31 March 2025

PHIL AND NEIL: RECORD BREAKERS

This landmark arrived after they had been in charge continuously for a period of 28 days less than eight full years, from their appointment on 28 April 2017.

Above: Phil Parkinson and assistant Neil Sorvel leave the pitch at Grantham in 2018.

The previous record for a single term of management tenure was held by Graham Heathcote, which was 29 days less than eight full years, dating from 14 October 2002 to 14 September 2010.

Having checked with Terry Rowley's historical records, the longest continuous managerial service of Altrincham before Graham's was that of Tony Sanders, comprising approximately seven years and nine months, from 10 April 1976 till he resigned in January 1984.

However, Phil and Neil still have another target to reach as the longest serving management team in the club's history, if more than one period of tenure is considered, is the late John King.

"Kingy"'s three spells as manager amount to some nine and a quarter years in total at the helm.

John was manager initially from February 1984 until he resigned in May 1986. He was reappointed from the start of September, 1988 till early August, 1991.

His third spell as manager lasted from February, 1994 to March, 1998.

John also holds the record of management of Altrincham in the top-flight of non-League as all of his tenure over his three spells was at that level apart from the months from relegation from the Conference in summer 1997 to his resignation in March 1998, when the club was in the Northern Premier League (step 2 at the time).

As for cup competitions, the Parkinson-Sorvel partnership has a 38.1% win rate in the FA Cup but 60.87% in the FA Trophy.

ALTY OLD BOYS

ALTY'S OLD FOES

He starts by reminding us that Nathan Arnold (right) "played only a couple of games for Alty at the start of the 2019/20 season; he had a good EFL pedigree, but it never quite worked out.

For the past few months he has been in charge at Grantham Town, in step four NPL Division One Midlands. Alas, he has failed to turn around the fortunes of the Gingerbreads. They have won only two league games all season, the last of those was back in October and they are rooted to the foot of the league table and seem destined to be playing step five football next season which, in their case, is likely to be the United Counties League (UCL) Premier North.

Seven years ago, 2017/18, the Gingerbreads reached the NPL playoff final for a place in National North, this was the season Altrincham won the NPL of course and went up as champions in Phil Parkinson’s first season.

Above: Altrincham celebrate clinching the NPL title at Grantham in April 2018.

Grantham lost the final at Ashton United, and the Tameside Robins could only last one season in National North.

It’s quite a fall for Grantham, historically a serious non-league outfit. The equivalent level for Alty would be the North West Counties League.

Of some old foes, Frickley Athletic have steadily dropped over the past ten years or so and are now at step five, and struggling, in the Northern Counties East.

Histon seem to have found their level in the UCL Premier South.

A reformed Nuneaton Town, (another one, it is to be hoped they have an accountant involved this time), last week secured the step six Midland League Division One title in their first season.

It seems likely they will be heading to UCL Premier South for next season. They have been groundsharing at neighbours Bedworth United [Dickie Landon's old club!] all season, an arrangement that seems likely to continue.

They are trying to identify a site for a new ground in Nuneaton as the current owners of Liberty Way seemingly do not want another football tenant after the previous problems with the late, but maybe not so lamented, Nuneaton Borough.

Finally step four Worcester City in NPL Division 1 Midlands (and in the running for promotion) will be moving into the impressive Sixways stadium next season as tenants.

The stadium was formerly the home of Worcester Warriors rugby union, and is being used as the home for Worcester Raiders FC in the Hellenic League at step five.

City and Raiders are basically swapping venues for next season. It sounds as if City were quite happy to pay much more rent than Raiders for the use of Sixways. Once again let’s hope the club has an accountant on board.

Sixways would be capable of hosting National League football and it will be interesting to see if this moves acts as a springboard for City to rise through the pyramid".

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

NEXT: LEEDS UNITED UNDER-21S

THROUGH THE YEARS: 1 APRIL

The date has further happy memories for Phil Parkinson he was captain of the Nantwich Town team which lifted the Cheshire Senior Cup by beating Altrincham!

Following 3-3 draw after extra time, the Dabbers won a penalty shoot-out 5-3 in a match played at Witton Albion FC on Tuesday, 1 April 2008. Phil had been subbed in extra time so did not take a spot-kick.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"Iron travelled around the M25 to visit Woking and came home beaten by two goals to one.

Harry Beautyman put the Surrey side ahead on 24 minutes when he converted a penalty after keeper Lennon Maclorg clashed with Woking's Ashford. Two minutes after the re-start, Woking doubled their advantage when a Beautyman free-kick was glanced home by Akinola to beat Maclorg.

Braintree gave themselves a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining when Ryan Clampin's cross from the left was headed home by Aiden Francis Clark at the far post. The remainder of the match saw Iron camped in the Woking half but unable to break down the at times desperate defending of the home side who held on for the three points".

30 March, 2025

CALEB PRAISED

He is also named as the goalkeeper in the Paper's "Team of the Day" and is given a eulogy by the Fleet manager, Josh Wright, who said "The ironic thing is that the goalkeeper who's played for them today, he's the number two there...

"I said about one in the first half.. which he saved, I asked myself whether the number one would have saved that.

"He's athletic, the boy who played today. He's pulled off two, three, maybe four, fantastic saves".

Phil Parkinson agreed adding, "Caleb's performance has probably got us over the line but to come away and score two in the position that we're in, we've got to be better defensively".

EBBSFLEET UNITED 2-2 ALTRINCHAM

Alty TV has the interview.

Match report here.

AMALUZOR'S RED CARD

Following an appeal the red card was rescinded which is good news but is scant recompense for having had to play for more than half an hour with ten men against Solihull Moors, who secured am away draw.

In a 1-1 draw, their goal, too, was controversial as Matty Kosylo was questionably judged by Mr Westgate to have fouled an opponent in the box.

Joe Dodoo's conversion of the penalty represented one of very few efforts on goal from the Moors.

Mr Westgate has refereed 13 matches this season at NL or FAT or FAC level, according to Soccerbase, including Altrincham's home win against Ebbsfleet United when he booked five players in total.

In his thirteen listed games, he has shown five red cards and 52 yellows. Curiously, four of the five reds have come in the eight National League matches he has overseen (i.e. one every second game). In contrast he has produced just a single red card in the five games involving EFL or PL clubs that he has refereed.

His yellow cards are similarly much more frequent in the eight all-NL matches, in which he has shown 38 yellows, whereas he has only shown 14 yellows in four games involving EFL or PL clubs.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Crawley Town racked up an impressive - and unexpected - 0-4 victory at Rotherham United. Both JUNIOR QUITIRNA (credited with the assist for the opener) and TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game. Rotherham manager Steve Evans, who once managed Crawley, was the recipient of much abuse from irate Millers fans at the end of the game.

OWEN DALE was booked as Wigan Athletic were held 1-1 at home by Barnsley, and then substituted after 62 minutes.

JAMES BERRY was an unused substitute as Wycombe Wanderers won 1-0 against visitors Lincoln City.

League Two: Chesterfield brought RYAN COLCLOUGH on after 70 minutes at Barrow with the game goalless. The hosts withdrew ELLIOT NEWBY 5 minutes later, after which it took the Spireites just 3 minutes to score the game's only goal.

The scoring in Doncaster Rovers' 3-0 home win was complete by the time JOE HUGILL came off the Carlisle United bench after 80 minutes. The other relegation favourites, Morecambe, had a much needed 1-0 home win over Swindon Town, with MARCUS DACKERS joining the action after 71 minutes.

ALISTAIR SMITH put in a full shift for AFC Wimbledon as they drew 1-1 at leaders Walsall

National League: Gateshead left LIAM HUMBLES on the bench as they lost 3-1 at Barnet.

CONNOR TEALE put in a full shift for Boston United, whose 2-1 home win over Sutton United lifted them out of the relegation spots for the first time since August.

MILES WELCH-HAYES (right) returned to the Maidenhead United bench at Dagenham and Redbridge after missing the previous 3 games, but wasn't called into action as his side went down to the only goal.

LUKE WATERFALL was left on the Hartlepool United bench at Halifax, where they won by the only goal with BILLY SASS-DAVIES playing the full game.

JACK KINGDON came off the bench for the second half at the Crown Oil Arena. His team doubled their half time advantage to vanquish Aldershot 4-0.

KENNEDY DIGIE played throughout as Tamworth beat visitors Eastleigh 2-0, as did KYLE FERGUSON for Yeovil Town, who had a 1-0 home win over AFC FYLDE

York City substituted TYRESE SINCLAIR at 1-0 after 61 minutes, and went on to beat visitors Wealdstone 3-0.

National North : KOLE HALL opened the scoring for Chorley, who comfortably beat visitors Spennymoor Town 4-0, while Hereford's victory by the same margin in their away game against Farsley Celtic was rounded off by YUSIFU CEESAY.

National South : DANNY CASHMAN opened the scoring for Worthing with a 68th minute penalty, and they doubled their tally in added time to see off visitors Hampton and Richmond.Truro City's goalless draw at Chelmsford allowed Dorking to move up to 2nd, 3 points behind Worthing.#

NPL Premier Division : Although MONTEL GIBSON put Matlock Town ahead at Guiseley, the West Yorkshire side equalised in the 99th minute. Another late goal, this time in the 88th minute by ADAM PORTER, earned Leek Town a 1-1 draw at Morpeth, giving them some consolation for their 362 mile round trip.

JACK REDSHAW struck after 86 minutes at Whitby Town to earn Hyde United a 1-2 win.

Welsh Premier League : JOEL TORRANCE (above, right) had only one save to make to preserve a clean sheet for Bala Town in their goalless draw at home to Cardiff Metropolitan.

NPL Division 1 West : SEAN WILLIAMS was among the scorers as Bootle won their home derby with City of Liverpool 3-0.

GRAHAM FOXALL R.I.P.

The club said in a social media post that... 'Universally known as ‘Foxxy’, Grahan was for 30 years THE embodiment of Trafford Football Club'...

In response, Trafford fans and members of the Greater Manchester football community have taken to social media to express condolences and share their memories of Mr Foxall...

[Former Alty keeper] Andrew Jones said 'What a man! Always had time to talk to me about football when I’d go to Trafford, often taking the mick out of my goalkeeping!

But as people go, he’s up there and what he did for Trafford and everyone who walked in their doors was amazing. You will be missed RIP Foxxy'".

29 March, 2025

EBBSFLEET UNITED 2-2 ALTRINCHAM

However, Cosgrave levelled for the Fleet after 32 minutes.

After a period of home pressure, Ebbsfleet took the lead in the 68th minute when Olagunju made amends for his earlier error with Ansen remaining on his line.

But an Altrincham counter-attack saw Linney advance on the right before laying on a goal in the centre for Amaluzor to make it 2-2 (75 mins).

In an end to end finish neither side could clinch the three points. It is now one win in nine league outings for Altrincham.

Match report http://www.altrinchamfc.co.uk/250328ed.htm">here.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Barnet 3-1 Gateshead
• Boston United 2-1 Sutton United
• Dagenham & Redbridge 1-0 Maidenhead United
• Ebbsfleet United 2-2 Altrincham
• FC Halifax Town 0-1 Hartlepool United
• Forest Green Rovers 1-0 Solihull Moors k.o. 12.30pm
• Rochdale 4-0 Aldershot Town
• Southend United 1-0 Oldham Athletic k.o. 5.30pm
• Tamworth 2-0 Eastleigh
• Woking v Braintree Town
• Yeovil Town 1-0 AFC Fylde
• York City 3-0 Wealdstone

JUSTIN FREED TO PLAY

Justin (right) was facing a three-match ban after referee James Westgate caused uproar in the Alty ranks by interpreting a 59th-minute tussle for possession with defender James Clarke as serious foul play...

Club secretary Mark Lockyear and director of football Marc Tierney immediately set about meticulously compiling a case... It had the desired effect and justice prevailed as the panel ruled in Justin's favour by quashing the red card and clearing him to continue being available for the Robins' play-off push, starting at Ebbsfleet United tomorrow...

Said Marc Tierney... 'It took away a likely two more points for us, but we will move on from that as the professionals we are... We were hard done to on a red card again, just as we were at Southend'".

TODAY: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Altrincham... are below the Fleet in the form table having picked up their first point in midweek following five successive defeats. That point against Solihull Moors... was their only point from four straight home games.

Altrincham were the final visitors to the Kuflink in April last season", a game that the Robins won 2-0.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Back in England's League Two, CHRIS MERRIE played the full game, and CONNOR JENNINGS joined him from the bench after 74 minutes, as Tranmere Rovers beat Cheltenham Town 2-0 at Prenton Park. The win lifts them 9 points clear of the relegation places, at least until tomorrow, but things look bleak for Carlisle United and Morecambe.

Over in the Irish Premier Division, BARRY BAGGLEY had a somewhat unhappy return to Waterford, being booked after 59 minutes, and substituted 5 minutes later. At that stage St.Patrick's Athletic were trailing, but they were gifted an 88th minute equaliser with an own goal before snatching victory 2 minutes later.

And, finally, in the Polish Ekstraklasa, Legia Warsaw could only manage a goalless draw against visitors Pogon Szczecin, but left MAXI OYEDELE on the bench.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The striker spent the 23/24 season with the Shots... The 29-year-old has spent the 24/25 season at Ebbsfleet United, scoring twice in 28 games...

Thomas is a former England youth international and has made his senior international debut for St Kitts & Nevis...

Tommy Widdrington said... 'When we found out he was available after the weekend, we felt it was a slightly different tool to what we’ve got. He was very effective for us last season".

As reported above, there is now confirmation from Leeds United that "Darryl Ombang has completed a loan move to Vanarama National League side Hartlepool United.

The goalkeeper links up with Anthony Limbrick’s team for the remainder of the 2024/25 season, who currently sit eight points adrift of the Play-Off positions.

The 19-year-old previously enjoyed a loan spell with National League North side Farsley Celtic earlier in the campaign and has recently featured for Scott Gardner’s Under-21s side in the Premier League 2".

Footnote: Leeds's under-21s are set to face Altrincham next Tuesday in the National League Cup semi-final.

28 March 2025

TWO IN, ONE OUT AT ALTY

The Alty boss is delighted to have secured the services of Fleetwood Town midfielder Callum Dolan and Blackburn Rovers full-back Brandon Powell for the remainder of the campaign...

There has also been an encouraging update on Alty's injury list, with Olly Crankshaw, Jake Bickerstaff, Rob Lainton and James Jones all likely to be back in action at some point in April.

Both 19-year old Brandon, a ready-made replacement for recalled Preston North End left-back Kacper Pasiek, and dynamic midfielder Callum, who had a brief spell at The J.Davidson Stadium prior to earning a professional contract at Oldham Athletic, have signed in time for tomorrow's trip to Ebbsfleet United".

Footnote: Callum Dolan (right) made 1(+3) appearances for Altrincham in National North in 2018-19 season. His Altrincham debut came as a used substitute in midfield against Curzon Ashton on 23 February 2019. He started out with Manchester United and his early career included time at Blackburn Rovers, where he was on a scholarship deal (2017).

By late 2018 he was playing for Stockport Town and after leaving Altrincham he signed a professional contract for Oldham Athletic, then a league club.

Spells with Radcliffe Borough, Matlock Town and Warrington Rylands followed. His 21 goals in 50 appearances for Rylands led to a contract with Fleetwood Town in 2023 for who he had played 17 times before rejoining Alty. Loans followed at Torquay United (6 games) and, recently this season, at Oldham Athletic (6 games).

Brandon Powell is a team-mate of Charlie Olson at Blackburn Rovers and he featured with Charlie against Altrincham in the NL Cup this season.

Earlier this season he had a loan spell at Chorley.

INJURY UPDATE

• Joe Nuttall "has, unfortunately, been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee problem"
• However, Olly Crankshaw (knee), James Jones (back), Jake Bickerstaff (shoulder) and Rob Lainton (shoulder) "should all return to the fray during the course of April".

L. to R.: Nuttall, Crankshaw, James Jones, Bickerstaff and Lainton

"ROBBED!" SAYS ALTY MANAGER

They had to settle for a 1-1 draw after referee James Westgate became the scourge of Moss Lane by awarding a 51st-minute penalty for what he saw as a push by Matty Kosylo and then sending off Amaluzor in the 59th minute.

The Alty winger was tussling for possession with defender James Clarke, and when he caught the Solihull player with an outstretched boot, the official evidently viewed it as violent conduct and produced a straight red card.

'We were absolutely robbed,' fumed Alty boss Parkinson. 'The performance, even with 10 men, deserved a comfortable victory.. To be let down by an official is difficult to take. I was distraught with the level of officiating.

'I was disappointed and perplexed to know how a penalty could be given for what was a coming together, and never in a million years should that have been a sending off for Justin. He was trying to regain the ball.

'Their lad dived as well to try and get him sent off. We probably won’t get it overturned, but we will appeal'...

Keeper Rob Lainton (above, left) is set to miss Saturday’s trip to Ebbsfleet with a shoulder injury".

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Indeed Altrincham are currently the only side which has lost five of its last six league games.

Whilst Ebbsfleet United have won just twice this season and have secured only 18 points, they have secured four points (a win and a draw) in their last two games. It has taken the Robins their last seven fixtures to earn that total of four points.

Ebbsfleet's current points total (18) is not a record for relegated teams, as fellow Kent side Dover Athletic finished 2021-22 with just a single point, following a deduction of 12 points. And the same Kent club had its record expunged in 2020/21.

With Maidstone United finishing bottom in 2022/23, Kent has seen three different clubs from that county being relegated from the National League in the past four years!

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Savin made his breakthrough at Accrington Stanley... In December 2019, Savin was sent on loan to Stalybridge Celtic, but was recalled just one month later. Savin made his league debut for the club in September 2020...

In February 2023, the goalkeeper joined Stevenage Town on an emergency loan...

Savin made over 100 appearances in all competitions during his time with Accrington.

In June 2024, Savin made the switch to current club Shrewsbury... So far this season, Savin has made 25 appearances for Salop... and had a brief spell on loan at Barnet in February, where he made two appearances".

Gateshead have announced two new signings. Carlisle United midfielder Ethan Robson (28) has joined, on loan until the end of this season.

He has also played for MK Dons and Blackpool but was known to Heed boss Carl Magnay at Carlisle.

Also joining till the end of the current campaign is another midfielder, 18 year-old Brayden Johnson of Middlesbrough.

27 March 2025

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

DRAW FOR ALTY ACADEMY

The point took them up to ninth in the league table of thirteen clubs.

PLENTY OF GOALS IN COLTS' GAMES

On Sunday, 16 March, three second-half goals, at home, beat Curzon Ashton FC DS,3-0, whilst on 23 March they lost by the odd goal in seven at Winstanley Warriors.

THROUGH THE YEARS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The central midfielder has made 20 appearances since joining Pools in the summer.

Now Sloggett joins Boston on loan to help the Pilgrims in their quest for survival in the National League

The Halifax Courier confirms that the Shaymen "have completed the loan signing of attacking midfielder Dubem Eze from Bolton Wanderers for the rest of the season.

Eze has recently been on loan at National League North side Chorley, following on from a loan spell at Warrington Town last season.

The attacking midfielder signed for Bolton Wanderers last summer having been released by Championship outfit, Norwich City...

