an unofficial website
www.altrinchamfc.co.uk

NEWS ARCHIVE
September, 2016


30 September 2016

LADIES MATCH REPORT

Phil Taylor has kindly provided a Match report on Altrincham FC Ladies' game, last Sunday, at Ellesmere Port Town. Next up for the Ladies on Sunday (2pm) is a home match at Mersey Valley against FC United of Manchester.

Meanwhile the Reserves are also at home this weekend, on Saturday, when they play Whaley Bridge (2pm) at Egerton Sports Club, Knutsford.

. And on Sunday, the Youth team is scheduled to play Hyde at the Hale Country Club on Clay Lane (2.30pm).

SPECIAL FA CUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGE!

Altrincham Football Club is offering a special package of hospitality for just £27.50 a head in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge for Saturday's FA Cup match against Morpeth Town. This includes pre-match drinks, a hot lunch, tea/coffee at half-time, matchday programme and a team sheet. Please contact Barry Pond on 07957-456375, by noon on Friday, to reserve your places. The offer is open to all supporters whether Altrincham's or Morpeth Town's.

PRICE-CUT FOR FA CUP ADMISSION

As previously announced, admission prices for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Morpeth Town are being cut from the normal level at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Please remember that Altrincham FC season tickets do NOT cover cup matches.

So prices are reduced from the normal £14 (standing) or £15 (seated) for adults and from £9 (standing) or £10 (seated) for concessionaries. For 12-16 year-olds, prices will remain at £5, and at £2 for under-12s. Prices on Saturday are, therefore, as follows...

  • Standing: Adults £10 Concessions £5
  • Seating: Adults £10 Concessions £5
  • Disabled with Helper: Combined price £10
  • 12-16 year olds: £5
  • Under 12: £2

Chairman Grahame Rowley said "We wanted to be proactive about helping our supporters and, at the same time, give the team the best chance of progressing, and reducing prices seemed the ideal way of doing it. If it has the desired effect and tempts a few more along, it will be worthwhile. It could make all the difference, because we all know our supporters turning out in numbers and getting behind the lads can be like having an extra player on the pitch.

'I hope people not only take advantage of the offer but spread the word to try and get as many along as possible. We're expecting about 50-60 Morpeth fans, and it's a gesture to them as well, since they face a long trip and are used to paying £6 for adults and £3 for concessions and juniors at their ground.

'But mainly it's aimed at our supporters, to try and make it more affordable for them and hopefully help generate the sort of Cup atmosphere we've been known for down the years. We have had some brilliant times in this competition, and it would be great to have a few more this season. There'll be a better chance with a bumper turnout, because I know from experience our crowd can be the 12th man, so let's get the message out to as many people as possible".

Saturday's FA Cup opponents for Altrincham, Morpeth Town, have highlights from their Northern League 4-2 victory over Dunston, last Saturday.

Alty beat Gainsborough Trinity in the last Round but they have only recently posted this video interview with manager Dominic Roma about the game.

OPPONENTS' MIDWEEK WIN

Altrincham's FA Cup opponents, this Saturday, Morpeth Town, had a midweek league match on Tuesday. NL Pitchero reports how "Morpeth Town beat Whitley Bay, thanks to a last-minute winner. Morpeth took the lead when Keith Graydon’s shot was parried, only for Chris Reid to turn the ball home, but Whitley levelled 3 minutes later with a Callum Patton penalty.

Morpeth regained the lead through Michael Chilton from a Chris Reid pass, but Patton equalised with a low shot for Whitley with 10 minutes left. However, Steven Anderson got the winner for Morpeth deep into stoppage time."

OLD BOY

From the BBC we learn that "Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has been left out by England Under-21s, three days before the next senior squad is named... The under-21s face Kazakhstan on October 6 and Bosnia-Herzegovina five days later in Euro 2017 qualifying...

England Under-20s manager Aidy Boothroyd will take charge of the under-21 team, with Gareth Southgate stepping up to lead the senior team". The squad includes ex-Alty winger Duncan Watmore.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

NL Pitchero tells us that "Stalybridge Celtic have signed former Manchester City youngster Sam Tattum. A local lad from Worsley, Tattum represented Manchester City from the age of 11. A right-back by trade, Tattum occasionally deputised on the left side of defence, his anticipation and smart tackling making him a nuisance for opposition forwards.

Tattum`s 2013/14 season was largely disrupted by injury, but he returned to action for 2014/15 in some style and no one started more matches in the under-18 league than he did. He signed his first professional contract in 2015 and earned several starting places with the Elite Development Squad last season. However, Tattum was one of five players released by City in the summer."

According to the Northern Echo "Two Darlington players have been made available to leave on loan. Amar Purewal and Adam Nowakowski, both on the fringes of the team this season, have been deemed surplus to requirements for the time being. Striker Purewal has played seven times this season, but is not in Martin Gray’s first-choice XI with six of his appearances coming as a substitute.

Purewal started the first game of the season, away to Altrincham, but new arrival Mark Beck then received international clearance and has since started each match. He, last season, went on loan to Harrogate Railway, his first period of football after coming a knee injury which kept him sidelined for over a year.

Nowakowski, considered a utility player since joining Darlington in May 2015, has made six appearances this term, starting each of the last two games. Last time out, at home to Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday, he was used as a centre-back to fill the void created by Gary Brown’s suspension.

But Brown, and Chris Hunter, also unavailable last weekend, return to contention for Quakers’ next match at Brackley a week on Saturday. Meanwhile, aside from Purewal and Nowakowski, another of the squad’s fringe players is likely to leave before the weekend. Gray recently brought Josh Falkingham into the club, a midfielder formerly with Dunfermline who has impressed in his two appearances, while last week Josh Gillies signed contract lasting until 2019".

We learn from Gloucestershire Alive that "Gloucester City AFC have gone back to the drawing board, quite literally, to change yellow brickwork to red on plans for their rebuilt stadium.

Planners are finally set to approve proposals for an all-new ground at Meadow Park, more than nine years after the club was flooded out in July 2007. The Tigers have been in exile ever since and appeared to have hit yet another stumbling block when officers at the city council said the proposed yellow brickwork, to match the club colours, on the latest plans was not acceptable. But it appears agreement has now been met, with the architect drawings for the stadium now coloured in traditional red brick.

The owner of the club, Eamon McGurk, said he is focused on gaining planning permission at Tuesday's planning committee,- the last major hurdle they need to cross before diggers can get to work in earnest. He said, 'I have quite enjoyed the attention this has drawn to what we are doing, it has people talking about what we a doing. Whether it is black, red or whatever, I don't really care as long as we get planning permission'...

Paul James, leader of the city council, said, 'It is a bit of an embarrassment that the team does not play in Gloucester city. It does feel like unfinished business to me and something that I want to put right'",


29 September 2016

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The Halifax Courier reports that "FC Halifax Town have been unable to agree a fee with Gateshead for defender James Bolton, so it will be decided by a tribunal. Bolton joined ex-Town boss Neil Aspin at Gateshead in the summer after helping Town win the FA Trophy at Wembley in May.

The 23-year-old has been an ever-present for Gateshead this season and was signed three times by Aspin while at Halifax, twice on loan and finally permanenetly, from Macclesfield. Gateshead are believed to have raised their original offer by 50 per cent, but Town are believed to have asked for double that fee again."

NL Pitchero tells us that "Leaders AFC Fylde made it a round dozen games unbeaten in the Vanarama National League North after winning 2-1 at Edgeley Park against Stockport County on Tuesday night. In front of a crowd of 2,206, the Coasters were made to battle hard by a spirited County side...

But in the end, Stockport were undone by a late, late winner by the league leaders. Recent purchase from Alfreton Town, Dan Bradley, gave the Coasters a 21st minute lead... A blow to the head suffered by County`s Scott Duxbury resulted in the officials` board indicate 10 minutes of stoppage time. And 3 minutes into that overtime, Scott Spencer popped up with Stockport`s equaliser and surely a share of the spoils.

But no, Fylde won the game in the 7th minute of injury-time and, to make matters worse, it was former County favourite, Danny Rowe, who fired home the free-kick winner.

Not too far away at Broadhurst Park, a crowd of 2,166 saw a less spectacular derby between FC United of Manchester and Curzon Ashton..."Curzon had keeper Hakan Burton to thank for keeping the scores level, as he produced a string of stunning saves throughout the game, most notably a save low down to deny [ex-Alty man] Dale Johnson in the 57th minute.

He also produced a superb save in the dying seconds to keep a clean sheet for the Nash... It ended goalless, leaving both teams in the lower reaches of the table."

We learn from Stockport County that "The Hatters turned in a hugely spirited performance against National League North leaders AFC Fylde, before being edged out by the odd goal...

The Hatters laid siege on Fylde’s half for long periods after the break, with Amis and Lloyd going close, and regained their momentum after the lengthy pause resulting from Duxbury’s injury. With normal time over, and three minutes into the extra period announced, Spencer latched onto a pass from Lloyd - before unleashing a low drive into the corner from 20 yards and bringing County level. It was no more than the Hatters deserved. But their hearts were broken by Rowe, whose trademark 25-yard free kick hit the back of the home net four minutes later".

From Tameside, Curzon Ashton say that "Curzon Ashton had goalkeeper and captain Hakan Burton to thank as they played out a 0-0 draw against FC United of Manchester at Broadhurst Park on Tuesday night, the fourth consecutive draw between the two sides, writes Emma Strowger...

Curzon made four changes from Saturday's late home defeat to Stockport County, including handing a debut to new signing Jamie Stott, who arrives at Tameside on loan from Oldham Athletic. FC United ramped up the pressure in the early stages of the second half, taking corner after corner, but they were denied a go-ahead goal by the superb Burton in the Curzon goal...

After Saturday's late defeat to Stockport and a makeshift back line, Curzon could look upon their draw as a point gained rather than a point lost". For Curzon, former Alty man Simon Woodford was booked.

Stockport County adds that "Scott Duxbury is back home recuperating after being stretchered off during last night's fixture against AFC Fylde. The 21-year-old defender was taken to hospital after being knocked out during the second half of the game. He also suffered a fracture to the side of his left eye. Scott was allowed to return home at 6.30 this morning".


28 September 2016

THANK YOU

Altrincham FC would like to thank everyone who contributed, as either a volunteer or an attendee, towards the successful Macmillan "World's Largest Coffee Morning" at the J Davidson Stadium last week. This raised £239.85 for the Macmillan fund.

YOUTH CUP DATE AGREED

Altrincham FC Youth are, as previously reported, away at Southport in the next round of the FA Youth Cup. It has now been decided that the tie will take place at the Merseyrail Community Stadium (Haig Avenue) on Wednesday, 5th October at 7.45pm. Admission prices will be £5 for adults and £3 for concessionaries. This is the same date as an FA Cup replay at Morpeth Town should one be necessary.

MORPETH TOWN, OUR CUP OPPONENTS

Altrincham will be pleased to welcome Morpeth Town to the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday for their FA Cup 3QR clash. As previously announced gate prices have ben reduced for the tie to £10 for adults and £5 for concessionaries and under-18s.

Morpeth Town are the FA Vase holders and currrently lie fifth in the Northern League, with games in hand on many of their rivals. They reached this Round with a 4-2 win at home against Colwyn Bay, followed by win by the same margin at Croft Park against Blyth Spartans.

Altrincham supporters will recall our 4-1 humbling by Blyth in the FA Cup two seasons ago. Before this encounter with Morpeth, our most recent match against Northern League opposition also came in the FA Cup, in 2012, when we won 3-0 at Shildon in County Durham.

Morpeth's top scorers this season are Paul Robinson and Michael Chilton with 11 and 9 goals respectively.

Morpeth Town were founded in 1894, and their home colours are amber and black. They joined the Northern League 100 years later (1994/95) and they play at a purpose-built stadium, opened in 1994, which is known as Craik Park, named after a family closely associated with the Club.

To date, sixth is their highest finish in the Northern League. They were relegated in 2009-10 and finished bottom of the lower division the following season. The Club explains that it "was in dire straits with President Ken Beattie and Chairman Jim Smith trying their best to keep the club running by bringing the ground up to Northern League standards whilst being forced to ground share with local rivals Bedlington Terriers. The club was within weeks of folding at one point.

The Highwaymen began their revival in 2011/12 under the stewardship of Nick Gray who moved to the club from Seaton Delaval and brought a number of players". They regained top-flight status in the Northern League in 2013.

Their finest hour was at the end of last season when they deservedly beat Hereford 4-1 to lift the FA Vase. Their hero that day was their talismanic defender, Chris Swailes, who (as the FA explained), was a "45 year-old, who has had to overcome heart surgery in his remarkable career". Chris has continued to play for the club this season. So, Saturday's game sees ex-FA Vase winners play ex-FA Trophy winners in the FA Cup.

Howard Watts's records give us Altrincham's past results on 1 October, Through the Years.

Should next Saturday's FA Cup tie against Morpeth Town require a replay, it will be on Wednesday, 5 October.

NW NEWS

Hyde United announce that "Bury legend Andy Bishop signs... following... a successful spell at Wrexham FC and... most recently [as] the player-manager of National League club Southport".

TUESDAY GAMES

  • Stockport County 1-2 AFC Fylde (att 2,206) County levelled three minutes into added time only for Fylde to score the winner in the seventh added minute.
  • FC United of Manchester 0-0 Curzon Ashton (2,166)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The Halifax Courier reports that FC Halifax "Town boss Billy Heath said big-spenders Fylde 'blew everybody out of the water' in signing highly-rated Dan Bradley from Alfreton. Bradley scored on his debut for Fylde in their 3-1 win over Gainsborough after they beat Halifax, Lincoln and Kidderminster to his signature.

Fylde are owned by multi-millionaire David Haythornthwaite, and Heath admitted their spending power is out of Halifax’s reach. 'What we can’t do is compete with Fylde', he said. 'They just blew everybody out of the water. We’re always going to go for good players but there are some teams in this league that we can’t compete with, in terms of fees and wages. People might not want to hear me say that but there are three or four teams in this league that we can’t compete with. That’s the way it is'".

From NL Pitchero we learn that "Craig Carney has re-joined Lancaster City on dual registration with Stockport County as he looks to gain match fitness."

Elsewhere, "Curzon Ashton have secured the signing of defender Jamie Stott on a one-month loan from Oldham Athletic".

OLD BOY

On Tuesday, the Liverpool Echo reported that "Reports that Jim Bentley is poised to become the new Tranmere Rovers manager are premature. Sources around Non-League football tonight claimed that the Morecambe boss has agreed to replace Gary Brabin alongside his assistant, the former Prenton Park [and Altrincham] favourite Ken McKenna.

However, Tranmere are just one of several options open to the in-demand duo who are starting to be recognised for their hugely-impressive work on one of the Football League's smallest budgets. Morecambe have just been taken over by Brazilian businessman Diego Lemos who could offer a much-improved financial package while Bentley and McKenna, who are both based in Birkenhead, also have offers from clubs in both their own division and above.

Liverpool-born Bentley, 40, is a club legend at The Shrimps having played over 300 games for them before succeeding Sammy McIlroy in the dugout. Along with ex-Tranmere striker McKenna, who steered TNS to a hat-trick of Welsh titles, the pair have gained a reputation for bringing in an number of players and improving them in one of the Football League's toughest environments".


27 September 2016

RESERVES' DRAW WATCHED BY JIM HARVEY

Above: Alty line up before kick-off.

Match report here

Altrincham Reserves, watched by Jim Harvey, took a 2-0 lead against Knutsford ‌inside 15 minutes and they looked on course for a comfortable win. The goals came from Rhain Davis and Joel Swift. But Altrincham lost the initiative and Knutsford deservedly gained a draw with two second-half goals.

LADIES COME UP SHORT

Right: Image, courtesy of Keith Edleston showing Louise and Bliss working hard during the game at Ellesmere Port.

Altrincham FC Ladies' manager, Keith Edleston, writes, "On Sunday, we travelled up the M56 to Whitby Sports Club to take on Ellesmere Port LFC. The sun was out, the pitch was superb and all the signs were there for a good game of football.

Well, we got the perfect start as on eight minutes, birthday girl Georgia Plant headed in from a cross from our right to open the scoring and we thought we would go on to assert our authority on the game...

For some reason it didn't quite work out as, although throughout the ninety minutes and for all our possession, our passes went slightly astray, didn't quite come off or we didn't take the easy ball option to keep possesion.

Port capitalised on two long balls straight down the centre and, with the sun in Bliss's and Louise's eyes, managed to score their goals. For all our possession (and we had a lot) we didn't work their keeper enough and with Port always dangerous on the counter we always had to be wary.

All in all maybe 'a bad day at the office' but, if you had said to me at the beginning of the season we would have won four out of the first five games of the season, I would have bitten your hand off. Management Player of the Game was Kye Brown with her non-stop energy and full-blooded tackles throughout.

After this 2-1 defeat it's onwards to our next game this coming Sunday down at Mersey Valley Sports Club, Banky Lane, Sale M33 5SL. The game is a 2pm kick-off with the clubhouse open from 12.30pm. We would love to see you all down there to cheer the girls on".

LAST GAME: BOSTON VIEW

In the Lincolnshire Echo we learn that "Boston United manager Dennis Greene hailed the qualities of match-winner Liam Agnew as the Pilgrims finally broke their away duck in Vanarama National League North on Saturday. The former Sunderland midfielder struck in the 70th minute to settle the clash against Altrincham at Moss Lane, having already gone close to an exquisite opener in the first half.

Greene was delighted with the midfielder's impact, having now scored three goals in six appearances since returning to the club at the start of September. 'It would have been some goal in the first half,' reflected Greene. 'He pulled the ball out of the sky and tried to chip the goalkeeper but sadly it went into the side-netting. He popped up in the second half though and showed his quality with a great give-and-go with Waide (Fairhurst) and got us our goal. Dion [goalkeeper] kept us in it at times. He made some good saves, but they were pretty much routine saves. We created some good chances ourselves and had good possession'...

Honours remained even at half-time but the home side started to get on top, only for United to craft the game's only goal with 20 minutes to play... The hosts, under the guidance of new manager Jim Harvey, applied plenty of late pressure, but Henry was only called into extended action twice. He produced a terrific, sprawling save to keep out Harry Cain's close-range drive, before diving full length to tip a Wilkinson drive behind for a corner"

OLD BOY

NL Pitchero says that "Widnes have announced the appointment of Joey Dunn, formerly of Warrington Town and latterly Runcorn Linnets, as their new manager".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

According to the Birmingham Mail, "Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov could be set for a sensational return to the game with Nuneaton Town. The ex-claret and blue captain attempted to return to the professional game with Villa over the summer after fighting and beating Leukaemia.

His efforts were unsuccessful, though he was offered the chance to remain at Villa Park as part of the backroom team. It seems that Petrov is now ready to take to the field again, with Nuneaton said to be about to beat off competition from several National League North rivals to the Bulgarian's signature."

The Tamworth Herald reports that "Tamworth boss Andy Morrell was pleased with the debut of former Shrewsbury Town defender Luke Jones as the Lambs drew 1-1 with FC United of Manchester.

'I didn't want to play him for the full game really, as he is building his fitness up, but he did great,' said Morrell. 'Luke does what it says on the tin. He will head the ball out of your box and up the pitch. He is a leader, a talker and he certainly adds something to us.'

Morrell also revealed that defender Stephen Tomassen had been dropped for the clash. 'I left Tommo out,' he said. 'I felt he seemed clouded with his decision-making in recent games and not where he normally is. So we just thought, right, let's take him out of the firing line a little bit and refocus his mind and see if he has got the fight to get back in the team'".

From NL Pitchero we learn that "Two Vanarama National League matches have been selected for screening by BT Sport in November...

  • Saturday Nov 12th Woking v North Ferriby United 5.30pm kick-off
  • Saturday Nov 19th Forest Green Rovers v Lincoln City 12.15pm kick-off

Also from NL Pitchero we read that "FC United of Manchester have confirmed that [former Alty youth and reserve] Sam Madeley has left the club to sign for Macclesfield Town. The Silkmen have immediately put Madeley out on loan to FC United`s league rivals Stalybridge Celtic. {He was sent off for Celtic on Saturday].

Madeley joined FC United from Salford City at the start of the 2015/16 season. The pacey forward appeared in thirty-five games for FC United, starting twenty-one and scoring 11 goals... [In February] picked up an injury which kept him out of majority of the remaining matches of last season and the start of this season. He briefly came on as substitute in this season’s away defeat at Salford".

NL Daily states that "New Bradford Park Avenue manager Mark Bower has appointed [ex-Alty midfielder] Danny Boshell as his assistant. The pair worked together at Guiseley... where Boshell held a player-assistant role, and he will take up the same position at Avenue.

The 35-year-old midfielder made 186 league appearances over the last six years at Nethermoor... He has also featured for Bury, Stockport and Altrincham throughout his career. Boshell lines up alongside his brother Nicky, who moved to Avenue in the summer for his third spell at the club... Former assistant Matt Hill will continue in his coaching role with the Avenue Academy alongside [ex-Alty winger] Alex Meechan, and will remain a player in Bower and Boshell's squad."

AFC Telford United "would like to announce that Callum Gittings and Lucas Dawson have been released from their non-contracts".


26 September 2016

RESERVES IN ACTION ON MONDAY AT THE JDS

Altrincham FC Reserves are in action at the J. Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane, on Monday night (7.30pm) in a league match against Knutsford. Entry is free and will be via the Moss Lane turnstiles. Refreshments will be available from the away end kiosk. These include tea, coffee, bottled beers and snacks.

Tom Hannigan is expected to play a part in the game as he regains match fitness following his injury lay-off. One or two other first-team squad members may also participate in a game which Jim Harvey will use to assess the reserve team players.

YOUTH TEAM DRAW

Alty Youth drew 3-3 at Morecambe on Sunday.

LADIES' NARROW DEFEAT

Alty Ladies' unbeaten start to the season ended with a 2-1 defeat at Ellesmere Port Town on Sunday.

DAMIAN'S 300TH

Damian Reeves's next appearance for Altrincham will be his 300th for the club since he joined in 2010. Since then, Damian (right) has netted a remarkable 163 goals in 258 starts and 41 appearances from the bench. A significant proportion of his career has been in Altrincham sides fighting against the odds at national level and his strike rate is all the more commendable for that.

All at the Club congratulate him on that achievement. A 300th game will leave Damian just eight appearances behind the currently most experienced player for the Club, Shaun Densmore, who has made 299 starts and 9 appearances from the bench.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The National League review states that "AFC Fylde still head the Vanarama National League North table on goal difference after...they mirrored second-placed Harrogate Town's result. Both won 3-1 at home...

At Mill Farm, a crowd of 1,385 saw the home side have to come back from being a goal down when Jordan Thewlis gave Trinity the lead a minute before the break...

Darlington 1883 are third after a drama-filled Heritage Park victory over third-bottom Stalybridge Celtic. The visitors came into the game having lost nine of their previous ten league games and found the Quakers too hot to handle. Liam Hardy gave the hosts an early 4th minute lead, but some slack defending allowed in [ex-Alty man] Andy Owens to equalise in the 17th minute. But a second from Hardy in the 37th minute and one from Josh Gillies a minute before the break to celebrate his new deal with the club, sent Darlington into the break 3-1 up.

The Quakers had a shock though shortly after the restart when Leon Scott was red-carded, but soon afterwards Stalybridge were also down to ten-men when [ex-Alty youth and reserve] Sam Madeley saw red for a second booking...

Kidderminster Harriers are fourth, but had to be content with a point from a 3-3 thriller at the Impact Arena against Alfreton Town... Harriers trailed 3-0 at the break... But three goals from substitutes, including a brace for Liam Truslove after 53 and 85 minutes, sandwiched by one from Andre Brown on 83 minutes saw Harriers respond brilliantly...

Chorley complete the top five after being held to a goalless draw at the New Buck's Head by AFC Telford United. But considering the Magpies had to play for the entire second half with ten-men after Marcus Carver was dismissed after an elbow incident with Dwayne Samuels, manager Matt Jansen will probably be happy with a point.

Salford City were also held, this time at Moor Lane by much-improved Brackley Town...

Two goals from on-loan Lincoln City striker Alex Simmons helped FC Halifax Town to a comfortable 4-0 win over rock-bottom Bradford Park Avenue at The Shay... [ex-Alty man] Jordan Sinnott added the fourth in the 55th minute to condemn Avenue to a club record of nine consecutive losses since reformation.

Curzon Ashton failed to pick up their first home victory of the season at the Tameside Stadium after losing 2-1 to neighbours Stockport County... Worcester City fell to their first defeat of September as visiting Nuneaton Town made it four league games without defeat after a poor start to the season...

Tamworth and FC United of Manchester shared the spoils at The Lamb".

FA CUP 3QR

Saturday's FA Cup Third Qualifying Round ties include the following which feature National League North and other "northern" clubs...
  • ALTRINCHAM v Morpeth T.
  • Kettering T. v Boston U
  • Halesowen T. v Nantwich T.
  • Lincoln U. v Handsworth
  • Farsley C. v Bishop Auckland
  • FC Halifax Town v Stalybridge C.
  • Worcester C v Brackley T.
  • King's Lynn v Alfreton
  • Curzon Ashton v Bedworth
  • Ilkeston T. v Stourbridge
  • Lancaster C. v Kidderminster H,
  • Matlock T. v Workington
  • Stockport C. v Salford C.
  • Spennymoor v Chorley
  • FC United of M/cr v Harrogate T.
  • AFC Mansfield v Stamford

Alty's opponents Morpeth Town geared up for their visit to Altrincham with a 4-2 win over Dunston on Saturday with Michael Chilton scoring twice.

OLD BOYS

Ex-Alty striker Aaron Burns hit a remarkable double hat-trick as his Trafford side won 6-0 against Goole on Saturday. Also playing for our near neighbours was ex-Alty player/coach, Simon Garner.

SATURDAY'S GATES

  • AFC Fylde 3-1 Gainsborough Trinity (att. 1,385)
  • AFC Telford Utd 0-0 Chorley (1,033)
  • Alfreton Town 3-3 Kidderminster Harriers (568)
  • Altrincham 0-1 Boston United (918)
  • Curzon Ashton 1-2 Stockport County (964)
  • Darlington 1883 4-1 Stalybridge Celtic (1,231)
  • FC Halifax Town v Bradford Park Avenue (1,761)
  • Harrogate Town 3-1 Gloucester City (729)
  • Salford City 1-1 Brackley Town (1,072)
  • Tamworth 1-1 FC United of Manchester (1,105)
  • Worcester City 2-3 Nuneaton Town (645)

25 September 2016

ALTRINCHAM 0 BOSTON UNITED 1

Above: John Cyrus has added stability to the Alty backline since returning from injury. Above, Gavin Rathbone protrays him in action against Boston, with Jake Moult in attendance.

In a game of missed chances at each end Altrincham went down to a 70th minute goal by Boston captain, Agnew. He was allowed to advance into the box and gave Dawber no chance.

Match report here

Below: Greg Wilkinson advances against Boston. Image courtesy of Mike Ripley.

NEW TEAM PHOTO

With so many changes of personnel since the start of the season, club photographer Gavin Rathbone has taken an updated team photo. This is shown above (click on image for larger version).

Pictured are:

Back row: Craig Hobson, Phil Marsh, Greg Wilkinson, Tim Deasy, Andrew Dawber, John Cyrus, Danny Hattersley, Tom Hannigan.

Middle row: Matt Doughty (asst manager), Danny Hall, Alan Ainsley (physio), James Lawrie, Rhain Davis, Shaun Densmore, Sean Miller, Charlie Joyce, Simon Richman, Jake Moult, Sam Heathcote, John Skelhorn (kitman), Ian Senior (goalkeeper coach).

Front row: Josh Doherty (loanee), Harry Cain, Alan Goodall (capt), Jim Harvey (manager), Callum Charlton, Damian Reeves, Sam Patterson.

"WE NEED TO SHARPEN UP DEFENSIVELY" SAYS JIM

Speaking to Altrincham FC's John Edwards (joint Press & Media Officer), "Jim Harvey insisted Altrincham are heading in the right direction, despite their search for a first Vanarama National League North win of the season continuing after a 1-0 defeat by Boston United at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Another improved performance, following on from the previous week's dramatic FA Cup win over Gainsborough, went unrewarded, as Boston cashed in on a string of narrow escapes with a late winner.

But Harvey remained upbeat, as he looked forward to Saturday's FA Cup third qualifying round tie at home to Morpeth Town, and said, 'For sure I feel we are moving in the right direction, disappointing though it was not to make more of our opportunities against Boston.

'We have worked all week on trying to consolidate the sort of performance we put in against Gainsborough, and in that respect we did very well, in the way we got forward and created chances. We just needed to finish them off.

'Equally, we didn't very often look like conceding, so it was disappointing a gap should open up on our left-hand side for the goal that cost us the minimum we deserved, a 0-0. It's a fact that if things had broken for us at the other end, we'd have scored three or four, but we have to stop conceding.

'We've got great qualities going forward, but we need to sharpen up defensively. I'm still finding out about the players and what they are capable of, but it does seem we have enough footballing ability going forward to create problems for any team.

'Greg Wilkinson was very much a positive for us. He has done well here before, and I know him from Stalybridge days, so I know what he has to offer. He hadn't played a full game for many months, so tired a bit near the end, but he did a good job for us and was unlucky not to pinch a goal or two with his shooting.'

