an unofficial Altrincham FC website

   OPTIONAL DROPDOWN MENU - HERE

HOME: News | Archive |
CLUB: Club Info. | Contact | Ground/Prices | Location | Mark Maddox | Town |
LINKS: Links & Maps |
TEAMS: Team Overview | Academy | First Team | Fixtures | League Line-Ups | League Table | Playing Legends | Reserves | Statistics | Through the Years |Women's Team | Youth Teams |
SITE: About | Search Site | Site Map |


HOME | NEWS | CLUB | FIXTURES | LINKS | SITE MAP | TEAMS |

officialsite alty tv radioalty DAZNstream awaytravel

NEXT MATCH
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE
Saturday, 7 March 2026
TRURO CITY (Home) 3pm

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

2 March 2026

BRACKLEY MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Alty TV has eight minutes of highlights from Altrincham's win at Brackley last Saturday.

NEXT: TRURO CITY

Truro City will become the first club from Cornwall to play a competitive match in Altrincham when they visit next Saturday for a National League fixture.

The reverse fixture ended in a 1-0 win for Altrincham against the Cornish side who are currently bottom of the league table.

Their manager is John Askey, a familiar face in Cheshire as the former manager of Macclesfield Town.

The Cornish Times reports that, on Saturday, "Aidan Francis-Clarke scored five minutes into second half stoppage time to see Braintree Town to a narrow 3-2 win at Truro City.

The Tinners turned the game on its head however, with Freddie Issaka equalising on the cusp of half-time, before an own goal put City in front shortly after the hour.

Back came Braintree though, with Francis-Clarke diverting a header past Aidan Stone ten minutes from the end prior to his match-winning touch deep in added time.

Luke Jephcott was rewarded for scoring from the bench in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat at Eastleigh with a place in the starting XI, at the expense of an injured Lirak Hasani, in the only change made by manager John Askey..

Fine margins meant, moments after being the width of the post away from winning it, the Tinners were in fact losing it when Francis-Clarke turned home a loose ball, leaving Truro 12 points adrift with as many games to play".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan informs us that SAM ROSCOE was reported during February to have left Linfield in Northern Ireland. He will shortly be starting the USL League One season with the newly franchised Texan club Corpus Christi FC.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

The Altrincham FC Monthly Draw for February produced the following outcome:

Congratulations to all of the winners.

21ST NATIONAL LEAGUE MANAGER GOES

In a statement issued on Sunday evening, Woking "confirm that Manager Neal Ardley and Assistant Manager Simon Bassey have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect.

Right: Neal Ardley, pictured at Altrincham when Woking were the visitors in October 2025.

This decision follows a decline in performances over the past two months which saw us go from within touching distance of the play-off positions and the opportunity of reaching the FA Trophy semi-finals to where we find ourselves today.

Chairman Todd Johnson said 'We’ve reached the conclusion that it’s time to make a change. Ultimately, this is a results-oriented business, and the results did not match our ambitions. Our focus is on building a positive, club-oriented, winning culture. We believe in this group of players and in creating the right environment for them to play with confidence, intent and ambition'.

The Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Neal and Simon for their contributions over the past 14 months, particularly their role in helping to stabilise the Club during a challenging period upon their arrival in December 2024, and wishes them both every success in the future. The wider staff structure and football framework remain in place, ensuring continuity as we move forward. In the interim Craig Ross, Jake Hyde and Dale Gorman will take charge of the team".

Footnote: So, below, we produce yet another update on the departures of National League managers since the end of last season. The total is now 21 managers who have been sacked or resigned from National League clubs since May 2025, a period of ten months.

Those 21 departures have occurred at sixteen of the 24 current members of the National League over a period of ten months, with Morecambe, Yeovil Town, Gateshead, Eastleigh and Wealdstone changing manager twice.

Changes between the end of the 2024/25 season and the start of the 2025/26 season:

  1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
  2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
  3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
  4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox.

Departures since start of the 2025/26 season:

The seventeen departures (so far) since the start of this season are listed below; all were sackings unless otherwise stated...

  1. MORECAMBE: Derek Adams, sacked on 18 August 2025, replaced by Ashvir Singh Johal
  2. YORK CITY: Adam Hinshelwood, replaced by Stuart Maynard
  3. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper, replaced by Danny Webb
  4. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor, replaced by Chris Millington
  5. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison, replaced by Chris Agutter
  6. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis, replaced by Scott Bartlett
  7. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation), replaced by Billy Rowley
  8. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Simon Grayson, replaced by Nicky Featherstone
  9. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Tommy Widdrington (resignation), replaced by John Coleman
  10. ALTRINCHAM: Phil Parkinson, replaced by Neil Gibson
  11. GATESHEAD: Alun Armstrong moved to a new role, replaced by Rob Elliot
  12. BOSTON UNITED: "Parted company" with Graham Coughlan, replaced by Paul Hurst
  13. BRACKLEY TOWN: "Resignation" of Gavin Cowan, appointed at Shrewsbury Town, replaced by Andy Whing
  14. MORECAMBE: "Mutually agreed to part ways" with Ashvir Singh Johal, replaced by Jim Bentley
  15. EASTLEIGH: Scott Bartlett, "relieved of his duties", replaced as "interim manager" by Richard Hill
  16. WEALDSTONE: Sam Cox, "removed from his position as manager", replaced by Gary Waddock
  17. WOKING: Neal Ardley, "relieved of duties"

The eight clubs still employing the manager who was with them at the end of last season are Rochdale, Boreham Wood, Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United, Southend United, Tamworth, Braintree Town and Truro City.

Four of those eight clubs were not in the National League last season; Carlisle were relegated from EFL2, whilst Scunthorpe United, Boreham Wood and Truro City were promoted from the regional divisions.

So, Rochdale, Southend United, Tamworth and Braintree Town are the only four clubs which were in the National League last season and remain there this season with the same manager who completed last season with the club.

Jimmy McNulty (Rochdale), Kevin Maher (Southend United), Andy Peaks (Tamworth) and Steve Pitt (Braintree Town) are the quartet of great survivors. Former Brackley Town boss Gavin Cowan also merits a mention as he remains the only one of the 21 departing managers who moved on to become manager at a higher-ranked club; in his case, Shrewsbury Town.

CHESHIRE NEWS

On 31 January, Chester FC announced "that Manager Calum McIntyre will depart the club upon the expiry of his contract at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season".

On 28 February, Chester FC announced that "First Team Manager Calum McIntyre has left his position.

It was previously announced that Calum would depart at the end of the season. However, all parties believe it is now in the best interests of the football club to part company with immediate effect".

The club later confirmed that "Connell Rawlinson has been named as Interim First Team Manager".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Boreham Wood "confirm that our National League Cup Final against West Ham United PL2 will be held on Tuesday 17 March at the Mangata Developments Stadium Meadow Park, with kick-off at 19:00.

This isn’t just another match; it’s a chance to make more club history as we aim to be the first National League club with its name engraved on the trophy.

Cup finals don’t come around often, and if we want to lift silverware against top opposition on home soil, we need the Wood Army louder than ever. Pack the North Bank, fill Meadow Park to the rafters, and drive your local club forward as the Wood chase another night to remember in WD6!"

Scunthorpe United "announce the loan signing of youthful forward Leo Farrell, who joins the club from EFL League One side Barnsley FC on an initial 28 day-loan.

Starting his career with his local side, the Tykes, Farrell is a direct forward who has broken into the first team for the Yorkshire-based club in recent months, featuring off the bench for Connor Hourihane's side on several occasions...

Farrell is no stranger to the men's game, previously gaining experience in the Northern Premier League across several spells with Guiseley AFC... before a season-ending injury ...

Earlier this campaign, the 20-year-old returned to Guiseley on a short-term deal that was due to run until January... before being recalled back to Barnsley in order to link back up with their first-team squad on a more regular basis".

Another new face at Scunthorpe United is 19 year-old "versatile defender Zain Tahir [on loan] from EFL Championship side Sheffield United for the remainder of the season.

With the ability to play as a centre-back or at left-back, Tahir has... made the permanent step up to the Under 21s, where he's already been a regular across the past couple of seasons...

Having been a key figure in Sheffield United's Professional Development League National title winning season last campaign, the defender signed his first professional contract with the Blades in 2025".

1 March 2026

AFTER THE GAME: NEIL GIBSON

Speaking to Alty TV after the 2-0 win at Brackley, Alty boss Neil Gibson told Laurence Howarth about some "honest conversations" after the defeat at Tamworth. Beating Brackley was a third win in four games, he pointed out.

A new managerial appointment at Brackley and his new signings made planning to face the Saints difficult.

Neil admitted that his players were "a bit sluggish" in the first twenty minutes and pointed out that Brackley were a threat from dead balls and corners.

With Eddy Jones playing in the back three, Liam Humbles (left) in an unaccustomed role at left wing-back was praised by Neil. "Humbles was magnificent" he said.

As for Luke Hutchinson's tip onto the bar, the manager said of his goalkeeper, "his potential is massive".

Neil also praised his assistant Lee Jones for his organisation of the players at set-pieces.

The Alty manager was frustrated that Tom Crawford had "scored" by converting a corner in the second half only for the referee to disallow the goal, having blown his whistle early. Although he then awarded a penalty instead, this was missed by Declan Howe.

AFTER THE GAME: ANDY WHING

Brackley Town's manager Andy Whing told the Non-League Paper, after the game against Altrincham on Saturday, that "It is bitterly disappointing not to have won that game.

"I thought we were excellent and especially in the first half.

"I don't know how we were not two or three goals up after the first half performance".

BRACKLEY TOWN 0-2 ALTRINCHAM

In a fairly even first half, nevertheless Alty had to weather five corners and several freekicks. Ironically, the visitors took a 44th minute from the Robins' first corner when Jake Cooper netted with a fine volleyed effort, from towards the back post.

In the second half, Altrincham withstood a period of pressure before getting back into the game. They won a penalty from a corner but Howe missed it, allowing Maxted to save with his legs (84 mins).

Deep in added time Reed fed Howe who got behind his defender, rounded the keepr and netted to make amends for his penalty miss (90+5 mins).

The win lifted Altrincham up to fourteenth and was their first double over another team this season.

Altrincham made four changes for the game. Golden and Sassi were suspended, whilst Forde and Reddin dropped to the bench. Into the eleven came Jones, Crankshaw, Grant and Humbles.

Match report here.

NEXT: ALTRINCHAM v TRURO CITY

Altrincham have a blank midweek so there next fixture is on Saturday 7 March when Truro City are the visitors to the J. Daviidson Stadium.

Before that, next Tuesday, the Tinners are away at Southend United.

Currently Truro lie bottom of the National League, twelve points from safety. Having taken a 2-1 lead on Saturday they lost 2-3 at home to Braintree Town, whose winner came in the 95th minute.

In the reverse fixture with Altrincham, Truro City lost 0-1 to a Keaton Ward goal.

ALTY OLD BOYS

News of Alty "old boys" comes from Phil Jordan...

League One : Returning to Mansfield Town, where he began his career, ALI SMITH put in a full shift for AFC Wimbledon, who came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw.

Rotherham United had scored the only goal of the game after only 7 minutes against visitors Plymouth Argyle, and they substituted DUNCAN WATMORE after 53 minutes. OWEN DALE wasn't in Argyle's squad.

Stockport County led at Stevenage, but, having returned to the starting lineup, CARL PIERGIANNI equalised, and they went on to win 2-1.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA lasted 75 minutes for Wycombe Wanderers, who beat visitors Burton Albion 3-0.

League Two : Although KEVIN BERKOE played the whole game, Shrewsbury Town lost 1-2 at home to Walsall.

Although he was booked, JOEL SENIOR (left) played the whole of Bristol Rovers' 1-1 draw at Swindon Town.

The only goal at Barnet had already been scored by the hosts when Chesterfield brought on JAMES BERRY after 75 minutes.

Barrow's 0-1 home defeat by visitors Gillingham leaves them outside the relegation only on goal difference, although they have one or two games in hand on the other strugglers. ELLIOT NEWBY was an unused substitute.

MARCUS DINANGA returned to Bromley's squad for the first time since November 11th, but was left on the bench as they beat 10 man Accrington Stanley 2-1. Both goals were Michael Cheek penalties.

National League : MATT PENNEY lasted 57 minutes for Aldershot, who were beaten 0-2 by visitors Rochdale.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM played the full game for Eastleigh, but visitors Carlisle United won 1-2, with REGAN LINNEY playing throughout, while CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was left on the bench.

The scoring was complete in the 2-2 draw at Halifax, where Sutton United were the visitors, by the time the hosts threw on BILLY WATERS after 79 minutes.

All KEATON WARD had to show for his efforts was a late yellow card as Gateshead lost 0-2 at the International Stadium against Forest Green Rovers.

ROSS BARROWS played the whole match for Scunthorpe United, who were indebted to Danny Whitehall as he hit a hat trick to earn a 3-3 draw against visitors Solihull Moors who played with 10 men from the 53rd minute.