'We've been watching him for a number of months, so we've had a close eye on him and he's the type of player we like,' said Town boss Chris Millington.

'He's a skilful and unpredictable type, in the mould of a Milli Alli or an Andrew Oluwabori@">

Shortly before facing Altrincham on Tuesday, Solihull Moors announced "the signing of Joe Dodoo on a short-term deal until the end of the National League season...

The Leicester City academy graduate has put pen-to-paper on a short-term deal at Damson Park...

The 29-year-old has had spells with Rangers, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Doncaster Rovers and most recently Burton Albion".

Off the field, Solihull Moors "confirm the departure of Assistant Head Coach, Richard Stearman, as he embarks on a new chapter with Championship side Swansea City.

Stearman joined the Moors as a player at the start of the 2023/24 season...

On the arrival of new Head Coach Matt Taylor, Stearman was promoted to assistant Head Coach and was highly thought of by everyone within the club".

From Tyneside the CHronicle Live reports that "Takeover talk has enveloped Gateshead...

Despite going on a run of seven games without a win and emerging without a point from their last five fixtures, the Heed still remain firmly in the play-off places...

A consortium led by former Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe is said to be moving closer to securing a deal to take control. Gateshead, who have been fan-owned since 2019 when supporters group Gateshead Soul rescued the club from going out of business at the eleventh hour, have understandably offered a ‘no comment’ response...

The National League transfer deadline is set for 5pm on Thursday afternoon.

Gateshead have already completed one major signing when they added Yeovil Town’s experienced forward Frank Nouble to their squad ahead of Saturday’s home defeat against Tamworth. The Chronicle understands the Heed are keen to add at least three new faces to their ranks - and it seems likely those trio of additions could well depend on the takeover being completed in time".

26 March 2025

ALTRINCHAM 1-1 SOLIHULL MOORS

http://www.altrinchamfc.co.uk/roblainton2.jpg They lost goalkeeper Rob Lainton (right) to a shoulder injury after 36 minutes, albeit a workmanlike Solihull side failed to test his replacement Caleb Ansen at all from open play.

Shortly afterwards Alty were unlucky not to double their lead when Cooper's header came out, off the inside of the upright.

The Moors got level from the penalty spot when Cundy was deemed to have been fouled inside the box. Dodoo converted the penalty comfortably (53 mins).

Then Justin Amaluzor became the recipient of Alty's seventh red card in the National League this season following an incident near the corner flag at the Golf Road end, which the Robins were attacking (59 mins).

The ten men continued to be the better side but spurned a couple of decent chances. The draw lifted Alty by a place to eighth on another night when four play-off contenders faltered

Match report here

SOLIHULL "RESCUE A POINT"

On 17 minutes, Linney opened the scoring with a stunning strike from range. After chasing the ball down the left-hand side, the forward cut inside and had a shot from over 25 yards out. The ball flew into the top-left corner past Wright to make it 1-0...

On 38 minutes, Altrincham hit the post after a corner was sent towards Jake Cooper, but the ball bounced off the post...

In the second half, the Moors looked for an equaliser and were gifted a penalty after Robbie Cundy was fouled in the box. Dodoo was given the responsibility and sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-1.

Eight minutes later, Altrincham was reduced to ten men as Justin Amazluzor was sent off after an altercation with James Clarke by the corner flag".

JAKE JOINS THE 100 CLUB

Jake joined Altrincham from Rotherham United in the summer of 2022, the deal being announced on 11 June. However, he had finished the previous campaign (2021-22) at Moss Lane, on a one-month loan from The Millers which started on 1 February 2022. On 4 March it was announced that his loan had been extended till the end of the 2021-22 season.

Raised in Sheffield, he was a forward in the Sheffield United youth system before converting to a defensive role

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

That demotion is the twelfth change of division in 46 years for Ebbsfleet or its previous incarnation as Gravesend & Northfleet. Indeed, the Fleet and Altrincham are two of just six current members of the National League who were also founder-members of the Alliance; the others are Barnet, Yeovil Town, Wealdstone and Boston United.

That total of changes of level could have been even higher as they were also involved in three failed play-off campaigns.

Right: Regan Linney takes the plaudits after opening the scoring in the reverse fixture against Ebbsfleet United last September, which Altrincham won 4-0.

1. In 1979 Gravesend & Northfleet qualified for "promotion" to the newly formed Alliance Premier League and spent three years at national level, finishing fifth in their inaugural season when Altrincham became the champions.
2. They were relegated in 1982.
3. They dropped another level in 1986.
4. They regained Southern League Premier status from 1989.
5. Another three-year cycle meant they were relegated in 1992
6. Southern (later Isthmian) League Premier status was regained in 1994.
7. 2002 saw them back in the top-flight (Conference) before the club changed its name to Ebbsfleet United in 2007.

   They won the F.A. Trophy in 2008 and were losing finalists the next season.

8. Ebbsfleet were relegated to the South in 2013.
9. Having twice lost out in the promotion play-offs, they succeeded at the third attempt in 2017

   In 2018, after finishing sixth they lost out in the play-offs for promotion to the EFL

10. After the curtailed Covid-season of 2019-20 they were relegated to the South on the PPG principle
11. They regained National League status as champions of the South division in 2023.
12. In 2025, relegated back to National South for next season

GARY SCOTT, WALKING FOR MND

Gary Scott, as a former team-mate of Alty's Mark Maddox who fought bravely against MND, is one of the main walkers on this fundraising journey.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League Two: A full shift from ELLIOT NEWBY helped Barrow to win by the only goal at Port Vale.

National League: CONNOR TEALE was another to play the full game, as Boston United comfortably beat visitors Southend United 3-0.

Although TYRESE SINCLAIR was booked in the first half, and substituted after 67 minutes, his York City team had a fine 0-4 win at Rochdale, for whom JACK KINGDON played throughout.

National North: A 13th goal in the last 10 games for ASHLEY HEMMINGS was sufficient for Kidderminster Harriers to leapfrog their hosts, Brackley Town into 2nd place, just 2 points behind leaders Scunthorpe United.

KOLE HALL scored the equaliser as Chorley drew 1-1 at Darlington.

National South: DANNY CASHMAN was absent from the Worthing squad, and they surprisingly lost to the only goal at Hornchurch. Although they remain a point clear at the top, a real dogfight is developing, with only 2 points separating the top 5 clubs.

Staffordshire Senior Cup: ADAM PORTER was in the Leek Town starting XI at Chasetown, where they lost 2-0. HAYDEN CAMPBELL was on the bench.

ALTY'S SUPPORT OF PROSTATE CANCER UK

I was immensely proud to see my beloved club play such a crucial role in changing the game for those affected by prostate cancer – the most common cancer in men.

My personal journey with prostate cancer began in May 2017 with a diagnosis that shattered my world. In an instant, life's certainties vanished, replaced by devastating questions: Would I see my daughter marry? Would I watch my grandson grow up? The days and months that followed were filled with dark moments and overwhelming fear.

Throughout this challenging time, the support I received from Prostate Cancer UK, my friends, family, and crucially, the Altrincham FC community, became my lifeline. Their compassion and solidarity helped me navigate the most difficult period of my life and find a renewed sense of purpose".

Right: Last Saturday, both teams wore appropriate warm-up kit to publicise the cause, as seen in the adjacent image. Here we see Caleb Ansen and Rob Lainton in the special warm-up kit.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Tamworth reported that last Saturday "Andy Peaks’s Lambs made the long journey north to Gateshead, on the back of a seven match unbeaten run, including three wins and three draws out of the last six league games...

Meanwhile, Carl Mangay’s home side... came into the game without a win in six games...

Enoru held the ball up on the left wing for Cockerill-Mollett to send a measured cross to the back of the area for Creaney to cushion his header back across the keeper before dropping inside the near post to give Tamworth the lead (0-1, 60 mins)...

And it was two nil on 78 when McGlinchey made an intelligent run through the right channel and received the ball from Creaney's measured pass into the box to slot it past Brooks. This gave the travelling faithful more reasons to sing and celebrate, and also start a mini exodus of home fans from the main stand in the process (0-2, 78 mins)...

As the rain fell on the Gateshead Stadium the final whistle blew on another three points for The Lambs to put them up to the heady heights of 10th in the table">

25 March 2025

"HUGE CLASH" WITH SOLIHULL MOORS

This will be the fourth meeting between the teams this season. Two of the previous encounters came in the Emirates FA Cup, where Solihull eventually triumphed in a penalty shootout at Damson Park. Meanwhile, the league fixture in B92 ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Matt Kosylo’s dramatic 90th-minute equaliser salvaging a point for Altrincham.

Tuesday’s match will mark the 13th meeting between Altrincham and Solihull, with both teams having won five games each and the remaining two ending in draws across all competitions.

Despite enduring five consecutive defeats, Altrincham remain just two points outside the play-off places."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Altrincham 1-1 Solihull Moors
• Boston United 3-0 Southend United
• Rochdale 0-4 York City
• Wealdstone 1-3 Aldershot Town
• Woking 0-0 FC Halifax Town

TONIGHT: SOLIHULL MOORS

This Vanarama National League fixture should have been played on 1 March when Alty were otherwise engaged in the FA Trophy.

Just five Solihull players who started the reverse fixture at Moss Lane (a 3-3 draw) also were in the starting eleven for the Moors' most recent game (they were Clarke, Newton, Osborne, Whitmore and Oakley).

Likewise there are only five Alty players who started against the Moors at Moss Lane who also started last weekend's game against Barnet. They were Golden, Baines, Wilson, Newby and Linney.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Now, Phil Jordan provides an update, telling us that in the Southern Central, "ELLIOTT DURRELL made his Stamford debut on March 16th, scoring the only goal of their 1-0 home win over Alvechurch before being substituted after 85 minutes. He had a less happy day on Saturday, being substituted just after hosts Bedford opened the scoring in the 49th minute, going on to win 4-0 and remaining behind league leaders Halesowen Town on goal difference. Only 2 points separate the top 4 clubs".

Right: Kevin Ellison pictured on his return to Moss Lane in October 2024 when his goals helped Vauxhall Motors dismiss Altrincham from the Cheshire Senior Cup.

Also in that game the fourth Bedford goal came from BRUNO ANDRADE, who as a trialist, scored the only goal for Altrincham in a 1-1 draw against 1874 Northwich in 2023 in the Cheshire Senior Cup. Andrade went on to convert the decisive penalty in the resulting shoot-out to clinch a win for the Robins.

Phil also reports that in the "NPL Division 1 West, the two goals that RYAN BROOKE scored against Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday made him Runcorn Linnets' record goalscorer, with 77 goals in 137 appearances.

And in the NPL Division 1 Midlands, Quorn equalled Macclesfield's achievement by clinching the championship on Saturday. The Leicestershire club have scored 94 goals already this season, with more than half of them coming from a group of four players, including ZAK GOODSON".

On its 25th anniversary, the NL Paper has an interview with KEVIN ELLISON (right) who, back in 2000, was about to be relegated with Altrincham. Kevin said, "I'd have rather not had a good season [then] and we stayed up.

Kevin added, "Getting back into the English pyramid was a big thing for me then, I'd been playing in the League of Wales... Altrincham gave me that great opportunity to go pro. I owe them a lot".

He continued, "If you'd have told me [when I was] at Altrincham [that] I'd play a year or two as a professional then [go] back to non-League, I'd have snapped your hand off". In contrast Kevin enjoyed a long career as a professional in the EFL and even tasted Premier League football with Leicester City.

The NL Paper's celebration of its 25th anniversary this weekend, recalled its first issue, published in March 2000. It reproduced the league table from that day which showed that Bernard Taylor's Altrincham lay twelfth in the Conference with 44 points after 34 games, having only lost eight times, the same as league leaders Kidderminster Harriers.

Yet just eight games later as the season ended, Altrincham were relegated!

ALTY APPOINT "COMMUNITY CAPTAIN"

Joseph has been chosen... for his incredible commitment to the community and for raising over £400K for the club's disability sport programme through 'Joseph's Challenge: No Limits' last summer.

A British champion swimmer, Alty fan and volunteer, Joseph trained all summer before running ten 10k distances across ten countries in less than a week, an achievement which rightly grabbed national attention and headlines".

Right: Joseph is pictured receiving his award last Saturday at the J. Davidson Stadium.

"The Premier League is investing £1.6 billion into wider football and communities between 2022 and 2025 to support football at every level of the game across England and Wales... As part of ‘More Than A Game’, the League will be celebrating more than 100 Community Captains – individuals nominated by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs for their contribution to their local community via programmes funded by the Premier League".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The former Nigerian international’s time at the Stadium of Light wasn’t full of glory... but he looks set to return to the North East, where he is heading a consortium to take over from National League side Gateshead...

Speaking about the proposed takeover, per Sunderland Echo, Gateshead boss Carl Magnay said 'The reality is that it has made an impact... it’s been for a number of months. From a recruitment point of view, we don’t know what structure we are working under because we have been told it’s happening imminently since January. So week-to-week, we don’t know if it’s happening.

'The players have been exposed to it, they’ve been aware of it and they know, we know, they need help, we need help. It’s been frustrating and people upstairs need to take accountability and realise just how exposed players are to it isn’t good. The uncertainty has been a hinderance and we are feeling the brunt...

'The plans are incredible, it’s exciting. I’m disappointed with results and the situation we are in but I’ve been privy to what Gateshead FC could become and it’s unbelievable'">

24 July 2025

NLC SEMI-FINAL ARRANGEMENTS

The game will take place next Tuesday, 1 April 2025 with a 7.30pm kick-off time. Spectator segregation will be in operation.

Tickets are priced as follows and are available here.

• Over-18s £8
• Under-18s £5
• Alty Season Ticket Holders FREE

The winners will face either Braintree Town or Sutton United in the Final.

Turnstiles will open at 6:30pm and segregation will be in operation, with visiting supporters entering the stadium via turnstiles 1-4.

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

ALTY'S STADIUM SPONSORS HIT BY FIRE

The Manchester Evening News reported on Saturday that "Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors shut after plumes of smoke billowed from the J Davidson scrap yard on Craven Road, close to Altrincham Retail Park. Firefighters were called out at about noon...

Right: J. Davidson's strikingly liveried lorries are a familiar sight around the Altrincham area.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said a number of vehicles had caught fire within the yard. The fire service released images taken from within the cordon of the blaze, showing the extent of the damage the fire has caused.

Crews from Stretford, Altrincham, Sale and Wythenshawe fire stations have been in attendance. An aerial appliance was used as part of the fire service response.

Witnesses near to the scene reported hearing 'loud bangs'. A nearby business owner said he could see 'canisters flying up' from the fire after hearing 'huge' bangs.

He told the Manchester Evening News that he first noticed the fire at around 11.50am. He saw the first fire crews arrive around half an hour later.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said... 'Four fire engines from Stretford, Altrincham, Sale and Wythenshawe fire stations, along with the aerial appliance from Manchester Central fire station quickly arrived at the scene, where a number of vehicles had caught fire at a scrap yard'".

NEXT: THREE OUT OF FORM CLASHES

Those three matches bring together four of the most out-of-form sides in the National League. Apart from Altrincham, the other three are..

• Solihull Moors who are in wretched form and arrive at Moss Lane with a single win in their last thirteen league games. Nevertheless, they remain seven points clear of the relegation zone in seventeenth position. On Saturday they were beaten 3-0 at home by Yeovil Town leaving them with just three points gleaned from 39 points on offer.
• The trip to Kent the following Saturday takes Alty to bottom club Ebbsfleet United who have now been mathematically relegated and have won just twice in 39 National League games this season. However, they did win their last home match, defeating AFC Fylde.
• A week on Saturday Yeovil Town arrive at the JDS. They have won just three our of their last 17 league fixtures. After losing four on trot without scoring, as noted above they won their last match 3-0 away at Solihull Moors!

THROUGH THE YEARS: 25 MARCH

ALTY OLD BOYS

Above: With the clock ticking down to halftime in the background, Elliott Durrell (no.11), sporting a new blond look, volleyed home Alty's opening goal at Hereford in March 2020. It was his third goal in three appearances since joining the club, all in games away from Altrincham

He has since scored the only goal of the game for Stamford in their 1-0 home win over Alvechurch in the Southern League Premier Central.

Since leaving Altrincham in 2020, Durrell (now 35) has played for Wrexham, AFC Telford United, Grantham Town, Gloucester City, Stourbridge and now Stamford.

Durrell joined Altrincham in February 2020 as Phil Parkinson's fifth signing of that year, having just completed a short-term contract at York City, a club he had joined in summer, 2019.

He made an impressive start at Alty, winning and scoring a penalty on his debut as a second-half substitute at Spennymoor, before netting with his first touch as, again, a used substitute, four days later at Blyth.

Then a wonder goal at Hereford (pictured above) in his first start, and third outing, maintained his goalscoring record. He went on to score again in game no.4 before hitting a double against Chester in his fifth outing in July 2020

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Heed then announced that they had signed former West Ham man Frank Nouble, who has played 36 times this season for Yeovil Town. Sources at Yeovil have intimated that Nouble has been recruited by the rumoured new ownership of the Tyneside club.

Yeovil Town had said that "Frank Nouble has been approached by Gateshead and has expressed his intention to pursue this move. While we are disappointed with his decision, we respect his right to make it", whilst Nouble himself claimed "Unfortunately my desire to stay at the club wasn’t reciprocated so on to the next".

Earlier, Gloverscast quoted Yeovil manager Mark Cooper as saying that "a potential new owner that is coming in to Gateshead... has agreed a deal with Frank".

23 March, 2025

POST-MATCH PARKINSON

However, he was "livid" that for the decisive goal, "we didn't set up correctly" despite having practised for that situation in midweek.

"We've got to win the next two" games, he added. With the number of injuries the squad has suffered, "We're just not able to cope in terms of squad depth and we've lost Jake Bickerstaff now", he judged. But unlike Oldham Athletic, we do not have the resources to go out and acquire new players from the EFL.

Nevertheless, Phil is still hoping to "hang in there" and get into the play-offs, for which he feels qualification will not be finalised till the last day of the season.

BEES' LINE ON THE GAME

The hosts wasted no time at testing the Bees defence, with Alty’s No.9 Regan Linney winning an early corner for his side in the opening minute of the game...

Above: Alty line-up before the game with Barnet.

Despite good chances from the Bees the hosts also pushed for an advantage in the game, as the Bees defence of Danny Collinge, Joe Grimwood and Myles Kenlock were being tested throughout the game and was having to stay on guard every second of the way...

Barnet were able to take the lead with Hartigan curling in a perfect cross into the box for Browne to connect and guide the ball towards goal, hitting the crossbar and falling into the back of the net.

With the rain starting to come down, the second half was underway, and it was clear from the off that Altrincham were not going to sit back, as they piled the pressure on to the Bees....

Bees goalkeeper Owen Evans produced a brilliant save to get down and put his hand out to push the ball out of the box. Although the loose ball was pushed away by Evans, Kacper Pasiek retrieved it on the edge of the box, and went to take a hit, but his effort ended up flying over the bar...

Barnet were having to hold off the Alty attacks, as they constantly pushed to salvage a equaliser in the game".

ALTRINCHAM 0-1 BARNET

After 37 minutes Regan Linney had wheeled away in premature celebration after his header had come back off the underside of the bar but the ball had not crossed the line.

