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 | Women's Team | League Line-Ups | League Table | Playing Legends | Reserves | Statistics | Through the Years | Youth Team |
SITE: About | Search Site | Site Map |


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

officialsite alty tv radioalty NLstream

NEXT MATCH
OXFORD CITY (Home)
Saturday, 20 April, 2024, at 12.15pm
Vanarama National League match

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

19 April 2024

PLAY-OFF BULLETIN

Altrincham go into Saturday's final fixture of the regular season knowing that a win over Oxford City would leave them finishing fourth in the league and, therefore, at home in the Eliminator round of the play-offs against whichever team finishes seventh.

The identity of such opposition was not clarified greatly by the result of Thursday night's fixture at Chesterfield between FC Halifax Town and Oldham Athletic, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

That means that Alty, should they beat Oxford City, could host any one of FC Halifax Town, Aldershot Town and Southend United. The result did mean that the Latics can no longer qualify for the play-offs.

Fax and the Shots are now level on points, with the Yorkshire club having a far better goal difference. So a win at Eastleigh would confirm the Shaymen in seventh place. Defeat for Halifax and a win for Aldershot at Dagenham would mean that the Hampshire club would face Alty should they finish fourth.

The third possibility is that both Halifax and Aldershot lose their away games on Saturday allowing Southend United to qualifyin seventh place should they beat Rochdale at Roots Hall.

A clash with Alty would be ironic, to put it politely, given that Southend signed Alty's top scorer of 2022-23 season, Dan Mooney, depriving the Robins of his services when the Shrimpers did not have the finances to pay for him without the National League having to intevene months later.

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger press and media officer John Edwards writes that "Phil Parkinson saluted his history-making Altrincham players and called for one last effort this Saturday to try and secure home advantage for their first-ever entry into the National League promotion play-offs...

They will have home advantage in the opening eliminator next Tuesday or Wednesday evening if they finish fourth or fifth in the table.

Three points at home to Oxford City on Saturday (12.15pm) would certainly help, and Parkinson is urging fans to create 'a party atmosphere'...

'We deserve to be where we are, and I’m so pleased with the whole squad because everyone has played a part,' said the Alty boss. 'It’s going to be another really tough game against Oxford, because they’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of personal pride.

'But we’ve got everything to play for as well. With home advantage at stake in the play-off eliminator, there is a lot riding on the outcome...

'I was blown away by how many travelled to Ebbsfleet [last weekend] and the noise they made. That level of support really makes a difference, and I’m hoping for more of the same against Oxford...

Parkinson added 'We have always tried to create history here and I just hope we can now break the biggest of records by taking the club into the Football League.'"

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that in the National League, "Oldham Athletic left JOSH LUNDSTRAM on the bench as they led twice at Chesterfield against Halifax Town. However the 'hosts' equalised both goals to draw 2-2.

The result means the Yorkshire side need to win at Eastleigh to confirm the last playoff spot. Aldershot could pass them with a win at Dagenham & Redbridge. If both sides were to lose however, a home win for Southend United against Rochdale would put the Essex side, who are unbeaten in 15 matches, into the playoff position for the first time this season - this is all very important for Altrincham fans, as a win at Moss Lane against relegated Oxford City would give us a home quarter final against whichever of the three clubs should qualify".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULT

Thursday, 18 April

After the game, FC Halifax Town reported that they had "returned to a play-off position following a 2-2 draw against Oldham Athletic

Finishes from Rob Harker and Adan George cancelled out a Dan Gardner brace, putting Town in the driving seat to secure the last available play-off spot...

Town fans feared the worst in the first few minutes when Sam Johnson went down following a fifty-fifty. The captain was fine to carry on after receiving a fair amount of treatment from the physio...

Dan Gardner put Oldham 1-0 up with 18 minutes on the clock as the corner drifted to the edge of the box for the forward to rifle into Johnson’s net on the half-volley...

Rob Harker levelled proceedings, placing the ball into the Oldham net after Hudson fumbled Hoti’s attempt from range...

Oldham were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute as Joe Garner fell in the box under a challenge from a Halifax defender. Gardner drilled the penalty past Johnson for his second goal of the game putting the Latics 2-1 up...

Aaron Cosgrave made way for Adan George... George made an instant impact... [as he] side-footed his shot past Hudson for 2-2".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Before the match on Thursday night, the Oldham Times reported that "Halifax and Oldham still have six points to play for, and go head-to-head at Chesterfield... in a clash that Latics need to win to still have something to play for on the final day.

'I've got a real strong affinity for Oldham, I've had two spells working there in the Academy and with the first team. I have some fantastic memories and I made some fantastic friends through my time at the club so I'm looking forward to it,' said Halifax boss Chris Millington...

'They've got some fantastic individuals and you look at the team on paper and it scares you half to death. It's a terrifying prospect. But our lads are resilient, and they're gritty and they're determined, they work very hard and I don't think they get the credit for how good they are as footballers...

'We've used the least number of players in the division so far this season. We've used 23 players. Every week we're either the youngest average aged starting XI or second youngest. So part of that is the learning, that ability to compose themselves...

'The thing we've got to really focus our energy on, is making sure we're as fresh as we possibly can be. Some players are going to have to play again on Thursday, some players are going to have to do Thursday and then follow it up on Saturday,' said Millington, who worked with Pete Wild at Boundary Park...

'If the Shay was available to us we'd play there because it's our home ground and we want to be in front of all of our fans,' he said... 'Our biggest challenge is maintaining that freshness physically to be able to perform the way we need to perform.'"

Before their vital league match on Saturday against Boreham Wood, Ebbsfleet United report that the club "finished this season’s DFDS Kent Senior Cup as runners-up as Maidstone United wrapped up the game early on by establishing a three-goal lead at the break. Fleet fielded two academy players with five more named on the bench while Maidstone’s side was largely a mix of regular first-teamers and first-team squad members.

It was a low-key Hayes Lanes with just over 700 in attendance but the Maidstone fans found their voice early when they got themselves in front inside the first minute... Sol Wanjau-Smith... was the man to double Maidstone’s advantage before 10 minutes...

The Fleet’s first chance came with 20 minutes on the clock when Maxx Manktelow linked up with Greg Cundle – who was one of several players who had returned home at 4.30am from Accrington...

The Stones would make it three before the break... That goal ended Fleet’s resistance and the second-half was played a slower tempo...

Three of the Academy players were sent on – Tristan Lock, Bailey Cain and Bernard Rai...

There was still time for substitute Mo Faal to find the bottom corner to add a fourth after getting past a couple of Fleet defenders and that was the last kick of this season’s competition.

It was a whimper for the county cup to go out on with both sides having much bigger fish to fry in the coming days".

Southend United's "head coach Kevin Maher believes what has been achieved this season will come into even sharper focus when the dust has settled.

Despite a 10-point deduction at the start of the campaign, it is still possible [as of Thursday afternoon] for Blues to finish in the play-off positions...

Ahead of meeting Rochdale at a sold-out Roots Hall, Maher said 'What a long season it’s been... For what the players have done this season, you can’t give them any more credit than they deserve.

'There is some disappointment because we’d be fourth in the league [without the deduction], that’s a fact. We’ve won enough points to be fourth and that’s a marker of where we’re at as a team.'

Halifax, who are currently eighth, play Oldham tonight [Thursday] knowing that a win would end the Shrimpers’ hopes. Maher admits... 'I’ll have my phone on watching the result come in...

'When everything behind the scenes is run properly like a top professional club, you can see the potential and what could happen here. We hope that will play a part if and when we want to sign players over the summer... We want to be able to work normally.'”

BAD FA CUP NEWS FOR SMALLER CLUBS

The BBC reports that "FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards in the 2024-25 competition.

All rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will also be played on weekends, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the last five seasons.