KENNEDY DIGIE played the full game for Tamworth as they won 3-2 at home against Boreham Wood.

York City made heavy weather of beating Morecambe 0-1. The Shrimps played with ten men for more than forty minutes after Lewis picked up a red card for a foul. York failed to convert the resulting penalty and it took the Minstermen till the ninth added minute to net the only goal of the game. ALEX NEWBY played throughout the match.

National North : CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde showed his old club Curzon Ashton no mercy at Mill Farm, winning 5-1. CHRIS MERRIE (right) played throughout, and laid on the final goal for substitute GEORGE WILSON.

Macclesfield travelled to Bridlington to face Scarborough Athletic, and were trailing in the 63rd minute when the hosts had a man sent off. An 80th minute JAMES GALE effort earned them a 2-2 draw. SAM HEATHCOTE, KACPER PASIEK (substituted 55 minutes), and ELLIOTT OSBORNE also started for the Silkmen, but MIKEY STONE was an unused substitute.

National South : CALLUM DOLAN is still not appearing for Torquay United, and they were soundly thrashed at home by Chelmsford City 0-5.

MILES WELCH-HAYES was also inactive today as his Maidenhead United team lost by the only goal at bottom club Chippenham Town. The defeat drops them outside the playoff zone to 10th place, but only 7 points separate the clubs in 2nd and 11th places.

Southern League Central : ZAK GOODSON was among the scorers as Quorn won 1-4 at St.Ives Town.

NPL Premier Division : SHARIF DEANS played the whole of Prescot Cables 0-4 home defeat by Lancaster City.

DONTAI GABIDON was Hyde United's scorer in their 2-1 defeat at Warrington Town, before he was substituted in the 77th minute. 12 minutes earlier JACK REDSHAW had given way to MAX HARROP, and he was booked late on. WILL HALL was the only Old Boy to put in a full shift.

Warrington Rylands skipper DEAN FURMAN played the whole of their 1-1 draw at Whitby Town.

NPL Division 1 West : Atherton Collieries captain SAM SHERIDAN put in a full shift, but they lost 3-1 at Avro, for whom DAVID FITZPATRICK also played the whole game. Avro moved up to second in the league, 7 points behind Bury, but with 3 games in hand.

Although both TONY THOMPSON (left) and TOM HANNIGAN played the full game for Bootle, they were beaten 1-2 by visitors Witton Albion. DAMOLA SOTONA opened the scoring for Albion, and he and JOEL BEMBO-LETA played the full game. Having been booked, JAMES LAWRIE was substituted in the 72nd minute.

Although both RYAN BROOKE and ELLIOT ROKKA came off the Runcorn Linnets bench, they lost 2-1 at Clitheroe.

Captain MARK LEES and MASON FAWNS both played a full part as Mossley won 3-4 at Kidsgrove Athletic.

A 29th minute KEVIN ELLISON goal gave Vauxhall Motors a 1-0 win over visitors Trafford. YASSINE TOURE was a 78th minute substitute for Motors.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND lasted 79 minutes for Wythenshawe Town, but after a goalless first half visitors Stalybridge Celtic, with KYLE BROWNHILL playing the full game, took control and won 0-4. AARON CHALMERS scored Celtic's third goal.

FA VASE : Both local clubs bowed out of the competition. Droylsden were beaten 2-4 at home by Cockfosters, while West Didsbury & Chorlton, having led through LEWIS BILLINGSLEY, conceded a 93rd minute equaliser at Hallen, and lost the subsequent shootout 5-6.

Scottish Premiership : JOE HUGILL was withdrawn by Kilmarnock after 78 minutes as they crashed 5-1 at Falkirk - MARCUS DACKERS wasn't in the squad.

Scottish Championship : KIAN TAYLOR could only watch helplessly from the bench as Morton finished with 9 men at Airdrie, losing 3-1.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Wednesday 4th March 2026

Saturday 7th March 2026

28 February 2026

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

28 February 2026, National League

ISUZU FA TROPHY FIXTURES

Saturday 28th February 2026: FAT Quarter Finals

ALTY'S OPPONENTS SIGN TWO

On the morning of today's match against Altrincham, Brackley Town signed two new players on loan.

The Saints announce that "Brackley Town are delighted to confirm the signing of midfielder Joe Andrews on a one-month loan from Peterborough United and goes straight into contention for Saturday’s clash with Altrincham.

"Andrews becomes the first addition of the Andy Whing era at St James Park, strengthening the Saints’ midfield options during an important stage of the season.

"The Welsh midfielder developed through the academy system at Southampton before making a significant impact in senior football with Chippenham Town. His performances in the National League South drew widespread praise, with reported interest from Championship clubs including Norwich City, Coventry City and Swansea City prior to his move to Peterborough United.

"A left-footed, energetic box-to-box midfielder, Andrews arrives in Northamptonshire looking to make an immediate impression".

In addition, Brackley Town report "the signing of Aidan Elliott-Wheeler on loan from Championship side Oxford United...

"Elliott-Wheeler becomes the second addition of the Andy Whing era at St James Park, adding further pace, directness and versatility to the Saints’ attacking options.

"A product of Oxford United’s academy, Aidan recently signed a new professional contract with the Championship club... The wide player already has valuable senior experience. As a 17-year-old, he spent time on loan with near neighbours Banbury United, where he first worked under Andy Whing. More recently, he gained National League experience during a loan spell with Gateshead...

"Now, he links up once again with Whing and arrives at Brackley Town for the remainder of the campaign, going straight into contention for tomorrow’s fixture against Altrincham".

MIKE ADAMS R.I.P.

Altrincham FC reports "with profound sadness... of the passing of former director and financial officer, Mike Adams, who has died today [Friday] on his 79th birthday.

For 46 years, Mike was a loyal supporter of Altrincham FC. For 25 of those years, he was a season ticket holder, most often found on match days sitting quietly at the back of the Main Stand, watching the club he loved...

In 2006, he volunteered his services to Altrincham FC and took on responsibility for the club’s finances. From that point on, Mike became one of the key figures behind the scenes at Moss Lane. His financial expertise, attention to detail and steady leadership helped the board understand exactly where the club stood financially and how it could plan responsibly for the future.

Mike stepped away from his duties in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism and genuine care for Altrincham FC.

He was not just a director or financial officer. He was one of us. A supporter first and foremost...

In consultation with Mike's family, the club will observe a minute's applause ahead of kick-off on Saturday 7th March versus Truro City.

Rest in peace, Mike."

BEFORE THE GAME: BRACKLEY TOWN

Altrincham's opponents today, Brackley Town, lie one place below the 18th placed Robins, albeit with two games in hand, after both clubs lost in midweek. Whilst Altrincham were losing 5-1 at Tamworth and having two men red-carded, The Saints lost 2-1 at Wealdstone and had one man sent off.

Brackley's opponents, Wealdstone, reported that on Tuesday "they bounced back to winning ways with a vital 2-1 victory over ten-man Brackley Town... their first league win since 17th January, with Morgan Roberts’s strike proving only consolatory for the Saints...

The Saints were reduced to ten-men in the 23rd minute when Danny Newton was shown a straight red card for a foul on Dom Hutchinson.

In the 31st minute, the Stones profited from their numerical advantage and duly took the lead".

The Stones took a two-goal lead midway through the second half but "Against the run of play, the Saints reduced the deficit in the 79th minute as Roberts’s driven strike from range beat Baptiste".

Meanwhile, Brackley Town announce that "This Saturday for Brackley Town v Altrincham we are hosting our dedicated Her Game Too match and partnering with Match of the Dames...

We’re championing a safe, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere where everyone can feel confident, respected, and empowered to get involved in the beautiful game.

Come along and enjoy the game and connect with those who believe football should be for everyone ".

ALTY OLD BOYS

From Phil Jordan we learn that, in Australia's NPL Victoria, CONNOR HAMPSON played the full match in a 1-3 win for Oakleigh Cannons at St.Albans. Exactly as they did last week, Cannons came from behind, and achieved exactly the same scoreline.

After three matches, every one has ended in a 3-1 result, although they started the season with a defeat by that scoreline. A home defeat for overnight leaders Heidelberg means that Cannons sit proudly top of the table, although other results later in the weekend could see them drop as low as 7th.

Premier League 2: Having been dropped to the bench at the end of January, CALEB ANSEN wasn't in the squad at all this evening, as Norwich City U21 saw off their visiting counterparts from Stoke City 4-2.

Professional Development League : JACK KINGDON captained Cardiff City U21 for this evening's South Wales derby, but visitors Swansea City U21 scored the game's only goal.

League Two : After a goalless first half, JAKE BICKERSTAFF claimed the assist for the goal that put Cheltenham Town ahead within a minute of the restart. Hosts Harrogate Town equalised within 4 minutes, and there were no further goals

NPL Division 1 West : Bury took 1,000 supporters to the big top of the table clash at Lower Breck, where the attendance of 1,286 was a ground record. JOE PIGGOTT (right) wasn't in the squad as Bury scored 3 times without reply in the second half to move 7 points clear at the top before the other promotion hopefuls play tomorrow.

Welsh Premier League Relegation Group : JOEL TORRANCE kept a clean sheet as Bala Town were held 0-0 at home by bottom club Llanelli, whose 3 shots on target were 1 more than the hosts mustered.

Irish Premier League : BARRY BAGGLEY played the full game as St.Patrick's enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 home win against Dundalk.

French Ligue 1 : After a nightmare in which he has barely kicked a ball this season, MAXI OYEDELE was on the Strasbourg bench this evening, and came on in the 92nd minute as they drew 1-1 at home to Lens.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wealdstone "confirm the club's new manager as Gary Waddock, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract...

The club felt Waddock's appointment would be a strong sign of stability and experienced leadership - especially given a minimum of 15 remaining games this campaign...

The former Eire international achieved legendary status as a player at Stones' EFL neighbours Queens Park Rangers, kicking off a career which also took in stops at Millwall, Bristol Rovers and Luton Town.

In terms of management and coaching, Gary has 20 years' worth of experiences behind him.

His most recent managerial spell was a second stint at Aldershot Town between 2016 and 2019, working through some troubled times in north Hampshire. His first period with the Shots, some ten years before that, had yielded promotion from what was then the Conference National into the Football League with a record 101 points...

More recently, the ex-midfielder has been part of the coaching set-ups at Portsmouth, Cambridge United and Walsall - from where he departs to join the Stones...

Danny Payne remains in his position as First-Team Coach".

Footnote

Waddock becoms the twentieth new manager appointed since the end of last season in the National League. Four of those appointees have themselves since been replaced during this season, (Sam Cox, Ashvir Singh Johal, Danny Webb [resigned], Scott Bartlett).

  1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
  2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
  3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
  4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox.
  5. MORECAMBE: Derek Adams, sacked on 18 August 2025, replaced by Ashvir Singh Johal
  6. YORK CITY: Adam Hinshelwood, replaced by Stuart Maynard
  7. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper, replaced by Danny Webb
  8. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor, replaced by Chris Millington
  9. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison, replaced by Chris Agutter
  10. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis, replaced by Scott Bartlett
  11. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation), replaced by Billy Rowley
  12. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Simon Grayson, replaced by Nicky Featherstone
  13. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Tommy Widdrington (resignation), replaced by John Coleman
  14. ALTRINCHAM: Phil Parkinson, replaced by Neil Gibson
  15. GATESHEAD: Alun Armstrong moved to a new role, replaced by Rob Elliot
  16. BOSTON UNITED: "Parted company" with Graham Coughlan, replaced by Paul Hurst
  17. BRACKLEY TOWN: "Resignation" of Gavin Cowan, appointed at Shrewsbury Town, replaced by Andy Whing
  18. MORECAMBE: "Mutually agreed to part ways" with Ashvir Singh Johal, replaced by Jim Bentley
  19. EASTLEIGH: Scott Bartlett "relieved of his duties", replaced as "interim manager" by Richard Hill
  20. WEALDSTONE: Sam Cox "removed from his position as manager", replaced by Gary Waddock

27 February 2026

PARKY'S NEW JOB

When Altrincham "parted company" with Phil Parkinson (pictured, right) in a statement issued on 23 October, 2025, he was the third longest-serving manager in the top five divisions of English football, behind only Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Harrogate Town's Simon Weaver.

Today, four months later, Fleetwood Town "announce the appointment of Phil Parkinson as Interim Head Coach of the Under-21s.

Phil brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent almost a decade in charge at Altrincham, where he successfully guided the club from the Northern Premier League to the National League.

During his time there, he played a key role in overseeing the club’s transition from part-time to full-time football, laying strong foundations both on and off the pitch.

Renowned for his work in player development, Phil has a proven track record of supporting young talent and helping players progress through the pathway into senior football. His experience includes working closely with several Fleetwood Town academy graduates, as well as current first-team player Harrison Holgate, highlighting his ability to nurture and prepare players for the demands of the professional game.

Phil’s appointment adds significant knowledge, leadership and continuity to the Academy structure, providing a clear pathway for young players as they continue their development within the Club.