However, Altrincham could have emerged with a point had Justin Amaluzor and Pasiek not wasted two decent chances in the latter stages with wayward shots from good positions.

Above: Tylor Golden has a light-hearted moment with Barnet's Kanu in the first half. But it was the left-back's foul on the right-winger which led to the freekick from which the Bees scored the game's only goal..

The decisive moment came just before the interval when a Tylor Golden challenge on Kanu gave the Bees a freekick near the right corner. Hartigan's freekick was back-headed goalwards by Browne and may have taken a defender's touch before finding the net.

Match report here

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

Like Altrincham the Moors are in poor form, in fact, far worse than the Robins', with the Moors having achieved just one win in thirteen outings and only six points gleaned from 39 available.

However, before Saturday' 0-3 defeat at home to Yeovil Town, The Deck reported that "Playmaker Jack Stevens has triggered a one-year extension onto his current deal with the club.

Matt Taylor’s side have struggled for form in 2025 and it has seen them fall into the bottom half of the National League standings ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Yeovil Town...

The reveal [sic] of Jack Stevens’s contract news will come as a major boost to Solihull Moors supporters...

After beating local rivals Tamworth 4-1 on New Year’s Eve, Solihull picked up just one point from their next nine league matches and underwent a managerial change after Andy Whing moved on to Barrow AFC...

Stevens came into the current season full of determination to pick up where he left off but injuries have effected him this season.

Regardless of that, Stevens has still managed to better his previous season’s tally by contributing to 16 goals in 27 league appearances.

- The 24-year-old has scored 12 goals...

Recently, Solihull Moors have allowed both Joe Sbarra and Andy Dallas to depart for free".

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : CHRIS CONN-CLARKE (right) was left on the Peterborough United bench as they pulled clear of the drop zone with a comfortable 3-0 home win over playoff candidates Charlton Athletic. Crawley Town remain in that drop zone despite beating visitors Bristol Rovers by the only goal of the game. There was a full shift from TOBY MULLARKEY, while JUNIOR QUITIRNA left the action after 70 minutes. JOEL SENIOR wasn't in the Rovers squad.

League Two : ALISTAIR SMITH played the full game for AFC Wimbledon, but so did ELLIOT NEWBY for visitors Barrow, who were 2-0 down in the 88th minute when he assisted the goal that reduced the arrears. In the 96th minute the Bluebirds struck again to force a 2-2 draw.

RYAN COLCLOUGH only joined the action in the 87th minute as Chesterfield, despite 19 goal attempts, were held to a goalless draw by visitors Harrogate Town. There were no goals at Fleetwood either - CHRIS MERRIE played the full game for visitors Tranmere Rovers, and CONNOR JENNINGS joined him just before the hour.

Morecambe left MARCUS DACKERS on the bench as they lost to the only goal at Port Vale. Accrington Stanley did the same to SONNY ALJOFREE in their goalless draw at Swindon Town.

National League : York City came from behind at Braintree Town to go in level at the break, but were 2-1 down by the time they replaced TYRESE SINCLAIR after 76 minutes - and that was how it finished.

Of the two Old Boys in action at the International Stadium, KENNEDY DIGIE (right) would have been happier than LIAM HUMBLES. Both played throughout but Gateshead lost to Tamworth 0-2.

A full shift from CONNOR TEALE couldn't help Boston United to avoid a 4-1 drubbing at Hartlepool United, who left LUKE WATERFALL on the bench while BILLY SASS-DAVIES played the full game.

With MILES WELCH-HAYES on the injured list, Maidenhead United came from behind to force a 1-1 draw with visitors Rochdale, for whom JACK KINGDON played the whole game.

Oldham Athletic beat visitors Halifax 2-0. JOSH LUNDSTRAM was left on the bench, while REAGAN OGLE is out injured. Former Robins trialist TOM PUGH was a 67th minute substitute for the visitors, who weren't helped by having to replace injured goalie Sam Johnson with an untried teenager after 34 minutes.

Although KYLE FERGUSON was booked, Yeovil Town ended a run of only 1 point from 5 matches with a thoroughly convincing 0-3 win at Solihull Moors, who didn't manage a single attempt on the Glovers' goal.

National North : CONNOR KIRBY was sent off after 75 minutes as Buxton succumbed to the only goal at home to King's Lynn.

After Hereford's YUSIFU CEESAY (right) had rounded off Hereford's 3-1 home win, Curzon Ashton player coach CRAIG MAHON saw a red card in the 95th minute.

ASHLEY HEMMINGS is in a fine vein of form right now, and notched a hat trick as Kidderminster Harriers beat visitors Needham Market 4-1.

NPL Division 1 West: RYAN BROOKE struck twice for Runcorn Linnets, who had trailed visitors Stalybridge Celtic 0-2, and they completed a fine comeback to win 3-2.

22 March, 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde 3-0 Forest Green Rovers
• Aldershot Town 3-3 Ebbsfleet United
• Altrincham 0-1 Barnet (k.o. 5.30pm)
• Braintree Town 2-1 York City
• Eastleigh 1-2 Southend United
• Gateshead 0-2 Tamworth
• Hartlepool United 4-1 Boston United
• Maidenhead United 1-1 Rochdale
• Oldham Athletic 2-0 FC Halifax Town
• Solihull Moors 0-3 Yeovil Town
• Sutton United 1-1 Dagenham & Redbridge (k.o. 2.30pm)
• Wealdstone 1-0 Woking

TODAY: BARNET

They will be seeking to avoid a fourth successive home defeat in the National League, a sequence they have not endured since midway through the 2021-22 season.

After being relegated back to the National League in 2018 the Bees were fortunate to escape relegation in 2020-21 when they finished bottom of the 22-team division but were not relegated because of the regional feeder leagues being abandoned mid-season due to Covid and, therefore, no clubs being qualified to be promoted.

In 2022-23 the Bees finished 18th out of 23 clubs before marked improvements under Dean Brennan which have seen them finish fifth and second in the last two seasons, when they fell only at the play=offs hurdles.

WARNING TO DISRUPTORS

'As we look forward to opening the doors at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday and welcoming our wonderful fans, old and new, our community champions and juniors and away supporters to our Non League Day celebrations, we wish to make it clear we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour in any form whatsoever.

Any verbal abuse, violent conduct or disruptive behaviour will result in disciplinary action as we endeavour to maintain a safe and respectful environment for fans, staff, players and volunteers.

We want to remind supporters the use of pyrotechnics is illegal; it is an offence to bring them into a football ground and use them during a game.

Should anyone engage in this behaviour, they will be subject to legal action and sanctions.

We are working hard behind the scenes to make this a very special day as we celebrate everything that is marvellous about Non League Day, and we very much hope everyone will thoroughly enjoy the occasion in a safe and welcoming environment".

Then on Friday came a "Clarification on yesterday's statement" from Altrincham FC, which stated "We’ve taken on board the feedback to yesterday’s message and wanted to take a moment to provide further context.

Over the past few weeks, there have been several incidents – including objects such as coins, eggs, and lighters being thrown – which have understandably raised concern.

Some of these have occurred inside the stadium, and following a number of formal complaints and a meeting with Greater Manchester Police, we were obliged to issue a reminder about stadium regulations.

We want to be absolutely clear: this reminder was never intended as a criticism of our supporter base as a whole. We know that 99.9% of Alty fans come to matches to support the team in the right way — with passion, energy, and respect. It’s because of that incredible support that Moss Lane is such a special place on matchdays.

Our intention was simply to reinforce the importance of safety for everyone in and around the ground. We remain proud of our fans and grateful for your continued backing — home and away.

Thank you for your understanding".

ALTY EXTEND PUMA KIT DEAL

"Puma came on board as kit suppliers at the start of the 2021-22 season, and it's a measure of Alty's standing as a forward-thinking club of real substance that one of the world's leading sportswear manufacturers has committed to a new deal with us for a further FOUR years... until the summer of 2029...

Alty Director, John Coyne, hailed it as another significant step forward in the club's continuing development on and off the pitch, saying... "It's another fantastic deal for the club. Since we first teamed up with Puma, and joined the likes of Manchester City, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund in being kitted out by them, the response from supporters and players alike has been overwhelmingly positive...

"All Altrincham FC kits will remain bespoke to the club, rather than being standard template designs...

Their involvement has also extended to arranging multiple high-profile photo and video shoots featuring Premier League stars at The J.Davidson Stadium, a collaboration that has not only brought valuable exposure to the club but also provided an excellent revenue stream".

ALTY OLD BOYS

This result allowed them, at least temporarily, to leapfrog Dandenong Thunder into second place - Thunder entertain leaders Avondale United today (Saturday).

Footnote: Dandenong Thunder leapfrogged Oakleigh Cannons on Saturday morning (our time) by beating Avondale United 2-1. This is actually a decent result for Cannons, as an Avondale victory would have put them 8 points clear.

Meanwhile in the Welsh Premier League, it was a decent enough evening for Connah's Quay Nomads captain JOHN DISNEY as his team won 2-3 at Newtown, but it was quite another story for JOEL TORRANCE as he was beaten five times in the Bala Town goal at Caernarfon. Bala failed to produce a single shot on target".

By way of a footnote, Dan Burn made his debut for England last night, having also recently won the Carabao Cup for Newcastle United. 14 years ago the 6'7" defender played against Altrincham for Darlington where he was in the same team as 5'4" ex-Alty man CHRIS SENIOR!

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"The 31-year-old... [has] missed more than five months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained at the end of August. Dixon made a fleeting return to the Pools squad as an unused substitute during last month's trip to Sutton, Limbrick's first game in charge and only win to date, but was subsequently ruled out again ahead of the midweek visit of Tamworth...

Dixon's injury was initially described as a minor setback rather than anything more sinister. However, it has since become apparent that the... injury is indeed worse than first feared, with the luckless stopper now set for another long spell on the sidelines.

Having signed for Pools in the summer of 2023, Dixon... started all of the first six games of the new campaign... There were suggestions that Dixon, who has never possessed the longest kick, was struggling with Sarll's demands that he launch the ball up to the front line whenever he had it. Dixon went down several times in the opening weeks of the season, although there was a sense that it was a ruse from Sarll to allow him time to pass tactical instructions onto his players.

However, when Dixon went down 33 minutes into the goalless draw with Braintree at the end of August, it was clear something more serious had occurred. As it turned out, Dixon had sustained a dreaded ACL injury for the second time in his career. The injury, severe as it was, didn't require surgery...

Limbrick told BBC Radio Tees Sport... 'I think he's going to have to have an operation soon'".

From FC Halifax Town cpmes confirmation of "the signing of defender Sean Tarima, on a deal until the end of next season, following his departure from Premier League side West Ham United.

Tarima joined the West Ham academy at the age of eight and was a part of a very successful youth side for the Irons...

The following season, the defender was a crucial player as the Irons’ under 18 squad won the Under 18 Premier League South title by 17 points and he featured in every round as they won the FA Youth Cup that same year...

Tarima was rewarded with his first professional contract for the club.

So far this season, Tarima has made 18 appearances for the development squad at West Ham... before he left the club following a mutual agreement to part ways".

21 March 2025

NO ROUTE-ONE FOOTBALL FOR ALTY

The Alty boss admitted his side were 'in a tough place at the moment'...

Alty are still only one point away from the play-off positions, but there were murmurs of discontent from sections of the home crowd on Tuesday that brought a defiant response from Robins boss Parkinson...

He said 'I won’t encourage my players to play in a manner that doesn’t suit them. We will play our way. If we get beaten doing it or the club deem it as not the style of play they want to see any more, then I’ll get sacked and you can get a manager in who will go route one and just boot it up to a big centre-forward and play percentage football.

'We have never done that. We are not one-dimensional but we have a philosophy, a way we want to play. There is still a lot of football to be played, and if people want to give up on us, that’s up to them, but I still believe in this group of players..

'We are fighting hard to turn it round, and I believe we will'".

Q AND A FOR LEWIS BAINES

NON-LEAGUE DAY BONUSES

The club outlines "your Non-League Day 2025 ticket-offers ahead of our huge Vanarama National League clash with league leaders Barnet on Saturday, March 22nd (kick-off 5:30pm) at The J.Davidson Stadium.

• Kids go FREE with a paying adult
• Blue Light Card holders receive 25% off
• Premier League & EFL season ticket holders get 25% off an adult ticket
• Half-priced tickets for Alty v Solihull Moors
• Free Early Bird drink for Season Ticket Holders. Between turnstiles opening at 3:30pm and 4:15pm season ticket holders will receive a free pint of beer/cider, glass of wine or soft drink. An email on how to claim your drink will be sent out next week [sic]

NEXT: BARNET

Join us at The Hive London to watch the game Live on DAZN and experience all the action alongside fellow fans.

We’ll be showing the full pre-match build-up, so arrive early, grab a drink, and get behind the Bees!

BEE in with a chance to win great prizes! Purchase an entry ticket for just £2.50, which includes:

• Entry into our Prize Draws (pre-match, half-time and full time)
• A free half-pint or soft drink to enjoy during the game."

SkySports has a lengthy interview with Barnet boss, Dean Brennan, which begins by reminding us of the manager's rant at his own club's fans, after playing Altrincham in September, in which he stated "'I'll move on then if that's what they want. Get someone else to do the job because I'm sick and tired of them. Just a miserable, moany lot. What's wrong with them? Get behind the team'...

Dean Brennan, a proud and passionate Dubliner, has never minced his words and, this time, even his own supporters were on the receiving end of a rant that went viral after their late victory over Altrincham in September".

This new Sky interview begins as Brennan is about to face The Robins again, in the reverse fixture, and he "is buried in a laptop studying video of Saturday's opponents Altrincham".

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The defender sustained a serious injury during the first-half of Eastleigh’s defeat against Oldham Athletic on Tuesday 11 March, with a subsequent scan on his right knee revealing the extent of the injury.

Although there is no definitive timescale for his return, the centre-back will miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

Everyone at the Club wishes Niall the best and we will continue to support him through each step of his recovery".

20 March 2025

NEXT: BARNET

Regan Linney will be available after serving his three-match suspension, Altrincham having lost all three games in his absence, as well as the one in which he received a post-match red card at Sosuthend UNited.

Recent results in the last five home games with Barnet have been as follows;

• 6.1.2024 Altrincham 3–2 Barnet
• 8.11.2022 Altrincham 0–2 Barnet
• 2.5.2022 Altrincham 1–1 Barnet
• 24.4.2021 Altrincham 2–3 Barnet
• 28.2.2015 Altrincham 1–3 Barnet

DRAW AND DEFEAT FOR ACADEMY SIDES

The Under-19s' Academy side remains second in the National Football Youth League NW Championship 1, despite a 1-0 defeat away to Morecambe FC Development/CIS on Wednesday. The game was actually played at Penrith FC.

Altrincham's starters were Christopher Antoniades, Oscar Cooper, Kian Gonzalez-Moghaddam, Charlie Hough, Jacob Martin, Charlie Noble, Harry St Romaine, Jimmy Taafe, Joe Weston, Nathan Wood and Charley Renshaw.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In that match, a fine goal from Matty Kosylo settled the outcome in the hosts' favour against a Chesterfield side lacking bite up front. Kosylo was a fitting scorer, given his Ukrainian heritage on a night in which Alty wore their away kit whose colours mirror the Ukrainian flag's colours as the country continued to resist Russian aggression.

The opening stages were largely uneventful with the visitors having the better of things without doing much to threaten the hosts. The Spireites then failed to capitalise on four corners in as many minutes just before the half-hour mark.

Chesterfield had the better of the half but fell behind early in the second half when the hosts' first real attempt on goal, a 25-yarder from Kosylo, took an unpredictable bounce to beat Loach (48 mins).

The second half was a bit better as a spectacle but neither keeper was seriously troubled. However, six substitutions and four bookings did little to aid the flow of the second period.

19 March 2025

PARKY'S PERSPECTIVE & VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

The video interview is available courtesy of Alty TV

Alty TV also has produced video highlights from the match.

ALTRINCHAM 0-1 WEALDSTONE

Right: Matty Kosylo's expression, late in the game, underlines that it was a tense night at the JDS

Facing a Wealdstone team which had conceded eleven times in its previous three matches, Alty barely laid a glove on the Home Counties side. The Robins were without the suspended Linney and the injured cohort of Ross, the two Joneses, Golden, Nuttall and Crankshaw but the eleven who started today (and the used substitutes) produced a disjointed, error-strewn performance.

Having landed just one decent shot on target in the first half, a well-struck effort from Newby which went straight at the keeper, the visitors took the lead just 75 seconds after the interval. Oldham loanee Reid was the scorer from a cross from the Wealdstone right.

Four corners in as many minutes for The Stones later in the half underlined the poor performance from the hosts.

It was not until the last of the eight minutes of added time, that Alty looked like scoring when Kosylo's long-range effort came down off the underside of the crossbar.

And the next match? At home to runaway league leaders Barnet!

Match report here.

OPPOSIION VIEW: WEALDSTONE

Alex Reid headed past Robert Lainton just two minutes after half-time with the only goal of the game.

Neil Gibson made three changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Eastleigh at the weekend. New signing Tyler Walker came into the starting XI, replacing Micah Obiero, whilst Alex Dyer and Dom Hutchinson replaced Adrian Mariappa and Connor McAvoy. Kallum Cesay returned to the bench from injury.

The Stones raced out of the blocks at the J Davidson Stadium... Altrincham looked to calm the game down after a frantic start...

The hosts looked to keep hold of the ball in the early stages, but the Stones were dangerous on the break... But Altrincham began to take control and push the Stones defence back... Alex Newby’s goalbound effort was denied by the reflexes of Gunter.

Like they did in the first-half, the Stones raced out quickly in the second period. Hutchinson found himself played down the right hand side and lifted a delightful ball into the path of Reid, who headed home at the near post from a tight angle...

With the Stones weathering a short storm from the hosts following the opening goal... the Stones pushed on for a second, creating a plethora of chances in a strong spell of dominance...

A fortunate bounce off the crossbar saw the Stones come away with the victory on the road!"

NEXT: BARNET

The match is the featured game on DAZN, hence the tea-time kick off to accommodate the streaming service.

The Bees won the reverse fixture this season, thanks to a 92nd minute winner from a long throw in a Tuesday night game.

Left: Chris Conn-Clarke (left) celebrates with team-mates after his goal put Alty 3-0 up against Barnet in January 2024.

In a match delayed by an injury to the referee, Altrincham won the corresponding game at the J. Davidson Stadium last January. Having built a 3-0 lead by the fiftieth minute, The Robins allowed Barnet back into the match with the final outcome being 3-2.

ALTRINCHAM: 29. Ethan Ross, 2. Lewis Banks, 15. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines, 16. Sam Roscoe, 6. Elliot Osborne, 8. Isaac Marriott (c), 44. Dan Mooney, 30. Alex Newby, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 9. Regan Linney Subs: 12. Liam Brockbank, 14. Dior Angus, 19. George Wilson, 21. Matt Gould, 11. Justin Amaluzor.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : Wycombe Wanderers left JAMES BERRY on the bench as they won 2-3 at Rotherham United to leapfrog Wrexham into the second automatic promotion spot.

National League : Having led at the break, Gateshead conceded 3 times in 17 minutes to visitors Braintree Town. At least LIAM HUMBLES couldn't be blamed, as the scoring was over by the time he was introduced in the 75th minute.