Tom Hannigan (right) and Tim Deasy should both be fit enough to challenge for starting places against Morpeth, after being on the bench against Boston, while Simon Richman is also likely to be back after missing out on Saturday with a slight hamstring problem. Midfielder Charlie Joyce is available after suspension.

'Tom came through a training session ok, but I didn't want to risk him against Boston if I could help it, even though he was on the bench,' explained Harvey. 'He will have a run-out in an under-21s' game on Monday, then have another few days to be ready for next Saturday, so I'm hopeful about him.

'Tim is up and about, but it's just his kicking he's still struggling with a bit. He came through Thursday's training session OK but, again, I didn't want to risk him, because it could knock him back five or six weeks if something went wrong. He just needs another week for that to settle down, and he should be OK.

'Danny Hall felt a problem in his back, where it was out of sync, so he has been to see a chiropractor, who has put it back in again. He just needs 10 days for it to settle down, so we are looking at next weekend or the one after for him. The other one is Shaun Densmore, who is still a few weeks away but is working hard at his rehab. These are experienced defenders, and I feel we won't be a million miles away when they are all back'".

JIM APPOINTS MATT AS HIS DEPUTY

It was confirmed yesterday that former Alty left-back Matt Doughty (right) has been appointed by Jim Harvey as the new assistant manager at Altrincham FC. Most recently, Matt was assistant to temporary manager Neil Tolson, following the departure of Lee Sinnott.

As an Altrincham player, Matt first joined the Club from Halifax Town in mid-June 2008, having been with the Shaymen since July 2004, a club he had joined from Rochdale. He had previously also played for Chester City, for whom he signed professionally when just 16. Matt was a regular for Chester for two seasons (1999-2001) making 53(+17) League/Conference appearances for them.

In 2001, he had moved to Rochdale and had a trial with Southampton but a broken leg halted the prospects of a move to Hampshire. At Rochdale he made 93(+12) appearances in the League. Another broken leg sadly hampered the 5ft 8inch defender's career at The Shay but he still managed 119(+12) league appearances for the club.

Matt made his Alty league debut on 9 August 2008 and he became one of the team's most consistent players, as well as its penalty taker, but he sadly suffered cruciate ligament damage against Salisbury City in February 2010. This injury effectively ended his initial spell at Moss Lane. After leaving Altrincham, Matt joined Witton Albion before moving on, in March 2011, to Hyde.

In 2012/13, Matt played regularly at left-back, as well as making some appearances on the left side of midfield, where his crossing ability was beneficial to the side. In 2013-14 Matt figured in most of the first 17 league games but, thereafter, made only sporadic appearances. A knee injury curtailed his involvement and for the same reason he elected to leave the club at the end of the 2013-14 season. He later enjoyed an excellent FA Cup run (2014-15) with Warrington Town.

Matt has also recently worked in a coaching capacity at Manchester City.

PLAYER NEWS

Saturday's Robins' Review informed us of the following player news, to which is added some other information...
  • Jon Moran has returned to his parent club Forest Green Rovers and Altrincham FC thanks him for his services and wishes him every success at FGR. He made 5(+1) appearances for Altrincham during his one-month loan.
  • Danny Hattersley's name has been circulated for loan to help him to regain full fitness. (A misprint in Jim Harvey's article in the programme suggested that Danny had gone to Droylsden on loan; it is actually Billy Hasler-Cregg who has gone to the Butcher's Arms on loan, as had been previously reported).
  • Also as previously reported, Phil Marsh is joining Altrincham but his international clearance has been delayed. The forms were submitted to the English FA a week last Wednesday but they only passed them on to the Welsh FA the following midweek. The process could take 30 days!
  • Jim Harvey has engaged a fitness coach for the team; he is Neil Walker.
  • In his column in the Robins' Review physio Alan Ainsley informs us that Danny Hall "has improved the strength in the hamstring damaged in his first match... With all going well with the re-hab, Danny still complained of a tight sensation his leg. After closer inspection it was found that a lower back problem was irritaing the nerves in his leg. A visit to Doug at Dynamic [chiropractors] has proved its usual benefits. A lay off to allow the manipulated skeletal [injury] to settle, should see Danny return in a week or two".
  • Alan also advises that "Simon Richman has started building of the fibres in his hamstring. Although not as serious as first thought, Simon will be missing this weekend".
  • Shaun Densmore "was showing off his "quad" definition this week. The visits to the gym are starting to pay dividends". Jim Harvey later added that he hopes to have Shaun back in "three to four weeks".
  • Alan Ainsley writes that "Tim Deasy's hip flexor injury will probably take a further week to settle".

MEET THE MANAGER AND THE BOARD MEETING

Following the match against Boston United, a two-part open meeting was held in the Community Sports Hall, compered by TASC chairman Brian Flynn.

The evening began with a question and answer session with new Altrincham FC manager, Jim Harvey.

Soon after the meeting opened, Jim announced that Matt Doughty had been appointed as his assistant, which brought applause from the floor. (More on Matt is to be found elsewhere in today's news).

Asked what had attracted him to Moss Lane, Jim recalled that his first managerial post might have been at Altrincham as he was an unsuccessful applicant when Gerry Quinn had been appointed in 1992. Responding to Kenny Palin's inquiry about the Reserves, Jim confirmed that one or two of the squad will be included in Monday night's Reserves' fixture at the J Davidson Stadium. They will include Tom Hannigan as part of his rehabilitation after injury.

Talking of the first team's improvement, Jim said that "Going forward we have some talented boys". But, defensively, there are more issues, so "We have got to do what we are capable of... Today we created a lot of chances but we were wide open for their goal. There is a weakness in the heart of the team".

Jim added that fitness needs to improve as "today we wilted a little bit". We got very ragged in the last ten or fifteen minutes". It was revealed that Jim has brought in a fitness coach "for a period", who is called Neil Walker.

Asked whether "major surgery" to the squad was required, Jim said he wanted to get his injured defensive players fit before deciding on whether reinforcements were needed in that area. "We are maybe two, three or four players short" he added. However, compared with Forest Green Rovers, when Jim had taken over there in similar circumstances, "This is a better squad", he said. FGR had finished 14th that season and Jim is "confident Altrincham will climb the table" this season.

Left: Matt Doughty and Jim Harvey

Replying to a query about his "long-term plans", Jim said that there must be an ambition to improve. He would like to see Alty back in the National League and then pushing for the Football League. "Is that realistic? Not now, but it may become so, I am not just happy with mediocrity; I always want to go forward" he stated.

The situation regarding Phil Marsh's international clearance was explained (see elsewhere in today's news on this page).

As for his "philosophy", Jim said that he is keen that we "dominate possession and create more opportunities" as these measures indicate success. Compared with his last job, at Halifax, "They [at Halifax] were not capable of dominating but were excellent defenders".

On returning to Altrincham Matt Doughty said that he was struck by the Club's stability and "clubs thrive on stability". He was also impressed by how hard the chairman and his wife worked, citing the example of Karen Rowley mopping out the changing rooms. Jim also liked the club's "Friendly, family atmosphere" which he compared to that at Morecambe when he arrived there.

Questioned about the money received for Duncan Watmore, Grahame Rowley explained that the initial transfer money received from Sunderland had been spent over three seasons to improve the playing budget. Asked why the club had not taken out a loan last season, when the Alty playing squad was ravaged by injury, the chairman explained that to get a loan on the assumption that Duncan would trigger a further payment after ten starts for Sunderland would have been reckless. If Duncan had been injured or not made the necessary appearances for the Wearside club, Alty would have been left with a debt which would have jeopardised the club for years to come.

Jim then said that he had been impressed when he had watched the Youth Team against Stockport County. "They looked well drilled" he added. Jim went on to say that it was important that 18 year-olds had a route to follow and were not lost to the Club.

A mix-up with the contract of Callum Charlton had led to his not playing yet this season. However, Jim has been impressed with Callum in training and hopes that the contract issue will be resolved very shortly. The manager added that he hopes Shaun Densmore will be available in three or four weeks.

Regarding the match against Boston, Jim had been impressed by their midfielders but felt that "Altrincham should have scored and taken the lead".

Right: Jim Harvey, Grahame Rowley and (behind them) Kenny Palin at the meeting.

After an interval it was the turn of members of the Board to field questions. The Board representatives comprised Nigel Collins, Andrew Shaw (Deputy Chairman), Grahame Rowley (Chairman), Paul Daine, Derek Wilshaw and representing the Community Sports Company, Peter Foster.

The club's poor league record of "13 wins in 72 league games" was cited by a questioner, as was a perceived "huge divide between supporters and the Club". The point was raised that many supporters were only interested in the football on the pitch and not such aspects as the community work and that some had been put off attending matches by the poor recent record. Grahame Rowley explained that the Board allowed their managers to manage and that it was "not up to me to tell the manager what to do" as regards team matters.

He also refuted criticism that the appointment of Neil Young had not been a rushed affair but stated that he had spent considerable time with a number of candidates before Neil was appointed. By definition, Grahame said that all unemployed managers have some failures in their past so Neil's experience at Stockport County was not necessarily going to be a bar to his selection.

Asked why the club had not brought in new players when we played Macclesfield last season and had named a bench comprising "three youngsters and two players only able to play for 15 minutes" through injury, Grahame explained that the Board had made available to the manager all the available funds and how he used them was his decision. Jim Harvey had likewise been made aware of what funds were available to him.

From the floor it was claimed that, as regards Neil Young's assertion about receiving hostile text messages, "these did not come from Altrincham fans" and that it was wrong for the Club to accept that suggestion.

Bill Waterson's recent £10K donation to the Club was raised and Bill himself responded. "I would love to be on the Board" he said, but "It is not important" and there has been "No falling out with the Board. There has to be due process in limited companies" so far as Board appointments are concerned. He applauded the fact that the club now had a bigger presence in the town through its community involvement than was ever the case in the past.

Asked again about why no player reinforcements were brought in at the time of the Macclesfield game last season, Grahame Rowley said that last season's accounts showed that there was just a £4,000 "profit" at the end of the financial period. So funds were largely used up. He refused to allow the current Board to be the one on whose watch the Club went bust.

It was suggested by a supporter that the Club might benefit from having someone in addition to the manager to assist with footballing decisions for which the Board might feel itself not competent. Andrew Shaw responded and said that he felt there was "No room for a Football Director" or similar appointment in addition to the team management.

A written question asked for the Chairman’s view on his representation by the NL Paper in a recent two-page article in that paper. Grahame Rowley stated that the article had not represented his views accurately and that he had e-mailed the NLP to tell them so but had received no reply.

On the issue of appeals for volunteers at the Club it was suggested that it would be preferable to be more specific about what skills were needed and which gaps needed to be filled. Succession planning was also raised and Andrew Shaw accepted that the Club had concerns about how the next generation of the Board and of the wider volunteers would emerge. Andrew volunteered to discuss this more fully, outside the meeting, with the questioner, (Jack Jolly)

Answering a suggestion that "The Board has a PR problem", Derek Wilshaw pointed out that plenty of positive news appeared on the Club's website and that the position was not as had been suggested when it was alleged that the Board was only ever associated with "negative stories" such as "sacking the manager".

The issue of "nailing" wealthy local residents (such as those who use the Community Hall's childcare facilities) to commit funds to the Club, was raised. Grahame Rowley pointed out that he and colleagues spent many hours talking to local people and companies to get sponsorships. Paul Daine explained that as a businessman himself, he could confirm how difficult a process this was; wealthy locals had been approached but were "not interested in the Football Club".

It was suggested that a "neutral communications person" might benefit the club, who would somehow stand between the Club and supporters and that there should be an e-mail address through which fans could address the Board directly. Grahame Rowley indicated that there was already a "chairman@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk" address as well as his own e-mail address which were in the public domain.

With, by now, a much reduced audience in the Hall, the meeting moved on to Community Sports Club issues which your reporter was unable to cover due to other commitments.


24 September 2016

ALTRINCHAM 0 BOSTON UNITED 1

Above: Josh Doherty (3) competes with Gregg Smith of Boston,as Jake Moult (4) awaits the outcome.

In a game of missed chances at each end Altrincham went down to a 70th minute goal by Boston captain, Agnew. He was allowed to advance into the box and gave Dawber no chance.

MEET THE MANAGER AND BOARD

There will be a brief report tomorrow on Saturday's open meetings with new manager Jim Harvey and the Boards of Altrincham FC and the Community Sports Company.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Sat 24 Sept
  • AFC Fylde 3-1 Gainsborough Trinity
  • AFC Telford Utd 0-0 Chorley
  • Alfreton Town 3-3 Kidderminster Harriers
  • Altrincham 0-1 Boston United
  • Curzon Ashton 1-2 Stockport County
  • Darlington 1883 4-1 Stalybridge Celtic
  • FC Halifax Town v Bradford Park Avenue
  • Harrogate Town 3-1 Gloucester City
  • Salford City 1-1 Brackley Town
  • Tamworth 1-1 FC United Of Manchester
  • Worcester City 2-3 Nuneaton Town

ALTRINCHAM v BOSTON UNITED: LIVE COVERAGE

You can follow this fixture via this website's minute by minute text updates by clicking on the icon below. Alternatively, Radio Robins' coverage of the game is outlined below as well.

updatesPC updatesMOBI radiorobins

Brian Flynn announces that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Saturday's game at The J.Davidson Stadium.

The commentators are Ian Wilkinson and Alex Sarwar and the match summariser is John Edwards. Coverage starts at 2.55pm & you can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at http://www.radiorobins.com/

MEET THE MANAGER AND BOARD - REMINDER

As previously announced, there will be a "Meet the Management" meeting in the Community Sports Hall at the J. Davidson Stadium after the home game against Boston United on Saturday, 24 September. It is planned to start this at 5.30pm. After the Q&A with Jim Harvey, representatives from the Boards of both Altrincham Football Club and of the Community Sports Company will be present to answer questions from supporters.

Alty's official caterer, Richie Bentley, will be offering the following menu for the "Meet the Manager and Board" session in the Community Sports Hall after the Boston game on Saturday, 24 September.

  • Bacon and sausage baps
  • Chips
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Refreshments from the Hall kitchen

YOUTH TEAM AWAY AGAIN IN FA YOUTH CUP

Altrincham FC Youth have been drawn away, for the second successive round, in the FA Youth Cup, Second Qualifying Round. They will travel to Haig Avenue to play Southport in week commencing 3 October 2016.

SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS

Boston United "go in search of their first away win in Vanarama National League North on Saturday,against a side yet to win at all. Hosts Altrincham are winless in 11 league matches to date, although they did defeat Gainsborough Trinity (3-2) at Moss Lane in the Emirates FA Cup last weekend...

United will be aiming to end September unbeaten after picking up seven points from a possible nine in league action and subsequently progressing in the FA Cup last time out, while Gregg Smith will be hoping to score in a fourth successive league contest...

New signing Ben Gordon could make his United debut at left-back but none of Dennis Greene’s injured players are expected to return. Nat Brown, Herve Pepe-Ngoma, Shane Clarke, Grant Roberts and Callum Chippendale are all still sidelined. United’s last visit to Moss Lane unfolded in April 2014 when a resolute rearguard action secured a 0-0 draw".

The Boston Standard adds that "Boston United face a nervous wait to see how long Herve Pepe-Ngoma will be sidelined. The German midfielder is on crutches and sporting a knee brace after picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw at Stockport County.

But Dennis Greene says that, until the swelling has gone down on the player’s right knee, it is unclear whether the summer signing will be out of action for a few weeks or the rest of the season. 'We won’t know until he has an MRI scan,' Greene said. 'If it shows ACL ligament damage he could be out for nine or 10 months. Medial ligament damage could put him out for five weeks'.

Fellow midfielder Grant Roberts left hospital on Monday after 16 days of having fluid drained from his knee. The duo will join Nat Brown and Shane Clarke on the injury list ahead of Saturday’s visit to Altrincham (KO 3pm), but Joe Burgess is believed to be available for selection again.

Teenage midfielder Jack McMillan has returned to Notts County after completing his loan spell while Ipswich Town youngster Joe Robinson’s spell with Boston will be up after the weekend.

Despite the Robins sitting second bottom of the National League North, Dennis Greene says that his side, currently unbeaten in four contests, will face a tough time".

REPLAY ARRANGEMENTS

Should next Saturday's FA Cup tie against Morpeth Town require a replay, it will be on Wednesday, 28 October.

ALL OR NOTHING!

Bids are invited for a silent auction for tickets to "All or Nothing; the Mod Musical". Please see the poster (below) for details of how to make your bid... the deadline for bids is midnight on 2nd October, so please ignore the date of 10 September on the poster!

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The NL Paper confirms that "Former Guiseley boss Mark Bower has made a swift return to management, taking over at Bradford Park Avenue. The former Bradford City defender, 36, replaces Alex Meechan who was relieved of his duties earlier this week following eight straight defeats.

Bower has been out of the game since being sacked by Guiseley last month following a slow start to the season... A club statement read... 'Amongst the Avenue ranks are Ryan Toulson, Liam Dickinson, Nicky Boshell and Emile Sinclair, all of whom featured under the new manager during his time at Guiseley'".

The a href="http://www.footballconference.co.uk/news/details.php?news_id=18924">National League reports that "Gainsborough Trinity have signed former Sheffield United goalkeeper George Willis from league rivals Stalybridge Celtic. The 21-year-old England under-19 international was released by Sheffield United at the end of last season and joined Stalybridge in August.

Willis, who was a regular on the bench for the Blades the previous season and is a product of Sheffield United's academy, spent time on loan with Alfreton Town in 2014/15. Willis then went on loan to Matlock Town on October 3rd 2015 and then extended his loan deal until the end of last season".

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford chief Rob Smith hopes exciting Walsall prospect Jordan Sangha can help answer his side’s woes. The 18-year-old schemer checked into New Buck's Head yesterday on a one-month loan deal. And Smith hopes the highly-regarded youngster can have an instant impact as the Bucks look to put recent disappointment beyond them.

'Jordan’s an attacking midfield player and he gets around the park,' said the boss. 'It’s something that we’ve been lacking. He’s a good player. We’ve been looking at the move before but they didn’t want to let him go while we were in the FA Cup, now we are out we’ve pushed it through. Jordan is a footballer. He’s got good energy and goals in him, he’s been on the fringes of their first team and Walsall are obviously now looking to get him games. Physically he will be able to cope. We’re searching for answers and we won’t rest until we get them. Everyone knows how hard we worked on Connor (McCarthy)...

Sangha said, 'I’m excited to go out and play some games, to get in and around first-team football and get some experience. I know Telford are quite a big club at that level. They’ve got a nice pitch there and they like to play football'. Sangha’s pathway to the Bucks' team may be clearer as Josh Wilson remains a doubt with a hamstring injury...

Fifth-placed Chorley are tomorrow’s visitors, with the Magpies enjoying a fine run of form. Matt Jansen’s men have lost just once in 11 games this season and are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions. 'They’ve got one of the meanest defences in the division. They are everything we are not', said Smith. 'It’s just clicked for them, they’ve got a new squad and they’ve been on the right side of everything, while we’ve been on the other... It’s just frustration that we’re continually losing games. We’ve only had two bad performances in Gloucester and Gainsborough, which were unacceptable'".

From Tamworth we learn that "Central defender Luke Jones has joined the club, extending the defensive options available to Andy Morrell ahead of this weekends home clash with FC United of Manchester. Jones, who has been training with the club for a few weeks, completed the full 90 minutes for our U21 side last Saturday, proving his fitness after an unfortunate time with injuries over the past 2 years.

Originally a youth player at Blackburn Rovers, 29 year old Jones can count the likes of Shrewsbury Town, Mansfield Town, Kidderminster Harriers, and Stevenage as former clubs.... Andy Morrell said, 'He'll be good in terms of his experience at the back, he is a leader and a talker'".

Alty's next away league game is at the Bower Fold on 8 October and NL Pitchero tells us that "Steve Halford and Paul Phillips, the joint-managers of Stalybridge Celtic, have made three more new signings. The pair have signed another familiar face in midfielder Eddie Toner, who had two spells under them at their previous club, Ashton United.

Toner moves to Bower Fold from Droylsden, for whom he had signed for in the summer from Northwich Victoria. He had left Ashton to join Vics in March 2016, having returned to Hurst Cross in December 2015 from AFC Telford United. Toner had joined the Bucks barely a week after originally signing for Ashton. Ashton snapped him up from Burscough. He moved to Victoria Park in the summer of 2014 from Stafford Rangers... Toner had joined the Vics in August 2012 from Barrow AFC, where he had been since February 2011.

The other two 'new' signings are the management duo themselves. Thirty-six-year-old former Bury, Chester City and Accrington Stanley defender Halford and 37-year-old ex-Manchester United, Bury, Buxton and Droylsden goalkeeper Phillips have signed forms in case of emergencies only."


23 September 2016

TOM MARSHALL: A CLARIFICATION

Altrincham FC was shocked and saddened, yesterday, to read on the Daily Mirror website of the gaoling of former Altrincham central defender, Tom Marshall. At Birmingham Crown Court, Tom was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for his involvement with a drugs crime which took place before he joined The Robins.

The Mirror states that "Former Altrincham Town [sic] footballer Thomas Marshall was sentenced to two years and nine months after he was convicted of conspiracy to import and supply class B drugs, as well as criminal property offences. The court heard that Maybury [leader of the operation] began setting up a series of online websites, which purported to sell sports supplements such as protein and whey powder, in 2012. He started providing the drugs, some of which are legal in other European states, in 2013. In total he established five separate websites to sell illegal drugs, two of which he set up with Marshall".

It adds that "The court heard that Marshall, who had been best friends with Maybury at school, split from the group in December 2013 following an argument with him about money". Marshall joined Altrincham on 20 December 2013.

The Daily Mirror article says that Marshall was on bail whilst playing for Altrincham and implies that Tom was let go by Altrincham only after his conviction. In fact, Altrincham FC knew nothing of the court case or the bail arrangements and the player's release from Moss Lane came as numerous members of the 2015-16 squad were released, all for purely footballing reasons, by new manager Neil Young early this summer (2016). Tom had suffered an horrific injury early in 2015-16 season and did not play again that season.

ALTY WIN IN FA YOUTH CUP

Altrincham FC Youth travelled to Rivacre Park on Thursday evening to play Vauxhall Motors in the FA Youth Cup. They started brightly and were 3-0 up inside a quarter of an hour, thanks to a hat-trick from Ricardo Pembele. But a defensive mistake allowed the Motormen to score and, after that it was more of a contest. At times the match boiled over with both sides ending with nine men; both of Altrincham's dismissals being for retaliation.

Altrincham got their fourth in the ninetieth minute when the Vauxhall keeper and a defender made a hash of things, leaving Henry with an open goal and he scored from the edge of the box.

Match report here.

Right: Ricardo Pembele is congratulated on the opening goal.

PRICES CUT FOR FA CUP

Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, John Edwards, writes "Grahame Rowley has announced an initiative to slash prices against Morpeth Town a week on Saturday in a bid to help Altrincham add another chapter to the club's proud FA Cup history.

Renowned as non-League football's most famous giantkillers, Alty will be just 90 minutes away from the First Round Proper, and a possible tie against Football League opposition, if they can get the better of Northern League Morpeth in the third qualifying round at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday, October 1.

After a dramatic 3-2 home win over Gainsborough Trinity in the second Qualifying Round was watched by a crowd of only 516, Alty's board moved to ease the financial burden on supporters, and encourage a bigger turnout, by reducing admission against Morpeth from £14 for adults and £9 for concessions and under-18s to £10 and £5.

'We are mindful that fixture congestion in the early stages of this season has meant supporters paying in twice a week at times and facing lengthy journeys to places like Kidderminster, Nuneaton and Gainsborough,' said Alty chairman Rowley. 'That places a strain on finances, and it was perhaps understandable there was a relatively low attendance in the last Round.

'We wanted to be proactive about helping our supporters and, at the same time, give the team the best chance of progressing, and reducing prices seemed the ideal way of doing it. If it has the desired effect and tempts a few more along, it will be worthwhile. It could make all the difference, because we all know our supporters turning out in numbers and getting behind the lads can be like having an extra player on the pitch.

'I hope people not only take advantage of the offer but spread the word to try and get as many along as possible. We're expecting about 50-60 Morpeth fans, and it's a gesture to them as well, since they face a long trip and are used to paying £6 for adults and £3 for concessions and juniors at their ground.

'But mainly it's aimed at our supporters, to try and make it more affordable for them and hopefully help generate the sort of Cup atmosphere we've been known for down the years. We have had some brilliant times in this competition, and it would be great to have a few more this season. There'll be a better chance with a bumper turnout, because I know from experience our crowd can be the 12th man, so let's get the message out to as many people as possible.'

QUESTIONS FOR THE MANAGER AND BOARD

As previously announced, there is a Q&A session with the Manager and representatives of the Club and Community Sports Co. Board in the Community Sports Hall, after the game with Boston United on Saturday (24th).

TASC chairman, Brian Flynn, writes... "If anyone is unable to attend the 'Meet the Manager & Board' event on Saturday but wishes to ask a question, would he or she please email their question to Brian Flynn by Friday. Your question can be to Jim Harvey, the Board of Altrincham Football Club or the Board of the Community Sports Company".

SUPPORT THE MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING

Details of the Club's role in the World's Biggest Coffeee Morning are shown, right.

BOSTON BOSS LOOKING FOR IMPROVEMENT

According to the Lincolnshire Echo, "Dennis Greene wants his side to consider last weekend's disappointing display at Kirby Muxloe as a 'kick up the backside...

Despite winning last Saturday's clash 2-1 and progressing to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup when they will play Kettering Town away, Greene admitted he was left questioning the attitude of some of his players. The Boston United boss admits he was 'on their case' both at half time and full time last Saturday because their performance was simply not good enough.

'I would hope we use last Saturday's performance as a learning curve,' said Greene. 'It just shows, if you don't put into a game what you need to put into it, you can go and lose against anyone. Hopefully it will be a kick up the backside. You go three or four unbeaten and you can get complacent, that was our main problem against Kirby Muxloe. We looked like a team who thought we just had to turn up and win and some of the players' attitude was not up to standard. But hopefully we will see it as a kick up the backside and we will get our act together at Altrincham'.

The Pilgrims progressed thanks to a 39th-minute winning goal by their best player on the day Jay Rollins...

'We all thought we could, and should, have played better than what we did', said Rollins. 'It was a bit of a disappointment, but we have to take that into the next game. We will definitely have to improve for Altrincham. They haven't been playing the best but, on the day, they might turn up so we have to be prepared for anything that comes. When these teams drop down from the league above, as Altrincham have, they have still got great quality right through the team...

Greene insists the Cheshire outfit, who have had a disappointing start to the league campaign, could prove to be dangerous opponents. 'Altrincham have started poorly, but you would think they will get four or five players in before we play them because they have just had a windfall', said Greene. 'That should make them much more competitive because they have been playing with players out of position, like we have. Our recent form helps us a bit, but it also helps me when I know mentally we are going in the right direction, which is why, after the Kirby game, I was questioning some of the players' attitudes.

'If you miss chances, that's fine, but if you are gifting the opposition opportunities then you are not defending right'".

And, from the Boston Standard we learn that "By the time his two-year deal is up, Gregg Smith will have dished out some serious ear-bashings, says Duncan Browne.

'I hope you’re not going to miss another cross and cost us the game again?', Gregg Smith shouted at Dion-Curtis Henry as he emerged from the tunnel, ready for his warm-up. It was 6.30pm on September 6, little more than an hour before Boston United’s home match against Bradford Park Avenue. Just three days earlier the Pilgrims were beaten 3-2 at home by FC United of Manchester, with the 18-year-old debutant admitting that his misjudgement had led to one of the Rebels’ winning goals.

'You going to help us out by scoring some goals?' was Henry’s reply. 'Too busy heading the ball out of your box for you,' sniffed Smith. Conversation over. Beginning the evening by throwing abuse at a teenager preparing for just his second senior game may not be everyone’s idea of the perfect pre-match preparation. But Smith, with his shaven head, tattooed forearms and confident, shoulder-swinging strut, isn’t everyone. He comes from the school of tough love, certainly when football’s concerned.

As Boston United fans have seen since his summer arrival, he’s a leader, an all-or-nothing battler who expects everyone else show the same fierce determination out on the turf as he does. If not, you’ll soon know about it, whether you are a friend or foe. After getting caught out in his own penalty area for the equaliser at Stockport, Pilgrims skipper Liam Agnew could only stand there and take a public dressing down from his teammate, a display almost as ferocious as the one offered to Alfreton’s Craig Westcarr after he attempted to kick a divot into the penalty spot ahead of Boston’s equaliser last Tuesday.

There was more following Saturday’s FA Cup win at Kirby Muxloe... He rounded up some teammates in the centre circle and told them the performance was ‘embarrassing’. Yes, there was some real anger to his words on each of these occasions. But because he backs up his comments with his actions, Smith’s pep talks work... Whether you appreciate those methods or not, there’s no doubting that they work.

And when the man wanting you to do as he says responds by scoring three goals in as many games as the team pick up seven points following their sluggish National League North start, who can argue? There was little surprise when Dennis Greene announced that his target man had been offered a two-year-contract with the Pilgrims, signed on Thursday... Smith has already joined the likes of Tony Crane and [ex-Alty defender] Paul Ellender in picking up instant cult hero status at York Street".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Darlington 1883 "announce that Josh Gillies has agreed a new long-term contract. Midfielder Josh, who signed for us in August, has agreed to stay until the end of the 2018-19 season. Josh has been outstanding for Quakers since he made his debut against Altrincham on the opening day of the season and has scored twice in eight appearances...