Everyone at Fleetwood Town would like to welcome Phil to his new role and wish him every success with the Under-21s".

NEXT: BRACKLEY TOWN

On Saturday, Altrincham make their way to Northamptonshire to face Brackley Town. This will be the clubs' first meeting at St James Park at national level, although they have met previously at National North level.

The Saints finally achieved promotion to non-League's top flight in summer 2025, by winning the divisional title. That came after finishing in the top seven of the North division in ten of their twelve completed seasons at that level and falling at the play-off stage six times.

Alty's last visit to Brackley was in August 2019 in a National North match which the hosts won 1-0, the defeat leaving Altrincham 17th in what turned out to be a promotion-winning campaign in the COVID-curtailed season.

Above left, in the 2019 game, Jordan Hulme's dribbling put his defender on the ground and he was fouled immediately afterwards. Right, the resulting spot-kick by John Johnston was saved by Lewis.

New loan signing Ashley Hemmings started for Altrincham, and had a quiet game, but the visitors never got going in a first half in which their build ups were laborious and they failed to land a shot on goal before the break.

Brackley took the lead on the half-hour mark. A routine throw-in on their left led to Byrne picking the ball off a team-mate's toes before turning and, from outside the box, hitting a low shot across Drench and into the net, off the inside of the back post.

Altrincham improved to some extent in the second half but they wasted a lifeline when John Johnston's 66th minute penalty was well saved by Lewis, to his left. The spot-kick had been won by Jordan Hulme who was brought down on the left by-line".

UNDER-19S' BIG WIN

The Altrincham FC Academy under-19 side had an excellent 4-0 away win over Everton FC NWC at Vauxhall Motors on Wednesday.

The Alty side comprised Christopher Antoniades, Lewis Broderick, Theo Bunting. Afernee Denise, Rafael Fereday, John Gboalgun, Josh Herreaman, Kian Leckey, William Sneyd, Jimmy Taafe and Harley Renshaw. On the bench were Savior Abanwa, William Molloy, Connor Summerfield and Thomas Tattersall.

The scorers were Renshaw(2), Gbolagun and Abanwa

In the twelve-strong NW Championship 1 division of the National Football Youth League, Altrincham lie sixth.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Following Saturday's postponement of their home game, Woking have issued a "Statement from Managing Director, Robin Byrne".

He writes that "Both teams trained on the pitch this evening and were prepared to play. Both managers indicated their willingness for the match to go ahead. Ultimately, however, the referee’s decision was made on safety grounds, and that decision is always final...

Two consecutive late postponements are deeply frustrating, and I fully understand the anger and disappointment many of you feel.

Around 95% of the pitch is in good condition. The issue is confined to a severely damaged goalmouth area that deteriorated significantly during the Macclesfield fixture, played in torrential conditions on an already saturated surface. That provides context, but it does not change the reality that the area has not recovered as we anticipated.

It is important that supporters know this situation has not arisen through inaction or lack of investment. During the off-season, we appointed a new full-time groundskeeper and committed significant resources to improving the surface. The drainage system has been serviced, specialist machinery has been regularly hired to assist recovery, and substantial investment has been made in treatment, fertilisation, and ongoing maintenance throughout the season...

Over the next 24 hours, we will be engaging external experts to conduct a further full assessment and advise on both immediate and longer-term solutions...

We are committed to doing whatever is necessary to fix this issue".

Gateshead confirm "the signing of forward Ash Boatswain until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The striker arrives on Tyneside on a free transfer from EFL Championship side Ipswich Rown, for whom he has made five Premier League 2 appearances during the 2025-26 season alongside spending three months on loan at Enterprise National League side Woking, scoring five goals in 19 games or The Cardinals".

Rochdale "will turn disappointment of Tuesday night’s draw at FC Halifax Town into determination, believes Jimmy McNulty.

The Head Coach was speaking after Dale dropped points from a winning position for only the second time this season, in the 2-2 draw at The Shay Stadium...

'The players are human beings, and they are allowed to show signs of fatigue in a game, which is the first time in a long time that I can remember,' commented McNulty.

'We’ll recover the minds, recover our bodies and do what we need to do to get that freshness and conviction ready for the start line of the next game, like it has been all season...

'We’ll recoup, and we’ll go again;" he asserted.

At Wealdstone captain Enzio Boldewijn talked about his team's performance during Wealdstone's 2-1 win over Brackley Town...

"'First and foremost, the win was the most important thing today... You could see we played a slightly different way this evening; doing our thing, knowing we needed to score more goals than the times recently...

'It was harder playing against 10 men when that happened. But we got the job done in the end'.

The experienced Dutchman reflected on the work of First-Team Coach Danny Payne, who had no more than one training session to work with the squad after having been placed in interim charge at The Vale following Sam Cox's departure.

'We've trained the whole season on certain patterns so we couldn't change too much given the time we had,' said Boldewijn"

26 February 2026

NEIL GIBSON ON TAMWORTH DEFEAT

Interviewed for Alty TV after defeat at Tamworth, Altrincham manager Neil Gibson first alluded to Tamworth's emphasis on set pieces.

He went on to assert that during the match "What can go wrong, did go wrong".

In a wider context, amongst Neil's complaints was that "in my time at the club, not too many decisions from officials have gone in our favour".

As for Dan Sassi's red card, he accepted the player's assertion that there was no intent in his kicking the player as he attempted to get up.

Regarding Golden's red card, he had no complaints if the ball was goal-bound but he said that fifty per cent of those he had spoken to believed it was going wide.

Neil was also upset at the penalty kick which Tamworth scored, in the run-up for which "the player stopped, he didn't stutter". As for the referee, James Westgate, he judged him to be "unapproachable'.

TAMWORTH 5-1 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here

Tamworth's view of the match is here.

OLSON OUT FOR THE SEASON

Charlie Olson (right), who was signed by Altrincham on a permament basis in news announced on 2 February, has now pposted on X that he is "Gutted to be ruled out for the rest of the season".

He is the second centre-back signed by the club who has not been able to appear on the pitch this season.

The other is Billy Sass-Davies, signed in the summer, but who has yet to play through injury.

NEXT: BRACKLEY TOWN

Ahead of Saturday's clash at Brackley, Wednesday's results dropped Altrincham two places, down to 18th but Braintree's defeat meant that Altrincham are still seven points clear of the relegation places.

Brackley Town dropped to nineteenth but they have two games in hand on Alty and are just a point behind the Robins.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

Wednesday 25th February 2026

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Wednesday in the National League, It was goalless at Braintree Town when Aldershot brought on MATT PENNEY for the second half, and they went on to win 1-2.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM was restored to Eastleigh's starting XI, and played the full match as visitors Truro City were beaten 2-1.

It only took 3 minutes for KEATON WARD to give Gateshead the lead, but visitors Morecambe, without JOE NUTTALL, led 1-3, and 3-4, before he popped up 70 minutes later to assist the final goal in a 4-4 draw. Remarkably, Morecambe converted every attempt that they had on target.

TYRESE SINCLAIR put Hartlepool United ahead at home to Carlisle United, and they'd doubled their lead by the time he was replaced in the 76th minute by debutant Hull City loanee Calvin Okike, who almost immediately added a third goal. CHRIS CONN-CLARKE had started for Carlisle, but he was replaced after 53 minutes by REGAN LINNEY. The match ended 3-1.

80 minutes had gone before Yeovil Town brought KYLE FERGUSON off the bench, with visitors Sutton United 1-2 ahead, but goals after 93 and 97 minutes gave them a 3-2 win. MATT GOULD was in his usual spot on the Glovers' bench.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Deck reports that "Braintree Town have completed the signings of Fulham U21s Matt Dibley-Dias (loan) and Farnborough’s Amir Hadi (permanent)".

On Tuesday, Eastleigh "that Richard Hill has been appointed interim manager until the end of the season.

Richard returns to the club with a clear short-term objective: to bring stability, improve performances, and secure the results required to retain our National League status.

The club has commenced a comprehensive recruitment process to appoint a permanent manager and is now inviting applications for the vacant position. An appointment will be made at the earliest opportunity to allow preparations for the 2026/27 season to begin.

Tom Coffey, Vice Chairman, said 'As a football club, we are naturally disappointed with how this season has unfolded. The chairman has committed to a playing budget that should enable us to compete at the right end of the table, and we have not achieved that. Collectively, we all share responsibility for this – none more so than myself...

'Over the past three years, close to £4 million has been invested into the football club, including significant improvements to facilities across the site to support sustainable growth....

It has become clear that there is currently no appetite from external parties to fund the club at anywhere near the level required to compete in the National League...

Our current chairman is happy to cover this financial shortfall for the benefit of our fans, ensuring there has been no reduction to the playing budget...

In reality, we are currently competing in a league above what the club can naturally sustain'".

Nwvertheless, Eastleigh "announce the arrival of striker Inih Effiong, who joins the Spitfires until the end of the season...

Most recently, Effiong was with Woking. He returned to the Surrey club for a third spell in December 2024 and would go on to make 25 appearances for them during that stint.

Richard Hill said...'Inih had offers from several other teams in the National League, competing at the top end of the table'".

25 February 2026

TAMWORTH 5-1 ALTRINCHAM

After a dismal first half in which Altrincham enjoyed some 63% of the possession but failed to land a shot on target, the visitors found themselves trailing at the interval to a bullet header from former Robin, Kennedy Digie. He headed home a freekick from the right awarded when Tylor Golden fouled an opponent after miscontrolling the ball (17 mins). That was the only effort on goal from either team in the first 45 minutes.

Tamworth started the second half the better but a quick free kick by Matty Kosylo set Jimmy Knowles running at goal and he calmly made it 1-1 (52 mins). Less than two minutes later, Altrincham were reduced to ten men when Dan Sassi tangled with an opponent and was sent off for apparently kicking out at a Tamworth player whilst both were on the ground.

Alty survived the resulting freekick from the edge of the penalty area but, another couple of minutes later, they had Tylor Golden sent off for deliberate handball on the goal-line, an action which denied a certain goal (57 mins). So, Altrincham were down to nine men.

The resulting penalty by Mois saw the Tamworth man stop in his run-up before netting, which made it 2-1 as referee Westgate allowed the goal to stand (58 mins). This prompted mayhem as Hutchinson and Crawford, and Howe were all booked.

Altrincham weathered the next 15 minutes before Acquaye made it 3-1 when his shot deflected off Cooper and Hutchinson fumbled the ball into the net (72 mins). Four minutes later Rye made it 4-1, scoring from right of goal.

Eight added minutes were decreed and, in the fourth of them, Cullinane-Liburd netted with a rising shot from 25 yards to make it 5-1.

Match report http://www.altrinchamfc.co.uk/260224th.htm">here

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday 24th February 2026

NEXT: BRACKLEY TOWN

Next Saturday, Altrincham travel to Brackley Town for their second successive away game.

Having met the league's lowest scorers in Braintree Town last Saturday, Alty will now confront the second lowest scorers in the shape of the Northamptonshire club.

Brackley have recently appointed a new manager in Andy Whing, who Altrincham previously encountered when he managed Solihull Moors.

Ahead of Saturday, the Saints lie one place and one point behind Altrincham but have two games in hand.

ALTY WOMEN DEFEATED

For Altrincham FC, Ben Edwards reports that "Fran Boyle scored her sixth goal in four games, though it mattered for nothing as performance lacking quality saw the Robins fall to a 2-1 defeat against Warrington Town Women in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South.

Altrincham were down to the bare bones with last week’s goalscorer Emily Rutter unavailable alongside Isabella Moss, whilst Sophie Hall missed out with an ankle injury. To add to Alty’s woes, Ireyimika Bamigboye was substituted after just seven minutes with a hamstring problem...

Elsewhere, Altrincham FC Women Elite U18s got back to winning ways at Partington Sports Village with an emphatic 7-0 victory over a fellow Alty side in the Junior U17 Swifts to progress to the semi final of the Manchester FA Girls Cup U-18".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's games...

League One : With Rotherham United a goal down at Bradford City, they introduced DUNCAN WATMORE for the second half, but he was unable to stimulate a comeback and they lost 1-0.

League Two : KEVIN BERKOE had the last laugh on his former employers, playing the full game as his new Shrewsbury Town side won 1-2 at Salford City.

National League : Halifax were a goal down at home to Rochdale when BILLY WATERS came off the bench after 78 minutes, and soon went further behind - but goals after 87 and 92 minutes earned them an unlikely 2-2 draw.

Boston United raced into a 0-3 half time lead at Forest Green Rovers, but CONNOR TEALE and his colleagues had to work hard as Robbie Savage's team pulled two goals back.

ROSS BARROWS wasn't in Scunthorpe United's squad as they crashed 0-3 at home to York City, for whom JEFF KING played throughout, and ALEX NEWBY was a 79th minute substitute. The win allowed York to leapfrog Rochdale and go top.

National North : CONNOR KIRBY was on the wrong end of a 1-2 scoreline for Buxton, as visitors King's Lynn shrugged off the possible ramifications of "Sprinklergate". [King's Lynn Town have been accused of excessively watering their pitch with their sprinkler system to get their last home match postponed].

