LINE-UP

IRLAM FC YOUTH (All blue). 1. Jake ALDRED, 2. Sam BOLTON, 3. Rourke MURPHY, 4. Karl CASSELL, 5. Harry SOUTHERN, 6. Jack LEE, 7. Zar JORDAN, 8. Isaac ILLIDGE, 9. Connor MARTIN, 10. John MAIN, 11. Cameron WILLIAMS. SUbs: 12. Josh MIXON, 14. Joe McCANN, 15. Nathan oRRELL, 16. Josh MAIN-QUINN, 17. Andrew BELLINGHAM.

REFEREE: Mr Simon RICHMOND

ATTENDANCE: 129

REPORT

Report by James Farrington

Irlam FC Youth arrived at Moss Lane in rich form, after defeating Glossop North End 15-0 in their previous match in the FA Youth Cup.

The match had a fairly slow start with neither team really challenging either keeper. Alty looked the more dangerous of the two, with the blistering pace of Arrowsmith cutting holes in the Irlam back line. However, a clear-cut chance was not created. The deadlock was broken in the 24th minute when the Alty keeper's clearance fell out to the Irlam player, Cassell, who took a touch and slotted the ball into the back of the net.

A quick response from Altrincham was on the cards. Three minutes later, a piercing pass from Taylor split the Irlam defence, forcing them back towards goal. When it looked like Arrowsmith was through one and one, the Irlam full-back somehow managed to poke the ball beyond his keeper, who was placed at the edge of the area. Arrowsmith continued his run and had an open goal to tap the ball into.

Both teams had clear chances to go into the interval with the lead . The first came from Irlam. The right winger delivered a peach of a cross from the right flank which was like a magnet to the forward's head; Cassell bullet-headed the ball right into the top corner but it was tipped onto the bar and over by Burrows, with a fingertip save, keeping the Robins level.

Minutes later, Altrincham had a clear-cut chance to take the lead, which came from the penalty spot, a pulling of shirt from an Irlam defender was why it was awarded by the referee. Heathcote confidently stepped up, side footing the ball, which hit the right post and went out for a goal kick.

Seven minutes into the second half, a long punt from an Irlam centre-back, deep inside his own half, tore open Alty’s back line, leaving Campion on his own on the edge of his own area with an Irlam forward (Main). Main shrugged Campion off the ball and found himself one and one with the charging Burrows. Main remained composed, taking the ball around the keeper and giving the away side the lead.

Coffey replaced Cain (53rd minute) as Irlam, after taking the lead, did not look like they were going to concede.

Altrincham had a few half-chances but nothing which would rattle the Irlam keeper. Goldman came on for Reid (66th minute) and added pace to Alty’s attack, forcing many corner. Also, ALtrincham had the majority of possession in the middle of the pitch. Altrincham’s last role of the dice came in the 86th minute when Clancy came on for Foy. Alty were now playing three at the back, hoping it would lead to that vital equaliser. Irlam did not let this happen and saw out the game, winning 2-1. The visitors will go on to play Chester in the next round.