattermole and the work he does on the training pitch.... We’re really pleased it’s midweek, and I think under the lights there’s always a bit more atmosphere,' he explained.
'I know a few people have moaned a little bit about it being on a Friday night, but for us, actually, it suits us. Gateshead don’t have the biggest crowds in the world and it’s an open ground. Sometimes on a Saturday at 3pm, I think it can lose a little bit of atmosphere. That certainly won’t be the case under the lights, so we’re really happy with that'".
Tamworth "announce the launch of a new Supporter Services account, designed to assist all of our followers with any queries related to club matters, both on and off of matchday.
Located on X with the handle @TFCSupporterHub and Facebook with the handle TFC Supporter Hub, the account aims to provide fans with consistent and reliable information relating specifically to event information, such as ticket news, specific club events, club shop operations and much more.
Any questions that supporters may have can be sent to that account and will be answered as quickly as possible by our team. Responses may also be reposted to our main Tamworth FC X feed".
Kidderminster Harriers' "boss Paul Wotton wants his players to embrace the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend which begins in Southend on Friday night.
A crowd of over 8,000 is expected...
That’s followed by Monday’s visit of Barrow to Aggborough and, while the gaffer is keen to take one game at a time, he’s relishing the size of the two clashes ahead of his charges over the weekend.
'That’s terrific. That’s great. That’s what you’re in football for,' he said.
'You work hard to be a professional footballer all your life, and you don’t do it to play in small games. You do it to play in these sorts of games'...
'I’ve played against Southend multiple times in the Football League, and it gets a good atmosphere there,' he added".
Wealdstone "centre=half Dion Conroy believes wins aren't far away for his new club, given what he's seen in the early weeks of the Wealdstone campaign.
But it didn't happen for the defender and his Stones' colleagues at Worthing, a single goal from a quickly-taken free-kick just before the break enough to separate the teams.
'Today was a matter of we started too slowly and switched off for the goal,' explained the 30-year-old,,, 'Second half, we were the better team - even once we go down to 10 men.
'We've spoke about it inside; we've got to start games better because in the three [league] games so far we've shown we're the better side for large parts and we should probably at least have three draws in a row...
'We know we're a good team and it's quite obvious we've got to start the games better'...
Conroy featured on loan under Gary Waddock at Aldershot Town 10 seasons ago, and... 'It [Gary Waddock being manager] was the main attraction for me joining,' he said. 'I wanted to get back to enjoying football. I had a period at Crawley where I didn't play...
'To play for a manager I admire, I think he's a top man, means I'm grateful to have the opportunity to play here'".
Harrogate Town "confirm Cathal Heffernan has joined Cambridge United for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old centre back signed for Town in January 2026 and made 24 appearances for the club, scoring two goals.
Heffernan would Captain the club for the first time in his last appearance for the club, during our 2-2 draw with Barrow on 22nd August.
'He was the ultimate young professional and has been since the day he joined', Simon Weaver explained.
'The deal was done in the right way, Neil Harris gave me a call and our valuation was met, it’s a good club for Cathal to go to at a good level.
'We firmly believe we are identifying and recruiting young talent that can really develop here and our challenge is to continue finding these players, while being a winning team in the process.'".
27 August 2026
NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN
On Friday night (7.45pm) Altrincham entertain FC Halifax Town in their fourth Enterprise National League game of the season.This is the seventh league meeting between the teams at the J. Davidson Stadium since Altrincham returned to the National League in 2020.
Altrincham have only won one of the previous six league meetings at the JDS, which have all been close affairs, with goals at a premium.
- 2020-21 Altrincham 0 FC Halifax Town 1
- 2021-22 Altrincham 1 FC Halifax Town 1
- 2022-23 Altrincham 2 FC Halifax Town 1
- 2023-24 Altrincham 1 FC Halifax Town 2
- 2024-25 Altrincham 0 FC Halifax Town 0
- 2025-26 Altrincham 0 FC Halifax Town 1
ALTY'S MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY
For the 2026-27 season, Altrincham FC has revamped its matchday sponsorship offering.The Altrincham FC website lists two options, as described below.
In the John King Lounge, under the brand "Club Alty 1891", the offering for £120 is:
- Lounge access
- Dining experience
- Private matchday concierge
- Pre-match manager & player talks
- Half-time refreshments
- Post-match player presentation
- Reserved private padded seats
- Premium wines, champagne & spirits - Cash bar
- Matchday programme & team-sheet

Above: The John King Lounge is sited within the Family Stand complex.
Alternatively, from the Hornchurch game in September, in what is currently the Vice-Presidents' Lounge, the offering is branded "Robins Nest" where, for £45, guests will be provided with...
- Robins Nest Lounge access (VP Lounge under Main Stand)
- Table Service
- One-course lunch
- Half-time refreshments (tea, coffee & sweet treats)
- Cash Bar available (Bottled beers and [other] alcohol)
- Matchday programme & team-sheet
- Includes Matchday Ticket
- Exclusively for Altrincham Fans
It is understood that the Vice-Presidents' Lounge is being replaced by a designated area in the Community Sports Hall but this is yet to be confirmed.
RONNIE SMITH R.I.P.
As announced last week, former Altrincham player Ronnie Smith sadly died recently aged 90. He had been the club's oldest surviving playerAltrincham FC has now penned a tribute to the former winger, which concludes with the following summary of his career...
"Ronnie will be remembered by Alty supporters of that era for his relentless pace, outstanding technical skill, and vital contributions during a transformative chapter in the club’s history".
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that on Wednesday evening in the NPL Premier Division, after Avro, captained by DAVID FITZPATRICK, had gone ahead in their home game against Leek Town after only 9 minutes, the visitors took only a further 14 minutes to turn things around, and it was HAYDEN CAMPBELL (right) who put them ahead.
Avro pulled a goal back to go in level 2-2 at the break. Already without the injured ADAM PORTER, Leek had to substitute Hayden only 2 minutes after the restart. However by the 54th minute they'd gone 2 goals up. Avro, who were without MAX HARROP, weren't going down without a fight, and struck late in the 95th minute to force a 4-4 draw.
FA Cup Preliminary Round : It had also been 4-4 on Sunday in a game that passed under the radar between Northwich Victoria and Bootle. ELLIOTT ROKKA had scored two of the Vics goals. The replay at Bootle tonight was rather less frenetic, and a single goal for Vics after 14 minutes settled it. Elliott was withdrawn at half time, while TOM HANNIGAN didn't play in either game. Vics will entertain Atherton Collieries in the 1st Qualifying Round.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Forest Green Rovers "have signed experienced left-back Freddie Sass from League Two side Accrington Stanley on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old defender joins Rovers after making 31 appearances last season for Stanley, scoring one and assisting one.
When asked about coming to FGR, Freddie said 'I'm really excited to be here; it's a great challenge, and I can't wait to get started.'
The gaffer [Robbie Savage] had this to say... 'He’s a terrific player who will add strength to our defence. He's full of potential and a great guy from a good family'".
Eastleigh "announce the arrival of striker Manny Duku, who joins the Spitfires on a permanent deal.
The 33-year-old striker joins the Spitfires, after spending time with Tamworth and Rochdale during the 2025/26 National League campaign.
He started the season with Tamworth, scoring six goals and assisting two in the 25 league games that he played for the Lambs.
The striker has played for other clubs at this level such as York City, Wealdstone and Solihull Moors...
Duku was born and raised in the Netherlands... before moving to England in 2015 to play for Chesham United. <> Upon joining the Spitfires, Duku said 'The place looks amazing'".
26 August 2026
NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN
Altrincham welcome FC Halifax Town to the J. Davidson Stadium on Friday night, a time selected to facilitate streaming of the game "live" by DAZN.Both teams started the current season with two successive defeats but the Shaymen recorded an emphatic 4-1 win over Tamworth last Saturday, whereas Alty suffered a third defeat at Boston United.