JUSTIN DONAWA opened the scoring for Hereford as they came from behind, and then went ahead, only for visitors Chester to equalise from the spot after DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY was felled in the box. That was as good as it got for the Seals who collapsed to a 5-2 defeat.

The only Old Boy in Macclesfield's starting lineup was ELLIOTT OSBORNE, and he was later replaced by JAMES GALE. KACPER PASIEK also came off the bench. However, the Old Boy with the broadest grin was almost certainly CRAIG MAHON as his AFC Fylde team won 1-4. CHRIS MERRIE played the full game for the Coasters, while GEORGE WILSON was an 82nd minute substitute.

Chorley lost to the only goal at Spennymoor. Far be it from me to suggest that their cause wasn't aided by OWEN GERMAN being left on a bench which held only 4 substitutes.

National South : MILES WELCH-HAYES played the whole of Maidenhead United's 2-1 home win over Salisbury.

NPL Premier Division : ADAM PORTER wasn't in Leek Town's squad at Gainsborough Trinity, while HAYDEN CAMPBELL was a 74th minute substitute. Trinity won 2-0, with JONNY MARGETTS coming off their bench after 66 minutes.

NWCL Premier Division : Irlam player coach JOHN JOHNSTON scored their second goal from the spot at City of Liverpool. I'm not sure how many of the 72 spectators were still there when he struck again in the 89th minute to round off a 0-6 victory.

BRAINTREE MATCH: TV HIGHLIGHTS

Alty TV has highlights of Altrincham's win over Braintree Town last Saturday.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

Gateshead report that central defender "Ben Williams has joined Ashington in a one-month loan deal".

Gateshead also tell us that 18 year-old "Callum Bone has joined Morpeth Town on an initial one-month loan" in the Northern Premier League Premier division.

Also in the North East Hartlepool United "confirm the appointment of Jeff Stelling as Honorary President and Savannah Marshall as official Club Ambassador.

The roles formalise and secure the involvement of two of the town’s most respected sporting figures and mark an important step under the stewardship of Owner and Chairman Landon Smith.

The appointments form part of Smith’s long-term strategy to strengthen governance, deepen community connection and enhance commercial partnerships, laying the foundations for sustainable growth at Pools.

Marshall and Stelling met with Smith during his initial visit to Hartlepool in January following completion of the takeover and have since committed to playing an active role in supporting the Club’s plans and journey."

24 January 2026

TONIGHT: TAMWORTH

Altrincham travel to Tamworth tonight (Tuesday), where their opponents are on a poor run of form but the Lambs have drawn five of their last six league games, the sixth game being a defeat.

Tamworth produced a report on their most recent game, a creditable goalless draw in Lincolnshire, as did opponents Boston United who described the match concisely. "An attritional affair ended goalless - despite the Pilgrims' best efforts to force a winning goal in pursuit of a fifth consecutive victory.

Chances were at a premium throughout, with visiting keeper Jas Singh producing his best save to keep out his own team-mate Kennedy Digie, while Frankie Maguire lifted an effort on to the roof of the net in the second half...

The second half was an even cagier contest, with Singh denying Aboh from distance, while Maguire's curling effort rippled the top of the net.

The remainder of the contest was a stop-start affair, which suited the visitors down to the ground, as they left Lincolnshire with a point for a second season in a row...

Tamworth (4-2-3-1): Jas Singh; Joe Rye, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd (Haydn Hollis 85), Kennedy Digie, Luke Fairlamb; Tom Tonks, Ryan Howley; Stefan Mols (Tyler Roberts 79), Teo Kurtaran, Ronan Maher (Daniel Isichei 85); Oliver Lynch. Subs (not used): Callum Cockerill-Mollett, Alfie Bates, Ben Acquaye, Daniel Rachel (gk)."

OPPONENTS' PREVIEW

On the eve of facing Altrincham, Tamworth wrote that "Andy Peaks’s side will be targeting that elusive victory after six league matches without three points. Four consecutive draws have left Tamworth on the wrong side of fine margins...

A victory would secure a first league double over Altrincham since 2017...

Altrincham looked set to be drawn into a relegation battle after a seven-match winless run stretching from December into late January. That sequence ended with an impressive 3–1 victory over play-off chasing Boreham Wood...

That result sparked a run of ten points from six matches under Neil Gibson, lifting The Robins seven points clear of danger. They now sit two points behind Tamworth...

Like The Lambs, their season could still swing either way...

Forward Jimmy Knowles (right) has been Altrincham’s standout performer this season. The 24-year-old signed from Accrington Stanley last summer... Knowles has eight league goals in 32 appearances this campaign and 13 goal contributions overall — accounting for 34% of Altrincham’s goals. Across his career, he has scored 18 goals in 77 National League appearances and 21 in 57 National League North games, highlighting his pedigree at this level...

Andy Peaks’ Pre-Match Thoughts... 'Last Saturday... at Boston United... I thought we were solid and limited a side that has been scoring plenty of goals recently. It was certainly a point gained, but we lacked quality in the final third;".

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records for 24 February, when Altrincham visit Tamworth, remind us that the most recent Altrincham game on that date was only two years ago in 2024.

On that occasion, Altrincham lost at home 1-2 to Maidenhead United on a Saturday afternoon.

The result was Altrincham's third defeat in eight days as The Robins lost ground in the quest for a play-off position. This reverse came against a team which had lost its previous four league matches.

As at Hartlepool in midweek, when five first-choices were consigned to the bench, today again witnessed some unexpected omissions from the Alty starting eleven as Altrincham's most consistent defender this season Lewis Baines was only named as a substitute because of illness, and captain Isaac Marriott was also a substitute.

And Justin Amaluzor was not in the squad at all.


Above: This was the state of the pitch as the two teams took to the pitch.

Back into the starting side came Linney, Conn-Clarke and Newby replacing Angus, Marriott and Kosylo. In Marriott's absence, Osborne assumed the captaincy.

On a heavily sanded pitch, Altrincham started reasonably well when Banks netted from close range after a Wilson effort had deflected to him in the 13th minute. But Alty failed to build on that goal despite Linney having a goal ruled out for offside.

A crude challenge by Roscoe earned him a deserved card and the visitors a freekick, just right of the penalty area. The ball ricocheted in the box after the freekick and fell for Lokko at the back post to score a deserved equaliser (30 mins).

Maidenhead went ahead just before the interval when Smith got across the front of the Alty back line to slide home an equaliser.

And little more than sixty seconds after the start of the second half, Maidenhead's veteran defender Remy Clerima headed home, unchallenged, from a right-wing corner.

Altrincham never looked like recovering the deficit, with possession being lost easily and no one having the guile to break down the resolute visitors' defence.

AWAY WIN FOR ACADEMY

On 11 February, the Altrincham FC Academy side which plays in the National League Football Alliance North Division had an excellent 3-0 away win at the Jakeman's Stadium against Boston United.

The win was Altrincham's second of the season but they remain bottom of the division with Boston one place above them.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Monday's action in Premier League 2. Captained by SONNY ALJOFREE, Manchester United U21 had a comfortable 1-4 win at Leicester City U21, the last two goals being scored against 10 men - and all 4 goals were scored by 18 year old Danish international Chidozie Obi, who made 7 Premier League appearances last season.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Boreham Wood "confirm that goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore has joined Enterprise National League North outfit Bedford Town, reuniting with the Eagles on a loan until the end of the season.

After moving to Meadow Park in 2019, first on loan before completing a permanent transfer the following year, the 35-year-old shot stopper has become a firm fan favourite in WD6, playing a crucial part in last season’s promotion back to the summit of the Non-League.

Nathan joins up with the Bedford Town squad ahead of their league clash with Chorley tomorrow afternoon. Everyone at the club would like to wish him the best of luck during his third spell at the New Eyrie".

Gateshead "confirm the signing of forward Josh Anifowose.

The winger joins on a permanent transfer from... Eastbourne Borough for an undsclosed fee, signing a deal on Tyneside until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The 22 year-old has been a key fixture in Eastbourne Borough's side this season, making 35 appearances while scoring two goals and recording five assists, having previously played in the National League South with Dover Athletic, Hampton & Richmond and Aveley."

Sutton United confirm the departure of Liam Vincent, who joins Dorking Wanderers on a one-month loan deal...

Vincent now joins up with Marc White’s side ahead of their home clash with Eastbourne Borough tomorrow evening in search of additional game time, having struggled for minutes since returning from an ankle injury.

The wing-back, who joined Sutton from Tonbridge Angels in the summer, had appeared in all but one game prior to Chris Agutter’s appointment in October...

He then suffered an injury in training which kept him out for the next four months... and in total has appeared nine times this season.

Prior to his move to Sutton, Vincent began his career at Bromley... before being picked up by Portsmouth in 2022.".

Morecambe "can confirm that Dan Ogwuru has been recalled from his loan spell at Workington AFC.

The recall provides the player with the opportunity to re-integrate into the first-team environment as we approach a crucial stage of the season.

We thank Workington AFC for their cooperation and professionalism throughout the loan period and wish them every success for the remainder of their campaign."

23 February 2026

"WE GOT THERE" SAYS NEIL

Speaking to the NL Paper after the 2-1 win over Braintree Town on Saturday, Alty boss Neil Gibson said "It's a huge win.

"The players understood the importance of the game and it gives us a gap of seven points. We could have been in twentieth if we'd lost but, instead, we're fifteenth and have two wins on the bounce against sides around us in the league...

In pouring rain, referee Niall Smith explains to Alty captain Tom Crawford why he ruled out Declan Howe's second "goal" in the match against Braintree.

"[Braintree keeper] Terry made a couple of outstanding saves, he was excellent today and we had the opportunities to score more.

"It could have been more comfortable but, ultimately, we have to be happy. Braintree made things difficult but we got there".

According to Flashscore, Altrincham had 18 shots to Braintree's 14, with the Robins hitting 13 of those on target against the Iron's six.

However, it was the visitors who won the corner count comfortably, by six to two.

NEXT: TAMWORTH

Altrincham travel to play on the artificial pitch at Tamworth on Tuesday, with the Staffordshire club enjoying a poor run of form, having won just one of their last nine league games.

That single win was against lowly Gateshead, whilst five draws and a defeat have accrued in the past six matches.

Right: Lewis Banks (foreground) headed Altrincham ahead against Tamworth back in October but James Gale's expression (background) summed up a night of frustration for Altrincham.

Goalscoring has been an issue of late with just four being scored in the six most recent fixtures.

However, The Lambs beat Altrincham 2-1 at the JDS back in October a game which formed part of a run of ten league games for Tamworth which comprised six wins, three draws and a single defeat, which was away at York.

That ten-match sequence saw the Lambs earn 21 points or more than half of their current points total of 39; just 18 points have come from their other 22 league games this season.

Goalkeeper Jasbir Singh is their only player to have played ninety minutes in every league game this season but former Alty defender Kennedy Digie has also participated in all 32 fixtures, starting in thirty of them.

Another integral part of the Tamworth team is long-throw expert Tom Tonks who has played in all but one league game, starting 25 of them and being a used substitute in six other matches.

With six league goals, Dutchman Immanuel Duku is the squad's leading scorer in the National League, his goals coming from 17(+8) appearances. Digie, with four goals is Tamworth's second-top scorer.

NL MANAGER NUMBER 20 DEPARTS

Wealdstone issued a statement on Sunday afternoon, saying that the club's "Board of Directors has this afternoon unanimously agreed upon the decision to remove Sam Cox from the position of manager.

'With so many games still left to play this season, our shared feeling was that a new energy and fresh impetus is urgently required to re-focus everyone’s minds on both the league and cup challenges ahead of us,' explained club Chairman Rory Fitzgerald.

'Like all teams, we’ve had our injury challenges along the way, but we believe our squad can get back to the early-season form that would both secure our National League status and also give us a great chance of reaching Wembley.

'On behalf of the Board, I’d like to wish Sam all the very best for his future coaching career in football.'

The change also sees analyst Liam Badcock join Sam in leaving the club with immediate effect.

Wealdstone FC offers sincere its thanks to both Sam and Liam for their dedication and contribution to the Stones.

First-Team Coach Danny Payne, along with the rest of the management team, will take charge of team affairs for this Tuesday’s home match against Brackley Town (Tue Feb 24, 7.45pm)".

Only yesterday the Alty Files updated its list of the previous nineteen National League managers who have lost or resigned their jobs since the end of last season.

That list can be found here.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Defeat at Carlisle on Saturday has dropped Yeovil Town down to twentieth in the league table and Gloverscast strats its report by saying "it’s worth making a point about the body language our football club as a whole is offering up at the moment.

The third Carlisle goal on the stroke of half-time was the killer blow for the game itself but, it came in part because heads had already begun to drop and frustrations had kicked in.

Even the manager, Billy Rowley, who wears his heart on his sleeve and kicks and heads every ball, was starting to get frustrated, water bottles got kicked and on a couple of occasions, Brett McGavin exchanged ‘pleasantries’ with someone on the Glovers’ bench.