The changes come as part of a new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League.

Both say that it will 'strengthen' the FA Cup format.

In its current format, the FA Cup has no replays from the fifth round onwards, but the FA says the move to eliminate them from an earlier stage has been made 'in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA competitions'...

Other changes will see the fourth and fifth rounds, and the quarter-finals, played without clashing with any Premier League fixtures for the first time.

The fourth round will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday".

So, non-League clubs reaching Round One or beyond and securing a draw against higher ranked teams will lose the chance of TV revenue accruing from replays.

18 April 2024

ELLIOT OSBORNE INTERVIEW

Alty TV has a video interview by Brian Flynn with midfielder Elliot Osborne.

Ellioy starts by praising Alty' most recent opponents Ebbsfleet United who were "the better team on the day... They're a good side... one of the better teams in the league", he judged.

He went on to discuss his role in the side, which to some extent explains his lack of a goal this season.

With more than 100 Altrincham appearances to his name, and despite his excellent form this season, Elliot feels he still has the capability to improve his performances as helooks forward to the play-offs.

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Altrincham welcome Oxford City to the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday lunchtime for the visitors' final game at National league level before their relegation to the regional level. Just 441 spectators watched their most recent match, on Tuesday, a 1-3 loss to Bromley.

Oxford City's own view of that match was that "A mad five minutes consigned Oxford City to defeat...

Ben Krauhaus gave Bromley the lead after two minutes... Then, three minutes later, Idris Odutayo found the net from a free kick from outside the area.

After the interval... Corey Whitely tapped home after a quick counter-attack.

The goal of the game however, came from Oxford City. Harvey Greenslade took down Reece Fleet’s superb ball inside the area, and he remained composed to slot the ball past Grant Smith.

Ross Jenkins made three changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Oldham Athletic. Reece Fleet, Lewis Coyle & Jacob Roddy dropped out in place of Ernaldo Krasniqi, Brooklyn Kabongolo and Latrell Humphrey-Ewers.

Josh Ashby took the captain's armband on this occasion."

MIDWEEK RESULT

Wednesday, 17 April

WHAT AWAITS ALTY IN PLAY-OFFS?

A win over Oxford City on Saturday would guarantee Altrincham a home tie in the play-off eliminators.

And Gateshead's defeat on Wednesday night means that they cannot now catch Altrincham if both sides win on Saturday, so Alty would finish fourth if they defeat Oxford City.

The team finishing fourth will be at home next Wednesday night (NB 7pm) in "Eliminator B" to the team finishing seventh; currently that is Aldershot Town but it could instead be FC Halifax Town or even Southend United by Saturday tea-time.

The team finishing fifth (currently Solihull Moors) has one fewer day's rest and will be at home next Tuesday night (NB 7pm) in "Eliminator A" to the team finishing sixth; currently that is Gateshead. (The current league table is here.).

Should Alty lose on Saturday against Oxford City they could finish sixth as Solihull and Gateshead could overtake them and, therefore, they would be away in a play-off eliminator.

The winners of the two eliminators then play in the semi-finals. The winners of Eliminator A are away to the club finishing second which we will be Barnet or Bromley, on Saturday 27th at 5.30pm. The winners of Eliminator B will play away to the third-placed team at 4pm on Sunday 28th.

The promotion final is at Wembley on Sunday 5 May at 3pm.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan explains that on Wednesday evening, in the National League, MARCUS DINANGA played the full game at the International Stadium, but the only goal of the game for Aldershot came from Kwame Thomas after Gateshead keeper Nathan Harness was sent off just two minutes into the second half. Gateshead didn't have a keeper on the bench and had to put a defender in goal.

LAST FIXTURES OF THE REGULAR SEASON

Saturday, 20 April, all 12.15pm kick offs

The play-offs start on Tuesday, 23 April.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

On Wednesday night, Aldershot Town "secured a vital win to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 1-0 win over 10-man Gateshead thanks to a Kwame Thomas header.

Tommy Widdrington made five changes to the Shots side that lost against Boreham Wood at the weekend as Olly Scott, Josh Barrett, James Daly, Dejan Tetek and Kwame Thomas replaced Lorent Tolaj, Josh Stokes, Ryan Glover, Jack Barham and Tommy Willard.

It took a long time for the game to get going and it was almost 20 minutes in when the first chance of the game fell to Marcus Dinanga... but his effort was some way off target...

Gateshead were the first to have found second gear as they began to create more chances... The Shots were able to grow into the game themselves, though and enjoyed a good spell of possession before half-time...

If the first-half was lacking action, though, the second-half made up for it in the first five minutes as a short pass back to Nathan Harness in the Gateshead goal was intercepted by James Daly whose electric pace was too quick for Harness who could only bring the Shots attacker down outside the area and subsequently received his marching orders.

With no substitute ‘keeper on the bench, experienced centre back and Assistant Manager Louis Storey was forced to take the ‘keeper’s shirt and deputise between the sticks...

Aldershot found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute as Kwame Thomas found the back of the net with a header from close range after meeting a looping cross from Josh Barrett down the right wing caused Storey problems."

The attendance was just 892 inclduing 77 away supporters.

The BBC reports that "A winding-up petition issued against Southend United in the High Court has been adjourned for four weeks.

Legal firm Stewarts Law LLP filed the petition in February over unpaid bills, after it represented the club in previous court disputes.

Blues chairman Ron Martin asked for the petition to be adjourned to allow its sale to a consortium to be completed, which would allow the money to be paid.

During a two-minute hearing, the case was adjourned until 15 May...

In an earlier hearing on Monday, Judge Burton approved a validation order allowing the club to continue trading.

She said that while funding was available, creditors could not be paid due to the club's bank account being frozen after the issuing of the petition".

In the Times Series "Barnet manager Dean Brennan lauded his players’ professionalism as they ran out 2-0 winners at Halifax Town on Saturday to all but cement a second-placed National League finish.

The Bees... raced into a two-goal lead inside 15 minutes thanks to strikes from talisman Danny Collinge and in-form Callum Stead...

Said Brennan... 'It’s a fantastic achievement to go from fifth to the top three for our club. We’ve done it with good, honest people and hard work on the training ground. The players have been at it to be fair to them... We’ll go to war with most teams...

'We changed the way we usually play. We played the way we did against Bromley as they played through the thirds and they tried to press us,” he added.

'We wanted to come here and play more directly with the front three. [Callum] Stead, [Nicke] Kabamba, and Gats [O'Donkor]... We were physical with our play, and we managed to score from restarts'...

The return of Collinge has come at the perfect time for Brennan... 'I think that’s his eighth goal of the season,' Brennan said, glowing...

'He’s one of our key players'">

Ebbsfleet United report that their "final-day clash at Boreham Wood has been chosen as the TNT Sports live game...

With Boreham Wood needing to win and the Fleet requiring a point for safety, it’s the National League’s most dramatic match of the day – and a huge game for our club...

We are reminding fans that coach travel to the game has been subsidised and costs only £10 for adults and £5 for children as we aim to take as many of our red army to Meadow Park as possible". <

17 April 2024

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Altrincham's final opponents of the regular season, Oxford City, were in action on Tuesday night but lost 1-3 at home to Bromley who report that "Goals from Ben Krauhaus, Idris Odutayo and Corey Whitely helped secure a 3-1 win at Oxford City... as the Ravens clinch a top three finish for the first time ever!"

Oxford City lined up as follows: 26. Tom Watson, 18. Aaron William-Bushell, 2. Andre Burley, 20 Latrell umphrey-Ewers, 23. Brooklyn Kabongolo, 11. Harvey Greenslade, 4. Josh Ashby, 30. Ernaldo Krasniqi, 29. Charlie O'Connell, 16. Alfie Potter, 3. Giles Phillips. Subs: 7. Lewis Coyle, 8. Reece Fleet, 10. Zac McEachran, 21. Harry Birtwistle, 22. Tafari Moore.

