ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH TEAM MATCH REPORT

WITTON ALBION YOUTH (0) 0
ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH (0) 1

NWYA Premier League
Sunday, 8 February 2015


LINE-UP

ALTRINCHAM 1. Jamie Burrows, 2.Sam Heathcote, 4. William Foster, 5. James Campion, 3. Jake Foy, 7. Shaun Arrowsmith, 6. Laurence Taylor (capt), 8. Rhain Davis, 11. Harry Cain, 9. James Clancy, 10. Boris Melingui. Subs: 12. Joseph Coffey, 14. Reece Dwyer, 15. Marc Bellingham, 16. Luke Crompton.

REPORT

Report based on information from George Heslop.

Altrincham travelled to Lostock Gralam to play Witton Albion on a pitch which had been used the previous day by the Lostock first team. Alty and Witton had drawn 1-1 in the reverse fixture. Witton Albion Youth are now managed by Paul Jones, former coach of Altrincham Youth.

Alty had only four subs as Treyvon Simpson had been caught in a Metrolink problem, James Farrington was unavailable and Aaron Goldman was playing for the Independent Schools national team, who lost 3-2 to Wales.

On a heavy pitch and in foggy conditions, the game was, likewise, dank and drear in the opening stages. Alty started quietly and it was Witton who loked the more likely to take an early lead. However, two good saves by Burows and a last-ditch tackle from Campion kept the game goalless.

Altrincham had been given the target of achieving a clean sheet and gaining three points and they now realised that they had a real game on their hands to achieve those aims. Altrincham began to get in some crosses but Witton defended well. Arrowsmith and Cain on the flanks worked tirelessly for Altrincham and, finally, the breakthrough arrived, in the 43rd minute.

The goal came when Arrowsmith beat two men on the right and, from his cross, a flurry in the box resulted in Clancy scoring, to maintain his record of scoring whenever he has started up front.


Half-Time: WITTON ALBION YOUTH 0
ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH 1

At the interval Alty were instructed to lift the pace of their game against a Witton side, which include several County players. But the visitors were creating problems for themselves by over-playing in the wrong areas of the pitch and losing possession in their own half. However, Alty's back four were playing well and keeper Burrows was having a good game.

Although Witton shaded the second half, on points, in an evenly matched game, Altrincham held on to their slender lead and consolidated their third place in the league. The future therefore looks bright as Altrincham aim to end the season with something tangible to show for their efforts.

Next Sunday Altrincham are at home to Abbey Hey (2pm).


Full-Time: WITTON ALBION YOUTH 0
ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH 1