At half-time, our subs had a leisurely walk around kicking a ball, whilst the Carlisle bench had cones, structure and a coach making sure their replacements were ready at the drop of a hat. Players were getting wound up with one another and that’s all giving off the wrong image and setting the wrong tone".

However, "The gap is five points... to 11th... Let’s try and give the players the belief that one good performance / result and we’re in touching distance of the top half".

22 February 2026

ALTRINCHAM v BRAINTREE TOWN

In Saturday's match, Altrincham beat Braintree Town 2-1 to rise four places in the National League, to fifteenth place.

Match report here.

AFTER THE GAME: NEIL GIBSON

Alty TV has a post-match interview with manager Neil Gibson, conducted by Brian Flynn.

Neil said for the "first 45 minutes we were very good" and "full value for a 1-0 lead at half-time".

But in the second half he believed that it took us ten minutes to get to grips with their triple substitution, during which time Braintree scored.

The manager praised Declan Howe's performance, both on and off the field, where he has fitted in well. He also admired Tylor Golden's "acrobatic" clearance late in the game on Saturday.

"I've a lot of time for Braintree FC for how they battle against the odds" the Alty manager added.

As for the injured centre-backs Olson (left) and Cooper, Neil observed that Olson had "a niggle around his knee before arriving on loan" but in training last week, in "an innocuous moment", he "felt his hamstring go".

Gibson noted that Olson had the same injury when on loan with Altrincham last season but it will now be scanned to assess the seriousness this time.

He also praised young centre-back Joel Bailey but feels it "is difficut to throw him in" to matches because of where we are in the league.

As for Jake Cooper he is suffering "stiffness and tiredness" but may be avaiable pn Tuesday. Meanwhile Lewis Baines had been allowed to go on loan as he wanted more game time.

There was also praise for the the Altrincham groundsman, Harry, for producing today's pitch despite the awful weather but on Tuesday we are on a plastic pitch at Tamworth.

BAINES DEPARTS ON LOAN

As recently as Boxing Day few would have thought that team captain Lewis Baines (right) would be leaving the club, on loan, just eight weeks later.

Until he was subbed in the 89th minute of the Boxing Day defeat at Halifax, Baines had played every single minute in Neil Gibson's first nine league matches in charge but the left-sided central defender was to clock up no more league minutes at all in the following eight fixtures before Saturday's match with Braintree Town.

His absences were not explained but shortly before Saturday's game it was announced by Altrincham FC that "Central defender Lewis Baines has joined fellow Enterprise National League side Solihull Moors on loan through to the end of the season.

The 27-year-old joined the Robins from Chorley in the summer of 2022, and has made nearly 150 starts for the club - 21 during this season - while captaining Alty for the last 18 months.

'Bainesy's been a fantastic servant of the football club over the last three and half years', said manager Neil Gibson. 'He played an important part in us picking up results when we first took over in late October and his attitude since we took over has been really good.

'We wish him all the best with his loan move to Solihull.'"

CRAWFORD CONFIRMED AS CAPTAIN

Altrincham FC are "delighted to confirm midfielder Tom Crawford is taking on the role of Altrincham FC captain on a permanent basis.

A mainstay of the Robins' line-up since joining from Hartlepool United in the summer of 2024, our number 22 will now wear the armband full-time following Lewis Baines's loan move to Solihull Moors.

Speaking of the appointment, manager Neil Gibson said 'It was an easy decision to make Tom captain of the football club as we move forward.

'He's one of the first names on the team sheet each week'".

THE RELEGATION BATTLE

After Saturday's matches, Altrincham lie fifteenth, having risen four places by virtue of their win over Braintree Town.

However, between Altrincham in fifteenth and Yeovil Town in 20th, just two points cover all of the six clubs.

With Altrincham having played 33 games , four of the five teams below them have games in hand.

In terms of maximum points attainable, Altrincham now have five clubs with lower potential totals and a sixth team which can only reach the same maximum as the Robins. So survival in the National League is in Altrincham's own hands.

Maximum points possible

NEXT: TAMWORTH

Six of Altrincham's next eight fixtures are away games, starting at Tamworth on Tuesday night. The Lambs lie two places and two points ahead of Altrincham, having played one game fewer so far this season.

Last Saturday Tamworth played out a goalless draw at Boston United.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Saturday's action.

League One : The scoring in Plymouth Argyle's 5-2 home win over league leaders Cardiff City had been completed by the time they brought OWEN DALE off the bench in the 86th minute. V Rotherham United lead early, but visitors Doncaster Rovers had already turned things around by the time DUNCAN WATMORE was substituted after 75 minutes, and they won 1-2.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA played 64 minutes for Wycombe Wanderers as they beat visitors Stevenage 3-1. The Hertfordshire side relegated CARL PIERGIANNI to the bench again, only bringing him on after 75 minutes.

ALI SMITH played the full match, and was credited with the assist for AFC Wimbledon's third goal as they beat visitors Bradford City 3-1.

League Two : ELLIOT NEWBY was substituted by Barrow after 42 minutes. They led 0-2 at the time, but hosts Fleetwood Town, without either HARRISON HOLGATE or TOBY MULLARKEY, reversed the situation, winning 3-2 courtesy of a 94th minute own goal.

KEVIN BERKOE played throughout Shrewsbury Town's 0-2 win at Accrington Stanley.

JOEL SENIOR played the full game as Bristol Rovers beat visitors Grimsby Town 3-1. The scoring was over by the time the Mariners called JUSTIN AMALUZOR into action after 80 minutes.

JAKE BICKERSTAFF played the full game as Cheltenham Town beat visitors Salford City, who were down to 10 men after 48 minutes, by the odd goal in 5.

Chesterfield were leading 0-1 at Crawley Town when JAMES BERRY came off their bench after 59 minutes, but a 95th minute equaliser saw them drop 2 points.

National League : MATT PENNEY played the full game and was booked as Aldershot beat visitors Scunthorpe United. The scoring was over by the time the Iron withdrew ROSS BARROWS after 66 minutes.

Despite the efforts of CONNOR TEALE for Boston United, and KENNEDY DIGIE for Tamworth, the game at the Jakeman's Community Stadium ended goalless.

The scoring in Carlisle United's 3-0 home win over Yeovil Town was over when CHRIS CONN-CLARKE and REGAN LINNEY were part of a 3 man substitution after 74 minutes. KYLE FERGUSON played the full game for the Glovers, but MATT GOULD was left on the bench.

JOE NUTTALL only came on in the 92nd minute as Morecambe saw off Eastleigh 4-0. The Spitfires left JOSH LUNDSTRAM on the bench.

Having only started his loan at Solihull Moors today, LEWIS BAINES was left on the bench, so could only watch helplessly as visitors Hartlepool United came from 2-0 down to win 3-4, with TYRESE SINCLAIR scoring their last 2 goals.

Both JEFF KING and ALEX NEWBY played the whole of York City's 4-1 victory over visitors Halifax. Alex was credited with the assist for the 3rd York goal. BILLY WATERS lasted 73 minutes for the visitors.

In the evening kick-off KEATON WARD (right) played the full ninety minutes as Gateshead climbed off the bottom of the table at the expense of Truro City, who they beat 2-1 in Cornwall.

National North : OWEN GERMAN played 63 minutes as Chorley lost 2-0 at Bedford Town.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY played the full game as Chester won 0-2 at bottom club Leamington, but TOM PEERS wasn't in the squad.

JAMES GALE came off the bench in the 74th minute and rounded off the scoring in Macclesfield's 4-0 home win over King's Lynn. MIKEY STONE joined him 3 minutes later. ELLIOTT OSBORNE and KACPER PASIEK both played the full game for the Silkmen, but SAM HEATHCOTE, DANNY WHITEHEAD, and REGAN GRIFFITHS weren't in the squad.

Scottish Premiership : JOE HUGILL, who was booked, lasted 79 minutes for Kilmarnock as they drew 1-1 at Dundee United, but MARCUS DACKERS wasn't in their squad.

Welsh Premier League Relegation Group : Bala Town were comprehensively outplayed at Briton Ferry. JOEL TORRANCE deserves credit for keeping the score down to 2-1 as the hosts produced 9 shots on target.

Welsh Premier League Championship Group : Connah's Quay Nomads disappointingly lost by the only goal at Barry. JAMES JONES lasted 81minutes.

Southern Premier Central : YUSIFU CEESAY (right) opened the scoring for Spalding United at Royston Town, and after the hosts went down to 10 men former Robins trialist TOM PUGH added another. The Tulips went on to win 0-3.

NPL Premier Division : JAMES HARDY played the full game for Ashton United, but visitors Stockton Town won 1-2.

JONNY MARGETTS played 78 minutes as Gainsborough Trinity drew 1-1 at FC United.

Hednesford Town completed their 3-0 scoreline over visitors Lancaster City in the first 30 minutes, with MONTEL GIBSON scoring the first two.

SHARIF DEANS was an 82nd minute substitute for Prescot Cables as they lost 2-1 at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

DEAN FURMAN captained Warrington Rylands to a 3-1 home win over Ilkeston Town.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : TOLANI OMOTOLA came off the bench in the 59th minute for Boldmere St Michaels, who led early at Basford United but lost 3-1.

NPL Division 1 West : Leaders Bury beat visitors Sporting Khalsa 2-0 with JOE PIGGOTT joining the action in the 89th minute.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND played the whole game for Wythenshawe Town at second placed Lower Breck, where they were thrashed 6-0. Astley and team mate Domaine Rouse were appointed joint managers earlier this month, and face a difficult task to save the club from relegation to the NWCL.

DAVE PARTON kept a clean sheet, and REMI RAYMOND also put in a full shift as Congleton Town and Atherton Collieries, captained by SAM SHERIDAN, ground out a goalless draw. Both sides finished with 10 men.

MASON FAWNS hit a hat trick, as both he and skipper MARK LEES played the whole of Mossley's 4-1 home win over Chasetown.

Trafford shocked Nantwich Town by scoring in the first minute at the Weaver Stadium. Then, having gone behind to a BYRON HARRISON goal, they fought back to draw 2-2. AIDY ROXBURGH also played the full game for the Dabbers.

Runcorn Linnets were without SEAN MILLER, while RYAN BROOKE and ELLIOT ROKKA were only called off the bench late on when their team had completed a 0-4 win at Shifnal Town, who were without ELLIOTT DURRELL.

JAMES LAWRIE and DAMOLA SOTONA played the full game, and were joined after 63 minutes by JOEL BEMBO-LETA as Witton Albion beat visitors Vauxhall Motors 3-1. YASSINE TOURE played the second half for Motors, and KEVIN ELLISON came off the bench to join him after 58 minutes.

NWCL Premier Division : JOHN JOHNSTON was among the scorers as Irlam drew 3-3 at Padiham.

NOW IT'S NINETEEN MANAGERS GONE

On Saturday evening Eastleigh announced that "Scott Bartlett has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

An interim appointment will be confirmed in due course while the Club undertakes a thorough and comprehensive recruitment process...

We understand and share the frustration felt by our supporters regarding how the season has unfolded. During this period of transition, we ask for your continued unity and support for the players and staff as we work collectively to finish the campaign as strongly as possible".

The news that Eastleigh had sacked Scott Bartlett following their 4-0 humbling by Morecambe, means that there have now been nineteen dismissals or resignations, involving fifteen of the 24 members of the National League over a period of less than nine months, with Morecambe, Yeovil Town, Gateshead and Eastleigh changing manager twice.

Changes between the end of the 2024/25 season and the start of 2025/26:

  1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
  2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
  3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
  4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox

Departures since start of the 2025/26 season:

The fourteen departures (so far) since the start of this season are listed below; all were sackings unless otherwise stated...

  1. MORECAMBE: Derek Adams, sacked on 18 August 2025, replaced by Ashvir Singh Johal
  2. YORK CITY: Adam Hinshelwood, replaced by Stuart Maynard
  3. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper, replaced by Danny Webb
  4. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor, replaced by Chris Millington
  5. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison, replaced by Chris Agutter
  6. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis, replaced by Scott Bartlett
  7. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation), replaced by Billy Rowley
  8. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Simon Grayson, replaced by Nicky Featherstone
  9. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Tommy Widdrington (resignation), replaced by John Coleman
  10. ALTRINCHAM: Phil Parkinson, replaced by Neil Gibson
  11. GATESHEAD: Alun Armstrong moved to a new role, replaced by Rob Elliot
  12. BOSTON UNITED: "Parted company" with Graham Coughlan, replaced by Paul Hurst
  13. BRACKLEY TOWN: "Resignation" of Gavin Cowan, appointed at Shrewsbury Town
  14. MORECAMBE: "Mutually agreed to part ways" with Ashvir Singh Johal, replaced by Jim Bentley
  15. EASTLEIGH: Scott Bartlett "relieved of his duties"

The nine clubs still employing the manager who was with them at the end of last season are Rochdale, Boreham Wood, Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United, Southend United, Woking, Tamworth, Braintree Town and Truro City.

