The following is based on information kindly provided by Reserves' manager Neil Brown, for which I am very grateful. Any errors are mine.

The game was played on the excellent surface at Christie Park against the reigning Lancashire League champions. Manager Neil Brown was asked to accommodate three left-sided players by first-team manager Graham Heathcote and this meant that normal Reserves' left-winger, Kieran James, started on the right. In the squad were Kieran Lugsden and Stuart Wright who have been regulars on the first-team subs' bench this season in Nationwide North whilst on the bench were first-teamer Sean Smith, returning to fitness after his road accident and George Clegg, a former Manchester United youngster with league experience. George has arrived at Moss Lane recently as a first team trialist. Matt Tooth returned at left-back after injury. Morecambe's side included a number of Academy players.

After Altrincham had had the better of the opening ten minutes, Morecambe were the better side for the next half hour. Indeed, Morecambe took the lead after 31 minutes after switching the play well from left to right following a misjudged Alty pass. However, Alty had a first-half "goal" of their own wiped out in strange circumstances. Kieran Lugsden, the most advanced player for Alty, saw a shot hit a defender and loop into the air and into the net. However, the linesman gave an offside decision as Alty players followed it in, even though the ball had come off an opponent. Other chances also fell to Lugsden but he was unable to convert them. Stuart Wright also got in several excellent crosses from the left which threatened a goal and Joey Roberts, too, had a good half. At the other end Billy Blower made three good saves for Altrincham in a defence in which George Melling was impressive, against his former team. His partner at the back, Wayne Leather, showed good signs of gaining full fitness. Tooth and Marsden, too, made up the rest of a solid back line.

Above is Adie Ore, who won Alty's penalty.

Above is Joey Roberts.

Overall, Altrincham put in an excellent performance against one of the strongest sides in the division and it was Morecambe who were the more relieved at the final whistle.