YOUTH CUP

Preliminary Round, w/c/ 3 September 2012:

1st Round Qualifying, w/c 17 September 2012:

2nd Round Qualifying, w/c 1 October 2012:

YOUTH TEAM PRESENTATIONS

ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH TEAM AWARDS 2011/12 Altrincham FC Youth team manager, George Heslop, compered the annual awards, ceremony at Moss Lane on Wednesday evening. Here is a selection of images from the evening.	Sam Grimshaw receives the James Black Trophy as Manager's Player of the Season from Mr & Mrs Black
Manager George Heslop receives an award from Joe Reid on behalf of the players' parents.	Derryn Ofori receives the second place award as Manager's Player of the Season from Mr & Mrs Black.
Oliver Riley receives the third place award as Manager's Player of the Season from Mr & Mrs Black.	Jenny Heslop received flowers from Sam Grimshaw for all her kit-washing!
Sam Grimshaw receives the Players' Player of the Season award from vice chairman, Andrew Shaw.	Derryn Ofori receives the second place Players' Player of the Season award from vice chairman, Andrew Shaw.
Adam Reid receives the third-place Players' Player of the Season award from vice chairman, Andrew Shaw.	Matt Fearon receives an award to mark his first-team debut from joint youth team coach Josh Collins.
Duncan Watmore receives an award to mark his first-team debut, from joint youth team coach Josh Collins.	Ant Small receives an award from Joe Reid as joint coach of the Youth team.

The 2011/12 Altrincham FC Youth Team annual presentation night was held at Moss Lane on Wednesday. Manager George Heslop thanked all the players' parents and the club's board for their attendance. He described the last season as a "roller-coaster". The season had got off to an unfortunate start with serious injuries to centre-backs Jake Barnabas and Ben Hamilton ruling both out for virtually all of the season.

But the fact that ten players were signed on BSBN forms during the season and five of them made their first-team debuts ensured that it had been an excellent season. With so many lads becoming involved with Lee Sinnott's first team, those who had replaced them in the youth team had emulated them with fine performnaces in the NW Youth Alliance Premier Division. The team had shown great spirit to finish the season strongly and claim second place in the Division.

George revealed that Lee Sinnott had asked him for another five youth team graduates this season, so the pressure is on! The team had also had a good FA Youth Cup run and had scored 96 goals in all competitions this season, the goals being shared by 20 players, with 19-goal Derryn Ofori the top scorer, despite having a slow start to the campaign.

The awards were announced as follows:

The Players' Player of the Season:

The James Black Memorial Trophy was presented for the third year by Mr and Mrs Ian Black, whose late son James was a popular figure on the Moss Lane terraces as well as at away matches before his untimely death. The Black family had commissioned a bronze trophy which goes to the Manager's Player of the Season, who this year was the team captain, left-back Sam Grimshaw.

Finally, there were awards to three of the five youth players who had made their first-team debuts in the last year.

Two other first-team debutants, Joe Coombs and Jake Barnabas were unable to attend.

Manager George Heslop also announced that Joe Reid, Adam's father and a UEFA "B" qualified coach, would be joining the Altrincham FC Youth coaching team,

At the end of the evening Chairman Grahame Rowley thanked all the players and their families for their roles in making the youth team successful.

YOUTH TEAM FINISH AS RUNNERS UP

As a consequence of the 15 points deduction, the youth team have finished in third place in the North West Youth Alliance Premier Division who yesterday confirmed FC Utd of Manchester as Champions and Altrincham as runners up".

The new positions are shown in the revised NWYA league table.

Tonight witnesses the Altrincham FC Youth Team presentation evening at Moss Lane. With ten of the youth team having signed BSBN forms last season, it was a highly successful season for manager George Heslop and coaches Josh Collins and Ant Small's squad. All supporters are welcome to attend the presentations which will take place in the bar at Moss Lane, starting at 7pm.

END OF SEASON

YOUTHS FINISH THIRD

YOUTH TEAM NEWS

In the NW Youth Alliance, the other results on Sunday were:

In The Neil Thomason Cup Final:

The latest League table shows Alty third, with just two fixtures left to be played in the league on Tuesday:

The final match of the season is away to Northwich Victoria at Barnton FC on Tuesday. The game is at Townfield Lane, CW8 6GB, k.o. 6.30pm

UP TO FOURTH

Alty entertain Nantwich Town at Clay Lane, this Sunday, 2.30pm.

NEW DATE

WEATHER WINS AGAIN

YOUTH TEAM GAME OFF

GOOD WIN

TONIGHT'S GAME OFF

The next game is on Sunday, 29 April, against Northwich Victoria at Barnton FC, Townfield Lane, CW8 6GB, k.o. 2.30pm.

YOUTH NEWS

The latest league table is here.

FIXTURES

NEXT GAME

NWYA NEWS

WEAKENED YOUTH TEAM BEATEN

An Altrincham Youth team weakened by the absence of six regulars, went down 2-5 to Marine in a match which only got under way 28 minutes late because the match officials went to the wrong ground. Jacob Malachi-Brown and Josh Palmer were the Alty scorers. Match report here.

Above, Sam Rowley and a Marine opponent go for the ball, watched by Alty's Ollie Riley, Joe Coombs, Derryn Ofori and Alex Weatherby.