The West Yorkshire side's opening two games pitted them against two of last season's play-off contestants in Forest Green Rovers (away, lost 3-2) and at home to Boreham Wood (lost 1-3). Halifax have also played a National League Cup match, hammering Derby County under-21s 6-2
So their four games so far have involved 22 goals!

Above: Lucas Weaver, Liam Humbles and Jack Hinchy have all participated in Altrincham's three league games to date this season but none of the trio has yet completed ninety minutes in 2026/27. Indeed, Lucas Weaver has yet to start three successive Altrincham league games since joining the club in summer 2024.
WOMEN BOW OUT OF FA CUP
Brian Flynn reports that Altrincham FC Women "bowed out of this season’s Women’s FA Cup at the first hurdle, as Morecambe recovered from conceding an early goal to deservedly progress to a home first round qualifying tie with Wythenshawe Town on September 6th.Alty... started brightly and Georgia McKnight capitalised on a misplaced sixth minute pass to fire impressively into the top corner from about 15 yards...
Morecambe equalised seven minutes later when Rianna McGonnell reacted first to a superbly delivered Yasmine Carswell right wing free kick to calmly volley past the exposed Carmen Stephens...
The Robins started the second half brightly but conceded from a second set piece on the hour...
Charlotte Gray made it 3-1 with a speculative effort from over thirty yards out that sailed over Stephens...
Daryll Abrahams’s side missed the experience, drive and leadership of skipper, Nat Lowe, who was unavailable due to holiday...
Altrincham: Stephens (GK), Gilmore, Locke, Morrison, McKnight, Culbert, E. Jones, Kullu, A. Jones, Walsh (c), Tickner. Subs: Williams (GK), M. Whitehead, Underwood, Munt, Unwin, Paulley
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's activities by former Altrincham players and loanees...Carabao Cup : Shrewsbury Town found themselves 3-0 down in 35 minutes at Fleetwood Town, and, although they had more of the game after that, they were unable to force their way back into the tie. Fleetwood struck again in the last minute to win 4-0. KEVIN BERKOE picked up a booking, and Shrewsbury withdrew him after 78 minutes.
Stevenage rested CARL PIERGIANNI (right) for the visit of Reading, but he came off the bench for the second half with his side 2 goals down. He was booked in the last minute as Reading went through 0-3.
If Watford thought that their second string could cope with lower division opponents, Peterborough United firmly disespoused them of that theory. By the time Posh brought CHRIS CONN-CLARKE off the bench in the 66th minute they were 5 goals up. Watford did pull one goal back, but were eliminated 1-5.
Scottish Challenge Cup : Airdrieonians brought KIAN TAYLOR off the bench just before the hour with the game level a 1-1, but visitors Stirling Albion won 1-3.
NPL Premier Division : Hyde United captain WILL HALL, and DONTAI GABIDON, who was booked, played the whole of their 4-0 defeat at Alfreton Town, while JACK REDSHAW was a 61st minute substitute.
JAMES HARDY played throughout Ashton United's 1-1 home draw with Ilkeston Town.
Curzon Ashton skipper DANNY WHITEHEAD (left) played the whole of their 0-4 win at Warrington Town, while JOSH OLLERENSHAW watched from the bench. Town withdrew BEN ELLIOTT after 73 minutes.
Things were no better for Town's neighbours. Even without DEAN FURMAN, Warrington Rylands looked set for a win Workington, where they were 0-2 up at the break. However, George Waring saw a red card in the opening minute of the second period, and, by the time his teammate Ben Hardcastle emulated him in the 95th minute, the Cumbrians had turned things round to win 3-2.
NPL Division 1 East : ZAK GOODSON played the first 73 minutes of Matlock Town's 3-1 home win over Pontefract Collieries. Conor Washington won 43 caps for Northern Ireland during a long career higher up the pyramid, and tonight he put away 2 of the Gladiators' goals.
NPL Division 1 Midlands : TOLANI OMOTOLA (right) opened the scoring in a 2-1 home win for Boldmere St.Michaels against Barwell, before going off after 79 minutes.
NPL Division 1 West : Atherton Collieries brought both SAM SHERIDAN and AARON BENNETT off the bench after 66 minutes, but were unable to claw back the only goal of the game scored by Padiham.
KYLE BROWNHILL played the whole game for Stalybridge Celtic at Clitheroe, but they lost 2-1. GREG WILKINSON (left) was an unused substitute.
Wythenshawe FC captain DARIUS PALMA was withdrawn after 83 minutes at Congleton Town, for whom DAVE PARTON kept a clean sheet in the goalless draw.
There was a full shift from Newcastle Town's SEAN LAWTON in their 1-1 home draw with Chasetown.
KEVIN ELLISON wasn't in the Vauxhall Motors squad that drew 3-3 with visitors Nantwich Town.
AIDY ROXBURGH was among the Dabbers' scorers, and played the full match, as did JOE PIGGOTT, while JOSH HANCOCK went off after 86 minutes.
There was a yellow card for JAMES LAWRIE (right), as he and JOEL BEMBO-LETA played throughout a 2-0 home win for BEN HARRISON'S Witton Albion against Kidsgrove Athletic.
FA Cup Preliminary Round Replays : Horbury Town put the only goal of the game past MAX BEDDOW to end 1874 Northwich's interest in this year's competition. Their reward is a 1st Qualifying Round trip to Prescot Cables, who beat Litherland REMYCA 1-0, largely thanks to TONY THOMPSON saving a penalty. SHARIF DEANS also played the whole game.
ALTY OLD FOES
The Sunday Times reported that "A Kuwaiti businessman, known for the failed £3.5 billion "Dartford Disneyland" project, "laundered" more than £200,000 through the local football club, a Kuwaiti court found.Abdul al-Humaidi, who was bankrupted after the collapse of plans for one of Europe's largest theme parks, paid funds via Ebbsfleet United that were proceeds of what the court said were from a "criminal source".
The football club, sold by al-Humaidi's family company last week, is currently suspended by the National League amid concerns about its finances".
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS
Carlisle United report that "Harvey Bunker’s brace helped Carlisle United pick up their first league win of the season as they beat Hornchurch 4-1, and he believes this result could be a springboard going forward.
Bunker has made a positive first impression at United, picking up 3 goals and 2 assists in his first month at the club.
Having failed to win in his opening two games, he believes that the team need to build on today’s victory and push for more success.
He said... 'I can’t be much happier, overall, it was a really good performance'...
“The gaffer spoke to me during the week and talked about playing the 8-10 role, which is why I got my goals today because I was further forward'".
AFC Fylde have issued an Official Club Statement which includes the following...
"AFC Fylde can confirm that the Club has received a number of formal offers for striker Danny Ormerod, including more than one offer from clubs currently competing in League One.
The Club has rejected all formal offers received for Danny, including those with a total value of up to £500,000... We can confirm that no agreement has been reached with any club for Danny’s transfer. The offers received to date have been rejected because, both in terms of their overall structure and financial value, they do not reflect the Club’s valuation of a player we consider to be an important part of our team and a significant long-term prospect for AFC Fylde.
Danny has made an excellent start to the new National League season, scoring twice in his opening three appearances, and remains an important part of our plans as we look to build a successful team and achieve our ambitions this season.
AFC Fylde is an ambitious club and, as with any player, we will always consider an appropriate proposal should one be received. Equally, we will not be pressured into accepting an offer that does not reflect the value we place on Danny.
Until an appropriate offer is received, we consider the matter closed".
Announcing a Season Ticket-Holder Appreciation Matchday, Forest Green Rovers state that "To show our appreciation for your support, we have some exclusive offers for season ticket holders on Saturday 12th September...
Here are the highlights!
- Bring a friend to the game for FREE!
- 20% off in The Gym Bar and Green Man between 12pm and 1pm.
- 10% off all training wear in the club shop.
- Upgrade to the Carol Embrey suite for £25 and bring a friend for the same price.
