ALTRINCHAM RESERVES: 1. Todd CUNLIFFE, 2. James MARSDEN (capt.) 3. Sean SMITH, 4. George MELLING, 5. Wayne LEATHER, 6. Levi KENNEDY, 7. James HOLDEN, 8. Lewis CHALMERS, 9. Dwaine LYNSEY, 10. Rico RICHARDS, 11. Kieran JAMES. Subs: Rod THORNLEY, Steve EVERALL (gk), Michael BROWN, Paul MONAGHAN, Adam BRINDLE.
REPORT
The notes that followed are based on information from Neil Brown, the Alty Reserves' manager. Any errors are mine.
After traffic delays, Altrincham barely had time for any warm-up before starting this game on a bobbly pitch. Alty had an early setback when centre-back Wayne Leather damaged his ankle ligaments and had to be replaced by Adam Brindle. In a generally even first half, Altrincham had a number of chances but none were converted. At the other end, young debutant keeper Cunliffe made some excellent saves.
| Half-Time: GUISELEY RES. 0 ALTRINCHAM RES. 0 |
Altrincham improved their performance in the second half, in which Rod Thornley came on after 47 minutes, with Holden giving way. Cunliffe continued to play well in goal as did Brindle further forward. Michael Brown replaced James during the second half to complete the Alty substitutions. He slotted into right midfield, with Lynsey on the left and Kennedy and Chalmers in central midfield.
After 70 minutes, a cross from Lynsey was met on the volley by Brown to prompt a fine save from the home keeper. Thornley was causing problems to Guiseley with his runs, especially on the left, whilst Richards, too, was a threat up front. However, after 85 minutes, as Alty stood off from a challenge, a Guiseley player shot from 35 yards to put the Yorkshire side ahead. But, soon afterwards, a ball over the defence from Richards saw both Kennedy and Thornley on the end of it. It was Rod Thornley who took control and he slotted the ball past the keeper to level the scores (88 mins).
Once again the Altrincham defence had played well but chances had gone unconverted further forward. However, it was good to see Sean Smith complete 90 minutes after his bad accident 18 months ago and Thornley, as ever, helped to lift the side with his experience and enthusiasm. Goalkeeper Cunliffe also did well on his first appearance.
Alty now play Leigh RMI at Abbey Hey next Wednesday.
| Full-Time: GUISELEY RES 1 ALTRINCHAM RES. 1 |