CONNOR TEALE put in a full shift as Boston United won 2-3 at Rochdale - their 4th consecutive away victory. A run which has seen them lose only one of their last eight games has given them a real chance of staying up. JACK KINGDON was a 66th minute substitute for the hosts.

National North : LEWIS SALMON put Alfreton Town ahead, but visitors Darlington came back to draw 1-1.

ALTY STORE MOVES AGAIN

While we remain on George Street, new tenants will soon be taking over our previous unit, meaning we are relocating to a new space.

From now on, you’ll be able to find us conveniently situated between WHSmith and Flannels... [where] we’ll be in until the end of the current season...

We'll be open on Friday and Saturday this week in the build up to Non-League Day versus Barnet."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Davy expressed an interest in the ground in order to move the Giants there temporarily from 2026 while a new stadium is built in Huddersfield...

A hybrid pitch is scheduled to go into construction in summer 2025 with Davy providing interest-free loans in order to facilitate its installation...

FC Halifax Town said there were 'a raft of questions that will require detailed answers in conjunction with the two parties involved in the sale and those tenants within the stadium... This will also require the agreement of third party associations".

18 March 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

But defeat for MAidenhead United Dropped them four places to second from bottom.

Tuesday, 18th March 2025

• AFC Fylde 1-0 Sutton United
• Altrincham 0-1 Wealdstone
• FC Halifax Town 0-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Gateshead 1-3 Braintree Town
• Maidenhead United 0-1 Aldershot Town
• Rochdale 2-3 Boston United

TONIGHT: WEALDSTONE

Snow and a frozen pitch prevented the playing of the original fixture, which was scheduled for 11 January.

Unless anyone has made an unannounced recovery since the weekend, Altrincham can be expected to be without Joe Nuttall, Ollie Crankshaw, Ethan Ross, Eddy Jones and James Jones as they face visitors who came back from a three-goal deficit on Saturday to secure a draw with Eastleigh.

One face from Altrincham's very distant past has recently joined the North London club and he is Mustapha Carayol, now aged 36. A quite remarkable seventeen years ago, in March 2008, he played against Altrincham for Crawley Town. In early 2009 he was also an unused substitute for Torquay United in their two fixtures against Alty.

NEXT SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS: BARNET RANT

The Barnet Borough Times reports that last weekend "Barnet extended their winning run to seven games as a 1-0 victory at Woking stretched their lead at the top of the National League table to 11 points.

Dean Brennan’s side, now unbeaten in 23 league outings, emerged with all three points as Rhys Browne returned to haunt his former employers with the only goal...

A fired-up Brennan said 'The pitch today was nearly as bad as the referee. The standard of officiating today was shambolic, horrendous. Neal Ardley’s a top, top manager, he don’t deserve a pitch like that.

'That was one of the worst games I’ve seen in my life, but you can’t string two passes together. A Sunday park league (pitch) is better. What are they doing at this club? This used to be a great club, Woking.

'I’ll tell you what my team did – if you want to have the referee against you, you want to have the opposition against you, the pitch against you? The way we play, we can mix it. If you want to box, we can box. If you want to scrap, we can scrap. Whatever way you want to do it, we’ll do it. That’s what our players did.'

Along with another win on the road, the leaders have now gone five consecutive National League games without conceding a goal, boasting the joint second-best defensive record in the division...

'We’ve got another tough game next against Altrincham. There’s no doubt their pitch will be better because this pitch has got to be the worst in the league'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

United had to produce a solid rearguard action to protect their clean sheet - but duly hel...

Ward was one of two players coming into the starting XI ahead of kick-off, alongside [ex-Alty man] Connor Teale, as Graham Coughlan opted to freshen things up following their brilliant 3-0 midweek win at Yeovil Town...

The Pilgrims took the lead when Jacob Hazel clipped WARD into the clear and after seeing Henry Gray make an initial save, the United number 7 stroked home the rebound...

Braintree enjoyed plenty of possession - and set-pieces - but did not unduly trouble Gregory in the second period".

At Forest Green Rovers, last "Saturday afternoon’s visit of Southend United mark[ed] Steve Cotterill’s 1000th game as a manager... spanning 30 years working with 13 clubs.

His career started in 1995 with Irish side, Sligo Rovers, where Cotterill stayed for 14 months...

In 1997, Cotterill returned to his birth town to take over Cheltenham Town where he managed 303 games...

Cotterill moved to then First Division side Stoke City in 2002...

In 2004, Cotterill then managed Burnley... and later joined Notts County in 2010... before leaving the club at the end of the season to join Portsmouth...

Cotterill was snapped up by Nottingham Forest where he managed 37 games before joining Queens Park Rangers as Harry Redknapp’s assistant manager.

His return to the south-west would follow with Bristol City in December 2013... Cotterill moved... becoming Redknapp’s assistant at Birmingham City before becoming manager in 2017...

He didn’t return to management until late 2020 with when he took the helm at Shrewsbury Town... During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cotterill was twice admitted hospital, and spent time in intensive care...

Fast forward to January 2024, and Cotterill moved back to the south-west to take over Forest Green Rovers".

The Manchester Evening News has an article headed "Oldham Athletic to expand Boundary Park stadium in huge £70m 'Little Wembley' plans". It states that "Oldham council has announced it will be taking its first steps towards building a £70m ‘SportsTown’ in the borough.

The multi-million pound project will include expanding Boundary Park football stadium with brand new sports facilities, a sports and health campus, and a host of training and apprenticeship programs.

The site is also tipped for a new cricket pitch and ‘Little Wembley’ area.

A collaboration between Oldham Council, Boundary Park owner Frank Rothwell, Oldham Athletic AFC and Oldham Rugby League Football Club, it is hoped the project will ring in a ‘new era for sport in the borough’, according to a spokesperson...

Frank Rothwell, Oldham Athletic chairman and Boundary Park owner [stated] 'We’re not here to mess about - we’re here to build a legacy, give young people real opportunities, and put Oldham on the map for sport, health, and education'">

17 July 2025

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

NEXT: WEALDSTONE

Indeed, Wealdstone report that they "produced a scintillating comeback to share the spoils with play-off hopefuls Eastleigh, at Grosvenor Vale.

Kelvin Davis’s Spitfires were in cruise control by half-time, with a brace from Ludwig Francillette and a goal from Tyrese Shade.

However, a spirited second-half display from the Stones saw Alex Reid net twice, along with Tyler Walker, to complete an impressive comeback...

The Stones returned from the interval with added impetus... Wealdstone’s new signing Tyler Walker was introduced in the 59th minute and... Three minutes later, the home side’s other debutant, Mustapha Carayol, nearly made a fairytale entrance...

It was no surprise when the Stones’ fresh blood combined to pull a goal back in the 69th minute, with Walker latching onto Carayol’s teasing cross to convert past McDonnell at the far post.

Wealdstone duly reduced the deficit further in the 75th minute when Reid stepped up from the penalty spot to clinically despatch home past McDonnell after a handball.

With three minutes of regulation time remaining, the mighty Stones completed their comeback in style as Walker squared to Reid, who tapped home to complete his brace and restore parity.

Walker then had the chance to seal all three points at the death, but the striker agonisingly fired straight at McDonnell.

WEALDSTONE: Gunter, Cook, Mariappa (Dyer 45'), McAvoy (Ashford 86'), Boldewijn, Sohna (Hutchinson 45'), Grant, Randall (Carayol 60'), Kretzschmar, Reid, Obiero (Walker 60')."

Footnote: Wealdstone's leading scorer, Alex Reid, like Alty's Joe Nuttall, is an Oldham Athletic loanee. He has netted 12 times in 19 starts (1,708 minutes on the pitch) for Wealdstone in the National League this season.

COMMUNITY SPORTS HALL ANNIVERSARY

Right: in February 2015, Sir Alex Ferguson opened the new Community Sports Hall at the J. Davidson Stadium. Here we see him with Stacey Rowley, general manager of the Hall, chairman Grahame Rowley and pupils from nearby Stamford Park primary school. Photo courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

After Club Life President and former Chairman, Grahame Rowley had outlined how the project to build the Hall had come about, Ian Watmore explained how he had become involved in the tricky task of helping to raise funds for the project.

He also recalled that, before that involvement, for employment purposes at the FA he had had to inform the Football Association of his club allegiance. He declared Arsenal and Altrincham as "his" clubs, given that as a "Gooner" he could not bring himself to give his allegiance to either Manchester City or United.

He then felt he needed to tell the Football Club that he had cited them on his FA credentials. From that, he met Geoff Goodwin, then the chairman, and got involved at Moss Lane.

When the Hall was formally opened by Sir Alex Ferguson, Ian confirmed that the former Manchester United manager had willingly performed the ceremony for free, as he was a genuine supporter of grassroots football.

The third speaker was current co-Chairman, Bill Waterson. Bill outlined how the Football Club had moved from being simply located in Altrincham to being an integrated part of the town, a development largely due to the use of the Community Sports Hall as a venue to attract more residents to the Football Club, along with integration of the Juniors section into the club.

Musical entertainment during the event was provided by Pete Scotson, the founder of Radio Alty.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 18 MARCH

Right: On 18 March 2017, Alty's Simon Richman, Kyle Brownhill, Gary Jones and Sam Heathcote are seen in action against Stalybridge.

As is shown by Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's updated Through the Years, Alty have not won any of their last ten matches played on that date!

Four draws and six defeats have been the results in those games.

The most recent game was a 2-3 defeat at Eastleigh in 2023 and the most recent home game played on 18 March was a match which finished goalless against Stalybridge Celtic in 2017 in National North.

Altrincham came the closer of the two sides to winning that match but neither manager would have been happy to emerge with a single point as the two basement clubs fought the threat of relegation.

Altrincham were without seven injured players in Nicky Clee, Shaun Densmore, Sean Miller, Craig Hobson, Tom Hannigan, Tim Deasy and Micah Evans.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart TOMLINSON, 2. Chris LYNCH (c), 3. Andy McWILLIAMS, 4. Kyle BROWNHILL, 5. Sam HEATHCOTE, 6. John CYRUS, 7. Elliot NEWBY, 8. Gary JONES, 9. Andy OWENS, 10. James LAWRIE, 11. Simon RICHMAN. Subs: 12. Damian REEVES, 14. Sam PATTERSON, 15. Alan GOODALL, 16. Jake MOULT, 20. Andrew JONES.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Meanwhile, following on from the sad news of the recent death of STVE FLEET, Terry Rowley advises that "As far as I can ascertain, COLIN McDONALDis the oldest surviving Altrincham Player, he is 93. He is closely followed by Peter Higham, also 93, the two were born just a month apart>

16 March, 2025

NEIL'S VIEW

"We need to defend better. It's becoming a problem as we need to score two just to get something out of the game at the minute and you can't always do that.

"But we'll pull together and and play through this bad run we're on".

ALTRINCHAM 1-2 ALDERSHOT TOWN

Right: Jake Bickerstaff was praised by his manager for his hard work against Aldershot Town. Here he appeals for a freekick during the match.

Match report here.

PARKY'S PERSPECTIVE

He referred to having, currently, a "very young side" which has been "depleted with injuries and suspensions to key players".

"We are tired battered and bruised", he added but he remains confident that the team will "come good" through their current problems.

He also pointed out that his team has more points than at this stage last season.

NEXT: WEALDSTONE

Like those clubs they have had their ups and down.

In Wealdstone's case they spent the period from 1988 to 2020 outside the top flight of non-League football.

Since returning to National League level they have finished successively 19th, 16th, 13th and 16th in the division.

Last year was a turbulent one as they lost their manager Stuart Maynard... to Notts County at the start of the year.

His replacement, David Noble only lasted for fifteen games before being shown the door and caretaker Sam Cox managed a creditable 16th place finish.

In May 2024, Matt Taylor was appointed manager with the club still part-time but moving to a so-called hybrid training regime.

His side is currently in 21st position. However, they do have a couple of games in hand on some of the other clubs in relegation danger.

Their recent record has been inconsistent. Three successive wins in February had followed a run of no wins in seven fixtures but before Saturday's draw at home to Eastleigh they had lost two successive games by a 4-1 margin, at Tamworth and Rochdale respectively.

On Saturday, against the Spitfires, they came back from three goals down to draw 3-3.

Also on Saturday, they announced "the signing of free agent winger Mustapha Carayol on a permanent deal.

Primarily a wide player, the former Gambian international is able to play through the middle as either an attacking midfielder or a striker.

Mustapha brings a wealth of experience to his Stones move, with over 300 career appearances, including 124 in the Championship and over 200 across League One and League Two...

In 2012, Mustapha made the move to Championship side Middlesbrough... Loan spells at Brighton & Hove Albion, Huddersfield Town and Leeds United added to an already impressive CV before joining fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest in 2016, on a permanent deal... before making a permanent switch to Ipswich Town at the end of the season.

Spells abroad followed for Mustapha... before returning to England in 2021. The winger has since spent time at both Gillingham and Burton Albion, making 45 appearances in League One, across both spells.

Mustapha joined Exeter City at the start of the current campaign".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Championship : Swansea City left JOSH GINNELLY on the bench as they lost 0-2 to visitors Burnley.

League One : CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was another former Robin confined to a watching brief, Peterborough United winning by the only goal at Cambridge United without needing to bring him on.

OWEN DALE was substituted after 83 minutes at Charlton Athletic, where Wigan Athletic went down 2-1.

TOBY MULLARKEY was booked as Crawley Town crashed 5-1 at managerless Huddersfield Town. He played the whole game, but JUNIOR QUITIRNA only joined the action in the 74th minute.

It was a miserable afternoon for JOEL SENIOR too, as Lincoln City had already wrapped up their 5-0 home win before he got off the Bristol Rovers bench after 82 minutes.

CARL PIERGIANNI scored BOTH goals as Stevenage drew 1-1 at Reading.

JAMES BERRY (right) was a 72nd minute substitute for Wycombe Wanderers against visitors Wrexham, who scored the game's only goal 6 minutes later.

League Two : SONNY ALJOFREE was left on Accrington Stanley's bench as they drew 1-1 with visitors Gillingham, picking up 7 yellow cards in the process.

CHRIS MERRIE (36 minutes) and CONNOR JENNINGS (74 minutes) were both substitutes for Tranmere Rovers who pulled off a shock 0-1 win at Bradford City.

Having been credited with the assist for AFC Wimbledon's opening goal at Carlisle United, ALISTAIR SMITH went on to score the second himself as they went on to win 1-2. JOE HUGILL wasn't in the Carlisle squad.

Morecambe had led 2-0 at the break against visitors Barrow, despite going down to 10 men in the 28th minute. ELLIOT NEWBY assisted the goal by which Barrow reduced the arrears. 10 minutes later they equalised, and the game ended 2-2 despite the hosts throwing on MARCUS DACKERS after 77 minutes.

RYAN COLCLOUGH was an 82nd minute substitute for Chesterfield at Notts County. They scored 6 minutes later for a 1-2 victory.

National League : Oldham Athletic withdrew REAGAN OGLE at the break with visitors Rochdale a goal up. JACK KINGDON played the whole game for the visitors who were eventually held 1-1. JOSH LUNDSTRAM was again missing from the Latics squad - as was KYLE FERGUSON for Rochdale, as he's gone on loan to Yeovil Town where he played the full game in their 0-1 defeat by York City, picking up a yellow card for his pains. The visitors withdrew TYRESE SINCLAIR at half time, while JEFF KING wasn't in their squad.

Having been left on the bench at Yeovil on Tuesday, CONNOR TEALE played the full game as Boston United won by the only goal at Braintree Town.

There was also a full shift from KENNEDY DIGIE as Tamworth won 1-3 at Dagenham and Redbridge. It can only have helped that the home team played with 10 men from the 33rd minute when they were leading.

LIAM HUMBLES played the full match as Gateshead were surprisingly beaten 0-2 at home by a Maidenhead United side lacking MILES WELCH-HAYES.

BILLY SASS-DAVIES completed the ninety minutes as his Hartlepool United side completed their 16th league draw of the season, 1-1, against Solihull Moors.

National North : Although KOLE HALL put Chorley ahead at Needham Market, a late sending off and the resulting 94th minute penalty saw them lose 2-1.

MICHAEL GYASI struck twice as Peterborough Sports beat visitors Darlington 4-1. LUKE BURGESS also hit a double as Southport won 0-2 at Rushall Olympic. ASHLEY HEMMINGS outdid them both, notching a hat trick at South Shields, where Kidderminster Harriers won 0-5.

National South : DANNY CASHMAN opened the scoring as Worthing retained the league leadership, beating visitors Hemel Hempstead 3-0. They actually went 4 points clear as nearest challengers Truro City, despite being two goals up at the break, crashed 3-2 at Enfield Town.

NPL Premier Division : Two goals from HAYDEN CAMPBELL, and another from ADAM PORTER, helped Leek Town to come from 2-1 down at Broadhurst Park and defeat FC United 2-5.

NPL Division 1 West : A-JAY LEITCH-SMITH (above, right) scored the only goal of the game for Hanley Town at Bootle.

Welsh Premier League: There was a clean sheet for JOEL TORRANCE as Bala Town played out a goalless draw with visitors Haverfordwest.

Further to our recent report of the death of STEVE FLEET, Terry Rowley has provided the following additional information.

He was born in Salford on 2nd July 1937. He was with Bolton Wanderers as schoolboy before joining Manchester City from 1957/58 to 1960/61. He went on to make five League appearances and a further one in the League Cup.

Steve moved to Wrexham in June 1963 for £3,500) where he made 96 appearances, folowed by Stockport County from January 1966 where he made 36 appearances.

He joined Altrincham as a player/coach, and in 1968-69, made 19 appearances in the NPL, 2 in the FA Cup, two more in the NPLLC and 4 on the NWFL, keeping 13 clean sheets.

Steve moved onto Chorley (1968/69) and then at Stockport was their youth Manager from 1970, then chief coach. He returned to Man City (youth coach), before a spell abroad in Iceland as manager of Akranes (1981) and I.B. Vestmann (1982-83).

Returning to England, at Birmingham City, Steve was their coach 1983 and subsequently Manchester City's Sports Development Officer (1986) as well as goalkeeping coach and then director of their School of Excellence., leaving in 2000.

After that he worked for Manchester City Council Leisure as an events co-ordinator till his retirement.

Steve Fleet also represented Lancashire Schoolboys at football and cricket.

15 March, 2025

ALTRINCHAM 1-2 ALDERSHOT TOWN

Right: Alex Newby (right) is congratulated on his goal.

With Regan Linney suspended, Tylor Golden an absentee today, an injured list of Joe Nuttall, Ollie Crankshaw, Ethan Ross, Eddy Jones and James Jones, together with Tom Crawford and Lewis Baines being rested on the bench, it was far from the strongest Alty side which was second-best in a goalless first half.

The Shots took a 65th minute lead when Lainton could only parry Frost's shot from the left and Hargreaves was on hand to convert the loose ball.

Alty again laboured after the interval but out of nothing Alex Newby fired in a superb shot from the left to level the score (74 mins).

But then substitute Mullins's floaed cross cum shot sailed over Lainton before dropping into the far corner of his net to seal the points (88 mins).

Math report here...

