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NEXT MATCH
FC HALIFAX TOWN (Away)
Saturday, 9 December, 2023, k.o. 3pm
Isuzu FA Trophy match

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

3 December 2023

NEXT MATCH: FC HALIFAX TOWN

Altrincham are scheduled to face FC Halifax Town at The Shay next Saturday in the FA Trophy.

Yesterday both clubs had their scheduled home league matches postponed because of frozen pitches.

FC Halifax indicated last week that they expect to have new pitch covers in place in the next fortnight so, unless that timescale changes, there will need to be marked improvement in the weather for the tie to go ahead.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan's round-up of Saturday's action tells us about former Altrincham players and loanees whose games beat this weekend's freexe-up.

Championship : DUNCAN WATMORE was a 73rd minute substitute for Millwall. Within two minutes of his arrival visitors Sunderland scored to force a 1-1 draw.

National League : TYRESE SINCLAIR (right) was a 74th minute substitute for Rochdale when the game was still scoreless, but hosts Bromley scored the only goal of the match six minutes later.

Two ASHLEY HEMMINGS goals in added time at the end of the first half gave Kidderminster Harriers a 2-0 home win over Ebbsfleet United.

NPL: DONTAI GABIDON scored FC United's second goal in a 1-3 victory at Gainsborough Trinity.

Southern Central : A late goal from ANDY DALES was in vain as Mickleover lost 2-1 at Halesowen Town. Although they remain top of the league, this was their third defeat in five games after going unbeaten in the opening 13 matches of the season, and Needham Market's 1-2 win at Barwell means they are now only two points behind the Derbyshire club with a game in hand.

FA Cup : HARRISON HOLGATE was an unused substitute, while JUNIOR QUITIRNA was again absent, as Fleetwood Town crashed out 4-0 at Cambridge United. The tie was over as a contest once the hosts established a 3-0 lead in the opening 13 minutes.

ELLIOTT NEWBY put in a full shift for Barrow, but, although they led, they fell to a shock 1-2 defeat at Maidstone.

Grimsby Town's 2-0 defeat at Oxford United was perhaps predictable. TOBY MULLARKEY played the full match, while LUKE WATERFALL remained on the bench.

Although their captain, CARL PIERGIANNI, was booked, Stevenage drew 1-1 to earn an away replay with Port Vale.

JOEL SENIOR played throughout as Morecambe earned an excellent 0-2 victory at Wycombe Wanderers.

So there is one ex Robin is definitely in the 3rd round, JOEL SENIOR, and another with a chance of joining him (CARL PIERGIANNI).

Of course OWEN DALE and our three ex-Alty men at Chesterfield (RYAN COLCLOUGH, JAMES BERRY and JEFF KING) are still on course to qualify".

ISUZU FA TROPHY FIXTURES

Saturday 9 December 2023

FA Trophy Round 3: Northern Section

THROUGH THE YEARS: 9 DECEMBER

When Altrincham face FC Halifax Town next Saturday, it will be 15 years since the last Alty game on that date, a 2-2 draw at Barrow in 2008. Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data record all matches played by the club previously on 9 December.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

At Oxford City "Three goals in eight first-half minutes set Maidenhead United on their way to record a thumping 4-1 win over an abject Oxford City at the RAW Charging Stadium.

Sam Beckwith opened the scoring after 18 minutes, and then two goals from Sam Barratt and Reece Smith saw the match all but over before the half-hour.

The Hoops did grab a goal through Latrell Humphrey-Ewers, but the damage had already been done after Barratt had added a fourth ten minutes into the second period.

Ross Jenkins made two changes... Lewis Coyle dropped to the bench in favour of Alex McQueen & Mitchell Roberts was replace by Tafari Moore

The Hoops did rally, and did get themselves on the board on 63 minutes when the ball fell to Humphrey-Ewers on the edge of the box, with the midfielder’s precise effort finding Ross’s bottom corner.

This proved nothing more than a consolation... Attendance: 661 (110 Maidenhead)".

Rochdale's head coach "Jimmy McNulty felt Dale deserved at least a point at Bromley on Saturday.

His side had control for large parts and were denied a few times before Olufela Olomola’s goal ten minutes from time proved to be the difference.

'I thought the minimum we were good for was a point,' said McNulty. 'I think, overall, it was a good performance, and Bromley were clinical. They had two moments in the game, and they took one of them. We dominated a lot of the game and at half-time... we had our moments, we just didn’t score...

'If I look at it from purely a performance perspective, it was good. We were much better than Bromley, in my opinion, on the day. They hung in there'".

For the Dale, "It was [ex=Alty loanee] Tyrese Sinclair’s first minutes since picking up an ankle injury back in October...

The Head Coach... also confirmed that "Kairo Mitchell will be missing for up to two months with an ankle problem".

Down at the bottom, Kidderminster Harriers "secured a vital 2-0 home win over Ebbsfleet at a chilly Aggborough Stadium on Saturday.

A brace from [ex-Alty man] Ashley Hemmings was enough to pocket the result for Russ Penn’s men. It was a first league win for a while...

Harriers... took the game away from the visitors with quickfire goals before the interval. First, Sammy Robinson’s ball set Hemmings away out wide, who charged down on goal before driving a firm, angled effort across Cousins and into the far corner.

The celebrations had barely died down when Harriers made it two; quick thinking from Lambert seeing him take a free-kick while players around him waited, Hemmings alive to the threat and latching on to his pass before firing home for his fifth of the season".

2 December 2023

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

There was a limited programme of league matches owing to clubs being involved in FA Cup ties. And bad weather markedly reduced the list still further. Rochdale's defeat leaves Altrincham still in seventh place.

Saturday 2 December 2023

EMIRATES FA CUP TIES

Ties involving National League teams are as follow...

Second Round: Friday 1 December

Saturday 2 December

Sunday 3 December

POSTPONED

As announced yesterday afternoon, today's match at home to Dorking Wanderers has been postponed as the pitch is frozen and the forecast remains for sub-zero temperatures.

JUSTIN IS A HAPPY MAN

Alty TV has an excellent interview, conducted by Brian Flynn, with Justin Amaluzor.

He talks about his six goals in the league this season and his almost as numerous Man of the Match awards since he joined the club in the summer.

Above: One of Justin's goals this season was at home against Bromley, as seen above.

NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN

With Altrincham's match against Dorking Wanderers postponed today (Saturday), Alty must turn their thoughts to the FA Trophy as they visit The Shay next Saturday to face the holders, FC Halifax Town.

This is, of course, a re-match of last season's semi-final, albeit that took place at Altrincham.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Up The Clarets reports that "Former Burnley central defender Alex Whitmore left AFC Fylde yesterday and moved up the National League to join Solihull Moors.

Whitmore has been with Fylde for over four years since signing from Grimsby...

Having completed the permanent transfer of Whitmore for an undisclosed fee, Moors manager Andy Whing said 'Alex is a player we have been impressed with for several months and was a player I thought highly of last season during his promotion campaign with Fylde... He is a natural leader who has a wealth of experience'...

Whitmore, who will now be captained by James Clarke, another former young Burnley defender, started his career with the Clarets, joining us as a 16 year old back in the summer of 2012... Although he didn’t make the first team during that time, he enjoyed loans in non-league with Gateshead and Chester before... loans at Morecambe and Bury.

He left the Clarets in January 2018... before joining Grimsby in the summer of that year. Then came his move to Chesterfield and now to Solihull Moors".

According to Kent Online "Ebbsfleet United striker Dominic Samuel will prove handful once he gets used to team’s pattern of play, says manager Dennis Kutrieb...

The former Gillingham and Blackburn forward netted his second Fleet goal in last weekend’s stunning 4-1 National League victory at Oldham...

Said Kutrieb... 'We can see already he will be a big help and a massive addition to our squad... He will get better and better>.. I was pretty happy that both strikers scored and Nathan Odokonyero came from the bench and scored as well...

'I think Dominic Poleon is always fighting against himself... If he turns up then he will be fine. After his injury, maybe he felt a bit of the pressure from being back and everyone was relying on him. But we’ve got it right that he’s refocused and knows exactly what is important to his game and he is able to score. That’s what he’s done in the last two games, much better than the three games before'".