"Olly Dyson was disappointed with Tamworth’s performance on Saturday afternoon as they fell to defeat on the road at FC Halifax Town.
TJ Bramble’s late goal was not enough to come back from four goals down, and the Lambs walked away empty handed. Dyson expressed his frustration.
He said 'Tough game. Individual errors. We set up well, good training, and just not good enough. We all know what we’ve done wrong, we just have to put it right...
'We’ve given three mistakes away, and it’s been four goals. We need to be better in both boxes, which we will be, but sooner rather than later...
'We need to... be a bit more smart with the way we play. The mistakes we made, could we have been a bit more direct, hit better balls, but just learn from it'".
The BBC reports that "Boreham Wood forward Abdul Abdulmalik said he is 'capable of reaching the top' after the National League side rejected a £1.5m offer from Swedish club Djurgarden.
The 23-year-old has been the subject of serious interest from the Swedish top-flight side...
Boreham Wood do not want to sell Abdulmalik, with manager Luke Garrard saying 'he is our player' after the forward was left out of the London club's 3-0 victory over Forest Green on Saturday...
'I'm ready for the next challenge'...
'Through sheer hard work and perseverance, the opportunity to progress has come around. This is my chance to push myself as a footballer, elevate my game and most importantly fulfil my promise to the ones around me,' Abdulmalik continued..
'I owe it to myself and the kids growing up just like me to fight for this one I've been offered'...
Abdulmalik was released [by Millwall] in 2024, before Boreham Wood signed him as a free agent".
Meanwhile "Boreham Wood midfielders Tom White and Zak Brunt have signed new contracts with the National League club".
25 August 2026
NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN
FC Halifax Town visit the J. Davidson Stadium on Friday evening (7.45pm).
Right: Against FC Halifax Town in April 2026, Dan Sassi heads clear, with Tom Crawford grounded and Charlie Kirk in the background.
Following two successive 1-0 defeats on the road (at Sutton and Boston), Altrincham will be hoping that there is no repeat of last April's visit to the J. Davidson Stadium by FC Halifax Town when the Shaymen won 0-1 thanks to a 94th minute goal.
Last season's defeat was the fifth time that season that Altrincham had lost to a goal scored in added time.
The winner came after Jimmy Knowles had rattled the underside of the bar in the 72nd minute.
Just as is likely this Friday, it was a much weakened Altrincham who took to the field. With Barnes and Reddin out through suspension, they also missed five injured players (Ross, Banks, Sass-Davies, Olson and Forde).
BOSTON MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Alty TV has video highlights of Altrincham's defeat at Boston last Saturday.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Borehamwood & Elstree Times report that "Robbie Savage heaped praise on Boreham Wood after their 3-0 victory over his Forest Green Rovers side on Saturday.
The Wood produced a dominant display to seal their first victory at The New Lawn as Zak Brunt opened the scoring with just 62 seconds on the clock, before Lewis Richardson and Matt Rush got in on the act...
'They are a brilliant side,' he said. 'Let’s be fair, they were 30 seconds away from getting out of the National League (last season after losing to Rochdale in the play-off final...
'We've got to aspire to be like them. We have lost against a team who are arguably the favourites to win the league and it could have been more - there is no doubt about that.
'It’s not a tough one to take as the better team deservedly won'.
The omission of Abdul Abdulmalik, who is linked with a seven-figure move to Swedish outfit Djurgardens, appeared to be a major blow for the Wood but they flourished without their star forward...
'That is without arguably the best player in the league (Abdul Abdulmalik) and they were by far the superior side.'”
Scunthorpe United "is inviting supporters to the Attis Arena on Tuesday, August 25th for a special open training session, followed by a unique Lunch with the Players experience.
With the summer holidays drawing to a close, the club is putting on the event with our younger supporters in mind, providing children with a fun activity and the opportunity to get closer to their Iron heroes ahead of the new school term.
The Attis Arena will open from 10.30am... with supporters able to watch the first team continue their preparations for Friday's home league encounter against Solihull Moors from around 10.45am...
Admission to the open training session is FREE, although supporters must book a ticket...
Following training, Junior Iron supporters can take part in the special Lunch with the Players experience, giving youngsters the opportunity to sit down and enjoy lunch alongside members of the first-team squad.
Priced at just £12 per child, the package includes the same food being served to the players (chicken pasta bake), free squash, and a team poster to take away and get signed by the squad.
Adults accompanying children are also welcome to join the lunch, with adult tickets priced at £10, including the food only".
24 August 2026
NEXT GAME: FC HALIFAX TOWN
On Friday night, Altrincham welcome an FC Halifax Town side who will arrive buoyed by a 4-1 win last time out.FC Halifax Town tell us that "The Shaymen produced a dominant performance against Tamworth, securing a convincing 4-1 victory after a blistering first-half display saw Halifax race into a four-goal lead...
The Shaymen broke the deadlock... Carty intercepted a loose back pass before racing through on goal. Showing composure with his first touch, he calmly finished past the goalkeeper to register his second goal of the season and give Halifax the lead [18 mins]...
The Shaymen did double their advantage in the 41st minute through Gilsenan. The winger exchanged passes with Ben Tollit before receiving the ball back and brilliantly skipping past two Tamworth players with a drop of the shoulder. Gilsenan then entered the penalty area and fired beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Gilsenan struck again just four minutes later. He won possession from Teo Kurtaran before showing excellent skill to work his way past two Tamworth defenders and calmly slot the ball into the bottom-right corner...
Halifax began the second half more cautiously, retaining possession and controlling the tempo rather than immediately looking for another goal.
However, their patience paid off in the 49th minute when Tollit made it 4-0 with a rocket of a strike from 35 yards away from goal... ensuring a memorable afternoon for the Shaymen.
FC Halifax Town: 33 True Grant, 2 Max Bardell, 8 Will Flint, 5 Shane Hobson, 3 Raheem Conte, 4 Will Hugill, 30 Cody Johnson ( c), 17 Ben Tollitt (18 Arian Allen 66) , 10 Zak Gilsenan (20 Tayt Trusty 85), 11 Connor Douglas (23 Dylan Crowe 85), 9 Connor Carty (14 Amari Morgan-Smith 75). Subs: 1 Sam Johnson, 7 Owen Bray, 22 David Kawa".
THE VIEW FROM BOSTON
Following the 1-0 defeat for Altrincham at the Jakemans Stadium, Boston United report that "Ken Aboh scored the only goal of the game as Boston United made it back-to-back National League victories on Saturday afternoon.Aboh's 58th minute lob settled a tight encounter in the favour of the Pilgrims - after visitors Altrincham had rattled the post inside the opening minute of the second half through Liam Humbles.
The Pilgrims were otherwise good value for their victory - with Aboh and Sai Sachdev close to extending United's lead in the second half...
Ex-Pilgrim Jimmy Knowles cracked an early effort too high for the visitors, before Altrincham keeper Owen Evans denied Lennon Wheeldon from long-range...
United needed a terrific Sachdev block at the back post to deny Charlie Kirk a near certain goal.
Kirk's forceful run into the box at the start of the second period saw Humbles crash a low drive off the post"
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports on the USL League One in which SAM ROSCOE played the whole of Corpus Christi's home game with Westchester. The team from New York State led 0-2 at half time, but the Texans salvaged a draw in the 89th minute.Elsewhere, in a lengthy article on the BBC Sport website, Neil Johnston writes, "'I had four touches and I fouled Paul Scholes', says KEVIN ELLISON about his one and only Premier League appearance for Leicester City at Manchester United in 2001.
The forward had been rejected by his hometown team Liverpool and was working on a building site as well as delivering furniture, while playing for non-league Altrincham, before landing a dream £50,000 move to Leicester 25 years ago.
A month later Ellison, then aged 22, was sharing a pitch with Roy Keane, Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer and Scholes after being sent on as an 84th-minute substitute at Old Trafford.
Leicester lost 2-0. Ellison never played in the Premier League again.