UPS AND DOWNS UPDATE

Following Tuesday's fixtures, the situation as regards the National League promotion play-offs and relegation is as follows, with the composition of the play-offs becoming a little clearer but the remaining relegation issue becoming even more complicated.

So, qualified for the play-offs are Barnet (83 pts), Bromley (81 pts). Altrincham (74 pts), Solihull Moors (73 pts) and Gateshead (72 pts and a game in hand).

For the final place in the play-offs, Southend United (65 pts, one game to play), Aldershot Town (65 pts with two fixtures left) and Oldham Athletic (62pts with two to play) can all still catch FC Halifax Town (67 pts, two games to play).

The Shaymen play Oldham on Thursday which should clarify that situation to some extent. Halifax's draw on Tuesday means that they cannot now catch Altrincham but could catch the Moors.

Barnet and Bromley cannot be caught by anyone else so must finish third and fourth, though in which order will be determined on Saturday.

ALTRINCHAM (74 pts) cannot finish higher than their current fourth place but they could be overtaken by Solihull Moors (73 pts), Gateshead (72 pts and a game in hand), so could finish sixth. However, if Alty beat Oxford City on Saturday they can only be passed by Gateshead; that is if the Tynesiders win both of their remaining fixtures.

At the bottom, already relegated are Oxford City, Dorking Wanderers and Kidderminster Harriers but the remaining relegation slot is still unresolved and any one of the following five clubs could go down on Saturday. All five have played 45 games so each has one fixture to complete on Saturday.

Currently...

Saturday sees Boreham Wood entertain Ebbsfleet United. Anything but a win for the Wood is likely tol see them relegated, unless they draw and Woking are beaten heavily by AFC Fylde at Kingfield. A win for the Wood brings Wealdstone, York City, and Woking into contention.

ALTY'S GOAL OF THE SEASON

Altrincham FC has shortlisted its goal of the season and these are all viewable via the above link.

Right: Two of the shortlisted goals of the season came in the home match against Solihull Moors last November. Here we see four of Altrincham's scorers that day celebrating Amaluzor's first goal. As well as Justin, we see fellow scorers that day, Chris Conn-Clarke, Marcus Dackers and Alex Newby.

There are 13 goals to choose from:

  1. Matty Kosylo (A) Woking
  2. Dior Angus (H) Chesterfield
  3. Lewis Baines (H) Hartlepool United
  4. Eddy Jones (A) Oxford City
  5. Alex Newby (H) Solihull Moors
  6. Justin Amaluzor (H) Solihull Moors
  7. Chris Conn-Clarke (H) AFC Fylde
  8. Chris Conn-Clarke (H) AFC Fylde
  9. Alex Newby (A) Bromley
  10. Chris Conn-Clarke (A) Chesterfield
  11. Dan Mooney (H) Gateshead
  12. Chris Conn-Clarke (A) Kidderminster Harriers
  13. Chris Conn-Clarke (A) Kidderminster Harriers

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTSS

Monday, 15 April 2024

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports:

League One : OWEN DALE was substituted by Oxford United after 70 minutes as visitors Lincoln City hung on with ten men for almost a quarter of an hour to win by the only goal .

Fleetwood, having scored in the opening minute, took CALLUM DOLAN off at half time, and introduced JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 85 minutes. Missing two penalties didn't help their cause as hosts Peterborough United fought back to win 4-1.

A full shift from JOE HUGILL wasn't enough to save Burton Albion from conceding their first half lead, visitors Cheltenham Town eventually running out 1-2 victors.

League Two: Colchester United took ALISTAIR SMITH off at half time in their 2-0 win over Grimsby Town, who had TOBY MULLARKEY booked.

Barrow led by the only goal at half time at Crawley Town with the credit for the assist going to ELLIOT NEWBY, but the hosts fought back to draw 1-1

National League : Rochdale withdrew TYRESE SINCLAIR after 82 minutes of their goalless draw at home to Boreham Wood, for whom BILLY SASS-DAVIES played the full match.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Rochdale report on Tuesday's goalless draw at home to Boreham Wood.

"Jimmy McNulty made three changes from Saturday’s game. Tyrese Sinclair, D’Mani Mellor and Dan Sassi came into the starting eleven, in place of Jimmy Keohane, Cian Hayes and Sam Mather.

The visitors, knowing a win would lift them out of the relegation zone, started the quicker of the two times and did have the ball in the back of the net after six minutes, although it was ruled out for offside...

But Dale soon found their stride... Ryan East came closest for Dale when he crashed a 25-yard effort off the face of the crossbar...

After the break, East saw a shot blocked, and Mellor had a well-struck first-time effort soundly stopped by goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore...

Mitchell headed a Cian Hayes cross over the bar... But he nor his teammates, nor the opposition, could find a route to goal that would provide a winner".

Playing this home game at Accrington, FC Halifax Town "were held to a 0-0 draw vs Ebbsfleet United...

This result has delayed securing a playoff spot for the Shaymen with 2 more games to play.

Chris Millington made 4 changes to the lineup including Jack Evans in the squad...

The away side looked to build momentum on the other end...

The second half kicked off with Cooke breaking past the leets defence and was denied by a strong save by keeper’ Mark Cousins...

The fourth official indicated 4 minutes of added time to set up a tense finish at the Wham Stadium.

Town continued to pile on the pressure in added time but Poleon won a corner or the away side in the dying seconds. The chance was squandered and the final whistle blew... and Town will have 2 more games to secure a playoff spot.

The Shaymen are in action on Thursday against Oldham Athletic at the SMH Group Stadium [Chesterfield]".

16 April 2024

SIX OF THE BEST

As well as securing as high a place as possible in the National League on Saturday against Oxford City, a win would leave Phil Parkinson's side as the sixth best in the club's 32-season history at national level, based on PPG (points per game).

Alty first played league football at national level in the inaugural season of the Alliance Premier League in 1979/80 season and promptly won it for two years running.

If Alty win against Oxford City this Saturday they will have 77 points. The Points Per Game (PPG) for 77 points from this season's 46 matches is 1.67.

Before the era of a win being rewarded with three points, Altrincham managed to beat this season's potential total points' haul over a season on three occasions, and even more remarkably, all those totals were earned in seasons comprising fewer fixtures than this season's 46.

If three points for a win are retropectively applied to victories in past seasons, and PPG is calculated, this season could be the sixth best in Alty's time in the top flight of non-League.

  1. 1979/80: 80 points from just 38 games (W24 D8) PPG= 2.11, league position 1st
  2. 1980/81: 77 points from just 38 games (W23 D8) PPG= 2.03, league position 1st
  3. 1990/91: 82 points from 42 games (W23 D13) PPG= 1.95, league position 3rd
  4. 1983/84: 78 points from 42 games (W23 D9) PPG= 1.86, league position 3rd
  5. 1985/86: 77 points from 42 games (W22 D11) PPG= 1.83, league position 4th
  6. 2023/24: potential 77 points (potential W22 D11) from 46 games PPG= 1.67, league position to be determined.

Above: Altrincham's 1979-80 team.

But as all the PPG figures greater than this season's were accrued from fewer games, it could be argued that sustaining this year's PPG over 46 matches was a more difficult task than achieving a higher PPG over fewer fixtures.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM EBBSFLEET

Alty TV has highlights of Alty's win at Ebbsfleet on Saturday.

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Before they travel to Altrincham for their final fixture on Saturday, Oxford City have a Tuesday night trip to Bromley who lie third in the National League.

City have won just two of their 21 away fixtures to date and face an uncertain time before it is determined whether they rejoin National League South or are assigned to the North division as happened when they last travelled to Moss Lane.