At Southend United, "Gus-Scott Morriss is keen for Blues to continue picking up points and get closer to the play-off picture...

Scott-Morriss said 'We’ve shown this season that we’re very good at home; we thrive off big crowds and hopefully we can go and pick up three more points [on Saturday versus Wealdstone]. When you’re playing in front of 8,000, teams can come here and feel under the gun from minute one, so that’s a massive thing that we need to keep capitalising on...

'Last season not getting many assists really annoyed me; for whatever reason it just didn’t click, but this season I’ve contributed a lot more in that sense.

'I got off to a good start with the goals and I think I’ve had 10 goal contributions in total, so I’ll definitely take that at the halfway point'".

1 December 2023

MATCH POSTPONED

Following a pitch inspection at the J Davidson Stadium by the match referee, tomorrow's scheduled game against Dorking Wanderers has been postponed owing to a frozen pitch.

It is the second time that the fixture has been postponed, the original fixture on 21 October having fallen victim to a waterlogged pitch.

ALTY'S LEAGUE STATS

So far this season:

Stats courtesy of FBREF.

NEXT: DORKING WANDERERS

Altrincham will be hoping that the freezing weather abates sufficiently by Saturday for the match to go ahead.

Frost covers have been deployed on the most vulnerable areas of the pitch at the J. Davidson Stadium

It is already a rearranged fixture after waterlogging prevented the original fixture going ahead on 21 October.

Their midweek Cheshire Senior Cup game allowed Altrincham to give Matty Kosylo a run-out after his recent injury whilst Regan Linney (left) was able to add to the ninety minutes or so that he had accumulated in four substitute appearances in the National League since his long-term injury absence.

Another player to gain much-needed game time last Tuesday was midfielder George Wilson. He has played just 14 minutes in the league after having no action in any of the preceding fourteen league fixtures because of injury.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

At Chesterfield "Joe Quigley has signed a contract extension which ties him to the club until the summer of 2025.

The 26-year-old striker, who has scored seven goals in 16 appearances this season... said... 'It’s a great time because the club is going in the right direction.

'Promotion is the clear aim this season and hopefully we can maintain our good run.'

Quigley joined the Spireites from Yeovil Town in January of last year".

Oldham Athletic provide a "roundup how Latics’ youngsters have been getting on, [on loan], at their respective clubs.

Kofi Moore - After making 17 appearances for Workington, Kofi moved to fellow Northern Premier League side, Guiseley. He made a few appearances off the bench, before starting their 4-1 win over Ilkeston...

Jake Forshaw joined Guiseley alongside Kofi, and has made a handful of appearances off the bench at Nethermoor Park, but is yet to start a game...

Benny Couto has continued to be a regular in the Ashton United side, with the Robins now sitting 7th in a rather competitive Northern Premier League.

Llyton Chapman [is on loan at] Chadderton [who] are flying high in the NWCFL Premier Division, and Chapman’s continued to be involved in the defence at Andrew Street...

Frazer Cookson [is at] Northwich Victoria... with his fine performances continuing to impress the Cheshire outfit.

Now playing out of Winsford United’s Barton Stadium, the Vics sit 12th in the league...

Ollie Havens, after scoring four in his first six games for New Mills, Ollie’s returned from his loan".

30 November 2023

ROSS SPEIGHT, AFTER THE MATCH

Following Tuesday night's Cheshire Senior Cup (CSC) tie against Stalybridge Celtic, "first team coach Ross Speight gave his reaction" to Alty TV in an interview by Brian Flynn.

He paid tribute to club's Academy system which has produced several players who featured in the win over Stalybridge.

Ross underlined that the CSC is a competition "we are taking seriously", with the team now into the final eight.

Amongst those singled out for praise was Amaar Hussain (above right) who was making his first appearance after a year out with an ACL injury. His recovery was helped by supporters raising £9,000 for his remedial operation.

Alty TV has highlights of the game.

CELTIC'S VIEW

After their defeat by Altrincham in the Cheshire Senior Cup, Stalybridge Celtic stated "Sometimes you come up against a team who are just better than you, and Altrincham, four divisions higher than Celtic made that gulf show, barely putting a foot wrong all game.

Celtic’s best chance of the half came in the opening few minutes...by Darius Palma...

Altrincham put the game out of reach in a five-minute spell midway through the half...

In an Arctic second half, Celtic could barely keep possession against their full-time opposition. However, Altrincham didn’t carve out a lot of chances of their own, with half chances flying wide.

That changed in the last ten minutes when... Dior Angus had an empty net to tap into. Not as empty as Altrincham’s final goal, when Max Leonard’s pass-back barely got five metres before Linney popped up, took the ball around Hewitson, and walked into the net.

Celtic didn’t play badly, but Altrincham are knocking on the door of League football this season and it showed".

NEXT: DORKING WANDERERS

When Dorking visit Altrincham on Saturday it will be only their second time in Altrincham. Last season they went home with a chestening 4-1 defeat.

However, they got their revenge with a 3-2 win at home, turning round an early 0-2 deficit.

Above: Despite his side winning the home game last season against Dorking Wanderers by a margin of 4-1, Altrincham keeper Ollie Byrne was named Man of the Match. Here we see one of his first-half saves.

For the previous game at the JDS, Alty started with just three players who started last Saturday. They were Eddy Jones, Elliot Osborne and Chris Conn-Clarke.

Alty's squad comprised 1. Oliver Byrne, 22. Ross Barrows, 5. Toby Mullarkey (c), 23. Jake Cooper, 2. Eddy Jones, 10. Elliot Osborne, 8. Josh Lundstram, 16. Chris Conn-Clarke, 17. Brad Jackson, 11. Ryan Colclough, 30. Marcus Dinanga. Subs: 9. Jordan Hulme, 26. James Jones, 18. Ben Pringle, 27. Aaron Bennett, 31. Dan Malone.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Altrincham travel to The Shay on 9 December where FC Halifax Town "confirm that brand new Pitch Covers will be arriving at the Shay within the next two weeks. Getting Pitch Covers in place in time for the coming winter has been the number one priority over the last few months for the Supporters’ Club Committee and we are pleased to announce that after working with the club, who in turn have worked with Calderdale Council, we have together come up with the specifications and funding to make this happen.

The remedial work that took place on the Shay pitch over the summer has gone well and we hope that the new covers will help preserve the surface for as long as possible. There are still underlying issues with the Shay pitch which require a long term solution but even if we can save just a couple of games in the meantime it will have been money well spent.

The Supporters’ Club share of the cost has primarily been met through the great support we have received from the £2k Wall, Skircoat 50/50 and donations".

At Gateshead "Carl Magnay (34) has opted to retire... following a long-term ACL injury sustained in training".

However, he will "continue in his current role as part of interim manager Rob Elliot's coaching staff... He made 122 appearances for Gateshead across two separate spells...

'It wasn't the way I wanted to finish my career, via an injury' said Magnay... 'Thankfully it came at a time where I've transitioned straight into the coaching side of it'".

Aldershot Town "announce the signing of promising attacker Ollie Bray from Willand Rovers...

The 20-year-old has signed an 18-month contract...

The forward registered double figures in goals and assists for the Southern League Division One South side last season and has continued his form into this campaign, scoring four times and adding six assists in 13 games.

Bray is a quick and exciting player who also stands at 6’3″ and his promise has been recognised further up the divisions, having spent the summer on trial with Manchester United’s u23s...

First Team Manager Tommy Widdrington said 'Ollie is a young, athletic striker, who’s played a lot of senior football for his age'".

Eastleigh Football Club "announce an update on the temporary stand for our Emirates FA Cup fixture against Reading.

We are delighted to announce that all areas of the stadium are now sold out except the temporary stand which has been installed this morning.

Following our previous announcement that we had sourced a temporary stand, this is now in place and there are only 103 seats remaining.".

The stand is uncovered.

At Barnet, "Callum Stead has been named the BFC Supporter’s Association Player of the Month for October.

Stead featured in all 7 games in October. The forward scored 4 goals throughout the month and got two assists

The Bees went unbeaten throughout October winning five of their seven games".