A few years later depression took over as he struggled with family problems, while he had gone from signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Foxes to dropping back down the leagues and worrying about finances.
'The darkest moment was when I was driving on the M6,' Ellison recalls 'My thoughts back then were: "would people's lives around me be better if I smashed my car into the central reservation at 100mph?" That's how deep it got.
Right: Kevin Ellison playing for Altrincham at Hednesford in 1999/2000 season.
'Speaking out to those around me and seeking help [counselling] is the only way I got through those dark clouds that came over me'...
Now aged 47, Ellison is healthier and happier.
Incredibly, he is still playing for Cheshire-based non-league club Vauxhall Motors...
'Everyone says I should be in a nursing home,' laughs Ellison, who has played in all top eight tiers of English football and is one of the few players to reach the 1,000-game milestone in a memorable career spanning 29 years and 18 different clubs".
After being released by Liverpool and a playing at Southport, "He started getting noticed for the amount of goals he was scoring at Altrincham - 23 in 54 league games..
Ellison adds 'I was playing part-time and working full-time on a building site and delivering furniture - three-piece suites, beds, wardrobes, the lot'...
These days Ellison balances working in a safeguarding role at a secondary school in Liverpool with turning out for part-time Vauxhall Motors, who play in the Northern Premier League Division One West in the eighth tier of English football...
In 2020, Ellison took part in a campaign involving the Football Association, external aimed at encouraging football fans to look after their mental health...
Ellison helped the Three Lions bring one trophy home this summer. He was part of the England team that won the Seniors' World Cup after beating France 4-0 in the final in Thailand in June.
In Northern Ireland, Glenavon Football Club "wishes to announce a number of board changes with immediate effect.

Left: Lawrence Looney.
Stephen Best will move into an Honorary Chair role, recognising his long‑standing service and commitment to the Club.
LAWRENCE LOONEY will continue as Club Chairman.
CATHAL MORRISON will continue as Vice Chairman, and Frazer Follis will also move into a Vice Chairman role.
Previously, in a post on "X", Looney had stated "Delighted to have started a new venture at Glenavon and now to be taking over as chairman.
Unfortunately we never got to quite finish the job at Alty but had an incredible, successful 7 years and delighted to be at Glenavon with the same talented group that made that happen. Target is European football, one step at a time!"
Footnote: Lawrence Looney was formerly co-chairman at Altrincham whilst Cathal Morrison also served on the club's Board of Directors.
FA TROPHY SPONSORS QUIT
The Non-League Paper reports that "Isuzu UK have ended their title partnership of the FA Trophy and FA Vase after the 2025/26 campaign, just over a year after agreeing a three-year extension...The decision brings an end to the title partnership, which began at the start of the 2022-23 season and covered the two major national Non-League cup competitions".
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
On Saturday's matchday Barrow "announce[d] the signing of KEATON WARD on a permanent transfer from Gateshead FC.
The 26-year-old midfielder arrives at the club with broad experience of the National League with spells at Boston United, Altrincham and most recently Gateshead.
Ward signed for the Heed in January and during his short time with the club made 14 times and scored four goals, contributing to their incredible escape from relegation, clawing back 11 points to safety in just two months.
He has become a proven goalscorer at this level and is a player Adam Murray has worked with in the past, as Ward climbed through the ranks at the Mansfield Academy".
Footnote: In 26 appearances for Altrincham, Ward scored twice. At Barrow he joins former Alty team-mates Isaac Marriott and Olly Crankshaw, as well as Kennedy Digie who was also previously an Altrincham player.
AFC Fylde "announce the signing of attacking midfielder Theo Upton on a season long loan from Blackpool.
The highly-rated 18-year-old... Blackpool-born Upton came through the Seasiders' academy before signing his first professional contract with the club in February 2025...
The talented midfielder has already... made senior appearances for the club... Upton also spent the second half of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Matlock Town, initially joining the Gladiators in February before extending his stay until the end of the season...
Upton said 'I’ve come here with ambition, hunger and a real desire to help the team be successful.'
Head Coach CRAIG MAHON was full of praise for the new signing saying 'Having played against Theo in pre-season, he really impressed us with his ability and the way he approached the game. We felt he would fit our style really well,'".
Carlisle United "Head Coach Rob Elliot says he is pleased that his side picked up their first win of the season but acknowledges that there is still room for improvement as United beat Hornhurch at Brunton Park... with goals from Miguel Azeez, REGAN LINNEY, and a brace from Harvey Bunker...
He said, 'We need to make sure to keep the momentum from today and understand what got us this victory... I think there was a lot we could have been better; the ironic thing is that I thought our performance was leaner against Worthing.
'The only criticism I have today is that we should have scored more than we did, at half-time the game should have been done'...
Miguel Azeez opened the scoring against Hornchurch... 'He's an extremely talented boy, I don’t think there’s any limits on Miguel’s (Azeez) ability. His mindset’s superb, we played him a little bit deeper today because we knew it would be congested'...
Bunker....'was incredible and he’s got a knack for that (box-crashing), he’s got three goals and two assists in three games. The talent that he has is unmatched, he’s got the physicality of a player three or four leagues higher'" said the manager.
The two clubs who beat Altrincham in the first two fixtures of the season are now the top two in the nascent National League table. One of those clubs is Sutton United
who report that "Alex Kirk described his return to competitive action as a hugely rewarding moment after making his first appearance since February 2025 in Sutton United’s 2–1 victory over Hartlepool United.
The defender has worked hard to return to full fitness from a back injury sustained almost 18 months ago and, after missing the opening two games of the season with a slight knock, was delighted to finally get back onto the pitch...
Kirk said... 'Obviously, it probably wasn’t in the prettiest game of football you’ve ever seen, but in a sense, for me personally, that was good'...
The victory was Sutton’s fourth in a row in all competitions, and Kirk felt the U’s were deserving winners despite the contest not always being easy on the eye.
'I think they didn’t really, with respect, look like scoring unless it was kind of us giving them the opportunities'... he added...
Kirk’s return comes against the backdrop of a dramatically different Sutton defence to the one he was part of during the 2024/25 campaign, and he believes the improvements extend beyond the back four, with greater experience and resilience now evident throughout the team">
23 August 2026
BOSTON UNITED 1-0 ALTRINCHAM
Altrincham dropped to 23rd in the Enterprise National League after their third successive defeat since the start of the season.
Match report here.
Right: At Boston, Altrincham fell foul of TWO of the new football measures to stop timewasting. Captain Lewis Banks had to go off the pitch for a minute after goalkeeper Owen Evans needed treatment for a genuine injury, whilst substitute Kahrel Reddin was not allowed to come on as a substitute for a minute after the player who he was replacing (Charlie Kirk) was too slow in leaving the pitch.
NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN
Altrincham host FC Halifax Town next Friday night (7,45pm).The BBC reports that on Saturday "Halifax got their first National League win of the season at the third attempt, blowing Tamworth away in the first half on their way to a 4-1 home victory.
The hosts were 3-0 up by half-time. Conor Carty opened the scoring after 18 minutes before Zak Gilsenan stunned Tamworth with two goals in three minutes at the end of the half.
Ben Tollitt ended any lingering hopes of a fightback by the visitors, grabbing a fourth after the restart.
TJ Bramble's goal 14 minutes from time came far too late for Tamworth to recover as they were left still in search of a first win".
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan's report starts in Australia's NPL Victoria Oakleigh Cannons are the 2026 Premiers with a game still to play after a comfortable 0-5 victory at relegated Dandenong Thunder. There was a point 34 minutes into the game when, already a goal up, they could have claimed that crown in play, but Hume City scored a dramatic 92nd penalty in the earlier kick off to win 3-2 and stop that happening.Half time lasted 45 minutes, with Cannons now 0-2 up, due to a power outage. A generator was brought in to provide good enough lighting to eventually play the second half, and CONNOR HAMPSON and his teammates cruised home. The actual championship is decided on a playoff basis, but Cannons will not have to play the opening round, going straight into the semi finals.
