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James Farrington, left-back for Altrincham FC Youth, has kindly provided the following match report...

After last week’s antics, Alty were determined to put away their chances after failing to do so then. Both teams matched each other’s ability and tried to capitalise on the pace they had, going forward. The opening goal of the game came 15 minutes into the first half, when a drilled in cross from the Witton Albion winger was pounced on in the six-yard box by the centre forward, who stroked the ball into the Alty net.

Altrincham reacted strongly, finding themselves level five minutes before the interval. A long punt deep inside the Alty half was not cleared by the Witton Albion right back, leaving Folagbade through one and one with the advancing Albion keeper. The defensive midfielder kept his composure, slipping the ball past the keeper and drawing the sides level at the break.

HT Altrincham 1-1 Witton Albion

Witton came close to taking the lead early into the second half, a whipped-in corner led to a snap-shot by an Albion forward, who put the ball inches over the bar and ended a scary moment for the Altrincham defence. Twenty minutes into the second half, two good reaction saves from the Albion keeper kept the away side at bay. These were chances which looked to be a glorious opportunity for the home side to take the lead.

During the second half few chances were created. However, Witton forced a last gasp bit of pressure, which resulted in a moment of carnage for Altrincham. A shot on the edge of the area took a wicked deflection off McGrath, sending the ball a whisker away from the top left corner and leaving Burrows helpless in goal. The game ended 1-1, with the score line being a true reflection of what the game had offered, considering the even amount of possession and chances that both teams had enjoyed.