November has been less kind to The Bees who have lost all four of their league fixtures this month.

The first team may be second in the National League but "A young Bromley side travelled to National League South side Dartford in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday night, losing 5-1.

The Ravens side did include some senior faces in Ryan Jones, Bim Pepple, Kido Taylor-Hart, Todd Miller and a returning outing for Mitchel Bergkamp following a lengthy spell on the side-lines.

Frankie Moralee and George Penn were two of our Academy representatives in the starting 11 whilst Remi Onabanjo came on in the second half.

The Darts took the lead before Taylor-Hart equalised meaning the two sides returned to the changing rooms level.

However, Dartford progressed to the next round following a dominant second 45, scoring a further four goals".

29 November 2023

ALTRINCHAM 4-0 STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

In Tuesday's CSC First Round, a strong Altrincham side comfortably beat Stalybridge Celtic.

Wilson opened the scoring from an Angus pull-back (29 mins).

Five minutes later a fine finish by Kosylo made it 2-0.

Numerous changes were made in the second half before Angus scored a third goal after excellent work from Linney (82 mins). Finally, a defensive error allowed Linney to score a fourth in added time (90+4 mins).

Match report here.

NEXT: DORKING WANDERERS

Back on 21 October Altrincham were set to entertain Dorking Wanderers, only for a waterlogged pitch to force a postponement.

Now, six weeks later, both clubs find themselves out of the FA Cup so have been able to rearrange their league fixture to take place this coming Saturday, 2 December.

Goals are almost guaranteed on Saturday with only three teams having scored more goals than Alty this season, whilst only five clubs have conceded more goals than Dorking.

That is certainly not to say that the result is a foregone conclusion as the Wanderers showed last time out when they came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 at Fylde.

Altrincham have only failed to score in three league matches this season and none of those occasions was at the J. Davidson Stadium.

ALTRINCHAM AND "MONSTER BUDGETS"

For many years Altrincham have been portrayed as underdogs, as they competed as moderately resourced part-timers in a largely full-time and well-resourced league.

But at least one rival manager now sees Altrincham as one of the big-hitters.

In the NL Paper, Rochdale boss Jimmy McNulty was interviewed about "cash-strapped Rochdale, who don't have the resources other clubs have" in the National League.

McNulty says "'There are monster budgets in the National League and we are nowhere near them'.

To demonstrate the point, McNulty made direct comparison with [Altrincham], Tuesday night's visitors to Spotland.

McNulty explained, 'Altrincham have had a couple of injections of cash this season which is really notable in their squad. 'I think they have 29/30 players compared to our 19.

'We have the smallest squad after Southend'".

THROUGH THE YEARS: 2 DECEMBER

Altrincham's last league game, on next Saturday's date 2 December, when Dorking Wanderers are set to visit the J. Davidson Stadium, serves as a reminder of how far the club has come in six years.

On 2 December 2017 Altrincham were away at Mickleover Sports, two levels below their current level. Alty won that game in Derbyshire 2-1.

The full list of matches played by Altrincham on that date is to be found in the Through the Years data of Howard Watts and Mike Garnett.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Last Saturday, SEFTON GONZALES hit all four goals as Clitheroe won 4-0 at Hednesford.

According to the NL Paper, at Trafford, substitute KWAME OSIGWE unfortunately committed "an horrendous back-pass" to concede a goal to Kidsgrove Athletic who won 2-1 to leave our neighbours still in relegation trouble in the NPL Division One West.

BRUNO ANDRADE, who surprisingly played for Altrincham last night in the Second Round of the Cheshire Senior Cup this season was on the books of Chesham United in tier four of the pyramid as recently as earlier in November.

Another player, who like Andrade played in Round One, against 1874 Northwich, was HAYDEN LINDLEY and he was again in the Darlington side on Saturday in National League North.

From Tuesday's games, we learn of more old boys' exploits from Phil Jordan...

League One : OWEN DALE played the full game, but couldn't help Blackpool to avoid an unexpected 1-2 defeat at home to Northampton Town.

ALISTAIR SMITH was withdrawn at half time at Cambridge United, as his Lincoln City side won 0-3.

CARL PIERGIANNI was booked in Stevenage's 2-2 home draw with Peterborough United.

HARRISON HOLGATE was another to leave the action at half time, as Fleetwood, who played the whole second half with 10 men, suffered a 3-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic.

League Two : ELLIOT NEWBY was substituted in the 83rd minute as Barrow beat visitors Walsall 2-0.

Neither CONNOR JENNINGS nor CHRIS MERRIE were involved as Tranmere Rovers drew 2-2 at Mansfield Town.

Although TOBY MULLARKEY put in a full shift, LUKE WATERFALL remained on the bench as Grimsby Town drew 1-1 at MK Dons.

Although JOEL SENIOR played the whole game, his Morecambe side lost 1-2 to visitors Newport County.

National North : YUSIFU CEESAY rounded off the scoring in Hereford's 3-1 home win over Scarborough Athletic.

NPL : HARRY BUNN scored Hyde United's second equaliser as they were held 2-2 by visitors Gainsborough Trinity.

JOE BUNNEY scored from the spot as Workington forced a 4-4 draw at Marine.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

It's one out and one in in the loan market at Wealdstone where "goalkeeper Dante Baptiste has joined Southern League Premier South side Bracknell Town on a one-month loan deal.

The Stones shot stopper spent a period of time on-loan at Chesham United last season and will once again be going out on-loan to gain some more valuable experience.

He joins a Bracknell side who currently sit 8th in their division".

Heading in to Grosvenor Vale Wealdstone "welcome back Brooklyn Ilunga who has rejoined the club on loan from EFL League Two side Milton Keynes Dons.

The full-back made 13 appearances last season before his spell was cut short to an off-the-ball injury...

Brooklyn made an instant impact last season, notching up five assists... Having made a full recovery over the summer he has made seven more first team appearances for the Dons this season, taking his first team total up to 17".

And also at Wealdstone "It’s been a busy week once again for our Wealdstone internationals with three Stones players heading off for national team duty with their respective countries.

Record cap holder Alex Dyer was called up to the Montserrat national team whilst academy strikers, and brothers, Jaiden and Kai Bartolo were called up to the Gibraltar U21s and U17s respectively.

Making it 28 caps for Montserrat, Dyer featured for 90 minutes on Monday as his side beat Barbados 4-2 in the CONCACAF Nations League...

Having featured for Gibraltar U19s last month, Jaiden Bartolo’s impressive performances of late saw him called up to the U21s this time around for their UEFA Under-21 Euro Championship qualifiers...

For the U17s, Kai Bartolo played back-to-back 90 minutes as his side were defeated by Belgium and Wales in their UEFA Under-17 Euro Championship qualifiers".

Ebbsfleet United "are clearly keeping their away wins for the bigger scalps in the division as they added Oldham Athletic to Rochdale to end a barren spell and thrash the Latics by the same scoreline the home side despatched Barnet in midweek...

[Supporters] might have had to rub their eyes as their side piled in three goals in the final 10 minutes to demolish the Premier League founders.

Greg Cundle sent the Fleet on their way but a James Norwood penalty 20 minutes from the end might have unleashed an Oldham revival. But it never came as Dominic Poleon, substitute Nathan Odokonyero and Dominic Samuel secured their side’s most impressive result of the season.

There were three changes in the Fleet starting list with Cundle, Toby Edser and Matthias Fanimo resuming duty in place of Ben Chapman, Franklin Domi and Darren McQueen.

Oldham were unchanged...

The home side might have been expected to come out breathing fire after their midweek demolition of Barnet but they never got going in the initial stages and Fleet were calm and patient".

28 November 2023

ALTRINCHAM v STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

Altrincham led two nil at the break with the goals coming from George Wilson and Matty Kosylo.

Altrincham named a strong squad tonight. It comprised: 21. Matt Gould, 32. George Burroughs, 5. James Jones (c), 15. Sam Roscoe, 3. Lucas Aldrcoft, 19. George Wilson, 8. Ollie Wright, 7. Matty Kosylo, 9. Regan Linney, 14. Dior Angus, 11. Bruno Andrade. Subs: 12. Harrison Howells, 17. Oliver Partington, 18. Amaar Hussain, 20. Tom Jones, 22. Kaiden Powell.

