30 April 2025

NEXT: TAMWORTH

The sides each have 63 points and from an identical pattern of results namely, they have won 17, drawn 12 and lost 17.

Alty benefit from a thirteen better goal difference, plus 6 against the Lambs' minus 7.

Should Gateshead lose against Southend United, an Alty win could lift the Robins up to eighth on goal difference. Currently The Heet are two goals better off in terms of goal difference. However, they have scored more goals than Altrincham which would hand them an advantage should goal difference be identical.

Tamworth could finish ninth if they beat Alty on Monday but their goal difference is so much worse than Gateshead's which precludes themovertaking the Tynesiders.

Below Alty and Tamworth are Eastleigh but they are four points behind so the teams of Alty and Tamworth cannot finish lower than ninth.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Tuesday 29 April 2025

• Sutton United v Leeds United U21 (k.o. 7pm)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS

But 12 clubs across the two divisions have a play-off campaign ahead – both culminating on Sunday 18 May.

And the full schedule is as follows…

Vanarama National League North

• Eliminator A (Chorley v King's Lynn Town): Tuesday 29 April, 7.45pm
• Eliminator B (Chester v Buxton): Wednesday 30 April, 7.45pm
• Semi-final 1 (Scunthorpe United v winner of Eliminator A): Saturday 3 May, 3pm
• Semi-final 2 (Kidderminster Harriers v winner of Eliminator B): Sunday 4 May, 3pm
• Final (hosted by team placed higher in league table): Sunday 18 May, TBC

Vanarama National League South

• Eliminator A (Boreham Wood v Dorking Wanderers): Tuesday 29 April, 7.45pm
• Eliminator B (Worthing v Maidstone United): Wednesday 30 April, 7.45pm
• Semi-final 1 (Torquay United v winner of Eliminator A): Saturday 3 May, 3pm
• Semi-final 2 (Eastbourne Borough v winner of Eliminator B): Sunday 4 May, 3pm
• Final (hosted by team placed higher in league table): Sunday 18 May, TBC

All 10 fixtures will be broadcast live on National League TV on DAZN."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Kyron Gordon was voted as Dale Trust Supporters’ Player of the Season, whilst Sam Beckwith picked up the coveted Players’ Player of Season.

There were awards for Ryan East, Tarryn Allarakhia, Jay Bird and Corey Edwards, whilst recognition was shown for our Women’s and Youth Team players.

29 April 2025

END OF SEASON AWARDS

Sponsored by front-of-shirt partners AO, the awards will follow directly on from our final game of the season against The Lambs, scheduled to run between 6pm-7pm in the Community Sports Hall.

Online voting will open very soon for supporters to choose their Goal of the Season, Player of the Year AND Young Player of the Year. We'll also be handing out awards for Club Person of the Year, Players' Player, Manager's Player AND Community Champion".

NEXT: TAMWORTH

Tamworth report that "ten-men Lambs show[ed] true mettle to take the win in final home game of the season

The Lambs welcomed... David Longwell’s Coasters who had already been confirmed as relegated...

Andy Peaks’s squad, on 60 points, were unable to reach to the top seven but were aiming to end their fantastic first season back in the top flight of non-league on a high, with a trip to Altrincham away on the final day (Monday 05 May) and a chance of silverware against Burton Albion in the Birmingham Senior Cup Final at The Pirelli Stadium on Thursday 09 May.

With Dan Creaney making his 200th appearance for The Lambs Peaks made two changes from the side that suffered defeat at Forest Green Rovers with Ben Crompton making his final appearance for The Lambs before returning to Sunderland, and Tom McGlinchey came in for Kyle Finn.

Creaney was perfectly positioned to cushion his header into the back of the net for his 18th of the season. (1-0, 9 mins)...

Singh came out to try and clear and... was shown a straight red for his foray and clash. Thankfully, The Lambs had a keeper on the bench so Ponticelli made way for Hitchman... but [he] was unable to do anything about it as [the ball] curled into the far left corner. (1-1, 30 mins)...

The Lambs conceded a second on 36 though when Jolley turned in the area and rolled a diagonal shot into the far left corner with Hitchman unable to do anything about it. (1-2, 36 mins)...