League One: ALI SMITH (right) played the whole of AFC Wimbledon's goalless home draw with Reading.
CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was a 71st minute substitute for Peterborough United at home to Mansfield Town with the match balanced at 1-1. Posh pinched it 2-1 in the 93rd minute.
Despite a full shift from CARL PIERGIANNI, Stevenage managed only a 98th minute consolation against visitors Oxford United, who won 1-2.
Wycombe Wanderers were a goal down at half time to visitors Plymouth Argyle, and withdrew JUNIOR QUITIRNA. They eventually salvaged a 1-1 draw.
League Two: Although JUSTIN AMALUZOR (left) played the full game, Grimsby Town could only manage a goalless draw at Walsall.
On the other hand there was a veritable goalfest at the Memorial Stadium. Newport County had scored in the first minute, but Bristol Rovers, having levelled in first half added time, scored twice in the first 12 minutes of the second half.
Although the Welsh side got back to 3-2, DAN SASSI had barely got onto the pitch when Rovers struck again in the 74th minute. County again reduced the arrears at the start of added time, but Rovers had the last word, clinching a 5-3 win in the 99th minute.
With JOEL SENIOR playing throughout, Tranmere Rovers came from behind to draw 1-1 at Port Vale.
York City were also behind at Rotherham United, but ALEX NEWBY earned them a 1-1 draw. JEFF KING was a 72nd minute substitute.
KEVIN BERKOE played the whole of Shrewsbury Town's 1-3 home defeat by Barnet.
Cheltenham Town were already 2-0 down at Swindon Town when they brought on JAKE BICKERSTAFF (right) after 71 minutes, but all he had show for his efforts was a yellow card. The Gloucestershire Robins did manage to score, but lost 2-1.
National League No sooner had REGAN LINNEY rounded off the scoring in Carlisle United's 4-1 home win over Hornchurch with a 75th minute goal, than he was substituted. TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game.
Yeovil Town had 16(12 on target)) goal attempts to only 1(1) by visitors Gateshead, so it was no surprise that they won 3-0. MATT GOULD would probably have had little more to on the field than he did alongside JACK KINGDON on the bench.
Barrow avoided joining Altrincham and Solihull Moors with nul pointes by the skin of their teeth, coming from behind for a second time in the 96th minute to earn a 2-2 draw. ISAAC MARRIOTT played the whole game, and KENNEDY DIGIE came on at the start of the second half. New signing from Gateshead, KEATON WARD, joined the action after 68 minutes, leaving OLLY CRANKSHAW as the only Old Boy to play no active part.
Scunthorpe United were without ROSS BARROWS at Eastleigh, while REAGAN OGLE was pressed into action after only 18 minutes. DECLAN HOWE started, but was withdrawn after 61 minutes in favour of JAMES GALE, who scored the Iron's second equaliser 10 minutes later. Alas it wasn't enough - only 2 minutes later JOSH LUNDSTRAM (lwft) clinched a 3-2 win for the Spitfires, before being substituted after 88 minutes.
Boreham Wood totally dominated proceedings at Forest Green Rovers putting the ball past ETHAN ROSS 3 times without reply. Indeed the Gloucestershire side shared with Altrincham the "distinction" of not mustering a single shot on target, something JAMES BERRY was powerless to affect as he was left on the bench. TYLOR GOLDEN played the full game for Wood, while DANNY CASHMAN was withdrawn after an hour.
CALLUM DOLAN was withdrawn by Kidderminster Harriers after 63 minutes, having been booked earlier. Kiddy were a goal up against visitors Aldershot, who had been down to 10 men after 39 minutes, at the time. Shots had withdrawn MARCUS DINANGA in the reshuffle after that red card, and had missed a penalty into the bargain. When they went down to 9 men in the 74th minute one would not have given them much chance of getting anything out of the match, but they managed to force a 1-1 draw after 87 minutes.
CHRIS MERRIE put in a full shift for AFC Fylde at Woking, where they led twice - but CRAIG MAHON'S team were undone by goals after 90 and 93 minutes, losing 3-2.
National League North : DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY was booked as Hednesford Town drew 1-1 at AFC Telford United.
TOM PEERS and BILLY WATERS started for Chester, who left it late to beat visitors Spalding United, for whom YUSIFU CEESAY (right) was booked, 1-0.
Brackley Town finished with 9 men at Macclesfield, for whom ELLIOTT OSBORNE, GEORGE WILSON, and SAM HEATHCOTE all started. They had gone ahead in added time at the end of the first half, but had a man sent off almost immediately. Macc were themselves reduced to 10 men in the 83rd minute, but had turned the game round by then to win 2-1.
Radcliffe started BRAD JACKSON for the visit of struggling Morecambe, while JORDAN HULME and JUDE OYIBO were on the bench. ELLIOT NEWBY started for the Shrimps, while LEWIS BAINES was again on the bench as they lost 2-1.
Two first half goals from LUKE BURGESS put Southport on the way to a 4-1 home victory over Bedford Town. REGAN GRIFFITHS and HARRY PERRITT were among the Southport substitutes.
National League South : MILES WELCH-HAYES was an unused substitute as Maidenhead United drew 1-1 at home to Farnborough Town.
NPL Premier Division: Curzon Ashton Skipper DANNY WHITEHEAD put in a full shift at home to Guiseley, but they lost 1-2. JOSH OLLERENSHAW was an unused substitute.
JAMES HARDY played the full game for Ashton United, who drew 1-1 at Emley.
WILL HALL surrendered the armband to JACK REDSHAW as Hyde United entertained Avro. DONTAI GABIDON came off the bench for the second half, as did Avro's MAX HARROP against his most recent former club. DAVID FITZPATRICK played the full game for the team from Oldham, who won by the only goal.
Leek Town were without ADAM PORTER (left) following last week's injury, but HAYDEN CAMPBELL played the first 87 minutes of their 4-1 home win over Bamber Bridge.
Warrington Rylands were no match for newly promoted visitors Redcar Athletic, who hit 5 without reply. Captain DEAN FURMAN was withdrawn after 61 minutes shortly after being booked.
Neighbours Warrington Town produced exactly the reverse of that result at Whitby Town, where they were 3 up in 20 minutes and won 0-5. BEN ELLIOTT was withdrawn after 62 minutes.
Midland League Premier Division : West Didsbury & Chorlton were held 3-3 at home by Dudley Town after leading 3-0 at half time. LEWIS BILLINGSLEY played the full game, as both sides finished with 10 men.
Southern Premier Central: HARVEY RANDLE, having been signed as emergency cover, may have played his only game for Worcester City, as he wasn't in the squad for today's 1-0 home win against Stamford.
NWCL Division 1 North: DAVID LYNCH was a second half substitute for Flixton, who beat visitors AFC Blackpool 3-1.
NWCL Division 1 South: CRAIG ELLISON wasn't in Widnes Town's squad at Allscott Heath, where they were thrashed 7-0.
FA Cup Preliminary Round : JOHN JOHNSTON'S Irlam, with BILLY HASLER-CREGG in their starting lineup, and ELLIOTT WYNNE on the bench, were no match for hosts Atherton Collieries, who gave a first start to AARON BENNETT. Aaron lasted an hour before going off with his team a goal up. SAM SHERIDAN came on after 73 minutes, by which time Collieries had wrapped up a 3-0 win.
TONY THOMPSON and SHARIF DEANS started for Prescot Cables, who were surprisingly held 1-1 at Litherland REMYCA and must replay on Tuesday.
RYAN BROOKE (right) opened the scoring for Trafford at his most recent club, Runcorn Linnets. They were 0-3 up early in the second half, and held on to win 2-3.
BEN HARRISON had no Old Boys in his Witton Albion starting XI, although JOEL BEMBO-LETA was on the bench. They beat visitors Nelson 1-0.