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Altrincham 1-2 Aldershot Town
• Braintree Town 0-1 Boston United
• Dagenham & Redbridge 1-3 Tamworth
• Ebbsfleet United 1-0 AFC Fylde
• Forest Green Rovers 2-2 Southend United
• Gateshead 0-2 Maidenhead United
• Hartlepool United 1-1 Solihull Moors (ko 5.30pm)
• Oldham Athletic 1-1 Rochdale (ko 12.30pm)
• Sutton United 0-3 FC Halifax Town
• Wealdstone 3-3 Eastleigh
• Woking 0-1 Barnet
• Yeovil Town 0-1 York City

TODAY: ALDERSHOT TOWN

Coincidentally, Altrincham start their own sequence of four successive league games with Aldershot's visit today, having emerged from travelling away to six of their last seven Vanarama National League fixtures.

The Shots won the reverse fixture 2-1, but on their visit to Altrincham last season, Alty won by the same 2-1 margin.

That match, played on a Tuesday night, 3 October, 2023, was an entertaining, end to end game, in which Altrincham extended their winning run to four matches with a narrow win.

Right: The teams take to the field in October 2023,

Altrincham took a 24th minute lead when Conn-Clarke was set running at goal by Eddy Jones and he finished with a strong, low shot into the net to the keeper's right.

The visitors equalised from the penalty spot when Mnoga was upended by Osborne as he advanced into the box. Although Ross had saved three of the four spot-kicks he had previously faced that season, Harries sent him the wrong way to make it 1-1 (72 mins).

But parity lasted barely six minutes before Alex Newby swept home a second goal for the Robins from a Banks feed and that proved decisive. The win left Altrincham in sixth place.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Meanwhile, in Australia's NPL Victoria, CONNOR HAMPSON earned his first start of the season for Oakleigh Cannons in their 1-2 defeat at St.Albans Saints.

At Yeovil Town, Gloverscast reports that "Central defender KYLE FERGUSON (pictured right, playing for Alty against Gateshead's Marcus Dinanga) has arrived at Yeovil Town on loan until the end of the season from National League Premier Division side Rochdale.

The 25-year-old brings much needed cover in the Glovers’ backline following injuries to Morgan Williams and Jake Wannell ahead of the visit of big-spending York City at Huish Park this weekend.

He joins defender Frankie Terry and forwards Ryan McLean, Ciaran McGuckin and Kyrrell Wilson as the fifth loanee on the books, the maximum allowed to feature in a matchday squad... He has not featured for Rochdale since Boxing Day which was his 12th appearance this season. In the 2022/23 season, he had further experience at this level during a loan spell at Altrincham from Harrogate Town".

There is sadder news from Stockport County as they "report the death of our former goalkeeper, Football League champion, caretaker-manager and coach STVE FLEET passed away recently at the age of 87....

He finished in career with Altrincham before returning to Edgeley Park in January 1970 in a role as junior coach. This was to prove an inspired appointment, as Fleet was to find his ideal position, coaching young players".

Footnote: Steve made 19 NPL appearances and two NPL Cup appearances during the 1968/69 season in addition to his involvement in NW Floodlit League games. (Information courtesy of Barry Pikesley).

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Walker, 28, brings a wealth of EFL experience to his loan move at the Stones having consistently played, and scored goals, for a number of Championship, League One and League Two sides, including Nottingham Forest, Coventry City, Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers. He has made 113 appearances in the Championship, 62 appearances in League One and 52 appearances in League Two as well as 4 caps and 2 goals for England U20s.

Tyler's most successful goalscoring season came during a loan move to Mansfield Town for the duration of the 2018/19 season, scoring 22 goals for the Stags in League Two...

The following season Tyler joined Lincoln City on loan for the season... before being recalled by his parent club Nottingham Forest on 30th January 2020.

August 2020 saw Tyler sign for Championship club Coventry City on a three year deal for an undisclosed fee...

Tyler returned to Lincoln City in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer...

Wealdstone FC Supporters Club have played a huge role in securing Tyler's signature, funding his wages until the end of the season".

At Dagenham & Redbridge "striker Marcus Wyllie has agreed to join the club on loan from Gillingham until the end of the season.

Born in Cyprus, Wyllie began his career in Cyprus with APOEL, moving to England at 17.

Returning to England, Wyllie played non-league football with Chesham United Reserves, Risborough Rangers, Berkhamsted and Enfield Town... scoring 34 times in 49 appearances in all competitions during a prolific spell.

Wyllie then signed for Gillingham for an undisclosed fee in July 2024".

14 March 2025

ANSEN STAYS

Having made his debut at Oldham Athletic, following Ethan Ross's season-ending injury, John Edwards wriytes that "The 19-year old was pitched straight into a debut at Boundary Park against Oldham Athletic shortly after arriving on an initial one-month loan...

He kept a clean sheet with an assured performance at Gateshead, where no fewer than eight saves earned him a place in the National League team of the week...

When the opportunity arose to add experience to the goalkeeping ranks in the shape of former Wrexham number one Rob Lainton, Caleb was named on the bench for the subsequent games against York City, Southend United and Rochdale...

Said director of football Marc Tierney, 'The extension includes the play-offs, so it's good to know we will be well catered for in goal, should we get there. This just underlines the benefits to be had from our policy of exploring the Championship and Football League in general for young talent and giving them the chance to develop while also contributing for us on the pitch'".

Caleb has, so far, made four appearances for the club and been an unused sub on four other occasions.

ALTY BOSS "FRUSTRATED"

Linney appeared to catch the side of defender Gus Scott-Morriss’s head with an outstretched arm in the second-half of Alty’s 2-1 defeat...

'It is massively frustrating' said the Alty boss... I’ve got to be careful what I say, but disgrace is certainly a word I will use.

'To tell us at almost 20 past six that we were not going to have Regan with us after the panel deemed that the most minimal of contact was dangerous play is absolutely ridiculous'".

One silver lining is that Regan currently has nine yellow cards in the league and, by missing the next two league games through suspension, he would avoid a ban as the ten cards do not trigger a suspension after game 37.

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

Inside Futbol reports that "Aldershot Town manager Tommy Widdrington has admitted that Leeds United Under-21s are the best team his side have faced in the National League Cup and insisted the young Whites impressed him with their tactical awareness at such a young age.

Leeds United Under-21s have now secured their place in the semi-finals of the newly-formed National League Cup after beating Aldershot Town on Tuesday night. Widdrington also noted the tactical understanding of the Leeds starlets, along with their speed of thought, and admitted that it was a joy to watch the young Whites even though it was painful...

'It has been a really good competition for us'... the Aldershot Town boss told the Shots’ in-house media. And they have shown a level of fitness and speed of thought and tactical nous for young lads that has been a joy to watch, albeit in a difficult way'".

Leeds join Altrincham in the semi-finals of the competition with the draw yet to be announced but with Leeds bwing a likely opponent, given that the competition has tried to take geography into account in arranging fixtures.

As for the Shots they made numerous changes for the cup match so most of their squad will be rested for their visit to the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

They arrive in good league form having just completed four successive home games, of which they have won three and drawn the fourth game

Aldershot Town have also reported that "During Tuesday night's National League Cup Quarter-Final, Tyler Frost, who was skippering the side, became our latest Shots Centurion by making his 100th appearance.

Signing for the Shots in early February 2023, Frost made his debut at the EBB Stadium just a day after his signing".

DEFEATS FOR BOTH ACADEMY SIDES

In a match played at Vauxhall Motors, the other Academy side, Altrincham FC Under-19s, also went down to a defeat in their National Football Youth League NW Division fixture. They lost 3-1 to Everton FC NWC who were, and remain, third from bottom. Alty remain second but are now six points adrift of the leaders, Steven Gerrard Academy, who also have two games in hand.

The much changed Altrincham starting eleven comprised (in alphabetical order) Christopher Antoniades, Oscar Cooper, Kian Gonzalez-Moghaddam, Charlie Hough, William Knowles, Jacob Martin, Callum McCormack, Charlie Noble, Jimmy Taafe, Henry Watts, Charley Renshaw. The three used subs were Jacob Hill, Harry St Romaine and Kyran Webster.

Renshaw was the Altrincham goal scorer.

ALTY COLTS SECURE A DRAW

ALTY OLD BOYS

Maxi was credited with the assist as Legia went 2-0 up on the night in the 108th minute, and held on to claim a 4-3 aggregate win. The Polish side will now meet competition favourites Chelsea in the quarter finals.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

First, the club extends its best wishes to Alex Fletcher, who has joined Rushall Olympic on a one-month loan...

In addition, Tamworth FC is pleased to confirm the loan extension of Ronan Maher from Walsall for another month, ensuring his continued presence in the squad."

Yeovil Town state that "As we navigate a challenging period with multiple injuries, here’s the latest on our sidelined players and their expected return timelines.

Jake Wannell is working hard on his recovery from a calf strain and is expected to return in 2-3 weeks. Michael Smith is also progressing well following a hamstring strain and should be back in action within 2 weeks. Both are making good progress and should be available soon.

Morgan Williams and Aaron Jarvis are both dealing with hamstring tears, with hopes that they’ll both return in an estimated 4-6 weeks. Jacob Maddox continues to be monitored as he recovers from a foot injury, with no confirmed return date at this stage. Caleb Hughes underwent surgery for a hamstring tear, meaning his recovery will be long-term, and we will provide further updates when available.

James Plant has also had surgery for his hamstring tear and has returned to Port Vale for rehabilitation. Sean McGurk has returned to Swindon Town for treatment following a thigh strain, and his return remains uncertain. We wish both Sean and James the very best in their recoveries at their respective clubs.

Wealdstone are the visitors to the J.Davidson Stadium next Tuesday. From West London port we learn that "Winger Todd Miller has left Wealdstone after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

The 22-year-old signed a two-year deal when he joined in June 2024. He made six appearances for the Stones.

Miller was previously at Brighton and also had a spell at Bromley.

At Solihull Moors "Fin Holmes has been recalled from his loan at Bromsgrove Sporting with immediate effect.

The talented winger has returned to the Moors following an impressive stint with the Rouslers since joining them back in October.

During his time with Bromsgrove, Holmes has picked up multiple Player of the Match awards whilst also scoring five goals in 17 appearances for the Step Three side".

At Ebbsfleet United "The club can confirm that Todd Kane’s contract has been terminated by mutual consent.

The 31-year-old arrived in September as a free agent following a spell with Stockport County at the end of last season. He has since made 15 appearances for the Fleet in all competitions, scoring at Sutton United in the FA Trophy.

The club wishes Todd the very best for the future".

13 March 2025

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

A firm date for the fixtureS has yet to be announced.

COMMUNITY SPORTS ANNIVERSARY PARTY

We have food available to purchase, (chips, Hot dogs and chilli / rice) and the bar will be open throughout. There will be entertainment for the children with Pete Scotson in attendance and a Chocolate Tombola where prizes will be plentiful.

A football shooting competition will be taking place outside the Hall and a video depicting the story of the Community Sports Hall from inception to its present usage will run on the big screens, thanks to Mark Bennett and Alty TV.

Come on down and have a fun afternoon".

ROCHDALE v ALTY HIGHLIGHTS

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

On Tuesday night they lost 1-3 at home to Leeds United's U21 team in the quarter-finals of the National League Cup.

Aldershot Town report that "their National League Cup journey came to an end. Kai Corbett gave the National League side a first-half lead but three second-half goals from the young Yorkshiremen saw them secure the win.

With a packed week of four games in seven days, eight changes were made to the Shots side that ran out 3-1 winners over Gateshead in the Vanarama National League clash at the EBB Stadium on Saturday.

James Henry made a return to the squad after his recent absences through injury, Keane Anderson and Ollie Bray were put straight into the starting XI following their returns from their loan spells and and Jordi van Stappershoef, Luke Jenkins, Kai Corbett, Maxwell Mullins and Emmanuel Maja were given starts.

Only Tyler Frost, Ryan Jones and Dan Ellison remained in the side as Frost skippered the Shot on his 100th appearance. A change of formation saw Frost and Jones as full-backs in a back four with Anderson and Maja manning a midfield pairing, Corbett and Bray were on the wings and Mullins was up top...

Attendance [was] 851

Shots lineup: 1. Jordi van Stappershoef, 4. Luke Jenkins, 8. Tyler Frost (C) (40. Zion Nditi, 81′), 9. Kai Corbett, 11. Ryan Jones (30. Joe Lewis-Evans, 82′), 12. Keane Anderson, 14. Ollie Bray (22. Jack Barham, 73′), 24. Maxwell Mullins, 27. James Henry (7. Cameron Hargreaves, 73′), 32. Emmanuel Maja, 35. Dan Ellison. Subs not used: 28. Marcus Dewhurst, 17. Aaron Jones, 31. Freddie Stanley".

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH

Their last game on that date was eleven years ago, an away trip to Solihull Moors, watched by just 438 spectators. Altrincham emerged the winners 1-0.

Watched by Lee Sinnott and Neil Tolson, Stuart Coburn puts (no.9) Dior Angus's freekick out for a corner . Dior, of course, later joined Altrincham.

After the Moors had enjoyed some pressure midway through the first half, Altrincham twice hit the bar and then went ahead in the final moments of first-half added time. Clee's toe-poke and Walshaw's lob had both hit the woodwork before an excellent freekick from the left by Lawrie was glanced home by Marshall's head to give Alty an interval lead.

Moors came at Alty in the second half till the visitors raised their game late on and deservedly held on.

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Singh has promised to fund the wages of the players and staff until the end of the season.

He said in a statement on the club's website that personal abuse from a section of the club's fan base was behind his reason to quit.

The businessman took over Pools in 2018 and oversaw promotion back to the English Football League in 2021.

But Singh put the club up for sale in April 2023 following relegation back to the National League, but nothing has materialised...

Singh's tenure has seen him employ 12 different managers or head coaches, with three this season alone...

He said 'I have genuinely dedicated my time, funding and energy to help, and always with the best of intentions. Regrettably, some supporters, and notably a certain supporter group, have made it clear that they want new ownership, no matter what the consequences, and there comes a point where the personal abuse and misrepresentation of information is untenable...

'The team is in a relatively safe position in the league and there is the opportunity to negotiate both existing and new player contracts ahead of the summer.'"

An interim board will be set up to run the club".

Shortly before facing Altrincham on Tuesday night, Rochdale announced "the loan signing of wide player Michael Adu-Poku.

The 19-year-old joins from Sky Bet Championship side Watford on a deal until the end of the season.

Adu-Poku joined fellow National League side Solihull Moors in October, making 13 appearances... The versatile player was then recalled by the Hornets on 25th January, having not played for the Moors since Boxing Day.

He first joined Watford in 2018 at the age of 12... He then spent time on loan to Southern League Central Division side King’s Langley before joining Maidstone United in March of last year... Michael trained with Watford’s first team during the summer and earned himself a new three-year deal with the club in October".

Boston United "chairman David Newton has issued an update...

"We thoroughly deserved the promotion with the performances in the latter part of last season, and we were the better side all through the play-offs, but we were not quite prepared for the step up to the National League. Not many teams are – there is always a period of adjustment.

"The move to hybrid training (where we train three days per week) was taken as a transition from part-time (training two evenings) and as a first step towards full-time football. The hybrid model has proved to be successful with the promotion, and we have been monitoring how things have gone this season.

"Of course, we are desperate to remain in the National League, and we feel we have the right management team, and squad, to make that happen. We will add further to the squad if the right players become available. We are starting to build the momentum needed to secure that league position...

"We have decided that the club will go full-time next season, as we do not wish to just 'stay' in the National League – we wish to compete. Although I cannot even contemplate this at the moment, if we did not retain our National League position, this would give ourselves the best chance of bouncing back.

"We already have a healthy budget for the National League, which is similar to what Graham worked with in League 2, and that will not change significantly, but moving to full-time creates opportunities for bringing in different types of players, and we would look to have more accommodation available, so travel distance is not such a barrier to players joining Boston United".

12 March 2025

POST-MATCH PARKINSON

"We've got to do better than what we are at the moment" he added but pointed to the lengthy injury list in recent games.

As for Linney's retrospective red card he described it as a "disgrace" only to be told at 6.20pm on Tuesday night that Linney had been suspended after the "minimum of contact" against Southend's Scott-Moriss.

ROCHDALE 3-0 ALTRINCHAM

Without Regan Linney who had been suspended for three games following video review of an alleged elbowing incident at Southend last Saturday, and with Banks and Osborne dropped to the bench and Joe Nuttall not in the squad at all, in to the starting eleven came Bickerstaff, Pasiek, Amaluzor and Wilson. In addition, goalkeeper Ross, as well as a trio of defenders in Olson and the two Joneses, all remained unavailable through injury.

After Altrincham had been caught offside four times in the opening 15 minutes, the game reached half-time goalless, with the Dale having had the better of things. However, just before the interval Newby came off second best in a one on one against the keeper, which might have put Alty ahead.

At the other end, Alty were indebted to two first-half saves from Lainton in as many minutes. The first was a point blank reaction save from a McBride header (35 mins) and the second was from a shot by Barlow (37 mins).

That brace came immediately after Alty's best spell of the half, when three corners had been won in succession.

The second half saw Rochdale largely dominate before two goals in four minutes effectively settled the outcome. The first came when Marriott lost possession deep in the Rochdale half and Bird adavnced before feeding Allarakhia to his left. His cross into the goalmouth was converted by Barlow (64 mins).

The second goal came when Baines lost out some 35 yards from his goal and Bird advanced to fire past Lainton (68 mins).

The third goal followed a long punt upfield by the home keeper Waller from which substitute Mitchell got the better of Baines and, despite a mishit shot, his effort bobbled past Lainton into the net (82 mins).

Match report here.

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

After Tuesday's games, the Hampshire club lie 18th in the National League.

Having won just one of eleven league fixtures in the three-months to mid-February, albeit an impressive 3-1 outcome at Oldham, Aldershot's form has picked up markedly and they will arrive at Moss Lane having just completed four successive home games, of which they have won three and drawn the fourth game.

Likewise, Altrincham are about to embark on their own run of four successive home matches and will be keen to emulate the Shots' results.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One: Trailing 2-0 at St.Andrews to league leaders Birmingham City, Stevenage withdrew CARL PIERGIANNI after 84 minutes, but although they reduced the arrears late on they returned to Hertfordshire empty handed.

Another former Robin not to last the full game was JOEL SENIOR. Bristol Rovers had led twice, only to see visitors Bolton Wanderers equalise both goals. Joel went off after 76 minutes, and his side went ahead for the third time in the 88th minute. This time Wanderers were unable to cut the deficit.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA (right) was booked, and TOBY MULLARKEY left the action after 84 minutes as Crawley Town lost to visitors Charlton Athletic by the only goal of the game.

League Two : By the time AFC Wimbledon substituted ALISTAIR SMITH after 87 minutes, all the goals had been scored in their 1-2 home defeat by Cheltenham Town.

Chesterfield took full advantage of hosts Salford City being reduced to 10 men when the game was still goalless in the 24th. When RYAN COLCLOUGH came off the bench in the 66th minute, they'd already scored three times, and deep into added time they sealed a 0-4 victory.

National League : Oldham Athletic were again without JOSH LUNDSTRAM, but REAGAN OGLE put in a full shift as they beat visitors Eastleigh 2-0.