[Ex-Alty man] Digie (above, left) powered his header home after [a] flagkick fell invitingly off the cross bar. (2-3, 45+8)

Creaney worked extremely hard to get the ball under control... to pick his spot from 12 yards and fire home the equaliser... (3-3, 78 mins)...

As the clock ticked into six minutes added time Finn picked up a long throw in the box and rifled it home from 8 yards to restore The Lambs lead (4-3, 90+1 mins)...

Tamworth: Singh (c.), Crompton (Cullinane-Liburd 90+3), Digie, Hollis, Fairlamb, Sundire, Tonks (Fletcher 85), Ponticelli (Hitchman 29), McGlinchey (Finn 74), Enoru (Williams 21), Creaney Subs: Curley, Cockerill-Mollett".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Solihull Moors v Rochdale

Monday 5 May, 2025

• Aldershot Town v Yeovil Town
• Altrincham v Tamworth
• Braintree Town v Rochdale
• Eastleigh v York City
• Gateshead v Southend United
• Hartlepool United v Forest Green Rovers
• Maidenhead United v Boston United
• Oldham Athletic v Ebbsfleet United
• Solihull Moors v Dagenham & Redbridge
• Sutton United v Woking
• Wealdstone v FC Halifax Town

ALTY OLD BOYS

Last weekend Timperley hosted and beat Nantwich. Ollie Byrne batted at no.7 and, as ever, was quick-scoring before being clean bowled. He made 16 off 18 balls, a tally which included two fours & one six at a strike rate of 88.89.

In response to Timperley's score of 213 all out, Nantwich were bowled out in 41 overs for 154.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

After coming so close in the past, they beat Farsley Celtic 5-0 to become National League North champions as rivals Kidderminster Harriers, who began the day top of the table, lost 2-1 at Southport.

The Saints reached the play-offs in 2018, 2019, 2020 and again in 2022, 2023 and 2024 but were unable to finish the job.

But goals by Danny Newton, Tyler Lyttle, Connor Hall and Terry O'Sullivan put them 4-0 up by half-time in front of a crowd of 1,691 at St James Park.

And Scott Pollock rounded things off with the fifth in the final minute of the game to ensure play-offs would not be needed this time.

'We're up there with the best part-time clubs but, really, we shouldn't be beating teams like Kidderminster and Scunthorpe to the league',Cowan told BBC Radio Northampton.

'There's something extraordinary been done here, not just by the players but by the staff, the hierarchy and the fans as well. It's been a big, big collective effort.'"

And also according to the BBC "Southend United boss Kevin Maher hopes a 'slow burner of a season' will be capped by a place in the National League play-offs.

The Shrimpers moved up to seventh in the National League with Saturday's 3-0 win over Wealdstone, played in front of a crowd of 9,677 at Roots Hall.

It is their first season since being taken over by Custodians Of Southend United (COSU), a consortium headed by Australian Justin Rees...

'We recruited during the season, which we've done well, so we knew it was a slow burner of a season because of that,' he told BBC Essex Sport...

On Saturday, Southend travel to Gateshead, the team immediately below them in the table, knowing that a draw or better will extend their season".

28 April 2025

NEXT: TAMWORTH

The Lambs spent much of the earlier part of the season in the wrong end of the table but their form markedly improved and they currently lie level with Altrincham on 63 points.

In Daniel Creaney they have one of the most prolific goalscorers in the National League this season. He has scored 19 times in this campaign so far.

In the eleven fixture since the start of March 2025, Tamworth have won seven times, drawn once and lost on three occasions. The Lambs have netted 25 goals in those 11 matches.

Tamworth last visited Altrincham in 2011, Since then the Lambs have had spells in National Morth and five seasons at step three in the Southern League Premier

They returned to the National League this season following two successive promotions.

SIX-GOALS AGAINST

In the Phil Parkinson era there have been several 5-0 reverses but on no occasion had there been a defeat which involved conceding six times before last Saturday. Ironically last season, Altrincham three times won by a 6-1 margin.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 5 MAY

As Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data show, that date six years ago witnessed another disappointment for the club as they lost their National North promotion play off at Chorley.

