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NEXT MATCH: Enterprise National League
HORNCHURCH (Home)
Saturday, 26 September 2026 k.o. 3pm

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

20 September 2026

AFC FYLDE 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

Before yesterday's clash, Altrincham had lost all of their four matches this season which had been played on a Saturday but they put that sequence to bed and ended AFC Fylde's run of 17 home games without defeat with their own fifth win of the season, all of which have been, quite remarkably, 2-1 victories!

With Jimmy Knowles starting in place of Kahrel Reddin, and Barlow replacing Kirk for Altrincham, all of the match's goals came in a five-minute spell inside the opening quarter of the contest.

Kane Hemmings (left) swept Altrincham into a fifteenth-minute lead, converting a low ball from the right from Matty Kosylo.

But two minutes later Fylde were level when Whelan converted a pass from the left by Mitchell (17 mins).

What proved to be the winner was a wonderful strike from the right by Matty Koylo from a Barlow pass in the 20th minute.

Alty could have added to their lead, with Fylde twice clearing the ball off their line, whilst the Coasters got in a some dangerous but unconverted low crosses.

Alty were on the back foot for the final twenty minutes but withstood the pressure without too many alarms.

The only downside was the accrual of four yellow cards.

Altrincham now lie tenth in the National League with only goal difference separating them from the play-off places.

Match report here

POST-MATCH: NEIL GIBSON

Following the win at AFC Fylde, Tom Jolley interviewed Altrincham boss Neil Glbson for Alty TV

Pointing out that, once again, Altrincham started the game with one day's fewer rest than their opponents, Neil paid tribute to the Coasters as "an excellent footballing team" against whom "we locked on man for man".

Asked about Kane Hemmings, the manager pointed out the expeience and presence that Kane has brought to the side which has also spurred on the other forwards by providing more competition for starting places.

He thought his team "should have scored at least another two goals" but was appreciative of "a massive squad effort".

Neil also praised his off the field staff including two volunteer analysts, Connor and James, who had worked unsocial hours around their other employment to assess the opposition.

MATTY KOSYLO INTERVIEW

After the match, for Alty TV, Tom Jolley also spoke to Matty Kosylo (right) who assisted the first goal at Fylde and netted the second.

Matty scored against his former employers at Fylde and he pointed out that he had also been in the winning team against another former club this season. That was FC Halifax Town.

NEXT: HORNCHURCH

Altrincham welcome Essex club Hornchurch to the J.Davidson Stadium next Saturday for a rare 3pm kick-off at home. It is only the second such home fixture this season and comes six weeks after the last Saturday afternoon action at Moss Lane.

It will be the first time that the two clubs have met, following Hornchurch's promotion last summer from National League South.

Although an original Hornchurch FC was founded in 1881, that club was declared bankrupt in 1886 and a new club, Hornchurch Wanderers, was subsequently founded.

They qualified for the inaugural season of the newly forned Conference South in 2004 but, despite finishing 17 points above the relegation places and reaching Round One of the FA Cup, the club folded for financial reasons at the end of that season.

The club was immediately replaced by a new entity, AFC Hornchurch, in 2005, playing in the Essex Senior League. By 2012 they had reached Conference South level once again but they were relegated immediately.

In 2019 they renamed themselves as Hornchurch FC and reached National League South in 2024, finishing ninth. Last season they were runners up to Worthing in Natonal South but won promotion through the play-offs, defeating Torquay United in the play-off final.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday, 26th September, 2026

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that in Australia's NPL Victoria The Championship Final was played at Lakeside Stadium, the home of South Melbourne.

As predicted, it was a closely fought encounter, but, even after extra time had been played, there were no goals and the game went to penalties.

Oakleigh Cannons got off to the worst possible start as Avondale's goalkeeper saved the opening kick from regular taker Joe Guest. Then CONNOR HAMPSON (left) put their third kick high and wide.

Avondale put their fourth penalty wide, but made no mistake with their last to win 4-3, giving them the title after they had only finished 3rd in the regulation season.

It was a disappointing end for Cannons, and particularly for Connor, who had only missed 36 minutes of their season when he was substituted with a knock in one game".

South Korea K League 2 : MARCUS DACKERS started for Daegu in their match at Seoul E-Land, and after the hosts had taken the lead it was he who equalised. Seoul regained the lead 6 minutes into the second half, and held on through 12 minutes of added time to win 2-1 and move above Daegu into 3rd. Marcus played the full game, the first time he's done so since his second start for Daegu 6 months ago.

League One : Despite a full shift from CARL PIERGIANNI, Stevenage were beaten by the only goal at Leyton Orient.

Peterborough United were already a goal down to visitors Doncaster Rovers when CHRIS CONN-CLARKE came off the bench after 85 minutes, and they went on to lose 0-2.

League Two : York City were trailing at Chesterfield when they withdrew JEFF KING after 63 minutes, then ALEX NEWBY 10 minutes later. The Spireites struck again in the 97th minute to win 2-0

KEVIN BERKOE played the whole game for Shrewsbury Town as they drew 1-1 at Crewe Alexandra.

JOEL SENIOR put in a full shift for Tranmere Rovers in their goalless draw at Exeter City.

National League : ISAAC MARRIOTT, KENNEDY DIGIE, and KEATON WARD all started for Barrow, Keaton being replaced by DAN MOONEY shortly after they'd notched the game's only goal in the 64th minute. Visitors Aldershot Town withdrew MARCUS DINANGA a minute later.

Harrogate Town keeper LUKE HUTCHINSON (left) faced 7 shots from Boreham Wood, every one of them on target, and was on the wrong end of a 4-1 defeat by their hosts. DANNY CASHMAN played the first 64 minutes for Wood, while TYLOR GOLDEN was an 81st minute substitute.

The only goal at Eastleigh was set up by JOSH LUNDSTRAM for the hosts. Visitors Carlisle United were without REGAN LINNEY.

ETHAN ROSS faced 5 shots on target from visitors Boston United, and had to fish 3 of them out of the Forest Green Rovers net. The Pilgrims won 1-3, with CONNOR TEALE playing the first 72 minutes.

Gateshead central defenders KYLE FERGUSON and HARRISON HOLGATE endured a nightmare first half, as visitors Southend United built up a 6 goal lead by the break. RYAN COLCLOUGH came off the Southend bench after 59 minutes, but the only goal of the second half was a consolation of sorts for the Tyneside club, who in losing 1-6 went to the bottom of the league, being leapfrogged by Solihull Moors who weren't even playing.

CALLUM DOLAN played the whole of Kidderminster Harriers' goalless draw at Woking.

Only JAMES GALE of Scunthorpe United's Old Boys started at Hornchurch, but he was withdrawn after an hour with the game goalless. REAGAN OGLE (right) came off the bench after 85 minutes, by which time Hornchurch had scored the game's only goal, but neither DECLAN HOWE nor ROSS BARROWS were in the Iron squad today.

Scottish Premiership : JOE HUGILL played the full game as Kilmarnock drew 1-1 with visitors Hearts.

Scottish Championship : TYRESE SINCLAIR set up Livingston's opener against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who fought back to go ahead midway through the second half. It only took Livvy 3 minutes to get on terms, and the game ended 2-2. Tyrese was booked late on.

Scottish League One : KIAN TAYLOR was a 77th minute substitute for Airdrieonians, immediately after hosts Peterhead had equalised. Airdrie clinched a 1-2 win in the 88th minute.

Irish Premier Division : BARRY BAGGLEY was withdrawn by St.Patricks after 66 minutes at Sligo Rovers. It was goalless at the time, but his side scored the only goal of the game 8 minutes later, and remain top of the league on goal difference, although Shamrock Rovers have a game in hand.

Northern Ireland Premiership : MONTEL GIBSON must have wondered what he would need to do to get a start for Larne, as a Paul O'Neill hat trick anchored their 2-5 win at Carrick Rangers. He could only watch as an unused substitute.

FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round : SEAN LAWTON played the full game for Newcastle Town at Anstey Nomads, but they were knocked out 2-1.

Atherton Collieries had to withdraw SAM SHERIDAN after 39 minutes, but they'd already put the ball past Prescot Cables keeper TONY THOMPSON a quarter of an hour earlier. They brought on AARON BENNETT after 56 minutes, and scored a clinching second goal 11 minutes later. SHARIF DEANS played throughout for Cables.

TOLANI OMOTOLA was withdrawn after 77 minutes as Boldmere St.Michaels lost 3-1 at Barton Town.

ADAM PORTER (left) returned from injury as a Leek Town substitute after 61 minutes at Bromsgrove Sporting, but they left HAYDEN CAMPBELL on the bench as they bowed out 2-0.

Ashton United travelled to Buxton, where they lost 1-0. JAMES HARDY was an unused substitute against one of his former clubs.

FC United saw off JAMES WALSHAW'S Ossett United 4-1 at Broadhurst Park.

Although ANDY DALES put in a full shift, Mickleover were eliminated 2-0 at Halesowen Town.

RYAN BROOKE was a 57th minute substitute for Trafford, who won 1-2 at Bradford club Heaton Stannington.

Things have not gone too well for Hednesford Town in their first season as a full time club, and Coventry United had already scored the only goal of the tie when DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY was forced off through injury just before the break.

Chester brought on TOM PEERS at Lower Breck, after 77 minutes, and boss PHIL PARKINSON withdrew BILLY WATERS 3 minutes later. The Seals went through 1-2.

BRAD JACKSON started for Radcliffe at Marine, but by the time he was withdrawn after 64 minutes they trailed 2-1. Both Marine goals were penalties. JORDAN HULME and JUDE OYIBO came on after 73 minutes, but Marine had scored again before Radcliffe pulled a goal back in the 95th minute to lose 3-2.

Both LEWIS BAINES and ELLIOT NEWBY played throughout Morecambe's 2-0 home win against Southport. REGAN GRIFFITHS was booked as he played the whole game for the losers.

ELLIOTT OSBORNE, SAM HEATHCOTE, and GEORGE WILSON all started for Macclesfield at Redcar Athletic, and Elliott's headed first goal of the season was the clincher, putting them 2 up on their way to a 1-2 win.

Witton Albion faced a tough assignment at South Shields. BEN HARRISON'S men weren't up to it and lost 7-0. Ben named himself on the bench, and JAMES LAWRIE, JOEL BEMBO-LETA (right), and DAMOLA SOTONA all started.

Former Robins trialist TOM PUGH was a 76th minute substitute for Spalding United, and claimed the assist for the clincher as they beat visitors Hanley Town 2-0 despite being without YUSIFU CEESAY.

JAMES JONES was a half time substitute for Sholing as they went through by the only goal at Tiverton Town.

LEWIS SALMON was a 79th minute substitute for Chorley at Warrington Rylands, and within 5 minutes he was booked - but 2 minutes after that he was felled in the box, and Jack Sampson scored the only goal of the game from the spot. It was a retake as the Rylands keeper saved his first attempt, but came off his line too soon. No details of the Rylands lineup are available, so it's not known if DEAN FURMAN played.

BEN ELLIOTT played the first 82 minutes of Warrington Town's 3-0 win over South Liverpool.

NPL Division 1 West: Congleton Town's DAVE PARTON was beaten just once at Ivy Gardens - but that was enough to give Lichfield City their first win of the season. To add insult to injury the 3 points enabled them to move off the bottom of the league, and it's the Bears that replace them there, as they have only 2 draws to show from their 7 games.

1874 Northwich occupy the 3rd relegation spot after Nantwich Town put 3 unanswered goals past MAX BEDDOW. JOSH HANCOCK played the full game for the Dabbers, while AIDY ROXBURGH was withdrawn after 79 minutes. JOE PIGGOTT (left) wasn't in their squad.

Stalybridge Celtic drew 2-2 at Chasetown. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game, while GREG WILKINSON was a 70th minute substitute.

BYRON HARRISON put in a 75 minute shift for Kidsgrove Athletic as they beat visitors Padiham 1-0.

It's been a while since SEAN MILLER put in a full shift for Runcorn Linnets, but he did so at Mossley, where one goal was enough for them to take the points. MARK LEES captained the Lilywhites, but they were without MASON FAWNS, and only had 4 of the permitted 5 substitutes.

DARIUS PALMA scored twice as he and JEROME WRIGHT played the whole of Wythenshawe's 3-0 home win over Shifnal Town.

NWCL Premier Division : Nelson came from behind at Euxton Villa, with SEFTON GONZALES scoring the clincher. Nelson won 2-3.

JOHN JOHNSTON'S Irlam won 0-3 at Glossop North End, aided by ELLIOT WYNNE'S clean sheet.

And finally the Cumbrian News and Star reports that "Former Carlisle United loanee CHRIS CONN-CLARKE has turned down a £300,000 move away from Peterborough United, his club’s chairman claims.

The 24-year-old was the subject of a bid from an unnamed club, says Peterborough supremo Darragh MacAnthony.

The ex-Blues loan man, though, decided against making the move, MacAnthony says.

Conn-Clarke has been in the Posh squad so far this season, making seven substitute appearances and scoring one goal.

He was made available for transfer by the League One club in the summer, after returning from his loan at Brunton Park...

MacAnthony said 'We did a deal to sell Chris Conn-Clarke for £300,000, even after the window closed – which would have been a good move for Chris. But he turned the move down'...

Former Altrincham star Conn-Clarke made 22 appearances on loan for Carlisle last season, scoring three goals".

NEIL GIBSON STARTED IT ALL!

Hartlepool United have issued a very short statement... "Hartlepool United Football Club can confirm that Lee Clark has resigned from his position as Head Coach with immediate effect.

We would like to thank Lee for his service during his time at the club and wish him every success for the future.

A further update will be provided in due course".

Right: Lee Clark pictured at Altrincham last Wednesday.

So, there have now been THIRTY-FOUR managerial departures at National League clubs since the 2025 close season. In fact, thirty of those changes occurred between 26 May 2025 when current Altrincham boss Neil Gibson left Wealdstone and 5 June 2026, a period of just one year and eleven days.

That was one departure every 12 and a half days during that period.

The 34 departures comprise:

FOUR changes between the end of the 2024/25 playing season and the start of the 2025/26 season at clubs competing in the National League in the 2026 calendar year:

  1. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned on 26 May 2025 and the club appointed Sam Cox.
  2. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left on 27 May 2025 and Adam Lakeland was appointed on 14 June 2025
  3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned on 2 June 2025 and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
  4. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill, as announced on 26 June 2025, and appointed Robbie Savage 1 July 2025.

TWENTY-ONE departures during the 2025/26 playing season:

The TWENTY-ONE 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 (28 August 2025)
  3. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper, replaced by Danny Webb
  4. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor, replaced by Chris Millington (1 October 2025)
  5. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison, replaced by Chris Agutter
  6. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis, replaced by Scott Bartlett (24 September 2025)
  7. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation), replaced by Billy Rowley (25 November 2025)
  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 on 17 February 2026
  14. MORECAMBE: "Mutually agreed to part ways" with Ashvir Singh Johal, replaced by Jim Bentley, 1 February 2026
  15. EASTLEIGH: Scott Bartlett, "relieved of his duties", replaced as "interim manager" by Richard Hill before Matt Gray was appointed 14 May 2026
  16. WEALDSTONE: Sam Cox, "removed from his position as manager", replaced by Gary Waddock
  17. WOKING: Neal Ardley, "relieved of duties" replaced by interim trio of Craig Ross, Jake Hyde and Dale Gorman before Jermain Defoe was appointed, 29 March 2026
  18. MORECAMBE: Club announced on 14 April 2026 that Jim Bentley was stepping down as manager and that the search for a new manager had begun
  19. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Club announced on 14 April 2026 that Nicky Featherstone would not be continuing as manager after the end of 25/26 season. Lee Clark was appointed on 14 May 2026
  20. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Club announced on 20 April 2026 that John Coleman would not be continuing as manager after the end of 25/26 season; Scott Davies announced as new manager on 27 April 2026
  21. FC HALIFAX TOWN: On 30 April Adam Lakeland departed from FC Halifax Town to become the manager at Morecambe. On 19/5/26 John McGrath was appointed.

EIGHT departures in the close season between the end of the 2025/26 season and the start of the 2026/27 season:

  1. BARROW: Interim head coach Sam Foley left at the end of 25/26 season and the club appointed Adam Murray 12 May 2026
  2. KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS Adam Murray left on 12 May 2026 to take up a position at Barrow. Replaced by Paul Wotton as announced on 26 May 2026.
  3. SOUTHEND UNITED: Kevin Maher sacked 19 May 2026, Keiron Dyer appointed 8 June 2026
  4. GATESHEAD: Rob Elliott left on 27 May 2026 and joined Carlisle United, at Gateshead he was replaced by Lee Cattermole, as announced on 16 June 2026
  5. CARLISLE UNITED: Mark Hughes left by mutual agreement and Rob Elliot appointed in his place on 28 May 2026
  6. ROCHDALE: Jimmy McNulty left promoted Rochdale for Stockport County on 5 June 2026; Ian Thompson appointed 9 June 2026
  7. WOKING: Jermain Defoe left Woking by mutual agreement
  8. YORK CITY: Stuart Maynard departed 26 July 2026 due to the club's "difference in direction and vision" with him.

Departures during the 2026/27 playing season:

The ONE departure (so far) since the start of this season is noted below...

  1. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Lee Clark resigned 19 September 2026

19 September 2026

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Friday 18th September 2026

Saturday 19th September 2026

TODAY: AFC FYLDE

Altrincham play away at second-placed AFC Fylde this afternoon.

The Coasters' manager is, of course, the former Altrincham midfielder Craig Mahon (left) who joined the Robins from Chester FC on 24 January 2020, as John Johnston departed in the opposite direction. Craig had been the record appearance-maker (239 games) at Chester FC since the formation of the club from the ashes of the defunct Chester City.

Craig had been a target of Phil Parkinson in summer 2019 but had elected to remain at Chester at that time.

He left Altrincham in summer 2020 after 6(+5) appearances.

Both Fylde and Altrincham won in midweek, with the Coasters securing an away victory at Harrogate Town which took them to the top of the National League for 24 hours. In that game former Alty midfielder CHRIS MERRIE was in the starting eleven.

For that game at Wetherby Road, the AFC Fylde team comprised 1. Zac Jones, 3. Harvey Broad, 17. Corey Whelan (c), 15. Will Lancaster, 29. Aaron Drewe, 6. Chris Merrie, 14. Greg Olley, 4. Ethan Mitchell, 18. Theo Upton, 7. Luca Thomas, 28. Millar Matthews-Lewis. Subs: 25. Pat Boyes, 26. Luke Butterfield, 31. Adam Lewis, 10. Danny Mayor, 22. Jack Morris, 5. Max Taylor, 8. Tom Whelan

AFC Fylde have also confirmed the departure of two players, namely young midfielder Ben Jackson who "has departed on a short-term loan to Lancaster City ", and centre-half Cullen Meadowcroft who "has returned to Leek Town on a short-term loan deal".

FYLDE ISSUE A REMINDER

On the eve of the game against Altrincham AFC Fylde issued a public reminder saying "We would like to remind supporters of the required ball retrieval procedure and the standards of behaviour expected from everyone involved in matches.

Child ball retrievers are participating in football and must be treated with respect. Abuse, intimidation or threatening behaviour towards them will not be tolerated.

As per a recent rule change made to the game across all leagues, the below procedures must now be followed:

Together, we must protect children and young people involved in football, including those who give their time to support matchday and other football activities.

Thank you for your support and co-operation on this matter".

THROUGH THE YEARS: 19 SEPTEMBER

Three days ago Altrincham played Hartlepool United at the J. Davidson Stadium. Today, as Alty take to the pitch on Saturday, 19 September, it will be exactly three years since... they also entertaned Hartlepool United at the JDS!