NO LUCK FOR ALTY

TWO MORE SIGN EVO-STIK FORMS

Earlier this season Joe Coombs, Matt Fearon and Duncam Watmore likewise signed EvoStik League forms and turned out for Clitheroe to gain match experience in a senior league.

FIVE MORE YOUTH PLAYERS SIGN FIRST-TEAM FORMS

Josh Mason (right-back)

Derryn Ofori (striker)

Josh Palmer (left winger)

Denico Walters (striker)

Alex Weatherby (central defender)

All of the above players are aged 17, except Josh Mason, who is 18.

FIXTURES

The next game is also away, at FC United of Manchester, this Sunday 25th March.

CLAY LANE DEVELOPMENT

"A leisure group run by entrepreneurial brothers is investing nearly £7m in a five-star health and country club in Greater Manchester which will create 80 jobs. Stuart and Andy Taylor's FX Leisure Group will launch the club in Hale next month. The £5m-turnover, Wigan-based business currently operates seven health and fitness clubs across the north west and north east, including sites in Lowton, near Leigh, Stalybridge and Congleton.

The brothers said their latest venture, a 40,000 sq ft, three-storey club on the site of the former British Airways Silverwings Sports Club, Clay Lane, is an upmarket departure from their current operations. It will employ feature state-of-the-art health and fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, a champagne bar, restaurant and rooftop spa.

Stuart said, 'We believe that the Hale area has great demographics for this sort of club. At present, we believe there is a lack of such facilities and we believe that the demand will be there for them. In opening this facility, we are bringing luxury and quality to the area. What we are doing at Hale is a much bigger concept than what FX has done elsewhere. This is not the usual type of health and fitness centre with a corporate identity. It will be a bespoke centre that we will not be duplicated anywhere else. We want to create something unique to give people an experience that they cannot have elsewhere'.

The brothers are aiming for 4,000 members at the Hale club. Membership fees will be £60 and £90 per month. The duo said they hope the club will achieve a turnover of £4m within two years – and they believe that their goals will not be hampered by the tough economic times. Stuart said, 'We believe there is the need for this. While there is always a risk attached to any venture, we are experienced in this industry and we are making sure that we are competitive. Our club may not be the cheapest to join in the area, but it will also not be the most expensive. We want it to be an experience that is far more luxurious than anything else on offer'".

YOUTH TEAM BEAT IRISH VISITORS

11 March 2012 ALTRINCHAM YOUTH 3 CURZON ASHTON YOUTH 0 Left: Duncan Watmore and Josh Palmer are seen here in the thick of the action for Alty Youth against Curzon Ashton. Right: The Altrincham FC Youth management team comprising coaches Josh Collins and Ant Small with manager George Heslop. Alty Youth overcame good opposition in beating Curzon Ashton 3-0 today at Clay Lane. After midfielder Alan Tansinda had continued his run of goalscoring with the opener, captain Sam Grimshaw made it 2-0 with a well taken freekick, before second-half substitute Duncan Watmore made it 3-0 just after coming on. But Duncan also missed a late penalty. Match report on here. MORECAMBE YOUTH 2 ALTRINCHAM YOUTH 3 Manager George Heslop's report on the fine win at Morecambe on 4 March is now here TABLE AND NEXT GAME The Altrincham FC Youth team plays in the NW Youth Alliance Premier Division for which the current league table is here. Next week Alty are away at New Mills. 20 February 2012 YOUTHS MOVE UP Altrincham FC Youth had a hard fought 3-1 win at home to Prescot Cables Youth on Sunday afternoon. An opening goal from captain, Sam Grimshaw, was followed by a brace from midfielder Alan Tansinda. Alty Youth have moved up to fourth in the league table. Match report here. Above: Alan Tansinda (left) celebrates his second goal with Derryn Ofori and Josh Palmer. SAM'S CALL UP Sam Grimshaw has joined team-mates Joe Coombs, Matt Fearon, Duncan Watmore and Adam Reid in signing Conference North playing forms after impressing first-team manager Lee Sinnott in training. Matt and Duncan turned out for Clitheroe's first team this weekend whilst Joe is recovering from injury. 11 February 2012 POSTPONED This Sunday, Altrincham FC Youth were due to play at Warrington Town but this has now been postponed. 4 February 2012 GAME OFF Altrincham FC Youth's game at Northwich on Sunday (5th) has been postponed. 30 January 2012 GOOD WIN The NWYA reports that Altrincham Youth had a 6-1 away win against Nantwich Town on Sunday. The NWYA also has the latest League Table, showing how tight the middle of the division is this season. Alty are away to Northwich Victoria next Sunday (2pm).

ALTRINCHAM 1 WARRINGTON TOWN YOUTH 4

Right: Alty Youth captain, Sam Grimshaw, goes up for the ball in a crowded part of the Clay Lane pitch on Sunday.

YOUTH FIXTURE

GAME OFF

NEXT UP

YOUTH TEAM WINS

Above: Altrincham's players receive their pre-match instructions from manager George Heslop and coaches Josh Collins and Ant Small in the rain before kick-off at Clay Lane.

In their first game since 27 November, Altrincham FC Youth showed no rustiness as they overcame a spirited New Mills side, 5-0, at Clay Lane on Sunday afternoon. Alty's marksmen were Sam Grimshaw, Ollie Riley, Denico Walters, Joe Coombes and Jon Makela. Match report here.

The latest league tables are at the NWYA website. And there is a form guide here.