21 February 2026

ALTRINCHAM 2-1 BRAINTREE TOWN

Altrincham put vital distance between themselves and the bottom four with this ultimately hard-earned win over a spirited Braintree Town.

Goals early in each half had put Altrincham 2-0 up but The Iron pulled back a goal midway through the second half and then applied considerable pressure, with the hosts grateful to Tylor Golden for a headed clearance off the line to preserve their lead.

Right: Declan Howe celebrates his goal with Eddy Jones and (left) Dan Sassi.

In a game played in heavy rain Scunthorpe loanee Declan Howe put Altrincham ahead in the eighth minute after good work by Crankshaw on the left. Howe had the ball in the net again after 38 minutes but the effort was ruled offside.

When the Robins doubled their lead inside ninety seconds of the second half it looked to be all over for the visitors. This time Howe was the provider as he passed the ball inside from the right to Crankshaw whose effort was saved onto his left upright by keeper Terry only for the ball to rebound off the post and then off the back of the Iron goalkeeper into the net for an own goal.

But the visitors made a triple substitution before the hour mark and one of the trio of new players, Jon Akinde, then fed Harris who made it 2-1 (66 mins).

The Iron then enjoyed sustained pressure which culminated in Golden's back-post header off the line to preserve the Robins' lead (85 mins).

Report to follow

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 21st February 2026

BEFORE THE GAME: BRAINTREE TOWN

Altrincham's fixture today at home to Braintree Town comes 11 days after they last played a game. Their planned fixture last Saturday at Woking was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

For their previous game on 10 February, at home to Wealdstone, Altrincham had no fewer than ten absentees including six long-term cases affecting the defence; Ross, Barnes, Baines, Banks, Sass-Davies and Reed. Added to those, was recent signing Kian Breckin who was injured in his debut from the bench, and two other recent arrivals in the form of midfielders Otis Khan and Liam Humbles. Also, team captain Baines's unexplained absence from the squad continued for a seventh successive league fixture.

Whether any of the sidelined players has recovered sufficiently to face Braintree remains to be seen.

ALTY OLD BOYS

From Phil Jordan we learn that in Friday's Premier League 2 fixtures, CALEB ANSEN again found himself on the bench as Norwich City U21 were beaten 4-1 at Spurs U21.

Meanwhile, in the Irish Premier Division, BARRY BAGGLEY played the whole game for St.Patrick's, but they lost 2-0 at Shamrock Rovers. They have still to score a goal after two games, and are next to bottom of the league.

There is much less happy news of an Old Boy from the Manchester Evening News which reports that "An ex-Manchester United academy player has been charged with attempted murder, alongside three others, following the shooting of a man on a driveway in Huyton, Merseyside.

Right: Paddy Lacey in action for Altrincham against Chester FC in August 2012, as photographed by Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

A man in his 20s was taken to hospital in a critical condition after being shot in the leg at around 10.20pm on Friday, November 28...

Yesterday, Thursday February 19, a number of warrants were executed across Knowsley, Sefton and Liverpool and four people were arrested.

Former Accrington Stanley midfielder and boxer PATRICK SEAN LACEY, 32, of Manor Avenue, Crosby, has now been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life; section 18 GBH; and conspiracy to cause GBH.

Three [other] men have also been charged with the above offences...

All four are due to appear at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court this morning, Friday February 20, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Lacey started his career with Tranmere Rovers before joining Manchester United and then Liverpool as an academy player. He subsequently played for Altrincham, Barrow, Accrington Stanley and Southport, with his Wikipedia stating he most recently played for Flint Town United Cymru Premier.

During his semi-professional football career, Lacey also competed professionally as a boxer, amassing a 10-0 record and most recently claiming a knockout victory over Owen Kirk in October 2023".

Footnote: Paddy, who is 33 years-old next month, joined Alty as a 19 year-old in July 2012, having impressed as a trialist for Morecambe in a pre-season game against Altrincham, a few days earlier. Though often a substitute in the early part of the season, he went on to make 12(+21) appearances for Altrincham before being released in summer 2013 and joining Barrow.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Boreham Wood chairman Danny Hunter's programme notes are always a good read and for today's clash with FGR he declares "Well, it’s not been a terrible last few weeks. After the Woking postponement, we’ve beaten Yeovil Town, drew down at Eastleigh after battering them, and beaten Truro City in the National League Cup semi-final and now play West Ham United Development Squad here in the Final on a date at the time of writing, still to be agreed".

Off the field "our planning application can be heard in March... It’s an amazing project, it lifts up the local area, it’s good for our residents, it’s good for park users, it’s good for the local economy and high street and it’s good for the football club’s long-term future, so what’s not to like?... This club and even Hertsmere Borough Council have undertaken to create a true legacy project that for us will begin in May and take possibly another 18 months to 2 years to complete in its entirety.

On my side the project will include a community hub with a manager’s office, analyst suite, breakfast area, club medical centre and the hub will include two new changing rooms and official rooms that can service both the Astro users and the park users if needed.


Above: Alty in action at Boreham Wood during their first visit to the Hertfordshire club in 2015.

We will also tidy and solve the abomination and eyesore that is the Brook Road Car Park at the moment by creating new entrance roads, fence lines, landscaping and supporter pathways into and out of the club and trust me the visuals I’ve created do not do my designs justice. We will create a great innovative lighting design and matching signage, that will lift this club’s standing within our community and the wider football community... We will now build a new South Stand that will take our capacity to over 5,500 possibly closer to 6,000 and be fully compliant for EFL football if it ever comes and while we’re at it, we will need to lengthen the pitch and the player run offs to be UEFA compliant....

It feels a little like I’m designing, building and dressing sets and back within the film industry... It will cost me, my companies and my partners more than four million pounds of further investment but in my opinion, it will be a legacy project that so many of you can be proud of...

For many years I was forced to swim against the tide as I tried to give you a two, then three and now four-sided football league ground... Whatever we’ve achieved it’s been achieved together over the last 27 years">

Brackley Town "confirm that goalkeeper Jonny Maxted has been recalled from his loan spell with Enterprise National League North side Oxford City.

Maxted returns to St James Park with immediate effect following his period with the Hoops, where he gained valuable match minutes.

The club would like to thank Oxford City for their cooperation during Jonny’s loan".

Next Tuesday, Altrincham travel to Tamworth who, today, travel to play in-form Boston United. The Pilgrims state that they "will be aiming to continue their winning run when they entertain Tamworth...

Fresh from a run of four consecutive victories, two at home and two away, the Pilgrims return to home turf to take on the Lambs...

Boston boss Paul Hurst has reported no new injury concerns – with five first team players having gained valuable minutes against Lincoln United on Wednesday evening.

Jordan Cropper (knee), [ex-Alty trialist] Zak Mills (hamstring), Jacob Scott (hip), Dylan Hill (knee), Lenell John-Lewis (foot) and Jacob Hazel (knee) are definitely out".

Boston announce that "Ellenders will be open from 11.30am". Named after former Altrincham and Boston defender PAUL ELLENDER, "Ellenders is our modern, stylish bistro style bar and restaurant located at The Jakemans Stadium". Alty visit the Jakeman's on 24 March.

Carlisle United has published minutes from its Supporters' Group's latest meeting.

It includes the Football Club's latest update which amongst other things tells us that "After 17 home league games vs 24/25 League 2, gates are in line with L2 last season with home fans +3%:

The increase in gates is despite around 350 less away fans per game and 5 midweek evening kick offs (2 in 23/24) this season.

The number of evening home KO continues to depress gates. The difference in attendance is marked...

Behaviour of supporters in the season continues to be excellent both home and away.

The use of Vapes inside the stadium continues to be a concern".

Hartlepool United defender Reiss McNally looks ahead to this weekend’s trip to face Solihull Moors at Damson Park...

Following back-to-back postponed games against Sutton United and Wealdstone for Pools, McNally emphasised that... 'You can train all you want, but it’s the matches you want to play in'.

'Personally, I think that Wednesday to Saturday is a quick turnaround, so it was good for everyone to get that extra bit of recovery'...

After returning from long-term injury... McNally has played every minute of every game, featuring in several positions across Nicky Featherstone’s defence...

'It was just under four months out [injured], so I still think there’s things I’m trying to develop and bring back...

'We know our objectives and we know where we want to be come the end of the season, so I don’t think there’s [more] added pressure than we’ve already had'".

At Weladstone, club media had a chat with Brunel University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Geoffrey Rodgers to take a deeper dive into the partnership between the two organisations.

Brunel are Wealdstone’s front-of-shirt sponsor, and are also involved with the club in many other ways, including providing training facilities for Sam Cox’s side during the week.

'I think the club has a lot of ambition and a lot of potential,' Rodgers said when speaking to the Stones’ YouTube channel.

'It's a great catchment area round here with a lot of interest in the club and the leaders of the club have got a clear vision about what they want to achieve and where they want to go - so we're keen to be on that journey with you as there's benefits for us but also we're looking to support you.'"

Solihull Moors "defender, James Clarke, spoke about The Moors’ next game as they face 9th place Hartlepool...

Three points for the Moors would put them into 9th place, ahead of Hartlepool, as Solihull push for a playoff place with 14 games left to play.

'I think it’s important for us to get back to winning ways because we’ve had a couple of tough results, which we think we could have got more out of, especially Eastleigh we were two goals up and ended up losing the game and then Braintree, we had lots of chances, I thought we could have won the game in the end.

'I think if we can win and kind of get back our momentum, then that would be great for the lads.

'We know we’ve got so much quality in the team, going forward especially. If we can keep it defensively tight at the back, I think there’s no problem with getting some goals'">

Meanwhile Coventry City report that their "Midfielder Isaac Moore has joined National League side Solihull Moors on an initial 28-day youth loan.

The 19-year-old had a fruitful spell at Forest Green Rovers earlier in the season, scoring three times in 27 matches".

Morecambe "announce the appointment of Steve Dewsnip as the club’s new Chief Operating Officer.

Steve joins us with extensive football and business experience and has held prominent roles with non-league clubs covering all aspects of off-field activity. He was recently Commercial Director at Stalybridge Celtic and prior to that Chief Operating Officer at Southport in the National League North, with responsibility for commercial and operational activities...

Professionally, Steve retired from a 35-year career in banking and financial services, including 20 years with Rothschild in Manchester and the Channel Islands. He was also the Co-Founder and Chairman for six years of Guernsey FC, leading the first project to bring English national league system football to an offshore island and securing two successive promotions to step four".

Just over two years ago the BBC reported that One of the co-founders of Guernsey FC has been banned by the island's financial regulator from any involvement in regulated companies, following his involvement in a fraudulent investment fund which collapsed in 2016.

"The club's former chairman Steve Dewsnip, 57, who is now [2024] commercial director of Northern Premier League side Stalybridge Celtic, was banned by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC) for 'failure to meet the minimum criteria for licensing'.

Later, Morecambe also announced that "Martin Thomas has returned to the club as Head of Commercial.

Martin, who is well known to the Shrimps’ fanbase having previously served as the club’s Head of Commercial for six years from 2019 until last September, re-joins us following a short period at AFC Fylde".

20 February 2026

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

When Braintree Town visit Altrincham tomorrow, each will be looking to climb away from the relegation zone. The two clubs are both currently in the bottom five so far as maximum points to be earned this season is concerned.

Below is a list of the current bottom six in terms of league position which shows that Sutton United, currently lower than Altrincham, have a higher potential points' haul.

Both Altrincham and Braintree have 6 home games and 8 away fixtures remaining.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Gateshead report that "Curtis Edwards has departed Gateshead FC by mutual consent.

The midfielder leaves the club having made 23 appearances during the 2025/26 season, recording three assists".

York City "is shocked to learn that Under-16s captain Harry Rowntree has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.

Harry has been at the club since joining at under-8s level and has worked through all stages before working his way up to becoming the current under 16s captain.

In January, after a training session, Harry visited the hospital after a difficult session where he learned of the diagnosis.

The football club will be supporting Harry through his return to football

Harry is raising money for The Candlelighters Trust who have been supporting him through this time.

To read Harry’s story and to donate, please click here".

19 February 2026

CARDS GAME RE-ARRANGED

Altrincham's away fixture at Woking was postponed last Saturday less than an hour before kick off.

The fixture has now been rearranged to take place on Tuesday, March 31st at 7:45pm.

This means that Altrincham now have three away games in a period of just eight days...

A WINDOW ON BRAINTREE TOWN

Altrincham's opponents at the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday are Braintree Town. The clubs first met in 2014 at Moss Lane but the Essex club was founded as long ago as 1898 albeit as Manor Works, whose players were employees of the local Crittall Window Company.

Founded in 1849 the company were early makers of metal window frames, hence the Football Club's nickname of The Iron.

The company still exists today in nearby Witham and, from its Essex origins, it grew to run the first steel-window factory in the United States, in Detroit, Michigan.

The company also operated with partners in Belgium, Germany and China as well as in numerous countries in the British Commonwealth.