ALTY OLD BOYS

And news of a former Altrincham manager and his assistant comes from Marine FC who report that "NEIL YOUNG (left) is to relinquish his role as Men’s First Team Manager to become the club’s inaugural Director of Football following the end of the current season...

Neil Young said 'I hoped this day wouldn’t come. After all that we have been through together over the last 6 ½ years and the great days we have been able to share.

It’s obviously very difficult to step away from my role as Manager but I know personally now is the right time for me, but more importantly for the football club.

The last two years have been very demanding from a manager’s perspective with promotion last season and the importance of keeping Marine at National League North level this year...

GARY JONES will also be stepping down as Assistant Manager...

Marine CEO James Leary said 'Neil has done an incredible job over the last 6+ years. During that period we have won 2 Liverpool Senior Cups, reached the FA Cup 3rd round, the FA Cup 1st round and been promoted twice. He has created memories for every Mariner that will stay with us forever and has completely transformed Marine Football Club as we knew it...

'Following conversations with Neil we recognised that this could be an opportunity to accelerate a restructure of the football side of the club to allow us to professionalise and compete more effectively going forward.

'I am delighted therefore that as part of the changes, Neil is to take on the newly formed role of Director of Football'".

"WE'VE BEEN HUMILIATED"

"I didn't see that coming" added the chastened manager.

Asked about the half-time substitution of loanee keeper Caleb Ansen, the Alty boss revealed that despite his errors, "Caleb was not subbed off for that reason, He'd got a knock".

Despite this reverse, Phil asserted that "The club is on an upward trajectory" and that supporters should remember that it has been a good season overall.

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 6-1 ALTRINCHAM

Match report Here.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One: With TOBY MULLARKEY one of a long injury list, Crawley Town were one substitute short on their bench, and had no second goalkeeper. However, by the time JUNIOR QUITIRNA joined the action in the 74th minute, they'd already put two goals past visitors Northampton Town, and went on to win 3-0.

Unfortunately it looks unlikely to be enough to save them from an immediate return to League Two; Burton Albion are the only side they can catch, but, if they lost both their remaining games 2-0, Crawley would need to win 9-0 at Shrewsbury in their last match.

CHRIS CONN-CLARKE started for Peterborough United in their 1-1 home draw with Bolton Wanderers, but was withdrawn after 73 minutes.

OWEN DALE was withdrawn after 77 minutes as his former club, Blackpool, earned a 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic.

League Two: Carlisle United will accompany Morecambe into the National League after losing 3-2 at Cheltenham Town. They threw on JOE HUGILL at 2-2 after 79 minutes, but the Cumbrians had their fate sealed by a 93rd minute strike.

In the end they would have been relegated even had they won, as Tranmere Rovers won a feisty clash at Prenton Park against Crewe Alexandra 2-0. Three red cards were brandished, two of the to visiting players, as CHRIS MERRIE put in a full shift and was joined after 80 minutes by CONNOR JENNINGS.

As for Morecambe, they went out with a whimper, going down 4-1 at Chesterfield. They left MARCUS DACKERS (right) on the bench, while the hosts brought on RYAN COLCLOUGH in the 63rd minute, just after going 2-1 up, and he provided the assist for their third goal.

Although ALISTAIR SMITH played throughout, AFC Wimbledon fell 0-2 to visitors Port Vale, who sit just one point behind leaders Doncaster Rovers going into the last round of matches. However, a point in their final game at Grimsby Town would almost certainly give them a playoff spot.

Walsall continued their alarming implosion in their 13th consecutive winless game, losing by the only goal to SONNY ALJOFREE and his Accrington Stanley colleagues, and finishing with ten men into the bargain.

There was only pride at stake at Holker Street, and ELLIOT NEWBY put Barrow ahead for the third time in the game, only for Bromley to equalise for the third time in the 91st minute.

National League : Injury deprived Hartlepool United of the services of both BILLY SASS-DAVIES and LUKE WATERFALL at Rochdale, where they crashed 5-1. Both JACK KINGDON and KYLE FERGUSON were second half substitutes for the hosts.

TYRESE SINCLAIR was withdrawn after 87 minutes as York City won 2-0 against visitors Solihull Moors.