Nevertheless, Roscoe and James Jones were the only survivors from last Saturday's starting eleven.

The main surprise was the return of Bruno Andrade (right) who, after playing in Round One, was playing for Chesham United at step four in the non-League pyramid.

Those who had not appeared in a first-team squad for Altrincham before were Lucas Aldcroft and, on the bench Kaiden Powell, both of whom have come through the Altrincham age-group system.

Two former Altrincham players were in the Celtic squad, namely Darius Palma and Greg Wilkinson. In addition, Joe Robbins was a loanee at Altrincham from Crewe.

The Celtic squad is 1. Luke Hewitson, 2. Pawel Zuk, 3. Cole Lonsdale, 4. Joe Robbins, 5. Max Leonard (c), 6. Jack Tinning, 7. Brad Byrne, 8. Jack Irlam, 9. Darius Osei, 11. Aaron Dwyer, 11. Darius Palma. Subs: 12. Greg Wilkinson, 14. Joe Edwards, 15. Michael Brewster, 16. Jordan Burton, 17. Obua Mugalula

BEFORE THE MATCH: STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

Last season Altrincham reached the final of the Cheshire Senior Cup before losing at home to Congleton Town after a penalty shoot-out.

In tonight's second round they take on a Stalybridge side plying its trade three levels below in the First Division West of the NPL.

Alty overcame 1874 Northwich in a penalty shoot out in the First Round this season, whilst Celtic beat Winsford United 4-3.

AFTER SATURDAY'S MATCH

Following the 6-1 win over Solihull Moors, assistant manager Neil Sorvel told the NL Paper "It's a really good end to what has been a difficult week" in which Alty had lost two games in succession.

Right: Man of mystery; Chris Conn-Clarke was well wrapped up before kick off against Solihull Moors.

He continued, "Our performances weren't bad in the two defeats but we need to get points. And I think it's so important to beat teams around you, so today was particuarly important" he told Andy Marshall of the Non-League Paper.

Our front four all scoring is great and [they were] good goals as well. Hopefully, we can take this result and gather some momentum going into a heavy schedule of games".

In contrast The Moors' boss Andy Whing concluded "It's embarrassing. I just wantto apologise to the fans...

"We had two one on ones in the first half and should have been up but instead we've gfted them three goals and gone in [at half-time] well behind".

The NLP stats revealed that Alty had 20 shots, 13 on target against 10 shots by Solihull, of which six were on target.

SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS: DORKING WANDERERS

Dorking Wanderers "confirm that goalkeeper Slav Huk will be joining Bath City on a short term loan until January".

Last season was the first time that the two teams had met, with each side winning its home fixture, and five goals being scored at eacn venue.

On 8 October 2022 at the J. Davidson Stadium The Robins won 4-1 in front of 1,862, thanks to goals from Colclough 45(+2), Mullarkey 49, Bennett 65 and Dinanga 87 mimutes.

Curiously, the return fixture on 15 April 2023 was witnessed by almost exactly the same attenance as 1,861 saw Alty surge into an early lead thanks to goals by Linney and Oyedele inside the opening eight minutes which gave them a 2-0 lead. But Wanderers pulled a goal back soon afterwards and adde two more in the second half to win 3-2.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 28 NOVEMBER

Coincidentally, as Alty face Stalybridge Celtic tonight, it is exactly 64 years ago today that Altrincham played Stalybridge Celtic in the Cheshire League, and lost 3-1. For all of Alty's games on this date, see the Through the Years data of Howard Watts and Mike Garnett.

Altrincham will be hoping that there is no repeat of that result nor of the last match they played on Tuesday night's date, 28 November. On that occasion, in 2017, Altrincham lost on penalties at Mossley in an Integro Cup match that had ended 3-3.

Altrincham, with just two of the same starters from the previous Saturday, (Hampson and Hancock, with the former in an unaccustomed centre-back role), were taken to a penalty shoot-out by a controversial equalizer from Mossley, netted in the fourth of a surprisingly long five added minutes. Ten minutes from the end of normal time Altrincham had lost Mason Walsh (right) to a second yellow card but, after that, the ten men took a 3-2 lead as Hancock completed his hat-trick.

Earlier, Mossley had taken a tenth-minute lead when Ellis got clear to score with a low shot. Alty levelled when Hancock held off an opponent's tug as he advanced up the middle and struck a screamer into the net from 25 yards. When Sheridan hit a superb 70 yard ball up the middle, Hancock kneed it over the advancing keeper to give Alty the lead in the 16th minute.

Latham equalised from close range eight minutes before the interval. In the second half, Hancock bundled in a third goal for Alty, after 85 minutes, before Mossley, who had been flagged offside at regular intervals throughout the evening, were given the benefit of a controversial linesman's decision in the fourth added minute and allowed to advance, whilst looking well offside, before the ball was worked to Latham, who made it 3-3.

The first nine penalties in the shoot out were all scored before Hampson's kick was saved by Martin to give Mossley the win.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Hartlepool Mail reports that "These are dark times at Hartlepool United and that’s not just because of their floodlight failure.

A corner of Hartlepool’s ground was thrown into darkness at the weekend during the club's 4-1 defeat to Bromley but... the underlying fact remains that this is a bleak period for the football club.

The recent trip to York demonstrated what this club can be, and is, when things click into place.... Those moments, however, have been few and far between over the course of the last 18-months... as they continue to spiral towards mediocrity in the National League...

Only four teams, Woking, Ebbsfleet, Fylde and Kidderminster (12), have lost more than John Askey’s side this season (11)...

In a demoralising defeat... Bromley who never really looked troubled despite Hartlepool’s possession throughout the game... The problem, however, came in both boxes. Hartlepool have done well when it comes to scoring goals for most of the season...

Inexperience in key areas has played its part, similar to last season, with two of Hartlepool’s three centre-backs contributing to just 10 league starts between them ahead of kick-off... Hartlepool currently have 11 defenders listed in their first team... and none of them have been able to instil a regular level of confidence...

Are they a front-foot team? Are they possession-based? Are they a counter-attacking team? There seems very little identity to the club, as a whole...

What is the solution? Chairman Raj Singh continues to search for his exit, with the short-term funding suggestion and takeover talks still draped over the club. Askey, for the most part, retains the backing of supporters as the right man for the job, albeit frustrations are growing, whilst, on the field, players continue to look bereft of confidence. It’s a difficult puzzle to solve".

After a good start to the season with just two defeats in their first twelve league games, the form of Woking has nosedived with six successive defeats currently, including an FA Cup exit at Ramsgate.

Woking's latest loss was described by the club as a "collapse at Boreham Wood".

"Woking travelled to Boreham Wood on Saturday with both sides in desperate need of a win. Ian Dyer made five changes to the side beaten by Chesterfield on Tuesday, with Alexis Andre Jr missing out through injury, being replaced by Will Jaaskelainen. Greg Taylor, Alfie Pavey, Morgan Williams, and Charlie Wakefield all dropped to the bench, and in came the returning Luke Wilkinson, Zak Bradshaw, Rhys Browne and Reece Grego-Cox...

Woking were awarded a penalty after eight minutes when... Browne was taken out by Jack Payne inside the box. Grego-Cox slotted the ball down the middle and gave the Cards an early lead.

The Cards doubled their lead on 15 minutes in some style. Browne turned his man some 35 yards out... His effort flew over a sprawling Ashmore to leave most inside Meadow Park in disbelief.

However, the hosts had a goal back on 25 minutes... Woking went into half time 2-1 up...

Boreham Wood had an equaliser in 48 minutes... There was a penalty awarded to the home side on 69 minutes after Whelan was fouled, and Marsh stepped up to slot into the bottom corner, completing the turnaround...

They had a fourth on 86 minutes... It would end 4-2, a catastrophic second half for the Cards and yet another defeat to a side on terrible form".

27 November 2023

HIGHLIGHTS OF SOLIHULL GAME

Altrincham FC has extended Alty TV highlights of the club's 6-1 win over Solihull Moors last Saturday.