FIXTURES

A LONG LAY OFF

ANOTHER BLANK WEEK

YOUTH GAME OFF

ALTY YOUTH GIVE GOOD ACCOUNT OF SELVES

DUNCAN MAKES IT FIVE

ALTY YOUTH 2 MOSSLEY YOUTH 3

Above: Adam Reid claims the ball, assisted (l.to r. by Liam Rutledge, Ryan Barry and Joe Coombs).

Altrincham FC Youth lost 2-3 at home to Mossley on Sunday afternoon in a NWYA Premier Division league match.

BEFORE TODAY'S GAME

DISTRICT CUP

CHESHIRE LOSE

DISTRICT CUP WIN

Right: Mark Napier-Hemy and Sam Grimshaw, in yellow, are seen during the first half against Macclesfield and District.

DUNCAN EXCELS

In their Third Round tie, "Millfield squeezed past Cheadle Hulme 3-2. Goals from Dom Webb (2) and Alan Robertson did the damage but Duncan Watmore, in Cheadle Hulme’s midfield, was the outstanding player on the pitch".

BIG WIN

Alty's goals came from Matt Fearon and Duncan Watmore, who got two apiece, and one each from Jack Cottrill, Liam Rutledge, Derryn Ofori and an own goal. The line up was:

1. Adam Reid, 2. Alan Tansinda, 4. Mark Napier-Hemy, 5. Joe Coombs, 3. Sam Grimshaw, 6. Matt Fearon, 7. Liam Rutledge, 8. Ryan Barry, 11. Jack Cottrill, 9. Derryn Ofori, 10. Duncan Watmore. Subs: 12. Oliver Riley, 14. Josh Palmer, 15. Redmond McGuire, 16. Jonathan Makela, GK. Cody Wharton.

The substitutes used were:

NEXT UP

YOUTH TEAM NEWS

The latest league table for the Premier Division, in which Altrincham FC Youth play, is now on the NW Youth Alliance website.

YOUTHS LOSE

Right: Liam Rutledge takes on a Northwich opponent as Duncan Watmore awaits the outcome.

PLAYER PROFILES

FA YOUTH CUP

Other angles come from the FA and Darlington; firstly, The FA says that "Darlington set up a home tie against Sheffield FC after overcoming Altrincham with a comfortable 3-0 victory... Although Altrincham had the better of the general play, Darlington looked more assured in possession...

Altrincham suffered a major setback in the build-up to the game with the news that influential striker, Duncan Watmore, would not be available due to school commitments and the home side certainly missed the forward’s explosive pace and natural composure in the final third. Watmore transforms Altrincham from a mechanical outfit into a stylish side which is elegant on the eye. Without him, they lack a cutting edge and Darlington took full advantage.

The opening goal came somewhat against the run of play with Darlington scoring with what was the first genuine chance that they had managed to create... Before the Quakers had broken the deadlock, Altrincham had seemed more likely to strike first blood. First, Liam Rutledge capitalised on Anthony Snook’s poor control but his low strike was well held by Darlington goalkeeper Jordan Nixon. Midfielder Matt Fearon then called Nixon into action with a rasping strike from distance but once again the goalkeeper was equal to it.

After gaining the lead, Darlington grew in confidence with Lambert’s direct running causing no end of problems down the right hand side. Despite Darlington being the more composed of the two teams, Altrincham continued to create opportunities and the home side were unfortunate to go into the break still trailing to their opponents. A flurry of chances came their way as the interval approached with Jack Woolley firing wide and Derryn Ofori denied by that man Nixon once again.

Altrincham came out in the second half with a point to prove, and searched valiantly for a precious equaliser. Woolley missed a gilt-edged opportunity just after the break and Nixon then produced a couple of outstanding saves to preserve his side’s lead. With the game becoming stretched, Darlington were looking increasingly likely to further their lead...

The home side were understandably deflated by the concession of a second goal, and the third came with an air of inevitability about it... It was left to Robson to hammer the final nail into Altrincham’s Youth Cup coffin with a composed finish through the legs of Adam Reid in the Altrincham goal".

And the Quakers themselves add that "Head of youth Craig Liddle, who is also currently in caretaker charge of Darlington's senior team, said, 'We didn't get going at all in the first half but still went in one up against the run of play. The second half was much improved and was comfortable in the end but credit to Altrincham, who gave us a real test in the first half".

ALTY YOUTH 0 DARLINGTON YOUTH 3

In pouring rain, Alty line up before the game. A better image, by official photographer Gavin Rathbone, will appear in due course. In the meantime we see

Despite being the better side for an hour of the game, Altrincham paid the price for failing to take their chances when Darlington overcame them 3-0 at a rain-swept Moss Lane, tonight. Report to follow

FA YOUTH CUP

The FA has a preview of tonight's Youth Cup tie. It says, "Altrincham manager George Heslop is hoping for an improved performance from his players in tonight’s FA Youth Cup Third Round Qualifying clash at Moss Lane. Since overcoming Lancaster City on penalties in the previous round, Heslop has seen his side slump to two consecutive defeats, and the boss thinks that the players may have paid the price for having more than one eye on this evening’s game.

'We have been well off the boil since the last round and that has been disappointing. I have been trying to convince them that anyone who I felt was not giving 100 per cent wouldn’t play tonight. However, it is human nature to be excited for a big game and, of course, there is also that fear of getting injured, too'.