They spent three seasons (2012-15) in the North before getting reassigned to the South. In their final season in the North they finished a commendable sixth. Five years of midtable finishes in the South, before the Covid years, eventually led to promotion last season having finished third in the South. The club has not sacked manager Ross Jenkins or behaved irresponsibly with its finances as they have struggled at National level.

Right: Back in 2013, Alty press for a second-half winner against Oxford City.

They last visited Altrincham on 14 September 2013, in a Skrill North fixture, which ended two-apiece.

Having taken a 2-0 lead, Altrincham should have had the game wrapped up by half time but a headed own goal by Leather from Clifton's right wing freekick got Oxford back into the game.

Alty had taken a 17th minute lead when Doughty's quick throw found Clee, who made two great turns to feed Walshaw. The striker's first shot was blocked but his second was lashed into the roof of the net. Clee was tormenting the visitors and, when he was upended, the freekick led to Moult having a shot blocked before Richman found the net from close range at the back post (22 mins).

But, just a minute later, came the own goal and half-time arrived with Alty just a goal ahead at 2-1.

Alty failed to add a second goal before Oxford equalised, out of the blue, from the spot after a trip on Malone. Pond was the scorer (69 mins). The Robins had wasted a great chance at 2-0 up to get three points. Aside from the own goal and penalty, Oxford scarcely had a shot on target.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Shaun DENSMORE (capt), 3. Matt DOUGHTY, 4. Jake MOULT, 5. Gianluca HAVERN, 6. Scott LEATHER, 7. Simon RICHMAN, 8. Danny BOSHELL, 9. James WALSHAW, 10. Damian REEVES, 11. Nicky CLEE. Subs: 14. Carl RODGERS, 15. James LAWRIE, 16. Kyle PERRY, 17. Brian SMIKLE, 18. Adam REID.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 20 April 2024

Saturday's match comes five years after Altrincham's last fixture on 20 April, a 2-0 away win at Nuneaton Borough in National League North. A parallel with 2024 is that the 2019 game was against an already relegated club and it secured a play-off place, albeit with two fixtures to go.

Right: Josh Hancock is congratulated on his goal by Ben Harrison.

After a goalless first half at Liberty Way, in which Borough actually came the closer to scoring when Caton's superb 25-yarder was brilliantly saved by Thompson, Altrincham took a fifty-fourth minute lead when Josh Hancock completed a neatly constructed move, at the second attempt, with a low shot from about 15 yards.

Alty went on to dominate the proceedings without further breaking down a resolute Nuneaton until added time. Then substitute Max Harrop bundled the ball home at the back post after Shaun Densmore had prompted an advance on the right.

ALTRINCHAM (Purple shirts and shorts, white socks): 1. Tony Thompson, 2. Shaun Densmore, 3. Andy White, 4. Ben Harrison, 5. Tom Hannigan, 6. Jake Moult (c), 7. John Johnston, 8. Sean Williams, 9. Jordan Hulme, 10. Josh Hancock, 11. Matt Chadwick. Subs: 12. James Poole, 14. Matt Harrop, 15. Connor Hampson, 16. Simon Richman, 17. Callum Dolan.

PLAY-OFF UPDATES

Chesterfield's lamentable performances since winning the league title continued on Monday night as they lost their fifth match in six at the International Stadium allowing Gateshead to take three points with a 2-1 win and strengthen their play-off claims.

Tuesday night promises to bring more clarity to affairs at the top and bottom of the league with play-off chasing FC Halifax Town taking on relegation threatened Ebbsfleet United, whilst Bromley chase a second-place finish at relegated Oxford City and Boreham Wood fight for survival at Rochdale.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Monday night in the National League, Gateshead didn't need to bring MARCUS DINANGA off the bench in order to beat visitors Chesterfield 2-1. The Spireites did bring RYAN COLCLOUGH on after 77 minutes.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Tuesday night brings a clash between an Ebbsfleet side fighting for its life after defeat by Altrincham at the weekend, and a Halifax team with three games to play in five days to complete their season. As things stand, the Shaymen can get 75 points, one more than Alty currently possess. Of course, if Alty win on Saturday the Shaymen cannot catch them.

In the Halifax Courier manager Chris Millington "suggested after Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Barnet that he would be looking very closely at his team selection after the manner of the loss, which saw Halifax concede two sloppy goals from set-pieces...

'It's not good enough to be doing all the work we've done to get ourselves to this point and then giving up three points so softly, as we did on Saturday. It was very avoidable and I've got some serious thinking to do to make sure we don't put ourselves in that position again' [he said]...

Barnet raced into what proved an unassailable two goal lead within 15 minutes on Saturday thanks to goals from restarts where both scorers lost their markers...

'We can't accept players repeating the same mistakes over and over again, they have to learn and they have to put them right... Team selection will also be influenced by those players who we know are going to stick to task and do a very consistent job'".

15 April 2024

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Altrincham complete the regular season on Saturday when Oxford City visit Altrincham. Oxford City are already relegated back to the regional division, but on Saturday they held the might of Oldham Athletic to a goalless draw so will clearly be a threat to the Robins for whom a win would confirm a home tie in the first round of play-off games.

In the reverse fixture at Court Place, a match played in front of the TNT cameras, Altrincham won 2-1, their third win in a row.

That game started well for Alty as they took an eighth-minute lead when a Conn-Clarke cross-shot was followed up at the far post by centre-back Jake Cooper, who netted his first goal of the season.

However, it then took two fine blocks by Baines to prevent the hosts for levelling the score in a first half in which the hosts created four presentable chances

Within two minutes of the start of the second half, Kirby equalised for City. However, with ten minutes remaining, an Amaluzor and Conn-Clarke one-two led to the latter squaring the ball for Eddy Jones to net from close range. And that proved to be the winning goal, though Altrincham forced two or three decent saves by Haigh in the closing stages.

Altrincham's squad comprised 29. Ethan Ross, 17. Justin Donawa, 15. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines, 3. Eddy Jones, 6. Elliot Osborne, 8. Isaac Marriott (c), 11. Justin Amaluzor, 30. Alex Newby, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 14. Dior Angus. Subs: 5. James Jones, Sam Roscoe, 2. Lewis Banks, 16. Sam Roscoe, Owen German, Tom Jones.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan adds to yesterday's review of former Altricham players and loanees who were in action on Saturday by informing us that, in the Scottish Championship, Dunfermline Athletic substituted MILES WELCH-HAYES at half time, going on to lose 2-1 at Airdrieonians.

PLAY-OFF IF AND BUTS

With National League fixtures taking place on every evening this week from Monday to Friday, it should slowly emerge what Alty will need to do next Saturday to secure the optimal outcome for their play-off schedule.

Altrincham cannot finish any higher than their current fourth place. But they could finish as low as seventh if they lose on Saturday at home to Oxford City, as Solihull Moors, Gateshead and FC Halifax town could all exceed Alty's current total of 74 points.

If Altrincham win on Saturday, they will have 77 points and could not finish lower than fifth in the table. Finishing fourth or fifth would ensure a home match in the first round of the play-offs.

The only team below Altrincham who who can beat 77 points are Gateshead who can get 78 points if they win their three remaining fixtures.

Tonight, at the International Stadium, Gateshead take on a Chesterfield side which has taken its foot off the accelarator since securing the National League title.

However, a defeat or a draw tonight, or on Thursday when Gateshead host Aldershot Town, would mean they could not overtake Alty if the Robins beat Oxford City.

Any dropped points by FC Halifax Town in their games on Tuesday and Thursday would ensure that they could not finish ahead of Altrincham.

A win for the Shaymen in either of their two midweek games would ensure that Southend United could not gate-crash the play-offs. Two wins in midweek for Halifax would preclude Aldershot Town qualifying for the play-offs

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

FC Halifax Town "can now confirm that our fixture against Oldham Athletic will now be played Thursday 18th April – 7:45pm at Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium.