Back in 2023 the game ended 2-2 ahich was a sixth draw in ten outings for Altrincham who then, as now, were injury-ravaged. Consequently manager Phil Parkinson opted to start the match with Justin Amaluzor and Justin Donawa on the bench as he fielded a more defensive minded eleven than usual.

Right: Lewis Baines (facing camera, right) is congratulated on his goal against Hartlepool United in 2023.

Nevertheless, they fell behind against the run of play (15 mins) but, in swirling rain, Alty levelled after 23 minutes. The goal arrived after Conn-Clarke, for the second time in the game, found himself behind the Pools' defence. He played the ball inside and it ricocheted into the path of Marriott who stabbed the ball home.

Alty took the lead in the fourth added minute of the first half. A freekick from the left arrived in the path of Baines, to the right of centre, who hooked the ball home impressively at the second attempt. Amaluzor and Donawa were introduced in the final quarter of the game with the former's electric pace causing the Pools' defence problems.

But Hartlepool netted an equaliser after 77 minutes when Grey was played in and he finished coolly past the advancing Ross. Ross made a couple of important saves in the closing stages whilst substitute Amaluzor also went close at the other end.

For details of all previous fixtures for Altrincham on 19 September, see Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Friday's action...

National League: Having finally won their first game of the season on Tuesday night, Solihull Moors were unable to build on that, and went down 4-1 at Yeovil Town, remaining bottom of the league.

They actually had marginally the better attacking statistics with 10(6) shots to 9(6), but the Glovers were more clinical. JACK KINGDON (right) made his full Yeovil debut and played the whole game, while MATT GOULD was back on their bench.

Welsh Premier League : Flint Town United were down to 10 men for the last half hour at Airbus, but finally put the ball past LOUIE FALLON in the 88th minute. It was to no avail as a Peers hat trick helped the hosts to a 4-1 win. No, TOM PEERS hasn't left Chester - this was George Peers.

There was a blow for manager JOHN DISNEY as, already without MIKEY STONE, Connah's Quay Nomads had to substitute captain JAMES JONES after 44 minutes. They still managed to beat visitors Cardiff Metropolitan 1-0.

BARRY WHITBREAD R.I.P.

Altrincham FC has Barry Pikesley's tribute to the late Barry Whitbread.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reports that "Forest Green Rovers striker Ricardo Rees is facing five to seven months on the sidelines due to a posterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 26-year-old went off in the 33rd minute of Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Carlisle United with the injury.

The National League club have signed Bristol Rovers striker Mees Rijks on a three-month loan deal to provide cover.

The 23-year-old joined the League Two side in January and has played 15 games, including two cup appearances this season...

Forest Green boss Robbie Savage said... 'Five to seven months out [we've] lost him, so it's a huge blow," he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

'Three goals, three assists, [then] an innocuous ball on his knee. He's ruptured a ligament in his knee so it's going to be braced up for five months, no operation'...

Forwards D'Mani Mellor and Kairo Mitchell, midfielder Kyle Kelly and defender Filozofe Mabete are all unavailable for the next three games after receiving international call-ups.

Centre-back Emeka Obi is set to miss the entire campaign with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and fellow defender Kyle Ajayi is also unavailable with injury, while forward Jose Marquez is on loan at Worthing...

Savage said [of Rijks] 'He's a profile of striker which we've not had, holds the ball up, runs channels, aggressive. We've got a brilliant set of forwards in D'Mani and Kairo and Ricardo but unfortunately they're not going to be here.'"

Eastleigh "announce the arrival of goalkeeper Jamie Searle, who joins the Spitfires on a short-term deal.

The 25-year-old joins us after spending last season at Eastbourne Borough, where he made eight appearances across all competitions.

Prior to his time on the south coast, Searle spent time with Forest Green Rovers, Barnsley, Swansea City, and Aston Villa.

Searle has appeared on the international stage for New Zealand".

The latest programme notes from Danny Hunter, the chairman of Boreham Wood state "Well, it’s been a more than eventful ten days or so since we last played here... Since then, we’ve drawn 1-1 down at Eastleigh after conceding a late goal, having battered them for most of the game.

On Wednesday, we travelled north and deservedly beat a stubborn Scunthorpe United side 2-1, with debutant Ben Whitfield scoring a late headed winner. As such, we now top the league by three points after an eight-game unbeaten start to our league campaign.

On the downside, we lost striker Matt Rush to a short-term injury down at Eastleigh, but on the upside, we’ve brought in both Ben Whitfield and Conor Wilkinson on three-month loans from Barrow and Solihull Moors respectively to bolster the ranks.

Callum Reynolds is also now nearing a return to play, with his concussion protocols soon coming to an end. When you consider that we’ve also strengthened the squad over the last three weeks with high-quality players such as Jay Bird and Ted Curd, it’s no wonder that it gives me great pride to see Luke Garrard and Charlie Hunter building our squad so intelligently...

Next week, after ten years of trying, we will begin in earnest the work down at the South End of the stadium. In truth, we will embark on a 10 to 11-month build programme that will take up much of my energy, focus and time.

That said, it will encompass new community changing rooms, a rehab/tiny tots astro pitch, an away fans’ zone, digital turnstiles, new toilets, new catering and bar units, plus a new maintenance and grounds building, a new maintenance office and a new control room, along with lots of mechanical and electrical groundwork.

On top of that, we must look to the future and build new supporter pathways, new entry and exit roads, and new fence lines and security gates. We also have new lighting designs, new signage and, oh, of course, a brand-new shiny South Stand to build that will take us to EFL level in terms of our ground grading and increase our capacity to well over 5,600".

FC Halifax Town "confirm the signing of defender Tristan Gill, on a youth loan from Championship side Derby County...

Gill signed his first professional contract with the club in January 2025...

Last campaign, Gill spent time under John McGrath on loan at Buxton. The defender made four appearances in his one-month stay at the Bucks".

Chairman Irving Weaver of Harrogate Town provides an "update to our supporters...

We have been working for some time now on finding suitable new investors that can support our ambition, as we look to continue to grow and progress as a club.

We do look forward to being able to share more details on this subject in the near future, at the conclusion of a lengthy and detailed approval process which is currently ongoing with the Independent Football Regulator.

However, until that approval is received, any further comment could hinder that process rather than help it. Please rest assured that as soon as any news can be communicated, we will do so immediately.

In the meantime, please continue to bring your voices to Wetherby Road to support the team over the upcoming home games as the men’s first team squad look to build further on what has been a promising and entertaining start to the season".

At Wealdstone "Striker Luke Norris is 'hopefully a chance for Saturday' (away v Tamworth) according to Wealdstone manager Gary Waddock, who refused to use a spate of early-season absentees as an excuse for his side’s lack of threat in defeat at home to FC Halifax Town.

The forward has missed the last two league fixtures, but is closest to a return of those currently sidelined.

"Dion is a number of weeks away," added Waddock, referring to centre-half Dion Conroy... Wing-back Joe Newton was withdrawn at the interval during victory at Boston United on Saturday, also with a hamstring complaint...

Said the Wealdstone boss 'We’re awaiting the results of the scan so we can decide what’s next for Joe.'

Also in the treatment room is Norris’s fellow forward Admiral Muskwe, who picked up an injury in training before he had a chance to make his Stones’ debut".

At Worthing "Polish forward Wiktor Makowski has completed a permanent transfer to National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge for undisclosed terms.

A member of our title-winning side, the 23-year-old totalled 12 appearances for the Reds since arriving from Slough Town in March 2026, with four of those occurring this season...

His four goals proved vital in helping the Reds to the promotion into the fifth tier, with his contributions forever etched into the Club’s history books".

18 September 2026

POST-MATCH GIBSON

Altrincham manager Neil Gibson spoke to Erin Carroll for Alty TV after the win over Hartlepool.

Neil explained that the visitors "played a different shape to that we'd prepared for", But "after ten minutes we got to grip with that".

Neil judged that "to a man, all the players were fantastic".

Erin asked about the absences of Otis Khan and Owen Evans (left). Neil revealed that Evans will "miss 10 to 12 weeks with an injury to his calf". The keeper's problems started with a late challenge at Forest Green which "opened up his knee". Then he suffered a calf injury before the Woking game.

His replacement in midweek, Andy Firth, had last played a competitive game two and half years ago when playing under Neil in the Welsh Cup Final!

As for Khan he was ill on Wednesday hence his absence.

CRAWFORD INTERVIEWS

Skipper Tom Crawford (right) talked to Alty TV's Tom Jolley after scoring the winning goal against his former side. Asked "Do you only score goals at home?", Tom replied that he feels that "I've got ten goals a season in me".

Tom had played with Kane Hemmings before he joined the club and felt that it helped to have him up top where he is "able to use his body" to keep possession.

As for the next game, at second-placed Fylde, Tom said that he had played with their manager Craig Mahon at Chester but he felt that "Alty could beat anyone" in the league on their day.

Tom had also been interviewed for AltyTV before the match against Hartlepool.

ALTY v POOLS HIGHLIGHTS

Alty TV has video highlights of the win over Hartlepool United on Wednesday night.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Thursday in League One, ALI SMITH played the whole of AFC Wimbledon's goalless draw at home to bitter rivals MK Dons.

STATISTICAL ODDITIES

The 2026-27 season has been a strange one in terms of several statistical measurements.

MICHAEL ACQUAH

The signing of goalkeeper Michael Acquah (right) as cover, following an injury to Owen Evans at Saturday's game against Woking, was only announced shortly before kick off on Wednesday night. However, we are informed by the Club that "The 22-year-old former Huddersfield Town u21s stopper has been training with Alty since July".

Michael stands 6ft 2ins tall and was born on 24 March 2004 and is not to be confused with his namesake, Ghanian forward Michael Acquah, who is slightly older.

Alty's Michael joined Brighouse Town in July 2025 where he joined his brother on the playing staff. He had previously played for Haringey Borough in London.

Earlier, in September 2023 he had joined Farsley Celtic on a short-term loan from Huddersfield Town, a club that he had joined from Southend Manor Farm in summer 2021.

Whilst featuring in Huddersfield Town's B team, Michael spent loan spells with Yorkshire clubs Emley AFC, Brighouse Town and Sheffield FC.

UNDER-19S' LATE DEFEAT

Altrincham FC report in the words of under-19s' player Raffi Fereday how "Altrincham's under-19s faced a tough start to their National League campaign against a Solihull Moors side who were brimming with confidence after winning 7-2 a week earlier...

Midway through the half, after a series of dangerous attacks, Alty earned their reward with an opening goal through left-back Archie Rowlands...

On the stroke of half-time, Solihull equalised from the penalty spot, despite Alty appeals for a foul on keeper Theo Bunting.

As he jumped to claim a ball played into the box, Bunting appeared to be elbowed out of the way, only for the referee to turn down Alty shouts for a free-kick and wave play on...

An Alty defender swung a boot at it in an attempt to clear his lines. Contact was made, and the referee awarded a penalty that was slotted into the bottom corner...

Academy coach Paul Fay made changes to introduce fresh legs. A second goal proved elusive to both sides until the 85th minute, when a failed pass in the middle of the park was latched on to by a Solihull player, who drove forward and slid the ball into the danger area.

A great challenge from Rowlands almost saved the day, but Solihull managed to get the ball past Bunting and into the back of the net to take the points in a closely-fought encounter".

Altrincham's squad comprised Theo Bunting, Charlie Barnes, Ben McNamara, Raffi Fereday, Sammy Neville, Archie Rowlands, Kian Mattison, Josh Herreaman, Josh Dempsey, Finlay Wilson, William Molloy, Lucas Bagley, Ben Mensah, Jesse Rowe, John Gblogun and Willam Sneyd.

NEXT: AFC FYLDE

Manager Neil Gibson judged that next Saturday's opponents,AFC Fylde "play a very good brand of football"

The Coasters have started their first season back in the National League impressively, winning five and drawing two of their opening eight fixures.

They opened the season with a 2-2 home draw against Wealdstone, followed by a 2-1 win at Tamworth. Their only defeat of the season came in their third fixture, at Woking, where they lost 3-2.

They bounced back with an impressive 2-0 win at home against Forest Green followed by a 3-1 win at basement club Solihull Moors.

Next, they were held 2-2 against Worthing at Mill Farm before securing an impressive 4-1 away win at Yeovil Town. Last Tuesday, despite being second best for much of the evening, they won 2-1 at Harrogate Town.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

After their defeat at Altrincham, Hartlepool United "Head Coach Lee Clark highlighted his side’s improved performance following a change in formation as a positive, despite Pools suffering a 2-1 defeat away to Altrincham...

Despite the defeat, Pools boss praised his side’s attacking play in a new system, but called for more discipline from his players.

Right: Lee Clark pictured during the game at Altrincham.

'I thought we played some excellent football, and created some really good chances in the first half,' Clark told HUFC.co.uk

'Brooklyn Ilunga was a massive threat for us down the left-hand side and put some great crosses in – we just had to be more clinical. I thought the new system worked brilliantly with the two playing in the pockets as 10s – I thought Jack and Cole were exciting.

'Then it’s a bit of discipline again. That’s the third time in eight games that we’ve gone down to 10 men. I think if we stayed 11 v 11 we could’ve gone on to win the game'">

Boston United "have completed the signing of free agent midfielder Levi Sutton.

The Pilgrims have recruited the 29-year-old on a permanent basis...

Manager Paul Hurst has opted to boost his midfield options, with Gavan Holohan missing out in midweek through injury, while Nicholas Pozo is poised to join up on international duty with Gibraltar.

Sutton has considerable EFL experience with Scunthorpe United, Bradford City and Harrogate Town".

17 September 2026

ALTRINCHAM 2-1 HARTLEPOOL UNITED

A fourth 2-1 win of the season for Altrincham lifted them back up to twelfth in the National League despite the absence of seven injured players, including goalkeeper Evans.

Right: Tom Crawford is buried under his team-mates after scoring the winner for Altrincham gainst his former club.

Having made five changes from their last outing, Altrincham took the lead in the 28th minute when Kane Hemmings, one of four players making their first start of the season, netted from the spot after Lewis Banks had been fouled at a corner. The referee might well have awarded a penalty a little earlier, as Tom Crawford had almost had his shirt removed in the box.

A fourth 2-1 win of the season for Altrincham lifted them back up to twelfth in the National League despite the absence of seven injured players, including goalkeeper Evans.

Having made five changes from their last outing, Altrincham took the lead in the 28th minute when Kane Hemmings, one of four players making their first start of the season, netted from the spot after Lewis Banks had been fouled at a corner, taken by Kirk.

The referee might well have awarded a penalty before awarding the corner as Tom Crawford almost had his shirt removed in the box.

Shortly before the end of an entertaining first-half, Hartlepool levelled through Miley's header from a cross from the left by Ilunga, who had earlier got in three other dangerous crosses which had gone unconverted (43 mins)

Alty had the better of the second half before Pools were reduced to ten men when their captain, Hunter, saw a second yellow for a foul on Hemmings and was dismissed (73 mins).

The home pressure finally got its reward in the 81st minute when Crawford smartly netted his fourth goal of the season after playing a one-two with Humbles.

Alty had the better of the second half before Pools were reduced to ten men when their captain, Hunter, saw a second yellow and was dismissed (73 mins).

The home pressure finally got its reward in the 81st minute when Crawford drove home his fourth goal of the season after playing a one-two with a team-mate.

Match report here

ALTY SIGN KEEPER

Shortly before kick-off on Wednesday night, Altrincham FC announced that "Goalkeeper Michael Acquah (right) has officially joined the Robins as cover following an injury to Owen Evans at Saturday's game against Woking.

The 22-year-old former Huddersfield Town u21s stopper has been training with Alty since July and will be on the bench for tonight's game against Hartlepool United".

Footnote: Michael was at Brighouse Town last season.

NEXT: AFC FYLDE

Next Saturday Altrincham make their second shortest away trip of the league season to face AFC Fylde; only the journey to FC Halifax Town will be shorter this season.

The Coasters, managed by former Altrincham midfielder CRAIG MAHON are one of the National League's surprise pacakages, After their win at Harrogate on Tuesday night, they topped the division.

They last met Altrincham in a league match two seasons ago, at the end of which the Lancashire club were relegated.

In that 2024-25 campaign, in a 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday, 26 October, 2024, Altrincham thrashed The Coasters 5-0 at Mill Farm but the Lamncashire club got some revenge in a 2-1 away win at the J. Davidson Stadium.

The win at Fylde was notable for the first Altrincham hat-trick since 2019 as Regan Linney (right) emulated loanee Joe Piggott's three goals in a 0-6 win at Curzon Ashton.

Altrincham were two-up after ten minutes against a poor-looking Fylde side who, nevertheless, were fresh from an away win at Boston last time out.

Both of Altrincham's early goals were superbly taken by Regan Linney. The first from a Newby pass saw the striker curl a shot from the left edge of the box across the keeper into the far corner of the net (5 mins).

The second was equally well-taken as Wilson and Humbles exchanged midfield passes before the latter fed Linney. This time, from just left of the "D", he curled another shot past the keeper (10 mins).

As half-time approached, a home move broke down and Alty counter-attacked with Newby and Linney exchanging passes before Linney tapped in from 5 yards, left of centre, leading to an interval score of 0-3 (41 mins).

Alty added a fourth when a superb chip forward by Linney set Newby in on goal and he calmly lobbed the advancing Richardson to make it 0-4.

Fylde continued to labour and, just after Nuttall had put a freekick over the bar, Fylde lost the ball to substitute Osborne after the resulting goalkick. The midfielder finished smartly from the left to make 0-5 (80 mins).

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports...

USL League One : Having racked up 10 yellow cards in his 25 appearances, SAM ROSCOE was suspended for Corpus Christi's visit to South Carolina to face Greenville. Both sides finished with 10 men, but the Texans won by the only goal.

National League : CALLUM DOLAN played the whole game, and scored the only goal, as Kidderminster Harriers beat Gateshead 1-0 at Aggborough. KYLE FERGUSON was booked after only 4 minutes, and the Heed withdrew him after 77 minutes, but HARRISON HOLGATE played the whole game.

Boreham Wood went back to the top of the league with a 1-2 victory at Scunthorpe United. DANNY CASHMAN played the first 72 minutes, but TYLOR GOLDEN was left on the bench. The Iron didn't start any of their 4 Old Boys, but REAGAN OGLE returned from a 5 match absence off the bench after 66 minutes, only to receive a yellow card, while JAMES GALE came on after 77 minutes. ROSS BARROWS was an unused substitute, but DECLAN HOWE wasn't involved.

NPL Division 1 West : Lichfield City took an early lead against visitors Newcastle Town, but any ideas of opening their points tally for the season were shattered by a second half burst of 4 goals in 7 minutes. Town won 1-5, and SEAN LAWTON was withdrawn after 76 minutes, having been booked earlier. Lichfield are still pointless after 8 matches.

16 September 2026

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

AFC Fylde went top of the table on Tuesday night.

Tuesday 15th September 2026

Wednesday 16th September 2026

TONIGHT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Tonight, Wednesday, Altrincham welcome Hartlepool United to the J. Davidson Stadium.

Following Tuesday's fixtures, both clubs found themselves one place lower than they had been at the weekend; Pools are now 15th with Altrincham behind them on goal difference in 16th place.

Altrincham supporters will be hoping that at least one or two of the eight players who were absent or injured by the end of their last match will have recovered to take part tonight.