HARLAN RODGERS-MORRIS came off Cheadle Town's bench at Stocksbridge Park Steels after 30 minutes with the tie goalless, but Steels went on to win 1-0.
1874 Northwich had MAX BEDDOW in goal against visitors Horbury Town, but let their lead slip. The game ended 1-1, and they must travel to West Yorkshire on Tuesday evening.
Mickleover were already ahead at Barwell when ANDY DALES was withdrawn after 66 minutes, but were pegged back 15 minutes later - however, they found a 90th minute winner to go through 1-2
TOLANI OMOTOLA was an 87th minute substitute for Boldmere St.Michaels, who beat visitors Chasetown 1-0.
Captain MARK LEES (left) and MASON FAWNS started for Mossley at home to Bradford (Park Avenue). Mossley were already 2 down when they won a penalty, which Mason took. He hit the bar, and put the rebound away, but as nobody else had touched it the referee rightly disallowed the goal. The West Yorkshire club had scored the final goal in their 0-4 victory before Mason was substituted late in the game.
Despite a full shift from KYLE BROWNHILL, Stalybridge Celtic were knocked out 2-1 at Tadcaster Albion.
KEVIN ELLISON wasn't in the Vauxhall Motors squad that went through 3-2 at home to Thackley.
Scottish Championship: TYRESE SINCLAIR was a 74th minute Livingston substitute in a 2-0 home win against Dunfermline Athletic.
Scottish League 1: KIAN TAYLOR was pressed into action from the bench after only 12 minutes as Airdrieonians were beaten 1-3 by visitors Ross County. Kian was credited with the assist for his team's goal.
Welsh Premier League: By the time JOHN DISNEY (right) withdrew MIKEY STONE after 93 minutes, Connah's Quay Nomads had wrapped up a 0-2 win at Ammanford. JAMES JONES played throughout.
South Korea K League 2: MARCUS DACKERS came off the Daegu bench with the match goalless after 61 minutes, and although visitors Busan took the lead soon afterwards, it was he who equalised in the 93rd minute to earn a point.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The BBC report that "Matt Rush scored his sixth goal in the opening three games of the National League season as Boreham Wood brushed aside Forest Green.
The visitors took the lead inside the first two minutes as Zak Brunt finished off a clinical counter-attack.
Lewis Richardson later converted a clever dink over Ethan Ross to score his first of the season, doubling his side's lead 18 minutes in.
Prolific striker Rush, who scored a hat-trick in the draw with Tamworth and two goals against FC Halifax, continued his fine form with a powerful first-time finish after 55 minutes.
Things got even worse for the hosts as Tre Pemberton saw red three minutes from time to end a poor afternoon for Forest Green".
22 August 2026
POST-MATCH: NEIL GIBSON
Speaking to Alty TV after the match at Boston, manager Neil Gibson ended his interview by saying cryptically, "It was always said to me by people when we came into the football club that, notoriously, Altrincham don't start seasons great. I think I've got a good idea why that is, having spent a summer here and building a group together I feel I've got a good understanding why that is."
As regards the game at Boston, Neil said "We didn't deserve to lose that game.. We haven't deserved to lose any of the three games this season".
He judged that his team had "played well for large parts of the game" at Boston. But he underlined that he has been saying "since my Day 1 at the club" that we need "either numbers or more quality in the final third... We need to keep improving at the top end of the pitch".
In short we have "got to get a player or two into the building this week", he believes.
BOSTON UNITED 1-0 ALTRINCHAM
This defeat means that for the first time in nearly thirty years, Altrincham have failed to win any of their first three fixtures of a league season at national level. Again it was a lack of finishing that was a major factor as several presentable chances went begging.In a goalless first half the hosts saw more of the ball but Altrincham created the two best chances with Knowles skying an early effort and, later, Jimmy Knowles swivelling inside the box but directing his shot narrowly wide.
Moments after the interval Alty went even closer as Humbles hit the post after a Kirk effort had been blocked.
But the Pilgrims took a 58th minute lead when Grimes's long ball from the left caused hesitation from Hinchy as Evans came out of his goal and Aboh got between them on the edge of the box to poke the ball into the net.
Match report here
SATURDAY FIXTURES
Saturday 22nd August 2026ALL matches 12.30pm kick-offs
- Boston United 1-0 Altrincham
- Carlisle United 4-1 Hornchurch
- Eastleigh 3-2 Scunthorpe United
- FC Halifax Town 4-1 Tamworth
- Forest Green Rovers 0-3 Boreham Wood
- Harrogate Town 1-1 Barrow
- Kidderminster Harriers 1-1 Aldershot Town
- Solihull Moors 1-3 Southend United
- Sutton United 2-1 Hartlepool United
- Woking 3-2 AFC Fylde
- Worthing 1-0 Wealdstone
- Yeovil Town 3-0 Gateshead
BEFORE THE GAME: BOSTON UNITED v ALTRINCHAM
Altrincham go into today (Saturday)'s match at Boston (ko 12.30pm) with, once more, a potentially very "thin" squad both in terms of National League experience and of being familiar with their team-mates in a competitive context.Almost certainly out of contention through injury are Sam Barnes, Owen German, Charlie Olson, Kahrel Reddin and Eddy Jones. Additionally, striker Kristian Dennis was unfit to play last Saturday and is believed to out of action for some time. Jimmy Knowles was unable to start at Sutton last time out but, hopefully, he may now have regained fitnes whilst Matty Kosylo has completed his suspension so should be available after missing last week's game.
Meanwhile, Boston United "will be looking to chalk up their first home victory of the National League season on Saturday afternoon... following an opening day defeat to Aldershot Town on home turf.
Paul Hurst’s side responded positively to win 2-0 at Solihull Moors last time out, courtesy of goals either side of half-time from Lennon Wheeldon and Ken Aboh...
United will welcome defender Jake Rooney back from his one-match suspension, following his red card against Aldershot on the opening day.
The match will be shown live on National League TV (ko 12.30pm).
BBC Radio Lincolnshire's full-match commentary, courtesy of Dale Storey and Neil Cox, is available online.
Updates on X will be available via @bostonunited throughout the afternoon...
An enhanced transport option will be available from the Len Medlock Voluntary Centre in the town centre, with further in-town pick-ups available (£1.50 per journey)".
JACK HINCHY INTERVIEWED
Tom Jolley has interviewed Jack Hinchy [right] for Alty TV
The midfielder stated that "It is great to be back" having spent a spell on loan at Alty last season. As for Neil Gibson and himself, Jack said that "We struck up a good understabnding last season" which encouraged him to return.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports on the Irish Premier League where, with St.Patrick's a goal up at Drogheda, BARRY BAGGLEY came off the bench after 75 minutes, and scored a rare goal in added time to give his side a 0-2 win.Welsh Premier League: Despite having a staggering 84% of the possession, Llandudno lost their 100% record at Penybont, JOEL TORRANCE conceding twice as they lost 2-1.
It was no better for LOUIE FALLON, who only conceded once for Airbus at Colwyn Bay, but it was the only goal of the game.
FA Cup Preliminary Round : JAMES WALSHAW'S Ossett United progressed at Liversedge, where they scored the only goal.
BBC Sport Cumbria has a video interview with National League Carlisle United's loanee from Fleetwood Town, TOBY MULLARKEY.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Forest Green have a video interview with former Alty goalkeeper ETHAN ROSS who made his competitive debut last time out for FGR.
Ethan explained that a concussion injury in training had slightly delayed that debut.
Ethan paid tribute to former top-flight keeper Jonathan Gould who is his coach at FGR and was also his coach at WBA "I've got massive respect" for him, said Ross.
Of course whilst at Alty, Ethan had worked with Jonathan's son, Matt Gould.
Ross admitted that with his long-term injury suffered playing for Altrincham, the long period of recovery had "taken him to new places as a person and athlete".
The Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas Brayne, at Yeovil Town has issued "An Open Letter to Glovers Supporters "to thank you for the tremendous backing you gave the team at Huish Park on Saturday.