Altrincham’s hopes have suffered a major setback in the build-up to the game as they look to cope with the loss of explosive striker Duncan Watmore, who is away in India on a school trip, and the manager has been forced to draft in some replacements.

'I think there will be three changes from the 16 that featured against Lancaster. We are bringing in Jack Woolley and Dominic Taylor and we also have Ryan Barry back from injury in midfield. [He] was heartbroken to miss the last round so that is a big boost for us'.

Meanwhile, Heslop has been doing his homework on the visitors and, having watched a DVD of Darlington’s game against York earlier on this season, the manager feels that his opponents' physicality may prove to be a decisive factor but is counting on his own side’s technical prowess to make the difference.

'They are a big, strong side, which plays a lot of direct football. It’s going to be a tough battle against a full-time outfit that play in the Football League Youth Alliance, which is a level up from the league that we play in. However, if we are playing at our best, we can get a result. I will always back my boys from a technical point of view. My two lads in the centre of midfield are quite small but they are technically excellent and when they are bigger and stronger, they will be top, top players.

'We have some plans to try and overcome the physical threat posed by Darlington. I have been juggling around with some different formations and hopefully we will get it right'. Should Heslop oversee a momentous victory, Altrincham will have the opportunity to host Sheffield FC in the First Round Proper".

WARRINGTON VIEW

All four goals were special and deserved. Dylan Glass linked with Oliver Wells on the right flank to provide Ben McWilliams with an opportunity at the near post. McWilliams got across the front of the defender and guided the ball in at the near post for 1-0.

Rob Winrow broke from defence and played in Ben McWilliams making ground down the right. McWilliams then curled a lovely ball over the centre-back's head to give Dylan Glass a difficult chance which he met at waist height and stabbed past the imposing keeper for 2-0.

The third goal started on the left wing where Glass kept possession well then flashed a ball across the box which McWilliams was beaten to by Ben Hamilton at the heart of the Robins' defence. The ball fell to the home side's Sam Grimshaw at left-back whose first-time clearance was intercepted by the advancing Josh Kavanagh. Kavanagh passed inside to Ben Clarke whose first touch played in the influential Winrow who, in turn, fed a lovely pass back into the path of the busy Josh Kavanagh who turned Altrincham's Hamilton one way and then the other before crossing for the waiting Dylan Glass to strike right-footed for 3-0.

Late on in the second half, Kavanagh created an opportunity for Scott Bakkor with a beautifully weighted through ball. Bakkor chipped the keeper delightfully and ran on to score from a very tight angle and wrap up the game 4-0 in Warrington's favour.

Line-up: Gordon, Kavanagh, Cook, Emson, Chambers (Everson 79), Wells, Clarke (Owens 61), Winrow, McWilliams (O'Hanlon 75), Glass, Bakkor.

Goals: McWilliams, Glass, Glass, Bakkor"

ALTY BOW OUT

The youth team's opponents on Tuesday are Darlington, who report that "Darlington's Under-18s beat Bradford City at home on Saturday... Boss Craig Liddle said, 'The lads dominated for the entire game and hit the woodwork on five separate occasions. Credit to the lads as they conceded the equaliser right on half-time but they showed great belief in the way we try to play by continuing to pass the ball and got their rewards late in the game'". Darlo go to Altrincham in the third qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday night before a League Cup tie at home to Hartlepool United next Saturday".

Brian Flynn writes...

"Radio Robins will be providing a live internet commentary of the whole of Tuesday night's FA Youth Cup Third Round Qualifying game between Altrincham Youth and Darlington Youth. You can access Radio Robins on the internet here

Once you have accessed the Radio Robins webpage, choose from the list of player options (the icons are about half way down the screen) and open your preferred player. We are planning to have a pre-match interview with George Heslop, broadcasting from 7.15pm with the match commentary starting at 7.40pm. The commentary team is Paul Salt and Brian Flynn with the match summariser being Gareth Thomas.

We haven't got a Match Commentary sponsor at present, but sponsorship is available for £15.For further details, please email Brian Flynn".

YOUTH OPPOSITION

'There isn’t a youth team striker ready for the first team', he admitted. 'They won again the other day. They have good midfield players but the strikers are young lads who we can’t call on yet'.

Goalscorers have emerged from the youth ranks over the last few seasons. Curtis Main is currently with Boro, while Michael Smith was this summer sold to Charlton for an initial £75,000. So while the youth team - coached by Craig Liddle - is boosting the club, there is no short term fix at present".

ADMISSION PRICES

YOUTH CUP

'It was an excellent performance by the boys', said Under-18s' boss, Craig Liddle. 'We played some excellent football at times and only thing missing again was our finishing'...

Darlo's league campaign continues at home to Notts County tomorrow afternoon - 2pm at Houghall College in Durham, which is a re-arranged fixture, followed by Bradford at home this Saturday, then Altrincham in the third qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup next Tuesday night".

FINAL STILL ATTAINABLE

Right: Joe Coombs heads clear against Runcorn.

Altrincham FC Youth, playing as the Altrincham and District FA Youth team but lacking several regulars, went down 1-3 to Runcorn & District FA on Sunday afternoon at Trafford FC in the Cheshire County FA District Cup. Nevertheless, Alty can still reach the final if they win their final group-stage game at home to Macclesfield next month. A match report on Sunday's game is here.