MATT GOULD (right) was in his usual spot on the Yeovil Town bench, while visitors Boston United left CONNOR TEALE on theirs as they comfortably won 0-3.

National North : After relegation threatened Warrington Town had gone ahead at the Deva Stadium, TOM PEERS scored from the spot to send Chester in level at the break. It was DAN MOONEY who rounded off the scoring in the 86th minute as they won 3-1.

After Darlington had led at the break, BRAD JACKSON put Radcliffe back on terms - however the home side won 2-1 in the 98th minute

ASHLEY HEMMINGS gave Kidderminster Harriers the lead at Leamington, but they were disappointingly held 1-1.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

Tuesday, 11 March 2025

• Aldershot Town 1-3 Leeds United U21
• Braintree Town 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion U21

There are now three VNL clubs in the semi-finals, (Altrincham, Sutton United and Braintree Town) along with Leeds United U21. Hopefully the "draw" will be arranged to avoid any long journey for the NL club that will not get a home tie.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The attacking midfielder joins the Spitfires following a two-year stint with... Tamworth. During their Vanarama National League North title winning campaign last season, he contributed nine goals in his 42 appearances...

So far in the 2024/25 season, Tshikuna has racked up a tally of eight goals in the league...

Tshikuna signs his first full-time contract in football, and will be with the Spitfires for the remainder of the season.

Tshikuna said 'With [Eastleigh] being a full-time outfit, it sparked interest in my mind!'".

At Southend United, striker "Macauley Bonne is keen to help the Shrimpers kick on following an important 2-1 win last Saturday against Altrincham...

The win puts Southend United within three points of Alty, who occupy the final play-offs spot...

'We knew how big this game was coming into it,' Bonne explained... 'Altrincham being a team in the play-offs, we’re chasing them down... We’ve been on a run of drawing games and picking points up, but now we are looking to keep picking up three points and we’ll see where we get to at the end of the season'...

Head coach Kevin Maher opted to give Bonne a breather by substituting him for the final few minutes of the match, prompting a standing ovation from Roots Hall...

'I want to get play-offs and obviously I’ll do everything I can to help the team get there. We’ve got 10 games left now to make something happen this season@">

11 March 2025

LINE-UPS AT ROCHDALE

ALTRINCHAM: 26. Rob LAINTON, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 5. Jake COOPER, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 32. Kacper PASIEK, 8. Isaac MARRIOTT, 19. George WILSON, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 10. Alex NEWBY, 11. Justin AMALUZOR, 29. Jake BICKERSTAFF Subs: 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 2. Lewis BANKS, 14. Matty KOSYLO, 20. Kahrel REDDIN, 17. Luke WEAVER, 21. Caleb ANSEN (gk).

Rochdale brought in McBride for Gordon as their only starting change from Saturday's win over Wealdstone.

ROCHDALE: 13. Sam Waller, 28. Jack Kingdon, 26. Liam Hogan, 33. Sam Beckwith, 4. Ryan East, 8. Harvey Gilmour, 14. Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, 7. Tarryn Allarakhia, 18. Aidan Barlow, 21. C McBride, 27. Jay Bird. Subs: 6. Ethan Ebanks-Landell (c), 9. Kairo Mitchell, 16. Kyle Ferguson, 18. Ayinde, 30. Jili Buyabu, 31. Curtis Weston, 40. Ian Henderson

DALE BOSS SPEAKS OF "DEADLY" ALTRINCHAM

'We’re going to play a really dangerous team', says Jimmy. 'They’ve been deadly to opponents this season in terms of scoring goals. They’ll be eager to respond after their defeat at Southend United which is a tough place to go.

'We were very good against them 10 days ago and we will look to be that again if we can be'...

Midfielder Harvey Gilmour [said] 'We thought it was a very hard game against Alty last week and we think we have more than enough to deal with what they have.

'The likes of Regan Linney and Alex Newby are dangerous, we know how good they are'".

TONIGHT: ROCHDALE

The previous five away Vanarama National League (VNL) fixtures have yielded an excellent ten points but Alty go into tonight's game on the back of three defeats in their last four matches in all competitions, if the National League Cup shootout victory over Newcastle United U21s is discounted.

• Sat.22.2.25 Home, VNL, AFC Fylde, LOST 1-2
• Sat.1.3.25 Away, FAT, Rochdale, LOST 0-2
• Tue.4.3.25 Away, VNL, York City, WON 2-1
• Sat.8.3.25 Away, VNL, Southend United, LOST 1-2

Tonight's fixture should have been played on New Year's Day but it was postponed owing to bad weather on that date.

With the exception of FC Halifax Town, Rochdale are the lowest scorers in the top 12 but they are also the joint best defenders, having conceded just 29 goals. They have two games in hand on Altrincham so a Robins win would make them six points adrift.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Polish Ekstraklasa: Despite being considered good enough to earn a full Polish cap last year, MAXI OYEDELE (right) has only played the full game for Legia Warsaw once.

Having played just over an hour in the Europa Conference League defeat in Norway last Thursday, he was dropped to the bench for the league game at Motor Lublin.

Legia led three times before conceding a third equaliser to a 100th minute penalty - the Legia keeper actually stopped it but the rebound was put away.

Maxi wasn't brought off the bench although Legia did make five substitutions. They really needed to win the game, but are now 8 points behind third-placed Jagiellonia - and there are only 3 European places open to Polish clubs.

Back in England, in National South, Worthing trailed at the break on their visit to Aveley, but 2 strikes in 5 minutes from DANNY CASHMAN turned things round to give them the points. Worthing are now 4 points clear at the top of the league, having won 5 of their last 6 games.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Forest Green Rovers 2-1 Sutton United
• Oldham Athletic 2-0 Eastleigh
• Rochdale 3-0 Altrincham
• Yeovil Town 0-3 Boston United

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP FIXTURES

Tuesday, 11 March 2025

• Aldershot Town v Leeds United U21
• Braintree Town v Brighton & Hove Albion U21

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Essex aide has gleaned eleven points from its last half-dozen fixtures to lift themselves to sixteenth, seven points clear of the relegation places.

On Saturday, The Iron won 2-0 at AFC Fylde who report that "It was defeat for ten-man AFC Fylde who fell to a 2-0 defeat against Braintree Town...

Goals from Jermaine Francis and Kyrell Lisbie in either half condemned Fylde to a disappointing result at Mill Farm.

Fylde dominated the early stages of the contest... Despite all the one-way pressure, it was Braintree who opened the scoring on 35 minutes as Jermaine Francis crept in behind the Fylde defence and slotted past Ben Winterbottom to break the deadlock...

Things got worse for Longwell and Neal’s side as Braintree made it two on the hour mark with a back-post finish from a set-piece.

Not long after returning from injury, Jon Ustabasi saw red for Fylde after a late challenge on James Vennings".

Dagenham & Redbridge "confirm that experienced defender Michael Hector has agreed to join the club on a deal until the end of the season.

Hector began his career in the youth systems of Millwall and Reading... His performances at Reading caught the eye of Premier League giants Chelsea, who signed him in 2015.

During his time at the Blues, Hector gained valuable experience through loan spells at clubs such as Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday, and Eintracht Frankfurt, where he played in the Bundesliga.

After leaving Chelsea, Hector joined Fulham, where he played a key role in their 2019/20 promotion-winning campaign to the Premier League".

Josh Emmanuel has joined FC Halifax Town from Doncaster Rovers

Capable of playing all down the right side, Emmanuel spent time in the academies at West Ham United and Ipswich Town... Whilst with Ipswich, Emmanuel had loan spells at Crawley Town, Rotherham United, and Shrewsbury Town before he was released by the Tractor Boys in 2019.

Subsequently, the defender signed for Bolton Wanderers in League One and made over 30 appearances... Prior to the start of the 2020/21 season, Emmanuel signed for Hull City and made over 30 appearances in all competitions....

After two and a half years with the Tigers, Emmanuel made the switch to Grimsby Town in League Two... Following the end of the 2022/23 season, Emmanuel was released and signed for Carlisle United in League One. However, following Carlisle’s relegation back to League Two, the defender was again released and signed for Doncaster Rovers."

10 July 2025

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM SOUTHEND

NEXT: ROCHDALE

Tobi Adebayo-Rowling scored inside the first ten minutes to put Dale in front, before two goals in quick succession after the break from Ian Henderson and Tarryn Allarakhia put Dale in cruise control.

The visitors pulled one back but Aidan Barlow restored the three goal cushion to make the three points comfortable.

Jimmy McNulty made four changes to his starting line-up from Tuesday’s win over Gateshead, as the match-winner Tarryn Allarakhia started, alongside Aidan Barlow, Jay Bird and Ian Henderson. Club captain Ethan Ebanks-Landell was back in a matchday squad for the first time since August...

Club captain Ebanks-Landell returned to the pitch as a late substitute, to cap a fine week for McNulty’s men.

Dale XI | Waller, East, Allarakhia (63’ Buyabu), Gilmour ©, Adebayo-Rowling, Barlow (84’ Burger), Hogan (88’ Ebanks-Landell), Bird (69’ Mitchell), Kingdon, Beckwith, Henderson (60’ McBride). Unused subs | Ferguson, Weston".

THROUGH THE YEARS: 11 MARCH

As is shown by Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's updated Through the Years, Alty's last game on 11 March was a 2-0 away win over York City in the FA Trophy 6th Round in 2023.

You have to go back to 2017 for the last league match on 11 March, when Alty won one-nil at Boston United, a rare win in that troubled season, which ended in relegation..

Right, Alty's management duo, Robbie Lawton and Matt Doughty, salute the travelling supporters at Boston after the final whistle in 2017. Behind them are Laurence Taylor, Nicky Clee and Sam Patterson.

Altrincham lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with the deserved win at Boston, where home supporters had yet to witness a league win on a Saturday this season.

Although Boston had more of the first-half attacking momentum, and hit the post through Hilliard, Alty took a 32nd minute lead when Elliott Newby finished well from a smart feed by Nicky Clee.

Boston laboured after the break and were hampered further for the final stages of the game by an injury to Robinson who had to limp on after all three substitutions had been made.

But, above all, it was a good team performance by Altrincham which earned the three points.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Although they are third, only a single point separates 2nd from 5th, while Avondale Athletic have a 100% record and are already 4 points clear after 5 games.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Earlier this year, Mr Davy submitted proposals to acquire the Shay Stadium to owners Calderdale Council... It is home to football club FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers rugby league club.

Mr Davy has said he wants his Super League side the Giants to play there while a new stadium for his side was being built, and then to offer ownership of The Shay back to FC Halifax Town and the Panthers.

The council’s Cabinet meets to make their decision at Halifax Town Hall from 4pm on Monday, March 17.

The recommendation made to councillors from their council officers is that they support Mr Davy’s proposal to acquire the Shay...

The deal must also include capital investment in the pitch and stadium facilities promised by Mr Davy...

The council’s 2024 budget proposals stated disposal of the Shay would save £161,000 annually.

But the papers say it is anticipated that that the saving will be much greater as, based on current expenditure, a subsidy of between £350,000 and £500,000 is made each year".

The Oldham Chronicle tells us that "Latics' National League winless run extended to seven matches following a 1-1 draw at Tamworth.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 35th minute... with Joe Pritchard slotting home the spot-kick.

Tamworth equalised seven minutes later when Ronan Maher's brilliant left-wing cross found Dan Creaney to head past keeper Tom Donaghy...

The Latics remain in fifth despite their recent dip in form...

Latics boss Micky Mellon said 'We tried everything we could to try to get the win, we threw people on to try to get it.'"

9 March, 2025

SOUTHEND UNITED 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

The Alty keeper redeemed himself with two excellent saves before Bonne made it 2-0 after a Banks slip (38 mins).

Half-time found Alty still trailing 2-0 after a very disappointing showing in the first 45 minutes.

Alty started the second half in much improved fashion and won four corners in six minutes.

Altrincham then pulled a goal back on the hour mark when Linney (right) finished well before Southend quelled the revival by the visitors. But Golding's error gave Linney a late chance which he fluffed, his effort clearing the bar (88 mins).

Despite seven added minutes, in which Altrincham applied pressure, they could not get an equaliser with Linney missing a good chance.

Match report here

POST-MATCH MANAGERS

The Altrincham manager remarked that “Obviously we're always disappointed when we don't get a win... I thought the first half we were diabolical. We were talking about making four or five changes at half-time, but we wanted to give them five or 10 minutes.

“It was right to do that because then they settled and they got in the rhythm. Second half the lads were outstanding.”

His opposite number Kevin Maher told the NL Paper, "I am delighted with the result, of course, against a team who are notoriously in the play-offs most seasons [!sic]. They're in good form, especially away from home...

"We played ever so well first half... but I didn't like how we started the second half in terms of the basics and looking after the ball. We let them back into it a litle bit but they're going to do that because they've got some very good players.

"They kept bringing on attacking ones as well and kept on pushing".

SOUTHEND'S VIEW

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : After missing 10 games through injury, TOBY MULLARKEY returned to the Crawley Town lineup at home to Reading. By the time JUNIOR QUITIRNA joined him from the bench after 68 minutestheir side were trailing, but they snatched a 1-1 draw in the 90th minute.

Draws are not a great help to them though - they're currently 9 points adrift of the two clubs just above the relegation zone. Both of those clubs have Alty Old Boys in their squads - Peterborough United left CHRIS CONN-CLARKE on the bench as they were victims of a 93rd minute equaliser in a 1-1 home draw against Wycombe Wanderers, while the same situation was faced by JOEL SENIOR as Bristol Rovers shocked visitors Huddersfield Town 1-0.

Joel Senior, Alistair Smith and Ryan Colclough were all in action on Saturday.

CARL PIERGIANNI played the full game as Stevenage were held 1-1 by visitors Mansfield Town, whilst OWEN DALE came on at the start of the second half to help Wigan Athletic earn a 1-0 home win against Cambridge United.

League Two : AFC Wimbledon leapfrogged visitors Notts County to keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive, beating them 2-0 with ALISTAIR SMITH scoring the second.

Barrow won their home game against Accrington Stanley 2-0, with ELLIOT NEWBY playing the full game. However, SONNY ALJOFREE was left on the bench by the visitors.

Chesterfield beat visitors Newport County, coming from behind to win 2-1 - all three goals came in a 5 minute spell just before the interval. RYAN COLCLOUGH only came on in the 93rd minute.

It was goalless at Harrogate Town when Carlisle United's bid to resolve the stalemate included bringing on JOE HUGILL in the 66th minute. Alas the only goal of the game was an own goal that gave Harrogate the points in the 95th minute.

MK Dons had completed their 2-1 home win by the time Morecambe introduced MARCUS DACKERS after 82 minutes.

It was 1-1 at Prenton Park when Tranmere Rovers brought on CHRIS MERRIE in the 66th minute of their game with Bromley. They scored the winner 4 minutes later. CONNOR JENNINGS had to wait until the 75th minute to join the action.

National League : A full shift from LIAM HUMBLES (right) couldn't save Gateshead from going down 3-1 at Aldershot.

CONNOR TEALE played the full match for Boston United as they came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 home draw with Woking.

BILLY SASS-DAVIES was preferred to unused substitute LUKE WATERFALL as Hartlepool United confirmed their status as the league's draw specialists, in this case sharing two goals at Eastleigh. They have won only one of their last 12 games, but have drawn exactly half of them.

MILES WELCH-HAYES played the whole game, but Maidenhead United went down to a lone goal from visitors Sutton United.

JACK KINGDON (right) played the whole game game as Rochdale comfortably saw off visitors Wealdstone 4-1, but KYLE FERGUSON stayed on the bench.

In Tamworth's 1-1 draw at home to Oldham Athletic, KENNEDY DIGIE and REAGAN OGLE played throughout for their respective teams.

In the early evening match, York City were drawing one-apiece with Forest Green Rovers when the Minstermen brought on TYRESE SINCLAIR midway through the scond half but the score remained 1-1.

National North : Although TOM PEERS scored twice in the opening 21 minutes, Chester eventually succumbed 3-2 at Chorley.

ASHLEY HEMMINGS (right) opened the scoring as Kidderminster Harriers comfortably beat visitors Scarborough Athletic 3-0.

Buxton ran riot at Oxford City, CONNOR KIRBY scoring the second goal of their unanswered seven. Oxford weren't helped by a red card at 0-4 in the 56th minute.

BRAD JACKSON was dismissed for a second yellow card as Radcliffe lost 1-2 to visitors Curzon Ashton.

NPL Division 1 West : JOE PIGGOTT scored the second as Atherton Collieries saw off visitors Trafford 4-0.

SEAN WILLIAMS was the Bootle scored in a 1-1 draw at home to Witton Albion.

SEAN MILLER put Widnes ahead from the spot, and although visitors Chasetown levelled the hosts eventually won 3-2.

Nantwich Town stole the points at Wythenshawe Town with a 95th minute BYRON HARRISON strike giving them victory by the odd goal in three.

NWCL Premier Division : JOHN JOHNSTON opened the scoring as Irlam went two up, but visitors Colne came back to draw 2-2.

Welsh Premier League : JOEL TORRANCE and his Bala Town colleagues were on the wrong end of a 3-2 result at Penybont.

8 March 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde 0-2 Braintree Town
• Aldershot Town 3-1 Gateshead
• Barnet 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge (k.o. 12.30pm)
• Boston United 2-2 Woking
• Eastleigh 1-1 Hartlepool United
• FC Halifax Town 1-0 Yeovil Town
• Maidenhead United 0-1 Sutton United
• Rochdale 4-1 Wealdstone
• Solihull Moors 2-1 Ebbsfleet United
• Southend United 2-1 Altrincham
• Tamworth 1-1 Oldham Athletic
• York City 1-1 Forest Green Rovers (k.o. 5.30pm)

TODAY: SOUTHEND UNITED

Southend are unbeaten in their last six league games, albeit they have drawn four of those matches.

For their part, Altrincham have won four and drawn one of their last six outings in the Vanarama National League, three of the wins and the draw having been achieved on the road. Their only defeat in that sequence was at home to AFC Fylde.

Loanee Kian Taylor has returned to Deepdale (see below) and seven others were not in last Saturday's squad. They were Ross, Olson, Crankshaw, Wilson and Eddy Jones who were all injured, whilst James Jones is also believed to be unfit after failing to complete the FA Trophy game at Rochdale. In addition Luke Weaver was omitted from the squad for reasons which may, or may not, be related to fitness.

The Southend Echo tells us that the hosts have their own selection problems as "Southend United boss Kevin Maher must make a number of fitness checks before finalising his starting line-up against Altrincham tomorrow".

ALTY "GOOD AT ATTACKING AND OVERLOADING"

The 27-year-old defender has stepped up in the absence of Nathan Ralph...

Taylor explained 'You feel like you’ve got a bit more responsibility, but everyone talks to each other in the team and backs each other'...

With fellow defenders Gus Scott-Morriss leading the scoring charts and James Golding finding the net in both of the last two matches, Taylor spoke about the importance of covering to give players licence to get forward...

'When Gus goes wandering it gets us goals. It’s high risk, but high reward because he’s go... 15 goals – we have to be ready to cover'".

As for Altrincham, Taylor believs "It’s another tough game. They’re good at attacking and overloading areas, so we’ve got to get our shape right. Their front four are quite dangerous, but if we’re on our game we should be all right.”