The three long-term absentees are Charlie Olson (hamstring), Eddie Jones (hamstring) and Owen German (ruptured achilles) whilst the nature of the problems affecting three other sidelined players (Anthony Forde, Lucas Weaver and Kristian Dennis) are unclear. Kian Breckin was a seventh absentee last Saturday through illness, whilst goalkeeper Owen Evans was unable to complete that game at Woking, the second time this season that injury has prevented his completion of a game.

ALTY SETTING UP SUPPORTERS' GROUP

Altrincham FC announces a new Altrincham FC Supporters Representative Group (SRG), stating "Alty fans, for the first time, you have the chance to directly represent the fanbase and shape the issues that matter most to us all. We are launching a new Supporters Representative Group to create a structured, independent link between the fans and the club's leadership.

This is a new group that highlights the club’s commitment to collaborate and consult directly with supporters on strategic, off-pitch matters. The group will be tackling everything from matchday operations and ticketing to fan facilities and league-wide governance. The group's scope covers both the men's and women's first teams.

This is a proactive group that is designed to give supporters a direct and meaningful voice in the club's future.

The group will meet at least quarterly.... Representatives will report directly to the Board of Directors through a standing agenda item at Quarterly Board meetings.

The group will operate independently, will nominate its own Chair and run its own governance...

We want men and women across all age groups including a season ticket holder, a disabled supporter, an LGBT+ representative, a volunteer and supporters of both our men’s and women’s teams. We welcome applications from across the entire supporter base – for each and every one of you, your perspective is valuable".

Follow the above link for firther details and the application procedure.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's action...

EFL Trophy : JUNIOR QUITIRNA (right) hadn't featured in a Wycombe Wanderers squad since the 5-1 defeat at Edgeley Park, but he was given a start tonight as Chelsea U21 came to Adams Park. Wanderers went ahead after 66 minutes and immediately withdrew Junior. They increased their lead, and the Chelsea youngsters lost 2-1 despite scoring in the 92nd minute.

Carabao Cup : Danny Ormerod was playing for CRAIG MAHON at AFC Fylde until late August, but he's now at Peterborough United, and in his fifth appearance he opened his account with 2 goals as they drew 3-3 with visitors Barnsley. He also converted his penalty in the shootout, as did 94th minute substitute CHRIS CONN-CLARKE, who had clearly been brought on to do exactly that. All 10 regulation penalties were scored, and it went to sudden death.

Barnsley teenager Luke Alker missed their 7th penalty, and Harrison Jones converted to give Posh a 7-6 victory.

Northern Ireland Premiership: MONTEL GIBSON was an 82nd minute substitute for Larne, but the scoring was completed in their 2-0 home win over Cliftonville by then.

Scottish Premiership : JOE HUGILL had a goal disallowed by VAR at Easter Road. He put in a full shift for Kilmarnock, who had scored earlier, and went on to beat Hibernian 0-1.

National League : A tremendous late save by ETHAN ROSS earned Forest Green Rovers a 1-1 draw at Carlisle United. REGAN LINNEY was a 70th minute substitute for the Cumbrians.

AFC Fylde earned a fine 1-2 win at Harrogate Town, who would have gone top had they won; instead Fylde did so. CHRIS MERRIE (left) played the full game for the Coasters.

A red card for MJ Williams saw KENNEDY DIGIE come on for Barrow in added time at the end of the first half at Solihull Moors. ISAAC MARRIOTT played throughout and was booked, but KEATON WARD went off after 65 minutes, while DAN MOONEY stayed on the bench. Moors won 1-0, their first victory of the season, but remain bottom behind Gateshead on goal difference.

Welsh Premier League : LOUIS FALLON was on the wrong end of 3 unanswered goals for Airbus at Connah's Quay Nomads. JOHN DISNEY'S team were comfortably in charge, although skipper JAMES JONES picked up a yellow card.

JOEL TORRANCE made a couple of vital saves for Llandudno in their 1-1 home draw with Caernarfon - perhaps as well since his side's goal was their only attempt on target.

NPL Division 1 East : ZAK GOODSON rounded off the scoring as Matlock Town won 0-3 at North Ferriby.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : TOLANI OMOTOLA (right) also scored the last goal of 3, as Boldmere St.Michaels saw off visitors Coventry United 3-1. He was withdrawn after 84 minutes.

ANDY DALES put in a full shift as Mickleover drew 1-1 at home with Coleshill Town.

NPL Division 1 West : It was a tough evening for MAX BEDDOW as 1874 Northwich went down 3-0 at Hanley Town, and are now 20th of the 22 clubs.

Another goalkeeper who was busy fishing the ball out of his net was DAVE PARTON as Congleton Town were beaten 4-0 at Nantwich Town, despite the Dabbers having JOSH HANCOCK (left) dismissed after only 21 minutes. AIDY ROXBURGH had opened the scoring, but went off injured after 33 minutes, while JOE PIGGOTT scored the third one and played throughout.

Mossley were without the suspended MASON FAWNS at Padiham, but captain MARK LEES played the whole of the 1-1 draw.

The fifth goalkeeper in tonight's review is TONY THOMPSON, and he kept a clean sheet as he and SHARIF DEANS played the whole of Prescot Cables 1-0 home win over Clitheroe.

AARON BENNETT came off the Atherton Collieries bench after 78 minutes at Runcorn Linnets, where they won 1-2. SAM SHERIDAN didn't captain the team tonight, but played the first 83 minutes.

BYRON HARRISON played for 62 minutes at Stafford Rangers, but couldn't help Kidsgrove Athletic to avoid a 2-1 defeat.

Wythenshawe moved up to 4th with a 0-1 win at Stalybridge Celtic. JEROME WRIGHT wasn't captain this evening, but he and DARIUS PALMA played the full game, as did KYLE BROWNHILL for Celtic, for whom GREG WILKINSON (right) was an unused substitute.

Although KEVIN ELLISON played for 78 minutes for Vauxhall Motors, they were comprehensively beaten 0-4 by visiting league leaders Bootle.

BEN HARRISON started JAMES LAWRIE and DAMOLA SOTONA at home to Lower Breck. Both put in a full shift in Albion's 2-1 win, while JOEL BEMBO-LETA was a 92nd minute substitute.

NWCL Premier Division : JOHN JOHNSON's Irlam won by the odd goal in three at Abbey Hey. ELLIOTT WYNNE was in goal for Irlam against one of his former clubs.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

Wednesday 23rd September

Group C

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reports that "Forest Green Rovers captain Kyle McAllister says he is out of contract at the end of the season for the first time in his four years at the club.

The 27-year-old joined Forest Green in 2022 and has played 184 league games, taking the captain's armband this campaign after previously sharing the duties...

'I'm out of contract this year, so [I] just want a good year try and do the best for the team, try and get promoted and then at the end of the season we'll see what happens,' McAllister told BBC Radio Gloucestershire...

Manager Robbie Savage called him 'the best player in the league' following their win 4-0 win against Gateshead on Saturday.

McAllister said 'It's the first time I've been out of contract since I've been here - it's an exciting time, I guess, come to the end of the season and being out of contract, but you never know what could happen. I'll be ready for anything.'"

15 September 2026

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Altrincham welcome Hartlepool United to the J. Davidson Stadium on Wednesday night.

In the Hartlepool Mail manager "Lee Clark has played down talk of a change in system as Hartlepool United turn their focus towards an away day at National League rivals Altrincham in midweek.

The Pools boss opted to pair summer signings Will Harris and Chris Popov in a two-man forward line once again in Friday night’s visit to Kidderminster Harriers - although neither player really made an impact as Clark’s side came out second best at Aggborough… to extend Pools’ recent run of form to four defeats in their last five games.

Some have suggested Pools issues lie in their attacking setup with Clark’s new-look side scoring just five goals in their seven league games so far this season. That figure is the joint-lowest in the National League... By contrast, Pools have the second best defensive record with just six goals conceded...

When asked if he could consider a change of system, he told BBC Tees Sport, he said, 'You’ve obviously been listening to social media. The system’s worked, we’ve won three out of six and we’ve got the... second best defensive record...

We’ve got four strikers, what am I going to do? Just play with one?".

And defender Liam Gibson told the Hartlepool United website after his side’s 2-0 defeat away to Kidderminster Harriers, "'We can put things right'...

The defender joined Lee Clark’s side in the summer and brings a wealth of experience, having racked up over 170 appearances across League One and League Two during a career spanning over a decade.

'It’s good that we’ve got a game on Wednesday [at Altrincham], so we can put things right,' Gibson said.

'I think consistency is a problem – we’re winning games, but not backing it up. We know what needs to be done to put things right'".

R.I.P. BOBBY IRVINE

Terry Rowley informs us that former Altrincham and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Bobby Irvine died on 30th June 2026.

Terry provides a summary of Bobby's playing career...

Robert James 'Bobby' Irvine, born Carrickfergus, January 20th 1942.

Bobby played for Northern Ireland Schoolboys and won an U-23 cap. He also represented the Northern Ireland League 5 times and won 8 full Northern Ireland caps

His brother Willie Centre was a forward and won 88 caps for Northern Ireland along with representing the NI league 8 times.

They played together for Northern Ireland on three occasions.

His club honours with Linfield included the Irish League Championship; Irish Cup Winner 1959/60, 1961/92, 1962/63, Runner-Up 1960/61; City Cup Winner; Gold Cup Winner; Ulster Cup Winner; Co. Antrim Shield Winner; North-South Cup Winner 1961/62.

At Stoke City he was a Football League Cup runner-up 1963/64 and with Telford United he was an FA Trophy Winner (1970/71) and runner-up (1969/70).

For a much fuller account of his career, please refer to Terry's Alty Legends profile of Bobby Irvine.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Monday's action...

Irish Premier Division : BARRY BAGGLEY was withdrawn after 58 minutes at Dundalk as St.Patricks took full advantage of Shamrock Rovers not being in action, and went top of the league. They were already 0-2 ahead when Barry left, and doubled that margin by full time.

And, finally, Runcorn Linnets have a tribute to BARRY WHITBREAD, whose death was also recorded here yesterday.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

National League leaders Boreham Wood "announce the signing of Ben Whitfield, who joins the club on a short-term loan deal from Barrow AFC until mid-December.

Technically gifted and known for his pace and flair, ‘Tricky Ben’ has enjoyed a successful career spanning over 300 appearances across the EFL and National League.

Born in West Yorkshire, Whitfield learnt his trade in the academy system at Bradford City before joining Guiseley following his release from the Bantams.

His senior career began in January 2014 when he joined EFL Championship side AFC Bournemouth...

A particularly impressive spell at Kidderminster Harriers saw him score six goals in 29 appearances... That form helped Whitfield earn a permanent move to Port Vale in 2018, before he made the switch to National League football with Torquay United. It was at Plainmoor where the winger enjoyed another standout period...

Whitfield then continued his career in the National League with Stockport County before making the step back into the EFL with Barrow AFC. After a loan spell with Burton Albion, he has now made the move to Boreham Wood".

Aldershot Town "confirm the departure of midfielder Toby Nelson, who has joined Corinthian Casuals on a free transfer...

The 20-year-old academy graduate has been with the Shots since July 2022 after joining from Crystal Palace, winning the Under 18 Hampshire County Cup, as well as earning national recognition, representing England Schoolboys as a Shot.

Toby featured in 15 matchday squads across the 2025/26 Enterprise National League season, while also scoring first-team goals against Southampton U21s and Andover New Street in the National League Cup and Hampshire County Cup respectively.

Spending the first month of the 2026/27 campaign on loan to Egham Town, Toby now leaves the club on a permanent basis to join his new London-based side".

AFC Fylde "announce the signing of midfielder Luke Butterfield on loan from Chesterfield.

The 22-year-old... Butterfield began his footballing journey with Blackburn Rovers before joining the Everton academy...

After being released by Everton in the summer of 2025, Butterfield joined Chesterfield on a two-year deal following a successful trial. He went on to make a number of appearances for the Spireites before heading out on loan to fellow League Two side Accrington Stanley in January 2026.

During his time at the Wham Stadium, Butterfield made 13 League Two appearances...

Head Coach CRAIG MAHON said 'I am really pleased to have someone with the quality and experience of Luke come into our squad'".

Southend United "announce the signing of Ryan Battrum on a one-month loan deal from West Ham United.

The 21-year-old adds versatility to Kieron Dyer’s squad – predominantly a right-back but also capable of playing midfield.

Battrum featured for the Hammers in our pre-season friendly earlier this summer, and scored at Roots Hall in April 2026 while on loan at Braintree Town...

Said Battrum 'When I came in for pre-season I was looking to go out on loan, and when I heard about Southend’s interest I was buzzing... At the start of the season I said I’d love to play for the Club, so to be here now, both my family and I are really happy.

'The stadium, the fans – getting crowds of 10,000 in the National League is amazing – and the style of football that’s played is really good. Having these experiences early on in my career will only help me, so it was a big pull to join.'”

The only manager starting his third successive season in the National League in 2026-27 is Andy Peaks who "was disappointed with his Tamworth side after they failed to capitalise on the missed chances in Harrogate.

The Lambs led through Ben Milnes inside six minutes, but were trailing at the break after goals Bailey Hobson and Will McGowan turned the scoreline around. Josh Hmami made it 3-1 just after the hour mark.

Peaks said [of Harrogate] 'they are at the top of the league, they got relegated from the EFL last year, so we knew it was always tough. I felt we started the game really well... and then, well I keep talking about individual errors. We let them back in the game...

'We had two warnings before they scored the first, but we know the shape. People have to track runners at this level of football and if you lose runners you get punished...

Peaks admitted 'I wish I had the answers. We keep looking at all the different options, but we’ve got a work a bit harder. We’ve got to have a bit more desire...

He said 'Our season’s not going to be defined by coming away and losing 3-1 at Harrogate. They’re a big club and they’ll be up there at the end. Our season’s more about the teams in and around us'".

14 September 2026

ALTY'S GOALKEEPERS

Altrincham's recent goalkeeping story has been characterised by ups and downs involving end of season awards on the one hand and injuries on the other.

Goalkeeper Ethan Ross (left) was Altrincham's Supporters' Player of the Season 2023-24. However, in February 2025, against Braintree Town, he suffered an ACL injury and never played again for the club despite remaining on the club's books and assuming a coaching role till summer 2026, when he moved to Forest Green Rovers.

By way of cover for the recovering Ross, Alty brought in loanee Luke Hutchinson (right) for the 2025-26season from Bolton Wanderers.

He was chosen as Players' Player of the Season 2025-26, Young Player of the Season 2025-26 and also came third in the voting for Supporters' Player of Season 2025-26.

Over the summer of 2026 Altrincham signed Owen Evans from Barnet, whilst young home-grown keepers Louie Fallon and Max Beddow both went out on loan to Airbus UK and 1874 Northwich respectively.

However, Evans has now been unable to complete two of the seven league fixtures played to date through injury, leaving recently signed Andy Firth as the custodian to complete both of those games.

Firth's most recent experience in British football was with Connah's Quay Nomads (2022-24) after which he joined Steven Gerrard's Saudi club al-Ettifaq as goalkeeping coach in summer 2024 where he does not appear to have played regular competitive football.

Left: Owen Evans; right, Andy Firth

So, if Evans is not fit on Wednesday, Altrincham will go into their match against Hartlepool with, presumably, Firth making his full debut and, if possible under the terms of his loan, having recalled Fallon from Airbus as back-up on the bench.

Altrincham have yet to keep a clean sheet and have conceded 13 times in 7 outings this season.

In addition to goalkeeper Evans's injury during the match, seven outfield squad members were missing from the Altrincham squad last Saturday.

They were Lucas Weaver, who was again missing from the squad for unclear reasons, as were the long-term injured absentees; Charlie Olson (hamstring), Eddie Jones (hamstring) and Owen German (ruptured achilles). Also out of contention with unspecified injuries were Anthony Forde and Kristian Dennis. Kian Breckin was the seventh absentee last Saturday, reportedly being ill.

NEXT GAME: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Hartlepool United visit Altrincham on Wednesday evening with Pools lying fourteenth one place above Altrincham. Both clubs have earned nine points from seven fixtures this season. And both sides lost last weekend.

On Friday night, Hartlepool lost 2-0 at Aggborough against Kidderminster Harriers, whilst on Saturday Altrincham fell to a 5-1 defeat at Woking, who had lost to Pools in their previous fixture..

The Hartlepool Mail's headline on Saturday was "'No positives' - Lee Clark offers brutal assessment of Hartlepool United's defeat at Kidderminster Harriers".

It continues, "Pools travelled to the Midlands looking to build on their hard-earned home win against Woking just six days earlier - but found themselves wanting as they were dominated by their hosts throughout a lacklustre 90-minute display... Harriers grabbed a deserved lead when Pools wing-back Neo Eccleston deflected a cross beyond goalkeeper Nathan Fisher.

Eccleston’s night was then brought to a premature end when he was shown a second yellow card in the early stages of the second-half and the visitors made the most of their numerical advantage when Callum Stewart doubled their lead and secured a deserved win...

Clark told the club website, 'Really poor, really disappointing, worst performance by a mile this season. No positives to take - but I accept responsibility, I’m the leader. We didn’t take the momentum from the weekend into tonight. From the first minute, Kidderminster were better than us. It was 4-4-2 against 4-4-2. Out of possession, we were poor. We didn’t drop on to any second balls. We didn’t win any first contacts.

'They won everything. Ultimately, it didn’t allow us to play and when we had the ball, we were really poor in our execution of passes and we never really got passes going. We didn’t test the keeper in the first-half and we actually looked more solid in the second-half when we were down to ten men than we did in the first-half'...

Another away day is next on the agenda for Clark and his players as they visit Altrincham in midweek - and the Pools boss has hinted he could make changes ahead of the game...

He said... 'One minute we are up, next minute we are down and it’s too inconsistent... Maybe I was wrong to keep the same players, maybe I need to start freshening things up and see what’s going on and what we need to change.'”

WOKING MANAGER'S VIEWS

Interim manager Craig Ross was interviewed after his side's 5-1 win over Altrincham on Saturday. His views can be heard on the Woking website.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that in the USL League One, Corpus Christi found themselves facing 10 men after only 4 minutes, but visitors Union Omaha aren't second in the league for nothing.

They were ahead at half time, and all the Texans had to show was a yellow card for SAM ROSCOE. They did manage to equalise, but it took the team from Nebraska only 6 minutes to regain the lead, and they held out to win 1-2.

On Saturday in the FA Vase, Wythenshawe Town boss ASTLEY MULHOLLAND started himself for the home tie against Sheffield FC, the world's oldest football club (founded 1857). The men from South Yorkshire went through comfortably 1-4.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

The Altrincham FC Monthly Draw for August has produced the following outcome: Congratulations to all of the winners.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reports that "Robbie Savage has said that Forest Green Rovers have agreed a deal to sign 19-year-old midfielder Preston Fearon from West Ham United on a short-term loan deal.

Rovers, who are currently seventh in the National League having won four of their opening seven league matches, are set to lose a number of players during the forthcoming international break and have been on the lookout for loan additions.

Fearon, who has been capped by England Under-20s, is yet to make a senior appearance for the Irons...

'We're very fortunate,' manager Savage told BBC Radio Gloucestershire... 'We have four internationals, which is unprecedented at our level. We needed a player in and, luckily for us, Preston Fearon from West Ham has chosen us. He had an opportunity with other clubs, but again it just goes to show what we can do here with young players. He'll be great for us over the next one to three months'".

13 September 2026

NEIL GIBSON'S APOLOGY

Interviewed by Radio Alty for Alty TV after the 5-1 defeat at Woking, manager Neil Gibson said, "It was an unacceptable performance... We apologise to our supporters, they didn't deserve that."