In my time at the club, I cannot remember an atmosphere quite like the one generated during the match with Carlisle United. It was one of the largest home crowds of our ownership, but more importantly, the noise, energy and encouragement from the stands made a genuine difference...
We have a responsibility to put a team on the pitch that people can identify with, give supporters something to believe in and demonstrate a clear sense of direction.
In Billy [Rowley], we have a manager who understands fans and understands this football club. In the dressing room, we have a group of players who are giving supporters something to get behind... I hope we are beginning to see the first signs of something progressive taking shape.
That makes this Saturday another important afternoon for us. The 12.30pm kick-off is earlier than we would traditionally choose. I have previously been open about my concerns around displaced kick-off times in lower-league football because they can affect attendances and matchday revenues without clubs necessarily being fully compensated for that impact...
So once again, I am asking you to come out in numbers on Saturday and get behind Billy and the players...
One thing I hope we are demonstrating through this ownership is that when supporters offer feedback, we listen. We will not always get everything right first time, but where changes can be made, we will try to make them...
Since I arrived at Yeovil Town, the warmth and support I have personally received from so many of you has meant a great deal. More importantly, there is a growing sense around Huish Park that the team, the club and the supporters are beginning to pull in the same direction".
Harrogate Town "announce the signing of Burnley’s Oliver Pimlott on a one-month loan deal.
The 19-year-old left wing back joined the Clarets at U14 level and has since earned a professional deal with the Lancashire club and been named in their senior matchday squad...
Pimlott said shortly after signing, 'I’m high energy, tenacious and love bombing on so, when I heard about the interest, I couldn’t wait to get here and all the lads have been great so far.'
Pimlott... made over 30 appearances for The Clarets’ U21s last season".
Southend United have launched a "Third Kit; a shirt that brings together the culture of our city, the memories of our past and the innovation of the future.
Taking inspiration from both the iconic Southend Pier Culture Centre, this season's third kit captures the colour, energy and personality that makes our city unique. The striking pink and purple colourway with the contrasting yellow detailing comes together to create a design made to stand out both on and off the pitch.
Look closer and you'll find a modern interpretation of a much-loved piece of Shrimper history. The shirt draws inspiration from the legendary 1996-98 ‘Custard Splat’ kit, bringing elements of that unforgettable design into a completely new look for a new generation of Southend supporters. It's a nod to the shirts, players and memories that came before us, while creating something that is entirely its own.
Designed by Erreà’s Creative Lab, the design strips back both iconic crests to the symbols that make them recognisable across the globe. Inside the collar, you will see the two phrases consistent with our ranges this year: ‘WE ARE SOUTHEND’ and ‘NEVER GIVE UP’.
Sponsored by c2c, BTMK, D2 Design & Build and NuDev, it's not just the design that makes this shirt special.
The 2026/27 Third Kit features advanced nanotech material, adding performance technology to a stunning kit. The innovative fabric is designed to help water bead up and roll away from the surface, meaning moisture is less likely to soak into the material. It's a subtle piece of technology that makes a big difference, helping the shirt remain lighter and more comfortable when conditions turn wet".
Woking’s "much-loved mascots, KC Kat and KC Kitten, are preparing to swap pitchside for the racetrack after accepting an invitation to take part in this year’s Epsom Mascot Derby on Bank Holiday Monday, 31st August.
The annual Mascot Derby brings together sporting mascots for a fun-filled race, all while raising vital funds for charity. This year’s event will support The Children’s Trust, helping children with complex health needs and disabilities, while Woking FC will also be encouraging supporters to donate in aid of Woking & Sam Beare Hospice, continuing the Club’s commitment to supporting causes within the local community.
Supporters can look forward to following KC Kat and KC Kitten’s journey over the coming weeks, with plenty of exclusive content across the Club’s social media channels. From training sessions and behind-the-scenes footage to challenges, interviews and race-day updates, there will be plenty of opportunities for fans to get behind the Cardinals’ furry duo ahead of the big event".
21 August 2026
NEXT: BOSTON UNITED
Boston has fond memories as the town in which Altrincham won their play-off final 1-0 to earn promotion back to national football in 2020.
However, that was at the former Boston ground at York Street not at their current Jakeman's Community Stadium. This was the final competitive match played at York Street
Boston were reunited with Altrincham in the National League when they gained promotion from National North in 2024.
In 2025/26 Boston won the fixture in Lincolnshire 1-0 before drawing 2-2 with Alty in March 2026, thanks to the Pilgrims' 94th minute equaliser.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that in the USL League One, Corpus Christi's 6 game unbeaten league run was somewhat surprisingly ended by bottom club New York Cosmos, who hit 2 goals without reply in Texas despite having only 5 shots to their hosts' 18.To add insult to injury SAM ROSCOE picked up a yellow card. This was his ninth booking of the season, but he has avoided suspension so far.
Europa Conference League Qualifier: Larne found themselves with a man advantage in Gibraltar, as Lincoln Red Imps had Spanish defender Yussef Flalhi Idrissi sent off after 29 minutes.
MONTEL GIBSON was booked 12 minutes into the second half, and he was immediately substituted. Larne finally scored after 84 minutes, then struck again in added time to take a 2 goal advantage into next week's second leg in Northern Ireland.
RON SMITH R.I.P.
It is understood that former Altrincham left-winger Ron Smith (right) has died at the age of 90. Our condolences are extended to Ron's family and friends.Terry Rowley's profile of Ron is here.
Ron spent 3 seasons at Moss Lane as Altrincham made the transition from the Cheshire County League, to the Northern Premier League.
ALTY WOMEN WIN
Altrincham FC report, in the words of Brian Flynn, that "Wednesday night’s North West Women’s Regional League, Division One Central, curtain raiser was a triumph for Altrincham FC Women’s summer recruitment and player pathway.The fourteen-player squad featured seven debutants, three new signings, four players from the Under 18 Elite Development Squad and five players who have come through from Altrincham FC Juniors.
Nat Lowe’s sweet first half strike proved to be the difference in a tight encounter as Altrincham FC Women opened their season by taking all three points at Stockport Sports Village...
The only goal of the game arrived in the 36th minute. Ashley Jones launched a throw which was headed clear of the penalty area and Nat Lowe showed great tenacity and awareness to bring the ball under control with her right foot before unleashing a left foot half volley from the edge of the penalty area to give Alty a lead that they would not relinquish.
Altrincham: Stephens, Locke, Morrison, Culbert, Rutter, Lowe (c), Kullu, A. Jones, Paulley, Tickner, Unwin. Substitutes: Bradley, Underwood, Munt...
Victory will help build confidence for Alty’s exciting young squad, who travel to the Lancashire coast on Sunday for a Preliminary Round FA Cup tie at Morecambe".
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Altrincham fans travelling to Boston United on Saturday will notice that "United's new big screen is now up-and-running – thanks to the support of Prime Limousine Services.
The east of England's number one supplier of specialist vehicles to funeral directors have stepped forward to cover the cost of United's new addition – which has been fitted to the exterior of the South Stand and Sports Hub building...
The contents of the screen on matchdays will continue to be developed over the coming weeks, as the Pilgrims gear up to play in a completed Jakemans Community Stadium for the first time".
Barrow "confirm the departure of Charlie Raglan following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
The 33-year-old signed for the Bluebirds in June 2025 and made 34 appearances in the 2025/26 campaign".
Carlisle United's supporters' group refer to a "written club update circulated... and highlighted the following:
- Kit sales were performing strongly, with more than 4,400 home and away shirts sold...
- The new shop EPOS and online retail system had launched alongside the new kit...
- The first home fixture had gone well operationally off the pitch, with a strong attendance, busy retail and Fan Zone activity, and positive feedback regarding visiting Worthing supporters...