Right: Braintree Town first visited Altrincham in 2014 and the Robins' first visit to Cressing Road followed in 2015. Here we see goalkeeper Dave Parton punching clear in that game but he suffered a minor nose injury in the process.

Around the end of the 19th century, the Manor Works team effectively took over a local football club known as Braintree FC.

The club was renamed as Crittall Athletic in 1921, then as Braintree & Crittall Athletic in 1968. It was not until 1981 that the club became fully independent of Crittalls and rebranded itself as Braintree FC before adding Town to their name in 1983.

By 2006, they had reached the Conference South, progressing in 2011 to the Conference Premier. By 2016 they had reached the play-offs for promotion to the Football League but in 2017 they were relegated to National South.

They regained national status in 2018 via the play-offs but went down again after just one season.

Again via the play-offs they regained national status in 2024. Last season they finished 17th in the National League.

Their stadium at Cressing Road was originally built by Crittalls in 1923.

Amongst the UK buildings which boast products of Crittall Windows are Coventry Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, as well as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London!

When Braintree Town visit the JDS on Saturday they maybe unaware of a link with Altrincham as our town, like theirs, boasts an innovative metal (and uPVC) window-making firm in the Nova Group.

Based in Norman Road, Nova Group tells us that "For over 50 years, we’ve been designing, manufacturing, and delivering premium windows and doors to homes and businesses across the UK. Based in Altrincham, Cheshire, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest independent fabricators...

"Every product we make is proudly British-made in our Cheshire-based factory by our expert team. With over 150 skilled professionals and the capacity to produce more than 2,000 frames per week, we deliver at scale without compromising on craftsmanship".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Wednesday in League Two, JUSTIN AMALUZOR was left on the bench as Grimsby Town were held 2-2 at home by Walsall, who came from behind despite playing the entire second half with 10 men.

NPL Division 1 West : ELLIOTT DURRELL (right) wasn't in the Shifnal Town squad that lost 0-2 to visiting league leaders Bury, for whom JOE PIGGOTT played 62 minutes.

NWCL Premier Division : Two goals for LEWIS BILLINGSLEY earned him the Man of the Match award, and BEN ELLIOTT was again on target as West Didsbury & Chorlton beat visitors South Liverpool 4-0.

"ALTY FOR ALL" INITIATIVE

Altrincham FC announces a new initiative called "‘Alty For All’ – Strengthening Our Supporter Experience".

The Club states that "we want every matchday to feel welcoming, inclusive and uniquely Alty.

This week the Club is launching an enhanced Fan Engagement Project built around our core value, Alty For All. This initiative is designed to strengthen connections between the club and supporters of all ages, backgrounds and generations, while building on the heritage and community spirit that define Altrincham FC.

Sam Mackenzie, CEO, said 'The Fan Liaison volunteers will help support this activity through feedback and comments. I would like to thank Simon Mitton, a lecturer from UCFB, who is leading this exciting project, and all of the volunteers who are students from the university'...

The J. Davidson Stadium.

What the Fan Engagement Project Will Deliver: The 2025/26 project marks the first phase of a long term commitment to enhancing the overall fan experience...

A key focus during the first year will be improving clear signposting and guidance for new fans... The project will provide clearer information on:

"‘Fan Liaison’ volunteers will play a central role in delivering this enhanced experience.

On matchdays, volunteers will:

In addition, the Fan Liaison Team will undertake research into the current fan experience provision, identifying areas of good practice and opportunities for further development".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The National League reports that "Eastbourne Borough have announced the departure of manager Tommy Widdrington just months after his return to the Connect Management Stadium.

Former Aldershot boss Widdrington arrived in October following the departure of Matt Gray.

Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat to Chesham United leaves the club bottom of the Enterprise National League South, five point adrift of safety - taking just four points from their last nine games...

A statement from their Board of Directors reads 'We are disappointed with the current situation and recognise the seriousness of our league position. As a result, we have decided to part company with Tommy Widdrington and Hugo Langton. With 13 matches remaining, we will continue to push for safety....

'Tommy was provided with the resources he requested. Injuries have undoubtedly disrupted momentum... Planning has now begun for all scenarios, including the potential transition to part-time football and building a squad capable of competing for promotion should that be required. Our responsibility is to protect the stability, sustainability and competitive future of this club@".

Altrincham travel to The Lamb next week and from Tamworth we learn of the outcome of the club's National League Cup semi-final at home to West Ham United's under-21s on Tuesday night.

Manager "Andy Peaks made use of his squad for the fixture... The Lambs quickly made a change with Mols being replaced by Roberts but inside the fourth minute The Lambs defence were cut through down the Hammer left, and from Clayton’s low cross into the box Fearon sidefooted inside the near post to open the scoring (0-1, 4 mins)...

HT: 0-1

"Rye struck from outside of the area and Herrick parried the deflected effort away from the left hand post but only as far as Maher who rifled it home on the angle to level the tie to the delight of the home faithful (1-1, 65 mins)".

Later came a "Tonks' throw from the right which Herrick dropped and play was stopped, with a red card shown to Brown who had thrown a punch as the ball was cleared, and a penalty was award which Milnes stepped up to take. He struck it well enough, but Herrick dived to his Milnes’s left and pushed it away to keep the scores level...

Six minutes added time was shown at the end of the half, with penalties on the horizon, but with three minutes gone Ajala 0picked up the ball on the edge of the area and curled low inside the right hand post to give the visitors the lead (1-2, 90+3 mins)...

West Ham broke and Ajala took it round Tonks and into the final third before tapping home (1-3, 90+7 mins). It took a moment for the game to restart Cullinane-Liburd was sent from the field for a second yellow after the goal".

18 February 2026

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

On Saturday, Altrincham entertain Braintree Town in a vital match for both teams as they try to avoid the bottom four places in the Enterprise National League.

Following Tuesday's games for other teams, Altrincham go into the match having dropped to 19th after Aldershot Town won and overtook them whilst Braintree dropped into the bottom four courtesy of Sutton United's victory

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's games...

Professional Development League : JACK KINGDON, having missed Cardiff City's last game, resumed the captaincy at QPR, but the London club scored the only goal of the game.

League One : The introduction of DUNCAN WATMORE after 69 minutes couldn't help Rotherham United to avoid a 1-0 defeat at Burton Albion.

AFC Wimbledon lost 4-1 at leaders Cardiff City, and withdrew ALI SMITH after 86 minutes.


Above, (left to right) Joel Senior, Alistair Smith and Ryan Colclough

Wycombe Wanderers were ahead at Exeter City when they withdrew JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 64 minutes, but the hosts snatched a 1-1 draw in added time.

Plymouth Argyle won 1-3 at Leyton Orient, withdrawing OWEN DALE, who'd been booked earlier, after 59 minutes.

As predicted when he came off the bench to score on Saturday, CARL PIERGIANNI returned to Stevenage's starting line-up, reclaiming the armband and picking up a yellow card as they downed bottom of the table visitors Port Vale 2-1.

League Two : After tonight's games, only 3 points separate the bottom 5 clubs. Barrow really couldn't afford to lose by the only goal at home to Harrogate Town. ELLIOT NEWBY played the full game for the Bluebirds.

Although JOEL SENIOR put in a full shift for Bristol Rovers, they lost 2-0 at Oldham Athletic to remain in trouble.

Shrewsbury Town have pulled away from the bottom, and have opened up a 5 point gap on Barrow with their 1-0 home win over Notts County. KEVIN BERKOE played the full game for the victors, while JACK HINCHY came off County's bench after 76 minutes.

Leaders Bromley surprisingly failed to capitalise on going ahead after only 4 minutes, and JAKE BICKERSTAFF played a full part as visitors Cheltenham Town came back to draw 1-1.

The only goal of Chesterfield's 1-0 win over visitors Gillingham had already been scored when they brought JAMES BERRY off the bench on the hour.

Right: Jonny Margetts, image courtesy of Mike Ripley

HARRISON HOLGATE wasn't in Fleetwood Town's squad at Crewe Alexandra, while TOBY MULLARKEY was left on the bench as they won 0-1.

National League : KEATON WARD played the full game as Gateshead unexpectedly won 1-2 at Halifax. The Yorkshire club have taken MATTY WATERS on loan from Oldham Athletic, and he managed not to get booked after making his debut from the bench on 67 minutes.

ROSS BARROWS played a full role in Scunthorpe United's 1-1 draw at Rochdale - the point was sufficient for Dale to regain the leadership from York City.

MATT PENNEY came off Aldershot's bench at Yeovil Town, and the hosts threw on KYLE FERGUSON a minute later, leaving MATT GOULD to watch from the bench as Shots won 1-2 to climb 5 places up the table, dropping Altrincham to 19th. Sutton United also won, and are 2 points behind the Robins with a superior goal difference and a game in hand.

National League Cup Semi Finals : KENNEDY DIGIE was booked as Tamworth fell 1-3 to West Ham United U21, who struck twice in added time despite being down to 10 men - and Tamworth also had a man dismissed in the 99th minute. In the final, the young Hammers will face Boreham Wood who took advantage of Truro City having a man dismissed on the hour to strike twice late on.

National North : OWEN GERMAN started for Chorley at AFC Telford United, where they came back from a 2 goal deficit to draw 2-2. He had the ball in the net but the whistle had gone. At least he played the full game this time.

Scottish Championship : KIAN TAYLOR was again left on the bench as Morton beat visitors Dunfermline Athletic 2-0 despite missing a penalty. The Fife side weren't helped by a 53rd minute red card.

NPL Premier Division : JONNY MARGETTS (pictured, above right) played 74 minutes for Gainsborough Trinity, who came from behind to win 1-2 in stoppage time at Whitby Town.

NPL Division 1 West : Although AIDY ROXBURGH and BYRON HARRISON played the whole game, Nantwich Town were beaten by the odd goal in 3 at Clitheroe.

In other news, it has emerged that Tonbridge Angels appointed JEROME JOHN as their goalkeeping coach at the back end of 2025

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

Tuesday 17th February 2026

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

17 February 2026

Semi-finals

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

Southend United "announce the return of James Golding on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season from Oxford United, subject to approval from the relevant authorities.

The Ireland youth international spent the latter half of the 2024/25 season with the Shrimpers, making 14 appearances in the National League and finding the net three times.

Golding discussed coming back to the club after a positive first spell. 'From the staff to the players, I made a lot of friends here and I enjoyed my time here last season, so I want to build on that now.'

'When I found out I could come back, it was one of the first things I wanted to do so I’m really happy to be back and looking to kick on now.'”

Head coach Kevin Maher said 'James had a great time with us last year before his injury cut it short and he’s someone we know well since he was identified by John [Still] and the scouts last season. “He’s had experience of League Two this year and we know we’re a bit short in that area, so to get a player of James's quality come in is great news.. There’s going to be limited training time coming up with so many games. With James we’re confident he will be able to fit straight in.'

After spending his junior years at AFC Wimbledon, Golding graduated from Oxford United’s academy in October 2021... Following a loan spell at Banbury, Golding made his first league start for the U’s in... April 2022...

Another loan spell at Banbury was followed by stints at Dartford and Maidenhead United, before Golding arrived in South Essex in December 2025... after which he succumbed to injury and returned to Oxford United to receive treatment having been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

In the summer, he joined Crewe Alexandra on loan, making 12 appearances in League Two".

The chairman of Boreham Wood, Danny Hunter, writes that "In terms of injuries around the squad, at present we are still without some big hitters in Tom White, Callum Reynolds and possibly without Erico Souza who is just not responding to the treatment he’s receiving the way he should and that’s of course a big worry.

Over the last few weeks we’ve also had a few niggles to contend with, namely Ollie Kensdale, Lewis Richardson and Charlie O’Connell but that I suppose is all part and parcel of football at this level..

Luke [Garrard] has spoken to me about his squad concerns and his plans for this evening and I’m glad he’s taking this competition [NL Cup] seriously and I’m also pleased he’s giving opportunities to one or two players who have waited patiently for a start and a chance to shine...

On Saturday we then travelled to Eastleigh and in truth we battered them for most of the game, but only came away with a point, so I felt on the journey home that it was a big two points dropped... Defensive mistakes were further compounded on the day, as we missed a hatful of chances...

In terms of the bigger picture stuff off the park, I hope to announce an awful lot more to everyone shortly, as I expect to hear some good news over the next few days and if things go positively for me, then my residents, park users, high street and you supporters are going to benefit hugely.

So like I told you all a month ago, buckle in, enjoy the ride because this ride will I think be a rollercoaster this season but trust me this is the best the club has ever been and my gut feeling is that come May it’s about to get a whole lot better".

Brackley Town "announce the appointment of Andy Whing as the club’s new First Team Manager...

Prior to his recent spell at Barrow AFC, he spent 19 months in charge of Solihull Moors, guiding the Moors to the 2024 National League play-off final...

In the same season, Whing also led Solihull to the 2024 FA Trophy Final at Wembley...

Before his time at Solihull, Whing took charge of near neighbours Banbury United, where he secured promotion to the National League North for the first time in the club’s history...