He started his interview saying that he was "really angry... I'm embarrassed; it's one of the most embarrassing moments of my managerial career".

Neil pointed out that the team "started off well and then threw the game plan out of the window", adding that the side is not good enough to do that.

When Altrincham face Hartlepool United on Wednesday, Neil says "we've got to have a massive reaction to that" performance at Woking.

WOKING 5-1 ALTRINCHAM

An unchanged Altrincham, arriving on the back of a third successive victory, started well at Woking, going close early on through Aidan Barlow (right). But things went wrong when Woking scored with their first shot on target by Ward, arriving to convert a ball into the box at the back post (21 mins).

Ten minutes later it was 2-0 when Marquis lost his marker, Jake Cooper, to net on his first league start for the Cards at Kingfield.

Sam Taylor was then adjudged to have handled the ball from a cross from the right-by-line and Marquis netted the resulting penalty (37 mins).

A shell-shocked Alty did pull a goal back just before half-time when Barlow, towards the back post, tapped in a Kosylo cross from the right (45 mins).

Wishful thinking about a comeback was utterly banished on the hour when Timmy Akinola banged in a twenty-yarder.

The final nail in the coffin saw Evans punch away the ball only for it to be recycled to Syla who made it 5-1 (71 mins). To add to Altrincham's woes, goalkeeper Evans, for the second time this season, had to be substituted with what appeared to be a leg injury.

The game died the death after that as a chastened Alty's thoughts turned to the midweek visit to the JDS of Hartlepool United.

Match report here

BARRY WHITBREAD R.I.P.

Barry Pikesley writes that "the former Alty striker (1979-1982) BARRY WHITBREAD died on 9th September 2026 at the age of 77.

It was probably both something of a relief and a blessing to members of his family in light of the fact that (as with some of his Alty teammates of that era) he had been afflicted with the curse of dementia in recent times.

He was a regular goalscorer for both Lancaster City and (especially) Runcorn before Tony Sanders paid a fee of £6,400 to bring him to Moss Lane in September 1979.


ACK: P. Warburton (coach), BARRY WHITBREAD, F. Towers, G. Barrow, J. Connaughton, J. Owens, J. Johnson, J. Evans (physio). FRONT: J. Rogers, B. Howard, J. King (capt), A. Sanders (manager), J. Davison, S. Allan, G. Heathcote.

He went on to become a key member of that all-conquering Alty team, which won successive Alliance Premier League titles in 1979/80 and 1980/81, not to mention their numerous FA Cup giantkilling exploits.

Particular memories that stand out include his priceless hat-trick versus our then fellow title challengers Weymouth at Moss Lane in March 1980, together with FA Cup goals in victories against Crewe Alexandra and York City respectively at Moss Lane (as well as that goal at the Chequers End which gave the Robins a 1-0 lead in that FA Cup Third Round tie versus Orient on 5th January 1980).

He won six England Non League caps and made his final appearance for the Robins at Wembley in the FA Trophy Final defeat at the hands of Enfield on 15th May 1982.

Terry Rowley compiled an excellent profile of him for the Alty Legends section of this Alty Files website".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Saturday's action...

South Korea K League 2 : MARCUS DACKERS (right) hasn't started many games for Daegu, more often coming off the bench. In their home game against Yongin he was in from the start, and put his team ahead after 10 minutes. 11 minutes into the second half, Yongin levelled, but Marcus restored Daegu's lead in the 71st minute. He was denied his chance of a hat trick when he was substituted after 85 minutes, and Daegu sealed a 3-1 win 3 minutes later. Marcus has scored 4 goals in the last 6 games despite never getting to put in a full shift.

NPL Victoria : CONNOR HAMPSON and his Oakleigh Cannons team mates will be at home to old rivals Avondale in the Championship Final. Avondale defied the seedings to win 2-3 at Hume City. They were never behind. Both sides had a man sent off.

Back in Great Britain, in League One : ALI SMITH played the full game for AFC Wimbledon as they beat visitors Doncaster Rovers 1-0.

Peterborough United were trailing at MK Dons when they brought CHRIS CONN-CLARKE off the bench after 78 minutes, and 7 minutes later he scored to earn them a 1-1 draw.

League Two : Although JOEL SENIOR put in a full stint, Tranmere Rovers lost 2-0 at Gillingham.

KEVIN BERKOE scored the goal that sent Shrewsbury Town in 2-0 up at the break, and was withdrawn after 85 minutes. There were no further goals

ALEX NEWBY scored twice, while JEFF KING assisted another, before the pair returned to the York City bench after 7r minutes. Visitors Swindon Town had to play with 10 men from the 67th minute, and lost 4-0.

National League : LUKE HUTCHINSON had an inauspicious start to his loan spell at Harrogate Town, conceding the first shot he faced from visitors Tamworth after only 6 minutes. He dealt better with the only other two on target strikes however, and Town turned their dominance into a 3-1 win.

Barrow boss Adam Murray was extremely critical of refereeing standards in the National League earlier this week, so it will be interesting to see what he has to say about the eccentric performance of Abigail Byrne at Worthing. On this occasion his team benefited from lenient officiating, as a sterner official could easily have seen them lose 2 players in the first 20 minutes. KENNEDY DIGIE (left) survived the apparent amnesty, but later both he and ISAAC MARRIOTT did see a yellow card each as they played throughout. An 84th minute triple substitution saw KEATON WARD come off, and DAN MOONEY make his Barrow debut. Having been two goals up at the break, the Bluebirds were eventually perhaps fortunate to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Although CONNOR TEALE put in a full shift for them, and they led inside 12 minutes, Boston United lost 1-3 to visitors Wealdstone.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM played the whole of Eastleigh's 1-1 home draw with Boreham Wood, who left both TYLOR GOLDEN and DANNY CASHMAN on the bench.

Having tried first one and then the other for half a game in recent fixtures, Gateshead paired KYLE FERGUSON and HARRISON HOLGATE for the full game at Forest Green Rovers. However the Heed helped ETHAN ROSS keep a clean sheet by failing to produce a single shot on target, and Rovers strolled to a 4-0 win.

Solihull Moors were a goal up at the break, but visitors Aldershot Town made a triple change at half time, including the introduction of MARCUS DINANGA. He claimed the assist for the equaliser, and a 92nd minute own goal gave them a 1-2 win. Moors remain bottom with only 1 point from 7 matches.

Sutton United continue to slide. Their third consecutive league reverse sees the early leaders drop to 9th. Visitors Scunthorpe United won 0-2, with DECLAN HOWE playing the first 65 minutes. JAMES GALE was left on the bench.

A full shift from CHRIS MERRIE contributed to CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde winning 1-4 at Yeovil Town.

National League : Carlisle United left REGAN LINNEY on the bench, and took the lead over visitors Southend United after 4 minutes. The Essex club still trailed when they withdrew RYAN COLCLOUGH after 58 minutes, but they equalised in the 83rd minute. 4 minutes later Regan joined the game, but it was the visitors who looked to have snatched victory in the 92nd minute. However Georgie Kelly struck again 93 minutes after his opening goal to salvage a 2-2 draw.

National North : BILLY WATERS equalised for Chester at Buxton, but he and TOM PEERS (right) were unable to earn a result for PHIL PARKINSON'S team who lost 3-1. LIAM BROCKBANK was booked for Buxton.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY was on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline for Hednesford Town, who finished with 10 men at Hebburn Town.

ELLIOT NEWBY opened the scoring for Morecambe, and, although LEWIS BAINES was booked, they comfortably beat visitors Brackley Town 3-0.

BRAD JACKSON started for Radcliffe, but even the introduction of JORDAN HULME and JUDE OYIBO wasn't enough to save them from a 0-3 home defeat by Oxford City.

ELLIOTT OSBORNE, GEORGE WILSON and SAM HEATHCOTE all started for Macclesfield at Spennymoor Town. Sam was booked, and taken off at the break. The Silkmen were 0-1 up at the time, but were pegged back to 1-1 after Cameron Borthwick-Jackson conceded a penalty, and was sent off for doing so.

FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round : Wythenshawe were unable to cope with Blyth Spartans at the Avensure Community Stadium, not helped by being without DARIUS PALMA. They were already 0-3 down at the break, and despite the efforts of captain JEROME WRIGHT for 85 minutes they eventually lost 0-4.

Bridlington Town gained revenge for Congleton Town knocking them out of the FA Cup last month, forcing DAVE PARTON to retrieve the ball from his net 3 times. The Bears did manage a consolation goal.

BYRON HARRISON was unable to prevent Kidsgrove Athletic from being eliminated 0-3 at home by Stafford Rangers.

ANDY DALES played the whole game as Mickleover came from behind to beat visitors Sutton Coldfield Town 2-1.

JOSH HANCOCK started for Nantwich Town, while AIDY ROXBURGH was a 72nd minute substitute, and JOE PIGGOTT could only watch from the bench as visitors Wellingborough Town won 2-3.

Prescot Cables came from behind with a SHARIF DEANS strike at Pontefract Collieries, and an excellent TONY THOMPSON save in the dying seconds led to a penalty shootout. Sharif converted his penalty as Cables won it 4-5.

A back post header from KYLE BROWNHILL gave Stalybridge Celtic a 5th minute lead at home to Lower Breck, and they scored again for a 2-0 half time lead. Within 4 minutes of the restart the Liverpool team had wiped that lead out, but Celtic skipper Josh Tongue scored a 30 yarder in the 90th minute to send them through.

NPL Premier Division : JAMES HARDY was substituted at half time by Ashton United with the game goalless. Visitors Cleethorpes Town scored the game's only goal after 65 minutes.

BEN ELLIOTT played the first 72 minutes for Warrington Town at Broadhurst Park, where they lost 4-1 to FC United.

DAVID FITZPATRICK (left) played the full game and was booked, while MAX HARROP was withdrawn after 72 minutes as Avro won 0-2 at Gainsborough Trinity.

DONTAI GABIDON was the only Old Boy in Hyde United's team, and although he played the full game they were beaten 1-3 by visitors Whitby Town.

Curzon Ashton skipper DANNY WHITEHEAD was withdrawn after 67 minutes at Lancaster City. There was no score at the time, but Curzon later struck twice to take the points.

HAYDEN CAMPBELL hit two first half goals to seemingly put Leek Town in control at high-flying Redcar Athletic, but they eventually lost 3-2.

Warrington Rylands captain DEAN FURMAN put in a full shift as they drew 1-1 with visitors Stockton Town.

NPL Division 1 West : MAX BEDDOW was in goal for 1874 Northwich as they drew 1-1 at Atherton Collieries. The hosts were captained by SAM SHERIDAN, who played throughout, while AARON BENNETT (right) came off the bench after 54 minutes.

SEAN LAWTON played the whole of Newcastle Town's 0-5 win at Padiham.

Captain MARK LEES and MASON FAWNS played the full game as Mossley beat BEN HARRISON'S visitors Witton Albion 1-0. JAMES LAWRIE and DAMOLA SOTONA played throughout for Albion.

FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round : ELLIOTT ROKKA started for Northwich Victoria at Darwen, and put them ahead after 26 minutes. They went onto win 2-3.

RYAN BROOKE started for Trafford at Shawe View, where they led from the 20th minute before conceding a late equaliser to Charnock Richard. They will replay on Tuesday.

NWCL Premier Division : SEFTON GONZALES was among the scorers as Nelson beat visitors FC Isle of Man 4-0.

NWCL Division 1 South : ANDREW JONES (right) was in goal for Cheadle Heath Nomads, who rescued a point in the 94th minute, drawing 3-3 with visitors Sandbach United.

Northern Ireland Premiership : MONTEL GIBSON played the second half for Larne, who won 0-2 at Portadown despite playing from the 28th minute with 10 men.

Welsh Premier League : JOHN DISNEY took his Connah's Quay Nomads team to Colwyn Bay, and, although MIKEY STONE was missing, JAMES JONES captained them for the full game. But despite going ahead after 9 minutes, and having 75% possession, they lost 2-1.

Scottish League Cup Quarter Final : Kilmarnock had been a goal down when Aberdeen defender Dan Happe saw a second yellow card after 57 minutes. Within a minute Killie equalised, but weren't able to press home their man advantage despite extra time, and so the game went to penalties. JOE HUGILL wasn't too tired after just over 2 hours of football, and stepped up to convert the first penalty. Aberdeen missed their first kick, and things were looking rosy for the Ayrshire club - but they missed their next three attempts and lost 1-3.

12 September 2026

TODAY: WOKING

Altrincham play away at Woking this afternoon (Saturday).

Woking preview the clash stating, "Following a big victory in the National League Cup against Southampton Under-21s [in midweek], Woking host Altrincham, looking to get back to winning ways in the Enterprise National League.

Altrincham arrive at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in good form. They have won three matches in a row, following losses in their first three matches of the season...

Woking gained four points from fixtures against Altrincham last season, including a memorable away victory with Josh Kelly on the scoresheet...

Neil Gibson is now the man at the helm for Altrincham, having managed Wealdstone, as well as teams in Wales. His side currently sit 12th in the table, looking upwards after their recent form.

Right: Sam Taylor

Altrincham made a number of signings in the summer. Amidst the new additions, they signed experienced forward Kane Hemmings, who has previously operated for the likes of Barnsley and Rangers...

Player to Watch: Young winger Sam Taylor arrived from Tranmere in the summer on a free transfer. Taylor has gained one assist so far and has shown a dynamism and flair on the wing, gaining plaudits for his performances so far".

SAM TAYLOR INTERVIEW

Alty TV has an interview with Sam Taylor (right). He confirmed that he was playing out of position following the injury to regular left-back Eddy Jones. Normally his role is further up the pitch but he is happy to play wherever asked.

Sam is also pleased that, this week, he has been recorded as Altrincham's fastest player in the squad despite competition from "'Weaves' [Lucas Weaver], Jimmy [Knowles] and Reuben [Lopata-White]!"

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Friday 11th September 2026

Kidderminster's win on Friday lifted them to second in the National League and also raised Altrincham up a place to eleventh before Saturday's matches.

Saturday 12th September 2026

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on the Australian NPL Victoria: Oakleigh Cannons made it through to the Championship Final, but not without late drama. They'd taken the the lead with their first serious attack after 11 minutes, but visitors South Melbourne went in level at the break.

CONNOR HAMPSON and his colleagues regained the lead just after the hour, and could have increased it on more than one occasion. There were 4 additional minutes, and with only 13 seconds of it left the Cannons keeper was harshly penalised when a Souths forward went down in a challenge with him. After the dust settled he saved the penalty.

The Cannons will host the winners of Hume City v Avondale, who play tomorrow morning UK time, in next week's final.

Scottish Championship : By the time Livingston withdrew TYRESE SINCLAIR (right) after 81 minutes at Morton, they were 1-3 up, and he'd claimed the assist for the second one. They went on to win 1-4.

National League : Kidderminster Harriers were ahead at the break against visitors Hartlepool United, and after withdrawing CALLUM DOLAN in the 75th minute they added another goal to win 2-0.

Welsh Premier League : Airbus faced a stiff task at home to league leaders TNS, who had 18(7) shots to their 3(2). In the circumstances LOUIE FALLON did well to keep the score down to 0-2.

It was no better for Llandudno keeper JOEL TORRANCE as they travelled to second placed Barry. Although his team actually had more shots on target than the hosts, they lost 4-1.

Irish Premier Division : It was a massive game for St.Patricks when Dublin neighbours and league leaders Shamrock Rovers came to Richmond Park. BARRY BAGGLEY played the whole game as they won 2-0. The win leaves them 3 points behind Rovers with 6 matches still to play, and they have a 5 goal edge on the goal difference. The winners of the league go into the Champions League qualifiers next season rather than the Europa Conference qualifiers that the 2nd and 3rd finishers take part in.

NATIONAL TRIUMPH FOR AGS

In local non-football news, congratulations are due to the boys of Altrincham Grammar School (AGS) who won the first ever national crickert competition solely eligible for non-fee-paying schools.

Named the Knight-Stokes Cup after Heather Knight and Ben Stokes, who both gained cricket pre-eminence having been state-educated, AGS beat the John Hampden Grammar School (Buckinghamshire) by six wickets in the Final at Lord's on Thursday.

Lord's state that "The champions will have their names etched in history as we unveil a new Honours Board for winners of the competition which will be installed in the Writing Room in the Lord's Pavilion".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Sutton United "confirm the signing of Bobby Amartey on a short-term loan deal from Leicester City.

The Ghana youth international will be familiar with the U’s already, having played at the Borough Sports Ground in the National League Cup last month, and will offer talent and depth to Chris Agutter’s backline, adding to a defence which has maintained the second-best record in the Enterprise National League so far.

Amartey joined Leicester at Under-13 level and has progressed through the academy, going on to make his debut for both the Under-18s and Under-21s at the age of 16 in October 2022 and March 2023 respectively...

A versatile, athletic defender who can operate comfortably as either a left-sided or right-sided centre-back, he has earned the captaincy of the Foxes’ Under-21s, as well as training with the club’s first team this season...

Agutter said 'A massive thank you also to Leicester City for trusting us with a players development who we know they rate so highly... Bobby is a big, tall and athletic centre back who enjoys defending, wants to put his head on the ball, wants to block shots, wants to track runners, and is desperate for clean sheets – he’ll fit right in'".

And the BBC adds that Sutton United have also "signed wing-back Ben Brookes on short-term loan...

Brookes signs from York City until mid-December after being left unregistered from Scott Lindsey's squad for the current League Two campaign.

The 25-year-old moved to York from Maidstone in 2025 and played 35 league games last season">

11 September 2026

NEXT: WOKING

Altrincham play away at Woking on Saturday afternoon.

In midweek in the National League Cup, Woking "welcomed Southampton U21s to the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Tuesday evening, with the Cards securing a 4-1 victory in front of 232 supporters.

After Saturday’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Hartlepool United, Woking started positively...

The opening half-hour remained evenly contested, with neither side able to take control...

Woking began to enjoy more possession as the half progressed, with Timmy Akinola increasingly involved in midfield... The breakthrough arrived from [a] corner in the 37th minute. Sohna delivered into the area and O’Brien converted to put Woking ahead.

However, the visitors equalised shortly before the interval when Lewis Day reacted first inside a crowded penalty area.

Woking made three changes at the break, introducing vice-captain Chin Okoli, Roy Syla and Liam Dulson.

The Cards regained the lead just two minutes after the restart. Georgiou played the ball forward before Sohna produced an excellent first-time finish into the top corner to make it 2-1.

Four minutes later, Woking extended their advantage. Dulson collected the ball on the left, cut inside onto his right foot and finished clinically, with Timmy Akinola providing the assist...

Southampton made changes as they looked for a route back into the game, while Woking introduced John Marquis in the 72nd minute...

A difficult ball into the area was turned into the visitors’ own net by J. Kayi Sanda in the 75th minute, extending Woking’s lead to 4-1...

Woking: Ross, Odusina, Tunji Akinola (Wilson 84’), Ogie (Okoli 46’), Putman, Timmy Akinola, Sohna, Turner (Syla 46’), Georgiou, O’Brien (Dulson 46’), Ayres (Marquis 72’). Unused subs: Forster-Caskey, Verga".

The attendance was just 232.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that in League One CARL PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage to a 2-1 home win over Luton Town.

European Cup: Although DERMOT MEE was on Manchester United's bench, he was clearly the third choice goalkeeper, so didn't get to contribute to their 4-0 home win over Sabah Baku.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Harrogate Town "announce the signing of Leyton Orient’s Michael Craig on a three-month loan deal.

The 23-year-old has racked up over 80 appearances in League One for both Orient and Reading...