Josh left Gateshead after failing to agree a new deal with them during the summer. Previous to that he was at Carlisle, and a first spell at Gateshead".

The Halifax Courier tells us that "AFC Fylde claim they beat Halifax to the signing of sought-after Alfreton midfielder Dan Bradley. Bradley joined Fylde for a club record fee yesterday on a three-year deal for a five-figure sum. But on their website, Fylde claim they beat Halifax, Lincoln and Kidderminster to his signature."

The LIncolnshire Echo says that "Nathan Jarman says he has never scored a better goal than his stunning strike at Altrincham last Saturday. The former Grimsby Town forward hit a spectacular volley from an acute angle as his Gainsborough Trinity side levelled the scores at 2-2 in their FA Cup second qualifying round clash.

Unfortunately, the Blues were unable to hold on and Damian Reeves scored a late winner for his side. However, the talk after the game was of the Jarman wonder-goal. 'I scored a similar goal against Manchester United at Under-16 level, but it was definitely up there with the best I have ever scored', said Jarman... 'Let's face it, at our level it really could have gone anywhere. But I was delighted to see it bulging out the roof of the net. I just turned around and started running towards our bench to celebrate. I didn't really notice too much reaction in the ground while the game was going on, but there was a lot of talk about the goal afterwards.

'I was just gutted that they (Altrincham) were able to find that winner and we were knocked out of the FA Cup'".

OLD FOES

Blyth Spartans are second in the EvoStik Premier but NL Pitchero reports that "Tom Wade has decided to step down as manager of Blyth Spartans AFC. In his place, the club has appointed former professional Alun Armstrong, who featured for Newcastle United, Stockport County, Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town among others during his playing career...

Wade has agreed to stay at Blyth in the short-term, to allow Armstrong, who is the father of current Spartans' forward Luke, time to settle in. Spartans' chairman Tony Platten said, 'It is usual for managers to leave clubs when there are problems on the pitch, in terms of results. However, here at Blyth, we do it in a different way. Tom was very happy with the way things were working out on the pitch, but felt he had taken the club as far as he could and that, under the circumstances, a change was required. A unique opportunity then arose to bring to the club a new person with fresh ideas and drive and he jumped at the chance.

'After several unbelievably successful seasons at the club, including reaching the Third Round of the FA Cup and then being top of the league for the vast majority of last season, only to cruelly miss out on promotion, it would be normal for a manager to bask in the glory. Not Tom though, who has steered us to the top end of the league table already this time round. Tom, who was born and bred in Blyth and has always put the club first, identified the possibility of taking the club to a new level by bringing in the highly-regarded Alun Armstrong.

'After discussions, Alun decided that he wanted his future in football to be in club management and quickly decided to resign from his job at Middlesbrough to take over the management role of possibly the most famous non-lLague club in the world. Alun will be on a one-year contract, with another year’s option'.

Armstrong commented, 'I can’t wait to get started. It’s a very exciting challenge for me and my main aim is to win promotion... I’m used to challenges, from becoming a professional footballer to now running my own business and coaching at Middlesbrough'".


22 September 2016

DAVID LYNCH JOINS HALIFAX

Joint Press and Media Officer at Altrincham FC, Brian Flynn, writes that "Altrincham midfielder, David Lynch (right), has joined Vanarama National League North club FC Halifax Town. The 23 year-old started the first seven games of the season and made a total of nine starts plus one appearance as a substitute.

Lynch joined the Robins from Clitheroe in May and the Football Club would like to thank David for his services during his short time at the J.Davidson Stadium".

Footnote: David Lynch's departure brings to six the number of summer 2016 signings to have the left the club. The previous five were Simon Garner, Jamie Menagh, Callum Preston, Emile Sinclair and Adam Sumner. In addition two loanees, Nyal Bell and Khius Metz have returned to their parent clubs.

RADIO ROBINS' RECORDING

The Radio Robins' commentary from Saturday's FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round win over Gainsborough Trinity is here.

WEDNESDAY SCORE

In the Vanarama National League North on Tuesday evening, the result was..
  • Gloucester City 2 Nuneaton Town 2, att. 417

WHAT'S ON AT ALTY

Pictured, right, is a calendar of events at Altrincham FC. Please support as many as you can!

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

NL Pitchero reports that our opponents on Saturday, "Boston United, have received a second international call-up inside a week. Versatile left-sider Jason St Juste has been selected by St Kitts & Nevis for their upcoming Caribbean Cup qualifiers against Haiti and French Guiana.

St Juste, like Antigua and Barbuda-bound Courtney Wildin, will miss the home fixture against Worcester City on October 8th."

Elsewhere, "Boston United have snapped up full-back Ben Gordon on a permanent deal from Woking. The 25-year-old left-sided defender, who started out at Chelsea and has played for the likes of Kilmarnock, Scunthorpe United and Colchester United among others, has put pen-to-paper on a deal until the end of the season after leaving the Surrey-based outfit.

Gordon, who trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Tuesday evening, made six appearances for the Cards during the opening weeks of the campaign. Subject to the necessary approval being received, Gordon will be eligible to make his United debut at Altrincham on Saturday as the Pilgrims aim to complete September undefeated."

Meanwhile, AFC Fylde "announce the signing of Alfreton Town ace Dan Bradley for a club record fee. The Coasters beat off competition from Lincoln City, Kdderminster Harriers and Halifax Town for the 25-year-old forward, who joins the club on a three-year deal for a five figure sum. Bradley has been one of the league’s outstanding players over the last few years and many clubs have been tracking him so Fylde manager Dave Challinor was understandably delighted to secure a deal. Challinor said, 'He certainly gives us another strong attacking option going forward. He is one of the best players in our league and has ambitions of playing higher. I’m sure he will flourish with us and he undoubtedly improves our squad.'

Coasters' Chairman David Haythornthwaite was equally pleased to get a deal done, 'As soon as we knew he could be available, we were in contact with Alfreton and their Chairman Wayne Bradley (no relation). He has been really great throughout in what is always a difficult situation, especially when you are losing your best player. We knew they had received bids from other clubs but were determined to get him. Players of Dan’s quality don’t come along too often so you try not to let them get away and especially not to one of your league rivals.

'It’s the most we have ever paid for a player, by a long way, but I am sure it will be a good investment and that Dan will give us that little bit extra to help us get over the line this season. More importantly it shows our commitment to helping our manager. With another signing expected to be confirmed in the next few days, we are not too far off where we want to be.'"


21 September 2016

LADIES' 100% RECORD

With three wins in their first three league games, Altrincham Ladies are enjoying a great start to the season. Last Sunday they beat Egerton Ladies 4-1 and Phil Taylor has kindly provided a match report.

ALTY ARE CATERING FOR ALL TASTES

Underlining his willingness to create any (feasible) culinary suggestions proposed to him, Altrincham FC caterer, Richie Bentley says, "I will literally cook anything anyone wants. In the last month we have fed over two thousand customers, with food ranging from Canadian themed canapés, halal buffets, vegan specialities, classic sportsman's dinners, gourmet pizza evenings. We've also catered for stadium tours with food run by Community Coordinator, Judy Henson.

Also, Community Sports Hall manager, Stacey Rowley, has secured our nomination as a Sports Provider of the Year for Trafford and Manchester... well done again! We have been so busy that even the chairman Grahame Rowley and ex-manager Neil Tolson have been working overtime on the bar at weekends. This is the commitment and connectivity our staff has been working hard to make with schools and the community and the club's fan base itself. Contact the Sports Hall for more information.

Above are some of Richie's recent creations. (The top image was taken by Sophie Glynn at a Canadian-themed banquet).

NEXT OPPONENTS

Altrincham's opponents on Saturday, Boston United, confirm that "Midfielder Jack McMillan has returned to Notts County at the completion of his month’s youth loan. The 18-year-old made five appearances for Dennis Greene’s side".

And the Boston Standard adds that "Michael Emery wants to use the FA Cup to force his way into Dennis Greene’s plans. The 25-year-old made his Pilgrims debut in Saturday’s second qualifying round victory at Kirby Muxloe after Peterborough United’s U-turn saw them refuse on-loan keeper Dion-Curtis Henry permission to play in the competition.

Emery was forced into making some late saves to earn Boston United their 2-1 victory... 'Obviously, it’s great to get back on the pitch,' said the stopper.

'I had to wait a little while but I’m delighted to be playing'...

Emery believes that knowing that he looks set to be the Pilgrims’ Cup keeper will aid him ahead of match days, even if he did admit to some nerves after finally pulling on the shirt of his home-town club...

'You don’t want to be coming on in a game as a keeper, or getting told the night before. You want time to prepare and know who you’re playing. There were perhaps a few extra nerves, maybe being a Boston lad and wanting to do well for the town. It’s been a long time. I’ve wanted to play here before. I’ve got my chance now and I’ve taken it'".

ALTY FC MONTHLY DRAW

Grahame Rowley thanks everyone who has joined the newly revamped Altrincham FC Monthly Draw. The newly updated list of members is here and full details of the scheme are here. Given the much larger numbers in the draw Grahame points out that there could be the odd error or omission. Members are invited to check the list and to notify Grahame by e-mail if any alteration is needed. The Club apologizes for any such errors.

By way of a reminder, the winners of the first draw (September) under the new scheme were...

  • 6th place - no.117 - E Boffam - Club Polo Shirt
  • 5th place - 454 - B Yearsley - Replica Shirt
  • 4th place - 16 - Dan Eadie - Hospitality for two in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge
  • 3rd place - 423 - E Green - £25
  • 2nd place - 81 - Gary Sewell - £75 and ...
  • 1st place - 156 - Brian Quigley - £500

FA CUP2QR REPLAYS

Results for northern teams on Tuesday night were...
  • AFC Telford U. 1 Worcester C. 3
  • Consett 0 Curzon Ashton 1
  • Harrogate T. 3 Bridlington T. 2
  • Marine 2 Nantwich T. 3
  • Stalybridge C. 2 Witton A. 1
  • Stamford 1 Gresley 0

20 September 2016

JIM PLEASED WITH PROGRESS

Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, John Edwards, spoke to manager Jim Harvey after Saturday's 3-2 FA Cup win over Gainsborough for his usual quotes-led article for the Sale and Altrincham Messenger. Here is the interview in full.

Q: Winning for the first time this season was the most important thing, but did the performance please you almost as much as the result?

A: Yes, it wasn't just the win. Of course, we are in the business of winning games, but to see all the players grow in confidence as the game wore on and then the mood among them in the dressing room afterwards really added to it. It was good to have a look at John Cyrus, and I thought he really added to the defence. I also thought the two forwards, Sean Miller and James Lawrie, were excellent. There was a lot of good football. It has to be better structured, perhaps, coming out of our own half of the field towards the attacking third, but the players showed they are capable.

They are capable of playing a little bit and also defending because, considering the run we've had, giving a penalty away inside two minutes could have had a really detrimental effect. Young Josh Doherty has made a mistake there, but he will learn from it. That really could have killed us but it didn't. We didn't let it. They picked the spirit up again, got a lot of possession and played a lot of football and worked their way back into the game.

In the end, it could easily have been a draw, but we managed to pinch it right at the death. That was only right, because I thought we massively dominated with the football we played and chances we created. Certainly we deserved the victory, even if it was only secured in the last few seconds.

Right: Alan Goodall competes with Gainsborough's Ashley Worsfold, as keeper Andrew Dawber awaits developments.

Q: Great timing to turn it round just before half-time, wasn't it?

A: It's funny, because we really had them on the ropes and, though it was great to equalise then go ahead, we could possibly have done with another four or five minutes before hearing the whistle. It was really good timing, hitting them with those two goals like that but the concern at half-time was we had really put a big effort in, chasing the game and getting back in it, could we maintain that throughout the second half?

Fitness levels came into it but I thought we more than answered the question. Maybe the one time we lapsed a little bit was the equaliser, though what a wonderful strike that was, but otherwise I could not get upset about anything.

I thought it was really good value for money. The football was good, the goals were there and there were some really good individual performances, particularly for a team that hadn't won in 12 games and were low on confidence. We are still trying to find ourselves, so that was really encouraging.

Q: We could have done with finishing them off when we were playing so well, couldn't we, because a one-goal lead is always a little precarious?

A: That was it. Look at James Lawrie's effort from the halfway line and the one he hit the bar with. We had half-a-dozen chances to nail it, but it just wouldn't go in for us. You couldn't help thinking we may be made to pay, because it only needs one chance for them. When that materialised, and they took it, it looked like it was going to backfire on us, but we managed to turn it round in the end.

Q: A reward for perseverance, would you say?

A: Absolutely, it was. I thought fitness levels on a warm, sunny day were impressive, and that's why we were still hammering away at them deep into stoppage time. Having gone the best part of 80 minutes with 10 men at Nuneaton the other night, there was a lot of pressure on the boys, so they have done really well to respond like that.

Q: Those two Lawrie efforts you mentioned - you wouldn't normally expect to see such exceptional skill at this level, would you?

A: Wow, no you wouldn't. Tremendous, it really was, and Sean Miller as well, with some of the dribbling he did. But James... that control on the chest and instinctive first-time volley, sideways on to the goal, and the shot from halfway that had the keeper scrambling back in vain. Real quality. Absolutely top drawer. What skill!

Q: Did you say anything to him, beforehand, because he really seemed to revel in that free role?

A: No, I gave no specific instructions to him. It was just generally across the board that we would play football, get it down and pass it. It suits him. He enjoys it. I'm not one to worry too much about mistakes in possession and losing it. I just want to give them confidence that they are allowed to go out and express themselves, and I thought they were all excellent.

< i>Q: When a team on the sort of run we've been on finally manages to win, it's normally a case of just getting over the line by any means they can, so where did that performance come from?

A: Looking at the make-up of the team when I took over, I just thought we needed to defend and shut the goals down but I don't think we are a defensive team. That didn't work. As I got to know the boys better, I realised they are all footballers who want to get forward. So it was a case of we'd better let you do what you can do and encourage that. If you are feeling good about your job, you will do it better. So it was pretty much just getting them on the front foot.

I must say, though, John Cyrus's return from injury has given us a bit of a platform, helped us look solid and enabled us to get forward. Alan Goodall alongside him was excellent as well. His experience shone through, and he kept the back four in good order. That allowed us to get on with the game. Gainsborough were very direct in their approach but John and Alan were winning all their headers and stopping them in their tracks, so we seemed to cope pretty well with that. You could see confidence flooding back with all the possession we had, and that was great. I feel the boys are good to go.

Q: The penalty was a test of character for Josh, but he seemed to come through it well?

A: He got stronger as the game wore on. In the second half, he was getting into good positions to get balls into the box. He's still only a young boy, learning the game. So he made a mistake, fine. We have all made mistakes, but he will learn from that. The lesson is stay on your feet and don't make the same mistake again. It can affect your confidence, but he kept growing into the game, and all credit to him for that.

Q: Is there an injury update?

A: Nothing has changed much. It was good to welcome John Cyrus back today, and I would hope Tim Deasy may be ready next week. If Tom Hannigan doesn't make next week, I would very much hope he'll be fit for the game after that. The same with Danny Hall. Shaun Densmore is a little bit longer but is working hard and making progress.

Q: And nothing new on an assistant-manager?

A: No, I'll take my time on that one and think it through carefully. I won't be doing anything quickly, so we'll see how it goes with Matt Doughty helping me out.

Q: Do you see this result and performance as a springboard for improving our fortunes in the league?

A: I have to identify what the players have to offer, and I am beginning to see they are good going forward. They have the look of a footballing side. That will be our theme going forward, and it suits me, because that's the way I want to coach and develop players. We will look to harness that now and put in place better structures when we are moving the ball forward.

It's still a little bit random, still a little bit risky, so we want to be safe and sure and play with a little bit more know-how, so we can be a bit more competitive on a regular basis.

Q: Finally, there was a bit of confusion about the scorer of our last-minute winner. Did Damian Reeves get the final touch?

A: That's what he says. He's claiming it, and I'd like to see anyone try and take it off him! He insists it's his goal, like any good centre-forward should!

Footnote: Speaking to Damian in the Community Sports Hall afterwards, he confirmed the goal should go down as his, and explained, 'It was a bit of a scramble but I got the touch that sent the ball over the line. It did get a slight deflection off one of their defenders, but that doesn't make it an own goal, because it was going in anyway. If you think about it, if you have a shot from say 10 or 12 yards and it's going in the bottom corner but just brushes a defender's foot on the way in, it's your goal, not an O.G. Why should this be any different? When I knocked it forward from a couple of yards, it was going in, so it's my goal'."

OUR FA CUP OPPONENTS

Altrincham have never previously met Morpeth Town, known as The Highwaymen, their upcoming FA Cup opponents on 1 October. Mike Garnett observes that "I suspect this is the second furthest northern opposition we’ve ever encountered in competitive matches; Ashington (a club which we have played in the past) is just a fraction further north as far as I can tell from the road atlas!"

Highlights of how the Northern League club from Northumberland beat EvoStik Premier League leaders Blyth Spartans at Croft Park, last Saturday, are here.

Morpeth Town describe themselves as "The 2016 FA Vase Winners and EBAC Northern League Side". This season they lie fifth in the Northern League and their leading scorers are Paul Robinson with 11 goals and Michael Chilton with seven. Their main appearance makers are Damen Mullen, Paul Robinson, Michael Chilton and Keith Graydon who have played 12 times this season.

The club reports that "Morpeth Town reached the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time this century, upsetting perennial giant killers Blyth Spartans 4-2 at Croft Park in the process. Michael Chilton’s early brace, followed by a sublime Luke Carr finish gave the Highwaymen a shock 3-0 lead at the break.

But a goal from Dan Maguire early in the second half, followed by an own goal by Jordan Fry led to a nervy final twenty minutes for Town. Substitute Liam Henderson allayed any fears of a late equaliser in injury time, restoring ‘Peth’s two goal lead to close out the tie.

Nick Gray and Dave Malone made three changes from the side that lost to Penrith mid-week, Chris Swailes, Keith Graydon and Luke Carr returning to the fold. But it was veteran striker Chilton who stamped his authority on the game early doors with a quickfire double...

Morpeth Town: Dryden, Forster, Novak, Sayer, Swailes, C Reid, Mullen, Graydon, Carr (Taylor 65), Chilton (Anderson 68), Robinson (Fry 57). Subs not used: Anderson, Provett, Hall, Grieve".

From the other side, Blyth Spartans say that their "Assistant manager Neal Hooks was unable to hide his hurt after watching Blyth Spartans get knocked out of this season’s Emirates FA Cup, following a comprehensive 4-2 defeat to FA Vase holders Morpeth Town...

While Hooks admitted that Morpeth were excellent on the day, he didn’t pull any punches of his own when discussing Spartans’ shortcomings... Hooks said, 'The result was very, very disappointing. It was more so the manner in which we lost the game, rather than Morpeth breaking us down and playing good football, which they did at times, and I thought they were excellent'...

While many expected a close contest from the two local sides, no one inside Croft Park would have seen the away side stroll to a 3-0 lead before Blyth even got out of the blocks. Hooks went on to say that the loss has hit home hard with the Blyth team, no more so than because it now hands the local bragging rights to a number of Morpeth players'".

SATURDAY'S EVENTS

Brian Flynn writes, "Thanks to Altrincham supporter and volunteer, Bryan Ford, for providing an update on Brian Acton, the long-standing Altrincham fan who collapsed just before the half-time whistle on Saturday. Bryan has been to see Brian, who was back home from hospital by 7pm on Saturday.

Fortunately, Brian's collapse was caused by sunstroke, rather than anything more serious or the understandable shock of Alty having just scored twice in as many minutes! Brian would like to pass on his his thanks and gratitude for the help provided by stewards, St. John Ambulance staff, paramedics and fans at the scene. He is now looking forward to attending his granddaughter's wedding, which takes place on the Isle of Wight this weekend".

Saturday's half-tome bucket collection for Altrincham FC raised £62.83. Donors and collectors are thanked very much by the Football Club.

LADIES THIRD WIN IN A ROW

Altrincham FC Ladies' manager, Keith Edleston writes that his "Lady Robins make it 3 wins out of 3.

Above: The girls after the game with our Norwegian Supporters' Branch flag which they had they sent over for us".

"It was a great result today down at Mersey Valley where, after giving Egerton an early one-goal start, we had to dig deep, roll our sleeves up to get back into the game and we did so with some aplomb.

Right: PofM Anna Dillon celebrating with goalscorer Kate Bryan and Kye Brown.

I am proud of the team for not letting their heads drop. Even when things didn't come off, they kept on playing the right way and, in the end, it paid off. Manager's Player of the Match, and also the Players' Player of the Match, was given to Anna Dillon for her non-stop performance in midfield and creative ability pushing the girls forward.

A massive mention must go to our ever-growing band of supporters who keep turning up. Today must have seen approximately sixty there, cheering the girls onwards. Huge thank-yous to you all. We now look forward to another tough test this coming Sunday, when we travel up the M56 to take on Ellesmere Port. Roll on Sunday!"

SEND YOUR IDEAS TO RICHIE

Altrincham FC official caterer, Richie Bentley writes, "A massive thank you to all for the donations made on Saturday when we provided apple crumbles for all!. If anyone has any less crazy ideas for fundraising, please write them down as a suggestion/question for the Meet the Manager and Board session after the Boston game on 24 September. For example, if anyone wants to sponsor the food served for the fans and staff for after the game at the Q&A session, I would be happy to make an insanely hot chilli, the world's biggest pork pie, similar to the one presented to an Alty fan at the Curzon game for his birthday, or even provide an all you can eat Chinese banquet!

Eating together brings us together. If anyone is interested or would like to donate further to either the Club or Macmillan Cancer, pleas contact me here or the Football Club.

TRINITY VIEW

Gainsborough Trinity report that "Trinity lost out in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup to a revitalised Altrincham as the Greater Manchester curse struck again for Dominic Roma’s 'Holy Blues'. A bright start for the visiting Blues saw them in front from the penalty spot. James Reid confidently despatching high to the goalkeeper's left after Jordan Thewlis had his direct run halted by Altrincham skipper Alan Goodall...

Trinity continued on the front foot, with Rotherham loan man, Darnelle Bailey-King providing a constant stream of crosses from the right... It was a mad three minutes before the interval that saw the hosts turn the game on its head, in all too familiar a fashion for the Trinity faithful this season...

The visiting Blues started the second half on the front foot again, with Bailey-King getting at his full back, leading him a merry dance...

Trinity were unable to hold out for a Tuesday night replay as the Altrincham pressure became incessant, and deep in added on time, Alty had the winner".

OLD BOYS

"Ashton United have announced the signing of left-back Adam Griffin, who was most recently with Altrincham".

He only played for five minutes for Altrincham before his acrimonious departure but now NL Pitchero confirms that "Glossop North End have... tempted Anthony Griffith out of retirement... Griffith, 29, is a Montserrat international footballer who started out at Halifax Town... In April 2008 he signed for Port Vale and became a first-team regular and was voted player of the year in 2010...

He signed with Shrewsbury Town in August 2014, before moving on to Carlisle United in January 2015. Six months later he signed for Altrincham before retiring in September 2015 due to a hip injury."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The National League reports that "Bradford Park Avenue`s head coach [and ex-Alty man] Alex Meechan has been relieved of his duties, having failed to win any of the eleven games so far this season. The decision comes following an eighth consecutive defeat, equalling the record of the re-formed club.

Avenue crashed out of the Emirates FA Cup at the first hurdle on Saturday at home against Salford City, and sit bottom of the table, having picked up just three points from their ten league games so far. The Board has confirmed that Meechan will continue his role as the coach of the new Avenue academy. The club hope to name a successor in the next few days. "


19 September 2016

FA CUP

The FA Cup 3QR draw has dealt Altrincham a home match against Morpeth Town of the Northern League on Saturday 1 October. Morpeth won at Blyth Spartans in the last round.

MANAGER JIM SPEAKS TO BRIAN FLYNN

Altrncham FC joint Press & Media Officer Brian Flynn interviewed Alty boss Jim Harvey after Saturday's match. The interview can be heard here.

LADIES' THREE IN A ROW

Altrincham FC Ladies made it three wins in a row to start their season, with a 4-1 home win over Egerton on Sunday. Further details of the match are to follow.

YOUTH EDUCATION TEAM DRAWS

The Altrincham FC Scholarship & Education Programme team played a 3-3 draw at home to AFC Fylde in midweek. Next Wednesday they are at home (Clay Lane) to Stockport County.

In the National League U19 Alliance League Cup 1st Round on 12 October (2pm) Altrincham are away to Nottinghamshire club Basford United.

LAST AND NEXT OPPONENTS

Alty played Gainsborough Trinity last Saturday and face another Lincolnshire team, Boston United, next Saturday.

The Lincolnshire Echo reports that "Gainsborough Trinity are out of the FA Cup after falling at the first hurdle away at strugglers Altrincham... after a heart breaking winning goal by Damian Reeves in the final seconds of the game.

Blues' boss Dom Roma has put the defeat down to his side 'switching off' twice in the space of two minutes just before the half-time break...

'We scored early on and were in control of the game until we switched off twice', said Roma. 'Those mistakes cost us two quick goals and, all of a sudden, we were behind going into the break. We came out in the second half and we looked like we could get something, especially when Jarmo (Jarman) scored the equaliser. In fact I thought then that we would go on to win the game, but we looked leggy, both teams looked tired. At times it looked a bit like a practice match.

'So we fell at the first hurdle which is very disappointing after reaching the First Round proper last season. It's difficult for me to compare how I feel because last season I was a player and this season I'm manager. The players weren't too despondent on the way home because I'd tried to tell them there's nothing that can be done now, we just have to take any frustration we may have and focus on our next game'".

Also in the Lincolnshire Echo we have news of Boston United. "Dennis Greene admitted he was relieved when the final whistle went at Kirby Muxloe and his side had edged a close FA Cup clash. Despite being three divisions higher in the football pyramid than their hosts Kirby Muxloe, Greene's Boston United side just squeezed through to the third qualifying round 2-1 after goals from Joe Maguire and Jay Rollins cancelled out Kirby's first half opener from Leon Fray.

The Pilgrims threatened on a number of occasions in a dominant second half, but were always vulnerable to a counter-attacking home side who refused to lie down. Mike Emery, in the Boston goal for the first time, made a superb save from Tomlinson just 12 minutes from the end to ensure Boston's progress...

'I'm relieved in the end, because the scoreline reflects it could have gone to a replay', said Greene... 'They never gave up, they kept going and it only takes one little mistake and, at the end there, Mike Emery has been pulled into making a save... We must have had seven or eight good chances in the second half but we couldn't quite put it to bed... In the next round I would like someone worse than them (Kirby Muxloe) at home. But, seriously, a home draw to a team not in our league', said Greene.

'We just want the easiest possible draw at home. I don't think we have had a home draw since I have been here, everything has been away from home. The players did not take a lot of joy out of the win because I have been on their case for 90 minutes because it wasn't good enough. I just hope they can use the performance as a learning curve'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The National League reports that "Boston United`s full-back Courtney Wildin has received an international call-up. The 20-year-old will miss the Pilgrims' home fixture against Worcester City on Saturday, October 8th to be part of the Antigua & Barbuda squad for the CFU Caribbean Cup qualifiers. Fixtures are scheduled to take place against Curacao and Puerto Rico.

Wildin has made seven appearances for the Pilgrims since arriving on a free transfer in the summer from Sheffield Wednesday, but has not got on the pitch during United's current three-match unbeaten run".

Gainsborough Trinity report that "With the opening of AFC Fylde’s new stadium this season, the club have launched a revolutionary way for traveling Trinity supporters to purchase tickets in advance. Courtesy of their new state-of-the-art ticketing system, away supporters will now be able to buy tickets online in what is a footballing first.

No more waiting around in adverse weather conditions or queuing at a ticket office, away fans will now be able to purchase their tickets online, print off at home and go straight to the turnstile on the day! Fylde are keen to make it as easy as possible for away supporters to follow their team on the road and are currently the only club in the country offering this service... There is also the option to receive your tickets by post...

For just £65.00 you can enjoy your day in the President’s Club, a five star facility, which includes a four-course meal, parking, match programme and padded seats in the stand. Whatever you choose, don’t miss the opportunity to have a drink in Bradleys Sports Bar beforehand, recently voted the best sports bar in the UK, where food and drinks are very competitively priced... With ample parking at the ground and just a 10 minute walk from Kirkham train station, supporting your team away from home has never been easier".

OLD BOY

Jamie Menagh, who was at Altrincham earlier this season and who was a spectator at Alty's match this Saturday, now plays in the Welsh Premier for Airbus UK. They played on Sunday and beat Cefn Druids 3-2, with Jamie opening the scoring.

NW NEWS: BRABIN LEAVES TRANMERE

Tranmere Rovers' chairman Mark Palios "Gary Brabin and I have agreed today that his position at Tranmere will end immediately. I would like to thank Gary for his hard work and contribution over the past 16 months in building a strong squad of players, getting us back fighting for promotion places and setting some Club records in the process.

However, we have agreed that it is best now to allow someone else to take the Club to the next stage... Mark Palios".