After the game, manager Phil Parkinson gave his views on the game on Alty TV.

ALTY GOING UP IN THE WORLD

Traditionally, Altrincham have not been a physically big side but, as the above image from Saturday's match shows, they now boast several significantly tall players.

Here we see from left to right, 6'5" Sam Roscoe, 6' James Jones and 6'7" Marcus Dackers. Also in the Alty line up on Saturday was 6'5" goalkeeper Ethan Ross. Pictured with them is Solihull's Mark Beck who is 6' 5" tall.

NEXT: STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

On Tuesday, Altrincham renew acquaintance with Stalybridge Celtic when they meet at the J. Davidson Stadium in the Cheshire Senior Cup. It may also be an opportunity to see former Altrincham player Greg Wilkinson again as he is on the books of Stalybridge.

Manager Phil Parkinson has indicated that he will field a strong team which will include many fringe players and those returning from injury.

For many years Altrincham and Stalybridge Celtic were relatively local rivals in non-League football but they were last in the same league in 2017-18 when they were both in Northern Premier League for a season.

Since then Altrincham have risen two rungs of the non-League ladder to the National League whilst Celtic have dropped another rung to the NPL First Division West where their rivals include another neighbour of Alty in Trafford FC. Celtic currently lie third in the division.

Above: Conditions were very frosty when Stalybridge last played a league game at Moss Lane in March 2018. The visitors won 2-1.

Alty and Celtic were both in the Cheshire League before renewing rivalries in the Football Conference.

Stalybridge were last in the national level of non-League in 2001-02 and had remained in the second tier of non-League football until last season when they suffered relegation to the third tier.

More recently, Alty and Stalybridge have met in the CSC:

On 3 December 2019 Alty lost 2-0 at the Bower Fold in the First Round.

Just 147 watched the game when two goals in quick succession after the half-hour mark made the difference.

Having bowed out of the FA Cup with honour some 72 hours earlier at Portsmouth, Altrincham made eleven changes to their starting eleven for this Cheshire Senior Cup match.

The Stalybridge squad included ex-Alty players Kellum Mantcack and Mark Lees.

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC : 1. Alex Fojticek, 2. Declan Walker, 3. Kallum Mantack, 4. Ross Dent, 5. Steve O'Halloran, 6. Chris Smalley, 7. Scott Bakkor (c), 8. Tony Whitehead, 9. Neil Kengni, 10. Darius Osei, 11. Jonathan Ustabasi. Subs. 12. Nathan Valentine, 14. Harry Freedman, 15. Liam MacDevitt, 16. Jack O'Leary, 17. Mark Lees.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Joel TORRANCE, 2. Callum GRAHAM, 3. Dontai GABIDON, 4. Toby MULLARKEY, 5. Connor HAMPSON (c), 6. Max HARROP, 7. Luke WALL, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 9. Jack RYAN, 10. Curtis MILLER, 11. Billy MATTHEWS. Subs: 12. Dre TAYLOR, 14. Raheem MERCURIUS, 15. James MATTHEWS, 16. George HOWARTH, 20. Liam BLACKBURN (gk)

Only Mullarkey, Harrop, Wall and Richman had played any first-team game time that season, with the rest of the squad comprising reserves and youth teamers.

NEXT LEAGUE MATCH: DORKING WANDERERS

Altrincham welcome Dorking Wanderers on Saturday, following the Surrey club's impressive comeback last Saturday at Fylde.

Dorking Wanderers report that "Heroics from [goalkeeper] Harrison Male helped Marc White's side came from two goals down to earn a point at Mill Farm...

Nick Haughton’s very early opening goal [for Fylde] was just as quickly cancelled out by James McShane in a lightning start to the game, and the hosts continued in that spirit for much of the remainder of the opening forty-five. Countering at speed and flooding the Wanderers half numerous times with bodies, goals from attackers Luke Charman and Jon Ustabasi had the home side 3-1 up at the break and it may have been more had it not been for Male making a number of top stops.

The goalkeeper remained in fine form throughout the second half, but a trio of changes from Marc White in and around the interval added to an improved, resolute team effort, and through Josh Taylor’s strike and another instinctive finish from McShane, Wanderers came away from the north west with a point, a first picked up in front of the TV cameras.

Tony Craig returned to the defensive line as Marc White opted for a back four, the change in shape accompanied by two other changes from last Saturday’s win against Boreham Wood as Niall McManus and James McShane both also came back into the starting eleven...

Hanging on through very late pressure, Wanderers survived the minimum four added minutes to register their second away draw of the season...

Dorking Wanderers: 1 Harrison Male, 4 Dan Pybus, 5 Tony Craig, 6 Niall McManus (24 Harry Ottaway 32′), 7 Jimmy Muitt, 10 Alfie Rutherford (18 Luke Moore 46′), 11 James McShane, 17 Josh Taylor, 19 Haydn Hollis, 22 Barry Fuller (c) (20 Dan Gallagher 48′), 37 George Francomb. Unused Subs: 3 Bobby-Joe Taylor, 12 Callum Kennedy".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Hartlepool Mail reports that "It could have been a day to forget for Andy Woodman and his Bromley side after a nightmare turn of events ahead of their 4-1 win over Hartlepool United, a game which could also have been abandoned at half-time but for a ‘touch of class’ from John Askey.

Woodman’s side made the long trip to the North East with promotion-chasing Bromley hoping to bounce back from an uncharacteristic home defeat to Aldershot in the week as they faced a Hartlepool team who were hoping they had turned a corner in recent weeks..'

The Ravens’ team bus broke down which meant Woodman and his squad were late on their arrival to Victoria Park having had to get changed at the hotel before a series of Ubers would drop them off along Clarence Road.

And yet Woodman’s men raced into the perfect start when Michael Cheek fired in, unchallenged, from inside the area before the experienced striker doubled his tally before half-time...

Woodman and Bromley’s pre-match misfortune might have been set to reappear, however, when a floodlight failure threatened to abandon the game at the break before an intervention from Pools boss Askey who persuaded referee Steve Copeland to continue the game as the Ravens went on to secure a 4-1 success...

Said Woodman... 'It wasn’t an easy game. Anybody watching at home will think ‘4-1, that must have been easy’ but there was some proper dogged defending, putting bodies on the line and being clinical at the other end...

'Everyone says coming up north, southern boys don’t fancy it. We have all that chucked at us, but we were excellent...

'We’ve had to come across from the hotel in kit. I can’t even start to tell you how unprofessional today has been... I must mention John Askey, the manager of Hartlepool, as well,' Woodman added.

'I’ve learnt a really valuable lesson from him today; very sportsman-like and he showed a real touch of class... The floodlight went out, so at half-time he could have quite easily said the game can’t go on at 2-0 down and he was extremely sporting and said "let’s play the game" and fair play to him for that and I wanted to show him the respect and gratitude he deserves.'”

According to the Oxford Mail, "Oxford City let slip a two-goal lead to draw at home to bottom side Kidderminster Harriers.

Andre Burley and Olly Sanderson gave the Hoops a two-goal cushion with 37 minutes on the clock, however an Ashley Hemmings penalty made it just one goal three minutes before the break.

Amari Morgan-Smith then equalised for the Harriers eight minutes into the restart...

The result leaves the Hoops third from bottom in the Vanarama National League, a point inside the relegation zone".

26 November 2023

ALTRINCHAM 6-1 SOLIHULL MOORS

Altrincham's second 6-1 home win of the season continued the pattern of games between Altrincham and Solihull never producing close results. All six previous clashes between the clubs had seen at least a two-goal margin of victory, the Midlanders being victorious in all but one of those matches.

Right: Four of Altrincham's scorers are seen here celebrating Justin Amaluzor's first goal. As well as the scorer, we see Chris Conn-Clarke, Marcus Dackers and Alex Newby.

For today's game, Altrincham made three changes with Marcus Dackers given a debut, in place of Gerald Sithole, and centre-backs James Jones and Sam Roscoe replacing Lewis Baines and Jake Cooper.

Match report here.