- The Family Fun Day was considered a success, with good attendance and positive feedback. The club hoped it could once again become an annual summer event. =
Matters Arising from the Club update:
- Stadium Perimeter Guidance... Suzanne Kidd explained that the guidance had been released late on the evening before the first game of the season. The club needed time to review the rules and compare them with the existing arrangements at Brunton Park. Once this had been completed, including any necessary measurements, the club would be in a better position to determine whether any work was required.
Tom Lawrence added that he believed the stadium would be compliant, as mitigation was required where a wall was less than 2.5 metres from the edge of the pitch, and he believed the walls at Brunton Park were more than 2.5 metres away.
- Suzanne Kidd confirmed that Carlisle United no longer held any financial interest in James Trafford following his previous sale back to Manchester City.
Hartlepool United report that manager "Lee Clark has called on [his team] to show the same mentality, desire and work ethic that have underpinned their perfect start when they face Sutton United on Saturday.
Pools travel to the VMS having recorded successive victories and clean sheets against Barrow and Aldershot Town...
. 'What has pleased me most has been the desire, application and attitude of everybody,' said Clark... 'The substitutions we’ve made have had a real impact on the results, and I’ve been delighted with that... We can change things tactically during games to try to get a result and that is a massive asset for us as a coaching team'...
Pools welcomed a number of new players during the summer, but Clark has been encouraged by how quickly the squad has come together...
'Sutton have made a similar start to us with two wins and two clean sheets, so they’ve obviously been very impressive,' he said."
At Tamworth "Andy Peaks was delighted for his squad to have picked up a victory in the opening game of the National League Cup against Newcastle United PL2.
Academy player Vanylson Silva managed to get onto the scoresheet too, along with Tom McGlinchey, Nathan Tshikuna and a brace from Jake Hutchinson.
Peaks said 'First and foremost, really pleased to win a game of football. We did well in this competition last year and want to do well again this year. For the fans, it was probably an exciting game. For us, there was a lot of positives. Disappointing to concede three goals... Overall, I think it was a really good workout'...
Peaks said 'We’ve got some good academy lads, and we’d like to have probably got others on if we could. At 3-0 we perhaps thought we were going to get more on than we managed in the end. It was about winning the game...
'Just like the Birmingham Senior Cup last year, if we’re in something, we want to win it. This is a good competition because you get a good workout and they’d got some good players... It’s a good challenge, and it gives people who are not playing the chance to get minutes'".
Yeovil Town joint owner Prabhu produced programme notes for their recent home draw against Crlisle.
"It is now just over a year since my family and I decided to invest in this fantastic football club... In many ways, last season was Project Cleanup. This season is about Project Growth...
You will have heard us talk about our three Cs: Calm, Community and Competitive. I hope you can see all three in the work taking place.
This summer we have been focused on backing Billy Rowley. Rebuilding the First Team and coaching staff so that we can be genuinely competitive...
Most importantly, thank you to you, our supporters. Your loyalty, humour and passion make this club what it is, and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of you over the past year..
I am delighted to be back in Somerset for my second summer".
Harrogate Town "are excited to announce the arrival of Middlesbrough midfielder Brayden Johnson on a season-long loan.
'He’s an athletic, ball-winning type, an all action midfielder who will bring a lot of energy', revealed Head of Player Recruitment Lloyd Kerry.
'His style of play is something we need in the middle of the park, he played 60 minutes for Middlesbrough’s 21s this week so he’s fit, ready to go and we think he’ll hit the ground running.'
The 20-year-old caught the eye of current club Boro after a breakout season with Eastbourne Borough...
After signing for the Championship side in January 2025, Johnson would gain more first team experience out on loan at Gateshead and Kidderminster".
There has been a new signing at Gateshead on which the BBC comments that "Irish striker David Eguaibor has joined Lee Cattermole's Gateshead on a two-year deal from Scottish League One side Cove Rangers.
Eguaibor, 22, scored 11 goals in his one season with Cove following his move from Irish side Cobh Ramblers.
He told the National League club website, 'When I went to Scotland, I learned a lot. I learned fast as well and hopefully I can bring that here, score goals and get regular game time as well@".
20 August 2026
NEXT: BOSTON UNITED
The Sale & Altrincham Messenger reports in the words of Ben Edwards that Neil "Gibson’s side are back on the road on Saturday, heading to Boston United for an early 12:30pm kick-off.
Paul Hurst’s side bounced back from an opening-day defeat against Aldershot Town to pick up a 2-0 victory on the road against Solihull Moors.
Altrincham will be boosted by the return of Kosylo (right) and Barnes from suspension, though the latter is a doubt having suffered a setback in training".
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that on Wednesday evening, in the NPL Division 1 West, Avro beat visitors Workington 4-1. DAVID FITZPATRICK played the full game, while MAX HARROP, having been booked in the first half, was withdrawn after 64 minutes.
ALTY WOMEN PREPARE
For Altrincham FC Ben Edwards writes that "Having shifted laterally into Division One Central of the North West Women's Regional Football League, Daryll Abrahams's side will be looking to build on an impressive fifth-placed finish in Division One South.It begins a big opening week for Alty Women, who kick off their Women's FA Cup campaign with a trip to Morecambe FC Women on Sunday.
Abrahams has retained the majority of his squad, losing just five players in Francesca Boyle, Ireyimika Bamigboye, Olivia Kaleta, Sophie Hall and Kira Saycell.
A number of players, whilst available initially, will depart for university, such as Ash Gilmore, Elise Jones and Emily Rutter.
Six players have been brought in to strengthen the group, the first of which was... Brogan Walsh. A club legend and part of the first ever Altrincham Women team, Walsh left the club in November but adds needed experience to the squad this campaign.
Other additions include central defenders Amy Tickner and Isla Paulley from Huddersfield Town Women and Chester FC Women, and midfielders Macy Price and Saffron Tilston from Ashton Town Ladies and Runcorn Linnets Ladies.
The marquee signing of the summer is goalkeeper Carmen Stephens, joining on a season-long loan from Liverpool FC Women".
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Carlisle United report that "Luke Skinner made his debut off the bench as the Blues came from behind to draw 1-1 at Yeovil Town...
The forward joined United on a month's loan from Bristol City last Friday before being introduced in Somerset the following day, having had just one training session with his new teammates...
He said 'It was a delight to be here, a brilliant opportunity for me to try and help this club. On Saturday it was a bit disappointing we only got the one point...
'Feeling trusted from the manager, obviously looking at the bench and picking me out of everyone to come on and try and make an impact...
The 18-year-old had little time to learn his new teammates, the manager's style and the demands of his new surroundings....
'It's very difficult. I mean, like you said, it's difficult to learn names in less than 24 hours. So it's a really difficult situation to be put in, but I like it. I like being challenged and, like last season, I've done it a few times, so it's not a new experience for me and I really enjoyed it...
'If it gets extended, I'll be happy with it... When I get on the ball, they [the fans] expect something to happen. They expect me to take on my man, to just be electric on the pitch. It's something I always bring, energy'".
Hornchurch "and Mark Hammond have mutually agreed that Mark will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer with effect from 19 August 2026.
The Club would like to thank Mark for his contribution during his time with Hornchurch Football Club and wishes him every success for the future.
The Club will make further announcements regarding the future structure of the Club in due course.
Mark Hammond has today confirmed that he has stepped down from his position as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner of Hornchurch Football Club with immediate effect due to personal and family reasons.
Mark said... 'I have made the extremely difficult decision to step down from my role as CEO and Co-Owner of Hornchurch Football Club... At this point in my life, I need to prioritise my family and personal circumstances, and I believe stepping away from my position is the right decision for both myself and those closest to me.
Although my time at Hornchurch has been shorter than I originally anticipated, I am proud to have played a part in an important period for the club as it prepares for the opportunities ahead.
I would like to personally thank Chairman and Owner Alex Sharp who has been so supportive and understanding from when we first met and up until now, Daryl McMahon, who I think is an incredibly talented manager, the management team, players, staff, volunteers, sponsors and particularly the supporters association for their welcome and support they have given me'".
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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