Again, we understand the frustration recent postponements have caused and we would like to thank @ChesterfieldFC for helping us to fulfil this fixture"

Oldham Athletic add that "The fixture was most recently due to be played last Wednesday but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and has now been moved away from the Shay due to the continued difficulties with the pitch".

14 April 2024

ALTY'S "SMASH AND GRAB RAID"

The NL Paper describes Altrincham's 2-0 win at Ebbsfleet United on Saturday as a "smash and grab raid" in which Alty keeper Ethan Ross "had a day to remeber as he made a string of great saves".

Right: Goalkeeper Ethan Ross.

Phil Parkinson, the Alty boss added "It was a gritty away performance. We've played miles better than that and lost.

"I always look at performance but it's a results time of year so I'll take that, away from home.

"We always knew this would be a tough place to some as they haven't been beaten here since... January

"There was great defending from us at times along with some great goalkeeping and that's what you need to be in the play-offs.

"That save Ethan [Ross] made towards the end was Gordon Banksesque. The lads all said it never went over the line and they normally come in and say if it had".

Danny Searle the Ebbsfleet manager said "We could have been here until next Saturday and wouldn't have scored a goal".

Brian Flynn interviewed the Altrincham manager after the game for Alty TV.

The match stats show that Ebbsfleet had 21 shots, eight of which were on target, whilst Alty mustered four shots, three on target. The corner count was 8-1 in favour of the hosts.

EBBSFLEET UNITED 0-2 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham secured their play-off participation with a 2-0 win in Kent.

Match report here.

WE'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE

Although this season will be the first time that Altrincham have qualified for the National League play-offs, they have played in five previous play-offs at a lower level.

And the Robins' record in play offs is good with three successes in achieving promotion and two failures. In thirteen play-off games they have won 10 matches, drawn one and lost only twice.

More specifically...

As for finishing fourth (their current position) in the top flight, Alty have previously done that on six previous occasions in the top-flight of non-League. Having won the league twice in 1980 and 1981, they finished 3rd (1984), 4th (1986), 3rd (1991) and 4th (1995).

FLEET SCUTTLED

Ebbsfleet United felt hard done-by as they reported that "Play-off-chasing Altrincham took pretty much their only two openings of the first-half to land victory at the Kuflink Stadium as the luck just wouldn’t drop for the Fleet... and they now have to take their season on the road to meet FC Halifax Town and Boreham Wood...

The best chance came on 22 minutes, Bilongo battling into position to the left of the goal... to present Myles Kenlock who dug the ball out at the second attempt, squaring for Poleon whose close-range shot was kept out by skipper Lewis Baines. Donawa came off worst in that tangle with Kenlock and had to be stretchered off, to be replaced by Colchester loanee Alex Newby...

It was substitute Newby who opened the scoring for the visitors against the run of play on 35 minutes when Justin Amaluzor had the Fleet defence in a spin... the substitute poked a foot at the ball to fire it beyond Mark Cousins...

Altrincham won the penalty that gave them a two-goal lead on 39 minutes. Amaluzor got away down the right, taking a good portion of Kenlock’s shirt with him. He was allowed to continue and Kenlock then overturned him inside the box, Regan Linney tucking away the subsequent spot-kick..

The visitors were content to keep Fleet at bay but got away on the counterattack on 67 minutes and Linney drew a full-length save out of Cousins...

Tanner than crashed a shot off the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten in the 90th minute and Bingham’s shot rolled millimetres past the post as Ross got a touch – and Altrincham somehow escaped with a clean sheet as time ticked away".

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Oxford City may have been relegated some time ago, but they secured a commendable draw against Oldham on Saturday, before they travel to the North West next Saturday to face Altrincham.

Oldham Athletic report that Oldham came away with a point from Marsh Lane having played out a goalless draw with Oxford City.

The first ten minutes contained numerous chances, most of which fell Latics’ way, but none caused the hosts any huge problems.

Oxford did have their openings, however, but they lacked potency. The game slowed down as it progressed into the second-half, and Mat Hudson was called into action a few times, tipping shots over the bar.

Despite a good string of chances from Athletic with 10 to 20 minutes to go, none were able to beat Tom Watson between the sticks...

It was through Josh Ashby that a lot of Oxford’s chances came, and he called Mat into action on more than one occasion, especially towards the end of the game, but he was equal to the efforts, keeping the score level.

Oxford City: Watson, Burley, Phillips, Ashby, Roddy (McEachran, 77’), Coyle (Moore, 70’), Fleet, Greenslade, Potter (Krasniqi, 90’), Williams-Bushell, O’Connell. Subs not used: Birtwistle, Kabongolo."

UPS AND DOWNS

The following ups and downs in the Vanarama National League have been resolved:

MIDWEEK FIXTURES

Whilst Alty have a midweek rest after today, Gateshead will have played four matches in eight days by the time they complete the season on 20 August. As things stand on Saturday evening, FC Halifax have only scheduled three of their four remaining fixtures which have to be completed by the above date; their home game versus Oldham Athletic remains to be confirmed as to date and venue but is expected to be on Thursday.

Monday, 15 April 2024

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Wednesday, 17 April

Thursday, 18 April

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan's review of Alty Old Boys' activities on Saturday is below...

Championship : DUNCAN WATMORE (right) came on at the start of the second half with Millwall leading visitors Cardiff City 2-1, and was booked in the wake of scoring the 93rd minute goal that clinched his side's 3-1 win.

League One : OWEN DALE was substituted after 74 minutes as Oxford United earned a fine 5-0 home win over Peterborough United. That result practically put paid to Stevenage's playoff aspirations as CARL PIERGIANNI and his side surprisingly lost 1-2 to visitors Burton Albion, for whom JOE HUGILL played the whole second half.

National League : AFC Fylde withdrew DANNY WHITEHEAD after 57 minutes of their 0-2 home defeat by Southend United, who introduced MARCUS DACKERS in the 77th minute.

LUKE WATERFALL played all of Hartlepool United's 1-1 home draw with Dagenham and Redbridge, as did ASHLEY HEMMINGS in a defeat at home by a lone Eastleigh goal that confirmed Kidderminster Harriers would be relegated.

Gateshead were leading at Maidenhead United when they withdrew MARCUS DINANGA after 76 minutes, but went on to lose 2-1. JOSH LUNDSTRAM was another ex-Robin who didn't last the full match, coming off in the 69th minute of Oldham Athletic's goalless draw at Oxford City.

TYRESE SINCLAIR was an 89th minute substitute for Rochdale in their 1-1 home draw which rubber-stamped relegation for visitors Dorking Wanderers.

National North : A brace from CRAIG MAHON helped Curzon Ashton to come from behind and beat already relegated visitors Gloucester City 4-1.

JONNY MARGETTS was sent off as King's Lynn fell to the only goal of the game at home to Peterborough Sports.

Although JOSH AMIS reduced the deficit, Warrington Town were later reduced to ten men and lost 1-2 to visitors Hereford.

NPL : AARON BENNETT scored the second as FC United won 3-0 against visitors Bamber Bridge, who were reduced to ten men in the 37th minute with game still goalless.

JORDAN HULME scored what turned out to be the winner for Radcliffe as they triumphed 1-2 at Whitby Town.

Former Robins manager NEIL YOUNG'S Marine join Macclesfield in the playoffs after a 0-3 victory at Workington.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

On Saturday quite remarkably, four of Alty's rivals for play-off places lost and another failed to win. Solihull Moors, Aldershot Town, FC Halifax Town, Gateshead were all beaten whilst Oldham Athletic only drew.

Maidenhead United "secured an eighth straight season in the Vanarama National League with a dramatic late win against promotion-chasing Gateshead.