Despite losing by the only goal at Forest Green Rovers, Oldham Athletic are assured of joining their conquerors, along with York City, Rochdale, and Halifax Town in the playoffs. REAGAN OGLE, who had missed 6 games through injury, came off the bench after 64, but JOSH LUNDSTRAM wasn't in the Latics squad.

Gateshead, however, joined Altrincham in dropping out of the play-off places, going down 2-1 at a resurgent Boston United. CONNOR TEALE put in a full shift for the hosts, but the visitors withdrew LIAM HUMBLES after 70 minutes.

But Gateshead can still qualify for the play-offs by beating their rivals for the last place, Southend United, on Easter Monday.

Maidenhead United won 0-2 at Ebbsfleet United, with MILES WELCH-HAYES (right) playing the full game, but their survival hopes still look slim.

It was an eventful game at Tamworth, who had goalkeeper Jas Singh sent off after 28 minutes when they were a goal up, and 17 minutes later trailed 1-3 to visitors AFC Fylde. KENNEDY DIGIE reduced the arrears in the 9th added minute of the first half, and Tamworth eventually fought back to clinch a 4-3 win in the 91st minute.

National South : Deprived of the services of the injured DANNY CASHMAN, Worthing still cruised to a 1-5 victory at Enfield Town. Last week's result was what put paid to their hopes of automatic promotion, as all 6 clubs in the race for that spot won, and Truro City can look forward to National League football for the first time come August. Worthing will entertain Maidstone in the first playoff game, while Dorking Wanderers visit Boreham Wood.

National North : Kidderminster Harriers had gone into their final game at Southport sitting on top of the league, but will have to settle for the playoffs after losing 2-1. LUKE BURGESS played the full game for the hosts, who brought DIOR ANGUS off the bench after 83 minutes, while ASHLEY HEMMINGS put in a full shift for the hosts.

That result means that BRACKLEY TOWN will finally play National League football next season. They beat beleaguered visitors Farsley Celtic 5-0, with JUSTIN DONOWA coming off the bench after 65 minutes. They were helped by Farsley having a man sent off after 20 minutes.

Curzon Ashton's 1-1 home draw with Leamington handed the final playoff spot to Buxton who beat relegated visitors Warrington Town 2-0, and will travel to Chester in the first game. The Seals won 0-3 at King's Lynn, with DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY (right) scoring the third. Kings Lynn still qualify for the playoffs, and will travel to Chorley, who won 1-5 at Rushall Olympic with KOLE HALL netting twice.

JORDAN HULME gave Radcliffe the lead against visitors Alfreton Town, who came back to draw 1-1.

NPL Premier League : MONTEL GIBSON equalised for Matlock Town as they drew 1-1 with visitors Lancaster City, while ANDY DALES opened the scoring for hosts. Mickleover as they won 2-0 against Prescot Cables. Both Derbyshire clubs are relegated.

NPL Division 1 West : After Nantwich Town had gone behind at relegated Wythenshawe, BYRON HARRISON equalised, and they struck again in the 94th minute to win 1-2.

Welsh Premier League : JOEL TORRANCE was beaten by the only goal of the game as Bala Town were knocked out of the playoffs at Cardiff Metropolitan.

Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE stayed on the Linfield bench as they fell to the only goal at Coleraine.

Polish Ekstraklasa : MAXI OYEDELE was booked, and substituted after 78 minutes, as Legia Warsaw won 1-3 at Katowice.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

The remaining play-off place will go to either Southend United or Gateshead who meet on Bank Holiday Monday.

Promotion to the National League from the regional feeders has also been clarified to some extent. Brackley Town have won the North division, ending a run of seven succeessive play=off defeats at that level.

In the South, Truro City won the division by a two-goal advantage in goal difference over Torquay United. So Cornwall will have its first National League club.

The play-off contenders in the North will be Scunthorpe United, Kidderminster Harriers, Chester FC, Chorley, King's Lynn Town and Buxton.

In the South the contenders are Torquay United, Eastbourne Borough, Boreham Wood, Worthing, Dorking Wanderers and Maidstone United.