As a player, Whing began his professional career with Coventry City, making 119 appearances for the Sky Blues. He later joined Brighton & Hove Albion, where he featured 125 times. Further spells followed with Oxford United, Leyton Orient and Chesterfield before injury brought his playing career to a close in 2015.

Brackley Town Chairman Matt Wise said 'Andy has been appointed after a thorough recruitment process and from a strong field...

Andy Whing said 'I think if anyone knows me, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m really passionate, I’m ambitious and I’m really looking forward to getting going@".

17 February 2026

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

The National League confirms that "Braintree Town have secured the signing of Luton Town winger Taylan Harris for an initial one-month loan.

The Iron have also announced the departure of striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas".

Emmanuel-Thomas has since signed for Whitehawk.

Luton Town add that "Young forward Taylan Harris has joined National League side Braintree Town on a one-month youth loan. Last month Harris, 20, returned to The Brache having made 19 appearances for Sky Bet League Two club Tranmere Rovers and scoring once in his time at Prenton Park. The former Reading forward signed for the Hatters in 2024 and has featured regularly for the Under-21s since joining. Good luck in your time at Cressing Road, Taylan!"

WOMEN EXIT COUNTY CUP

Altrincham FC reports on the recent match which ended Altrincham Women 1 Runcorn Linnets 4.

Erin Carroll's match report starts by confirming that "Altrincham’s run in the Cheshire FA Women's County Cup came to an end at the quarter-final stage as they succumbed to a ruthless second half fightback by Runcorn Linnets at Partington Sports Village".

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records for 21 February, when Braintree Town are set to visit the J. Davidson Stadium, remind us that the two most recent Altrincham games on that date were both against clubs which are now members of the EFL.

On 21 February 2023, Altrincham won 4-2 at Barnet and back in 2015 they paid a visit to Bristol Rovers, where they lost to the only goal of the game in front of 6765 spectators, (162 from Altrincham).

Altrincham had beaten Rovers 2-1 in the reverse fixture; since then, however, Rovers had risen to second in the table.

Above: Under the watchful eye of Lee Sinnott and the Altrincham bench, Nicky Clee advances up the Alty left during the second half at a packed Memorial Stadium, the home of Bristol Rovers.

A headed goal just before half time by Parkes settled the match. After a decent first half display Alty rarely threatened in the second period until the final five minutes. Reeves even headed into the net at the death but offside saved Rovers. However the visitors could have no real complaints at the final outcome.

Altrincham: 1. Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (capt), 5. Gianluca Havern, 16. Tom Marshall, 3. Adam Griffin, 4. Jake Moult, 8. Simon Richman, 11. Nicky Clee, 10. Damian Reeves, 7. James Lawrie, 14. Kyle Perry. Subs: 25. Peter Cavanagh, 6. Scott Leather, 17.Dave Parton, 18. Shaun Williams, 26. Jordan Sinnott.

ALTY'S LATEST SPONSORS

Altrincham FC "welcome Delta Hotels on board as a new backer of the football club, our first sponsorship addition of 2026.

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Manchester Airport branding is now prominently displayed within our popular matchday Fan Zone as part of our new link-up with the hotel, based just a couple of miles away from The J.Davidson Stadium.

As part of the sponsorship we look forward to welcoming Delta Hotels by Marriott Manchester Airport to Moss Lane as main match sponsors for our final game of 2025/26 against Gateshead on Saturday, April 25th.

Delta Hotels Director of Sales, David Smith, said 'this commitment... marks a proud moment as we align our vision with one of the most important pillars of the Altrincham and Hale Barns community.

'Altrincham Football Club has long set the standard for championing local people and local needs. We are delighted to lend our support and, in doing so, give something back to the community by enhancing personal experiences both on and off the pitch.

'We would like to extend an invitation to all fans of the club and the wider football community to experience hospitality like no other at Delta Hotels by Marriott Manchester Airport...

'Fans are encouraged to contact the hotel and reference their support of Altrincham FC to access preferential rates across both leisure and business stays. We look forward to welcoming you and playing our part in supporting this outstanding local club and community.'

Alty CEO Sam Mackenzie said... 'We're delighted to welcome Delta Hotels to our family of sponsors and we look forward to working with them and forging a close relationship as our partnership develops'".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Monday's action...

FA Cup 4th Round : An unfortunate 70th minute own goal by SAM HEATHCOTE was sufficient for Premier League Brentford to progress at the Moss Rose, but Macclesfield went down fighting. Sam was joined in playing the full match by PADDY LACEY'S kid brother Luis, while ELLIOTT OSBORNE played 85 minutes, and JAMES GALE was a 68th minute substitute. KACPER PASIEK, MIKEY STONE, DANNY WHITEHEAD, and REGAN GRIFFITHS were all unused substitutes for the Silkmen. Brentford will make the short trip to West Ham United in the 5th round.

Elsewhere, before Sunday's FA Cup match, The Times reported that "After the sacking of Ryan Lowe... GRAHAM BARROW has taken temporary charge of Wigan [Athletic] alongside Glenn Whelan... and this is his fifth stint in charge in various guises. His first came as manager when he saved Wigan from relegation out of the Football League".

And now, "the 71 year-old will be to the fore again as joint caretaker-manager of the League One club as they take on Arsenal at the Emirates". On Sunday night, Arsenal beat Wigan 4-0.

16 February 2026

WOKING MATCH POSTPONEMENT

Following the postponement of Saturday's fixture against Altrincham, Woking posted the following "message from Managing Director Robin Byrne.

'I want to express my profound frustration and deep disappointment with the referee’s decision to cancel today’s fixture.

'Both clubs, both managers and both sets of players wanted to play the match. Our ground staff had intimated no doubts in regard to today’s game, so it is bitterly disappointing that the officials took this decision so late in the day.

'The team will now train on the pitch instead, so if you are still in the stadium, please feel free to stay and watch them work.

'We again sincerely apologise to both sets of supporters for the inconvenience caused'".

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

Altrincham welcome Braintree Town to the J. Davidson Stadium next Saturday with, currently, a four-point advantage for the hosts in the National League after they have both completed 32 league fixtures this season.

Altrincham lie eighteenth whilst Braintree are twentieth ahead of the midweek games, in which neither is playing, but which could affect both clubs' positions through results elsewhere.

Right: Braintree's last visit to Altrincham was in February 2025. Here we see Louie Fallon and Lewis Banks preparing to defend a corner in that game.

Back in October, Braintree Town were Neil Gibson's first opponents after his appointment to the then interim managerial post at Altrincham. That away game for the Robins ended in a goalless draw.

Historically, the record between the clubs favours the Essex club, though Altrincham have won and drawn the two most recent encounters:

The match-by-match record is as follows...

In terms of form, Altrincham lie a respectable eleventh with eight points from their last six league matches; Braintree are sixteenth with six points earned from their last six games.

However, Braintree have taken five points from their last three games, a sequence in which they are unbeaten.

Braintree are the league's lowest scorers, having found the net just 22 times in 32 outings. Altrincham have scored 36 league goals this season from the same number of completed games. At the other end, The Iron have conceded three fewer goals than Altrincham's 48.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Sunday's action...

FA Cup 4th Round : On a Blundell Park with the consistency of sticky toffee pudding, Wolverhampton Wanderers had already scored the game's only goal to knock out Grimsby Town by the time the Mariners threw on JUSTIN AMALUZOR in the 82nd minute.

Scottish Premiership : A shock looked on the cards at Rugby Park when JOE HUGILL put Kilmarnock 2-0 up against Celtic after 28 minutes, but the Hoops gradually gained the upper hand and were level by the 64th minute. Joe was withdrawn 15 minutes later, while MARCUS DACKERS (right) came off the Kilmarnock bench in the 82nd minute. Celtic completed their comeback in the 97th minute to win 2-3.

And from The Times, last Saturday, in its preview of Macclesfield's FA cup match tonight (Monday), we read that "Lewis Fensome introduces us to his team-mates". As has been chronicled previously, there are no fewer than SEVEN ex-Alty players or loanees in the Silkmen's squad.

Here's what Fensome said about them...

"SAM HEATHCOTE. As a player, he's come on loads this season. Off the field, when you see him in action, like on our lads' trips to Portugal, you wouldn't think he's a school teacher in Altrincham...

"REGAN GRIFFITHS, another lively upbeat lad in our Scouse corner of the dressing room. They're like a little cult and certainly add to the fun...

"DANNY WHITEHEAD Another full-timer after a long career in the EFL. He's 32 with a family so tends to keep himself to himself. I'm the team social sec but I've never managed to drag him out...

"We managed to bring in KACPER PASIEK, MICHAEL STONE, JAMES GALE and ELLIOT OSBORNE in the [transfer] window... They all look quality additions".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Somerset Live tells us that "Rochdale slipped to second place in the National League following a 1-1 draw with 10-man Yeovil Town.

Aidan Barlow put Dale ahead after going one-on-one with Yeovil goalkeeper Jed Ward in the 13th minute at Huish Park.

However, the hosts responded almost immediately when Finn Cousin-Dawson headed in Brett McGavin's free kick just two minutes later.

Rochdale... failed to make the most of Aaron Jarvis's dismissal in the 69th minute and had to settle for a single point...

Glovers' boss, Billy Rowley, told the BBC 'We went down to ten-men for the second game in a row, which has obviously infuriated me and some of the boys... We had to adapt and I'm really proud of the boys that were on the pitch'".

Boston United report that "Tom Cursons bagged his first professional hat-trick as Boston United recorded an extraordinary away victory on Saturday afternoon.

The Pilgrims thumped Lincolnshire neighbours Scunthorpe United 6-3 at Glanford Park, having led 3-0 inside 23 minutes through Cursons, Matty Carson and Jake Rooney.

Rooney scored again once Callum Roberts had reduced the arrears for the hosts and Danny Whitehall's penalty ensured the Pilgrims led 4-2 at the break. Two further Cursons goals at either end of the second half sandwiched a Roberts spot-kick to seal one of United's most memorable away days on record.

There had been little signs of things to come, with Scunthorpe only beaten once at home so far this season - but the Pilgrims were soon in full control at the Attis Arena".

Forest Green Rovers "fell to their third consecutive defeat as Carlisle United ran out 3–1 winners [on Saturday] evening.

The Cumbrians raced into a three-goal lead by half-time with goals from Stephen Wearne, Morgan Feeney and David Ajiboye.

Rovers pulled one back early in the second half through Jay Mingi following a set-piece situation.

Despite seeing plenty of the ball and creating opportunities after the break, the hosts were unable to break down a well-organised Carlisle side...

Carlisle started the brighter of the two teams after a scrappy opening ten minutes...

[0-2 down], Rovers boss Robbie Savage made an early change on 27 minutes, with Nick Haughton replaced by new arrival Josh Osude.

Just seven minutes later, Rovers fell further behind as David Ajiboye scored a brilliant solo goal...

Rovers emerged with renewed intent after the break, with Savage making two further changes at half-time. Gabe Kricough and Jay Mingi replaced Abraham Kanu and Jayden Clarke.

Mingi made an immediate impact, scoring in the 51st minute from a set-piece...

Carlisle defended resolutely in the closing stages, using their experience to slow the game down and frustrate Rovers".

Resurgent Aldershot Town, now third in the form guide after four wins in their last six outings, report "the signing of Jed Meerholz on a permanent deal until the end of the season from Bristol City.

Jed, known by Shots fans already, spent the beginning few months here on loan this season, making 13 appearances & scoring against Solihull Moors.

Jed, a versatile player throughout his career, will be looking to kick on from where he left off last time he was here.

John Coleman said... 'We needed some extra force in the squad, especially with the hectic schedule coming up, and with Jed being familiar with the club already, I know he’ll slot straight back in and kick on where he left off'".

At Yeovil Town the "Football Club are pleased to announce the signing of centre-back Declan Skura, who has joined the club on loan from Wycombe Wanderers until the end of the season.

Skura began his development in the academy systems at Chelsea and Reading before gaining senior experience in non-League with Hanworth Villa and Kingstonian. His performances earned him a development squad contract with Wycombe Wanderers in February 2023 following a successful trial.

He made his first-team debut later that year, starting in a 1–0 EFL Trophy victory over Crystal Palace U21, and has since continued his progression with further senior involvement, including a National League loan spell with Ebbsfleet United and a League One appearance as a substitute against Blackpool.

The move to Huish Park provides Skura with the opportunity for continued senior minutes as he links up with the Glovers for the remainder of the campaign.

Morecambe "confirm the signing of defender Kyle Jameson on a deal until the end of the season.

Jameson joins the Shrimps as a central defender. He began his footballing journey in the youth system at Southport before earning a move to Chelsea’s academy in January 2017.

Following his time with Chelsea, Jameson joined West Bromwich Albion later that year and gained early senior experience on loan with Barrow during the 2018–19 season.

With experience across multiple levels of the English Football League at clubs such as Tranmere Rovers and Newport County, Jameson brings a blend of physical presence and defensive versatility to the Morecambe squad"


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