The BBC adds "Rovers are currently fifth in the table, four points behind leaders Dagenham & Redbridge, but have lost three of their past four league games".


18 September 2016

ALTRINCHAM 3 GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 2

Match report here.

Above, (left), Gavin Rathbone's camera captures manager Jim Harvey giving instructions to Jake Moult, whilst (right), Mike Ripley records Sean Miller celebrating an Alty goal.

FIRST £500 MONTHLY DRAW WINNER

Altrincham FC announces that during Saturday's match the first draw was made for prizes in the revamped "Monthly Draw", in which the top prize each month will be £500. Other prizes, including hospitality and club merchandise, are also up for grabs.

September's winners are:-

The winners were:

  • 6th place - no.117 - E Boffam - Club Polo Shirt
  • 5th place - 454 - B Yearsley - Replica Shirt
  • 4th place - 16 - Dan Eadie - Hospitality for two in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge
  • 3rd place - 423 - E Green - £25
  • 2nd place - 81 - Gary Sewell - £75 and ...
  • 1st place - 156 - Brian Quigley - £500

Congratulations to Brian on being our 1st winner of the new £500 jackpot!

Get your chance to join the Draw by picking up a leaflet from the Community Sports Hall or download a copy from the website; full details of the scheme are here.

You've got to be in it to win it!

LADIES

Alty Ladies are at home (Mersey Valley FC, Banky Lane, Ashton on Mersey) to Egerton today (2pm). All support will be very welcome.

SIGNING ON THE WAY

Right: Pictured before Saturday's match is Phil Marsh, with another recent arrival at Altrincham, Greg Wilkinson, who made his second debut for the club against Gainsborough Trinity.

Warming up with Alty before Saturday's match was striker Phil Marsh. Phil has been playing with Bala Town and is awaiting international clearance before he can play for Altrincham. He was previously under Jim Harvey's management at Stalybridge Celtic.

Phil was born on 15 November 1986 in St Helens, Lancs. He is awaiting international clearance after playing most recently for Welsh Premier club Bala Town.

As a youngster he joined Manchester United (2003) before spells with Blackpool, Northwich Victoria, Hyde United, Leigh Genesis, FC United of Manchester, Stalybridge Celtic where he made 75 appearances and scored 40 times.

Next he joined Forest Green Rovers and, after a loan at Hereford United, he joined Guiseley. In 2013–14 he went on loan at Stalybridge and Barrow before brief stays at Salford City and Ashton United.

More recently he played in Wales, first at Cefn Druids before joining Bala Town.

NEXT FOR ALTY

Next Saturday, 24 September, Altrincham entertain Boston United at the J Davidson Stadium (3pm).

Mike Garnett reminds us of the historical record in clashes between the clubs...

  • Home P34-W16-D12-L6-F71-A32
  • Away P35-W10-D10-L15-F57-A64
  • All p69-W26-D22-L21-F128-A96

Howard Watts's gives the record on Saturday's date Through the Years .

RESERVES

Altrincham Reserves lost 4-2 at Wythenshawe Town on Saturday.

OLD BOY

Paddy Lacey scored a fine goal on his debut for Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

FA CUP2QR SCORES AND GATES

Vanarama National League North clubs were involved in the following ties.
  • Alfreton Town 1-0 AFC Fylde (gate 263)
  • Altrincham 3-2 Gainsborough Trinity (516)
  • Ashton Athletic 0-5 FC Halifax Town (479)
  • Brackley Town 6-0 Rugby Team (305)
  • Bradford Park Avenue 0-1 Salford City (427)
  • Bridlington Town 1-1 Harrogate Town (298)
  • Curzon Ashton 1-1 Consett AFC (208)
  • Kidderminster Harriers 4-0 Tamworth (1,050)
  • Nuneaton Town 1-2 Lincoln United (348)
  • Salisbury 1-2 Gloucester City (945)
  • Ossett Town 1-7 FC United Of Manchester (694)
  • Kirby Muxloe 1-2 Boston United (320)
  • Dunston UTS 0-2 Chorley (333)
  • Witton Albion 1-1 Stalybridge Celtic (316)
  • Worcester City 0-0 AFC Telford United(721)
  • Lancaster City 2-1 Darlington 1883
  • Stockport C. 2-0 Hyde (1,425)

17 September 2016

ALTRINCHAM 3 GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 2

Above: Alty celebrate the winner.

It took a Damian Reeves goal in the second minute of added time to secure Alty's place in Monday's FA Cup draw and to record the team's first victory in twelve outings this season. But it was an encouraging perforance from Alty, especially in the second half...

Match report here.

ALTRINCHAM v GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY: LIVE COVERAGE

You can follow this fixture via this website's minute by minute text updates by clicking on the icon below. Alternatively, Radio Robins' coverage of the game is outlined below as well.

updatesPC updatesMOBI radiorobins

Brian Flynn announces that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Saturday's game at The J.Davidson Stadium.

The commentators are Simon Ellis and Paul Salt and the match summariser is John Edwards. Coverage starts at 2.55pm and you can listen to Radio Robins on on the internet at www.radiorobins.com".

And don't forget to get your free apple crumble, courtesy of Altrincham FC caterer, Richie Bentley!

BILL WATERSON ON MOVING FORWARD

Bill Waterson, who recently donated £10,000 to Altrincham FC, has written the following article for the Robins' Review, which will be on sale at Saturday's game (£2.50).

"Today we welcome Gainsborough Trinity to Moss Lane for the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie. I do so with mixed emotions, for it only seems like yesterday that Nicky Clee was bearing down on goal in stoppage time at Colchester and the Third Round was beckoning us! The events of the next few minutes, until the heartbreak of that last minute defeat had a deeply demoralising effect on all of us – the board, the management, the players and fans alike.

But who amongst us would have imagined that our fall from grace that day would be so dramatic and so profound? And here we are today in the Conference North, experiencing our worst ever start to a season and with a mountain to climb.

2016 has been a horrible year for all of us, and it is clear that we are all hurting. It is only natural in this situation to react negatively. I am sure all of us have done things and said things that we regret and that if we had our time over again we would not repeat.

But I believe, that the time has come for us to put all this behind us, to draw a line and to make a fresh start. All of us are first and foremost Alty fans, and therefore that which unites us is much much stronger than that which divides us. You tell me we need to improve, for example our communication could be better. You have my personal commitment that we will do all we can to improve the situation. We are open to all positive suggestions, so come to the Meet the Manager and Boards session on 24th September and make your voice heard, or drop us a line before then.

Although the situation is bleak, I do believe some of the green shoots of recovery are in place.

Firstly I have no doubt at all that Jim Harvey is the right man to lead the Alty revival. He has certainly had a baptism of fire but he will succeed. Our second major plank of recovery is you, the fans. To hear you out-sing the Nuneaton fans in the second half on Tuesday when 4-1 down, and reduced to 10 men just shows the passion you all have for the club. And the four figure crowd that showed up on a Tuesday night for the Chorley game, given the start we have, gives us a fantastic base to build from. The increase in underlying support shows just how deeply embedded we now are in the community. For our next positive, we can thank Duncan Watmore whose 10th start for Sunderland has triggered a payment that will kick start Jim Harvey’s fighting fund. And I do expect to be able to increase this fund from other sources very soon.

We are where we are, a place not of our choosing. So lets make today be the day we take the first step back to where we belong. Lets get behind Jim and the lads and start the process of making this club great again".

GREG WILKINSON RETURNS!

Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, John Edwards, writes "The player responsible for most Altrincham supporters' favourite memory of recent times is back at The J.Davidson Stadium after midfielder Greg Wilkinson rejoined The Robins.

More than 4,000 fans were packed into Alty's ground nearly two-and-a-half years ago for a promotion play-off final with Guiseley that was on a knife-edge when substitute Wilkinson appeared on the touchline just seconds from the end of extra-time.

A set-piece specialist, he was sent on in anticipation of an apparently-inevitable penalty shoot-out that would have stretched already-frayed nerves to breaking point. Instead, loitering just outside the area for a possible knockdown as Kyle Perry challenged the Guiseley keeper, he slotted home the most dramatic of goals for a 2-1 win with his first touch of the ball, booking Alty's place in non-League football's top flight and sending the home crowd into raptures.

Subsequently released, the 26 year-old was at Telford last season but was not kept on after picking up an injury towards the end of the campaign. He is now fully fit and will be available for Saturday's FA Cup tie with Gainsborough Trinity at The J.Davidson Stadium after training with Alty last night (Thursday) and increasing manager Jim Harvey's midfield options by re-signing.

In a further move to bolster numbers, particularly with seven substitutes permitted in the FA Cup, four players from the Reserves squad have been registered for first-team duty. They are midfielders Rhain Davis and Laurence Taylor and defenders William Foster and Marcus Dibble".

31 AND COUNTING

Assuming he is named in the squad on Saturday, Greg Wilkinson will bring to 31 the number of players named in an Alty first-team squad so far this season. And, if some of the four reserves who signed forms this week are named on the bench for the FA Cup tie with Gainsborough Trinity, that number will rise even higher.

All 31 players, except for reserve keeper Andrew Jones, have got onto the pitch so far.

Of the 31 players, seven have already left the club, five of these (Garner, Menagh, Preston, Sinclair, Sumner) having been Alty signings this summer and two others (Bell and Metz) being loanees. An eighth man, Billy Hasler-Cregg has gone out on loan.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH

From NL Pitchero we learn that "Kallum Mantack has joined Alfreton Town on loan from Oldham Athletic for an initial one-month youth loan. The winger will link up with central defender George Edmundson, who is currently on loan with the Reds. Mantack, who has featured once this season in the EFL Cup win against Wigan Athletic, will gain valuable experience during his loan spell".

And "Boston United striker Gregg Smith has pledged his future to the club by signing a new contract. The 26-year-old, who has scored 4 goals in his last five appearances for the Pilgrims on non-contract terms, is now under contract until the end of the 2017/18 campaign."

Nearer to home "John Flanagan, manager of Curzon Ashton, has confirmed that Alex Brown will end his retirement and return to first-team action. Brown played 70 minutes in the reserve team's 2-0 win over Stockport County on Monday night...

He has confirmed that his personal circumstances have changed and he will return to the club's senior team. Brown, an influential midfielder, captained the Nash... last season... He has previously featured for Hyde United, Chester FC and Droylsden".

Elsewhere, "Darlington 1883 have signed former Dunfermline Athletic midfielder Josh Falkingham. Falkingham started his career as a youth player with his local side Leeds United... and was released in 2010. In March 2010 he signed for Scottish Premier side St Johnstone on a short-term deal, but made only one appearance and was allowed to leave in the summer of 2010. In June 2010 he joined Third Division Arbroath where he became a regular... before moving to then First Division side Dunfermline Athletic in June 2012.

The 25-year-old spent four years at the Pars, making over 150 appearances for the side, including 35 last season as Dunfermline clinched promotion to the Championship, before somewhat surprisingly being released."


16 September 2016

JOIN THE DRAW AND WIN £500!

Don't forget that the new, improved Altrincham FC Monthly Draw starts this Saturday. You can win £500 or one of several other prizes and, at the same time, help the Club to raise much needed funds.
  • 1st prize £500
  • 2nd prize £75
  • 3rd prize £25
  • 4th Prize Two hospitality places in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge
  • 5th Prize A home or away replica shirt
  • 6th Prize Alty polo shirt

The draw will take place at half-time on Saturday; entry forms for this and subsequent draws will be available in the bar. It costs just £5 per month and you can purchase as many entries as you wish...

Please click on the image below for an enlarged version of the application form.

RESERVES LOOKING FOR A COACH

After two successful seasons and back to back promotions to take Altincham FC Reserves into the Cheshire Premier Division, one part of the joint management team, Craig Malbon, has made his decision to step down from his role due to work commitments.

The Club would like to thank Craig for all his hard work over the past two seasons and to wish him all the best for the future.

The Club is now looking for an experienced coach to work alongside remaining reserve team coach Chris Rowley in helping to push players through the system, like Sam Heathcote and Harry Cain.

Anyone interested in this voluntary post can email the club, with their CV attached.

CRUMBLE NOT GRUMBLE: RICHIE'S INITIATIVE FOR "CORE" SUPPORTERS!

The BBC may have lost The Great British Bake-Off but Altrincham FC still has its highly innovative official caterer, Richie Bentley. Richie is lifting the spirits at the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday at the FA Cup tie against Gainsborough Trinity with a fruity initiative.

Richie explains "We are going to make a thousand mini apple crumbles... with custard too. We've had some amazing apples donated by the orchard near my house at Porters Service Station, as well as by Jane Carter's mango and apple groves, and Little Moss Farm at Nether Alderley.

"The aim is to provide a gift to our amazing "core" fans,and any away fans attending too. It's celebrating Alty's giant-killing FA Cup pedigree.

"All the food will be bite-sized, (the ingredients will be published on-line or available on the day). It's all just for fun but any donations to Jim Harvey's "new player fund" will be welcome, so buckets will be on the tables by the turnstiles as you enter the J Davidson Stadium.

Enjoy...and let's all get behind the Club and stop any grumbles by having some crumbles!".

Hopefully supporters will find Richie's latest initiative greatly "a peeling"!

Below are the three stages of production...

Richie adds that "More apples will be kept for next week's Macmillan Cancer 'World's Biggest Coffee Morning' which is at the club next week".

TRINITY AIM TO FOX ALTY'S "FOX IN THE BOX"

The Lincolnshire Echo says that "Nathan Jarman has vowed to come back firing and chase down the current leading marksmen at Gainsborough Trinity. Last season's top scorer has had a stuttering start to the new season.

First his pre-season campaign was hampered by injury and then he was suspended following a straight red card at Salford last month. The 29-year-old has now served his three-game suspension and he returned to the squad on Tuesday evening. Despite starting on the bench, the club captain says he was happy to be back in action as his side earned a 3-2 win over high-flying FC Halifax. However, during his enforced absence, the Blues' strikers have been in fine form.

Ashley Worsfold has plundered six goals this term while former Scunthorpe United man Jordan Thewlis has hit the target three times so far. With Jarman only finding the net once this season, he accepts he has some catching up to do.

'I will be chasing them down, don't worry about that', said Jarman. 'I have been champing at the bit to get back on the pitch and hopefully I can get back in the starting line-up and start scoring goals again. No one is guaranteed a place in this team, we all have to earn a shirt. At the moment those two are playing really well, but the manager knows I am ready and eager to get back in the side. As a team we are creating more chances than we did last season so, on that basis, I should be able to score more goals'.

The striker is hoping to be involved in Dom Roma's side on Saturday when the Blues travel to Altrincham for their FA Cup second qualifying round clash. Although Trinity have already earned a 2-0 win over the Robins this season, Jarman says they will be very dangerous on their own ground.

'They are not having a great start to the season, but this Cup game will give them a break from all that,' said the former Grimsby Town striker. 'You look forward to the Cup, it's a breath of fresh air sometimes and Altrincham will probably see the game as a chance to turn things around. They have some very dangerous players as well. Striker Damian Reeves has always scored goals. He came on trial at Barnsley when I was there about 10 years ago so I have known him for a while.

'He is very good at what he does. He is a danger, a fox in the box. But I'm sure the boss Dom [Roma] and assistant boss Martin Foster will have thought about that already and will have put measures in place'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

FC Halifax Town report that "Goalkeeper Steven Drench admits that he’s ‘never experienced anything like this’ as FC Halifax Town continue[d] to show an inconsistent form over [their] last few fixtures. Defensive errors have been a key criticism of Billie Heath’s side in the last few weeks and Tuesday night’s disappointing defeat away at Gainsborough Trinity ‘summed it up’ according to the shot stopper.

'Tuesday night was a huge wake up call for us. The impression that we’ve giving out in the past few weeks is that we have a define right to go into a game and, because we have the superior squad, come away with the result, without actually digging in and showing the work rate and desire to to get the points we need', said Drench.

'At Gainsborough it was very much same old story. Their third goal summed the night up. I’m baffled really and never experienced anything like this where I have had next to nothing to do yet I’m picking the ball out of my net once or twice a game. It’s baffling', he added. Gainsborough only created a number of opportunities yet found themselves 3-2 via a lucky deflection off striker Ashley Worsfold.

'The goals that we are conceded are caused from teams not having to create a lot to score', admits Drench. 'Defensive errors, a bad decision or the opposition getting a bit of luck is usually the reason but the problem is it keeps happening every week. Everyone knows that training and a match day is [are] very different but the back four do work together when it comes to overloads, 2 v 3 , 3 v 2 in training hard. Just these last few weeks you could say that at times the decision-making haven’t [hasn't] been good enough from us it’s as simple as that'.

Attention now turns to the Fa Cup when FC Halifax Town travel to Ashton Athletic in the second round qualifying stage. Despite Ashton being members of the North West Counties League Premier Division...

'We are all aware that this is going to be a tough game. I know people are looking at this fixture like it’s a no contest but that’s what’s been happening in the last few weeks when we’ve come away from games with not want [what] we set out to get. Plus, it’s the FA Cup which always throws up an upset', said Drench. 'We know that if we play to the standard that this group of players are capable of, with our superior technical ability then we should claim victory. We know it’s going to be a real physical test but we have to turn up and play how we know we can', Drench added".

NL Daily tells us that "AFC Fylde have announced the appointment of Neil Joy as Chief Executive.

Neil brings a wealth of experience with him having been Chief Executive and Football Secretary at Oldham Athletic for the past four years... Neil will join the club on October 3rd and take over from the current Chief Executive David Chell who has departed the club with immediate effect.

Commenting on the appointment, AFC Fylde Chairman David Haythornthwaite said, 'This appointment shows our commitment to excellence and our desire to work to the very highest standards. We talked to a lot of people during the process but Neil stood out from day one as someone who would make a great fit... Not only does he know how to run a football club but importantly how to run one where every pound is maximised and costs controlled'...

Neil Joy said, 'David Haythornthwaite has set out a clear vision of how he wants the organisation to progress'".


15 September 2016

DUNCAN TRIGGERS WINDFALL

Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, John Edwards, writes...

"Jim Harvey's quest for new signings has been given a significant boost after Duncan Watmore's recent appearance for Sunderland triggered a contract clause that will bring Altrincham a five-figure windfall.

Several add-ons were negotiated when Watmore left for the Stadium of Light three years ago, including one entitling Alty to a five-figure payment after 10 starts for the Premier League club, a feat he achieved against Everton on Monday night.

In a statement of intent about addressing on-field shortcomings and injuries that have left Alty without a league win in 11 games so far, the club's board have placed the entire amount at the disposal of recently-appointed manager Harvey for team strengthening.

As he announced the news, chairman Grahame Rowley also made a plea for unity, saying, 'Due to the situation we find ourselves in, it will all go into the playing budget for Jim to use to make the changes he feels are necessary. More than ever, this is a time for everyone to rally round and stick together. We are at our strongest when we are sharing the same objectives and working together to try and make them happen. As a board, we want nothing more than a successful team out on the pitch, and it's clear our supporters want it just as much.

'That's apparent from the numbers turning up every week, despite such a difficult start to the season, and the support shown for the players. Jake Moult remarked on it a couple of times in his programme notes whilst he was one of the caretaker coaches, and it is appreciated by everyone at the club.

'There also seems to be a sense, judging by one or two remarks last night and this morning, that many feel this is a time for reconciliation and coming together, rather than recriminations, for everyone from top to bottom to be pulling together, and I echo that view 100 per cent. We all make mistakes. No one is perfect, but we all have the good of the club at heart and want to see an end to this nosedive in our fortunes.

'Jim has been working overtime since taking over to try and bring new faces in and arrange outgoing moves in an effort to eradicate the losing mentality that seems to have set in. Hopefully in the next few days and weeks, those changes will start to take effect'".

SPONSOR A PLAYER!

Why not sponsor an Alty player and receive his signed shirt at the end of the season? The updated Player Sponsorship list is here. Contact the Club to stake your claim on (0161) 928-1045 or by e-mail.

JAKE, DAMIAN AND SHAUN'S LANDMARKS

Assuming he is selected for Saturday's match in the FA Cup against Gainsborough Trinity, it will be Jake Moult's 200th appearance for Altrincham. To date, he has made 175(+24) appearances and netted 20 goals. (Jake is pictured, right).

Three more appearances will take Damian Reeves to 300 Altrincham appearances. He has, so far, played 256(+41) games and scored a phenomenal 161 goals. That should be a further spur to Shaun Densmore as his current total is 308 appearances and he will want to keep ahead of Reevesie! When Shaun makes his first appearance after his protracted injury absence it will be his 300th start for the club.

FA CUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGE ON OFFER

Alty Director Paul Daine advises us that Altrincham Football Club is "offering a package for £35 a head in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Gainsborough Trnity. This includes pre-match drinks, a hot lunch, tea/coffee at half-time, matchday programme and a team sheet". Please ring the Club on (0161) 928-1045 to reserve your places.

TUESDAY GATES

Tue 13th Sep 2016 Att: 926 Boston United v Alfreton Town
  • Att: 352 Brackley Town v Worcester City
  • Att: 2022 Chorley v Salford City
  • Att: 692 Gainsborough Trinity v FC Halifax Town
  • Att: 313 Gloucester City v AFC Telford Utd
  • Att: 409 Harrogate Town v Stalybridge Celtic
  • Att: 1333 Kidderminster Harriers v Tamworth
  • Att: 542 Nuneaton Town v Altrincham
  • WEDNESDAY SCORE

    Former Alty striker Emile Sinclair scored on his debut for BPA, just as he did last month for Altrincham. But, as then, he finished on the losing side.
    • Bradford Park Avenue 1 Darlington 1883 2

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    NL Pitchero reports that "Darlington 1883 have signed goalkeeper Paul Woolston on loan from neighbours Newcastle United. The Quakers need to rest first-choice keeper Peter Jameson due to a thigh injury. Woolston made national headlines in March 2014 when, as a 15-year-old schoolboy, he kept a clean sheet on his under-21 debut against Manchester United... The former Washington United player and Biddick Academy pupil joined the Magpies in 2013 after leaving his boyhood favourites Sunderland. He is an England international at under-17 and under-18 level."

    Elsewhere "Bradford Park Avenue`s head coach Alex Meechan has added experienced forward Emile Sinclair to his squad ahead of Wednesday's match with Darlington 1883. The pacey, powerful frontman, 28, has a rich history in the Football League, playing for clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Peterborough United and Macclesfield Town. He leaves league rivals Altrincham, where he has scored one goal in four appearances this season.

    Starting his career in the Bradford City youth academy, Sinclair earned himself a move to Forest... However, after loan spells at Brentford, Mansfield and Macclesfield, Sinclair was released, and joined the Silkmen permanently in the summer of 2009. Thirteen goals in seventy-eight league appearances at Moss Rose attracted Peterborough’s attention, and they paid an undisclosed fee for the forward on transfer deadline day in August 2011.

    He grabbed 13 goals in his 47 appearances at London Road, but spent the majority of the 2012/13 campaign on loan at Barnsley and Donacaster Rovers, before moving to Crawley for £100,000 in 2013. Stints at Northampton and York City followed, and Sinclair ended last season on loan at Avenue’s near neighbours Guiseley AFC.

    Meechan’s side has failed to score in any of their last three outings, and are still chasing their first win of the season, ten games in".

    The National League tells us that "Hemel Hempstead Town have signed 21-year-old goalkeeper Dean Snedker from Nuneaton Town. Snedker had only signed for Nuneaton in August following a successful pre-season with the club. The 21-year-old shot stopper spent last season at Kidderminster Harriers, but had been training at the Coombe Abbey Arena for most of the summer. Snedker was originally on the books at Northampton Town.

    He made three first-team appearances in three-and-a-half years with the Cobblers before being released in February 2015."

    The National League has Tuesday`s Vanarama National League North Round-Up....

    A "freak storm... saw the game at Edgeley Park between Stockport County and leaders AFC Fylde being called off ahead of kick-off. It also allowed Harrogate Town to pull level on points with the Coasters after a 3-1 win at the CNG Stadium against Stalybridge Celtic... Town had found themselves behind at the break to Andy Owens’s 23rd minute close range header...

    Kidderminster Harriers are finding their feet after suffering the drop last season, and Tuesday night saw the 1,333 crowd at Aggborough witness the hosts hitting Tamworth for six...

    A crowd of 2,022 at Victory Park saw Chorley move into fourth spot and visiting Salford City slip from second after the Magpies won 2-1. And Matt Jansen`s men had to come back from being a 26th minute Michael Nottingham goal down to win, the former Solihull Moors player firing in from the edge of the six-yard box...

    Gloucester City`s good form continued at Whaddon Road as they followed last Saturday`s 5-0 walloping of Altrincham by beating AFC Telford United 3-0....

    Worcester City picked up another three points on the road by beating high-flying Brackley Town at St James's Park....

    Gainsborough Trinity followed up last Saturday`s home win against AFC Telford United by another against FC Halifax Town at the Northolme. Alex Simmons, signed earlier in the day on loan from Lincoln City, gave the Shaymen a 13th minute lead. James Reid’s free-kick was glanced in by Jordan Thewlis for an equaliser 15 minutes later.

    And on 32 minutes, Liam King was sent clear and rounded keeper Jonathan Hedge to put the Shaymen back in front. Gainsborough equalised almost immediately when Thewlis latched onto a superb pass by Reid inside the area before blasting the ball past Steve Drench and in off the near post.

    The only goal of a slightly disappointing second half came 7 minutes in and it was Ashley Worsfold who made it 3-2 to the hosts – a lead they held on to.

    Gregg Smith scored a last-gasp winner as Boston United overturned a losing deficit to snatch victory over Alfreton Town".

    More on Saturday's visitors to Altrincham comes from the Halifax Courier which tells us that "A debut goal for Alex Simmons wasn’t enough to prevent FC Halifax Town slumping to a surprise 3-2 defeat at Gainsborough. Town should have been comfortably ahead at half-time instead of drawing 2-2, but didn’t produce anywhere near the same level of performance after the interval and mustered barely a response to Gainsborough’s third goal...

    Simmons started on the left of a 4-3-3 for Town, and was receiving instructions from the off from Billy Heath yards away on the touchline having already been given the nickname ‘Simmo’... The one-way traffic was suddenly diverted as James Reid’s free-kick was glanced in by Thewlis, who was inexplicably left unmarked slap bang in the centre of the box.

    To say that was against the run of play would have been putting it mildly, but Town regained the lead soon afterwards... But Gainsborough refused to let go of Halifax’s coat tails, and again equalised when Thewlis latched onto a superb pass by Reid inside the area before blasting the ball past Steve Drench...

    Not for the first time this season, Town were not the same side after the break, and Worsfold got a decisive touch to Reid’s free-kick a few minutes after half-time to hand the hosts the lead, the prospect of which would have been fanciful 25 minutes in...

    Gainsborough: Hedge, Lacey, Quinn, Evans (Picton 34), Beatson, Bailey-King, Wiles, Thornhill, Reid, Worsfold (Jarman 72), Thewlis (Morrison 63). Subs not used: Davis, Hands".


    14 September 2016

    JIM HARVEY'S VIEWS ON TUESDAY'S MATCH

    Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer John Edwards interviewed manager Jim Harvey after the Nuneaton game on Tuesday night for an update on squad comings and goings and injuries, as well as his reflections on a 4-1 defeat. Jim confirmed the signing of 20-year old Leyton Orient left-back Josh Doherty on a one-month loan. Newtownards-born Josh came through the Academy ranks at Watford, and made one league appearance, before joining Orient on a one-year deal three months ago. He has four Northern Ireland under-21 caps. On the injury front, there is news of the progress made by Tim Deasy, Shaun Densmore, Danny Hall, Tom Hannigan and John Cyrus, while Jim also announced that Emile Sinclair and Adam Sumner have left the club, and winger Billy Hasler-Cregg has joined Droylsden on an initial one-month loan.

    There are likely to be other departures in the next week or so. Alan Goodall and Sam Heathcote were laid low by a stomach bug on Tuesday but should be fit for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Gainsborough Trinity. Here is the interview with Jim in full.

    Q: We are finding it difficult enough with 11 players at the moment, so we could have done without Charlie Joyce picking up a red card within 10 minutes, couldn't we?

    A:It was crazy, honestly. Joyce (left) has come in and held his hands up and said, 'I have messed up there, boys.' Well, that's fine, but equally the goalkeeper (Andrew Dawber) should never have rolled the ball out to the edge of the area in that situation. It was inexperience from both players which has cost us, and, as you say, with where we are at the moment, it's going to be tough with 11 players, all the more so when we are down to 10 and have got two centre-forwards playing at centre-half. It's not easy at all for us at the moment.

    We are going through a really tough period. I think we have five defenders out, and a keeper, so we are up against it. Nevertheless, it just wasn't good enough in the first half. The shape and everything was poor, boys were struggling to understand what the game was and basically didn't have the ability to carry out the objective of consolidating, getting solid in our half of the field and working hard at defending. There were too many runners going free into our box, and too many crosses coming in without players being marked, and goals came as a consequence.

    Pride was all we had to play for in the second half, and I said to them, 'The game has gone. We are not going to win it. But we don't want it to get any more embarrassing, so you have to play for your pride and at least get a clean sheet over the next 45 minutes.' To be fair, the work-rate, understanding and organisation did get an awful lot better. It visibly improved, which was encouraging. But, having said all that, it's still not good enough for what I would be looking for from an Altrincham team. We have got serious problems at the moment.