26 April, 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Barnet 4-0 Aldershot Town
• Boston United 2-1 Gateshead
• Dagenham & Redbridge 6-1 Altrincham
• Ebbsfleet United 0-2 Maidenhead United
• FC Halifax Town 1-0 Braintree Town
• Forest Green Rovers 1-0 Oldham Athletic
• Rochdale 5-1 Hartlepool United
• Southend United 3-0 Wealdstone k.o. 5.30pm
• Tamworth 4-3 AFC Fylde
• Woking 2-2 Eastleigh k.o. 12.30pm
• Yeovil Town 1-2 Sutton United
• York City 2-0 Solihull Moors

TODAY: DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

The BBC reports that "Dagenham and Redbridge have apologised for sacking a director three days after her appointment for a post about the Israel-Gaza war.

Salma Mashhour was named director of development and engagement on 14 April, alongside Egyptian YouTuber Marwan Serry, who joined the club's ownership group, external, with the aim of expanding their global reach.

But on 17 April, the club released a short statement saying Mashhour had been removed from her position 'effective immediately'...

In a statement on Friday, the club said: "Over the past week, a great deal of public discussion and concern has arisen regarding the club's recent decision to end its association with Dr Salma Mashhour...

'Whilst we continue to stand against racism and discrimination in all forms, the club recognises the right of individuals, in their personal capacity, to express political opinions.

'We regret, and apologise for, any harm which may have been caused to Dr Mashhour as a consequence of statements attributable to, or associated with, the club's decision to remove her'".

ALTY OLD BOYS

In a game of 32 goal attempts - an incredible 25 of them on target - Cannons only surrendered their clean sheet in the 95th minute, holding on to win 1-2. The bad news is, they dropped into 3rd. place in the league, but the good news is that the cause was Heidelberg's 3-1 home win against leaders Avondale. #

While Heidelberg improved their goal difference to edge ahead of Cannons, it means that both sides are now just 2 points behind the defeated leaders - and they meet at Oakleigh next week.

In the Irish Premier Division St.Patrick's made the 3 mile journey to Dalymount Park to face Bohemians, and BARRY BAGGLEY joined the action at the start of the second half with his side a goal up. They held that lead until the 90th minute, and then went down to 10 men before succumbing 2-1 in the 97th minute.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Graham Coughlan, 50, has amassed years of EFL managerial experience with Bristol Rovers, Mansfield Town and Sheffield U21. Eventually settled at Newport County for Two years, before his move to the Jakeman’s community stadium.

Throughout his managerial career, Coughlan has been known as somewhat of a 'firefighter' coming into teams struggling and then leading them to survival, as seen particularly at Bristol Rovers, and... Mansfield...

Coughlan has walked into a changing room of a largely unchanged NL north team, with only 11 points from 19 games...

Coughlan has made signings since putting pen to paper, with Connor Teale, Brad Nicholson and Jimmy Knowles on perms and a loan respectively...

However, on the other hand, Boston has been plagued with injuries all season, with the likes of Mitch Roberts and Michael Bostwick out of contention since 2024. Alongside new signings Oisin Gallagher and Daniel Adshead out for the remainder of the season.

In 26 games of management, despite these setbacks, Coughlan has managed... [to win] 12 and only lose 9, amassing 41 points...

Coughlan focuses on trying to outwork teams – pressing from the front to lock down passing opportunities... The job is not done and with the future of the club hanging in the balance, going full-time next year, the pressure is on for GC and co. to complete the great escape".

25 April 2025

"IT'S STILL POSSIBLE" SAYS PHIL

But Phil Parkinson is backing his players to dig deep and keep maintaining the pressure on those above them.

'We asked the lads if they could go the extra mile because that is what’s needed now, putting their bodies on the line like never before,' said the Alty boss...

'We can’t take anything for granted in our remaining games, because Dagenham are fighting for their lives and are going to be dogged and difficult to beat.

'It’s a fixture that has always been tricky for us, and it’s going to be a really tough one, but we’re playing for high stakes, and I said to the lads that big players turn up for big games. They did exactly that at Halifax and have to do it again on Saturday.

'There are no second chances now... They came up with a performance and result that should enable us to go to Dagenham with a bit of belief.