The Magpies made a strong start to the match, forcing their high-flying visitors onto the backfoot with a number of dangerous set pieces. ..

The game took a dramatic swing towards the visitors from the north-east early in the second half. Will De Havilland was caught in possession and Dinanga forced the ball home, albeit from an offside position. A flowing move involving substitute Ashley Nathaniel-George opened up a chance... and United we made to pay the penalty – literally – a minute later. De Havilland fouled Connor McBride and Hannant stepped up to stroke home the penalty.

For a long while the visitors looked the more likely to grab the next goal...

[Maidenhead] efforts were rewarded in the final ten minutes of the game. With time running out, Casey Pettit’s free-kick was headed back across goal by Alan Massey for Kevin Lokko to glance the ball home... before the thrilling denouement.

Chasing a long ball, McCoulsky bundled past the defender and rounded Harness to score and send Bell Street ballistic.".

13 April 2024

EBBSFLEET UNITED 0-2 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham's penultimate game of the season took them to Kent to face Ebbsfleet United today where they confirmed a place in the play-offs.

After the hosts had come close to taking the lead as Baines cleared superbly off the line from Poleon's effort, the match was stopped by a bad injury to Justin Donawa's left leg (22 mins). Following treatment he was stretchered off with a leg brace in place (27 mins). He was replaced by Elliot Newby.

With Ebbsfleet having had the better of things, Altrincham took the lead with their first serious threat. The goal was prompted by Linney's run and, via Amaluzor, the ball came for Newby to slot home (35 mins).

Four minutes later it got even better when Amaluzor burst into the box and was clearly pulled down tpo win a penalty. Regan Linney calmly hit the spot-kick down the middle after Cousins had dived, so it was 2-0 (39 mins).

The second half saw Altrincham weather plenty of attacking by Ebbsfleet but the visitors looked dangerous on their very occasional counter-attacks.

Before kick-off, Alty made four changes as Amaluzor, Conn-Clarke, Donawa and Hancox came into the starting eleven, with Newby, Kosylo and Mooney moving to the bench, whilst Wilson was missing, suspended.

The Fleet's only change saw Bilongo and Cundle swap places, the latter moving to the bench and the former starting. Line-up:

EBBSFLEET UNITED (Red shirts, white shorts and socks) 1. Mark Cousins, 4. Josh Wright (c), 9. Rakish Bingham, 14. Dominic Poleon, 17. Toby Edser, 18. Billy Clifford, 22. Ben Chapman, 26. Declan Skura, 27. Bryant Bilongo, 28. Tommy Fogarty, 36. Myles Kenlock. Subs: 7. Omari Sterling-James, 10. Craig Tanner 11. Darren McQueen, 15. Greg Cundle, 16. Franklin Domi.

ALTRINCHAM (All dark blue with yellow sash on shirts): 29. Ethan Ross, 2. Lewis Banks, 15. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines (c), 3. Eddy Jones, 8. Elliot Osborne, 26. Mitch Hancox, 17. Justin Donawa, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 11. Justin Amaluzor, 9. Regan Linney Subs: 14. Dior Angus, 16. Sam Roscoe, 7. Matty Kosylo, 30. Alex Newby, 44. Dan Mooney.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 13 April 2024

FLEET PREPARED TO REPULSE ALTRINCHAM

In advance of today's game, Ebbsfleet United report that they will "host Altrincham for the first time in 14 years with the points to make sure of survival within reach...

Altrincham have only lost one in seven... The Fleet need to pick up after the defeat at one of Altrincham’s play-off rivals – Solihull Moors – on Tuesday night and if they can maintain the unbeaten home run under Danny Searle, it will be a big point or points...

Joining in April 2017, boss Phil Parkinson is contracted until the end of the 2024/25 season".

ALTY AND AGENTS' FEES

The FA has issued its annual list of the fees paid to players' agents in all three divisions of the National League between February 2023 and February 2024.

In all, 32 clubs across the three divisions paid fees in that period.

Twenty of those clubs were from the National League top division. Of these Altrincham are bottom with expenditure of just £2,500. However, four clubs presumably paid no fees at all to agents, by process of elimination these are Dorking Wanderers, Oxford City, Wealdstone and Gateshead.

Despite repeatedly failing to pay their employees last season, Southend United nevertheless managed to find more than £60K to line the pockets of players' agents to benefit the Shrimpers on the pitch.

However, top of the list of big spenders in the top division were relegation haunted York City with another sufferer at the wrong end of the table, Kidderminster Harriers, also in the top ten of spenders.

  1. York City £128,902
  2. Oldham Athletic £82,161
  3. Southend United £60,999
  4. Chesterfield £52,722
  5. Rochdale £46,292
  6. Hartlepool United £40,222
  7. Dagenham & Redbridge £33,518
  8. Solihull Moors £30,739
  9. Bromley £28,749
  10. Kidderminster Harriers £17,460
  11. Woking £16,978
  12. AFC Fylde £16,310
  13. Eastleigh £15,279
  14. FC Halifax Town £13,910
  15. Aldershot Town £12,844
  16. Boreham Wood £11,958
  17. Maidenhead United £9,943
  18. Barnet £9,670
  19. Ebbsfleet £4,000
  20. ALTRINCHAM £2,500

The spending was not limited to the top division of the National League; in the regional divisions Yeovil Town paid out £41,492 in agents' fees.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In Australia, with CONNOR HAMPSON missing from their match day squad, Oakleigh Cannons lost their unbeaten record (W4, D4) as visitors Avondale were two goals ahead after half an hour, and held on to win 1-2. (Information courtesy of Phil Jordan).

12 April 2024

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Altrincham's penultimate match of the regular season is away in Kent at Ebbsfleet United.

Although Altrincham beat Ebbsfleet United 6-1 in the reverse fixture, this return fixture is going to be a much tougher proposition.

Left: Lewis Baines celebrating the first of his brace against Ebbsfleet United in September 2023, hotly pursued by Justin Amaluzor and Eddy Jones

After languishing in the relegation zone earlier in the season, the Fleet have turned around their form and have lost just twice in their last 12 National League games winning six and drawing the other two games.

And they have won ten home fixtures, which is more than anyone else in the lower half of the table.

The upturn in results followed the appointment of Danny Searle as manager in January 2024.

He succeeded the former Tennis Borussia Berlin manager, Dennis Kutrieb, who had been appointed in early 2020. Unfortunately the curtailment of that season meant that the club was relegated on a points-per-game basis.

However, the German guided the club back to the top flight of non-League football, winning the National South title in 2023 by more than 20 points.

But, this season, with the club at the wrong end of the NL table, he was replaced by Danny Searle.

Striker Dominic Poleon with 16 of the team's 58 league goals this season is the leading scorer. He missed the game at Alty in 2023.

MATTY KOSYLO INTERVIEW

Brian Flynn has interviewed Matty Kosylo for Alty TV.

Right: Matty (left) leads Dan Mooney (right) and Dior Angus (behind) off the pitch before the game against Rochdale in February.

They discuss the Dorking game which was a "battle" on a surface which Alty found difficult.

As for potentially reaching the play-offs, Matty say that from his experience of them, "the play-offs are never really enjoyable".

Matty's 100th appearance came last Saturday, having missed last season entirely through injury. Apart from a hip injury which deprived him of a few more appearances this season, Matty is delighted to have recovered fitness.

He feels Altrincham "are a more balanced team this season than in the past" and concludes that we are a "cohesive team" with players who get on well together.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 13 April 2024

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Thursday, in the National League, DANNY WHITEHEAD played the full game for AFC Fylde, but visitors Gateshead only introduced MARCUS DINANGA to the action nine minutes into the second half. However, he was unable to help them avoid a 2-0 defeat.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reports that on Thursday, "Relegation threatened Dorking let a two-goal lead slip as they were beaten at Wealdstone in the National League.