    A lot of those problems will be solved when all our missing defenders come back. I hope so, anyway, but it still has to be said the level of performance from the team at the moment is way below what I would expect, so when I can, and I am quite happy to say this, I will be looking to change things and bring people in to try and improve the situation as much as we can.

    Q: You will presumably be looking to the senior players to try and pull things round, but their morale must be at a low ebb as well?

    A: Yes, everyone's is. It affects everyone when results go against you every week. But there are reasons why we are conceding on such a regular basis, not least the number of injuries we've had. There can be no doubt that when the likes of Tom Hannigan (right), John Cyrus, Danny Hall and Shaun Densmore come back, we will benefit. They are all first-choice boys. The goalkeeper Tim Deasy as well. It's got to have an adverse effect, missing that many. Having them back should help us defensively, help us get into games and give us the opportunity to play some football and create chances at the other end.

    At the moment, we are just sort of firefighting, which is the situation we have been left in. It will take a wee while to turn things round, because it's not easy manoeuvring players out when they are on contract. Obviously, quite a few are, so it will be a slow process. There is not a lot of room to manoeuvre, but OK, that's fine. All I would say to supporters is look, please understand we are in a difficult position. This is what we have got, but I will work as hard as I can to get this turned round as quickly as possible, so you can start looking forward to games, instead of going into them with some dread.

    Q: What can you tell us about Josh Doherty?

    A:: He is a boy from Northern Ireland. He comes with a decent pedigree, well recommended. He looks athletic and has a nice left foot. It was a tough baptism for him. When the goals were flying in, he was probably thinking 'what the hell have I come to here?' He has had a look at us now. He's here for a month, and I hope he enjoys his stay. It was a friend of mine from back home who recommended him.

    Q: You mentioned the unorthodox centre-back pairing, and injuries forced it to a large degree. Jon Moran was available but has had a tough time of late, so was it game experience that tilted it Craig Hobson's way, even though he hasn't played there before?

    A:: You're right, Hobby has never played centre-half before. It was his first time, but it was at the back of my mind that we had not yet got permission from Forest Green Rovers to play Jon in the FA Cup on Saturday. There's a chance he might not be allowed to and, if that is the case, and we don't get injured defenders back, I didn't want to throw Hobby into a game like that without any experience of playing there. With the rewards for going through on Saturday, that is a more important game, so I wanted to give him an opportunity to get a feel for the position and see how he fared, and I thought in the second half he did really well.

    He was a bit shaky and unsure for the first 20 minutes, but he warmed to his task in the second half. I thought he looked more comfortable as the game wore on but, as for Saturday, we are still waiting for word from Forest Green.

    Q: Could you give us an injury and illness update, please, Jim?

    A: John Cyrus (left), all being well, should be available for selection for Saturday after having a problem with his heel. He has been to see an osteopath, and they have given him some insoles to cushion his heels when he walks. He has also been laid up with a stomach bug, and wasn't strong enough for tonight, but he feels he should be ready to go again on Saturday. The Cup-tie is going to come just too soon for Tom Hannigan, in his recovery from a knee injury, but he has a decent chance of being back a week on Saturday.

    Danny Hall has been moving OK and is not far away at all after his hamstring problem, so we'll take a look at him towards the end of the week. It's difficult to say, at the moment, about this Saturday, but if he's not quite right, he should be fine for the one after.

    Tim Deasy should be available for Saturday, but Shaun Densmore is maybe another month away. There are no alarms there. All the feedback has been positive, it's just that it's a gradual process strengthening the muscles to the required level and then building up his fitness.

    Q: There are a couple of departures, too, aren't there?

    A: Emile Sinclair (right) has been released and Adam Sumner has said he wants to go, which is fine with me. It means they are off the wage bill, which can only help with bringing others in. We were over budget, really, so that just brings it back down to where we should be, but I am trying to free up more room. We've just agreed everything for Billy Hasler-Cregg to go out on loan to Droylsden.

    As I've said, when we've got all the injured defenders back, we'll have a better idea of where we are and what they have to offer, but at the moment, it's clear we are below par and there are serious question marks about us right across the board.

    Q: Any other injuries tonight?

    A: Simon Richman stayed off at half-time, because he had a stomach upset and wasn't fit to continue, but that shouldn't be a problem for the weekend. Sam Heathcote and Alan Goodall were missing with a stomach bug, and you do wonder what next? It seems to be one thing after another.

    Q: On a positive note, Andrew Dawber took his chance well, with Tim out injured, and that was some goal by Sean Miller.

    A: Andrew made some really good saves, to be fair, but he still has moments, like most young keepers, where he makes rash decisions, like rolling the ball out for the penalty, which was wrong. But he did make some really good saves to keep us in it.

    Sean certainly has a dig on him. He scored a great goal against Chorley, and that was another tremendous finish to give everyone a lift tonight. It was to no avail ultimately, but it was some strike".

    NUNEATON TOWN 4 ALTRINCHAM 1

    Above, left, Mike Ripley of Michael Ripley Photography captures Harry Cain in action in the second half, whilst (right) we see goalscorer Sean Miller during the game at Nuneaton, pictured by Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

    With manager Jim Harvey's selection and tactics severely constrained by numerous injuries and illness, it was always going to be a difficult task to take anything from this game. The opening stages were traumatic.

    In the eighth minute, a cross from the left was miskicked by Doherty. Dawber blocked the resulting shot but could not hold it and Whitehouse netted the loose ball. A minute later, Joyce dwelt on the ball on the front edge of the box, in a central position. He lost the ball, then fouled his opponent to concede a penalty. To compound his offence, he was sent off (9 mins).

    Dawber did very well to save Whitehouse's spot kick and then Altrincham grabbed an equalizer as Miller received Reeves's lay-off and hit an impressive shot into Dibble's top left-hand corner (17 mins). Nuneaton regained the lead after 34 minutes when Ironside volleyed home from eight yards.

    Two goals on the approach to half time settled the outcome. First an O'Hanlon cross led to Williams hitting the bar and Whitehouse netting the loose ball to make it 3-1 (43 mins). Having announced a minimum of one added minute, Mr Tankard played three and, in the last one, following a corner, a Langmead effort was blocked and Williams scored to leave Alty 4-1 down and with ten men to play the second half.

    Alty battled hard in the second half and, though Boro enjoyed the lion's share of the ball, they could not score a fifth.

    Match report here.

    NEW LOAN SIGNING

    Altrincham signed left-back Josh Doherty on a one-month loan from Leyton Orinet in time to make his debut last night at Nuneaton. More on his signing later today...

    Leyton Orient announced that "defender Josh Doherty has joined National League North side Altrincham on a one-month loan deal. The 20-year-old joined the O’s in the summer following his release from Premier League side Watford, but is yet to feature in the first-team squad this season". When he joined the East London club Orient reported that "The 20-year-old has signed an initial one year deal with an option of a second with the O’s... Doherty is a youth international for his native Northern Ireland, and moved over to England when he signed for the Hornets in 2012 after coming through the Academy at Ards. The youngster made one appearance for the Vicarage Road outfit as an 80th minute substitute at Huddersfield Town on May 3, 2014".

    TUESDAY GAMES

    Tue 13 Sep.
    • Boston United 3-2 Alfreton Town
    • Brackley Town 0-2 Worcester City
    • Chorley 2-1 Salford City
    • Gainsborough Trinity 3-2 FC Halifax Town
    • Gloucester City 3-0 AFC Telford Utd
    • Harrogate Town 3-1 Stalybridge Celtic (Fixture reversed owing to floodlight problems at Bower Fold)
    • Kidderminster Harriers 6-0 Tamworth
    • Nuneaton Town 4-1 Altrincham
    • Stockport County P-P AFC Fylde


    13 September 2016

    FA YOUTH CUP DATE

    Altrincham's FA Youth Cup tie against Vauxhall Motors has been arranged for Thursday, 22 September at 7.30pm at the Motormen's home ground of Rivacre Park. Admission will be £3 or £1 for concessionaries.

    RESERVES' FIXTURE AT THE J. DAVIDSON STADIUM

    Altrincham FC Reserves' home league fixture against Knutsford has been moved from Saturday 24 September (at Egerton Sports Club) and will now be played on Monday, 26 September with a 7.30pm kick off at the J. Davidson Stadium at Moss Lane. As admission will be free, why not come along and encourage the team?

    LADIES' IMPRESSIVE AWAY WIN

    Altrincham FC Ladies had a fine 6-3 away win against Stockport County Blues. Phil Taylor has kindly provided a Match report. Manager Keith Edleston adds...

    "Great result today from the girls in what could've been a tricky 'derby' away game v Stockport County Blues. On a very small pitch it made the game really tight and scrappy but we opened the game up as much and as often as possible and, when we did, we scored the goals, a superb hat-trick from Kate Bryan, two goals from Megan Wright and a full debut goal from Jade Hesketh made the final score 6-3 to the 'Red Girls'.

    Player of the game could have gone to a fair few players but, in the end, a commanding performance at the back from Louise Edleston swung it. On another positive note, I have to say a big thanks to the growing band of supporters that are now travelling to our games and cheering the girls on. I know the girls really appreciate it, THANK YOU. Also to our number one photographer who came out (in his own time) and took some wonderful photos as usual; cheers, Mike Ripley.

    On to our next game, which is this coming Sunday v Egerton LFC down at Mersey Valley Sports Club k.o. 2pm. See you all on Sunday".

    YOUTH CUP IMAGES

    Mike Ripley has excellent images from last Friday's FA Youth Cup win over Stockport County. Above, we see Ricardo Pembele neting the winning goal. More of Mike's images from the match can be viewed here.

    MORE WALKING FOOTBALL - AND COMEDY AT THE CSH

    Judy Henson, Community Co-ordinator at Altrincham FC announces that "Our walking football session on Wednesday mornings has been running for nine months now. The weekly sessions are a friendly, social activity, open to all. With recent demand to add another Walking Football session, for those who work during the day, we have decided to give it a go.

    As of Wednesday 12th October, we will be launching a SECOND weekly session on Wednesday evenings from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. These new Wednesday evening sessions will be FREE throughout October and November.

    AFC volunteer and lifelong AFC fan, Colin Mitchell, has attended Walking Football from day one and says, 'I have a great time at the walking football sessions as some of my Alty friends go, so it gives us the chance to catch up. It's a good opportunity to meet new people too. When the hour is over you know you've had a good workout. No running allowed, obviously, but it is still a great way to help keep fit, I usually do about three miles walking every session.

    It's suitable for all, so I would advise anyone to give it a go."

    And Judy also confirms that "We have a comedy night in November, in association with Jason Manford’s Comedy Club. This is a fund-raiser for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, who we support every year at their annual open days. This year, it is being held on Sunday 25th October from 1-5pm". Details below...

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    News of Alty's opponents tonight (Nuneaton Town) comes from their last match as Darlington's Northern Echo reports that "By the skin of our teeth, we left Nuneaton with a point despite the pressure being laid on by the home team reaching biblical proportions during the second half.

    Saturday’s trip to Nuneaton was a bit of a learning experience both on and off the pitch. Off the pitch, we saw first-hand what a rugby ground redeveloped for shared purposes looked like. Whilst the locals probably aren’t too fond of their edge of the town surroundings, for a visitor looking in, it appears they did a pretty decent job. Hopefully, in a few years time, Blackwell Meadows will feel a bit more complete with similar development.

    On the pitch, the game was crazy. After four years of generally pulverising the cannon fodder in the league, Nuneaton Town proved that you can’t take your foot off the gas against anyone in this division. Whilst being a full-time outfit will raise eyebrows, Nuneaton aren’t a Kidderminster or a Fylde. They are more Ilkeston. If you didn’t know they were full-time, you certainly wouldn’t have guessed it. For the first thirty minutes, it looked like a typical Darlo game against a poor side. Nuneaton struggled to get any respite as we dominated possession and created a number good chances. That we didn’t take those chances would come back to ultimately cost us two points although nobody would have guessed how the game would change. Even the locals stood next to us during the first half told of how they were expecting Nuneaton to capitulate. Oh, how they were wrong.

    Phil Turnbull’s departure to injury, yet another soft tissue injury, robbed the side of its chief organiser. During the last ten minutes or so of the first half the all of the second, the lack of leadership began to tell, as did the lack of someone who could put his foot on the ball and just calm things down.

    The second half felt like something akin to the Alamo. Wave after wave of home attacks. Fortunately, despite a number of excellent balls going in to the box, nothing came from it. However, eventually, the pressure told and the equaliser came. The pressure continued. All things considered, it ended up being a good point when at times, defeat seemed the only foreseeable outcome.

    Martin Gray seemed pretty happy with a point. However, the disarray throughout the team will not have pleased the Darlo boss. You could see him getting cross at half time as he urged his players to hurry back in to the dressing room. That we didn’t lose the game was almost exclusively down to Nuneaton’s lack of a cutting edge. Our defence was disorganised, the midfield was too porous and the forwards just couldn’t keep the ball long enough to ease the pressure.

    Anyhow, we get to go again. Wednesday night provides us with the perfect way to bounce back from our struggles against the then-third bottom team with a trip to bottom-placed Bradford Park Avenue. Like Nuneaton, they haven’t won at home yet this season. More worryingly for them, they are conceding on average three goals per game at their Horsfall Stadium and playing in front of the smallest crowds in the division. A paltry 230 turned up to see them concede a regulation three goals to no reply against Worcester City on Saturday".

    On Monday, Stalybridge Celtic confirmed that "On Tuesday, Celtic travel to Harrogate Town in a fixture rearranged to the away match due to a floodlight failure at Bower Fold". The National League adds that Stalybridge Celtic v Harrogate Town was 13 September 2016 NOW 21 March 2017".

    Meanwhile "Ashton United have revealed that Gary Gee and Adam Mather have both signed for neighbours Stalybridge Celtic. Formerly with Stockport County, Woodley Sports and Mossley AFC, Gee is a busy midfielder who has made well over 100 appearances in the Robins’ midfield since joining the club in 2013... Mather is a left-sided defender or midfielder who gave sterling service to New Mills, where he made over 250 appearances. He helped Chorley win promotion from the Northern Premier League in 2014 before joining Bradford Park Avenue, then switching to Hurst Cross in the summer of 2016".

    According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United assistant boss Larry Chambers has confirmed the club are looking to tie up a loan deal for a new forward in time for the trip to Gloucester City. The Bucks fell to a 3-1 defeat at Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday and goalscorer Josh Wilson limped off late in the second half with a hamstring injury.

    Dave Hibbert took a knock to his knee but the striker believes he will be okay for the trip to Gloucester... Telford have the second-worst attack in National League North, having scored only eight goals in their opening 10 matches. Stalybridge Celtic... have managed just seven.

    On their lack of a cutting edge, Chambers said, 'We have been offered players, but we are not going to bring someone in for the sake of it... I would like to think we will have somebody else in the squad, a striker or a winger, for the game against Gloucester. We probably need more than just the one. It will be a loan deal. Of all the players we have been offered recently, we think this will be the right fit but time will tell... We need a goalscorer. This season we have created chances... and we didn’t take them', added Chambers...

    Bucks were punished at Trinity when keeper James Montgomery saved an Ashley Worsfold spot-kick and a Jordan Thewlis follow-up before Thewlis finally scored. 'I am disappointed', added Chambers. 'When your keeper saves the first one and the second one and we are nowhere near either of them that shows a lack of desire.'"


    12 September 2016

    JIM HARVEY "SHELL-SHOCKED" AFTER SATURDAY'S GAME

    Altrincham FC joint Press & Media Officer, Brian Flynn, interviewed manager Jim Harvey after Saturday's 5-0 defeat by Gloucester City. The interview can be heard here. Speaking frankly, the new Alty boss described himself as "shell-shocked" and the performance as looking like "men against boys" and "defensively atrocious".

    Right, Jim's concern at what he is seeing is only too evident in this image of him in the dugout at Whaddon Road on Saturday.

    SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL TO NUNEATON

    Altrincham travel to play Nuneaton Town on Tuesday (13 September). TASC Travel Coordinator, Mark Eckersall, confirms that supporters' transport will operate to this fixture. To book your place, please ring the club (0161 928-1045 during normal office hours) as soon a possible. Details of the arrangements for this match are here.

    TUESDAY'S GAME AT NUNEATON

    On Tuesday, Alty are away to Nuneaton Town. Howard Watts provides the historical record Through the Years of previous Alty games on this date, 13 September.

    And Mike Garnett reminds us of our record against Nuneaton Town.

    • At home: P2-W1-D0-L1-F2-A1
    • Away: P2-W0-D0-L2-F2-A4
    • All: P4-W1-D0-L3-F4-A5

    Altrincham have currently gone ten league games from the start of the season without a win. As Mike Garnett reminds us, the last time this happened was as recently as 2007-08, when only three points had been accrued by the same stage of the campaign, in the following sequence of results, LDLLDLDLLL (P.10 W.0 D.3 L.7)". Alty then won the next two matches to halt the sequence.

    And, coincidentally, Saturday's defeat by Gloucester was the 56th anniversary of 10 September 1960 when, Mike writes, "Earlestown defeated Altrincham 4-3 in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round. That season, of course, we ended up next to bottom of the Cheshire League with 8 wins and 6 draws (22 pts.) from 42 games, and were only saved from the ultimate ignominy by the ineptitude of Wigan Rovers (17 pts.). It’s worth noting that three of our wins (including a double over the hapless Rovers!) and two draws had been registered in the six games preceding the Earlestown debacle".

    Ten games without a win from the start of a season would appear to be the record for the Club.

    RESERVES' WIN

    Altrincham FC Reserves beat Garswood United 4-2 on Saturday. They now lie sixth in the sixteen-club Premier Division of The Hallmark Security Cheshire Football League

    TASC MEETING RESCHEDULED

    Brian Flynn, chair of TASC, writes that "The TASC meeting, scheduled for Monday night, has been postponed and will now take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 27th.

    All Altrincham fans are welcome to attend. The venue is The Roebuck Inn, Altrincham".


    11 September 2016

    GLOUCESTER CITY 5 ALTRINCHAM 0

    Match report here

    Above: Alty line up before kick off.

    ALTY'S PROGRESS IN YOUTH CUP

    Altrincham FC Youth beat Stockport County 3-2 on Friday evening in the FA Youth Cup thanks to a winning goal in the fifth minute of added time from captain Thabari Jambaya. They now have a trip to Vauxhall Motors in the First Round, which is to be played in the week commencing Monday, September 19th.

    Match report here.

    GLOUCESTER FEEDBACK

    Gloucestershire Live says that "After Gloucester City thrashed Altrincham 5-0... There is a real feel-good factor at the club at the moment and Gloucester fans are enjoying one of their best starts to a season in many years.

    Tigers' fans still have to travel to Cheltenham for home games but those that made the trip on Saturday were rewarded as they witnessed the club... equal their previous best at National League North level... A win in their game in hand would take them up to fourth and they are entertaining the fans too, scoring 23 in just nine games...

    Luke Hopper is still in red hot form... Despite Gloucester's dominance Hopper was fairly quiet in the first half but he was at his clinical best after the break with three fine finishes for his second hat-trick of the campaign...

    Chris Knowles is a... clever player capable of producing defence-splitting passes, while he isn't afraid to get stuck in either. His energy in midfield is key in the diamond formation and he showed how much of a threat he is in the opposition box, being in the right place at the right time to score the opening goal and only being denied a second goal by a superb save before Joe Parker put the ball in the net...

    Yes, Altrincham provided weak opposition but the central defensive partnership of Sam Avery and Jack Deaman looked really solid...

    It was former Forest Green manager Jim Harvey's first game in charge and on this evidence he has a lot of work to do. The Tigers completely controlled the game and Altrincham folded easily as their heads dropped. Harvey is vastly experienced and has overcome similar challenges in the past, most notably during his time at the New Lawn, but this could be his most difficult job yet."

    Glocester manager "Tim Harris told Luke Hopper to shoot more often before he fired a quick-fire hat-trick in Gloucester's thumping win over Altrincham... to take his tally to nine goals in nine National League North games this season...

    Said Gloucester City manager Harris...'He's got a lot of good upper body strength and he just needs to stay a little bit more central... I questioned his fitness in pre-season. He's worked really hard at that... We've got a lot of pace in the team and I think that helps Luke Hopper'...

    Only league leaders AFC Fylde and Alfreton Town have scored more goals than Gloucester's total of 23 in nine games".

    Before Saturday's game, the National League announced that "Gloucester City have signed Spanish striker Antonio Alcaraz Zamora on non-contract terms from league rivals Boston United. Zamora joined Boston in August 2016... [He is a] former Alhama and El Palmar frontman... but the 25-year-old but now lives in Stratford-upon-Avon.

    Tigers' boss Tim Harris has decided to bolster his forward options as Bobbie Dale is still having issues with the knee injury that hampered him throughout the summer".

    NEXT OPPONENTS: NUNEATON TOWN

    Alty's next opponents drew 1-1 at home to Darlington 1883 from where the Northern Echo reports that "Darlington remain unbeaten away from home... after drawing at Nuneaton Town when they could easily have lost despite taking the lead...

    But it was one-way traffic in the second half, third-bottom Nuneaton pinning Darlington back. The hosts will feel unfortunate to have scored only once, such were the number of their scoring opportunities and possession.

    Greg Tempest’s leveller was just reward for Nuneaton, who are one of the few full-time clubs in the National League North but were second best in the early stages...

    Nuneaton played plenty of high balls into the area and won a series of corners, leaving Darlington desperate for the half-time whistle... <> Having got their equaliser, Nuneaton relented somewhat...

    Nuneaton Town (4-1-2-1-2): Dibble; Clifton, Langmead, Keane, O’Hanlon; Morgan; Daniels, Tempest; Whitehouse (Demkiv 81); Williams, Ironside (McDonald 86). Subs (not used): Penny, Euan Cartright, Warburton".

    RADIO ROBINS

    The Radio Robins' commentary from Tuesday's game against Chorley is here.

    COUNTY VIEW

    Jim Gannon's post-match interview from the game at Altrincham is here. and video of match highlights is here.

    OLD BOYS

    The EvoStik League reports the transfer of "Robert Gilroy from Prescot Cables to Burscough".

    In Saturday's game whch ended Stafford Rangers 1-3 Ashton United, Ryan Crowther scored oe of Uited's goals. And in Leek Town 1-2 Shaw Lane AFC, Sam Grimshaw (Leek) and Kieran Lugsden (Shaw Lane) scored.

    SATURDAY'S GATES

    • Att: 430 Alfreton Town v Harrogate Town
    • Att: 230 Bradford Park Avenue 0 vs 3 Worcester City
    • Att: 1066 Chorley v Brackley Town
    • Att: 212 Curzon Ashton v Tamworth
    • Att: 1552 FC Halifax Town v Stalybridge Celtic
    • Att: 2284 FC United Of Manchester v AFC Fylde
    • Att: 452 Gainsborough Trinity v AFC Telford Utd
    • Att: 406 Gloucester City v Altrincham
    • Att: 2072 Kidderminster Harriers v Salford City
    • Att: 655 Nuneaton Town v Darlington 1883
    • Att: 2466 Stockport County v Boston United

    FA CUP2QR ON SATURDAY

    • Alfreton Town v AFC Fylde
    • Altrincham v Gainsborough Trinity
    • Ashton Athletic v FC Halifax Town
    • Brackley Town v Rugby Team
    • Bradford Park Avenue v Salford City
    • Bridlington Town v Harrogate Town
    • Curzon Ashton v Consett AFC
    • Kidderminster Harriers v Tamworth
    • Nuneaton Town v Lincoln United
    • Salisbury v Gloucester City
    • Ossett Town v FC United Of Manchester
    • Kirby Muxloe v Boston United
    • Dunston UTS v Chorley
    • Witton Albion v Stalybridge Celtic
    • Worcester City v AFC Telford United
    • Lancaster City v Darlington 1883
    • Stockport C. v Hyde

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    After Saturday's fixtures the National League reported that "AFC Fylde remain top after securing a best-of-five victories at Broadhurst Park against FC United of Manchester... in front of a crowd of 2,284... But right on half-time, a moment of stupidity saw Fylde go down to ten-men when Finley was sent-off after kicking a water bottle into the stand...

    Second-placed Salford City were beaten. Relegated Kidderminster Harriers got themselves back to winning ways against Salford... Salford`s hopes of getting back into the game in front of a crowd of over 2000 took a severe blow when, shortly after the start of the second half, a late challenge from Simon Grand on Mani Dieseruvwe resulted in a straight red card for the Ammies' skipper.

    It was also a bad day for Harrogate Town as they also suffered a first loss of 2016/17. Harrogate travelled to the Impact Arena to play an Alfreton Town side who had conceded a staggering 22 goals in their last five matches. However, the Reds kept only their second clean sheet of the season to date and that, in the end, proved good enough after Dan Bradley`s 32nd minute effort had given them the lead...

    Nuneaton Town have made a disappointing start to the new season, but battled hard on Saturday to earn a point against high-flying Darlington 1883 at the Coombe Abbey Arena...

    Last Tuesday, Curzon Ashton conceded four goals at leaders AFC Fylde, and on Saturday they were beaten 5-1 at their own Tameside Stadium by a Tamworth side who went nap for the third time this season... Brackley Town maintained their good start to the new season with a useful point against a Chorley side...

    Liam King’s first half penalty was enough for FC Halifax Town to see off strugglers Stalybridge Celtic at The Shay... Stockport County had to settle for a point against another surprise struggler, Boston United, at Edgeley Park...

    Gainsborough Trinity doubled their win tally after a 3-1 Northolme success against AFC Telford United...

    Bradford Park Avenue are, like Altrincham, yet to taste victory in 2016/17 and suffered defeat number seven on Saturday at the Horsfall Stadium against Worcester City 0-3... City had to play the final 14 minutes with ten-men when Hutchison received a second yellow card".


    10 September 2016

    GLOUCESTER CITY 5 ALTRINCHAM 0

    Above: David Lynch, Jake Moult and Craig Hobson in action at Whaddon Road.

    This was new manager Jim Harvey's first match in charge and hopes were high that Altrincham's performance would show an improvement on recent displays. But this match underlined the size of the problem confronting the new boss as Altrincham were comprehensively beaten by a Gloucester City which never had to rise above the level of competent to outclass their guests.

    With Altrincham failing to trouble the City defence, they fell behind in the 26th minute when, following a corner, Deasy did well to beat out a Hopper shot but the ball fell to Knowles who scored from close range.

    Altrincham almost got to half-time without further damage but Joe Parker doubled the Tigers' lead in the 44th minute. Hall's fine cross from the left was headed goalwards by Knowles. Deasy made another good stop but once more the ball ran loose and Parker swept it home.

    Ironically, Alty's best spell of the game (when they at least enjoyed some possession for a while) presaged a three-goal salvo in a ten-minute spell from Luke Hopper for Gloucester. First, he outmuscled Moran and drove a shot past Deasy who was unable to take goalkicks after the interval and was clearly not as mobile as usual.

    Three minutes later, in the 67th minute, Webb won the ball against Moran and Hopper volleyed home from eight yards to make it 4-0. And on 74 minutes, Webb outpaced Hattersley on the City left and his relatively tame shot beat the injured Deasy to complete the rout. Andy Dawber then came on to replace the stricken keeper.

    Jim Harvey clearly has a major job on his hands to instil confidence in a side which week after week this season has seen changes in personnel in every game through either injury or selection. His record suggests he will succeed but he cannot do so overnight.

    Match report here

    ALTY PROGRESS IN YOUTH CUP

    Altrincham FC Youth beat Stockport County 3-2 on Friday evening in the FA Youth Cup thanks to a winning goal in the fifth minute of added time from captain Thabari Jambaya. Altrincham had the better of the first half and deservedly led 1-0 at the interval through a 29th minute goal by Jordan Henry.

    With County first-team manager Jim Gannon effectively taking charge of the Hatters' technical area for the second half, the visitors upped their game and equalised through substitute Robinson ten minutes after the break. When the same player netted again in the 77th minute it looked to be over for Altrincham.

    But, in the 80th minute, Ricardo Pembele got the better of County keeper Gorst who had attempted to dribble clear outside his penalty area and the Alty sub netted with a fine shot from an acute angle. Alty were then reduced to ten men as they lost Milne to injury and two other players also went down with cramp before resuming.

    Despite completing the last seven minutes of normal time, plus a similar period of added time, with ten men (only eight of whom were fully mobile), Alty snatched their dramatic winner to earn a trip to Vauxhall Motors in the First Round, which is to be played in the week commencing Monday, September 19th.

    JIM INTERVIEWED

    On Thursday, Altrincham FC's joint Press & Media Officer, Brian Flynn, interviewed Alty's new manager Jim Harvey (right). The interview can be heard here. In a twenty-minute interview, Jim reviews his careeer and talks about how he almost got his first managerial post, at Altrincham, back in 1992. He goes on to discuss his impressions of the current Altrincham team and his plans for the future at the Club.

    SATURDAY GAMES

    • Alfreton Town 1-0 Harrogate Town
    • Bradford Park Avenue 0-03 Worcester City
    • Chorley 1-1 Brackley Town
    • Curzon Ashton 1-5 Tamworth
    • FC Halifax Town 1-0 Stalybridge Celtic
    • FC United of Manchester 2-3 AFC Fylde
    • Gainsborough Trinity 3-1 AFC Telford Utd
    • Gloucester City 5-0 Altrincham
    • Kidderminster Harriers 1-0 Salford City
    • Nuneaton Town 1-1 Darlington 1883
    • Stockport County 1-1 Boston United

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    The National League reports that "James Hooper has joined FC United of Manchester on a month-long loan from Rochdale. The move will see the 19-year-old team up with Dale goalkeeper Johny Diba, who is also on loan at Broadhurst Park... He penned his first professional deal in June 2015 and made his senior debut from the bench in Dale’s 2-0 defeat at Gillingham five months later".