'He’s an experienced head at just 23-years-old and a solid League One performer, so we’re delighted to have him here.' Said Manager Simon Weaver. Craig started career at Watford before joining Tottenham at age 12... Craig would then spend three seasons at Reading, making his professional debut for the Royals, before making the switch to Leyton Orient ahead of the 2025/26 season".

The BBC states that "Gateshead have signed forward Freddie Issaka on loan from League One side Plymouth Argyle until January.

The 20-year-old holds the record as Argyle's youngest-ever first-team player after making his debut aged 15 years and 34 days on 31 August 2021.

He spent time on loan with Bristol Rovers in League One and made eight substitute appearances for the Pirates.

He then went on to join Truro City and made 14 appearances in the National League during a loan spell last season".

The BBC reports that "Hartlepool United have been hit by a double injury blow with confirmation that goalkeeper Max Merrick is set to be out for six weeks while Max Kouogun may need ankle surgery.

On-loan Merrick, who has returned to parent club Chelsea for treatment, had to be replaced shortly after the half hour mark in Pools' 1-0 win over Woking on Saturday due to a thigh injury, while defender Kouogun has sustained ankle ligament damage after landing awkwardly in the defeat to Eastleigh in August...

Clark told BBC Radio Tees, "Max's had a scan. We spoke with their medical team... He's got a thigh tear, so he'll be out for six weeks'...

'We've had a scan on Max Kouogun with his ankle issue when he landed in the Eastleigh game, he's got some kind of ligament damage, so Max will be out for a minimum of two months.

'We're going to see a consultant to see whether it needs surgery, if that would be the case, that would take up to three months'...

Merrick was replaced against Woking by summer recruit Nathan Fisher... That would mean player/goalkeeping coach Adam Smith moving up as second-choice goalkeeper".

Forest Green Rovers "announce Adeteye Gbadehan's permanent signing after a successful trial period with the club.

The versatile 22-year-old midfielder has signed a one-year deal with the club. Adeteye made 14 appearances last season for MLS Next Pro side St Louis Two.

Gbadehan also had a short spell with Welsh outfit Cardiff City, making one EFL Cup appearance during the 2024/25 season...

Manager Robbie Savage had this to say... 'Adeteye's been on trial with us for the last ten days and has done exceptionally well'".

Sutton United rport that the club's "duo Chris Agutter and Dan Urpens have been nominated for the Enterprise National League Manager and Player of the Month awards respectively.

The recognition comes after a successful opening opening month of the season in which the U’s secured maximum points from their opening four games...

While much of Sutton’s early season form has come as a result of the tactical nous of Agutter and his backroom team, including Dean Hammond and Ben Cornelius, the performances of those on the pitch especially in defence has allowed for an almost unbeaten start to the month.

Urpens in particular has caught the eye on both the right-hand side and in the heart of the backline, while his long throw-ins have been a key weapon. As such, the Academy product has already picked up four assists, half of which came directly from his deliveries from the touchline...

The Full List of Nominees:

Manager of the Month nominees

Player of the Month nominees

10 September 2026

UPDATE FROM ALTY CHAIRMAN

At Altrincham Mark Luby has issued an extensive "Chairman's Update" in which he says "We shouldn’t get carried away after three victories, just as we shouldn’t have got too down after three defeats. What we do have now is some momentum, and the important thing is that we build on it.....

One of the real highlights for me so far this season has been seeing the extended Fan Zone in full use... It has become a genuine meeting place for Alty supporters and, for me, it is exactly what a football club should be about...

This season has also seen the launch of our new hospitality lounge, Club Alty 1891".

Mark then turns to finances, observing that "One of our biggest challenges remains investment.

In spite of raising investment of nearly £4m since 2023, the club continues to need additional injections of capital to compete at the current level and above... The need for further funding is continuous – although, unlike many other clubs, we are totally debt free. The most recent investment round of £750k was funded equally by Simon Orange and myself.

I do want to be clear about Simon’s role. He has no involvement whatsoever in the day-to-day running of Altrincham Football Club or in football decisions...

Alongside our continued support, I firmly believe we need to attract new investors – whether local, national or international – if we are to achieve our ambitions. Attracting that investment is a key focus for me and the board...

The other major priority for the coming months is attendances. Quite simply, we need more people coming through the gates on Moss Lane..

This season, a new National League rule means supporters aged 13 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 or over...

We could have 12 and 13-year-old Alty supporters who have previously come to games safely with their friends who suddenly can’t attend because an adult isn’t available to accompany them... We should be encouraging young people to experience live football rather than putting additional barriers in their way...

Growing our attendances will be one of the club’s biggest areas of focus over the next few months, and I would encourage every Alty supporter to play their part. Bring a friend, bring your family, bring someone who hasn’t been to Moss Lane before".

Mark also paid tribute to both the women’s first team "on an excellent start to their league campaign"... and to "our under-14 boys, who travelled to Northern Ireland and returned as Foyle Cup winners...

On the Academy side, congratulations to graduates Louis Fallon and Max Beddow, who have both secured excellent loan moves...

"Finally, I want to mention Owen German (left). Owen would have been very much part of our first-team squad this season but suffered a very unfortunate injury in the pre-season game at Wythenshawe Town...

His current contract is due to expire at the end of this season, but we don’t want his injury to deny him the opportunity he had earned. The club will therefore be offering Owen an extension to his contract, giving him the time and security to concentrate on his recovery and get himself back on the pitch", explained the chairman.

ALTY LEAD THE WAY

On its X feed, DAZN's National League account reminds us that with 1,972 goals Altrincham are the all-time leading scorers in the top-flight of non-League.

It does not add that this is the club's 34th season in England's fifth tier, which is also a record.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

AFC Fylde "have been shortlisted as finalists in the 2026 Football Content Awards!

For the second year running, the Coasters have been nominated for the 'Best Football Club - Non League' award in one of the most prestigious competitions in the industry...

Here at AFC Fylde, we pride ourselves on consistently providing top-tier quality output across all of our platforms, which has required an extensive workload from those involved to be recognised as one of the best in class...

The Club's media department have worked tirelessly to present AFC Fylde in the best way possible and have been backed no-end by the Chairman and Senior Management at Mill Farm, who have enabled the department's staff to take our content to the next level...

As ever, the Coasters face stiff competition from 24 fellow non-league Clubs including outfits such as Bury, Dorking Wanderers and Hashtag United, each too with a strong media presence across all platforms."

Carlisle United "announce the permanent signing of forward Micah Obiero from Wealdstone for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old joins the Blues on a two-year deal with the option of a further year.

Obiero, 25, will already be a familiar face to United supporters, having spent time on loan at Brunton Park from Huddersfield Town during the 2020/21 season, making seven appearances and scoring once...

He joined Boston United in the summer of 2022 before moving to Wealdstone later that year... The attacker has made more than 170 appearances for the Stones...

Playing regularly as a striker, he scored 17 goals in all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign and was named Wealdstone's Players' Player of the Season...

Sporting Director, Marc Tierney said 'Micah is a fast, dynamic attacking player who brings pace, directness and a real goal threat to our squad.'"

Forest Green Rovers' have used their website to state, "This is our position on Palestine. Why we speak out in support of the Palestinian people and why we fly the national flag of Palestine. Why we call for a Free Palestine. And why necessarily we criticise the actions of the state of Israel.

It’s about respect for human rights and international law.

We see a great crime in progress, the abuse of an entire nation of people. We consider keeping quiet in such circumstances to be immoral.

What it’s not about is politics, race, or religion."

Danny Hunter, chairman of Boreham Wood writs that "It’s been an eventful, progressive and promising last five weeks, which have included an opening day draw, five straight league wins, one National League Cup win, Abdul’s sale to Djurgårdens and four new signings in Farhaan Ali Wahid, Danny Cashman, Ted Curd and Jay Bird, all of whom are very warmly welcomed to the club.

On the injury front, Callum Reynolds is still out with the concussion injury he picked up at Dagenham in pre-season, while Lewis Richardson is quietly nursing a calf injury...

Until last week, when we managed to sign both Ted Curd and Jay Bird, we had, due to Abdul and Callum Reynolds being unavailable, been operating most weeks with just 16 first-team players and one young member of the Academy. All of which makes our very good league start even more impressive, especially when you look at the large squads most other clubs operate with at National League level...

In terms of the new £4 million South Stand and associated facility build, which will be to EFL standard, the main contractual decisions have now been made, led by myself, my architect Paul Beech and my QS, Matthew Foster...

I do hope that, when the work starts in earnest in three weeks, I can bring some of my film prop master skills to the table, having garnered so much building experience from working within that particular industry for over 30 years...

I’ve already put the build into three very clear phases. By building the modular new changing rooms off-site and ordering the steel now to fix prices, given that we will not be starting the South Stand until February 2027, it makes economic sense for the club and also brings the build time down to 40 weeks from start to finish.

So, with a fair wind, I’m now hopeful we can be almost finished and ready for the opening game of our next pre-season. If that is not quite achievable, we will certainly be ready and completely finished for the first game of next season, whatever league that might be in!"

9 September 2026

NEXT: WOKING

Altrincham play their seventh game of the season on Saturday as Woking become their fourth away opponents of the campaign.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's action...

National League Cup : TYLOR GOLDEN played the full game as Boreham Wood came from behind to beat Newcastle United U21 2-1, but DANNY CASHMAN wasn't in their squad.

CONNOR TEALE was a half time substitute for Boston United, with the game still scoreless, but he was booked after West Bromwich Albion U21 were gifted an own goal by Ben Hammond, who has barely figured in the league so far this season - and that goal settled the match.

On Saturday KYLE FERGUSON (right) was substituted by Gateshead at half time in favour of HARRISON HOLGATE, but tonight the roles were reversed. Already two goals ahead, Derby County U21 went on to win 1-3.

DECLAN HOWE gave Scunthorpe United a halftime lead, and soon after the restart JAMES GALE set up their second. ROSS BARROWS came off the bench after 61 minutes, while James departed 6 minutes later. Nottingham Forest U21 reduced the arrears, but lost 2-1. REAGAN OGLE remains injured.

After West Ham United U21 built up a 0-2 lead at Aldershot, the hosts withdrew 4 players after 34 minutes, including MARCUS DINANGA. The young Hammers took full advantage of this mass reorganisation and promptly scored again.

They remained the dominant side throughout the game having 16(6) goal attempts to Aldershot's 4(2), but despite the hosts being reduced to 10 men after 81 minutes there was no further score.

Scottish Challenge Cup : Airdrieonians handed a start to KIAN TAYLOR in their home game against St.Mirren B, which they won 1-0.

Northern Ireland Premiership : MONTEL GIBSON was left on the Larne bench as they beat visitors Bangor 1-0.

National North : PHIL PARKINSON has seen his Chester team's excellent start disintegrate, and they dropped to 7th after losing 0-1 at home to Merthyr Town. TOM PEERS and BILLY WATERS both started, but Tom was substituted after 66 minutes, and Billy 6 minutes later.

LEWIS SALMON played the full game for Chorley at home to Darlington, but wasn't among the scorers as they won 5-2.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY started for Hednesford Town at King's Lynn Town, where they won 2-3. Former Alty trialist ZAK MILLS played for the home side.

ELLIOTT OSBORNE, GEORGE WILSON, and SAM HEATHCOTE all started for Macclesfield, but a first half red card made life difficult, and they had to settle for a goalless draw with visitors Scarborough Athletic.

Radcliffe climbed off the bottom of the league with a 5-1 win that knocked visitors Hebburn Town out of the playoff places. BRAD JACKSON was withdrawn after 66 minutes, and JORDAN HULME and JUDE OYIBO (left) came on 11 minutes later. Jude was fouled for the penalty from which Radcliffe scored their 4th goal.

ELLIOT NEWBY was booked as Morecambe lost 2-1 at Southport, but he did score their 81st minute leveller. They only stayed on terms for 3 minutes. Elliot and LEWIS BAINES played the full match, while Southport brought REGAN GRIFFITHS on during the second half.

FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round Replay : TOLANI OMOTOLA equalised for Boldmere St.Michaels from the penalty spot against visitors Bourne Town, and they went on to set up a 2-1win before he was withdrawn after 86 minutes.

NPL Division 1 West : It was still goalless at Chasetown when Kidsgrove Athletic withdrew BYRON HARRISON after 63 minutes, but they went on to win 0-2.

Two former Robins keepers were in opposition at Ivy Gardens, and it was Prescot Cables custodian TONY THOMPSON who enjoyed a clean sheet as he and SHARIF DEANS ran out 0-2 winners at the expense of hosts Congleton Town and their keeper DAVE PARTON.

Mossley skipper MARK LEES put in a full shift, but MASON FAWNS was sent off after 79 minutes. 9 minutes later visitors Clitheroe scored the game's only goal.

JOE PIGGOTT put in a full shift, but JOSH HANCOCK was substituted after 84 minutes, and AIDY ROXBURGH was missing as Nantwich Town lost 3-1 at Stafford Rangers.

JAMES LAWRIE put Witton Albion ahead as he and JOEL BEMBO-LETA played the full game against visitors Wythenshawe FC. Captained by JEROME WRIGHT, the Ammies equalised through DARIUS PALMA, who was substituted after 75 minutes and claimed a 1-1 draw. Albion boss BEN HARRISON brought on former Robins trialist DAMOLA SOTONA after 56 minutes.

NWCL Division 1 South : ANDREW JONES conceded just once at Barnton, but that was enough to spell defeat for Cheadle Heath Nomads.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP FIXTURES

Tuesday 8th September Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Wednesday 9th September

Group C

Wednesday 23rd September

Group C

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

Sutton United "confirm the signing of Joe Knight on an initial three-month loan deal from Stevenage.

The versatile midfielder joins the club with a view to extending until the end of the season, and offers quality and Premier League experience to Chris Agutter’s ranks.

Knight began his career in the youth setup at Brighton & Hove Albion... his development culminating in his Premier League debut, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-0 win over Leeds United in November 2025...

He later joined League One side Stevenage alongside Sutton’s Jack Taylor in January 2025 for an undisclosed six-figure fee, and has been a regular figure within the Hertfordshire side’s youth setup, appearing once for the first team in the EFL Cup.

Knight now embarks on his first senior loan, reuniting with Agutter following their time together at the AMEX Stadium...

Agutter added... 'A big, tall and athletic midfielder who has real quality on the ball, Joe also has a real edge-he’s a proper competitor which will fit perfectly into our group. On top of the above Joe has also got an excellent dead-ball delivery'".

At Worthing "Versatile left-sided defender Charlie Waller has joined the Reds on a three-month loan from League One outfit Milton Keynes Dons.

Standing at 6’4 tall, the temporary spell at Woodside Road represents the defender’s eighth loan away from his parent club ,as the 21-year-old takes his next step in his development.

Last season, Waller turned out for two different National League sides. At the start of 2026, the MK Dons loanee spent a month with eventual play-off winners Rochdale before finishing the remainder of the 2025/26 term with Wealdstone.

This loan deal... sees the Englishman reunited with Assistant Manager Jon Meeney, with the pair working together at Sutton United in the 2024/25 campaign.

Waller is well-versed in the fifth tier, making 11 appearances last season and featuring in 21 matches the year before with Sutton...

Manager Adam Hinshelwood said 'Charlie is an exciting prospect who operates as a left sided defensive player, which will allow us to play with a back three in certain games should we choose to do it'".

Tamworth "manager Andy Peaks said the draw against Boston United was a 'familiar story' as he shared his disappointment on Saturday's result

The Lambs opened the scoring through former Boston United player Kieren Donnelly, but Jamie Grimes headed home an equaliser in the 32nd minute.

Morgan Roberts was the one to retake the lead eight minutes after the restart, but the visitors pulled level again on the 63rd minute through Lennell John-Lewis.

Peaks said... 'For me, it’s two points dropped at home. On the 96 minutes, I felt we should’ve scored more than we did, and I felt we shouldn’t have conceded the goals we did. It’s a familiar story at the minute, unfortunately...

'We’ve played six games now and we’ve been in every game. Halifax, we weren’t, because of terrible mistakes, but we’ve competed with every team and not got the points we should’ve got. More chances than them today, but we have to learn to defend. People not doing the right things at key times, giving them a little bit of a lifeline...

'We shouldn’t have to score four and five to win a game of football'".

8 September 2026

NEXT: WOKING

Altrincham go into their match at Woking next Saturday on the back of a three-match winning sequence, the third time such a run has been achieved by Alty under Neil Gibson.

The last time Alty won four on the trot in the league was in 2023-24 under Phil Parkinson when they went on to win five league games in succession.

EASTLEIGH MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Alty TV has highlights of Altrincham's win over Eastleigh last Friday.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports...

League One : After winning away at Barnsley on the opening day of the season, Bromley have found life difficult at the highest level they have ever reached. In their next 4 games they've taken just 1 point, with a goal difference of 3-15. ALI SMITH played the full game for visitors AFC Wimbledon who won tonight's local derby 0-2.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reports that "Barrow manager Adam Murray is excited about working with the club's two newest signings...

The Bluebirds have brought in forward Mikey Lane on loan from Fleetwood Town until 2 January and midfielder DAN MOONEY.

The 27-year-old Mooney had worked with Murray at Kidderminster Harriers last season, so the Barrow boss knows exactly what he is getting.

'These lads love him, and I think the fans will love him because he epitomises what Barrow is about,' Murray told BBC Radio Cumbria.

'He's hard-working, he can be vicious at times, he wants to win, and he's prepared to die for the cause. He'll be a really good signing for us.'

Lane has joined from League Two Fleetwood, but he did have a spell in the National League North last season, on loan at Hereford, where the 19-year-old came up against Murray.

'Mikey can play down the middle, which is his best position as a nine,' said Murray.

'He's all-action; he doesn't care who he's playing against, as he'll smash into people, and he's an unbelievable finisher.'"

Boston United "have completed the initial month-long loan signing of Barnsley wing-back Georgie Gent.

The former Blackburn Rovers man, who will turn 23 during his loan spell at the Jakemans Community Stadium, has been recruited to provide additional options on United's left side, particularly with Kai Mauro potentially set for a spell on international duty with Gibraltar.

In addition to making 25 senior appearances for Barnsley, United's newest recruit also spent a productive loan spell north of the border with Motherwell in 2023-2024".

Worthing report that "Highly-rated forward Jordan Young has signed for the Reds on a permanent deal from Torquay United for an undisclosed fee...

Off the back of a stellar National League South campaign with the Gulls, with the versatile attacker recording 30 goal contributions in 42 appearances, the 27-year-old has arrived on West Sussex shores to bolster Adam Hinshelwood’s frontline...

Last term, it was the third successive year our newest Rebel had reached double figures for goals, having netted 14 goals for Yeovil Town in the 2023/24 season prior to a 10 goal haul in his first year at Torquay and 18 strikes in total in the campaign just gone...

Born in Chippenham, Young has also turned out in the sixth tier for Chippenham Town and Gloucester City in the National League North and has featured in the National League for Yeovil.

He also briefly sampled life in League One with Coventry City as a teenager following a move from Swindon Town".

And Worthing also confirm that "Striker Charley Kendall becomes our second signing of the evening, with the forward arriving for undisclosed terms from fellow National League side Southend United.

The 25-year-old joins the Reds’ ranks following a positive 18 month spell with the Shrimpers...

The Reds’ latest forward addition played a part in Kieron Dyer’s side’s strong start to the campaign, coming off the bench to net the winner in a 3-1 away victory over Solihull Moors just over a fortnight ago.

Born and raised down the road in Eastbourne, the striker experienced his football education at Queens Park Rangers, but it was with his home town club Eastbourne Borough where Kendall truly announced himself on the senior stage...