Dorking could have moved level on points with their hosts in the battle to avoid the drop but were eventually beaten 4-2 at Grosvenor Vale.

Luke Moore opened the scoring for the visitors early in the second half with Charlie Carter's effort extending the lead.

Wealdstone, though, fought back as Mason Barrett pulled one back before a quick-fire Max Kretzschmar double and a Tarryn Allarakhia goal completed a comeback to ease the home side's own relegation concerns."

At AFC Fylde, "Ethan Mitchell’s sliding finish and a well worked goal finished by Ustabasi proved to be the elusive [sic] moments, as The Coasters gained a massive three points on a wet and windy night at Mill Farm.

AFC Fylde huffed and puffed in the second half creating a wealth of chances... as 1,182 supporters saw Fylde edge towards mathematically securing their National League status...

But it was in the seventy-sixth minute that Fylde made their mark on proceedings when Max Conway’s inswinging delivery found its way into the area, where Ethan Mitchell was on hand to slide the ball past Eddie Beach in the Gateshead goal...

The Coasters then wrapped up the three points as Max Conway pounced on a loose ball, playing in Danny Ormerod who got in behind the Gateshead defence to play the ball across the face of goal to Ustabasi who rounded off a superb second half to poke home to an empty net".

11 April 2024

THURSDAY FIXTURES

After defeat on Thursday night, Dorking Wanderers now need a miracle to avoid relegation. They have to win both their remaining games and turn around a goal difference of minus 30 when York City and Wealdstone, the only clubs outside the drop zone that they can catch, have a goal difference of only minus 15 and minus 13 respectively.

Thursday, 11 April

MITCH HANCOX INTERVIEW

Alty TV has lengthy interview by Brian Flynn with recent signing Mitch Hancox, the former York City midfielder.

As well as discussing his career, Mitch explains his motivation for leaving York in search of more game time.

Although, so far, Mitch has played barely more than an hour for Altrincham in five appearances from the bench, the suspension of George Wilson on top of the long-term injury to Isaac Marriott mean that the 30-year old midfielder can look forward to more game-time in the two fixtures before the end of the season.

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Altrincham are away to Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

Kent Online tells us that "Ebbsfleet manager Danny Searle had no complaints after they were brushed aside at Solihull Moors on Tuesday night.

It was only a second National League defeat in 12 games at the helm for Searle, who saw his side trail at the break before two second-half goals sealed their fate.

'We were lucky to get away with 3-0 to be honest,' Searle told the club’s media... ''They were the better side.

'When we went in at 1-0 at half-time, we’d rode [sic] our luck so much and it could have been four or five...

'I thought we started the second half a lot better but they got their second goal and from our perspective, the third was always going to happen as we were trying to get back into the game...

'From a standards perspective we were nowhere near our levels tonight', added Searle...

'We’re a relegation-battling team against a team that is potentially going to be in the Football League next year. There’s always going to be that potential gap in performance...

'I’ve no doubt that you’ll see a better performance on Saturday against Altrincham,' said Searle.

'We’ve got a five-point cushion from the relegation zone and we’ve still got a game in hand on some teams. We just need to make sure we bounce back and get something from the Altrincham game.'".

ALTY'S RUN-IN

With just two fixtures to complete the regular season, Alty travel to Kent this weekend, their third-longest away journey of the season, to face an Ebbsfleet United side still concerned about preserving its National League status.

Whilst it seems likely the Fleet will survive in the National League, they are not yet mathematically safe.

Indeed, Altrincham's last eleven fixtures of the season have turned out to include no fewer than nine matches against sides troubled by relegation fears. The home matches against Gateshead and Oldham Athletic were the only games in that sequence against teams at the other end of the table. In the nine matches of that sequence played so far, Alty have emerged with 6 wins, 2 defeats and a draw.

The only two defeats in that sequence were both in home games, leaving Alty nevertheless top of the form guide before this week's games.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

FC Halifax Town confirms that "Following recent issues with the pitch at the Shay, the difficult decision has been made to play our fixture on Saturday 13th against Barnet and Tuesday 16th against Ebbsfleet United at Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium.

We understand the frustration recent postponements have caused and we would like to thank Accrington Stanley for helping us to fulfil these two fixtures.

Season tickets will be valid as usual and for other home and away supporters it is still pay on the gate..

There will be a further announcement regarding the Oldham Athletic fixture and ticket collections for that game once everything has been confirmed & resolved".

In the Maidenhead Advertiser "Alan Devonshire said retaining Maidenhead United’s National League status for another season will rank as the club’s ‘best achievement’ during his long managerial spell.

An assured 3-1 victory over Hartlepool United at York Road... leaves the Magpies eight points clear of the relegation zone...

Second half goals from Sam Beckwith and substitute Shawn McCoulsky saw an outpouring of relief on the terraces after the visitors had levelled in the 51st minute...

Devonshire’s side had faced a challenging run-in to ensure survival but impressive victories over Aldershot Town, Eastleigh and now former Football League side Hartlepool United have lifted the Magpies to 13th.

Devonshire told the Advertiser 'This league is getting tougher and tougher every year. To do what we’ve done again this year is probably the biggest achievement so far... I’m just so happy with my staff and the players. They’ve given me everything. We’ve had loads of injuries this year but we’ve battled through'...

That leveller momentarily shocked the hosts and Hartlepool almost took the lead...

But defender Sam Beckwith sent the Bell Street End into jubilant celebrations 15 minutes from time as he danced through a challenge on the corner of the penalty area before sending a deflected low drive past Pools keeper Peter Jameson.

Substitute Shawn McCoulsky then secured the points, and most probably the club’s National League status, as he slid home at the back post...

Assistant boss Ryan Peters said:...'You’ve seen a shift in our mentality the last four or five games. We’ve been a lot tougher to beat, attacked at will and shown a never-say-die attitude. This is a part-time team which punches above its weight and gives their all'".

10 April 2024

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Ebbsfleet United host Altrincham on Saturday and, after defeat on Tuesday, 3-0, at Solihull. That result had two adverse effects on Altrincham.

Firstly, it took the Moors above Alty in the National League, leaving the Robins nowin fifth place. Secondly, it confirmed that the Fleet are still far from safe from relegation.

Solihull Moors reported that "Tyrese Shade opened his account with two spectacular goals at the ARMCO Arena against Ebbsfleet United.

The match began with neither team keeping possession... On 19 minutes, the Moors took the lead with Tyrese Shade scoring... With only the keeper to beat, Shade scored into the far corner to make it 1-0...

In the second half, the visitors looked to find an equaliser and kept a majority of the ball but failed to test Nick Hayes in the Moors goal...

On 71 minutes, the Moors doubled their lead with Jamey Osborne scoring another shot from range... In the 88th minute, Shade got his second of the game and the Moors’ third...

Ebbsfleet starting XI: Cousins, Wright ©, Bingham, Poleon, Cundle, Edser, Clifford, Chapman, Skura, Fogarty, Kenlock. Subs: Sterling-James, Tanner (Poleon 67), McQueen, Domi (Clifford 67), Bilongo

FIXTURE BACKLOGS

Whilst Alty have been enjoying a midweek break from action, Gateshead and Wealdstone faced two midweek games in three days this week. However Gateshead's Tuesday match was postponed, plunging the Heed into fixture chaos, with five games to compleye in ten days.

Gateshead have issued a statement detailing the sequence of events which led to the match against Aldershot Town being postponed, shortly before kick off.

They state that the pitch had been passed as playable before Aldershot set off on their long journey but that heavier rain than forecast had fallen afterwards. They claim that The Shots were unwilling to delay the kick-off to allow time for remedial work on the surface to take effect.

The planned Tuesday games between Rochdale and Boreham Wood, and FC Halifax Town v Oldham Athletic were also also postponed, so three clubs still have four or more games to play before the regular season ends on 20 April.

