ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH (Red & white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks): 1. Lee MILNER, 2. Chris WAUGH, 3. John PARKER-CHAMBERS, 4. Richard GRESTY, 5. Matt GARLAND, 6. Hassan ZAREH-OURANG, 7. Graham BRYANT, 8. Aaron HEVINGHAM, 9. Ben DEEGAN, 10. Lee HENDLEY (capt.), 11. Ryan STEWART. Subs: 12. Matty WILLIAMS, 14. Ryan McDARMAID, 15. James MONAGHAN, 16. Tom HORNER, 18. Sam FOX (gk).

REPORT

Report based on information supplied by Alty Youth manager, George Heslop, for which I am grateful.

The only change in the starting line-up from last Sunday's match was the introduction of Hassan Zareh-Ourang for Adam Walker in midfield.

Altrincham Youth unfortunately chose semi-final day to give a poor performance on a very big pitch, which should have suited their game. However, on too many occasions, the Alty lads elected to run with the ball rather than pass it. Both sides initially had to come to terms with a hard surface which made it difficult to control the ball and in the early stages neither side got on top.

Milner had to make a good block when two Formby attackers threatened his goal as seven Altrincham players were caught ball-watching. After 20 minutes, Ben Deegan got into the opposition box only to be halted by a handball which led to a penalty award. Lee Hendley put the spot-kick into the bottom, left corner to put Alty ahead and to equal Stephen Lunt's goalscoring record for the youth team of 29 goals in a season.

After the goal, Alty were the more dominant side, though they created few clear chances before half-time.

In the second half, Alty played up the sloping pitch and ignored the managerial warnings about the difficulties caused by the bouncing ball on the firm surface. On the contrary, Formby now improved their performance and started to play strongly, playing a passing game rather than trying to run with the ball. As a consequence, Altrincham got their come-uppance when Formby scored twice in a ten minute period.

Firstly, after 50 minutes, Formby equalised when four Altrincham players failed to clear the ball. Formby's second came from a powerful shot which left Alty flat footed (59 mins). From then on, Altrincham's players, though working hard individually, gave a disappointing team performance.

Two substitutions were made, Monaghan replacing Bryant (70 mins) and then Alty increased their attacking options with striker Matty Williams coming on for defender Parker-Chambers (80 mins). However, Formby added to their lead after 85 minutes following a freekick conceded by Garland.