KIAN DEPARTS

20 year-old Kian arrived from Preston North End on a one-month loan, as Alty' fifth loanee of the season, as was announced on 31 January 2025. He joined fellow Preston loanee Kacper Pasiek at Moss Lane but the two never played together for Alty as Pasiek was briefly recalled to Deepdale. When Kacper returned, the Deepdale duo were both named in the squad at Fylde but Kian was the only one of the two to get on the pitch in that game.

Kian's Alty debut was off the bench against Braintree Town on 8 February 2025. He went onto make 4(+2) appearances, though he missed his potential farewell game through illness. He scored two goals, a header against Newcastle United U21s in the National League Cup and the winner against Gateshead in the Vanarama National League.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The MEN states "Tommy Heron (left), originally from Irvine in Scotland, aged 88, was a member of the Manchester United squad from 1958-61. Tommy earned three senior appearances during his time at the club...

Tommy was greeted with a hero's welcome as the former Manchester United left-back returned to Old Trafford... where Tommy regaled staff with stories from his playing days. Reminiscing about his pre-match routine at United, Tommy couldn’t help but laugh as he joked 'A glass of whisky and a cigarette after a couple of hours sleep from the previous night out shenanigans'...

Tommy moved on to York City in 1961, where he went on to play 192 times. Tommy also played for Altrincham, Hyde United and Droylsden during his playing career before retiring in 1970."

A much more recent Alty Old Boy is the subject of Phil Jordan's report on Thursday's action in the Irish Premier League, where, "having served his one match ban following his added time dismissal against Sligo Rovers, BARRY BAGGLEY returned to the St.Patrick's Athletic lineup at Shamrock Rovers, but the hosts scored the game's only goal".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The full-back has featured 26 times for Rovers after joining in August 2023.

He has made 11 appearances in all competitions this campaign including six times off the bench".

But he subsequently re-appeared as Yeovil Town were "pleased to confirm the signing of Marcel Lavinier, who joins us on a deal until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old defender spent a significant part of his youth career at Chelsea before moving to Tottenham Hotspur. It was at Spurs that he made a Europa League appearance...

Following his departure from the Premier League side, Marcel joined Swindon Town in the summer of 2022. After making 25 appearances for the Wiltshire club, he moved on to Forest Green Rovers".

And also at Yeovil Town, the Glovers "confirm the signing of Frankie Terry, who joins us on loan from Colchester United until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old defender, son of former Glover Paul Terry, began his career in Colchester’s academy and has made six first team appearances for the Essex side.

During his time with the U’s, Terry has had loan spells at Chelmsford City, Aveley, and Braintree Town, gaining valuable experience in senior football...

He is also the nephew of John Terry and Paul Konchesky."

7 March 2025

NEXT: SOUTHEND UNITED

Under-16 tickets are available for Saturday's match at Roots Hall for just £1 while 17- to 22-year-olds can attend for £5...

Said the Blues boss, 'Any initiatives we can do to get people through the gate, especially young people, is really good... It boosts the numbers even though the support has been brilliant this season...

'I've got three boys who all want to go to [Premier League] football. Add my wife and I and that's five of us and the cost of that for a day out becomes really tough but local football is becoming really accessible.

'You get closer to the players and they're relatable too'"

Meanwhile, Altrincham will be hoping to have some increased player-availability on Saturday after seven first-teamers were missing from the matchday squad in midweek at York.

The surprise absentee was Luke Weaver (left) whose current fitness status is unknown, whilst James Jones also failed to make the squad for reasons which were not known.

Already missing from the squad with medium or long-term injuries were Ollie Crankshaw, Ethan Ross, Charlie Olson and George Wilson, as well as loanee Kian Taylor who missed the last two matches through illness and has now returned to parent club Preston North End.

Add to the possible further absence of those seven the fact that Isaac Marriott is still feeling his way back to fitness having played less than the equivalent of four full league games this season and Phil Parkinson's options for change are limited.

TWO DEFEATS FOR ACADEMY SIDES

It was also a disappointing day for the other Academy side, Altrincham FC Under-19s. They lost 2-4 at home to Liverpool FEFA NWC 1 and have now fallen six points behind the league leaders the Steven Gerrard Academy Kirkby who also have a game in hand.

The Altrincham starting eleven comprised Louie Fallon, Christopher Antoniades, Jacob Hill, Charlie Hough, Ryan Knowles, Callum McCormack, Harry St Romaine, Jimmy Taafe, Kyran Webster, Nathan Wood snd Charley Renshaw. The substitutes were Charlie Hough Remi Raymond, Henry Watts, Thomas Whyte and Noah Lavin.

The Merseysiders led 3-0 at the interval. Altrincham's goals were both scored in the second half by Noah Lavin.

CATCH UP ON ALTY COLTS

They remain bottom of the NWYA Developemnt Division.

• 02/03/25 LEAGUE: Altrincham AFC Colts 1-1 Chester FC Colts
• 16/02/25 DEVELOPMENT CUP GROUP STAGE: Altrincham AFC Colts 0-1 Chester FC Colts
• 09/02/25 LEAGUE AFC Fylde Colts 2-0 Altrincham AFC Colts

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 4 league games that Dermot played for Altrincham during his 2022 loan spell remain his only appearances in "men's" football.

Europa Conference League : Legia Warsaw had a nightmare start against Molde in Norway, finding themselves 3-0 down before the break.

After MAXI OYEDELE had been withdrawn on 61 minutes, they fought back, and scored twice to give themselves a chance of progressing back in Poland next week.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

A miserable run of just one win in their last 11 matches, including four successive defeats, has seen Pools slip to 14th in the National League...

While Limbrick has come in for considerable criticism after winning just one of his first seven matches since replacing Lennie Lawrence in the dugout...

Two wins should, in theory at least, be enough to make Pools just about safe...

'When you're on the run that we're on, then all you want to do is focus on the next game'" opined Limbrick.

6 March 2025

YORK'S ALTY HOODOO

York last defeated Altrincham in a match at Moss Lane on Saturday 3 August, 2019. On that occasion the Yorkshiremen won 3-1.

The record since then is as follows..

1. WIN: After the August 2019 defeat, the sides met twice in a fortnight later that season at Bootham Crescent. On 10 November, Tom Peers's late goal secured a 1-0 win for Altrincham in the FA Cup First Round.
2. WIN: Then, on 23 November 2019, Peers (right) again was the scorer of the only goal in an FA Trophy tie in York.
3. WIN: The season was then curtailed by Covid so the planned home league fixture at the JDS was never played. Instead, the sides met in the Play-Off Semi-Final in July 2020, once more at York. Peers scored again, after Josh Hancock had already put the visitors ahead, to secure a 2-0 victory.
4. WIN: With Alty promoted, the sides did not meet again until York were promoted back to national level. In November 2022, Alty won 2-1 at the JDS
5. WIN: On 11 March 2023 in the FA Trophy, Alty won 2-0 at York
6. WIN: Three days after the FAT win, Alty won the reverse league fixture on 14 March 2023, 2-1 at York
7. DRAW: In August 2023 the teams drew 2-2 in the league at York.
8. WIN: The reverse league fixture saw Alty record a 6-1 triumph at the JDS.
9. WIN: The 2024-25 season saw Altrincham win at the JDS 3-0.
10. WIN: Last Tuesday's victory 2-1 at the LNER Stadium gave Altrincham a league double over York.

So that means nine wins and a draw for Altrincham in the last ten encounters between the teams.

NEXT: SOUTHEND UNITED

He said 'It’s a massive game coming up at Southend, probably the longest journey we face and one of the toughest places to go to.

'Their manager Kevin Maher is a tough competitor, and his teams are always a reflection of him, so we are going to have to be right on it if we are to get anything out of it.

'But that win at York sets us up nicely. No one would have expected it, because they have been in such good form at home'".

THROUGH THE YEARS: 8 MARCH

Altrincham moved up to fourteenth after this comprehensive victory over Weymouth.

Matty Kosylo gave Altrincham a tenth-minute lead when he drove the ball into the far top corner from an acute angle, left of goal, after beating a defender.

It soon became 2-0 when Colclough did well and fed the unmarked Kosylo who, from 20 yards, curled the ball past Fitzsimons in the 15th minute.

A Mooney cross was headed downwards into the net by Jake Cooper to make it 3-0 (27 mins). After the visitors had almost netted an own goal, Weymouth conceded again just before the break as Hulme laid the ball off for Colclough to bend the ball into the top corner to make it 4-0 (45+5 mins). In all, seven minutes of added time were needed before the interval.

In the second half, Weymouth did not give up but Altrincham could have added a goal but for a fine Fitzsimons save from Osborne after 81 minutes. However, Alty did make it 5-0 in the 87th minute when Mooney finished off a good move up the left.

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The planning application is currently progressing through the statutory consultation period. Our planning consultants remain in discussion with the Local Planning Authority and are working with them to respond to any comments from the statutory bodies and other interested parties as appropriate.

Our amazing Bring Barnet Back campaigners are working tirelessly to promote the positives and are making excellent progress. Thousands of flyers are being distributed across the Borough with a lot of useful and factual information for recipients to digest".

5 March 2025

YORK CITY 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

Left: Elliot Osborne had a hand in both Altrincham goals at York.

York upped the tempo after the interval and equalised in the 49th minute when Hunt was allowed too much time and scored from twenty yards.

The home side then dominated for a spell but gave away a second goal to Altrincham when Osborne's ball into the box saw goalkeeper Male come out to gather, only to allow substitute Amaluzor to nip in ahead of him and guide the ball into the net, seemingly off his chest (75 mins).

After Alty had spurned a couple of decent chances, York had an effort cleared off the Alty line but the visitors defended competently to record an excellent win.

Report to follow

POST-MATCH PARKINSON

Speaking of Jake Cooper, the boss said that he "epitomised everything we do... He has had a really tough season", with his form early in the campaign and then with injury but after a long lay-off he performed well.

YORK'S VIEW

York were seeing most of the ball in the opening quarter of an hour...

Against the run of play Altrincham took the lead on 24 minutes when a free-kick swung in was headed on by Lewis Baines and a nasty deflection dragged the ball into the City net...

The second half started with City on top again. All it needed was a bit of magic from Alex Hunt to get the Minstermen level. His shot from range looped up and over the Alty defence and landed into the back of the net to level the game up...

The Robins were setting themselves up for another cross into the box which Male raced off his line to collect but substitute Justin Amaluzor pounced to drag to ball past the keeper before slotting into the net.

York were not going down without a fight. Ollie Pearce saw a shot from inside the box superbly blocked on the line by the visitors".

NEXT: SOUTHEND UNITED

The reverse fixture at Altrincham was won 2-0 by the Robins thanks to first-half goals from Joe Nuttall and Alex Newby. The referee that day was William Davis, who also oversaw Altrincham's penalty shoot-out win over Newcastle United U-21s, on 25 February.

Before their midweek game against Woking, Southend United reported that "This week sees the Shrimpers play at Roots Hall in back-to-back fixtures, following tomorrow’s match with the visit of Altrincham on Saturday, and [head coach, Kevin] Maher (right, at Altri cham last November], wants to continue giving the fans performances that they can be proud of...

'The players feed off the energy the crowd gives us, of course. It works both ways because we want to give them stuff to cheer for. If we can make it as difficult and as hostile for the opposition as possible then that really helps us. Together we can do that'".

The Shrimpers' midweek opponents Woking stated before their clash that "It just hasn’t happened for Southend United the way they might have hoped after a positive summer. Inconsistency, and a lack of goals following Harry Cardwell’s departure to FGR have highlighted a season where the Shrimpers need to put a serious run together to sneak into the top seven, or face their season petering out.

Gus Scott-Morriss is one of the stories of the season, with an incredible 14 goals from his right back/right wing back position, with Southend unbeaten in their last five. This followed a calamitous few days in early February where a serious opportunity at FA Trophy glory was ended by eighth tier Sittingbourne at Roots Hall, before a 1-0 defeat at Maidenhead piled the pressure on Kevin Maher".

For Southend it was "a point salvaged at Yeovil on the weekend thanks to a last gasp equaliser".

ALTY OLD BOYS

CHRIS CONN-CLARKE watched from the bench as Peterborough United forced a goalless draw at Blackpool.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA played the whole game as Crawley Town were comfortably beaten 4-1 at Lincoln City.

Wigan Athletic, who didn't produce a single shot on target, withdrew OWEN DALE after 61 minutes of their goalless draw at Mansfield Town.

It was goalless at Shrewsbury Town too. Bristol Rovers brought JOEL SENIOR (right) off the bench in the 81st minute.

League Two : Accrington Stanley left SONNY ALJOFREE on the bench as they beat visitors MK Dons 2-0. Carlisle United also left a former Robins loanee from Manchester United on their bench - in this case, JOE HUGILL - as they drew 1-1 at home to Walsall.

RYAN COLCLOUGH was a 63rd minute substitute for Chesterfield, but couldn't help them avoid a 1-0 defeat at Colchester United.

Having been credited with the assist for the Tranmere Rovers opener at Grimsby Town, CONNOR JENNINGS was substituted after 65 minutes - and just 2 minutes later the hosts equalised and forced a 1-1 draw. CHRIS MERRIE played the full game for Rovers.

Having scored the only goal of the game for Morecambe over an hour earlier, Lee Angol gave way to MARCUS DACKERS after 82 minutes. 2 minutes later, visitors AFC Wimbledon withdrew ALISTAIR SMITH.

ELLIOT NEWBY put in a full shift for Barrow as they won 1-2 at Notts County.

KEVIN BERKOE came off after 77 minutes as his Salford City side drew 2-2 at Swindon Town.

National League : With LUKE WATERFALL out injured, Hartlepool United gave BILLY SASS-DAVIES a rare start at AFC Fylde, but they lost 2-1.

Although JOSH LUNDSTRAM wasn't in the squad, REAGAN OGLE played the whole game for visitors Oldham Athletic, as did CONNOR TEALE for hosts Boston United. This was yet another goalless draw

MILES WELCH-HAYES played the whole game for Maidenhead United as they were held 3-3 at home by Braintree Town, who played the entire second half with 10 men.

Although KYLE FERGUSON was left on the bench, JACK KINGDON played the whole of Rochdale's 1-0 home win over Gateshead, as did LIAM HUMBLES for the visitors.

Another to put in a full shift was KENNEDY DIGIE for Tamworth, whose 4-1 home win over Wealdstone - who played almost the whole second half with 10 men - dropped the visitors into the bottom four, as AFC Fylde's win lifted them up the table.

National North : JORDAN HULME scored the last two goals as Radcliffe continued their climb out of the relegation places with a 4-1 home win over South Shields.

National South : DANNY CASHMAN (above, right) scored the winner for Worthing, who were 2-1 victors at home to Bath City.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Able to play out wide in defence or midfield, Uwakwe is a former England youth international, earning caps at Under-18, 19 and 20 level.

The 25-year-old came through the youth ranks at Chelsea but after a loan spell with Accrington Stanley, joined Crewe Alexandra on a permanent deal in 2022.

Having made over 60 Football League appearances at Accrington, Crewe and Swindon, he spent a short amount of time on loan with Maidenhead United earlier in the season...

Head of Recruitment, Jamie Hedges, said 'With the hectic schedule that we have ahead of us, we wanted to ensure we have sufficient cover and depth in all areas and... Tariq can play various positions.”

'He’s technically good, has a good engine and has a great grounding with lots of EFL minutes behind him too@">

At Solihull Moors the club announces the "loan signing of experienced defender Robbie Cundy from Notts County for the remainder of the 2024/25 season...

Robbie, 27, began his career in the youth setups of Oxford United and Aston Villa before embarking on a professional journey...

His career includes notable spells at clubs such as Gloucester City, Bath City, Bristol City, and Barnsley. In July 2024, he signed with Notts County, where he has made several appearances this season.

Standing at 6 ft 2 in, Robbie is known for his aerial prowess and defensive solidity".

4 March 2025

YORK CITY 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

York upped the tempo after the interval and equalised in the 49th minute when Hunt was allowed too much time and scored from twenty yards. The home side then dominated for a spell but gave away a second goal to Altrincham when Osborne's ball into the box saw goalkeeper Male come out to gather, only to allow substitute Amaluzor to nip in ahead of him and guide the ball into the net, seemingly off his chest (75 mins).

After Alty had spurned a couple of decent chances, York had an effort cleared off the Alty line but the visitors defended competently to record an excellent win.

Report to follow

Altrincham's third away league fixture in succession in the National League took them once more towards the north-east, though only as far as York this time, rather than their previous longer haul journeys to Gateshead and Hartlepool.

The match brings together in opposition the league's two leading scorers this season as Regan Linney's 18 goals are only exceeded by Ollie Pearce's 22-goal haul. That includes five penalties converted from the five that he has taken, whereas Linney has converted all three of his league spot-kicks.

The Minstermen's striker, now 29 years old, joined York from Sussex club Worthing, where he made his name under the tutelage of his manager at York, Adam Hinshelwood. At Worthing, a club he had joined from neighbours Bognor Regis Town, Pearce netted 155 goals in 245 appearances.

Altrincham are expected still to be without the injured Marriott, Ross, Crankshaw, Wilson and Olson. Of these, Marriott is believed, from the manager's comments, to be the nearest to rejoining the matchday squad.

York start the game 18 points better off than Altrincham but have only played two more fixtures than the Robins who beat them 3-0 in the reverse fixture this season.

Two former Altrincham players started the last game for York City, a 1-0 win at Hartlepool on Saturday. They were Jeff King (above, left) and former loanee Tyrese Sinclair.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde 2-1 Hartlepool United
• Aldershot Town 0-0 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Barnet 5-0 Yeovil Town
• Boston United 0-0 Oldham Athletic
• Eastleigh 2-0 Ebbsfleet United
• FC Halifax Town 2-1 Forest Green Rovers
• Maidenhead United 3-3 Braintree Town
• Rochdale 1-0 Gateshead
• Solihull Moors 1-1 Sutton United
• Southend United 2-2 Woking
• Tamworth 4-1 Wealdstone
• York City 1-2 Altrincham

ALTY'S CURIOUS LINK WITH ATHLETIC BILBAO

ISUZU FA TROPHY

The other semi-final features Aldershot Town at home to nearby Woking.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 24-year-old arrived in January and appeared seven times in the National League during his time in SO50".

Oldham Athletic add that "Jes joined Eastleigh at the back end of January and has made seven appearances for the Spitfires.

During his time down south he registered one assist, and impressed in his time at the club".

He only came off the bench against Altrincham last Saturday but the Fans' Netwprk writes that "Surely there can never have been a Rochdale striker so prolific who still manages to split opinion among the Dale fanbase quite like Kairo Mitchell?

Kairo Mitchell has 18 goals this season. 13 National League goals (joint-seventh in the division), plus a vital brace against Worthing in the FA Trophy and an FA Cup hat-trick against AFC Fylde.

He's already scored more goals in a single season than any Dale player since Ian Henderson managed 21 in the 2018/2019 season...

The worry however, is that the majority of these goals came in the early stages of the season. Indeed, in a run of nine games games... the Grenada international scored 12 of his seasonal total of 18... His overall record since that game reads six goals in 20 appearances...