YOUTH CUP DATE SETTLED

DISTRICT CUP

LOOKING FORWARD AND BACK

Liddle said:, 'I was disappointed with the performance as we failed to play at the tempo required for these sort of games. Chester-le-Street are a young side and they defended in numbers and made it difficult for us, and they can take great credit as they were outstanding on the night'".

Darlington play in the Football League Youth Alliance Under-18s, North-East. So far this season, their results are:

The FA report "Altrincham through after penalty shoot-out drama. Altrincham 2-2 Lancaster City (Altrincham win 4-3 on pens)...

Altrincham progressed into the Third Round Qualifying of The FA Youth Cup after emerging victorious from a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Lancaster City. With the two sides locked at 2-2 after extra-time, it was left to Altrincham midfielder Oliver Riley to keep his cool to slot in the decisive spot kick.

It was Riley who had opened the scoring but Lancaster drew level moments before half-time through the impressive Joe Bunney. Duncan Watmore restored Altrincham’s lead from the penalty spot midway through the second half only for the visitors' Sam Hibbert to head a last gasp equaliser to set up the shootout.

In the pouring rain at Moss Lane, it was Lancaster who had most of the early possession... The breakthrough came on the half hour mark with Riley arriving on cue to convert Watmore’s cross... The richly deserved equaliser arrived in the 42nd minute with Bunney capitalising on Altrincham’s failure to deal with a Cunningham corner. Altrincham regained control of the game around the hour mark, with Sam Grimshaw’s 40-yard howitzer forcing Bitner into another outstanding save. Left-back Grimshaw was growing in influence with several rampaging runs forward and it was one of these ventures into the Lancaster penalty area that drew Jack Hindle into a mistimed challenge and referee Taylor had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. Watmore duly converted and Altrincham seemed set for victory...

Gaps inevitably began to appear at the back with Altrincham squandering a series of opportunities to make the game safe on the counter attack. In the 89th minute, Redmond McGuire skewed an effort wide when one on one with Bitner and there was a sense around the stadium that it was a miss which [might] just come back to haunt the hosts. And it did. In the third minute of injury time, Bunney’s cross was headed in by centre back Sam Hibbert to take the game into extra time.

Lancaster manager Phil Brown took heart from the character that his players showed in coming from behind, claiming that his side were very unfortunate to be on the losing side. 'If I’m being truly honest, I believe that we shaded the game and I think that if we would have found the equaliser a little earlier, we would have gone on to win that game. We are very proud of the lads, to go away from home and come back like they did is fantastic'.

Both sides toiled hard in extra time but with conditions worsening and tiredness becoming a factor, the match was played at a much slower pace with clear cut chances few and far between. And then came the penalties. Altrincham boss George Heslop was understandably delighted with the victory".

ALTY YOUTH WIN

Alty Youth defeated Lancaster City in the FA Youth Cup at Moss Lane last night, 4-3 on penalties, after extra time. The game had ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with City equalizing in injury time. Report here. Alty now meet Darlington Youth in week commencing 17 October at Moss Lane.

Above left, the calm before the storm, as the players greet the match officials and opposition. Above right, rain lashes down under the Moss Lane floodlights.

NWYA NEWS

In the NWYA's "FairPlay League, Fair-Play League winners obtain free entry to the NWYA League for the following season. Teams averaging less than 2 points per match obtain 50% reduction in fees for the following season. Teams exceeding 40 discipline points in League matches are deducted 1 League point. Teams exceeding 70 discipline points in League matches are deducted 4 League points. Teams exceeding 100 discipline points in League matches are deducted 10 League points".

In the Fair-Play League - to 25/9/11 - Altrincham FC Youth have collected 20 pts from 6 games, 3.3 per match.

However, Altrincham FC first team leads the BSB North fair-play tables, despite suffering two red cards this season.

Don't forget Alty Youth entertain Lancaster City in the FA Youth Cup at Moss Lane this Thursday (7.45pm). Please come along and support them - entry is just £3 for adults, £2 for concessionaries. The winners of that tie will play at home to either Chester-Le-Street Town or Darlington in the following round. As manager George Heslop says, "Please come and support us on Thursday. We will do our utmost to bring the smiles back" following the first-team's FA Cup exit last Saturday.

YOUTH TEAM IN ACTION ON THREE FRONTS

In the other group, Chester have maximum points from their two games, with Mid-Cheshire and Stockport each having three points from their matches.

Altrincham FC Youth team play in the Neil Thomason Cup next Sunday (9th, 2pm), at Clay Lane, Timperley, against Warrington Town. Neil Thomason was was George Heslop's popular assistant manager who, with George, guided the side to the NWYA league and cup double in 2000-01 and again in 2003-04. Left, George and Neil are seen with the 2004 trophies. Neil resigned in summer 2005 and very sadly died whilst on holiday, abroad, soon afterwards. Entry to the game is free.

Before that, at Moss Lane, on Thursday night (7.45pm), Alty Youth entertain Lancaster City Youth in the FA Youth Cup 2nd Qualifying Round. Entry is just £3 for adults and £2 for concessionaries. The winners of that tie will play at home to either Chester-Le-Street Town or Darlington in the following round, As manager George Heslop says, "Please come and support us on Thursday. We will do our utmost to bring the smiles back" following the first-team's FA Cup exit last Saturday.

WHERE WE STAND

In Alty's CCFA District Cup group, Runcorn beat Crewe 6-1, so lead the table on goal difference from Altrincham, who take on Crewe this Sunday at Wrenbury Playing Fields.