Lincoln City swooped in January 2021 and secured his signature before loaning him back to the East Sussex outfit...

Starting the 2022/23 season in League One with Lincoln, Kendall continued to develop through loan spells in League Two with Sutton United and the National League with Bromley.

Spells with Dagenham & Redbridge and Woking would follow, where the centre forward would register double figures for goal contributions in the National League.

Southend then won the race to lure the Englishman to Essex in December 2024".

News of another, more recent player for Altrincham comes from Harrogate Town who "announce the signing of goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson, on a three-month loan from Bolton.

The shot-stopper joined Bolton at the age of eight and has spent his entire career at the Wanderers, where he signed his first pro deal in 2021...

The 24-year-old spent the 25/26 season on loan at Altrincham, where he would make 44 appearances and win the club’s players' player and young player of the year awards".

Bottom of the table Solihull Moors "announce the signing of experienced midfielder Ryan Woods on loan from Oldham Athletic until 5th December.

The 32-year-old arrives at Damson Park with more than 500 senior appearances to his name across the English Football League, including extensive experience in the Championship...

A product of the Shrewsbury Town Academy, Woods made his senior debut in 2012 and went on to make more than 100 appearances for the Shrews before earning a move to Brentford in 2015... making 128 appearances and scoring three goals during a successful three-year spell at Griffin Park.

Woods joined Stoke City in 2018, initially on loan before completing a permanent move. He later gained further Championship experience during spells with Millwall, Birmingham City and Hull City.

Loan moves to Bristol Rovers and Exeter City followed before Woods joined the Grecians permanently in 2024. He made 37 League One appearances during the 2024/25 campaign...

Moors first team manager Chris Millington said... 'He is composed on the ball, possesses an excellent passing range and has the ability to control the tempo of a game from midfield'".

Kidderminster Harriers report that "Cardiff City youngster Luey Giles has signed for Harriers on loan until the end of the season.

The energetic left-back arrives at Aggborough for what is a second senior loan, having featured for Eastleigh in the National League at the back end of last season...

The player has been with the Bluebirds since joining their U9s, and progressed through the ranks to first-team level, making two Championship appearances in 2024.

The 20-year-old will now become a part of Paul Wotton’s Harriers squad...

'Luey has got good pedigree [and is] a player I've known about for a while... He's got a great left foot and he's going to come in to compete for that jersey'" said manager Paul Wotton.

7 September 2026

HUMBLES POST-MATCH

Following his winning goal on Friday night against Eastleigh, Alty TV spoke to Liam Humbles (right).

Referring to a "real turnaround for the boys", the midfielder said "I don't think we were playing really bad" in the opening three defeats of the season.

As for his goal, Liam admitted that "I'm always getting shouted at that I don't shoot enough".

He admitted that at half-time against the Spitfires, "the gaffer got into us" as in the first half "we were really sloppy on the ball"

MANAGERS' VIEWS

Following Friday's win over Eastleigh, manager Neil Gibson (pictured below, left, during the game) told the Non-League Paper, "It was another really hard-fought result.

"A week is a long time in football but I don't think that our performances have been hugely different from the first three games.

"But we've been better at taking our chances, better at attacking the 18-yard box and better at defending our own".

And in an interview for Alty TV, referring to Eastleigh's equaliser, the Alty boss was concerned that "Again we gifted another goal, it's got to stop happening".

However he praised his team for not "feeling sorry for themselves" after three defeats at the start of the season. Now, he feels, "We look like a good football team".

The manager had challenged both his midfield and defensive players to chip in with more goals and on Saturday both goals came from the former group.

Eastleigh counterpart Matt Gray told the NLP, "Our response to going behind was outstanding.

"After going behind we pressed and we moved the ball really well and we got the equaliser we deserved. But I'm frustrated we haven't got something from the game.

"I don't think we deserved to get beat on the night"

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan's report today concerns overseas matches starting with Australia's NPL Victoria, where CONNOR HAMPSON and his Oakleigh Cannons team mates now know that they will entertain South Melbourne in the Championship Semi Final.

The quarter finals followed the seedings. South Melbourne, who finished 4th, won the corresponding league fixture 1-2 just over 6 weeks back, but Cannons had won 0-3 in the reverse fixture 5 months ago. It looks certain to be a tightly contested clash. The winners will meet either runners-up Hume City or 3rd placed Avondale in the final.

Meanwhile in the USL League One Forward Madison are 3rd in the league, just 2 points behind leaders Charlotte Independence, but their visit to Corpus Christi was no cakewalk.

They could have trailed at the break, but Blake Bowen didn't manage to convert a penalty.

The men from Wisconsin finally went ahead just after the hour, and, despite the best efforts of SAM ROSCOE (left) and his colleagues, they made better use of the penalty they were awarded soon afterwards to take a 0-2 lead, and hold on to it until the end. Corpus Christi's day got worse in the 96th minute when Sam's fellow defender Shannon Gomez saw a straight red card.

Closer to home, the NL Paper tells us that in the NW Counties League Premier Division, SEFTON GONZALES, now playing for Nelson, scored twice as his side demolished AFC Liverpool 6-1 on Saturday.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Gateshead have announced two new signings, one of whom is former Alty loanee HARRISON HOLGATE who has joined "until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The centre-back arrives on Tyneside after departing EFL League Two Fleetwood Town following the 2025-26 season after... making over 100 appearances for the club".

Gateshead also announce that Jordy Hiwula has signed for the same length of time "after spending the 2025-26 season with Boston United.

Hiwula arrives... having made over 200 appearances in League One for clubs including Coventry City, Fleetwood Town and Porstmouth...

The 31 year-old ... signs on to add to Lee Cattermole's attacking options".

We now turn to two clubs rueing defeats on Saturday...

First up, "Defender Morgan Feeney admitted Carlisle United were left frustrated by the loss at Boreham Wood despite believing there were plenty of positives to take from the Blues' performance.

United pushed the league leaders throughout the contest and created plenty of positive moments, but two avoidable goals ultimately proved costly...

He said... 'We've come away with a defeat through our own mistakes, our own faults. It can't happen. We're disappointed. We're all fuming in there, rightly so, because them goals can't happen...

'We started very well on the front foot, and maybe we shocked them a little bit. I don't think they had an answer for not just the first 10 minutes, but for large parts of the game.

'I felt like we got the press right, they were giving us the ball back'".

Another club rueing defeat in Sutton United where "Chris Agutter admitted to feeling 'really frustrated' after Sutton suffered their second consecutive defeat at Barrow.

The result came despite a promising start, with a missed early opportunity from Sam Folarin and a number of key moments going against the U’s as they slipped to back-to-back defeats following their perfect opening to the league campaign...

Agutter said 'We gave a sloppy corner away, an uncharacteristic error, and they’ve then scored from the corner...

'It’s the first goal we’ve conceded from a set piece, which is frustrating, but we’ll look at that.

'We won five in a row and we’ve lost a couple of games...

'We’ve lost the last couple of games and we haven’t been able to field the side which won five out of five, or four out of four in the league...

'We’re one point off the top. When we walked in the door, I think we were bottom of the league... We’re essentially missing our John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho at the back, you know – what those guys were to Chelsea. Those are big misses for us.

'That’s the experience we brought in in the summer, and it’s no surprise that in the last two games we’ve looked a bit inexperienced, a bit naive along the back line, and we’ve given up silly goals.”

'They’re a dying breed, that type of centre-back, and we’re missing them'".

6 September 2026

OPPONENTS' VIEW

Following their 2-1 defeat at Altrincham on Friday night, Eastleigh's report is headed, "The Spitfires fall short in Cheshire under the lights".

It adds, "Josh Lundstram’s third goal of the season brought the Spitfires level before half-time, but a stunning Liam Humbles’s strike in the second half secured all three points for Altrincham...

Despite the hosts’ early dominance, the Spitfires continued to press the Robins’ backline, biding their time for the moment to pounce. In the 32nd minute, the Spitfires were rewarded for their patience after Owen Evans’s loose pass fell to Josh Lundstram inside the box. The midfielder rounded Evans brilliantly, before netting his third of the season to equalise for the blues, with their first effort of the game.

Above: Alty warm up before the game against Eastleigh.

As the game entered added time, the Robins came close to finding a third once again when Sam Taylor’s long-range effort thundered off the bar, setting the Spitfires away on an immediate counter-attack. Seconds later, Rankine looked to have levelled the score with the final kick of the game when his cross appeared to catch Evans out, but the goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to retain all three points under the lights".

NEXT: WOKING

Altrincham travel to face Woking next Saturday (3pm).

The Cards lie second from bottom (23rd) after winning just one of their six fixtures to date and drawing another.

Woking were hit by the sudden departure of manager Jermain Defoe, a fortnight before the start of the 2026-27 season. On 24 July 2026, Jake Hyde and Craig Ross were named as interim first-team managers .

They started the season with a 0-3 home defeat to Sutton United, followed by a 2-0 reverse at GAteshead. However, a 3-2 home win over AFC Fylde lifted spirits before a 1-0 loss at Hornchurch.

An encouraging 1-1 home draw against Southend United was followed by last SAturdays' 1-0 defat at Worthing.

A lack of goals has been a major factor in their poor run with five blank scoresheets out in their seven league and league cup fixtures played to date.

Their team ast Saturday comprised 22. Will Jaaskelainen, 6. S.hadrach Ogie, 16. Tunji Akinola, 4. Chinwike Okoli, 25. Jake Forster-Caskey (c), 26. Steven Turner, 8. Roy Syla, 11. Matt Ward, 2. Zico Asare, 18. Liam Dulson, 32. John Marquis. Subs: 23, Tim Akinola, 20. Taylan Harris, 10. Aiden O'Brien 5. Timi Odusina, 21. Jaiden Putman, 13. Craig Ross (gk), 7. Harrison Sohna

THROUGH THE YEARS: 12 SEPTEMBER

Next Saturday, 12 September, is the ninth anniversary of Altrincham's last game on that date, a 2-1 home win in an FA Cup replay against Abbey Hey.

As in the original tie in Gorton, Altrincham were unable to convert their dominance of possession and attacking momentum into a convincing scoreline but their much weakened side nevertheless won through to meet Shildon in the Second Qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Altrincham's starting eleven was without Poole, Harrison, Taylor, Amis, Richman, Miller and Disney. Although Poole and Harrison were on the bench, they took no part in the match.

As in the original tie, John Johnston was Alty's stand-out attacking player and he netted both goals in this replay. His first came from just outside the box in the 24th minute and his second was another low shot from outside the box, which made it 2-0 in the 65th minute.

Above: Lewis Short, facing camera, congratulates John Johnston after his opening goal against Abbey Hey. Image courtesy of Mike Ripley.

But, nine minutes later, Abbey Hey got back into the game when a Freakes shot hit a defender and looped towards the goalmouth where Blake, unmarked, scored from close range past the otherwise barely employed Tim Deasy, who had been restored to the Alty goal tonight.

For details of all of Altrincham's fixtures on 12 September we are indebted to the Through the Years records of Howard Watts and Mike Garnett

ALTY OLD BOYS

Altrincham did not play on Saturday but Phil Jordan's prodigious survey has unearthed the activities of no fewer than ninety former Altrincham players or loanees.

His review starts in League One : CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was an unused substitute for Peterborough United, who lost 1-2 at home to league leaders Sheffield Wednesday.

Stevenage captain CARL PIERGIANNI (right) got off to a bad start at Barnsley, conceding the penalty from which the hosts went ahead, and picking up a yellow card in the process. However he was a happy man at the final whistle as his team, despite having fewer goal attempts, went on to win 1-5.

League Two : Shrewsbury Town were already a goal down at Fleetwood Town when they withdrew KEVIN BERKOE after 83 minutes, and soon conceded again to lose 0-2.

Grimsby Town were without the injured JUSTIN AMALUZOR at Cheltenham Town, where they came back from being 2 goals down at half time to earn a 2-2 draw. JAKE BICKERSTAFF was a 64th minute substitute for the hosts.

JOEL SENIOR played the whole of Tranmere Rovers 2-0 home win over Oldham Athletic.

ALEX NEWBY (left) equalised for York City, who drew 1-1 at Crewe Alexandra. JEFF KING came on for the second half, and Alex was substituted after 85 minutes.

While Newport County's DAN SASSI was an unused substitute at Northampton Town, the hosts gave OWEN DALE his debut from the bench after 79 goalless minutes, and went on to win 1-0.

National League : With the game still goalless, Aldershot Town withdrew MARCUS DINANGA after 65 minutes, and went on to beat visitors Halifax 1-0.

Yeovil Town have taken to not naming a substitute goalkeeper of late, so MATT GOULD wasn't on their bench at Southend United. JACK KINGDON was, but wasn't called into action. The Glovers were 0-2 up by the 58th minute - which was surprising as they only had 2 efforts on target all afternoon. However Southend hit 3 goals in 19 minutes in the final quarter to win 3-2.

CHRIS MERRIE played the full game for AFC Fylde, but CRAIG MAHON'S team were held 2-2 by visitors Worthing.

Barrow is becoming like a second home for our Old Boys, and, despite OLLY CRANKSHAW being injured, they named 4 in their squad at home to Sutton United. KEATON WARD set up the opening goal, and ISAAC MARRIOTT scored the second as the Bluebirds won 3-0. Both he and 80th minute substitute KENNEDY DIGIE were booked. New signing DAN MOONEY (right) was an unused substitute.

Gateshead took off KYLE FERGUSON at half time and replaced him with new signing HARRISON HOLGATE. Visitors Solihull Moors led with an 85th minute penalty, but had to settle for just their first point of the season as the Heed snatched a 94th minute leveller.

There was a welcome first clean sheet of the season for ETHAN ROSS as Forest Green Rovers won by the only goal at Hornchurch. JAMES BERRY wasn't in their squad.

Scunthorpe United withdrew 4 players after 63 minutes, including ROSS BARROWS. JAMES GALE was among the replacements, and DECLAN HOWE came on 13 minutes later, but it was all to no avail as visitors Harrogate Town won 0-2.

CONNOR TEALE was a 75th minute substitute for Boston United at Tamworth, where they came from behind twice to draw 2-2.

The game at Wealdstone was suspended for some time late in the first half due to a medical emergency in the crowd. Kidderminster Harriers had taken a 3rd minute lead, but were reduced to 10 men after 27 minutes and went in 1-1 at the break.

Within 2 minutes of the restart CALLUM DOLAN restored their lead from the spot, and they made light of their man disadvantage to go on and win 1-4.

DANNY CASHMAN started for Boreham Wood and played for 68 minutes before being substituted. his team-mate TYLOR GOLDEN came on as a substitute after 81 minutes.

The Wood defeated a Carlisle United side, which deployed REGAN LINNEY as a used substitute, the hosts running out 2-1 winners.

Scottish Premiership : JOE HUGILL put in a full shift for Kilmarnock in their goalless draw at Aberdeen. It was their first point of the season, but they remain bottom of the league.

Scottish League One : KIAN TAYLOR (right) was a 71st minute substitute for Airdrieonians at Queen of the South, where they lost 2-1.Like Kilmarnock, they're bottom of the league.

National North : BRAD JACKSON started for Radcliffe at Bedford Town, where they had already conceded the only goal of the game when Frank Sinclair was red carded in the dugout. JORDAN HULME and JUDE OYIBO came on after 71 minutes.

PHIL PARKINSON took his Chester team to Tyneside to take on newly promoted Hebburn Town. TOM PEERS and BILLY WATERS started for the Seals, who led early but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY played the full game for Hednesford Town, but they finished with 10 men as visitors South Shields scored the only goal.

ELLIOTT OSBORNE, GEORGE WILSON and SAM HEATHCOTE all started for Macclesfield at Merthyr Town. They took the lead after 55 minutes, but lost 2-1 in added time.

Morecambe appear to be running into form, and, while LEWIS BAINES helped to protect their clean sheet, ELLIOT NEWBY was among the scorers in their 4-0 home win against Buxton.

LEWIS SALMON started for Chorley at Oxford City, where they too lost 4-0.

Southport made their first ever trip to deepest Lincolnshire, and they were beaten 2-0 by Spalding United. REGAN GRIFFITHS was booked as he and HARRY PERRITT laboured in vain. LUKE BURGESS was suspended today. 44 year old TONY MCMILLAN was their unused substitute goalkeeper.

NPL Division 1 East : ZAK GOODSON scored Matlock Town's first equaliser as they were held 2-2 by visitors Silsden. He also picked up a yellow card.

NPL Division 1 West : BYRON HARRISON was a 60th minute substitute for Kidsgrove Athletic at Bootle, where they lost 1-0.

Lichfield City seem to be out of their depth in this division, and were no match for visitors Stalybridge Celtic, although it didn't help that they were down to 9 men inside half an hour. KYLE BROWNHILL (left) was booked, but scored twice as Celtic won 0-5.

With the game at Seel Park goalless, JOE PIGGOTT put visitors Nantwich Town ahead in the 74th minute. Mossley went straight up the field and MASON FAWNS equalised.

Captain MARK LEES also put in a full shift for Mossley, while AIDY ROXBURGH did likewise for the Dabbers as the game ended 1-1.

MAX BEDDOW was on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline for 1874 Northwich at Padiham.

Midland League : BILLY HASLER-CREGG made his debut for West Didsbury & Chorlton as they entertained Tividale. They came from behind to win 3-2. LEWIS BILLINGSLEY was an unused substitute.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND started for Wythenshawe Town at Winsford United, where they lost 1-0.

NWCL Premier Division : ELLIOTT WYNNE (right) kept a clean sheet as JOHN JOHNSTON's Irlam beat visitors Ramsbottom United 2-0.

Irish FA Cup Quarter Final : St.Patrick's brought BARRY BAGGLEY off the bench after 55 minutes against visitors Bohemians. After the normal time ended goalless, St.Pat's went ahead in extra time, only to ship an own goal 2 minutes later.

Bohemians missed the opening penalty in the shootout, and Barry was up first for St.Pats to give them the advantage. However they missed their 3rd kick and it went to sudden death. Eventually St.Pat's missed their 9th kick and were eliminated 7-8.

FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round : DANNY WHITEHEAD (left) captained Curzon Ashton, but they lost 1-2 to visitors Bradford Park Avenue.

BEN HARRISON'S Witton Albion produced an excellent 0-2 win at Avro. JAMES LAWRIE played the full game for Witton, and was booked, while DAMOLA SOTONA was a 55th minute substitute. JOEL BEMBO-LETA stayed on the bench. DAVID FITZPATRICK played the full game for Avro.

Trafford also had a good result, winning 1-3 at Bamber Bridge, who are 2 divisions higher, after going behind. RYAN BROOKE hit the crossbar before being substituted in the 73rd minute.

JEROME WRIGHT and DARIUS PALMA started for Wythenshawe at Gigg Lane, but they were no match for Bury. The Shakers didn't open the scoring until the 32nd minute, but went in at half time leading 6-0, and finally won 8-0.

One of the outstanding results of the round was Newcastle Town's 1-2 win at Cleethorpes Town. SEAN LAWTON and his colleagues came from behind to eliminate their higher division opponents.

Northwich Victoria withdrew ELLIOTT ROKKA after 61 minutes just after they'd gone 2-1 up against visitors Atherton Collieries. However Collieries, captained by SAM SHERIDAN, who had to take the place of his injured goalkeeper between the sticks after only 11 minutes, and with AARON BENNETT having come off the bench after 55 minutes, equalised after 84 minutes, and snatched a 2-3 victory in added time.

TONY THOMPSON kept a clean sheet for Prescot Cables to help them defeat visitors Horbury Town 2-0. SHARIF DEANS also played the full game.