    Also, "Central defender George Edmundson has joined Alfreton Town on a three-month youth loan from Oldham Athletic. The 19-year-old product of the Oldham youth system made his professional League debut for Latics at the end of last season against Southend United and was an impressive figure".

    Elsewhere, "Goalkeeper Ryan Boot joined Worcester City on an initial month`s loan deal from Port Vale. The 21-year-old had a spell with Worcester during the 2014/15 season, before being recalled when then-first choice Vale ‘keeper Chris Neal injured his wrist. Boot also enjoyed loan spells at Norton United and Newcastle Town before his initial spell with Worcester in February 2015".

    News of our FA Cup opponents is that "Darnelle Bailey-King has extended his loan from Rotherham United to Gainsborough Trinity until the end of the season. The Millers’ academy product has impressed at Northolme".

    And our opponents on Tuesday "Nuneaton Town have sent Luke Shorthouse, Jordan Wheatley and Elliott Hodgett-Young out on loan to get some much-needed game time. Shorthouse and Wheatley have joined neighbours Barwell, while Hodgett-Young will spend time at Basford United. Shorthouse scored 44 goals in fifty-one games at Midland League side Nuneaton Griff last season before signing for neighbours Boro in the summer...

    Wheatley is a highly-rated defender who linked back up with his former Ilkeston FC boss Kevin Wilson at Nuneaton ahead of the 2016/17 season... Hodgett-Young started his career on the books of Notts County before joining Ilkeston. He joined Boro following a successful trial during pre-season".


    9 September 2016

    JIM HARVEY'S PLANS FOR ALTY

    Altrincham's joint Press and Media officer John Edwards interviewed new manager Jim Harvey at The J.Davidson Stadium this afternoon (Thursday). The former Halifax, Stalybridge, Forest Green Rovers and Morecambe manager, and Northern Ireland assistant-manager, outlined his hopes and aspirations for Alty and revealed how a familiar name has agreed to help out while he searches for a number two.

    Q: After what you did at Halifax last season, were you surprised and disappointed not to be offered the job.

    A: A little bit of both, because results speak for themselves. What I would have to say, though, is they were lovely people to work for and I have no problem with them wanting to go with someone else. I wish they had given me the job, because, for the first time in my managerial career, I felt these people had the budget and ability to back the manager and really push on. I would have loved that opportunity. I had a whale of a time there, and finishing off as winners at Wembley in the FA Trophy was fantastic. What a fantastic day that was. I went there as captain with Tranmere in the Leyland Daf trophy and went up and collected the cup, so to go up those steps and do the same as manager was special. A lot of football people never get the chance to set foot on the Wembley turf, so to go there twice as a winner will be an abiding memory for me.

    Right: Jim Harvey. Image courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

    Q: There must be some frustration at not being kept on, after you put such good foundations in place.

    A: I suppose as you get older and more experienced, you realise it's no good looking back. The chairman made his mind up that he wanted to go with someone else. I can dwell on that, get down and depressed and angry and bitter, but no. I have gone past all that. I know what this job is all about and what it entails. I tried my best to convince the chairman with results that I was the man for the job, but it was not enough. OK, that's fine. You have to get on and look to tomorrow, and that's what I did.

    Q: Can you explain how you managed to transform Halifax's fortunes so quickly and significantly.

    A: Now you are asking about the crux of the job as manager. What do you do? Why were you able to do this, when others were not? What I would say is that when I was a player, I was captain of every team I played for. That happened for a reason. People managing those teams clearly saw leadership qualities in me, for one thing. Also, much as I was a talented midfield player with vision, if I'm allowed to say that, my biggest strength was having a tactical mind that allowed me to influence others around me. Every manager you talk to wants a manager out on the pitch, and that was me. I captained my team-mates, prompted them, talked to them, cajoled and encouraged them, all that stuff.

    Doing that was right up my street. When you step into management, those are the attributes you try and put to good use. It's about looking at players, assessing their strengths and what they have to offer and working out how to put that to best use. At Halifax, there were one or two who could pass it and play, but generally their strengths lay elsewhere. They were also conceding 3.7 goals per game, so we had to work on the defensive side of things and concentrate on being effective going forward.

    Shaun Tuton was a centre-forward who hadn't scored a goal in 20 games and had just lost his place when I took over. He then scored 12 times in 12 appearances because we started playing to his strengths. It was a case of what is he capable of? How does he score his goals? Right, that's the way we'll go. That's why I've had five Golden Boot winners during my time managing at this level. Justin Jackson did it a couple of times. Andy Mangan and Stuart Fleetwood as well. It went on and on, and that's because the onus was always on understanding what players had to offer if you used them properly.

    Q: That will be of interest to Alty fans, who will be wondering, with keen anticipation, how many goals Damian Reeves might score this season, given the right service?

    A: Quite right, too. I don't know an awful lot about Damian, except he scores a lot of goals, which isn't a bad starting point for a striker! I watched the Chorley game and was very impressed with his work-rate. His movement, looking to receive a pass, was good, and his goal demonstrated what he is about as a finisher. I was encouraged by what I saw. I just thought to myself 'OK, if that's your style and what you are about, I think I can add to that.' What he could do with is maybe an intelligent boy alongside or near him.

    If you think back to the Arsenal side that had Ian Wright and Dennis Bergkamp. you had a runner with pace and an intelligent passer. That's some combination. I don't think Reeves is a flying machine, but he does make clever runs that invite a pass. If you look at someone like James Lawrie, who has an intelligent football brain and can pick his runs out and feed him possession, that's a combination that can work.

    Q: From what you were saying a couple of minutes ago, it sounds like it was a natural progression to go into managementY

    A: Very much so. I could have packed up playing quite early, maybe mid-20s, had a job in coaching or management come my way. I was too young, and no one was going to give me an opportunity, but that was how I felt. It appealed to me even at that age. I even thought that way back in my schooldays. At primary school, I got in the team at nine years old and was made captain at 10. It was taken off me the following year, and the teacher said, 'Jim, I want you to play your game. when you're captain, you just concentrate on organising everyone else.'

    So I was thinking along those lines back then. When I worked with Dario Gradi at Crewe, he was by far the brightest manager around and deserved all the credit he got for producing player after player. He could identify what an individual player had to offer and integrate that into a team pattern. If that individual started doing things wrong, Dario had the ability to change tack and teach him something different and more suited to his talents. That is where improvement comes from. Very few around the country have that ability, but I believe I have. At Morecambe, we had a bottom-six budget, but just look at what we built there, and Forest Green Rovers were near the bottom when I took over but produced some terrific football from some terrific players. At Stalybridge, I left them with a good bunch. Paul Scholes took charge of training for a month or so after that and was quoted as saying the football possession in that squad was as good as at Oldham, where he trained every day.

    Q: Do you feel there are players here who can play the way you favour.

    A: When you consider where we are at the moment, the priority in the short term is to get us up into mid-table and out of here. The thing that stands out is goals conceded. It helps to have Tim Deasy back. That is a plus. But we have to defend better. We have to tighten up initially, then we can go from there. Am I going to change the whole structure of how we play? No. My philosophy generally is to go and dominate possession, so it was a bit of a reversal at Halifax, where, due to circumstances and personnel, we were winning games by defending well. We gradually grew in confidence and started playing some decent stuff on the strength of that. Here, on the evidence of Tuesday night, we have the ability to pass the ball, and there is something to work with. I just noticed we want to play the ball out from the back a bit. In fact, nearly all the time. That's fine if you are champions of the league and beating everyone out of sight, but we are still looking for our first win of the season. We are taking chances we shouldn't be. It's priorities. If the lads get a few wins under their belts and start feeling better about themselves and more comfortable, ok, maybe they can go back to that. For now, we have to concentrate, first and foremost, on being tighter at the back and harder to beat. Q:

    Q: Do you know the market at this level, Jim

    A: I know it well, and there are some players who have already expressed an interest in joining us. A few will have to go out on loan first. The budget has pretty much been used up, so I will have to make some room for anyone I want to bring in. But what I have always done is give everyone an opportunity to impress me, and that will be no different here. I do make my mind up quickly, though. It doesn't take me long to suss things out. If I think someone is not going to do a job for us, I will help them on their way to somewhere else. I think I counted 24 players in our squad list, which is a lot. It's too many. If we are bottom of the league, something has to give. You are down there for a reason, so something has to change.

    Q: What will you be saying and doing at your first training session tonight

    A: I'll be getting straight into it and outlining my thoughts on how we are going to go in the next few games and how we are going to try and get a win at Gloucester on Saturday. We will do some work to rehearse things for Saturday, and I'll make sure the preparation is the best it can be, so when the players turn up on Saturday, they will have a good idea of what I am looking for. I think there is enough experience in the side to take on board what is needed.

    Q: There have been questions about fitness levels - how long will it take to put that right

    A: There is no quick fix for building up fitness. They can do their own bits and bobs on top of training twice a week, but you can only flag it up and see who responds. It's also about game management and not burning yourself out in a game by going at it at 100mph throughout the first half, then finding you're flagging a bit after that. To be honest, I didn't think the fitness levels looked too bad overall, but I'll know more when I take a closer look at them. I don't think it is a massive issue, but it's something we will keep and eye on and assess better when we put some running sessions on.

    Q: Any thoughts on a number two

    A: It's a case of getting someone in who is suitable and within the budget. I've got a number of candidates who may well be interested in the job. At the moment, while I'm on my own, I have asked young Matt Doughty to come in and lend a hand. He will be at training tonight and hopefully at Gloucester on Saturday. He is very popular around the place and dead keen to get involved. He has been working at Witton Albion, so we will have a look and see how things go.

    Q: There was mention of a long-term plan, wasn't there

    A: Well, it's not so much long term as a management plan, looking at one or two key areas for how we should try and take the club forward. It's about ambitions and aspirations, and there is a list of things that need to work for them to be fulfilled. Whether we can reach the Football League or not remains to be seen, but we have to have a plan in place, so we can at least measure progress. We don't want to just meander along, or we will get into a malaise. That is why I have produced a plan and presented it to the club, so hopefully we can move forward.

    It is early days for me, but my ambition for this club would be to get into the Football League. At the moment, when you consider finances at different clubs, it is going to take a lot. The first step is getting back into the National League, but then you are up against Tranmere, Eastleigh, Forest Green and others who are spending fortunes. Therefore, we would need a plan in place where eventually we could go full time.

    Q: Do you think the Football League is feasible? Is it feasible even to go full time

    A: It is feasible to have an ambition, and if you are talking about going full-time, yes that is feasible. We did it at Stalybridge. To start with there, it was a decent squad of players with an average age in the early 20s, but because we did really well, everyone comes in and pinches our best players by offering them twice as much money. We had to start again with another group of young players who were improving when I left the club. So, yes, I believe there would be potential for us to go full-time at some stage, if things went according to plan.

    Q: Finally, Jim, to reiterate, after so much chopping and changing recently, you don't envisage doing the same?

    A: No, it's not my style. I have always tried to give everyone first opportunity to prove themselves and show they understand the system I want to play and see how far we can take it. Eventually, the day may come when we have to say that's not good enough for the level we want to be at, but that's evolution and happens everywhere. There'll be no wholesale changes, though. I don't believe in that.

    I work with players and get the best out of them, so any judgement will be reserved until I've instructed these boys on what I want and seen what they are about and what they can do together. Then I'll make an assessment. There won't be any hollering and bawling at them until we have worked together and they have had time to grasp what is expected. After that, if they go against what's been said and do something wrong, I'll be on their case. And there can be no complaints, either. That's a fair call".

    CHORLEY GAME

    In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger we learn that on Tuesday Jim Harvey "couldn't resists marching into the dressing room at half-time to instigate a tactical reshuffle. It helped safegard a hard-fought 2-2 draw".

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    The National League reports that our opponents next Tuesday, "Nuneaton Town, have signed Ukasyah Nasrullah Wallace. The 6'4" 18-year-old, who prefers to be called 'Cash', is a centre-half, although he can also play as a defensive midfielder. American-born Wallace has previously been with the Arsenal academy and then Reading and most recently, Birmingham City. He linked up with Boro a few weeks ago before signing for the club".

    In the National division. "Former England C assistant-manager Steve Burr has been appointed as the new manager of Southport... The highly=experienced ex-Kidderminster Harriers and Chester FC manager has stepped into the hot-seat following the departure of Andy Bishop. This follows after an unsatisfactory start to the season with the Port winning just one league fixture out of their first eight.

    Fifty-five year-old Burr takes charge immediately... Chairman Charlie Clapham said, 'I have known Steve a long time and we are all really looking forward to his input taking us all forward. Steve offers so much in the way of experience, desire and previous success'. Burr will be working closely with new Board member Liam Watson and Mark Creighton as the squad is strengthened going forward".

    The Boston Target reports that "A ray of light has broken through the stormy clouds which were hovering over Boston United. Pilgrims' boss Dennis Greene insists the mood has always been good within the camp but admits that Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Bradford Park Avenue was long overdue.

    United's second three-point haul of the season came courtesy of a late header by striker Gregg Smith, who pounced on a glorious cross from Liam Agnew, who has returned to the club. And the victory will provide a timely lift to the squad with a trip to Stockport County in store this Saturday.

    'The mood has not been bad, because the performances have not been bad', said Greene.'No one in the group has been too down-hearted, we have just been frustrated that the results were not what we wanted them to be. But it's always a relief to get the win you need and it was a deserved win. The lads will go to Stockport a lot more confident'...

    Striker Waide Fairhurst and defender Kalern Thomas have been passed fit to re-join the squad for training this week and may be involved on Saturday... 'But that doesn't mean they will play immediately', said Greene.. 'It might be too soon for them. It is tempting as a manager to get them back playing as soon as you can, but I have also got to be sensible with them'...

    Greene revealed there could also be another new face in his squad for the trip to Stockport. 'I am always talking to agents, people and players and it is possible,' said Greene... The United boss says the surface at Edgeley Park could help his team.. 'We should be able to play our football there', said the Boston boss."

    The Worcester News reports that "There are 'no immediate plans' at Worcester City to replace Ian King following his sudden departure as first-team coach... due to personal reasons.

    Heeley appointed King, who was on Leamington’s coaching team last season, in May... However, Heeley said he would not be looking for a replacement as he believed he and assistant manager John Snape would be able to carry the extra workload... He said, 'Snap and I are going to give it a go, just the two of us, and see how we get on... I don’t beat myself up when things like this happen and I don’t get over-excited when things go our way. You have got to keep a level head about things'...

    Soon after his arrival at City, Heeley said he liked Daventry-based King’s 'ideas' and 'philosophies'. He said King would open up a 'network of contacts' at Football League clubs due to being League Football Education Regional Officer. However, during King’s eight games in the dug-out, City picked up just three points with no wins on the board. They beat Alfreton Town 5-3 on Tuesday in their first game without the coach".

    OLD BOY

    From NL Pitchero we learn that "Nantwich Town have announced that Mat Bailey has decided to leave and join league neighbours and rivals Stafford Rangers after a seven-day approach by their manager. Bailey has had a long association with the Dabbers, all the way back from when he was with us at a youth team player.

    He left to join Stockport County and enjoyed a wide ranging playing career. He re-joined the club in 2011 and went on to become an important member of the team. He briefly left again to join AFC Telford United, but once again returned.

    Bailey has been a great servant over the last decade in a number of spells with the club but felt he needed a fresh challenge. He departs with the club's blessing and gratitude. Dabbers boss Phil Parkinson said, 'Bails has been a great defender for Nantwich Town Football Club and a popular player around the club with team-mates and supporters alike. He came to chat to me about Stafford and then later informed me of his decision, which I accepted'".


    8 September 2016

    GETTING TO KNOW JIM

    In the Robins' review, chairman Grahame Rowley announced a Meet the Manager session on Saturday 24 September after our game against Boston United.

    By way of introduction here is some background information on our new manager.

    Jim was born in Northern Ireland in 1958 and his background in non-League management is extensive.

    He was appointed player-manager of Morecambe in summer 1994 and got them into the Conference; he also became assistant manager of Northern Ireland. Sadly he suffered a heart attack late in 2005 and, despite his success there, he was surprisingly sacked on his return to work at Morecambe after sick leave.

    Next, Jim became the Forest Green Rovers boss and rescued them from likely relegation and subsequently took them to the Conference promotion final before leaving The Lawn in 2009.

    Managership of Chester City followed in 2009–10 season but he resigned from the then troubled club in January 2010 and became manager of Stalybridge Celtic until October 2013.

    He joined the coaching staff at Oldham Athletic in October 2015, before becoming assistant manager FC Halifax Town, assuming the manager's role at Christmas of 2015. Although Halifax won the FA Trophy and almost escaped relegation, Harvey was replaced at The Shay for 2016-17.

    Jim's playing career began in his native Northern Ireland, at Glenavon (Lurgan). In 1977 he signed for Arsenal but played only three league games for The Gunners.

    Next came a period with Hereford United (1980-) and he made 278 league appearances for The Bulls. After a short period with Bristol City and on loan at Wrexham, he signed for Tranmere Rovers in 1987, where he played 239 times and netted 19 goals.

    PHOTOS OF CHORLEY GAME

    Altrincham FC is fortunate to have two excellent photographers in the shape of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography and Mike Ripley of Michael Ripley Photography. Both were at Tuesday's game with Chorley and above we see Gavin's image of James Lawrie and Emile Sinclair in action. And below (right) we see Mike's image of Alty's two goalscorers as Sean Miller congratulates a beaming Damian Reeves after his goal.

    TWO LOANEES RETURN TO PARENT CLUBS

    Strikers Khius Metz and Nyal Bell have both returned to their parent clubs (Burnley and Gateshead respectively) following their loans to Altrincham.

    Khius made one start but suffered an injury in that game and did not play for us again. Nyal made three appearances (2+1).

    Altrincham FC would like to thank both players and their parent clubs for their services.

    FA YOUTH CUP

    In advance of Friday evening's game at the J Davidson Stadium Stockport County report on the "FA Youth Cup preliminary round tie, and Head of Youth Development Alan Lord is eyeing a decent run and the prospect of facing a League club further down the line.

    Al said, 'It's many years since we were last in the FA Youth Cup so this is a significant moment for the football club and it's something we've been aiming at since I started the Academy three years ago'.

    County are back in Youth Cup thanks to their successful application to play in the National Alliance League this season. Al explains, 'We were accepted into the League thanks to the success we've had in the last couple of years and obviously one of the benefits is that we're entered into this prestigious competition.

    'The Alliance Under-19 League is a great standard and a huge step for us because there are lots of good quality clubs in there that are really dependent on their youth structure, so it'll be interesting to see how we do. We've got one or two players who are a bit special so we shouldn't be overawed.'

    Meanwhile, in the FA Youth Cup, the team must consist of players who were under the age of 18 at the start of this month, which gives Al quite a pool of players to draw upon, including players from his own Academy. And he could be spoilt for choice as he is currently looking after no fewer than 91 players across six squads below the first team - we have teams at under-16, three squads at under-18, one at under-19 and an under-21 squad, so there are quite a few players for the experienced coach to keep an eye on.

    Al is also excited about the prospect of his young charges playing in front of a big following with the Blue & White Army sure to turn out in large numbers for the Cup tie. Al said, 'I'm sure the County fans will be there on Friday night to make it a great occasion, they're so loyal to the club and give their support at all levels - we played our first under-16 game the other day and there were loads of supporters there just to cheer the lads on, and I'm sure they'll be there again on Friday, because there's a real interest in the younger teams at the club...

    'It's our first time in the FA Youth Cup for many years... I want us to get through two or three rounds and play a Football League club. The winners of this first game will play Vauxhall Motors or Marine, but after three rounds you get the chance to face a Football League Academy side'...

    Al has already decided on several key positions in the team, but he says there are still places up for grabs... I'll be going there with a squad strong enough to give Altrincham a good game and get the necessary result'".

    NEXT OPPONENTS: GLOUCESTER CITY

    More about Alty's next opponents comes from Gloucstershire Live. "A last minute goal by Jed Davies added an undeserved gloss to the 3-1 scoreline in a game that Gloucester City will feel desperately unlucky not to have drawn" against Tamworth.

    The hosts had a deserved lead and it came through a wonderful strike from Daniel Newton, as he sidestepped the Tigers defence and fired a brilliant effort past the static Singh into the top corner... and it wasn't long before they were two goals down, through Newton again...

    City were clinging on... Tim Harris rolled the dice at half time by bringing on Joe Parker and James Fitzgibbon... City were playing much of their game on the counter attack...

    The Tigers were back in it though after Jack Deaman made a great run around to the back post and nodded home completely unmarked from a corner. Tamworth were down to 10 men... City were chasing the game but got caught on the breakaway as they pushed bodies forward, allowing Jed Davies an easy tap-in...

    Gloucester City: Singh (capt), Thomas, Hall, Hamilton, Deaman, Knowles, Hanks, Dinsley (Parker 46), Hopper (Dale 90), Kotwica, Reid (Fitzgibbon 46) Subs not used: Avery, Webb."

    Off the pitch, Gloucester had good news as we learn that "The Tigers are finally coming home after Gloucester City AFC was granted permission for a 4,000-seater stadium but fans are warned this may not now be next season.

    Yesterday marked a turn in the fortunes of the luckless club, which has been exiled from its ground at Meadow Park since the pitch was submerged in 8ft of water in the 2007 floods. Ever since it has struggled to return and the team has been forced to play at Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers' grounds.

    But this could all be at an end as the club's stadium proposals were granted approval by Gloucester's planning committee...

    But owner Eamonn McGurk is cautious, saying 'The next stage for the club is to read through the details and work with the council's officers to get it going. It's incredibly hard work to get a football club back home. I personally can't see it starting next season but it's not for me to say'".

    CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

    The First Preliminary Round...
      Cheadle Town v Runcorn Town
    • Stalybridge Celtic v Cammell Laird 1907
    • Winsford United v Macclesfield Town
    • Sandbach United v Witton Albion
    • Stockport Town v Crewe Alexandra
    • Congleton Town v 1874 Northwich
    • Alsager Town v Nantwich Town
    First Round dates (involving Altrincham) are yet to be confirmed.

    OLD BOY

    The EvoStik League confirms the recent news that "Former Clitheroe manager Simon Garner is back in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League as a Trafford player.

    Garner signed for the club ahead of Saturday's 5-2 Emirates FA Cup win over Cheadle Town after leaving Altrincham... The 34-year-old left his first managerial role at Shawbridge at the end of last season after moulding the Blues into promotion contenders".

    MAGPIES' VIEW

    After Tuesday's draw, Chorley report how " Winless Altrincham denied Chorley three points... Despite the score line The Magpies were the more dominant side throughout but The Robins were dangerous on occasions...

    The Robins netted following their first real attack, the first time the ball had threatened the Chorley goal. Damian Reeves was put clean through on goal with a defence splitting pass and the Robin’s hitman slotted beyond Sam Ashton...

    The impressive Will Beesley drove an effort at goal following a free-kick, but Deasy saved well, but a minute later the former Bradford PA stopper couldn’t prevent Jason Walker from equalising. Beesley created the opportunity with a lung bursting run and cross which fell to Jake Cottrell inside the 6-yard box. However, with a tight angle and defenders and keeper in close attention, rather than hitting an impossible target the midfielder expertly picked out a pass [for] Walker who slotted home through a sea of legs from 8 yards.

    Chorley pressed for a second and Marcus Carver eventually made the pressure count, side footing in from close range following a Walker cross on 33 minutes.

    The lead didn’t last long, just 6 minutes as, where Blakeman and Beesley failed with efforts from [long] range, Sean Miller didn’t when he let rip from 20 yards, curling the ball into the top corner...

    Walker rattled the bar [post] on 50 minutes with Deasy beaten... Chorley came within millimetres of winning the match deep in injury time when a shot hit both a post and cross bar before flying clear of the hosts' goal...

    Chorleyfc.com Man of the Match: Will Beesley, ran the Robins' right flank ragged"

    YOUTHS DRAW

    Altrincham FC Youth drew 3-3 at Prescot Cables on Sunday.

    WEDNESDAY RESULT

    Wednesday 7 September
    • Darlington 1883 2 Stockport County 1

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    After Liam Watson resigning as manager of Stalybridge Celtic recently, the National League reports that "Following the departure of Andy Bishop as manager of Southport, whilst the club receives applications, the [club] have confirmed the appointment of three new Directors to the Board".

    One of them is Liam Watson. "Chairman Charlie Clapham stated, 'The appointment of Liam Watson is like the prodigal son returning home! Liam managed the club for almost 10 years in two spells at the club achieving two promotions by finishing as champions of the Conference North in 2005 and 2010 along with recruiting players like Carl Baker, Mark Duffy and Craig Noone, who have all gone on to have superb careers in the Football League.

    'Liam is joining the Board as Operations Director. His role will be to work closely with the new manager in player recruitment and playing strategy. This will assist the manager enormously as Liam’s record of recruiting talented players is second to none. He is regarded in the non-League world as one of the best managers not to have managed in the Football League in the last 15 years... Liam has stated he has had his time as a manager and wants to move into the other side of football management...

    'Liam will also work on the commercial and community side with our Commercial and Community Director Haydn Preece. We recognise to be competitive we need to raise additional income. Liam and Haydn will forge an impressive partnership they have been friends for many years. Haydn was responsible for Liam joining the club first time around so I know they will work well together'".

    The National League reports that "Steve Halford and Paul Phillips, the new joint-managers of Stalybridge Celtic, have returned to former club Ashton United for their first signings.

    Former skipper Jay Gorton and Danny Wilkins have switched... to Bower Fold. Gorton joined Ashton and was immediately made captain in 2013 from fellow Tamesiders, Mossley AFC... Wilkins is a young striker who has been scoring goals at every club he's played for...

    Prior to Ashton, Wilkins played for Ramsbottom United, joining in 2015 from Kendal. He started his career playing for Bamber Bridge, moving to Clitheroe in 2014".

    Nex Tuesday, Alty are at Nuneaton Town who "have signed former loanee goalkeeper Christian Dibble on non-contract terms. The ex-Barnsley keeper has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Boston United...

    On the move, Dibble said, 'I am delighted to sign and come back to the club. Once I found out that Nuneaton we're interested in me, I wanted it to happen'... Current loanee goalkeeper, Callum Burton is injured."

    The National League review says that on Tuesday "AFC Fylde returned to winning ways... after a comprehensive 4-1 success against Curzon Ashton. A crowd of 1,362 saw the Coasters take full advantage of overnight leaders Salford City only managing a home draw...

    An injury-time equaliser by Kevin Roberts earned ten-man FC Halifax Town a dramatic 2-2 draw against Salford in front of 2,049 at Moor Lane... The visitors suffered a massive blow when Danny Hone was sent-off after two bookings midway through the second half...

    Harrogate Town moved level on points with AFC Fylde and Salford after a 3-1 win at the CNG Stadium against FC United of Manchester... Brackley Town are now fourth after a 2-1 win against Nuneaton Town... The visitors had a great chance to take an 18th minute lead when they were awarded a penalty, but `keeper Laurie Walker saved Elliott Whitehouse`s spot-kick low to his left...

    AFC Telford United earned a second win of the new campaign and kicked relegated Kidderminster Harriers out of the top five into the bargain... Bradford Park Avenue slumped to the foot of the fledgling table after they suffered a sixth defeat in nine games against a Boston United side who had only one [won] once ahead of the match...

    Tamworth earned a 3-1 win over Gloucester City at The Lamb... But Jack Deaman cut the deficit to one with 16 minutes remaining. The Lambs` Steve Tomassen was then sent-off for bringing down Joe Parker, leading to a tense finale before Jed Davies scored a third in the 5th minute of stoppage time...

    An eight-goal thriller at The Victoria Ground saw Worcester City pick up their first three points of the season against an Alfreton Town side who have now conceded 29 goals in nine games...

    Stalybridge Celtic moved off the foot of the table after winning for only the second time to date and for the first time under new joint bosses Steve Halford and Paul Phillips. Celtic edged out a Gainsborough Trinity side who have won only once so far [v. Alty!] and have drawn three of their nine games... [Celtic] had to wait until the 94th minute to watch Andy Owens settle it from the spot".

    NL Pitchero says that "First-team coach Ian King has left Worcester City due to personal reasons. The 41-year-old from Daventry joined the backroom staff in the summer...

    But after just over three months in the role, King has advised manager Carl Heeley that he wished to leave the club".

    Before Wednesday's match, Stockport County "will have a new face in their squad... following the signing of Jimmy Ball.

    The midfielder has joined the Hatters after a brief spell at Stalybridge Celtic. Last season he played under James Gannon at Northwich Vics... James Gannon has moved quickly to be reunited with the 20-year-old following the news that Adam Thomas faces six months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury."


    7 September 2016

    OPENING DAY WIN

    Altrincham FC Ladies got their season off to a fine start with an away win at Chorltonians. Phil Taylor has kindly provided a match report. The Ladies match at home to Curzon Ashton tonight has been postponed owing to registration problems for the opposition.