MOORS' REACTION

Solihull Moors match report stated that "Solihull Moors lost for the third consecutive game in the National League with a 6-1 defeat against Altrincham... on a bad day for the Moors.

After the Moors’ defeat on Tuesday, Andy Whing made one change ahead of our trip to the J Davidson Stadium, with Joss Labadie coming in for Kade Craig".

NEXT MATCH: STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

Altrincham's next match is a home tie in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Stalybridge Celtic on Tuesday, 28 November at 7.45pm

Tickets are available via the Altrincham FC website.

NEXT LEAGUE MATCH: DORKING WANDERERS

Next Saturday, 2 December, in a rearranged match following its postponement due to the weather, Dorking Wanderers visit the J. Dasvidson Stadium.

Yesterday they secured a 3-3 draw at AFC Fylde after trailing 3-1.

ALTY OLD BOYS

From Phil Jordan comes the following review of Altrincham old boys who were in action on Saturday...

Championship: DUNCAN WATMORE returned to the Millwall starting XI after missing five matches through injury. His team were already a goal behind when he was substituted just after the hour, and visitors Coventry City went on to win 0-3.

League One: JUNIOR QUITIRNA (right) was again absent from the Fleetwood Town squad, but visiting Stevenage captain CARL PIERGIANNI played the whole game as his team won 0-3.

ALISTAIR SMITH was substituted after 64 minutes by Lincoln City, who were a goal up at the time. Just 8 minutes later they were trailing 1-2 to visitors Barnsley, but scored late to draw 2-2.

OWEN DALE celebrated his visit to former club Portsmouth by scoring Blackpool's opener as they became the first team to defeat their hosts in the League in style, winning 4-0. The result cost Portsmouth top spot in the division, Bolton Wanderers taking over after crushing hapless Exeter City 7-0.

League Two: ELLIOT NEWBY put in a full shift for Barrow, as they recovered from being behind at the break to win 1-4 at Colchester. It was 1-1 until the hosts had a man sent off in 84th minute.

LUKE WATERFALL captained Grimsby Town in their 1-1 draw at home to Sutton United. TOBY MULLARKEY was credited with the assist for their goal.

A first half booking didn't seem to affect CONNOR JENNINGS as he scored the second goal for Tranmere Rovers in their 3-1 home win over Gillingham.

JOEL SENIOR (left) unfortunately scored an own goal after only 5 minutes , and was substituted after 73 minutes as his Morecambe side crashed 6-0 at Wrexham.

National League: BILLY SASS-DAVIES played the whole game for Boreham Wood, who recovered from being two goals down in 16 minutes to beat visitors Woking 4-2.

RYAN COLCLOUGH played the full match in Chesterfield's 3-2 home win over Eastleigh, with JAMES BERRY an unused substitute, as was TYRESE SINCLAIR in Rochdale's 1-2 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge.

DAN MOONEY earned a rare start for Southend United at Gateshead, but was substituted after 68 minutes. His side subsequently came from behind to draw 1-1. MARCUS DINANGA played the full game for Gateshead.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM'S full shift for Oldham Athletic was in vain at home to Ebbsfleet United, as the visitors took control by regaining the lead they'd lost ten minutes earlier by scoring three goals from the 80 minute mark.

After Kidderminster Harriers had found themselves 2-0 down at Oxford City, ASHLEY HEMMINGS got them back into the game from the penalty spot, and they went on to draw 2-2.

National North:HAYDEN CAMPBELL scored the only goal in the 90th minute as Curzon Ashton took advantage of hosts Banbury United playing with 10 men from the 80th minute.

NPL: By the time DONTAI GABIDON (right) scored for them in the 80th minute, FC United were already three goals down, and visitors Matlock Town won 2-3.

After former Altrincham trialist HARRY BUNN had put them ahead at half time, JACK REDSHAW notched the winner in Hyde United's 2-1 home win over Morpeth.

KYLE BROWNHILL scored Lancaster City's first equaliser as they drew 2-2 at home to Bradford PA.

JOSH HANCOCK put Radcliffe ahead with an early penalty, then after visitors Bamber Bridge had equalised twice he repeated the feat in the 79th victory to earn his side a 3-2 win.

JOE BUNNEY scored Workington's equaliser as they drew 1-1 at Whitby Town.

Scotland: MILES WELCH-HAYES was left on the bench by Livingston as they lost to the only goal at St.Mirren.

25 November 2023

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 25 November

BEFORE THE GAME: ALTRINCHAM v SOLIHULL MOORS

Altrincham host Solihull Moors today (Saturday) at the J. Davidson Stadium, the first of three successive home fixtures.

Recent matches between the clubs have been high-scoring for the most part, with 25 goals in six meetings. Only one match has not been a decisive victory by two or more goals; there have been no draws.

Altrincham's overall record against Solihull is poor, having won just once in six encounters since 2020.

The past meetings between the clubs, since Altrincham returned to the top-flight of non-League, ended as follows...

Overall: P6 W1 D0 L5 F6 A19 PTS3

Altrincham are expected to include new loanee Marcus Dackers in their squad this afternoon.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

At Maidenhead United we learn that "James Golding [has been] recalled by Oxford United.

James has been with us at York Road since the end of September and we would like to place on record our thanks to James for his efforts".

The nineteen year-old has played ninety minutes in all ten games in which he has featured for Maidenhead.

York City "is delighted to welcome highly rated youngster Luke Daley on loan from Huddersfield Town on an initial loan deal until January 2nd.

The 20-year-old left-back joins in time to bolster Neal Ardley’s defensive options ahead of the Minstermen’s trip to Maidenhead...

B Team defender Daley committed his future to Huddersfield Town in the summer, penning a three-year deal running until the summer of 2026.

Initially a forward winger at Port Vale’s academy from a young age, the naturally left sided player adapted when joining Huddersfield in 2019 to become a left-back.

Daley experienced his first stint of men’s senior football last season, turning out in 10 games across the Vanarama National League and Emirates FA Cup" gfor Gateshead.

Huddersfield Town add that this will be "The second loan of his Town career. Luke has previously spent time with Gateshead, and he will make the move to North Yorkshire on back of some involvement with Darren Moore’s First Team squad having been an unused substitute on a couple of occasions".

24 November 2023

DACKERS DOCKS AT THE DAVIDSON

Altrincham FC report through press and media officer John Edwards that "Phil Parkinson has significantly increased Altrincham's firepower by landing Salford City striker Marcus Dackers on loan until the New Year.

Right: Marcus Dackers shakes hands with Alty's James Jones before Woking's visit to Moss Lane in February 2023. Although Marcus scored for The Cards, Alty won the match 3-1. Marcus is one of the few players taller than the Altrincham captain in their squad.

Manchester-born Marcus, a 6ft 7in frontrunner... has been in the Alty manager's sights for some time and goes straight into the squad for Saturday's fixture with Solihull Moors...

The signing is a coup for Alty, with Marcus being made available only because of experienced target man Matt Smith's consistent form for the Ammies this season and the Robins beating off stiff competition from a host of other teams to secure a loan that initially runs until January 2nd...

'As a striker, my main goal is to put the ball in the back of the net,' said the Wales Youth international...

'I remember being impressed with Alty's style of play... That stayed with me, and I knew Altrincham were a club I would want to go to on loan if the chance was there...

'I like to think I can provide more than just height and can get around the pitch and play with the ball at my feet'...

The 20-year old featured at Academy level for Manchester City and Brighton before joining Salford on a two-year deal in July 2021...

He scored eight times in 10 appearances on loan at Stalybridge Celtic before being recalled by Salford in mid-November and making his League debut...

Chester snapped him up [on loan] in January last year in an initial one-month arrangement that was extended for the remainder of the season... [with him] scoring nine goals in 20 appearances...

In September last year, he marked the start of a loan spell at Southend United by scoring on his debut... Southend were desperate to keep him beyond the initial one month, only to be prevented by their financial predicament, and Marcus returned to Salford before being loaned to Woking in the New Year in an arrangement that ran for the remaining months of last season...

Marcus put pen to paper on a new contract at Salford last November but has had his opportunities restricted this season by the form of... [Matt] Smith"".