Shildon, who once knocked Altrincham out of the competition, entertained Warrington Town, and were 2-1 up when BEN ELLIOTT (right) came off the Town bench after 72 minutes. However a 76th minute equaliser means the teams must replay at Warrington on Tuesday evening.

JOEY JONES made his debut from the bench after 70 minutes as Sholing beat visitors Andover New Street 2-0.

Even without the injured ADAM PORTER, Leek Town were too powerful for their hosts Sporting Khalsa. They only took 5 minutes to go in front, and 8 minutes later HAYDEN CAMPBELL increased their lead. He went off after 66 minutes as they cruised to a 0-5 win.

ANDY DALES put in a full shift as Mickleover won 0-1 at Stamford.

KEVIN ELLISON was an unused substitute as Vauxhall Motors were beaten 0-2 by visitors Dunston.

WILL HALL had the armband for Hyde United as JACK REDSHAW was among a long injury list that restricted them to only 4 substitutes at Warrington Rylands. Unfortunately he was sent off for a second yellow card after 85 minutes.

DONTAI GABIDON had been substituted 5 minutes earlier, and JOE BUNNEY was left on the bench. Rylands won 3-1, but no team details are available, so it isn't clear if DEAN FURMAN was involved.

Last, but certainly by no means least, JAMES HARDY scored FOUR goals as Ashton United won 2-5 at Whitby Town.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In advance of Saturday's game, Barrow reported that "DAN MOONEY has joined the Bluebirds ranks linking back up with Adam Murray, who has worked with the versatile attacking midfielder previously.

Mooney has over 130 National League appearances to his name, with 49 career goals and assists">

Barrow also announced "the loan signing of Mikey Lane from League Two outfit Fleetwood Town until January.

The 19-year-old signed his first professional contract for the Cods in 2025 having been a regular feature for the Fleetwood Town Academy...

Last season, Lane joined National League North side Hereford FC and enjoyed his first taste of men's professional football".

Meanwhile, Cumbria's NW Evening Mail reveals that "Barrow manager Adam Murray has blasted the standard of officiating after revealing OLLIE CRANKSHAW is facing a spell on the side-lines through injury.

Murray confirmed the winger is set for a period out and claimed a series of dangerous challenges against his players have not been punished strongly enough...

He said 'We've lost Crankshaw for a little bit. Another ridiculous challenge...

'We have actually got a bad injury in Crankshaw.... It's a frustration of ours because the officiating has been absolutely woeful'".

5 September 2026

WEEKEND FIXTURES

After the completion of the weekend fixtures, Altruncham found themselves 12th in the National League.

Friday 4th September

Saturday 5th September, 3pm unless stated#

POST-MATCH VIEWS

Following the win over Eastleigh (see below), there are post-match interviews on Alty TV with manager Neil Gibson and the scorer of the winning goal, Liam Humbles.

ALTRINCHAM 2-1 EASTLEIGH

A third 2-1 win in eight days has lifted Altrincham to ninth in the National League, albeit they have now played an extra game compared with 22 of their 23 rivals.

Right: Aidan Barlow laid on Altrincham's opening goal.

Altrincham took a thirteenth-minute lead when Barlow's advance up the middle saw the ball come to Crawford, to his right, and he drove the ball home from 20 yards or so. It was the Alty captain's third goal of the season.

But a mix-up in their own box, after several similar giveaways already this season, cost the hosts an equaliser for Eastleigh. Evans and Cooper needlessly played the ball back and fore to each other before the defender slipped and former Alty midfielder Josh Lundstram took advantage to score from close range (33 mins).

Altrincham regained their lead in the 55th minute when Humbles lashed home a shot from 20 yards.

Eastleigh enjoyed plenty of the ball in the second half but good defensive work and wayward balls from the visitors left Altrincham' lead intact. In fact, it might well have become 3-1 when Taylor lashed a 25-yarder off the underside the bar in added time.

Match report here.

Alty's only change saw Kosylo start in place of Lopata-White.

1. Owen Evans; 14. Matty Kosylo, 5.Jake Cooper, 2. Lewis Banks, 15. Sam Taylor, 22. Tom Crawford (c), 8. Liam Humbles, 7. Otis Khan, 10. Aidan Barlow, 23. Charlie Kirk, 11. Jimmy Knowles. Subs: 4. Jack Hinchy, 12. Kian Breckin, 13. Andy Firth (gk), 21. Reuben Lopata-White, 20. Kahrel Reddin 28. Kane Hemmings, 24. Sam Barnes

KANE INTERVIEWED

Brian Flynn's interview with new signing Kane Hemmings is available courtesy of Alty TV

NEXT: WOKING AWAY

An away fixture at Woking next Saturday evokes unhappy memories of last season's game at Kingfield which was as recently as 31 March 2026.

A very eventful Tuesday night game ended in a 1-1 draw draw as, for the third time that season Altrincham ended a league game with just nine men on the pitch. However, a backs-to-the-wall performance earned them a point despite match statistics which showed a deficit of 17-2 in terms of shots on goal.

Altrincham took a thirteenth minute lead when Tylor Golden finished well from left of goal, his shot finding the far corner, from a Jimmy Knowles pass.

But just three minutes later referee Callum Walchester stunned everyone, including the Woking TV commentators who described his red card for Sam Barnes (right) as "bizarre". The Alty centre-back was sent off for a high foot as he executed an overhead kick from a corner ball from the right. It was Barnes's first card of any description this season.

Walchester, a Lowestoft-based referee who had not officiated Altrincham previously, had already dismissed four players in his twelve National League games this season and he was to raise that tally to six in thirteen outings by the end of this game.

In the first half, Woking had looked nothing like a side which had been unbeaten in seven games before their narrow defeat at York the previous Saturday. But in the second half they upped the pressure on the depleted opposition and finally got an equaliser in the 82nd minute when Andrews was allowed too much time to turn and score from about 15 yards.

The second red card for Altrincham on 89 minutes was not contentious. Reddin, who had just been penalised, allegedly stamped on the heel of Ward in the aftermath.

Altrincham's remaining nine men defended valiantly through more than ten minutes of added time to secure a point before there appeared to be unwelcome interaction between some Alty players and the home crowd behind their goal.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on the South Korea K League 2 in which MARCUS DACKERS came off the bench at the start of the second half for Daegu at Paju Fromtier, but they were unable to break down the home defence and had to settle for a goalless draw. This was a game that Daegu would almost certainly have expected to win, and leaders Suwon Bluewings are now 4 points ahead of them with a game in hand as they stay 4th.

Scottish Championship : TYRESE SINCLAIR was a 56th minute substitute for Livingston, who lost 1-0 to visitors Stenhousemuir. The team from Falkirk have made an excellent start to their first ever season in Scotland's second tier, having picked up 13 points from their opening 5 matches.

Welsh Premier League : Briton Ferry produced 5 shots on target against visitors Airbus, but were unable to beat LOUIE FALLON (right) and lost 0-2.

There was also a clean sheet for JOEL TORRANCE as Llandudno beat visitors Ammanford by the same scoreline.

However it was a disappointing evening for JOHN DISNEY and his Connah's Quay Nomads side, who were held 1-1 by visitors Haverfordwest despite full shifts from captain JAMES JONES, and MIKEY STONE.

Northern Ireland Premiership : MONTEL GIBSON only came off Larne's bench after 88 minutes. Visitors Glentoran had just converted a penalty, but it wasn't enough to stave off a 2-1 defeat. Larne sit 8th of 12, but have at least 2 games in hand on everybody above them.

FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round : JAMES WALSHAW'S Ossett United progressed 1-0 against visitors Pontefract Collieries.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Boreham Wood "announce the signing of Jay Bird on a short-term loan deal from Salford City.

A mainstay of the MK Dons academy, Bird spent 11 years of his youth career and three years of his senior career with the Dons. He then made loan moves to local sides Hitchin Town and Wealdstone, before moving to Dagenham & Redbridge on a non-contractual basis in 2022...

Bird then traded East London for the Scottish suburbs [sic], putting pen to paper with Scottish Championship side Arbroath on a one-year contract in 2023...

Moving back to England, Bird signed for League One side Exeter City, before enjoying perhaps his most successful spell of football with Rochdal...

A powerful yet pacey striker, Bird adds to the attacking talent already in the squad. He labelled his play style as 'fast and athletic'".

Forest Green Rovers "announce the loan signing of right-back Kelvin Abrefa from Reading until December.

The 22-year-old becomes our twelfth signing of the current window.

Abrefa has made over 80 appearances for Reading, including 27 appearances last season...

He came through Reading's youth ranks, progressing from the U18s to the U23s before making his professional senior debut against West Brom in the 2021/22 campaign...

Manager Robbie Savage said... 'He brings a wealth of EFL experience to our defensive options at just 22 years old. It's a position we've needed cover in for a while'".

4 September 2026

TONIGHT: EASTLEIGH

As Altrincham prepare for their second successive Friday night match at the J. Davison Stadium, with Eastleigh the visitors this time, whether Altrincham's injured list has grown or diminished remains to be seen.

Altrincham's only two "ever-presents" this season, in terms of pitch time, are Lewis Banks (left) and Sam Taylor (right)

Last time out Altrincham were missing four long-term injured players. They were Charlie Olson (hamstring), Eddie Jones (hamstring), Owen German (ruptured achilles) and Kristian Dennis (unknown injury).

In addition, Lucas Weaver has been absent from the last two matchday squads for reasons that are unclear.

Of the players named in a matchday squad so far this season, only Anthony Forde and Sam Barnes have yet to get onto the pitch.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Walton and Hersham "confirm the sale of JOEY JONES to Sholing FC in the Southern League.

After two years as a Swan, Joey leaves the club a fan favourite. He has achieved a league title, won the Surrey Senior Cup and served as club captain. We are truly grateful for his contributions".

Meanwhile, Sholing confirm "the signing of experienced midfielder Joey Jones, who joins the Boatmen from Walton & Hersham as player/coach. The 32-year-old arrives at the Mortgage Decisions Stadium following a hugely successful spell with Walton & Hersham...

Joey brings with him considerable experience. After spending time within the youth systems at Arsenal, Leicester City and Yeovil Town, he joined Woking permanently in July 2014...

He spent four years with the Cards before joining Eastleigh in June 2018. A move into the English Football League followed in June 2019 when he signed for Salford City, while his career has also included spells with Dagenham & Redbridge and Grimsby Town...

Alongside his playing responsibilities, Joey will join the first-team coaching staff, working with manager Ross White and Paul Doswell to help develop the club’s footballing philosophy and contribute to its wider football operations".

Footnote: Jones joined Altrincham in June 2023. An injury cost him the latter part of pre-season before a reported broken foot further curtailed his appearances in late September 2023 at Maidenhead.

However, nearly four months later on 19 February 2024, it was revealed by the club on X/twitter than Joey had undergone an ankle operation that would see him miss the remainder of the campaign.

He was then released at the end of 23/24 season after making 4(+5) appearances.

Phil Jordan adds that OWEN DALE has signed a 12 month contract with Northampton Town, whilst BYRON HARRISON (above, right) has joined Kidsgrove Athletic.

During his 4 year stay with Nantwich Town, Byron scored a very creditable 52 goals in 146 appearances, having failed to find the net in his 9 games for Altrincham but, at the age of 39, his career will probably not run much longer.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Boreham Wood "announce that Ted Curd has returned to the club on a season-long loan from Chelsea FC...

Having joined the club in November 2025, Curd made his Boreham Wood debut against Tamworth later that month, immediately stepping into a first-team role despite his age. He went on to make 24 National League appearances, alongside 10 cup appearances, keeping an impressive 11 National League clean sheets in the process. Such a record is a testament to Curd’s goalkeeping ability...

Although only 19 when he embarked on his Wood career, Curd... featured heavily in our playoff run...

Luke Garrard expressed his excitement about welcoming Ted back to the group. 'When this got presented to me, it was a no brainer. The opportunity to bring back Ted and compete for the number one shirt with Luca was something I felt would bode well for all involved...

'To have two of the best young talents fighting it out for the number one shirt really excites me'".

And also at Boreham Wood chairman Danny Hunter has written that "We’ve had to make a few tough decisions and deal with a bit of transfer drama involving our own “little maverick”, Abdul Abdulmalik. Though we tried desperately to keep him, it became very clear that was going to be almost impossible...

I can now confirm that we have sold Abdul for an undisclosed non-league record fee. We refused to be rushed or railroaded by anything or anybody. We stuck to our guns on a series of fair but achievable add-ons, including a sell-on fee, appearance fees and an international clause..

Once we knew Abdul had made his mind up to leave us no matter what, it became evident that he was prepared, on the advice of others, to down tools for the foreseeable future.

As such, both my mentality and the club’s had to change or, put more simply, we then needed to get the very best deal possible...

I feel that by being a bit pragmatic, old-school and calm, by refusing to deal with the player’s agent throughout, and by having a very clear valuation in my head regarding which add-ons were key, we knew where we would compromise and where we could possibly steer the negotiations. That stance, ably co-ordinated by Charlie Hunter, got us to a place where everyone was happy".

In the same article, Hunter also has a go at the DAZN streaming agreement with the Natonal League saying that "National League football, for no real money, is being held over a barrel by a streaming company, while supporters of its larger clubs are being discriminated against almost weekly with these deliberately timed late kick-offs. They appear designed simply to drum up more stream purchases from away supporters, which in turn reduces home attendances – it’s a lose-lose situation".

AFC Fylde "announce the signing of midfielder Luke Butterfield on loan from Chesterfield.

The 22-year-old... began his footballing journey with Blackburn Rovers before joining the Everton academy at Under-12 level...

After being released by Everton in the summer of 2025, Butterfield joined Chesterfield on a two-year deal following a successful trial. He went on to make a number of appearances for the Spireites before heading out on loan to fellow League Two side Accrington Stanley in January 2026.

During his time at the Wham Stadium, Butterfield made 13 League Two appearances...

The midfielder now joins the Coasters ahead {sic] of the new campaign, bringing further experience and competition to the squad...

Butterfield said... 'It’s a really good set up and the style of football suits me really well. I feel it’s a style where I can express myself and bring my strengths to the team.'".

Kidderminster Harriers report tha "Cardiff City youngster Luey Giles has signed for Harriers on loan until the end of the season.

The energetic left-back arrives at Aggborough for what is a second senior loan, having featured for Eastleigh in the National League at the back end of last season...

Paul Wotton [stated] 'Luey has got good pedigree [and is] a player I've known about for a while.

'I know a couple of people in at Cardiff who speak very highly of him. He's got a great left foot and he's going to come in to compete for that jersey.'”

Scunthorpe United confirm that academy graduate Ty Sellars-Fleming has returned to the club for a third spell on loan from Premier League side Hull City.

A product of the Iron’s youth academy, Sellars-Fleming departed the club to join the Tigers in 2023 with just a handful of first team appearances under his belt... providing 27 goals in his first two seasons with the Hull City U21's.

The versatile forward returned to the club where it all started in September of 2025 on a short-term loan deal, looking to build on his experience from his previous loan spell with Gateshead FC during the 2024-25 season.

Initially joining the club on a 28-day loan, the young forward's contribution of back-to-back goals against York City and Southend United saw first-team manager Andy Butler act quickly to extend the 19-year-old's spell for a further three months...

Upon returning to Hull at the conclusion of his loan spell, Sellars-Fleming would be immediately sent on loan to United's local rivals Grimsby Town, where he would spend the second half of the campaign, making 10 appearances ...

So far this campaign, Sellars-Fleming has been firmly involved with the Tigers' first-team squad, featuring several times in pre-season fixtures as well as coming off the bench during Sergej Jakirović's side's Carabao Cup victory over Stoke City."

Southend United "announce the arrival of Zavier Massiah-Edwards on a non-contract basis.

The former Watford winger was on trial with the Club over the summer...

Massiah-Edwards has prior experience in the Enterprise National League, having enjoyed loan spells at Eastleigh and Braintree Town last season...

Said Massiah-Edwards 'My National League experience has helped me get to know men’s football, and now I want to get goals and assists every time I play'...

Southend United Head Coach Kieron Dyer commented 'We had Zavier with us at the same time as Sahid [Kamara] and both of them really impressed us.

'At the time, we’d already offered Sahid a contract so we didn’t want to flood the area with loads of players in a similar position, but with Sahid’s injury we thought a short-term arrangement would be perfect to cover us in this area.

'He wants to get at full-backs. Although he’s predominantly played off the right-hand side, he can play anywhere behind the striker'".

3 September 2026

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

On Friday night (7.45pm) Altrincham entertain Eastleigh who started the season with a 2-1 home win over Gateshead.

The Spitfires lost their second fixture 1-0 at promoted Kidderminster Harriers before two wins, 3-2 at home to Scunthorpe United and 1-0 away at Hartlepool United, were followed last Monday by a 1-1 home draw with Aldershot Town.

So Eastleigh arrive unbeaten in three matches to face an Altrincham side who have won their last two fixtures after three defeats on the run had started their season

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Wednesday's action...

Scottish Premiership : JOE HUGILL (right) played the whole of Kilmarnock's 0-1 home defeat by St.Mirren.

League One : AFC Wimbledon took an early lead at Burton Albion, but ALI SMITH scored an own goal, and the hosts went on to win 4-1.

Premier League Cup : KACPER PASIEK is still qualified to play for Preston North End U21, but wasn't involved as they lost 0-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers U21.

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS: 4 SEPTEMBER

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data show that when Alty face Eastleigh on Friday, 4 September, it will be five years since their last game on that date.

Back on 4 September 2021 Altrincham defeated Dover Athletic 3-2 at the J. Davidson Stadium.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Harrogate Town "announce the signing of Torquay centre back Sam Dreyer for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old signs having made over 80 appearances for The Gulls on the back of a season where he was named the club’s Young Player of the Year...

Dreyer revealed, 'I’m a centre half that can do both sides of the game, can play but can also head, tackle and put my body on the line to stop goals'...

Our newest recruit started his career at Stevenage and featured for Biggleswade, Hendon and Bedford before signing for Peterborough in 2023.

A loan spell at Hampton and Richmond is where Dreyer caught the eye of Torquay, who swooped for his services ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The centre-back was an instant success, being named in the 2024/25 National South Team of the Season".

In a brief statement, Barrow "confirm that Danny Rose has joined EFL League Two side Exeter City on a permanent transfer.

The 33-year-old joined the Bluebirds in January 2026 and has made 24 appearances for the club."

Carlisle United "announce the permanent signing of Teddy Jenks from Worthing for an undisclosed fee.

Jenks, 24, joins the Blues on a two-year deal with the option of a further year.

The midfielder began his football journey with his hometown club Brighton & Hove Albion...

A loan move to Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen followed in July 2021, where Jenks gained valuable experience... making 24 appearances...

He returned to England for the following season, joining League Two side Crawley Town on loan, before departing Brighton permanently in 2023 to sign for Forest Green Rovers.

Jenks made 24 appearances for Forest Green during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign before returning to Scotland, joining Ross County on loan for the remainder of the season...

A move to Worthing followed in 2025, where the midfielder [was]... the Players' Player of the Season and Supporters' Player of the Season...

Sporting Director, MARC TIERNEY said 'Ted is a player we first identified last year, and we’ve continued to monitor him closely as part of our recruitment strategy. He’s a talented and versatile midfielder who brings energy, physicality and quality on the ball. He has the ability to carry the ball forward, link play and contribute at both ends of the pitch, while his versatility gives us another valuable option within the squad'".

Woking "announce the signing of experienced centre-forward John Marquis on a one-year deal, following the expiry of his contract with Shrewsbury Town.