In contrast, only ten clubs have just two Saturday fixtures to play.

They are Altrincham, Barnet, Dagenham & Redbridge, Woking, York City, Kidderminster Harriers, Solihull Moors, Southend, Hartlepool United and Maidenhead United

The remaining eleven teams have three fixtures to complete.

Four teams are in action on Thursday night which should bring AFC Fylde and Dorking Wanderers into the two-matches-to-play category.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

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

March 2024

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's fixtures which affected former Altrincham players or loanees.

League One : Having picked up an injury in February, JUNIOR QUITIRNA had missed Fleetwood's last eight games, but, by the time he came off the bench in the derby match at Blackpool in the 84th minute, the hosts had long since scored the only goal of the game.

CARL PIERGIANNI skippered Stevenage to a 2-1 home win over Barnsley.

League Two : The scoring had already been completed by the time ALISTAIR SMITH came off Colchester United's bench, visitors Stockport County winning 1-2.

TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game for Grimsby Town at Harrogate, but was on the wrong end of a 1-0 score line. JOEL SENIOR suffered the same fate as Morecambe were undone by visitors Crewe Alexandra, who held out with 10 men for the last few minutes.

National League : As Southend United came from behind to win 1-2 at Wealdstone, MARCUS DACKERS only came off the bench in the 73rd minute.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Aldershot Town have commented on the very late postponement of their match at Gateshead on Tuesday.

"Whilst we massively appreciate the hard work from the volunteers and ground staff of Gateshead in trying to improve the condition of the pitch, we are incredibly disappointed with the apparent lack of consideration to our supporters, players and staff surrounding the decision making of events today.

Having been told of an 18:45 pitch inspection an hour and a half before kick-off, when our supporters long journey to Gateshead had already concluded, we were left awaiting a decision for almost 45 minutes.

A further update on when the fixture will be rearranged will be communicated in due course".

As they fight the threat of relegation, Wealdstone have "announced outline plans, subject to planning, for a new 6,300 capacity stadium, with potential to expand further following the decision by London Borough of Hillingdon to allocate the National League club an 18-acre site at Freezeland Way, adjacent to the former Master Brewer Hotel in Hillingdon.

The initial concept plan for the stadium incorporates high-level operational guidance from FIFA and UEFA and utilises best practice precedents from stadiums around the UK and Europe... Complementary facilities... will include administrative offices, training, retail, catering, media, hospitality and leisure facilities together with parking...

Situated only 2.7 miles from the Stones current home, The Vale in Ruislip, the stadium will have easy access to the A40 and M25 while its location adjacent to Hillingdon Underground Station will mean fans can travel to and from central London in just 35 minutes...

Wealdstone’s Chairman, Rory Fitzgerald, said 'London Borough of Hillingdon's decision to allocate the club this land follows a long period of discussion and negotiation and will play an important role in safeguarding the future of the club and supporting its growth...

The Board is currently involved in a number of preliminary discussions regarding funding'".

Altrincham recently announced that the annual Player of the Season awards would be a free event, having previously advertised it as being a £20 event with an accompanying meal, but at Solihull Moors "our 2023-24 player awards dinner will be hosted at the ARMCO Arena in the Jerroms Suite on the evening of Sunday April 14th 2024...

Price: £50 + VAT per head, included in which is a three-course meal provided by club partners Eric Lyons. Menu TBC...

First team Manager Andy Whing, his coaching staff and of course the first team playing squad will all be in attendance for what promises to be a wonderful celebration.".

And at AFC Fylde the Coasters will "celebrate the 2023/24 season... on Saturday 20th April, 2024. Doors will open at 7.30pm, for the event.

Hosted in Mill Farm’s Churchill’s conference and banqueting suite, we’ll celebrate the season once players and staff arrive back at the stadium following our trip to Woking...

With entertainment coming from Daniel Sings alongside players and staff honouring player of the season and goal of the season award winners alongside a host of other accolades the evening is one not to be missed for Coasters’ fans.

Tickets are available for £60 with a table of eight being available for £400".

9 April 2024

DORKING v ALTRINCHAM HIGHLIGHTS

YouTube has highlights from Dorking of the goalless draw with Altrincham last weekend.

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Next Saturday Altrincham travel to Kent to face Ebbsfleet United. Under their former name of Gravesend & Northfleet, Ebbsfleet United were founder members of the Football Alliance alongside Altrincham in 1979.

In fact, other than Alty and Ebbsfleet, only Barnet and Wealdstone are in the top flight of non-League football this season.

Curiously, although the Alliance was set up to facilitate non-League clubs' progression to the Football League, just one of the twenty original members of the Alliance is today in the EFL, that is Barrow. Of the other fifteen original members of the Alliance, the original clubs or reformed successors now compete lower down the pyramid.

In more recent news, Ebbsfleet United report that "The Kent County Football Association have put tickets on sale online for the DFDS Kent Senior Cup Final between the Fleet and Maidstone United next Wednesday, April 17th.

The final takes place at Hayes Lane, Bromley...

It is the Fleet’s first county cup final since 2014 ".

THROUGH THE YEARS: 13 April 2024

Saturday's match at Ebbsfleet will hopefully go ahead as scheduled but on the last two occasions that Altrincham had a fixture on that date, 13 April, it did not take place.

In 2020 Altrincham should have been travelling to Darlington but COVID curtailed that season before the fixture could be played.

In 2021 Altrincham were supposed to be playing Wealdstone on 13 April but the fixture makers brought that game forward to November 2020.

So the last occasion that Altrincham were in action on 13 April was in 2019 when they beat Chorley 5-3 at the J. Davidson Stadium. And facing them for the Magpies was Alex Newby who now, of course, plies his trade for the Robins.

Shaun Densmore was the hero with two goals as Altrincham saw off a comeback from Chorley. Jordan Hulme had scored a superb solo goal to give Alty a ninth-minute lead before a pulsating second half witnessed seven more goals.

Above: Shaun Densmore leads the celebrations after scoring Alty's fourth against Chorley.

Just as in the reverse fixture at Victory Park, Altrincham had been the better side in the first half but had only Hulme's single goal to show for it. When Tom Hannigan's bullet header from a Johnston freekick made it 2-0 five minutes after the interval, it looked good for the hosts. But within a minute Chorley hit back with Meppen-Walter heading home a freekick from the right.

Alty then paid the price for bringing all their players back for a corner when Ceesay cleared a Chorley flag-kick but Alty had no one upfield to receive the ball. The ball came back and Teague lashed the ball home after a fortunate rebound in the box (69 mins).

But Densmore then put Alty 3-2 ahead when he exchanged passes with Hulme before cracking the ball past Urwin from the edge of the box (72 mins). Chorley again responded, once more from a corner, as Meppen-Walter headed home in the 79th minute.

In the 84th minute Densmore smashed home a freekick after a foul on Hulme and the icing on the cake was an 89th minute penalty. Hulme was upended after good work from Ceesay and substitute James Poole netted the penalty to make it 5-3

ALTRINCHAM : 1. Tony Thompson, 2. Andy White, 3. Connor Hampson, 4. James Jones, 5. Tom Hannigan, 6. Jake Moult (c), 7. John Johnston, 8. Sean Williams, 9. Jordan Hulme, 10. Max Harrop, 11. Yusifu Ceesay. Subs: 12. Callum Dolan, 14. Simon Richman, 15. Matthew Chadwick, 16. Shaun Densmore, 20. Steven Drench.

Sadly it was Chorley who went on to gain promotion, beating Altrincham in the play-offs.

A full list of previous Altrincham games on 13 April is to be found in Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Fleetwood Town has released video showing captain BEN PRINGLE receiving the trophy after Fleetwood United's team became Champions of the UAE FA Second Division.


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