    ALTRINCHAM 2 CHORLEY 2

    . Altrincham ended their run of five successive defeats by taking a point but, on the downside, they dropped to 21st place and also lost three players to injury (Hall, Sinclair and Miller).

    New boss Jim Harvey will have seen plenty of good things to build on but his team selection may be hampered by the wave of injuries.

    Match report here.

    TUESDAY FIXTURES

    Tuesday 6 September
    • AFC Fylde 4-1 Curzon Ashton
    • AFC Telford Utd 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers
    • Altrincham 2-2 Chorley
    • Boston United 1-0 Bradford Park Avenue
    • Brackley Town 2-1 Nuneaton Town
    • Harrogate Town 3-1 FC United Of Manchester
    • Salford City 2-2 FC Halifax Town
    • Stalybridge Celtic 3-2 Gainsborough Trinity
    • Tamworth 3-1 Gloucester City
    • Worcester City 5-3 Alfreton Town

    JIM'S MANAGED IN CHESHIRE BEFORE

    The Chester Chornicle reports on Altrincham's new manager. "Former Chester City manager Jim Harvey has been appointed as the new boss of Altrincham....

    Northern Irishman Harvey (58), who enjoyed successful spells at Hereford United and Tranmere Rovers as a player, was in charge at FC Halifax Town last season but couldn't prevent the Shaymen from falling through the National League trap door. Harvey was in charge at the Deva Stadium during the club's final season as Chester City when they began the season with a 25-point deduction. He took over from Mick Wadsworth two months into the campaign but left in January after Morrell Maison was brought in as director of football a month before the club would play their final game before going bust under the ownership of Stephen Vaughan.

    Harvey returned to Chester in 2013 when he began working with the board to explore a potential scholarship scheme but this led to speculation he was being lined up to replace then manager Neil Young although the Northern Irishman dismissed that. Plans for a partnership with Mid Cheshire College did not materialise and Harvey moved back into coaching with Oldham Athletic before taking a role at Halifax."

    NEXT SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS: GLOUCESTER CITY

    News of Alty's hosts this Saturday comes fom Gloucestershire Live as "Gloucester City are preparing for 'the biggest night in the club's recent history'. The club's plans for a new stadium at Meadow Park will be considered by Gloucester City Council's Planning Committee tonight [Tuesday], over nine years on from when the old ground was destroyed by floods.

    Tim Harris was manager at that time and has been heavily involved in their efforts to return home ever since, returning for his second spell as boss in February 2014. He will be over 75 miles away when the decision is made as the Tigers visit Tamworth in a National League North clash...

    Said Harris, 'We've got a game to focus on so we'll be as professional as we can. We'll all have one ear to find out what's happening in the city I'm personally very proud out. It's embarrassing it's taken nine years to get where we are but now we've got to look to the future and hopefully we will have a future.... My heart might be somewhere else but my head will be on the Tamworth game, nothing can cloud my judgement,' said Harris.

    'We want to continue our good start to the season and we have an opportunity with the group of players we've got to continue to do something special. I might freshen it up a little but we'll give it our best shot'...

    Ed Williams remains sidelined with a knee injury but Harris hopes he will return for Saturday's home game against Altrincham."

    Also from Gloucestershire Live we learn that "Gloucester City striker Bobbie Dale has started training for a new career outside of football but still has hopes of returning to the full-time game within two years. The 20-year-old's contract at Cheltenham Town expired in the summer and his hopes of earning a new deal were dashed by a knee injury after he was invited to take part in pre-season training with the Robins.

    Dale has since joined up with the Tigers' squad and signed, after Ethan Moore was ruled out for the season with a torn cruciate ligament, being named among the substitutes for the last three National League North games as he continues to regain his fitness... but is also preparing for life away from football by setting his sights on becoming a personal trainer.

    'Ultimately I want to be back playing full-time professional football as soon as I can really,' said Dale...'Hopefully if I have a spell where I'm training part-time and it's recovering I'll be able to get back into it in the next couple of years... I picked up a couple of injuries here on loan and then whilst I was rehabbing my old knee injury came back but that seems to be starting to settle down now...

    'I'm doing a bit of work outside of football and doing a few personal training courses and looking at possibly doing a uni course so it's a lot different to what I'm used to but I think I'm adapting to it quite well at the moment... Tim {Harris has] helped me out a lot in terms of what I've been doing... He took a chance with me with my injuries and they seem to be getting better so hopefully I'll be able to repay the faith he's had in me... I add a different dimension to what he's got here and I think that's why he brought me in and why he wants to get me fit and get me playing again'".

    VANARAMA NATIONAL NEWS

    According to the Football Conference, "AFC Fylde have signed former Wigan Athletic winger Ryan Jennings. Twenty-one-year-old Jennings was on the fringes of the first-team squad at the DW Stadium and has made two senior appearances for the Latics. Jennings, who scored 8 goals in thirteen games for Wigan under-21s in 2014/15, also spent time on loan with Accrington Stanley, Cheltenham Town and Grimsby Town last season.

    The pacey front player was a member of the Mariners' squad that won the Vanarama National League Promotion Final... before being released by Wigan at the end of his contract in June".

    The Shropshire Star says that "AFC Telford United have taken Southport midfielder Jonathan Royle on loan... The club has not yet announced the deal but it is believed he will be joining up with the Bucks from the National League side until December 12. Royle, who can also play as a centre-half, has had spells at the likes of Wrexham, Hednesford Town and Colwyn Bay."

    From the National League we learn that "Goalkeeper Christian Dibble has cancelled his contract with Boston United by mutual consent. Dibble, 22, son of former Manchester City [and Altrincham] goalkeeper Andy Dibble, began his career at Bury before joining League One club Barnsley in July 2013. He has appeared for Wales at junior and under-19 level.

    After a number of appearances in League One as an unused substitute, he joined Conference Premier side Nuneaton Town on loan in late November 2014... Christian performed well in 5 games for Nuneaton before Barnsley re-called him... He was out on loan again in August 2015, this time to Chelmsford City. In February 2016, Dibble left Barnsley by mutual consent... and signed a permanent contract until the end of the season back at Chelmsford. In all... he would play twenty-eight league games for the Clarets.

    In late June 2016, he signed for Boston and appeared in the Pilgrims' opening seven matches of the new campaign, [but] has departed following Dion-Curtis Henry's arrival from League One side Peterborough United".

    The Shropshire Star states that "AFC Telford United are hoping to beef up their midfield in time for tonight’s derby visit of Kidderminster Harriers,as hopes of signing a striker faded. With Jack Rea ruled out again this evening, manager Rob Smith has been in talks with a mystery ball-winner. He was hoping to secure a loan deal from a higher-ranked club...

    Said Smith, 'It’s a loan deal from a club from a higher level so we’ll see whether something happens... We’ve been on the lookout because we haven’t really got another defensive tackling midfielder and without Jack we miss a physical presence', said Smith...

    'We lost two midfielders (Lee Fowler and Michael Monaghan), so we were always going to replace them. I don’t think it’s a long-term thing with Jack and we’re hoping by Saturday he should be fairly close'.

    As for the new striker he is keen to recruit... 'We’ve got absolutely nowhere,' he said. 'We need a striker, not in terms of numbers but someone to put the ball in the net but I don’t think Dave Hibbert is going to be out for long, in fact he may be able to play some part tonight. It’s clear to see we need a striker, but the names people are throwing at me wouldn’t make us any better. You need £500, £600, £700 (a week) to get a quality player up front at the moment. That’s the market, the bottom line and we haven’t got that'.

    21 October 2016: SPORTSMAN'S DINNER WITH ALAN GREEN

    Chairman Grahame Rowley announces that "Radio 5 Live Commentator Alan Green has agreed to be our guest at a Sportsman's Dinner on Friday 21st October in the Community Sports Hall at Altrincham Football Club. Alan has had a long career in radio commentary and has ruffled a few feathers in his time, including Sir Alex Ferguson and Sam Allardyce. His forthright commentary style has often divided opinion among radio listeners.

    So why not come along, bring your friends, and ask those probing questions... What happened with Sir Alex, Why aren't you going to Russia for the World Cup in 2018, What are your memories of Hillsborough, and What are your thoughts on the Premier League? Ask these and many more questions to a man who has been involved in football for over 35 years.

    Tickets are priced at £25 per head or £200 for a table of 8 (first drink free of charge) and include a three-course dinner, comedian and raffle. Dress code is smart casual".

    You can use the attached booking form to reserve your place.

    FOUR GREAT EVENTS AT THE CSH!

    Here at Altrincham FC Community Sports Hall, we are bringing to you FOUR exciting new events for adults and children. Check out the posters below and contact us for more information on 0161 928 1045 or by e-mail. Vist the CSH website for full details.
    • SATURDAY 29th OCTOBER 4.00-6.00pm (4-7 y.o.), 6.00-8.00pm (7-11 y.o.): Our Spooky Spectacular Halloween Party for children, including DJ, party games and prizes. Tickets are £3.00, tuck shop will be available and parents are welcome to stay if they choose.
    • FRIDAY 11th NOVEMBER 7.30pm: We bring to you 'Ladies' Night - Cocktail Masterclass'. Enjoy a three course meal, create three of your own cocktails to drink and spend the night on our dancefloor alongside our resident DJ. Get the girls together, get your dancing shoes on, this is one not to be missed! Tickets £40.00. (Tables upto 8)
    • SATURDAY 10th DECEMBER 7.30pm: For the second year running, we are hosting a 'Christmas Party Night', with three course meal and a DJ. Whether you want to book with your friends, family or colleagues, this night is the perfect way to see in the festive season. Tickets £30.00.
    • SUNDAY 18th DECEMBER 6.30pm: For the first time ever, we have the amazing Chaplins Pantomines showcasing 'Dick Whittington' in December, fun for all the family. Tickets are £10.00 adult/£5.00 children, tuck shop will be available.


    6 September 2016

    DANNY HALL REJOINS ALTY

    Altrincham FC is pleased to announce the signing of centre-back Danny Hall from Curzon Ashton. Danny (32) was previously at Altrincham from summer 2012, having previously been a key memeber of Hyde FC's championship winning side in 2011/12. Danny (right) made 41(+3) appearances for Altrincham and scored 1 goal.

    His previous clubs include Oldham Athletic, Scarborough, Shrewsbury Town, Gretna, Chesterfield, Darlington, Crawley Town, Forest Green Rovers and Stockport County. His Football League appearances include 57(+7) outings for Oldham, 28(+14) for Shrewsbury and 30(+2) for Chesterfield. Danny also made 14(+1) Scottish Premier League appearances for Gretna.

    He was also at Crawley Town when they won the Conference in 2010/11, though he spent a part of that campaign on loan at Forest Green Rovers. He was released in summer 2013 and joined Carlisle-based Celtic Nation before moving on to Curzon Ashton.

    ALTRINCHAM v CHORLEY: LIVE MATCH COVERAGE

    You can follow this fixture via this website's minute by minute text updates by clicking on the icon below. Alternatively, Radio Robins' coverage of the game is outlined below as well.

    updatesPC updatesMOBI radiorobins

    Brian Flynn announces that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Tuesday night's game at The J.Davidson Stadium. The commentators are Paul Salt and Alex Sarwar and the match summariser is John Edwards.

    Coverage starts at 7.40pm and you can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at http://www.radiorobins.com/

    NEW MANAGER APPOINTED

    Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, John Edwards, writes "Altrincham are delighted to announce the appointment of Jim Harvey, a coach with vast experience at international, Football League and non-League level, as their new manager.

    The 58-year old former Northern Ireland assistant-manager will leave team affairs to caretaker trio Jake Moult, Shaun Densmore and Alan Goodall against Chorley at The J.Davidson Stadium in Tuesday night before launching his reign in earnest at Gloucester on Saturday.

    He has still to decide on appointing a number two but was the overwhelming choice of the Altrincham board to succeed Neil Young, who resigned as manager eight days ago.

    'We had a high-calibre field of applicants for the job, which again shows the stature the club has in the eyes of a lot of people,' said chairman Grahame Rowley.

    'In the end, after due diligence and a lot of discussion, the board felt that Jim was the number one candidate.

    'With his experience in this league, we felt he was the ideal choice to steady the ship and take us forward. He presented a long-term plan, full of good, positive ideas for progressing the club, and we are looking forward to seeing them put into practice. I would like to thank everyone who applied for the job and wish them well in their future careers.'

    After leading FC Halifax Town to a Wembley triumph in the FA Trophy and almost pulling off an unlikely escape from relegation, many felt Harvey was unlucky not to be kept on at The Shay at the end of last season.

    Instead, Halifax went for North Ferriby boss Billy Heath, but the Northern Irishman was more interested in looking forward than reflecting on what might have been, as he said:

    'I'm absolutely delighted to be taking the job at Altrincham. The team are at the wrong end of the table at the moment, but we will be aiming to remedy that as quickly as possible.

    'There is a good job in hand here, and I am really looking forward to cracking on with it. A job needs doing, but that suits me fine. I'm up for it and ready for the challenge.

    'I saw Altrincham at Halifax earlier this season, and I know a few of the players, but I will have a better idea of things when I have seen them again and worked with them close up.

    'I've seen how results have gone in recent weeks. Confidence is a big factor in football. Clearly something is not right, so we will come in and have a look at that and see what can be done. We will try and resolve the problems and get the club going forward again.

    'I thought there was a good shape about them against Stockport on Saturday, and they were a bit unlucky. So I will leave the three lads in charge against Chorley. I'll be at that game, of course, and take the reins after that.

    'It attracted me straightaway, this job. Whoever you speak to or wherever you go, it's clear Altrincham are still a big name in non-League football. The club's history speaks for itself, renowned Cup fighters and giantkillers. I would like to get that good feeling back in the club again. That's what we will be trying to achieve.'

    Harvey began his playing career as a midfielder with Glenavon before joining Arsenal in 1977 and making three League appearances and one in the UEFA Cup. He made nearly 300 appearances for Hereford and almost 200 for Tranmere, prior to a move into management with Morecambe in 1994, where his decade in charge included a spell as Northern Ireland assistant-manager.

    His reputation for getting the best out of teams continued to flourish at Forest Green Rovers, who were bottom of the Conference with two points from six games when he became their seventh manager in nine seasons at the beginning of September, 2006.

    After steering them to safety, he followed up by producing a team that took the eye with a free-flowing passing style that earned them an eighth-place finish, the club's highest-ever at the time. In his third season, he took them to the third round of the FA Cup, where they gave Championship side Derby County a scare before losing 4-3.

    After Halifax made a disastrous start to last season under Darren Kelly, they promoted Harvey from assistant to manager and saw their fortunes transformed. They went all the way in the Trophy, beating Grimsby in the final at Wembley, and came agonisingly close to beating the drop from the Vanarama National League after a marked improvement in form and results".

    BEFORE THE GAME: ALTRINCHAM v CHORLEY

    Mike Garnett informs us of the record between Alty and Chorley...
    • At home: P14-W10-D2-L2-F43-A16
    • Away: P15-W3-D5-L7-A16-A19
    • All: P29-W13-D7-L9-F59-A35

    And Howard Watts has the record of all previous Alty matches on today's date. Coincidentally, the first game Alty ever played on 6 September was at home to... Chorley! Alty won that one 5-2 in 1913.

    In their game last Saturday, the Lancashire Evening Post reported that "Ace marksman Jason Walker [ex-Barrow] produced a moment of magic to send Chorley into the play-off places thanks to a third successive 1-0 victory. Walker was the goalscoring hero in the Magpies’ last outing against Stalybridge on Bank Holiday Monday and he proved to be the matchwinner once again after conjuring a strike worthy of winning any game.

    But it’s the Magpies’ new defensive resolve which has manager Matt Jansen believing his squad could be capable of mounting a serious promotion charge in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive National League North. Tamworth had scored 10 goals in their previous two games but they could find no way through an impenetrable Chorley backline as keeper Sam Ashton and his defenders recorded a sixth clean sheet in their last seven outings...

    The all-important breakthrough came in the 20th minute, when the visitors were awarded a free kick 25 yards out after Stephen Tomassen had flattened Walker. Adam Blakeman’s initial attempt struck the wall but the ball rebounded to Walker whose stunning left-foot volley arrowed past keeper James Belshaw and into the top corner..

    The Chorley backline were in no mood to cave in as the home side piled forwards in their quest for an equaliser. Ashton epitomised the visitors’ fighting spirit when he pulled off a remarkable triple save to deny Louis Briscoe and then Ross Dyer. The Magpies saw out the final minutes without further alarms to record their third win by a solitary goal in the space of eight days.

    Chorley: Ashton, Challoner, Beesley, Charnock, Leather, Jordan, Blakeman (Roscoe, 67), O’Keefe, Carver (Azam, 75), Walker (Gonzales, 76), Cottrell. Subs not used: Teague, Jarvis".

    FA YOUTH CUP

    As previously announced, on Friday 9th September, (7.45pm),at the J. Davidson Stadium, Altrincham FC Youth take on Stockport County FC Youth in the FA Youth Cup.

    Admission prices are:

    • Adults: £3
    • Concessionaries: £2

    The winners will be away at Warrington Town or Vauxhall Motors in the First Round, in the week commencing Monday September 19th.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    The National League reports that "Curzon Ashton have announced the signing of James Baillie and Luke Clark. Twenty-two-year-old Baillie is a right-back who has previous experience in the Football League with Crewe Alexandra. After joining Crewe as a youngster, he went on to make seventeen first-team appearances for the Railwaymen and also had a spell on loan with Nantwich Town last season.

    Baillie made his Nash debut when coming off the bench in the 2-2 draw at Harrogate Town on Saturday.

    Clark joins from league rivals Salford City. Clark is a central midfielder who played an instrumental role in Salford's promotion to the National League North last season, making thirty-seven appearances. His career began with his boyhood club, Everton, before he went on to Preston North End and Accrington Stanley. Before joining Salford, he was representing Witton Albion".

    FA CUP 2QR

    The full draw for the FA Cup "Second Round Qualifying", to be played on the weekend of 17 September is below. Winning clubs will receive £4,500 from The FA prize fund.
    • Bridlington Town v Harrogate Town
    • Handsworth Parramore v Burscough
    • Witton Albion v Stalybridge Celtic
    • Blyth Spartans AFC v Morpeth Town
    • Bishop Auckland v Trafford
    • Nantwich Town v Marine
    • Ashton Athletic v FC Halifax Town
    • Curzon Ashton v Consett AFC
    • ALTRINCHAM v Gainsborough Trinity
    • Kidsgrove Athletic v Matlock Town
    • Lancaster City v Darlington 1883
    • Alfreton Town v AFC Fylde
    • Tadcaster Albion v Farsley Celtic
    • Bradford (Park Avenue) v Salford City
    • Workington AFC v Shildon
    • Dunston UTS / Skelm Utd v Chorley
    • Stockport County v Hyde United
    • Bill'ham Syn / Ossett Town v FC United Of Manchester
    • Spennymoor Town v Whitby Town / Winsford
    • Rushall O / Soham Town v Kettering Town
    • Leicester Road / Kirby Mux v Boston United
    • Sutton Coldfield Town v Romulus / Hereford
    • Brackley Town v Rugby Town
    • Coalville Town v AFC Mansfield
    • Mickleover Sports v Stourbridge
    • Westfields v Highgate United
    • Kidderminster Harriers v Tamworth
    • Nuneaton Town v Lincoln United
    • Halesowen Town v Belper Town
    • Gresley v St Neots T / Stamford
    • Evesham / Barwell v Ilkeston_
    • Chasetown / Grantham T v Bedworth United
    • Worcester City v AFC Telford United
    • Lewes / Sevenoaks v Chesham United
    • Concord Rangers v AFC Rushden & Diamonds
    • Wantage T / Beaconsf'ld v Witham Town
    • Egham Town v VCD Athletic
    • Dulwich Hamlet v Hendon
    • Hythe Town v Walton Casuals
    • Dereham Town v St Albans City
    • Wingate & Finchley v Ascot Utd / Tonbridge A
    • Heybridge S / AFC D'stable v Hampton & Richmond Borough
    • Wealdstone v Histon
    • Chelmsford City v Dartford
    • Staines Town v Maidenhead United
    • Hayes & Yeading United v Worthing / Carshalton
    • Hemel Hempstead Town v Herne Bay
    • Eastbourne Borough v Metropolitan Police
    • Kempston Rovers v Burgess Hill Town
    • South Park v Leiston
    • Hadley v Kings Langley
    • Ebbsfleet United v AFC Sudbury
    • Felixstowe & Walton United v Bishop's Stortford
    • Cambridge City v Slough Town
    • Folkestone Invicta v Waltham Forest
    • Uxbridge v Harrow Borough
    • East Thurrock United v Whitehawk
    • Canvey Island v Potters Bar Town
    • Whyteleafe v Welling United
    • King's Lynn Town v Harlow Town
    • Billericay Town v Bognor Regis Town
    • Faversham Town v Hitchin Town
    • Hanwell Town v Thamesmead Town
    • Merstham v Colliers Wood United
    • Margate v Biggleswade Town
    • Barton Rovers v Hastings United
    • Swindon Supermarine v Farnborough
    • Winchester City v Truro City
    • Havant & Waterlooville v Highworth Town
    • Alresford / Fareham v Cadbury Heath
    • Chippenham Town v Poole Town
    • Salisbury v Gloucester City
    • Cirencester Town v Banbury United
    • Basingstoke Town v Hungerford Town
    • Weymouth / Paulton R v Gosport Borough
    • AFC Portchester v Merthyr Town
    • Taunton Town v Fleet Town / Slimbridge
    • Brislington v Brimscombe & Thrupp
    • Bath City v Oxford City
    • North Leigh v Weston Super Mare

    5 September 2016

    FA CUP 2QR

    Altrincham enter the FA Cup in the Second Qualifying Round, to be played on the weekend of 17 September. Alty have been drawn at home to Gainsborough Trinity.

    NEIL YOUNG'S DEPARTURE

    In Sunday's NL Paper, there is an extensive article on Neil Young's departure from Altrincham FC last week.

    Sam Elliott writes that "The NLP can reveal that Young... has been subjected to vile abuse both on his phone and online, and his family has also been targeted".

    Alty chairman Grahame Rowley (right) "says there is absolutely no truth in the suggestion Young jumped before he was pushed and [he adds] that the club was right behind their manager... Rowley is furious Young's mobile phone number had been obtained and vile messages were sent...

    Respected Rowley, who along with other board members, works unpaid to keep the club going, says those responsible for the unacceptable abuse are not welcome at Moss Lane.

    He said, 'To be absolutely clear, we had total confidence in Neil turning around what perhaps wasn't the best of starts to the season. We are all well aware the size of the task facing us to get back into the National League...

    'We, as a board, were shocked and saddended to hear of Neil's decision on Sunday. What we weren't prepared for were the reasons behind his decision. They weren't all foootballing ones.

    'It seems Neil has been subjected to disgusting and disgraceful abuse by people who describe themselves as supporters and fans of Altrincham. I don't call them that. Social media, twitter and so on has had a big part to play but also, worryingly, so had the fact that some of these people have obtained his telephone number. This is totally unacceptable and very much crosses a line.

    No person should go through that and, when I was told his family had also received messages, then it became somewhat worse. I don't know what goes through some people's minds.

    'If we don't lose this from the game, I fear for the future of football. I know of other people who have stepped back because of the insults hurled at them online and in person.

    I, too, have had people come to me and demand that I go. I asked if they would like to take over, put money in like I do and work for free, and the answer was they were too busy...

    'We are a good club with wondrous people. Our fan base is very well regarded but a few bad apples are tainting us. It has to stop. we won't stand back and allow people to be bullied and made to feel like they can no longer work in football'".

    GEORGE HONOURED

    From the Robins' Review:

    "The Board would like to announce that George Heslop has been made Honorary President of the Youth Team in recognition of many years of service to the Club.

    George first started watching Altrincham in 1948 and has been involved in many roles, including being a gateman in his early years, Matchday Secretary, Company Secretary and has been Altrincham's most successful manager of the Youth team for over twenty years, winning many trophies and titles in this time.

    There have been many players who have progressed through the Altrincham Youth set-up and played for our first team, including Lewis Chalmers, Kieran and Kelvin Lusgden, Ben Deegan, Sam Heathcote and Duncan Watmore, who now plays in the Premier League for Sunderland. There are many other ex-Altrincham Youth team players, too many to name, playing non-League football.

    Many thanks on behalf of the Board, Neil Faulkner".

    COUNTY REPORT

    Following Saturday's game, Stockport County report that "Smalley's Beautiful, As Hatters Claim Big Victory! County twice came back from behind, before finally getting their noses in front four minutes from time, to become deserved winners of the Cheshire derby against manager-less Altrincham...

    The Hatters once again started with a 4-2-3-1 formation... as Courtney Meppen-Walters stepped in to replace Gary Stopforth who was ruled out with an ankle injury. Some 13 minutes of the contest were to pass without an attempt by either side, on or off target. But with the very first of the afternoon, Altrincham went ahead, courtesy of good work by Miller, leading to Lawrie's low drive from the edge of the box that skidded on the rain-soaked surface past Ben Hinchliffe.

    The Hatters hit back after 25 minutes, when a Danny Lloyd free kick from the left found Clarke who rose to head home his inaugural County goal in a competitive fixture.

    Lloyd then went close twice in as many minutes, only to be foiled on each occasion by home goalkeeper Tim Deasy, on County's books, without playing a First Team match, in 2006/07...

    With ten minutes of the first half remaining, and by means of only their second shot since kick-off, the hosts took the lead again. A cross from the right by Damian Reeves found Miller at the far post, and the latter half-volleyed across the face of goal to restore Altrincham's advantage...

    Spencer, just 13 minutes following his introduction around the hour-mark, got County back on level terms... With Altrincham threatening little, and the Hatters forcing a succession of corners, in the closing stages, there looked to be only one team in with a chance of converting one point into three. And when, after 86 minutes, Smalley rose at the far post to head in County's final corner, delivered by Lloyd from the right, a sizeable and vociferous... away following was ensured a happy short journey home".

    NON-LEAGUE DAY

    The BBC reports on "Non-League Day 2016: five things you may have missed... Stockport smoke-bomb mars win

    A smoke grenade was thrown onto the pitch following Stockport's winner. While fans across the country were being treated to high-scoring action, some decided to take it upon themselves to generate the headlines. Stockport brought an impressive support with them for their 3-2 National League North win at Altrincham, but the result was marred by a delay in play caused by a smoke-bomb being thrown onto the pitch at Moss Lane".

    BIG WIN FOR RESERVES

    Altrincham Reserves beat Rudheath Social 6-0 on Saturday with Boris Melingui named by the opposition as Player of the Match.

    NEXT OPPONENTS: CHORLEY

    From our next opponents, Chorley we learn that "It was to be a National Non League Day to savour for the Magpie faithful making their third trip to the Midlands in a month. This time, the hosts were in form Tamworth, who had scored five goals in both games over the Bank Holiday weekend. With that, and a new 3G pitch to contend with, the Chorley team potentially faced their stiffest test of the season so far.

    But a strike by Jason Walker, netting his second goal in as many games, was to seal all three points for the visitors.

    Next up is a visit to Altrincham on Tuesday evening.

    Matt Jansen made two changes to the starting line up which had beaten Stalybridge on Bank Holiday Monday. Matt Challoner began the game in place of Waqas Azam while Josh O’Keefe was promoted from the subs' bench, with Dale Whitham making way. Whitham was rested for the game with a tight hamstring... Stephen Jordan took the captain’s armband for this game...

    Two substitutions were made by Jansen after the seventieth minute to ensure that Chorley held onto their lead, as Adam Blakeman made way for Adam Roscoe, shortly followed by Sefton Gonzales replacing Walker...

    As the referee blew the final whistle, Chorley recorded their sixth clean sheet out of the first eight games, and leapfrogged Darlington into fifth spot in the league".

    Starting XI: Sam Ashton, Matt Challoner, Will Beesley, Kieron Charnock, Scott Leather, Stephen Jordan (capt), Adam Blakeman, Josh O’Keefe, Marcus Carver, Jason Walker, Jake Cottrell. Subs: Andy Teague, Adam Roscoe (Blakeman, 67), Sefton Gonzales (Walker, 76) Paul Jarvis, Waqas Azam (Carver, 75).

    Man of the Match: Sam Ashton – the superb blocking of a fast triple salvo keeping our clean sheet record intact"


    4 September 2016

    ALTRINCHAM 2 STOCKPORT COUNTY 3

    In five matches this season Altrincham have scored first but failed to win on any of those occasions. This time they were undone by two goals in the last fifteen minutes of normal time.

    Right: Alty celebrate their first goal in the pouring rain.

    Alty made four changes as Patterson, Goodall, Miller and Deasy came in for Sumner, Dawber, Lynch and Sinclair.

    Match report here.

    COUNTY'S VERDICT

    After Saturday's match, Stockport County reported that "The Hatters twice recovered from going one behind to become deserved winners of this afternoon’s Cheshire derby at Moss Lane by the odd goal in five.

    Goals by Michael Clarke, by Scott Spencer and, four minutes from time, by Chris Smalley,in each case netting for County on the first occasion this term, cancelled out first-half strikes for the hosts from James Lawrie and Sean Miller.