DATE CONFIRMED

Right: Ryan Barry and Declan Barry in action in a recent game against Morecambe. Nathan Gray is in the background.

YOUTH NEWS

Altrincham & District FA's DIstrict Cup match, away against Crewe & District, is now confirmed as taking place on Sunday 2nd October. Crewe had reported difficulties in finding a piutch but have now done so. Therefore the NWYA league match against Warrington Town on that date is postponed.

The NWYA also reports that "Woodley Sports FC [is] suspended from 19th September until further notice from all competitions". Alty Youth team is set to play Woodley on 20 November in the league.

Two more players from Altrincham FC Youth have been called up to join the Cheshire FA County squad, bringing the number to ten. The latest duo are midfielder Ryan Barry and striker Derryn Ofori.

Alty Youth have recently welcomed Anthony Small as assistant coach. He has joined manager George Heslop and coach Josh Collins in the youth team dug-out.

The FA Youth Cup match at Moss Lane against Lancaster will be in w/c October 3rd; the date and time are to be confirmed.

FA YOUTH CUP

Alty Youth's opponents in the next round of the FA Youth Cup will be Lancaster City, who beat Vauxhall Motors, away, 1-0, last night. The game is in a fortnight's time at Moss Lane with the precise date yet to be arranged.

The FA ran a special rpeort on the game which includes...

"The FA Youth Cup produced a stunning early round encounter in the Cheshire suburbs as Altrincham overcame Runcorn Linnets in an enthralling, high-scoring clash at the Millbank Linnets Stadium. Altrincham produced a stunning display of attacking football, inspired by the electric performance of striker Duncan Watmore.

The favourites flew out of traps, laying siege to the Runcorn goal. Within two minutes, central defender Ben Hamilton had released Watmore with a piercing through ball and the forward was only denied by the smart reflexes of the Linnets' goalkeeper, Ryan Mayers.

With the early play being dictated by the Altrincham midfield duo of Ryan Barry and Oliver Riley, the away side came close again through Declan Barry who fired narrowly over from distance. Wave after wave of intolerable pressure came at the Runcorn defence and it was only the wayward finishing of their opponents that allowed the hosts to keep their heads above water.

Altrincham smelt blood, and they wouldn’t have to wait long before deservedly taking the lead. Derryn Offoro [Ofori] took a quick throw-in, releasing Riley, who had smartly ran [run] in behind the Runcorn defence and he supplied the perfect delivery for winger Declan Barry who arrived at the near post to fire his side into the lead...

After the game, Nolan expressed his disappointment in the first half performance but was understandably proud of his side’s response, saying, 'We started poorly and were overrun, they had pace that we simply couldn’t handle. Maybe our players froze a little bit in the limelight. At half time, I challenged them to show me what they think of themselves as players and how they feel as a club and I am so pleased with their response. With that second half performance, the players have set a standard which we now must reach every week'".

RUNCORN LINNETS YOUTH 5 ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH 7

Declan Barry scored again from a Watmore feed in the 27th minute and when an Ollie Riley corner was turned into his own net by a Linnets defender it looked to be all over, with a 4-1 lead established by Alty (42 mins).

But, after Tansinda had been booked for handball on the edge of the box, Hesketh drove home the resulting freekick (47 mins). Less than a minute later Collins made it 4-3 and, in the 51st minute, Collins hooked home a ball delivered from a freekick to make it three Runcorn goals in six minutes and a 4-4 scoreline.

But Liam Rutledge restored Alty's lead with a well taken goal after good work from Tansinda and Ofori (53 mins). After this frantic burst of scoring, it was 25 minutes before the next goal arrived, when Collins completed his hat-trick for the Linnets in the 78th minute, to make it 5-5.

After this, Duncan Watmore volleyed home, after an excellent run and cross from Ofori (82 mins) and, finally, Ofori deservedly scored one himself in the 85th minute to complete the scoring at 5-7! Report to follow.

Alty now meet the winners of Vauxhall Motors v Lancaster City in a fortnight, at Moss Lane.

BEFORE THE GAME

Linnets to test themselves against Altrincham.

Runcorn Linnets’ Youth Team manager Tony Nolan is in good spirits ahead of his side’s FA Youth Cup First Round Qualifying clash against Altrincham on Thursday evening.

With a youth team that was established just one year ago, it would represent an extraordinary achievement should Nolan steer the Linnets into the second stage of England’s elite youth competition. Any success that Runcorn are able to secure would be, in no small part, down to the invaluable contribution of the team’s UEFA B licensed coach, Gareth Burke, who the manager says has been instrumental in the development of the youth set-up in the last twelve months.

Ahead of the game at the Millbank Linnets Stadium, the Runcorn manager highlighted the novelty of the experience for many of his players and, although they are dreaming of a date with a Football League youth team in the next [but one] round, Nolan is conscious of the level of opposition that his side will be facing and was full of respect for the work being done by his Altrincham counterparts.

'The lads are all hugely excited at the prospect of just playing Altrincham! I am very aware that the infrastructure at Altrincham is vastly superior to our own, but this will be a good test for our guys and hopefully it will give us an idea of the level that we are at this moment in time and to see what we should be aiming for'.

Right: Alty Youth get their pre-match instructions from coach, Josh Collins, before their game at Runcorn Linnets.

Nolan stressed the positive effect that success in this competition could have on the club as a whole, stating that it would be just-reward for the commitment and dedication from those involved in the day-to-day running of this fast-growing club.