The prolific frontman brings more than 500 EFL appearances and 171 career goals to the Cardinals, having enjoyed spells with the likes of Portsmouth, Doncaster Rovers, Millwall, Lincoln City, Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town.

Marquis scored 61 league goals in 134 appearances for Doncaster between 2016 and 2019, earning the League Two Player of the Season award...

He now arrives at the Laithwaite Community Stadium ready to add his experience, goalscoring pedigree and leadership to the Cardinals ahead [sic] of the 2026/27 season".

Bridtol Rovers "confirm that Promise Omochere has joined Southend United on a season-long loan.

Omochere moved to Rovers in 2024 from Fleetwood Town and has made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals.

The 25-year-old will now continue the 2026/27 campaign on loan with the Shrimpers, who sit seventh in the National League after five games played under manager Kieron Dyer".

Meanwhile in National League South the BBC reports that "Ebbsfleet United will be able to start their season on Saturday after the National League lifted the club's suspension.

The Kent club had their first six National League South games postponed while they addressed ongoing financial issues, which had led His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to issue a winding-up petition over unpaid debts going back to April.

A takeover of the club last month, by new owner John O'Leary, allowed Ebbsfleet to fully pay HMRC and players..

Ebbsfleet have been handed a suspended six-point deduction by the league's compliance and licensing committee, which will be triggered should they fail to comply with as yet unspecified 'obligations'...

However, a transfer embargo remains in place".

2 September 2026

HIGHLIGHTS OF WIN AT FGR

Alty TV has some eight minutes of highlights of Altrincham's win at Forest Green on Monday.

FGR VIEW OF ALTY WIN

After Altrincham had recorded their first win at Nailsworth since 2008, Forest Green Rovers reported that their team "fell to their third defeat in a row at the hands of Altrincham on Bank Holiday Monday at The New Lawn.

Jimmy Knowles put the visitors in front nine minutes into the second half, beating Ethan Ross from range after turning Kyle Kelly in midfield.

Rovers hit back only 60 seconds later through captain Kyle McAllister, who fired past Owen Evans in the Altrincham goal.

Forest Green were then dealt a sucker punch in the final minute of injury time, as Altrincham substitute Kahrel Reddin grabbed the winner for the visitors...

The visitors found some joy down Rovers' right-hand side in the 25th minute, as Taylor delivered a good ball across the box which the visitors could not capitalise on. Altrincham captain Tom Crawford then scuffed what looked to be the best chance of the half.

Altrincham started the better of the two sides in the second half. Jimmy Knowles received the ball out wide and turned midfielder Kyle Kelly before striking low and hard past Ross in the Rovers net.

Rovers hit back instantly: half-time substitute Ricardo Rees picked the ball up on the left-hand side and drove at the Altrincham defence, creating room for McAllister to run into space. Receiving the cutback from Rees, McAllister smashed the ball past Evans to bring Rovers level...

FGR hearts were broken, though, in the dying embers of the match, as Altrincham substitute Kahrel Reddin (left)found the back of the net after Samuel Taylor's shot looked to be heading wide, sending Altrincham home with all three points and back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

It is another tough result to take for Robbie Savage's side, who face a tough away trip next up against in-form, newly promoted Hornchurch - a must-win fixture for Rovers, who have now lost three league games on the bounce",

TUESDAY RESULT

As a consequence of this result, Altrincham dropped a place to 16th.

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

For the second Friday night in succession, Altrincham have a home game on 4 September when, this time, it is Eastleigh who arrive after having to make a lengthy journey from Hampshire.

After five games, the Spitfires lie ninth in the Enterprise National League, four points ahead of sixteenth-placed Altrincham.

The clubs' relative positions were reversed at then end of last season when thirteenth-placed Alty finished seven points ahead of Eastleigh, who ended up in seventeenth place.

Altrincham won the corresponding fixture to this Friday's at the JDS 1-0 last April, the goal being netted by Tom Crawford.

The result and others elsewhere ensured that both teams found themselves statistically safe from relegation. But Altrincham made extremely heavy weather of securing the win, allowing Eastleigh to dominate the closing quarter of the game.

The only goal of the afternoon arrived in the 18th minute when, from a Knowles pass, Humbles brought a fine save out of Eastleigh keeper McNamara but the ball was recycled and from a Kosylo feed Crawford netted.

Alty were largely comfortable rather than dominant before the weather and their performance deteriorated after the hour mark. Indeed, the Robins were greatly indebted for maintaining their lead to goalkeeper Hutchinson (pictured left, during the game) whose series of second-half saves earned him a deserved Man of the Match accolade.

In mitigation, nine players were unavailable to Neil Gibson for the match. Seven of them (Ross, Banks, Sass-Davies, Olson, Reed, Forde and Grant) were out of contention through injury whilst Barnes and Reddin remained suspended for this game.

Just five of the starters in April 2026 also started the Robins' match last Monday; they were Cooper, Humbles, Khan, Crawford and Knowles.

Alty's team last season comprised 30. Luke Hutchinson, 14. Matty Kosylo, 34. Dan Sassi, 5. Jake Cooper, 33. Eddy Jones, 28. Liam Humbles, 8. Isaac Marriott, 10. Otis Khan, 22. Tom Crawford (c), 7. Olly Crankshaw, 11. Jimmy Knowles. Subs: 27. Louie Fallon (gk), 12. Kian Breckin, 17. Lucas Weaver, 23. Tylor Golden, 25. Joel Bailey, 28. Remi Raymond, 40. Charlie Kirk.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Before surveying Tuesday's action for Altrincham "old boys", Phil Jordan reports that on Monday in the Midland League Premier Division, ASTLEY MULHOLLAND named himself in the Wythenshawe Town starting lineup as they beat second placed visitors Runcorn Town 2-1.

A look at the league table reveals that the nearest of the current top 5 clubs to the actual Midlands are leaders Winsford United.

Coverage of Tuesday's games starts in League One where JUNIOR QUITIRNA wasn't in the Wycombe Wanderers squad which lost 1-2 to visitors Sheffield Wednesday.

Stevenage captain CARL PIERGIANNI played the whole of their goalless draw at Peterborough United, for whom CHRIS CONN-CLARKE (right) was a 70th minute substitute.

League Two : JUSTIN AMALUZOR wasn't in the Grimsby Town squad at Accrington Stanley, where they drew 2-2 despite being on top throughout, and having built a 2 goal lead.

JAKE BICKERSTAFF was an 87th minute substitute for Cheltenham Town, who had just scored what turned out to be the clincher as they beat visitors York City 3-2. JEFF KING came on for York after 67 minutes, at the same time as ALEX NEWBY was withdrawn.

KEVIN BERKOE played the full game for Shrewsbury Town on his return to Rochdale, where he made 9 appearances last season, but it was an unhappy return as, despite only having 7 shots to the Shrews 16, Rochdale won 3-0, converting every attempt they had on target.

Newport County led at Salford City, but the Ammies 32 goal attempts to their 4 eventually paid dividends with a 2-1 win. The clincher came in the 90th minute after County had brought on DAN SASSI 6 minutes earlier.

Tranmere Rovers, with JOEL SENIOR playing throughout, led twice against visitors Rotherham United, but had Bobby Faulkner sent off in the 94th minute, and conceded the equaliser 2 minutes later.

NPL Premier Division : Warrington Town won 1-2 at Leek Town, despite playing with 10 men from the 51st minute. BEN ELLIOTT only came off the bench for them in the 88th minute, while HAYDEN CAMPBELL played the whole game for the hosts, who were still without ADAM PORTER.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

On Monday, Solihull Moors "suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Fylde at Damson Park, leaving Chris Millington's side bottom of the National League table after losing each of the first five fixtures in the competition".

The Moors conceded the opening goal in the 34th minute.

As the Moors described it, "A corner at the other end of the pitch" led to the ball being "collected by Fylde keeper Jones, who then launched a long ball over the top of The Moors defence.

Metcalfe raced out of his box and attempted to head the ball clear, but was undone by an awkward bounce, the ball glancing off his head and Fylde's Harvey Broad was more than happy to run past and roll the ball into an empty net. It was very harsh on Solihull's number 1, who has been one of the bright sparks of the season so far. 0-1"

Just eight minutes later "Jack Morris was played through one-on-one with Metcalfe and made no mistake as he calmly slotted into the bottom corner to put his side two goals ahead. 0-2...

The second half kicked off with Solihull knowing they needed something special to turn the game around, and as he has so many times already this season, Wakeling was the man to produce it. The forward headed in from close-range following a flick-on from a corner...

Whatever [manager Chris] Millington had said at half-time clearly worked wonders as his side were transformed...

Wakeling was at the heart of everything", but after 59 minutes "Luca Thomas scored Fylde's third goal on the counter... 1-3...

Ultimately it was another frustrating afternoon for Solihull, but the second half performance in particular will be hugely encouraging in this tough period. Thank you as always for your unwavering support".

In contrast to the Moors winless start, Sutton United's "Dean Hammond insisted United will respond positively after suffering their first defeat of the season against Wealdstone on Bank Holiday Monday.

The U’s fell to a 2-0 loss courtesy of a brace either side of half time from Micah Obiero, but the result remains a minor setback in what has been an excellent start to the 2026/27 campaign, with five victories from the opening six matches, [including a National League Cup match]

With Chris Agutter being shown a straight red card in stoppage time, media duties fell to Assistant Manager Hammond, who was keen to stress that the focus must immediately switch towards the response...

't’s always disappointing to lose, frustrating to lose, but, you know, we’ve won five out of six games this season, which has been an incredible start'...

The result came just three days after Friday night’s dramatic victory at Gateshead, where the team played with ten men before securing a late 1-0 win through Temi Babalola, and the former Southampton and Leicester City midfielder acknowledged the demands of that trip, including the long journey back, but refused to use it as an excuse...

'You’ve got to remember that we had a really tough game on Friday night. We were down to ten men, the players came through that with a superb performance, and the mentality in that game was exceptional.”

'Then you’ve got the travel back as well. We got back really, really late, so you suffer a little bit in terms of your preparation. But no excuses...

'We’re a top team, we’ve got some top players, and they’ll do that; it’s about bouncing back@".

Another team coming to terms with defeat are Tamworth, where "Manager Andy Peaks was disappointed not to travel home from Somerset with at least a point on the board after a 3-2 defeat against Yeovil Town.

The Glovers took the lead, but it was Jake Hutchinson who levelled just before half time. Yeovil made it 2-1 in the 53rd minute, and added a third goal just after the hour mark. Kieren Donnelly got a goal back for Tamworth almost immediately, and the Lambs came close to equalising in the 89th minute, but Haydn Hollis’s finish was ruled out for offside.

Peaks said 'Frustrated not to get anything out of the game, to be honest... We had a good game plan here on how we could catch them, and I thought we were a threat from the first minute to the 98th minute, to be honest...

Hollis’s late goal was initially given, but after a lengthy delay, the assistant referee decided that it was offside and the score would remain at 3-2.

Peaks said... 'I’ve been and spoken to the referee and his assistants respectfully and in the right way, they could see I was frustrated.

'My problem is that whether it was offside or not, they haven’t got VAR, so I think it was a big call to go back on the decision they’d made because both the referee and the assistant gave the goal. Then something changed...

'It’s us against the world. That’s what we’re all about at Tamworth'">

1 September 2026

FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

In a goalless first half Altrincham gave as good as they got and, indeed, they spurned the best chance of the half when Crawford shot wide from a good opening. However, Evans was the slightly busier keeper, albeit even he had only a couple of saves to make.

Altrincham took the lead in the 54th minute when Knowles (right) netted from outside the box on the right, with a low, left-footed shot into the far corner of Ross's net.

But a mistake by Banks to the right of the Altrincham goal allowed FGR to work the ball to McAllister who equalised little more than a minute later (55 mins).

The goal boosted Rovers and they dominated the attacking momentum for the rest of the second half, ending up with 27 shots in the game as a whole.

But, although Evans made a few fairly routine saves, the hosts could not score and they were stunned when, deep imto added time, Taylor won possession on the left. He interchanged passes with Breckin before getting into the box. From the left his low cross-cum-shot was netted from close range by Reddin, arriving at the back post, to clinch the three points.

For Altrincham, Cooper came in for Kosylo and Barnes returned on the bench but Lucas Weaver was again missing as were the long-term injured quartet of Charlie Olson (hamstring), Eddie Jones (hamstring), Owen German (ruptured achilles) and Kristian Dennis (unspecified injury).

Rovers made three changes as Rees and Patrick moved to the bench and ex-Alty man James Berry dropped out. Into the eleven came Osude, Kelly and Etaluku. Ethan Ross was named in goal to face his forner employers.

Match report here

NEIL GIBSON'S VIEW

Speaking after the win at Forest Green, Neil Gibson paid tribute on Alty TV not only to his team, for their second win in three days, but also to the travelling support.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports...

National League : Although Boston United led twice, visitors Hornchurch won 2-3. The Pilgrims withdrew CONNOR TEALE after 88 minutes.

Carlisle United took an early lead against visitors Scunthorpe United. The Iron levelled, but REGAN LINNEY restored Carlisle's lead, and they went in 3-1 up at the break. By the time ROSS BARROWS, who played the full game, scored in the 84th minute it was merely consolation as they lost 4-2.

Regan's day was slightly soured by his second booking of the season, and he was withdrawn immediately after Ross's goal. Scunthorpe's JAMES GALE was also booked, and substituted after 75 minutes. DECLAN HOWE was a 62nd minute for them, but REAGAN OGLE was again not involved.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM (left) played the whole of Eastleigh's 1-1 draw, but visitors Aldershot Town withdrew MARCUS DINANGA after 70 minutes.

CALLUM DOLAN was booked as Kidderminster Harriers drew 1-1 with visitors Barrow, who had led with a goal set up by KEATON WARD. OLLY CRANKSHAW was withdrawn after 29 minutes, and Keaton returned to the Barrow bench after 81 minutes, although KENNEDY DIGIE and ISAAC MARRIOTT played throughout.

Jacob Wakeling has scored 4 goals in 5 games for Solihull Moors, but yet again his strike was in vain as they remain rock bottom without a single point. Today's visitors were AFC Fylde who won 1-3. CRAIG MAHON'S side actually had less chances (6) to Moors 14. CHRIS MERRIE played the full game.

Boreham Wood were behind at Worthing at the break, and withdrew TYLOR GOLDEN (right) at 1-1 in the 72nd minute. What followed was exactly what Worthing's fans wouldn't have wanted to see as their former player DANNY CASHMAN struck twice in 5 minutes. Wood survived a late penalty to win 2-3, and are the new leaders after Sutton United went down 0-2 to visitors Wealdstone.

Neither MATT GOULD nor JACK KINGDON were in Yeovil Town's squad, as they won 3-2 at home against Tamworth.

National North : LEWIS BAINES and ELLIOT NEWBY both started for Morecambe at Chester, and PHIL PARKINSON'S Seals were on the wrong end of the game's only goal. Despite scoring last time out, BILLY WATERS only joined the action as a replacement for TOM PEERS after 62 minutes. The defeat sees Chester drop to 4th.

The new leaders are Macclesfield, who despatched newly promoted Hebburn Town 3-0 at the Moss Rose. ELLIOTT OSBORNE (left) and GEORGE WILSON started, but SAM HEATHCOTE wasn't in the squad.

Radcliffe lost to the only goal against visitors Darlington, who were down to 10 men from the 69th minute. JORDAN HULME captained Boro, and played the full game, while BRAD JACKSON was withdrawn after 87 minutes. JUDE OYIBO was a 72nd minute substitute.

Southport's HARRY PERRITT won Man of the Match despite being sent off in the 88th minute, as visitors Hereford scored the game's only goal from the penalty spot. REGAN GRIFFITHS also started for the Sandgrounders, and was booked, while LUKE BURGESS was pressed into action from the bench as early as the 13th minute, only to be withdrawn just before the hour.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY played the whole of Hednesford Town's 1-1 draw at Spennymoor Town.

National South : MILES WELCH-HAYES was booked as Maidenhead United were held 1-1 by visitors AFC Totton.

Welsh Premier League : LOUIS FALLON conceded twice, one of them a penalty, but Airbus comfortably saw off visitors Holywell Town 6-2.

JOEL TORRANCE also conceded twice, but with unhappier consequences as Llandudno lost 2-0 in their local derby at Colwyn Bay.

JOHN DISNEY dropped MIKEY STONE to the bench, but JAMES JONES (right) captained Connah's Quay Nomads in their local derby at Flint Town United where they won 1-2. Mikey eventually joined the action after 59 minutes.

NPL Premier Division : DANNY WHITEHEAD captained Curzon Ashton to a 2-0 victory in their Tameside derby, while JOSH OLLERENSHAW watched from the bench. JAMES HARDY played the full game for visitors Ashton United.

DAVID FITZPATRICK played the full game for Avro, who won 3-4 at Broadhurst Park against FC United, who remain in bottom spot and winless.

A crowd of 2,167 saw Hyde United captain JACK REDSHAW score the clincher before his 83rd minute substitution, as they beat visitors Bury 2-1. WILL HALL and DONTAI GABIDON played the full game for the Tigers, who were only able to field 3 substitutes. NPL Division 1 East : ZAK GOODSON's 35th minute effort earned Matlock Town a 1-1 draw at bottom club Hallam.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : TOLANI OMOTOLA was one of the scorers for Boldmere St.Michaels in their 3-3 draw at Coleshill Town, although he picked up a late booking.

ANDY DALES was withdrawn by Mickleover at the break in their home game against Loughborough Students. Mickleover would have gone second with a victory, but the visitors gained their first win of the season in quite some style, hitting 6 goals without reply.

NPL Division 1 West: 1874 Northwich got off to a bad start against visitors Vauxhall Motors by having a player sent off in only the 2nd minute, but despite that handicap they opened the scoring. Without KEVIN ELLISON, Motors did eventually beat MAX BEDDOW (right) to earn a 1-1 draw. After one of their substitutes came on in the 73rd minute and left after a second yellow just 8 minutes later, 1874 were probably relieved to share the points.

Although SEAN LAWTON put in a full shift, Newcastle Town lost their Potteries derby at Hanley Town 3-2.

There was another derby just up the road, where visitors Congleton Town saw their goalkeeper DAVE PARTON concede twice as Kidsgrove Athletic won 2-1.

JAMES LAWRIE played the whole of Witton Albion's 0-3 win at Nantwich Town. BEN HARRISON'S team were without JOEL BEMBO-LETA, while former Robins trialist DAMOLA SOTONA was an unused substitute. JOSH HANCOCK, JOE PIGGOTT and AIDY ROXBURGH all played the full game for the vanquished Dabbers.

TONY THOMPSON was denied a clean sheet as he and SHARIF DEANS played throughout Prescot Cables 1-1 home draw with Runcorn Linnets. SEAN MILLER (left) was an 81st minute substitute for the visitors.

Stalybridge Celtic were surprisingly beaten 0-4 at home by Atherton Collieries. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game for Celtic, while GREG WILKINSON was an unused substitute. Collieries captain SAM SHERIDAN played the whole match, but AARON BENNETT was left on the bench.

Wythenshawe FC captain JEROME WRIGHT was booked, and DARIUS PALMA was withdrawn after 85 minutes, but they beat visitors Mossley 2-0. Lilywhites skipper MARK LEES and MASON FAWNS played throughout.

Midland League : West Didsbury & Chorlton dropped LEWIS BILLINGSLEY to the bench for their visit to Runcorn to face Northwich Victoria, where they lost 2-1. Vics withdrew ELLIOTT ROKKA after 71 minutes.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In the National League, Gateshead's keeper Pete Jameson scored the opening goal of the match against his former club Harrogate Town from a long clearance. You can view it here.


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