BACKGROUND

This match had been arranged at short notice after the Manchester FA had finally ruled that the previous round's result would stand. In that game, Alty had led NJ Wythenshawe 2-0 before the referee abandoned the game following a number of unsavoury incidents.

LINE-UP

ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH: 1. Josh SAMBERG, 2. Callum HARKIN, 4. David BROWN, 5. Alex WEATHERBY, 3. Tom LYONS, 7. Jordan HAMES, 6. Oliver RILEY (capt), 8. Andy ROYLE, 11. Michael KING, 9. Adam BEZZINA, 10. Derryn OFORI. Subs: 14. Robert GILROY, 15. Chris HASKINS, 16. Spencer CUNLIFFE, 17. Matt GRAETZER, 18. Steve BULLEN,

REPORT

Report courtesy of George Heslop.

As was to be expected at this time of year, this game was played on a worn and bobbly pitch. After a slow start, Altrincham settled well but half-time arrived with the game goalless, with the Irlam goalkeeper particularly responsible for the scoreline after an outstanding display between the sticks.

Altrincham start the second half with more zest and went ahead three minutes after the interval. A well-taken corner came to Derryn Ofori at the back post. His shot was driven into the ground and bounced up into the roof of the net.

But Irlam were soon level. Their right winger was closed down and played the ball inside, from where a cross found an unmarked team-mate, who converted the chance to equalize (58 mins).

Play was then end to end. Alty keeper Josh Sandberg went down to collect the ball but was accidentally kicked on his "Adam's apple". Lengthy treatment was needed to restore him to fitness before he bravely continued the game.

With the scores locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the game went straight to a penalty shoot-out. Irlam went first and the score reached 5-5 on spot-kicks, with Ofori, Gilroy, Bezzina, Riley and King all scoring from the spot. After Irlam's sixth taker had his effort saved by Samberg, to his left, Jordan Hames stepped up to secure an Altrincham win by converting his side's sixth successive penalty, setting a good example to their first team colleagues who had missed ten of their sixteen spot kicks during the recently completed season!