Brian Flynn interviewed Marcus for Alty TV.

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

Altrincham go in to Saturday's match against Solihull Moors looking to get back on the winning path after two successive defeats and just one win in their last six league matches.

On Tuesday, Solihull Moors announced "the signing of DJ Campton-Sturridge on a short-term deal!

Campton-Sturridge arrives at Damson Parkway following an impressive spell whilst on trial with the club.

A product of Aston Villa’s academy, the exciting forward rose through the ranks... until this summer where he was released from the club.

The local forward was recently on trial with Huddersfield Town...

Moors Head Coach Andy Whing expressed his delight on capturing his signature 'DJ is a player I really liked when he came through Aston Villa's academy who had a lot of potential but has been extremely unfortunate with injuries in the last couple of years...

'He is fit now and impressed us all whilst on trial and can bring a different dynamic to our squad with his pace and ability to run in behind from wide or central areas'".

Probably their bext known player is former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Richard Stearman, though another familiar name will be Matty Warburton, the former Stockport man.

Stearman, now 36, has also played for Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Fulham, Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town and Derby County from where he joined the Moors last summer. He has also represented England at verious age-group levels.

Warburton also joined the Moors last summer, after leaving FC Halifax Town.

ALTY TO OPEN A SHOP IN TOWN

ALtrincham FC announce that "As part of the next phase of the football club's growth plan, we are pleased to announce the opening of an official club retail unit and community hub on George Street, a highly visible location in the heart of the town centre's Stamford Quarter...

The unit will allow supporters to shop all things Alty in person five days a week, rather than just matchdays, as well as giving us a central base to sell match tickets, season tickets and hospitality. There will also be a major community outreach focus, with regular events delivered by Altrincham FC Community Sports...

The club are working around the clock to get the unit open as quickly as possible, and we are working towards a December 4th opening".

Footnote: The store will be open 5 days a week, closed Monday and Tuesday. The store will be entirely cashless with the ability to purchase retail products, match and season tickets, hospitality, event tickets and much more...

The club adds "We are looking for volunteers who would be happy to get involved in supporting this initiative, especially those with a strong knowledge of the club and our history, who are available to be in store, even if it is just limited availability. If that sounds like you, please let us know via store@altyfc.com".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Wednesday, "JOSH LUNDSTRAM (right) put in a full shift as Oldham Athletic won 1-4 at Barnet. The defeat leaves Barnet 8 points behind Chesterfield, and the Spireites also have a game in hand and an advantage of 15 on goal difference".

CHESHIRE NEWS

The BBC reports that "Non-league Macclesfield have signed former Everton striker Oumar Niasse on a short-term deal.

The 33-year-old ended last season in League One with Morecambe, where he scored once in 10 games.

The former Senegal international has also had spells in English football with Hull City, Cardiff City, Huddersfield and Burton.

Seventh-tier Macclesfield, who are managed by Alex Bruce, are fourth in the Northern Premier League".

It adds that "Everton paid Lokomotiv Moscow £13.5m for Oumar Niasse in February 2016".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In midweek, struggling Boreham Wood "lost their second Vanarama National League match in a row due to two excellent goals from Paul McCallum which gave Eastleigh a well-deserved 2-1 victory at Silverlake Stadium.

Luke Garrard made one change from Saturday’s defeat at Dorking Wanderers with Tom Whelan coming in for Matt Robinson in midfield...

Eastleigh took the lead on fifteen minutes with their first shot on goal and it was their top scorer Paul McCallum who got the goal with a deadly finish... It was the sixth match running that Boreham Wood have conceded the first goal.

Four minutes later Boreham Wood equalised with a deadly finish from Tyrone Marsh which crashed in on the underside of the bar...

Boreham Wood gave as good as they got in the first half against a good Eastleigh side. However, their good work was undone three minutes after the restart when McCallum buried his shot beyond Nathan Ashmore...

Boreham Wood offered very little after Eastleigh retook the lead...

It was another disappointing result on the road for Luke Garrard’s men who now sit perilously close to the drop zone with only one point separating them and Oxford City who sit in the bottom four".

On Tuesday, Oxford City were beaten on the road by York City under the lights at the LNER Community Stadium.

The first ever meeting between the Hoops and the Minstermen was one to forget from a City perspective, after a thunderbolt from Tyler Cordner followed by a Will Davies strike, secured the win inside twenty minutes.

Ross Jenkins decided to name an unchanged squad from Saturday’s 4-0 win away at Ebbsfleet. Cole Kpekawa and Alex McQueen kept their starting spots after impressive debuts.

City were undone by a strong first half performance from the Minstermen, and it took just five minutes for them to open the scoring... and on 17 minutes they doubled their lead, this time from closer range...

Ross Jenkins made a half-time change to try and turn the tide. Nya Kirby took to the field to replace Mitchell Roberts. However, the second-half started in the same manner as the first. York again in the ascendancy, and City struggled to land a glove on their opponents...

In truth, the second-half was a rather tame affair".

Wealdstone "announce the signing of Marcus Dewhurst on a permanent deal from Premier League club Sheffield United.

'I’m delighted, it’s a chance to get my career back on track and hopefully help the club get back to where they want to be at the end of the season,' said Dewhurst...

'I like to think I’m good with the ball at my feet and every keeper has to be a good shot-stopper'...

Dewhurst has spent the majority of his career at Sheffield United, who he joined in 2018...

'I learnt a lot from there, keepers like Dean Henderson and Simon Moore. Even the ones that are there now like Wes Foderingham and Adam Davies have been a big help in my career'...

The 22-year-old boasts plenty of National League and National League North experience, having had loan spells at Scunthorpe United, Boston United, Guiseley AFC and Solihull Moors...

The shot-stopper has a good pedigree of international exposure under his belt, having featured a combined ten times for England at youth level with the U17s, U18s, U19s and the U20s".

23 November 2023

ROCHDALE HIGHLIGHTS

Rochdale have posted seven minutes of highlights from Tuesday's victory over Altrincham. They are to be found on YouTube.

PHIL PARKINSON, AFTER THE MATCH

After their second defeat in four days, Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson spoke to Brian Flynn on Alty TV

"They were better than us... we were nowhere near the levels we would expect" especially at the start of the game, he judged.

After explaining that it had taken three hours to cover the short distance to Rochdale owing to traffic problems, he stated that in the early stages 'We let them have the ball; that was part of the game plan'.

He added that "I've made the lads very aware that it was not acceptable" the way the team performed at Rochdale.

"The opportunites we created were few and far between", the boss conceded.

He hinted that he would now give opportunites to players "who have waited patiently" to get into the side.

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

When Solihull visit Altrincham on Saturday it will be a clash between two top-seven clubs who, nevertheless, have both lost their last two games and who are both in disappointing form after long unbeaten runs.

On Tuesday, the Moors lost 1-2 at home to Gateshead.

Solihull Moors report that "It would be back-to-back home defeats within three days for Moors and déjà vu as a quickfire double, courtesy of a Wearne penalty and a close range Olley finish, awarded Gateshead the three points despite a late Moors rally.

It was an even start between the two sides...

A game between two sides in the playoffs can go either way – extremely cagey or chaos, unfortunately it was becoming the former as no side were really taking a foothold...

On the 42nd minute they [Gateshead] were awarded a penalty following a trip in the area and despite Hornby guessing correctly Wearne converted the spot kick into the top right of Hornby’s net.

Gateshead were full of attacking confidence... and doubled their lead.. A driven cross was converted at the far post to make it 2-0 out of nowhere for the away side into the break...

The scoreline was extremely harsh...

The game was looking like it was petering out, but... sub Jon Benton was bought down for a penalty which Kelly converted with four minutes of normal time left...

Solihull will look to bounce back when they make the trek to Manchester to face another play off contender in the name of Altrincham".

WEDNESDAY SCORE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Kent Online says that "Ebbsfleet United Dennis Kutrieb felt his team deserved maximum points after drawing with Maidenhead on Tuesday night.

It’s just one win in 14 National League games for the Fleet...

Said Kutrieb... The team’s performance was definitely in the right direction.'