'The club has been brilliant for me, from the secretary, who has been excellent with the administration, to the first team manager, who has been down to watch us a few times. It’s a learning curve for the club committee, for me, for the players and it would be a fantastic lift for the supporters should we get the right result'.

If the Youth Cup qualifying stage is a new experience for Runcorn, the same can’t be said for their opponents and their vastly experienced manager George Heslop. Although it may no longer be a novelty for Altrincham, Heslop insists that the same excitement always surrounds the prospect of advancing through to the next stage of the competition.

'For these players, no matter where they end up, it would be one of the best things to happen to them in their whole playing career, should they be able to test themselves against the best teams. Of course, it would be a dream to play Manchester United, but I would love to have another go against one of the Football League youth set-ups'.

Altrincham have, on occasion, flirted with progressing further in the competition. It was Heslop who led out the Altrincham youth team at Oakwell against Barnsley in the First Round Proper in 1998 [actually it was in October 2003], and although they were defeated 2-0 [it was 4-0], the manager describes it as ‘one of the best experiences [he has] had in [his] time involved with football'.

That defeat at Oakwell was the last time Altrincham were involved in such an advanced stage of the tournament, emphasising just how frustrating an odyssey that The Youth Cup can be for non-League sides. Yet Heslop believes that this year’s group represents the most impressive Altrincham youth side for many a year and has a real chance of progressing beyond the qualifying stages.

'This season we have one of the strongest youth sides in last 16 years, we had the one defeat at Curzon Ashton, which is always a difficult game but apart from that we have been playing exceptionally well and scoring a lot of goals. When you think about it, four of the lads, Matt Fearon, Adam Reid, Joe Coombes (who has been on the bench for first team) and Jake Barnabas have all been taken for training with the first team such has been their tremendous start to the season and it’s not just them. Eight of the eleven are in the Cheshire county FA team. That shows just how strong this team is'".

YOUTH CUP

YOUTHS' LATE BLOW

Above: Sam Grimshaw, wearing the yellow captain's armband, wheels away after scoring Alty's equalizer in the fourth minute of added time against Mossley.

Altrincham Youth went out of the NWYA Open Cup in a hard fought game between two well-matched sides at Clay Lane. An Alty side, missing several regulars, lost 2-1 to Mossley, the winner arriving deep into injury time in the 117th minute. There is a match report here.

MATT'S LEAGUE DEBUT

KICK-OFF

TABLE

SHRIMPS' VIEW

The home team then went into a 5-2 lead as Morecambe tried to push on. The game looked over with 20 minutes to go but the young Morecambe team continued to push on and were rewarded with a penalty when the impressive Christian Suthers was brought down in the penalty box with five minutes to go. Liam Wainright scored from the spot and made it 5-3".

YOUTH CUP

ALTRINCHAM YOUTH 5 MORECAMBE YOUTH 3

And, in each case, the Alty side has had to come from behind to secure their win. Goals from Declan Barry, Matt Fearon, Sam Grimshaw, Oliver Riley and Jack Martiny-Schofield won the match today against Morecambe, which was only marred by the sending off of Oliver Riley in added time for two dissent offences.

YOUTH TEAM PROGRESSES

Alty added a fifth goal after the interval through Jack Martiny-Schofield (62 mins). Altrincham will be now be away to Runcorn Linnets in the 1st Qualifying Round in a fortnight's time.

Right: Alty line up a defensive wall against Nantwich.

DISTRICT CUP WIN

FA YOUTH CUP

FIXTURES

NEXT UP

On Wednesday, 7 September, Altrincham start their FA Youth Cup campaign away at Nantwich Town's Weaver Stadium, CW5 5BS, k.o. 7.45pm.

CHESTER'S REPORT

GAME OFF

ALTY YOUTH WIN 5-4

Right: Duncan Watmore (no.10) is congtratulated after scoring Altrincham Youth's late winner.

In a pulsating match against FC United of Manchester, played in very blustery conditions at Clay Lane, Timperley, the lead changed hands three times and, of four penalties taken, only one was converted.

FIXTURES UPDATE

GAME OFF

YOUTH CUP DATE FIXED

CUP DRAWS

YOUTHS' IMPRESSIVE WIN

Above, Alty Youth receive a half-time talk from manager George Heslop whilst, in the background, coach Josh Collins massages the back of the injured Declan Barry.

Altrincham FC Youth got their league season off to a very impressive start with a fine 3-0 win over Chester FC Youth at the Robins' new home on Clay Lane, Timperley. Oliver Riley's two goals complemented Jack Martiny-Schofield's headed opener in a 3-0 win against a team which had recently beaten Tranmere Rovers' youth team. A match report and picture is here.

Altrincham play Vauxhall Motors the week after next and This is Glos reports that "Gloucester City got off to a flying start in the opening fixture of their Blue Square North campaign with a deserved victory over Vauxhall Motors" on Saturday. "City nullified Vauxhall's short passing game from the first whistle and the Motormen were given nightmares by the pace of Steve Davies up front and a relentless and dogged display from Tom Webb in midfield and from the centre backs Hamblin and Coupe. But the real star of the show was the outstanding Hereford loanee Tyler Weir, bossing the show from left-back and setting up multiple City attacks...