I also think there's an element of Kairo being something of a flat track bully. Of those 18 goals, only three have come against teams in the top half of the National League table".

3 March 2025

ALTY WIN STATS BATTLE BUT LOSE GAME

However, according to the Non-League Paper, the visitors won the statistical battle in several areas.

For example, Altrincham were recorded as having six shots on target compared with just four by Dale. As for off-target efforts, there were seven by Altrincham and five by the hosts.

The Robins also had twice as many corners, eight versus four for Rochdale but, less impressively, they were caught offside a disappointing seven times whilst the Dale were flagged offside on just three occasions.

Whilst Altrincham committed one more foul than the hosts (9v8), Rochdale had five players booked compared with a single yellow card shown to Altrincham's Alex Newby.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM ROCHDALE

NEXT: YORK CITY

Last Saturday, York City "registered a second win on the road this week with a crucial 1-0 victory over Hartlepool United at the Suit Direct Stadium....

In what was an eventful first half, it came to [sic] no surprise when City got the opener. Malachi Fagan-Walcott with a pass into the box which was knocked on by a Hartlepool player and into the path of Pearce who struck the ball into the top right-hand corner...

Hartlepool turned to forward Mani Dieseruvwe off the bench as they looked for a leveller. He had a golden chance almost straight away as his shot was saved by Male, but it rebounded to the striker with all the goal to aim at, but he blazed his shot over".

YORK CITY: Male, Howe, Sinclair (Luamba 55’), Hunt (Armstrong 79’), Pearce, Richardson (Felix 71’), Batty (Chadwick 92’), Aguiar (John-Lewis), John, Fagan-Walcott, King".

THROUGH THE YEARS: 4 MARCH

As is shown by Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's update Through the Years, Alty's last game on 4 March was a horror show at Wealdstone in 2023, when the hosts won 4-0.

You have to go back to 2008 for Altrincham's last league point earned on this date, from a 3-3 draw at home to Halifax Town.

That was on an evening when all six goals came from defensive errors rather than attacking skill, with Altrincham leading the way by conceding two penalties to Halifax's one.

Right: Carlos Roca made his debut in the 2008 game.

Altrincham had five ex-Shaymen in their squad at that time. One of them, Ryan Toulson was only on loan from The Shay so was not permitted to play tonight, whilst another, Val Owen, was out injured. The others, Chris Senior, Greg Young and Joe O'Neill were all in the starting line-up.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN; 17. Richard BATTERSBY, 5. Darren TINSON (capt), 10. Greg YOUNG, 16. Ryan SHOTTON; 12. Joe O'NEILL, 7. Robbie LAWTON, 25. Liam KING, 11. Warren PEYTON; 9. Colin LITTLE, 19. Chris SENIOR. Subs: 3. Gary SCOTT, 14. Tom CAHILL, 15. Chris LANE, 18. Pat McFADDEN, 20. Carlos ROCA.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that, also in the same division, Farsley Celtic's nightmare continues. Forced to play their "home" matches 70 miles away at Buxton, and without senior players like CONOR BRANSON who have apparently not received their wages, they sit at the bottom of the league, 9 points from safety and with only 2 points and 4 goals from their 13 matches in 2025.

This week they had to play on Sunday, as Buxton were at home on Saturday. Visitors Kidderminster Harriers took full advantage of their beleaguered opponents, ASHLEY HEMMINGS netting twice as they ran in 6 goals without reply.

Meanwhile in the Polish Ekstraklasa, Legia Warsaw withdrew MAXI OYEDELE after 76 minutes as they won their home match with Slask Wroclaw 3-1.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Echo News adds that "boss Kevin Maher was disappointed not to win at Yeovil Town – despite having been just seconds away from losing.

An injury time equaliser from James Golding saw the Shrimpers secure a 2-2 draw at Huish Park.

But Maher felt Blues – who had earlier opened the scoring inside the first minute of the match - had enough opportunities to pick up more than a point...

'I think they scored the only two times there were pretty much in our box in the first half and we could have had three or four... Late goals bode well and give you confidence so they should take confidence from this'" said the Shrimpers' manager.

League leaders Barnet report that they "turn[ed] things around quickly in the second half as they grab[bed] a fantastic 3-0 away win to Oldham Athletic...

As the game was underway, Oldham were showing the Bees that they weren’t going to make this easy for them... The hosts were putting a lot of pressure onto Dean Brennan’s side...

With the clock ticking on, Barnet were able to start making their presents [sic] known in the game...

As the first half carried on Barnet started to create more important chances...

The players returned to the pitch for the next 45 minutes, then suddenly everything changed.

Barnet came out with a much stronger presence, returning to the field as what felt like a completely different team.

Zak Brunt received the ball on the 50th minute... Hhe struck the ball with power and accuracy, launching it past the keeper into the left side of the net...

With no time to even digest what just happened, Callum Stead fired the ball from the left, curling it perfectly into the top right corner... The Bees had fully taken control in this second half...

With less than ten minutes of regular still to play, Antony Hartigan placed the ball down to take a corner. Whipping it in from the left, he found the head of Adebola Oluwo at the back post, knocking the ball down low, giving Barnet their third of the game."

2 February, 2025

ROCHDALE v ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham bowed out of the FA Trophy at Rochdale on Saturday.

Match report here.

Rochdale have nearly nine minutes of video highlights from the game.

OPPOSITION VIEW

A first Dale goal for Jay Bird followed by Tarryn Allarakhia’s strike saw Dale progress to the last four in an impressive display.

Altrincham began lively with Regan Linney causing the early problems. He fired one across the box within two minutes, a deflection taking it wide, before he found space in the middle and his close-range shot was closed down crucially by Kyron Gordon...

Dale gained the advantage 14 minutes in when Sam Beckwith crossed for Bird who took it down well, swivelled and struck past the goalkeeper to get his first in Dale colours...

Just shy of the 40th minute, Dale made it two. Neat interchange between Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and Gordon saw the latter square low to Allarakhia who had the freedom of the back stick to slot home...

With just over 70 minutes on the clock, Waller produced a classic save as Newby struck well from range and the ‘keeper tipped it superbly onto the bar with the loose ball cleared.

Alty hit the woodwork again just three minutes later when Linney’s attempt looped up and fell to Amaluzor who crashed his effort off the post.

Newby and Linney had a couple of efforts late on but Dale held on".

"PERFORMANCE WARRANTED A DRAW" SAYS PHIL

He stated that "We didn't take our chances... We were really sloppy in the first 45 minutes with our defensive shape".

Whilst he felt that the first Rochdale goal was well taken, he felt that the "second was really poor" from Alty's perspective.

In the "second half, we've dominated the game" he believed, adding that Alty's "performance overall warranted at least a draw".

Playing against Rochdale, whose defence is one of the best in the National League, Phil said that he had "never seen so many chances" created against them.

PHIL'S 500 POINTS

That total has been gained from 331 regular-season games (excluding play-off matches and an expunged game).

Their win rate is 42.6%.

ALTY'S 4+4 SEQUENCE

Following Saturday's trip to Rochdale, Alty travel to York City on Tuesday in the Vanarama National League.

Next Saturday they have a long haul down to Essex to face Southend United and the following Tuesday it is back to Spotland to face Rochdale once again, this time in the Vanarama National League.

And after that, it will be four home games on the trot in another ten-day spell as Aldershot Town, Wealdstone, Barnet and Solihull Moors travel to the J. Davison Stadium in the Vanarama National League.

ALTY OLD BOYS

FA Cup : DUNCAN WATMORE is now officially injured, so wasn't in the Millwall squad for their tie at Crystal Palace. His team were never quite able to recover from goalkeeper Liam Roberts being sent off after only 8 minutes for a dangerous challenge that saw a concussed Jean-Philippe Mateta stretchered straight to an ambulance. Palace eventually won 3-1.

League One : Peterborough United had their task made much easier when visitors Shrewsbury Town saw their experienced striker Jon Marquis sent off for a bad challenge inside 20 SECONDS! They soon went ahead, but were pegged back from the penalty spot before eventually going into the break 2-1 up. The score was unchanged when CHRIS CONN-CLARKE (right) came off the bench in the 82nd minute, and it was he who settled the game 3-1:in the 9th added minute.

JOEL SENIOR was left on the Bristol Rovers bench as visitors Rotherham United recovered from conceding after just 5 minutes to win 2-3.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA was booked just after the restart at Crawley Town, and was then substituted after 74 minutes. Both sides finished with 10 men, but visitors Cambridge United won 0-2. The hosts are still without the injured TOBY MULLARKEY.

CARL PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage as they lost 1-2 at home to Huddersfield Town.

Wigan Athletic, having lost the lead at home to Reading, pulled off OWEN DALE after 80 minutes, but the Royals soon struck again and won 1-2.

League Two : KEVIN BERKOE was withdrawn after 78 minutes, Salford City having been pegged back by visitors Bradford City - and it was the Yorkshire side who struck in added time to win 1-2.

CONNOR JENNINGS came off the Tranmere Rovers bench to join CHRIS MERRIE, but the scoring in the 1-1 home draw against Port Vale was already over.

Bromley are still without MARCUS DINANGA, who has an ankle injury, but still managed to win by the only goal at AFC Wimbledon, who withdrew ALISTAIR SMITH after 69 minutes.

RYAN COLCLOUGH wasn't in Chesterfield's squad as they went down 1-3 at home to Crewe Alexandra.

A full shift from MARCUS DACKERS proved fruitless as Morecambe fell to the only goal at Gillingham.

SONNY ALJOFREE was left on the bench as Accrington Stanley went down by the odd goal in three at Harrogate Town.

National League : CONNOR TEALE played the full game for Boston United as they won 1-3 at Dagenham & Redbridge. The hosts have picked up only 4 points from their last 9 games, and are now perilously close to the drop zone.

There was a full shift from KENNEDY DIGIE as Tamworth won 2-3 at Ebbsfleet United. MILES WELCH-HAYES also played throughout for Maidenhead United, but with less happy results. as hosts Forest Green Rovers scored twice without reply.

Hartlepool United captain LUKE WATERFALL was booked as they went down at home to a single goal from York City. JEFF KING played the whole game for the Minstermen, but TYRESE SINCLAIR was withdrawn after 55 minutes.

REAGAN OGLE returned to the Oldham Athletic lineup at home to leaders Barnet, but, while he played the whole game, JOSH LUNDSTRAM was substituted on the hour. Latics, who had only 3 goal attempts - only one of which was on target - were comfortably beaten 0-3.

LIAM HUMBLES was an unused substitute as Gateshead were held to a draw 1-1 at home to AFC Fylde.

National North : Warrington Town were two goals adrift at Alfreton Town, but a brace from JOSH AMIS earned them a point. Only he and ANDY WHITE are left at the club since the days when half of the team were former Robins, and they haven't won since December 21st - this was only their third point from the last 12 games, and they're 8 points adrift of Oxford City, the first club above the drop zone.

JUSTIN DONOWA scored Brackley Town's third goal as they came from two down at Darlington to win 2-4.

JONNY MARGETTS scored the second in King's Lynn's 3-1 home win over South Shields.

A goal from KOLE HALL couldn't prevent Chorley from losing 3-2 at Leamington.

MICHAEL GYASI put Peterborough Sports ahead, but visitors Southport forced a 1-1 draw. Both sides finished with 10 men.

JORDAN HULME (right) equalised for Radcliffe at Rushall Olympic, but they had to settle for a 1-1 draw after JOSH HANCOCK was sent off just before the break.

NPL Division 1 West : JOE PIGGOTT equalised for Atherton Collieries, but visitors Chasetown scored in the 90th minute to win 1-2.

Two RYAN BROOKE goals were enough for Runcorn Linnets to see off visitors City of Liverpool.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Northern Echo reports that "Nine people have been arrested after a Hartlepool match on Saturday despite pleas for the tie against York City not to end in disorder as it did 14 months ago.

The clubs issued a united plea this week ahead of the repeat fixture urging fans 'to represent their clubs in the right way'...

A dispersal order was imposed ahead of the 3pm kick off at The Prestige Group Stadium. Officers were posted around the stadium, Marina, town centre and train station with police warning they could impose football banning orders as a deterrent to antisocial behaviour.

York Fans were escorted to the stadium by a line of uniformed police.

Eight away fans and one home fan were cuffed and taken away by officers, Cleveland Police confirmed.

One was arrested before making it into the stadium and police were seen removing some York fans from the away end about 15 minutes into the game.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, one on suspicion of possessing a pyrotechnic or flare, another on suspicion of trying to enter the ground while intoxicated, and one on suspicion of a homophobic public order offence".

1 March, 2025

ROCHDALE 2-0 ALTRINCHAM

Alty responded quite well but Rochdale doubled their lead through Allarakhia (38 mins) so the hosts led 2-0 at the interval.

Altrincham had good spells in the second half, with Amaluzor hitting the post, Newby forcing a fine save from Waller, and Linney spurning a good chance but they were also caught offside far too often.

But they could not find the net and so a great chance of getting to Wembley disappeared.

Match report here.

ISUZU FA TROPHY ROUND SIX

• Oxford City 2-2 Woking (Woking equalised in added time. The shootout saw seven of ten pens missed, Woking won 2-1)
• Rochdale 2-0 Altrincham
• Sittingbourne 0-3 Aldershot Town (ko 12.30pm)
• Sutton United 0-2 Spennymoor Town

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Braintree Town 1-0 Eastleigh
• Dagenham & Redbridge 1-3 Boston United
• Ebbsfleet United 2-3 Tamworth
• Forest Green Rovers 2-0 Maidenhead United
• Gateshead 1-1 AFC Fylde (ko 5.30pm)
• Hartlepool United 0-1 York City
• Oldham Athletic 0-3 Barnet
• Yeovil Town 2-2 Southend United

BEFORE THE GAME: ROCHDALE

Last Tuesday the Robins defeated Newcastle United under-21s in the National League Cup to reach the semi-final of that competition, reaching that stage by winning a penalty shoot=out 3-2.

In the Trophy, of course, Alty did reach the semi-finals two years ago when, despite home advantage, Altrincham drew with FC Halifax Town 1-1 and went on to lose the penalty shoot out 2-3.

For Rochdale this is only their second participation in the FA Trophy, following their relegation from the EFL in 2023.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 1 MARCH

Altrincham went into the game with eight players already out, injured; they ended the evening with ten men sidelined, after goalkeeper Tim Deasy and midfielder Kyle Brownhill were injured during the second half.

Darlington dominated the early stages and took a third minute lead when Falkingham....

The second goal arrived in the 29th minute when Cartman outpaced Lynch and scored with a well-struck, low shot past Deasy.

However, Altrincham got back into the game five minutes later. Clee, once again deployed at left-back, now got forward and fed Lawrie, whose blocked shot fell to Elliot Newby who netted for the second successive match.

Seven minutes after the break Tim Deasy had to go off and Andrew Jones came on for his league debut in goal. Then Kyle Brownhill was clattered and had to be chaired off the pitch....

The game was settled when Richman was judged by the referee to have tripped an opponent and Galbraith netted the resulting penalty (80 mins).

ISUZU FA TROPHY ROUND SIX

• Oxford City v Woking
• Rochdale v Altrincham
• Sittingbourne v Aldershot Town (ko 12.30pm)
• Sutton United v Spennymoor Town

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Braintree Town v Eastleigh
• Dagenham & Redbridge v Boston United
• Ebbsfleet United v Tamworth
• Forest Green Rovers v Maidenhead United
• Gateshead v AFC Fylde (ko 5.30pm)
• Hartlepool United v York City
• Oldham Athletic v Barnet
• Yeovil Town v Southend United

ALTY OLD BOYS

Irish Premier League : BARRY BAGGLEY had a bad night in Dublin. St.Patrick's Athletic were 2-0 up when he put through his own goal to throw Sligo Rovers a lifeline. St.Pat's went 3-1 up, and after Sligo missed a penalty they forced their way back into the game, squaring it at 3-3 in the 78th minute.

From the kick off, St.Pat's went straight up the pitch to go 4-3 up. They held on to that lead - but not to Barry, who picked up 2 yellow cards late on, which saw him sent off in added time. Sligo remain bottom of the league, and are the only side without a point after 3 games.

NWCL Premier Division : Player coach JOHN JOHNSTON (right) scored the first 4 goals in the space of just over 20 minutes either side of half time as his Irlam team ran riot at Chadderton, winning 0-6.

Phil also reports that having played in Blackburn Rovers' 1958-9 FA Youth Cup winning team, which also included Mike England, Keith Newton, and Fred Pickering - they beat a West Ham United lineup featuring Bobby Moore - PADDY MULVEY ended up at Altrincham 5 years later, although he wasn't on the Moss Lane scene for very long.

His widow is my next door neighbour, and told us today that their grandson Ryan has landed the role of Brody in "Coronation Street". He has previously appeared in "Hollyoaks".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

We want this fixture to be remembered for what happens on the pitch, not off it...

To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable match-day, the following measures have been put in place...

Away fans are welcome at The Jackson Wharf (TS24 0XN) and Rosie’s (TS24 0UJ). These are the only venues allowing away supporters. Pubs in Church Square and Church Street will not be admitting away fans. A recommended route from Hartlepool train station to The Jackson Wharf and Rosie’s has been mapped out, and we encourage supporters to follow this path. A map of the suggested route will be provided to assist fans in navigating the area.

The Centenary Bar will also be open to both sets of supporters on Clarence Road from 1:30pm, with happy hour straight after full time between 5pm and 6pm...

An escort to the stadium will leave Rosie’s at 14:00, stopping at Jackson Wharf at 14:15 to collect additional supporters before heading directly to the ground...

A public order dispersal zone will be enforced across Hartlepool town centre from 8:00 AM on Saturday, March 1st, until Midnight on Sunday, March 2nd.Anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour may be ordered to leave the area, and failure to comply could result in arrest...

If necessary, York City supporters may be held inside the stadium for a short period (10–15 minutes) after full-time. This will only be used as a precautionary measure to prevent disorder. Cleveland Police have assured us that fans will not miss the 17:53 train back to York. If a holdback is required, this will be communicated via the stadium tannoy and stewards."

At Forest Green Rovers "The New Lawn has been awarded an Outstanding Certification for the International Greener Arena Award at the AGF Awards on Tuesday evening.

We're delighted to be the first winners of the International Greener Arena Award, showing that sustainability and football can go hand in hand.

From local community work including Community Cookalongs, Soccer Camps and venue Eco Tours, to an organic pitch with no use of pesticides or chemical fertilisers, and of course, our 100% plant-based menu for all!

Forest Green Rovers Chairman Dale Vince said 'Thank you. Thanks to all the team at Forest Green Rovers, you do an amazing job'...

A Greener Future (AGF) is a not-for-profit company committed to helping events, festivals, and venues around the world towards sustainability".

"The latest accounts for Sutton United Football Club Ltd, the holding company of the Football Club, has been made available at Companies House. These cover the period of Season 2023-24.

A General Meeting of Shareholders will be called for a date at the end of March...

Sutton United shareholder and COO, Tim Allison added, 'The Club has adjusted to the different financial demands of the National League following our relegation at the end of the 2023-24 season and is already planning for how the business will adapt when [sic] promoted once again to the EFL.

With a stadium significantly improved, and with a programme in place for additional improvements and capacity increases when that time happens I am confident in the future prospects of the Club we all support.'"