On the goal conceded, Kutrieb added... 'It was a twice deflected goal, the free-kick was deflected which is how they got the ball and then it gets another deflection...

'I’m frustrated as we deserved to win for our efforts. I think we had more quality, there was not much quality in the game but we definitely showed more and they were very passive.

'I think they came for a draw and they got it'...

Kutrieb admitted that the defeat to Oxford hit him hard at the weekend...

'I was in a very dark place on Sunday morning... The team deserves more than we’re getting at the moment'".

22 November 2023

ROCHDALE 3-0 ALTRINCHAM

Tuesday night's match at Rochdale versus Altrincham was delayed and only kicked off at 8.05pm, owing to a road accident in the area.

Having lost their ten-game unbeaten league run on Saturday, after this 3-0 reverse Altrincham are now looking at a record that makes much less happy reading; one win in their last six matches in the league and FA Cup.

Match report here.

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

Altrincham host Solihull Moors on Saturday.

After starting the season with fourteen games undefeated in the National League, the Moors have won only two of their last seven league outings.

Like Alty, they are out of form. They lost on Tuesday night, with Gateshead defeating them at home 1-2, just three days after Maidenhead United had likewise won by the odd goal in three in the Midlands.

RESERVES' MIXED FORTUNES

Altrincham FC Reserves have had mixed results in November so far. They lost, last time out in the league, 0-1, at home to Poynton on 18 November.

However, they had better fortunes the previous Saturday when they won in the Altrincham FA Senior Cup, First Round, at Lymm Rovers FC. A brace from Adam Lynch secured a two-nil victory.

The line up comprised: Benjamin Atkinson, Jack Chandler, Louie Fallon, Harrison Howells, Thomas Killen-Talbot, Adam Lynch, Henry Murphy, Kaiden Powell, Finley Ryan, Matthew Cleary and Sam Taylor. On the bench were Henry Brown, Ajani Oshodin, Oliver Partington, George Raftery and Tayo Tek.

THROUGH THE YEARS

Altrincham's last league game on next Saturday's date, when they entertain Solihull Moors, was a 1-1 away draw at Grays Athletic.

The full list of matches played by Altrincham on that date is to be found in the Through the Years data of Howard Watts and Mike Garnett.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's action involving former Altrincham players and loanees.

"In LEAGUE ONE: ALISTAIR SMITH played the full game as Lincoln City won 1-0 at Leyton Orient.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: BILLY SASS-DAVIES was booked in Boreham Wood's 2-1 defeat at Eastleigh, while DANNY WHITEHEAD was sent off for Fylde as hosts Halifax came from behind to win 2-1.

ASHLEY HEMMINGS played the full game for Kidderminster Harriers in their 1-1 home draw with Hartlepool, as did MARCUS DINANGA in Gateshead's 1-2 win at Solihull Moors.

RYAN COLCLOUGH replaced JAMES BERRY after 61 minutes as Chesterfield won 2-0 at Woking.

NPL : DONTAI GABIDON scored FC United's third goal at Bamber Bridge. The hosts came from 0-2 and 2-3 down to draw 3-3 despite being down to 10 men from the 53rd minute.

JAMES HARDY scored the first of Ashton United's two equalisers as they drew 2-2 at Ilkeston Town."

And in news of a current Altrincham player, Phil adds that "JUSTIN DONAWA played the full match for Bermuda, but hosts French Guiana ran out comfortable 3-0 winners".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Chronicle Live re[ports that "Gateshead International Stadium could be taken over by private operator amid council cash crisis. Cost-cutting measures at Gateshead Council have already seen two leisure centres closed and is now set to see the town's remaining sites handed to an outside contractor

Civic centre bosses have agreed to include the famous venue, which has hosted international athletics events and pop concerts, in a tendering process to find an outside contractor who will run Gateshead Council’s remaining sports centres and swimming pools.

The local authority has been trying to slash the amount of money it spends on leisure services, as it faces up to a predicted £50m budget shortfall over the next five years, and controversially closed down Gateshead Leisure Centre and Birtley Swimming Centre this summer.

It has been the plan to procure an external operator for the borough’s remaining leisure sites... but the council’s Labour cabinet agreed on Tuesday morning to add the stadium to that offer as well, in hope of making a deal 'more attractive to the market'...

The council has warned that the venue is in need of £4m of repairs over the next decade and, with operating costs added to that, will cost the council at least £11m to keep open in that time.

A report to the cabinet added that there is 'no current funding source that the council may access to meet this potential liability'"

21 November 2023

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday, 21 November 2023

Wednesday, 22 November 2023

BEFORE THE MATCH: ROCHDALE

Altrincham travel to Spotland tonight to face Rochdale in the Vanarama National League. Having just ended a ten-game unbeaten run in the National League, Altrincham will be looking to get back to winning ways.

Rochdale have gained more points away from home than at Spotland, where they have won three and drawn three of their ten home fixtures. Their win on Saturday against Aldershot Town was just their second win in nine matches

They currently lie ninth, five points adrift of Altrincham despite having played one more match.

The match is available as a live stream from the National League as well as being broadcast by Radio Robins on Radio Alty.

Rochdale have announced that their "Season Card holders can 'bring a friend for a fiver' to our home game against Altrincham next week (Tuesday 21st)."

Altrincham last visited Spotland in 1965 when the Robins recorded a 3-1 win in the FA Cup Second Round. 8,367 spectators saw Campbell, Connolly and Swindells score the goals that disposed of the League team.

THROUGH THE YEARS

Altrincham face Rochdale tonight, which is 21 November. The last two games played by Altrincham on today's date, 21 November, were both 1-0 wins against Boreham Wood.

In 2015 the win came at Moss Lane whilst, in 2020, the victory was earned on away territory.

The full record of games on this date is to be found in Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years.

FA TROPHY OPPONENTS: FC HALIFAX TOWN

Altrincham's FA Trophy hosts on 9 December are FC Halifax Town.

Their ground, The Shay, has had recurrent drainage problems but FC Halifax Town now report that "We’re pleased to confirm that brand new Pitch Covers will be arriving at the Shay within the next two weeks. Getting Pitch Covers in place in time for the coming winter has been the number one priority over the last few months for the Supporters’ Club Committee and we are pleased to announce that after working with the club, who in turn have worked with Calderdale Council, we have together come up with the specifications and funding to make this happen.

The remedial work that took place on the Shay pitch over the summer has gone well and we hope that the new covers will help preserve the surface for as long as possible. There are still underlying issues with the Shay pitch which require a long term solution but, even if we can save just a couple of games in the meantime, it will have been money well spent.

The Supporters’ Club share of the cost has primarily been met through the great support we have received from the £2k Wall, Skircoat 50/50 and donations".

ALTY CALENDAR

Altrincham FC "announce the release of our Official Club Calendar for 2024.

Thanks to the tireless work of official club photographer Jonathan Moore, along with a number of supporters, we have produced a print that we hope captures the feelings and emotion of following our great club.

Hit the link here to buy your copy today."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

There are vacancies at AFC Fylde, who are seeking a Commercial Manager and a a

For the Commercial Manager, the post is portrayed as "An excellent opportunity to join a football club with great ambition in a state-of-the-art stadium, with a salary of up to £35,000 dependent on experience, plus commission, company car and great benefits.

The main responsibility of the Commercial Manager is to bring income into the Club by acting as an ambassador and forging strong links with the local community at all levels".

As the Head of Ticketing & Retail, "with a salary of up to £30,000, dependent on experience, plus great benefits... you will be responsible for the entire matchday ticketing operation, from planning to execution.

You will play a key role in bringing income into the club through two key revenue streams; ticketing and retail".

As well as "Dealing with all elements of Ticketing and retail including, but not limited to, customer service, running the club shop, stock control, shop and ticket reconciliations and working closely with supporters to ensure their memberships remain current and relevant".

Gateshead "confirm the loan signing of Mamadou Jobe from Cambridge United until January2, 2024.

The 20 year-old arrives... to bolster Rob Elliot's options in cebtral defence.

Jobe played at Maidstone United for the second half of the 2022/23 National League season and made 13 appearances during his loan spell".


Click here for EARLIER NEWS

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