Vauxhall Motors: S Tynan, K Grocott (T Hanningan 74), L Davies, S Highdale (T Field 55 YC) , M Jackson, A Taylor, S Wheeler (L Nethercote 64), D Mannix, L McGivern, J Wilson, C Mahon. Subs: T Hanningan, J Bennet, J O'Connell".

YOUTH TEAM PLAYERS SIGN ON

All three have been involved with the first team throughout pre-season, though Adam Reid has yet to appear in a first-team game. All three were in the youth team squad last season and are still eligible for the under-18 NW Youth Alliance league this season. Matt and Joe were in the Alty team which contested the Cheshire Senior Cup Final last season at Nantwich whilst Joe was also on the bench for Clitheroe on Saturday as Alty seek to give him more match experience in a competitive senior league.

Right: Goalkeeper Adam Reid and youth team captain, Matt Fearon.

YOUTH GAME OFF

On Monday 1st August the following players have been invited to attend the Cheshire County F.A. Youth Team Squad training session. They are Jake Barnabas, Joseph Coombs, Matthew Fearon, Adam Reid, Duncan Watmore and Sam Grimshaw".

GOOD WIN IN POOR CONDITIONS

Altrincham FC Youth overcame some dreadful weather to beat Congleton Town Youth 3-1 in a pre-season friendly this afternoon. Duncan Watmore (above) scored twice and Ryan Barry scored the third. There is a match report here.

The next pre-season match is a week on Sunday (31st) away to AFC Bury at Cams Lane Sports Club, off Harper Fold Road, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 3GN, k.o. 2.30 p.m.

YOUTHS GET THEIR CHANCE

Right: Yesterday, several of Alty Youth's team from last year played in the first-team match against a Manchester City XI which included Craig Bellamy and Michael Johnson. Here, Jake Barnabas, James Smart, Astley Mulholland (an Alty Youth player from a few years ago) and Sam Langford make up the four-man wall against a Manchester City freekick, being lined up by Kieran Trippier, who played 35 first-team games for Championship side Barnsley last season. Joe Coombs was also involved in the game at Moss Lane.

FA YOUTH CUP DRAW

Preliminary Round, w/c 5/9/11

1st Round Qualifying, w/c 19/9/11

2nd Round Qualifying, w/c 3/10/11

LEAGUE FIXTURES

Sun. 14/8/11

Sun. 21/8/11

Tue. 23/8/11

Sun. 28/8/11

Wed. 1/9/11

TRIAL GAME ENDS WITH UNFORTUNATE INJURY

Unfortunately, Sunday's Altrincham FC youth team trial match between two teams of prospective squad members for 2011-12 was truncated by an injury to one of the players. Midfielder, Jamie McLellan, who had only joined the game at the start of the second of three planned periods of thirty minutes' play, suffered a dislocated knee 18 minutes into the second period. Play was halted whilst an ambulance was called and with twenty minutes or so passing before this arrived, the game was abandoned. All at Altrincham FC wish Janie a speedy recovery from his injury. A brief match report is here.

Above is shown some action from the game.

YOUTH TEAM GAMES

Trial matches at Blessed Thomas Holford School, on Sunday 26th June & Sunday 3rd July:

Friendlies:

Cheshire County F.A. District Youth Challenge Cup League 1 Matches (venues & kick-offs to be confirmed):

YOUTH TEAM PRESENTATIONS

Adam Reid receives his Players' Player of the Year award from Grahame Rowley and George Heslop	Adam Reid receives the James Black Youth Player of the Year award from Mr and Mrs Black, James's parents
James Smart receives the Players' Player of the Year Runner-up award from Director, Andrew Shaw	George Smart gives Josh Collins (coach) an award on behalf of the players' parents.
George Smart gives Josh Collins (coach) an award on behalf of the players' parents	Jenny Heslop received this bouquet from the players' parents
	Left: Jim Vince gives Matt Fearon his award as third-placed Players' Player of the Year

The 2010-11 season had been marred by player injuries and a long weather-induced winter break. However, the youth team manager took heart from the fact that the team, towards the end of the season, had included as many as 12 players in the 16-man squads who were young enough to be eligible for the under-18s league next season. Indeed, in the game at Morecambe, the central midfield's combined ages were just 31 years! George also highlighted the excellent performances and conduct of all those youth team players who had either trained or played with the first team, not least in the Cheshire Senior Cup Final.

The Players' Player of the Year award went to goalkeeper Adam Reid, with James Smart the runner-up and Matt Fearon third. The James Black memorial trophy for the manager's player of the year went to Adam Reid, too. This handsome trophy was presented by Mr and Mrs Black and it commemorates their late son, James, who was a much loved figure at Moss Lane, where he was a an ardent supporter before his untimely early death.

George also paid tribute to his coaching team of Gareth Thomas, Josh Collins and Richard Williams. He also recorded his gratitude to Tony Spilsbury who had resigned as coach early in the season after several years dedicated service. Having also thanked the players' parents for their support for their sons, George Smart, on behalf of the parents, made a short speech during which he made a presentation to Jenny Heslop, for her help and her hard work in laundering the team kit every week. He also paid tribute to George and his coaching team.

Chairman Grahame Rowley also thanked everyone associated with the youth team for their efforts over the season and he pointed out that new manager Le Sinnott had already invited a number of the team to pre-season training. Grahame also pointed out that relegation meant that the youth team had a better chance of making an impact at first-team level than had been the case over recent years.

YOUTH TEAM PRESENTATION EVENING