    Some 13 minutes of the contest were to pass without an attempt by either side, on or off target. But with the very first of the afternoon, Altrincham went ahead, courtesy of a low drive by Lawrie from the edge of the box that skidded on the wet surface past Ben Hinchliffe. The Hatters hit back after 25 minutes, when a Danny Lloyd free kick from the left found Clarke who rose to head home his inaugural County goal in a competitive fixture.

    Lloyd then went close twice in as many minutes - only to be foiled on each occasion by home goalkeeper Tim Deasy, who blocked the first shot at close range and fingertipped behind the second which Lloyd had unleashed from the left.

    County appeared to be in the ascendancy. But with ten minutes of the first half remaining, and only their second shot of the afternoon, the hosts took the lead again. A cross from the right by Damian Reeves found Miller at the far post, and the latter half-volleyed across the face of goal to restore Altrincham’s advantage...

    Spencer, who had replaced Kay Odejayi just after the hour-mark, got County back on level terms 13 minutes following his introduction, after letting rip with a sweetly-struck shot from 25 yards out. And, with just four minutes of the game remaining, Smalley rose at the far post to head in a corner by Lloyd from the right and send a sizeable, vociferous County following home happy".

    ALTRINCHAM ENTER FA CUP

    Altrincham enter the FA Cup at the Second Qualifying Round on September 17th. The draw is expected to be made on Monday, 6 September.

    FA YOUTH CUP

    Altrincham FC enter the FA Youth Cup with a Qualifying Round match at home to Stockport County. This will take place at the J. Davidson Stadium on Friday, 9th September at 7.45pm.

    SATURDAY GATES

    • Att: 1425 AFC Fylde v Gloucester City
    • Att: 1324 AFC Telford Utd v FC Halifax Town
    • Att: 2355 Altrincham v Stockport County
    • Att: 1424 Boston United v FC United Of Manchester
    • Att: 389 Brackley Town v Bradford Park Avenue
    • Att: 760 Harrogate Town v Curzon Ashton
    • Att: 1503 Salford City v Alfreton Town
    • Att: 345 Stalybridge Celtic v Nuneaton Town
    • Att: 737 Tamworth 0 v Chorley
    • Att: 535 Worcester City v Gainsborough Trinity

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    According to the Telegraph & Argus, "Bradford Park Avenue moved quickly to draft in recruits to solve their problems in defence following the injury to Shane Killock and goalkeeper Ryan Jones. Avenue boss Alex Meechan has been critical of his side's defending in the early part of the season but is standing by his squad as a group of players.

    He brought in Bantams youngster Joe Cracknell on a loan deal until January, which will give the keeper valuable experience and also time to establish himself in Avenue's squad. Meechan was also hoping to have completed the signing of Corbin Shires in time for the towering defender to feature in today's National League North fixture at Brackley Town.

    Shires joins on a one-month deal from Mansfield Town and at 6ft 7in he will certainly add height and a presence to the side in both boxes. He will be cover for Killock and Meechan's assistant player-manager Matt Hill. Former Wolves and Sheffield United defender Hill has started most of Avenue's games this term but was not even on the bench last Monday when Avenue lost at home to leaders AFC Fylde. Joe Kearns, another loanee, partnered Harry Coates in the centre of defence.

    Meechan said, 'We needed strengthening because our squad is carrying several injuries and the players that have come in are great additions. Matt is struggling with a calf injury and having Shane out has been a big loss. Ryan (Toulson) had to come off in the Fylde game and hasn't trained this week'".

    According to the Boston Standard, "As they say, it’s the hope that kills you. There were new signings. Both offered plenty and both played well. But as the full-time whistle blew it was the same old story for Boston United. Midweek arrivals Liam Agnew and Dion-Curtis Henry, for parts of today’s contest, looked as if they could refresh the Pilgrims’ flagging fortunes, possibly help the team to just their second win of the season.

    But as the full-time whistle blew FC United of Manchester left the Jakemans Stadium with the 3-2 win and the points, comdemning Dennis Greene’s side to defeat number six from eight games...

    Frustrations are starting to boil over in Boston. As Greene left the pitch, flanked by a steward on each side, some supporters gathered to call for his head, others applauded...

    Twice the hosts fought from a goal down to level... And if things felt like they couldn’t get any worse, Joe Burgess left the pitch on crutches, likely to add to long-enough injury list...

    Agnew took just 28 minutes to find the net on his return to the Jakemans Stadium, confidently slotting his penalty kick down the middle and away from the dive of Jonathan Musangu. Agnew was a boy the last time he pulled on a United shirt, in the final game of the 2013-14 campaign. But the midfielder returned a man, those years spent with Sunderland’s first team bringing a greater swagger to his game".


    3 September 2016

    WEEKEND FIXTURES

    Altrincham dropped to 20th after Saturday's defeat.

    Fri 2 Sep:

    • Darlington 1883 0-1 Kidderminster Harriers

    Sat 3 Sep:

    • AFC Fylde 2-2 Gloucester City
    • AFC Telford Utd 1-2 FC Halifax Town
    • Altrincham 2-3 Stockport County
    • Boston United 2-3 FC United Of Manchester
    • Brackley Town 2-0 Bradford Park Avenue
    • Harrogate Town 2-2 Curzon Ashton
    • Salford City 4-1 Alfreton Town
    • Stalybridge Celtic 0-4 Nuneaton Town
    • Tamworth 0-1 Chorley
    • Worcester City 2-2 Gainsborough Trinity

    PLEASE HELP ON SATURDAY!

    Matchday secretary Phil Taylor has appealed for volunteers to help to staff the turnstiles at the J Davidson Stadium for the visit of Stockport County on Saturday (k.o. 3pm). If you are able to help the Club in this way, it would be much appreciated. Please contact Phil via the club on (0161) 928-1045 or by e-mail.

    AWAY SUPPORTERS' ARRANGEMENTS

    Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer John Edwards writes, "Altrincham have taken steps to try and guard against any threat of crowd disturbances at Saturday's game against Stockport County by announcing there will be a cash turnstile at the away end. Alerted by a suggestion some Stockport supporters had decided against buying a ticket for the away end but were planning to turn up at The J.Davidson Stadium anyway, Alty bosses made arrangements to cover any such eventuality without it jeopardising the safety of Altrincham fans.

    'We have been made aware of the situation, and there will now be a paid gate available at the away end to maintain segregation,' said chairman Grahame Rowley. 'When we decided to make it all-ticket for Stockport supporters, we were not being awkward with them. Quite the opposite, in fact. The idea was, there would be no delays while people who didn't have the right money waited for change, and it should also give us a better idea of numbers, so we can make sure there is adequate room for them.

    'It was supposed to streamline the whole operation of getting large numbers inside the ground and ensuring they weren't squashed once they were in. But if some are travelling without tickets, we've had to make contingency plans for that, because the safety and security of our supporters is paramount'".

    NON-LEAGUE DAY

    We learn from Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, John Edwards, that "Non-League day makes a return to The J.Davidson for Saturday's home game with Stockport County, as Altrincham open their doors to those who would normally be making their way to Premier League or Football League venues.

    With internationals taking centre stage this weekend, and wiping out the domestic programme in the top two divisions, Alty are offering £5 admission to Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two club season-ticket holders. Entry at that bargain price is via gates five and six, near the main stand, and is available to anyone producing a season ticket and valid photo ID".

    MANAGERIAL PROGRESS

    Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, John Edwards, writes, "In an effort to keep supporters informed of how the search for a new manager is progressing, following Neil Young's resignation last Sunday, chairman Grahame Rowley has provided the following update.

    'We have received a lot of applications for the post, which underlines the fact that we are still a big name in non-League football. I have met a couple of people to speak to them informally, and I hope the board will be able to meet early next week to go through the list and consider who we want to talk to on a formal basis. After that, it will be a case of interviewing candidates, and I would hope we will be able to start that by the end of the week. It is an important appointment, and we are determined to get it right and bring someone in who can take the club forward in a positive way. I'm also mindful of keeping supporters informed of developments as much as possible, and as soon as there is anything further to report, it will appear on the club's official website.'"

    AUCTION SUCCESS

    Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, John Edwards, writes, "The auction for a hospitality package at Saturday's Manchester derby between United and City has raised £360 for the Community Sports Hall after Altrincham fan Dave Tracey nipped in with a deadline-beating winning bid.

    Dave, who would otherwise have been at The J.Davidson Stadium after agreeing to sponsor Alty's Vanarama National League North game against Stockport County, was a worthy winner after setting the ball rolling with an opening offer of £250 and then stealing in with the decisive bid just moments before the midnight deadline on Wednesday.

    'We received a good few bids overall, starting with Dave's opening offer of £250,' said chairman Grahame Rowley. 'There was a bit of a lull, then, as the deadline approached, quite a few people came in and raised the bar a few times, before Dave made his final move with seconds to spare. Well done to him, and a big thank you to everyone who took part and contacted me with bids.'

    The package, which includes a meal at the Hilton Hotel at Manchester Airport followed by transport to Old Trafford and two good seats in the home section, has now been auctioned twice. It was up for grabs at a function at the Hilton Hotel, before the season started, and Grahame won it with an offer of £200.

    In a gesture that will further boost Alty's community activities, Grahame has written off the money he paid and insisted all of Dave's £360 winning bid goes to the Community Sports Hall. As a director of Odin Technology, Dave is sponsoring the Stockport game, along with Smart Storage, and would normally be taking his seat at The J.Davidson Stadium, rather than Old Trafford. The chance of two tickets for the derby, the first involving Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, was too good to turn down, however, and he explains, in the Meet The Match Sponsor in Saturday's Robins Review, how he has been dividing loyalties between United and Alty since he was a youngster".

    OLD BOYS

    Trafford FC "have signed vastly experienced midfielder Simon Garner from Altrincham". Until recently, Simon was player-coach at Alty.

    Jonny Margetts, a loanee to Alty last season from Tranmere Rovers, has now moved from Lincoln City to join Scunthorpe United.

    COLIN HARDING R.I.P.

    Altrincham FC expresses its condolences to the relatives and friends of supporter Colin Harding, who sadly died on 9th August, 2016. He leaves a widow Doreen, sons Michael and Christopher, daughter-in-law Paula (wife of Christopher) and grandsons Ross and Ryan. As well as following Alty, Colin was a lifelong supporter of Liverpool Football Club and had been an employee of Manchester Corporation. The funeral was on 19th August at Altrincham Crematorium and was followed by a service at The Avenue Methodist Church, Sale.

    Colin was for many years a regular at Moss Lane, occupying a seat in the centre of the main stand. He had continued to watch The Robins until illness prevented his attendance.

    VOTE FOR TIM AND SAM!

    "The MBNA Northwest Football Awards public vote (player categories) will go live from Thursday 1st September. The players who are nominated from Altrincham FC are:
    • Tim Deasy in the category: Player of the Year – Conference
    • Sam Heathcote (right) in the category: Rising Star of the Year

    The closing date for voting is Friday 21st October 2016. The voting link here will be active and live from 2pm on Thursday, 1st September".

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    From the Shropshire Star we learn that "The New Saints have missed out in a bid to land AFC Telford United midfielder Sean Williams [previously with Altrincham].

    TNS made a seven-day approach for the 24-year-old, signed by the Bucks from Hednesford in the summer. But the Scouser has decided to stay put. That... delighted Telford boss Rob Smith who has lost two midfielders since the start of the season in Lee Fowler and Michael Monaghan...

    Said Smith, 'That’s been the good news we’ve had this week. It’s important because he’s been playing well, which is probably why they came in for him, but he’s enjoying his football here. With his coaching commitments as well, he’s decided to stay put'.

    Smith meanwhile has drawn a blank on his attempts to sign a striker in time for tomorrow’s visit of FC Halifax. The Bucks are without knee casualty Dave Hibbert... 'We’ve been actively looking but without any success in terms of what we want; nothing really fits the bill', said the boss. Telford have been blocked from trying to re-sign Connor McCarthy, who was their eight-goal top scorer on loan from Southport last season.

    'Connor’s back in their team now so Southport aren’t prepared to do anything with him', said Smith. Centre-back Dan Preston is very doubtful after a bout of food poisoning, so Ben Bailey is set to continue alongside captain Luca Havern at the heart of the defence.

    Tomorrow’s opponents [are] Halifax... 'They’ve got the management team (Billy Heath and Mark Carroll) who got North Ferriby promoted and who we know very well from our battles with Hednesford and Telford,' said Smith. 'They’re now at a bigger club and have taken the best players from North Ferriby to Halifax, and they’ve got a guaranteed 20-goal a season striker in Tom Denton so they have to be right up there with the favourites to win the league'".

    From the Telegraph & Argus we learn that "A poor bank holiday weekend has done nothing to help lift the mood within the ranks at Bradford Park Avenue. Alex Meechan's troops will be shell-shocked after conceding nine goals in heavy back-to-back defeats and they go into another tough away game still looking for their first National League North win of the season.

    Avenue have just three points from their first seven games as they head to St James Park to take on Brackley Town, while the Saints, who were expected to struggle this season, have already banked a dozen.

    Meechan pulled no punches after his side's 4-1 defeat at home to leaders AFC Fylde on Monday, saying, 'We would be just making excuses if we talked about the quality of the opposition on that day. The simple thing is that we are just conceding far too many goals... But we are only nine weeks in with a whole new set of players, so the side is still settling in. Either bad decision-making or individual errors are seeing us gift goals to the opposition, no matter who we're playing. There were set-piece goals where we just allowed players to attack the ball in our area and that can't continue.

    'We have missed the big lad; Shane (Killock) is a leader and he makes such a difference to us but we just can't get him fit'. Meechan has also had injury problems with goalkeepers and moved to sign Joe Cracknell on loan from neighbours Bradford City until January. Meechan has also drafted in centre back Joe Kearns and midfielder Michael Monaghan...

    Meechan said, 'Brackley have had a good start to the season and Kev (manager Kevin Wilkin) has made some good signings to improve his squad. Our players are low on confidence but you get the feeling that a first win would really make a huge difference and they are capable of going on a run once they get that victory under their belts'".

    Next Tuesday, Chorley visit Altrincham. The Lancashire Evening Post tells us that "Assistant boss Jamie Vermiglio believes Chorley’s fine start to the new season is a result of some detailed forward planning over the summer. The Magpies have picked up four wins and just one defeat...

    What has been noticeable about the opening handful of games is the five clean sheets, which amount to half of the total number they managed throughout the whole of last season in the league...

    'We just wanted to be better than what we were the previous year and so to do that, we felt we needed to shore up defensively,' said Vermiglio. 'This season we have been looking to be a bit more solid at home and particularly away... We have kept five cleans sheets and if you can do that, you’re going to pick up a lot more points and if you can nick a goal or two, you’re going to pick up some wins'...

    One of the key factors behind Chorley’s defensive solidity is the acquisition of former Premier League footballer Stephen Jordan from Fleetwood Town. 'Stephen Jordan has been fantastic,' he said. 'He’s got great composure at the back... He’s also a good communicator, not necessarily a shouter, but a strong character and talker. Keiran Charnock has been superb as well and Scott Leather too'...

    'Tamworth is going to be tough on their 3G pitch,' Vermiglio said. 'They have scored lots of goals; 10 in their last two games'".

    The National League reports that "Stalybridge Celtic have appointed the joint-managerial team of Steve Halford and Paul Phillips to replace Liam Watson at Bower Fold. The pair have resigned their position as managers of neighbours Ashton United to take the Stalybridge post.

    The [ex-Droylsden] duo will leave Hurst Cross following tomorrow’s Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round against Nantwich Town to take up the management reign at Stalybridge Celtic".

    Meanwhile, at NUneaton Town "20-year-old left back, Ben O'Hanlon, has joined the Boro on an initial one month loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers... O’Hanlon, who has represented England at under-16, under-17 and Under-18 level, played against Boro last season whilst he was out on loan to Corby Town".

    Over in Lincolnshire, Boston United "have completed the signing of Sunderland midfielder Liam Agnew. The 21-year-old, who excelled during a loan spell with the Pilgrims in 2013-2014 and later made his first team debut for the Black Cats, has linked up with United following the conclusion of his contract at the Stadium of Light".

    Closer to home, the National League confirms that "Salford City have signed vastly experienced midfielder Richie Wellens after his recent release by Shrewsbury Town. The 36-year-old joined Shrewsbury in January of this year. He made a dozen appearances last term... Wellens started his career with Manchester United, but made only one senior appearance as a substitute in a 3–0 League Cup defeat to Aston Villa in October 1999, before going on to enjoy an illustrious Football League career.

    Wellens moved to Blackpool in 2000. Making over 200 appearances for The Seasiders... Moves to Oldham and Doncaster Rovers followed, as Wellens was voted in the PFA League One team of the year two years in a row. Wellens was then sold to Leicester City for £1 million pounds, where he made nearly 150 appearances... In 2013, Wellens joined his former club Doncaster, before being released in January 2016".

    And "Goalkeeper Johny Diba has joined FC United of Manchester on a youth loan from Rochdale. The 18-year-old will spend a month with the Reds... Following the arrival of Conrad Logan last month, Manager Keith Hill says it's important for Diba to go out and get game time".


    2 September 2016

    TIM DEASY RETURNS

    Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, John Edwards, writes, "Altrincham are delighted to announce that Tim Deasy (right) is heading back to The J.Davidson Stadium after leaving Guiseley and agreeing to rejoin The Robins.

    The popular ex-Alty keeper asked to be released from his Guiseley contract, due to the amount of travelling involved and, once the West Yorkshire club gave their consent, he was welcomed back for a second stint at The J.Davidson.

    One of many players released under cutback measures in the wake of relegation from the Vanarama National League last season, Deasy will be available for Saturday's home game with Stockport County, subject to FA registration going through in time.

    'Tim lives in Manchester, and the travelling to Guiseley was becoming something of a problem,' said Alty chairman Grahame Rowley. 'He trained with us last night, and it took him six minutes to get there. Last Tuesday, it took him two-and-a-half hours to get to training at Guiseley.

    'Fair play to Guiseley, they took on board the difficulties Tim was encountering and agreed to cancel his contract. He is delighted to be back with us, and we are delighted to have him.'"

    SHAUN DENSMORE INTERVIEW

    After the game at Kidderminster, Brian Flynn interviewed Shaun Densmore (right) who is currently acting as on of the three "caretaker" managers at Altrincham FC following the resignation of Neil Young. The interview can be heard here. Brian notes that "The sound is very poor for some of the time that I am speaking... Apologies for that, I must have somehow managed to muffle the microphone!"

    FIVE YEARS OF ALTY TV

    Brian Flynn, joint Press & Media Officer at Altrincham FC, writes, "On Monday, Alty TV celebrated its fifth anniversary. Since the 29th August 2011, Alty TV has produced 214 match highlights and Interview videos which have been watched by 671,000 viewers across the world as well as providing coaching staff with valuable match footage for post-match analysis. During the close season, the main gantry camera failed beyond repair, which has severely restricted the service, reputed to be one of the best highlights packages in non-League football.

    In conjunction with Altrincham F.C. Supporters' Association (TASC), Alty TV is seeking to raise £5,000 to replace and upgrade its equipment.

    Exciting additions could include live streaming within the stadium, more camera angles and quicker-to-air edited highlights. In order to help, TASC has launched the 'Alty TV 100' where individuals, businesses and groups of supporters are asked to contribute £50 in return for seeing their names in lights on the 'Alty TV 100 Wall of Fame' during the closing credits. To date, £1,800 has been raised and we would like to thank the 36 people who have already contributed.

    For details of how to donate email Brian Flynn.

    Alty TV is also inviting bids to become site sponsor. For details contact Mark Bennett here.

    JIM GANNON DISAPPOINTED TO SEE NEIL GO

    The Manchester Evening News reports that Stockport County boss Jim Gannon "is disappointed to see Neil Young resign as boss of Altrincham... He was in charge of County last season before being replaced by Gannon...

    'I was disappointed to see Neil go, especially when he's added on the fact that he no longer wants to manage anymore. It just epitomises the demands that you have when you've got to balance your work life, your family life and your other job. This level is demanding and it shows how much toll it can take of your life'".

    NEXT TASC MEETING

    Brian Flynn advises that "The next TASC meeting will take place at 7.00pm on Monday September 12th at The Roebuck Inn, Altrincham". Alty fans are welcome to attend and help TASC with its work on behalf of the Football Club.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    The Worcester News reports that "Some players could be on their way out of Worcester City as manager Carl Heeley looks to add more cutting edge to his sorry side.

    A run of seven matches without a victory has seen City slip to the bottom of Vanarama National League North on goal difference. Heeley said he needed to bring in 'quality' wingers who could give them more of an attacking threat. And he insisted he was 'not afraid of making tough decisions' as he revealed he would need to let go of members of his squad to make room for new recruits.

    'I think we are lacking a bit of quality in the wide areas as we are not getting enough supply into the box,' said Heeley, whose side have netted five times so far this time, with Lee Hughes bagging three of them, but have failed to score in their last two games. 'A lot of the goals we have scored have been from individuals creating a situation for themselves rather than from superb balls into the box. When you look at the benefits of having good wide players, losing Tristian Dunkley and Daniel Nti was a major blow to us. So we have got to try and find some players who can give us that threat again.'

    He added, 'For players to come in, some have got to go out the other way. That goes without saying and that’s difficult as we only had 17 players to pick from on Monday. The other player not involved was Joe Bates, who will be a good player, but is not ready yet and it would be unfair to throw him into situations like that.... It is no good making a decision to let a player go unless you are bringing in somebody who feel improves the team and that is the difficult thing. But we have got to try...

    'Of course it is frustrating as I want to be at the other end of the table. Whether that’s realistic or not, that’s I want and I know that’s what some of the players who signed for us want as well', he said...

    He added, 'We have got two points out of 21, so I have got to try and improve irrespective of whether it is not scoring goals since Hughesy (Lee Hughes) has been missing or conceding the odd goal, we have got to do something difference or else we are going to keep getting the same results'".


    1 September 2016

    LADIES WIN THEIR LAST PRE-SEASON GAME

    Manager of Altrincham FC, Keith Edleston, has provided the following brief report and accompanying image from last Sunday's 4-1 win over Curzon Ashton.

    Pictured, right, is Jess Hartopp's headed goal.

    "It was a great game today down at The Tameside Stadium as we took on Curzon Ashton in a hastily arranged last pre-season game. The game was played in some heat, and on astro, but we played some lovely football and created a fair few chances throughout the ninety minutes. Curzon also played their part in an entertaining game with some good performances especially from the no.9, Amy, who never gave up and caused us a few problems. And, I must thank Sam and Curzon Ashton for accommodating us at such short notice.

    Special mention goes to our Elina "Nana" Parker who ably stood in in goal and played superbly. Next up is the start of our league campaign and it's an away trip across town to play Chorltonians LFC next Sunday, 4th September at 2pm. Let's carry on all the hard work in training and hopefully have a great season!

    Sunday's goalscorers were Laura Dodds, Megan Wright, Laura Kelly and Jess Hartopp".

    The season starts for the Ladies next Sunday with a trip to Chorltonians (2pm).

    According to the FA, Altrincham FC Ladies' registered players for 2016-17 are as follows...

    • Elizabeth Brereton
    • Samantha Briggs
    • Kyeshie Brown
    • Kate Bryan
    • Anna Dillon
    • Laura Dodds
    • Louise Edleston
    • Jessica Hartopp
    • Judy Henson
    • Jade Hesketh
    • Laura Kelly
    • Bliss Molyneaux
    • Paloma Ortiz-Lopez
    • Elina Parker
    • Georgia Plant
    • Heather Scott
    • Gail Simpson
    • Lucy Smith
    • Brogan Walsh
    • Megan Wright

    But Keith now reports an important new signing...

    "I would like to take this opportunity to announce and welcome Anna Dillon (right) to our team. Anna who lives on the Isle of Man joins us from Corinthians LFC and is also the captain of the Island's Representative team. We first saw Anna when the Isle of Man representative team played us a couple of years ago and myself and Dave commented then how good she was and it would be nice to have her in our team. Little did we know that, after our tour this year, it would come to fruition.

    After a few months of chats and texts over the phone, working out travel arrangements, etc. and with a couple of pre-season games under her belt, she has finally said yes and joins us in time for the new league season. Anna is a 100% tough-tackling ball winner with quality distibution and an eye for a pass out from midfield/defence. She will wear the number 19 shirt. Welcome Anna!"

    RESERVES' DEFEAT AT GREENALLS

    Altrincham FC Reserves lost 2-0 on Tuesday away to Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds. They now lie tenth in the 16-team Hallmark Security Cheshire Football League Premier Division. They are at home to Rudheath Social this Saturday at Egerton Sports Club, Knutsford (3pm).

    NUNEATON HOSPITALITY

    We travel to Nuneaton Town on Tuesday 13th September. You can enjoy the day by opting for the hospitality offered by our hosts. They advise...

    "Here's a taste of what you will experience:

    • Reserved car parking
    • Private entrance open from 5.30pm
    • A warm welcome at reception from NTFC President, Rex Spencer
    • Three-course meal
    • Pre-match introduction from your match day host
    • Private cash bar
    • Complimentary match day programme and team sheet
    • Reserved seating in the main stand or watch the game from the VIP boardroom deck
    • Exclusive pre- and post-match manager and player interviews
    • All for just £35 per person.

    Please add £5 per person if you would like the four-course meal option to include cheese and biscuits.

    Terms and Conditions: Bookings cannot be taken, or changed, after midday on Friday 9th September. Credit card and cash payments only. A 50% deposit is required on all bookings. To book your place/s in the SFB Boro Boardroom for this excellent hospitality experience contact: Dave Sharpe, Commercial Manager on 02476 385738 or by e-mail.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

    The Lincolnshire Echo reports that "Dennis Greene admits it will be difficult to match the success of recent seasons if Boston United cannot break out of their early-season slump, and soon. The Pilgrims' boss..., speaking after his side lost 3-1 at Gloucester City, says a mid-table finish with Boston would be a step backwards and would be 'extremely frustrating' to him as a man[a]ger...

    'Let's get one thing clear, I don't believe for a minute we will be relegated out of this league,' he said. 'Us making the play-offs for the last two seasons with a bottom-six budget is like West Ham or Stoke getting in the Champions' League. I am not concerned about relegation because I believe there are too many teams worse than us for us to be dragged into that. But we expect to compete at the other end of the table. Our fans have become accustomed to battling for promotion, so this is alarming to me for that reason'...

    Greene says the atmosphere that will be generated by a big crowd who follow Saturday's opponents FC United of Manchester will provide the ideal platform for his side to turn around their season... Added Greene... 'We have two home games coming up and they are vital for us if we are to lift the doom and gloom. We have Manchester, who we beat twice last year and Bradford, who we also beat twice. Consecutive wins will get us back to mid-table and then we can build from there.'

    The Boston boss says... 'There is a very small minority who are sending vile messages of abuse,' he added. 'But that's their mentality. They are the ones who shout the loudest. It's a very small group but I wish they would go and abuse someone else'".

    Next Tuesday, former Alty defender Scott Leather and midfielder Josh O'Keefe will be visiting Alty with Chorley. The Chorley Citizen reports that "Corley FC boss Matt Jansen would not swap his dressing room for any team in the Vanarama Conference National North League after completing back-to-back 1-0 wins... The Magpies may have suffered their their first defeat of the season losing 2-0 to Darlington 1883 last Wednesday, but banished the result to history with good results over the weekend.

    On Saturday, they travelled to Worcester City and came back with all three points... before Jason Walker earned a home win over Stalybridge Celtic on Bank Holiday Monday. Manager Jansen knew the challenge would be tough against a side just days after Celtic manager Liam Watson announced he was stepping down from his role. Jansen said, 'It is difficult when a manager leaves a club, it usually gives the team a knee-jerk reaction and they go on and win a couple of games... In the first half we should have been five, six or seven goals up. We were one [goal up]... but the result was very pleasing as in the second half they threw everything at us and yet again another clean sheet which shows how formidable we are... Five clean sheets out of seven games is outstanding'.

    Jansen continues to make full use of his squad... 'I said at the start of the season that it is not the 11 that start each game, it is about the 20 or 21 in the dressing room and the development squad,' he said... 'The three I called upon (against Stalybridge) were great. Jason Walker has scored a goal for us, Blakes’ (Adam Blakeman), his distribution was excellent, Waqas (Azam) kept going down with cramp and I kept asking him was he all right but he kept soldiering on and was brilliant. He is only a young lad and is only going to go from strength to strength.

    'Then I put Roscoe (Adam Roscoe) on, whose dad has not been so well which meant he has not had many minutes... and he did an outstanding job and cleans up in front of the back three... It is a great dressing room and I would not swap it for any other one in this league... Jason [Walker]’s a very clever player but he has not have many minutes and his match fitness is not going to be as strong as Sefton (Gonzales) or Marcus (Carver) who have played more games'".

    From NL Pitchero we learn that "Bradford Park Avenue moved to strengthen their goalkeeping options with the signing of Joe Cracknell from neighbours Bradford City. The 22-year-old joins on loan until January 14th, and went straight into the team for the 4-1 home defeat to leaders AFC Fylde on Bank Holiday Monday.

    Despite signing a new one-year contract in the summer, Cracknell is yet to feature for City’s first-team, playing the majority of his football so far in their reserve side. A graduate of the academy at Hull City, he has also spent time on loan at Scarborough Athletic... He joins fellow recent additions Jack Kearns, Joe Noblet and last Saturday’s goalscorer Michael Monaghan in the Avenue squad."


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