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ALTRINCHAM (Red & white striped shirts, red shorts, red socks): 1. Stephen BULLEN, 2. Callum MOONEY, 4. David BROWN, 5. Alex WEATHERBY, 3. Callum HARKIN; 7. Sam BOWLES, 6. Rory McGOLDRICK, 8. Oliver RILEY (capt), 11. Spencer CUNLIFFE; 10. Derryn OFORI, 9. Adam BEZZINA. Subs: Thomas LYONS (for McGoldrick), Jordan MAINOO-HAMES, Louis BROWN, Joe HAND, Matthew KEMP, Rob GILROY

REPORT

By Callum Harkin

Starting the game kicking uphill, the Reds were surprisingly fast out of the traps with a lovely passing move, resulting in a first-minute effort from Oliver Riley. The Reds continued how they had begun, maintaining possession neatly in tight areas and showcasing their passing ability.

A tenth-minute break, down the right hand side from impressive debutant Callum Mooney, resulted in a chance for Derryn Ofori, who was unlucky not to score, forcing a save from the goalkeeper.

Altrincham continued in a similar fashion until an unlucky handball from first-year centre-back David Brown resulted in a free-kick, which in-form keepr Steve Bullen expertly saved, low to his left. But this did not rock the Reds as they continued to pass and move the ball well in midfield positions, twice creating chances for Bezzina, who twice fired narrowly wide.

However, he would not be denied again, as a quick-fire one-two involving Mooney and Cunliffe provided Mooney with the perfect opportunity to slip in Bezzina, who did not disappoint, stroking the ball into the back of the net in the 38th minute.

Alty could have increased their lead just before the interval but left-back Callum Harkin was denied by the busy Northwich keeper at his near post.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with captain, Oliver Riley, hitting the post within three minutes of the restart. However, Northwich seemed a rejuvenated side as they piled the pressure on the Altrincham defence, as hAlty struggled to keep possession of the ball. This pressure continued to mount and, even though the dominating Alex Weatherby had a headed effort cleared off the line, the Reds could not get a grip on the Northwich midfield.

This all changed in the 52nd minute as Mooney played the ball to Bezzina, who turned sharply and fired towards goal, only to be denied by the keeper, who could only palm the ball wide for an Altrincham corner.

Oliver Riley delivered an inviting ball, which Weatherby was more than happy to head home, for his second goal of the season. The Reds continued to push forward and a brilliant sole effort from the ever-moving Derryn Ofori came tantalizingly close. The youthies did not stop there. They continued to showcase what they are all about with Bowles, McGoldrick, Riley and Cunliffe now dominating the midfield.

The free-scoring Bezzina put the game beyond all doubt with his second of the game, after the keeper could only parry away a shot from Cunliffe.

Another clean sheet and a dominating performance from the Reds. Who knows, a title challenge may not be too much of a distant dreeam this season.