'It’s still possible for us. We have kept it alive'".

NEXT: DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

This season there will be no second chances, with just one game to play after Saturday's fixture.

The sides have met in Essex four times in the National League since Altrincham returned to the National League in 2020.

In December 2020, Alty returned home with all three points from a 1-0 win, secured by Jake Moult's 39th minute goal.

The following season Altrincham again emerged triumphant thanks to an added-time winner scored by Dan Mooney, which made the score 2-3 to the Robins.

However, the last two seasons have seen the Daggers take all the points, beating Alty 4-1 in September 2022 and 3-1 last season.

ALTY OLD BOYS

On X, NICKY CLEE has announced that "After 23 seasons and just under 850 games in non-league it’s time for me to hang the [boots] up. Thanks to everyone at @golcarunited for the last 18 months and to everyone associated with @altrinchamfc, @BPAFCOfficial, @AshtonUnitedFC, @hydeunited and @MossleyAFC.

I’ve had a blast!"

Footnote: Nicky's Altrincham appearances totalled 239(+53) games, in which he netted 37 goals

Nicky originally joined from Hyde United on 17 July 2009 before being released by Neil Young at the end of 2015/16 and joined Guiseley before moving on briefly to Harrogate Town, from where he rejoined Altrincham on 16 December 2016.

It was a former Alty boss, Gerry Quinn, who took Nicky from Ossett Albion, whom he had joined in 2002-03 from local football, to join Ashton United in the 2003-04 season.

The following summer he moved to Hyde United, where he made his debut at the end of July 2005. He was released by new manager Neil Young in early May 2016

Having signed a contract till the end of 2017-18, he asked to be released from that in May 2017 and left the club. He then signed for Bradford PA. Curiously, he finished his last season at Alty in goal after Tim Deasy had been injured during the last match of the 2016-17 at Tamworth. Coincidentally, Alty finish this current season playing Tamworth.

Moving on to Thursday's action, Phil Jordan reports that in League One, Stevenage left CARL PIERGIANNI on the bench as Birmingham City - already crowned champions - won by the only goal of the game at the Lamex Stadium.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Elaborating on a situation reported here this week by Phil Jordan, The Guardian reports that "Going into the 46th and final round of games this season, no fewer than a quarter of its 24 teams can still be crowned champions on Saturday afternoon.

Fittingly for a division which, as its name suggests, is contested by teams from the meridional area of England and Wales, the most southern-based team are top of the table. Located in Cornwall, Truro City are in pole position but the Tinners are level on points with their bitter rivals and the league’s next most southerly side, Torquay United, and only lead by a goal difference of +2. Truro welcome relegation-threatened St Albans, knowing victory will not be enough to win them the title if the Gulls go to Hemel Hempstead and win by three goals more. Interestingly, in three league and FA Trophy “El Pastyco” derbies this season, the former big boys from Devon have had Truro’s measure, but still look like they might miss out on promotion to the National League...

Should Truro and Torquay fail to win, there are four different [clubs]... ready to overtake them. Eastbourne Borough and Worthing are both a point behind the top two, but their inferior goal difference means both need to win to have any chance of the title. Behind them and three points behind the leaders, both Boreham Wood and Dorking Wanderers have significantly better goal differences and are therefore still in with a shout if everyone above fails to win."

24 April 2025

NEXT: DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

Dagenham & Redbridge report that "The Daggers started bright[ly], an early shot from Loupalo-Bi forced Gray to a low save at his near post, the following corner was then headed onto the roof of the net by Umerah.

The Daggers remained relatively untroubled...

A first half which saw all of the opportunities land for The Daggers saw the best chance come and go, Josh Umerah’s sliding shot trickling just wide.

The second half started the same as the first... Kyrell Lisbie thought he gave [sic] The Iron the lead, if it wasn’t for the linesman’s offside flag...

The rain poured down in Essex and the lack of action in front of goal continued, but The Daggers still looked most likely... The Daggers kept piling on the pressure but couldn’t find the breakthrough. A solid performance on the road saw Lewis Young’s men pick up a point but thinking it should’ve been more...

Starting XI: Turner; Rutherford, Kalambayi, Phipps, Francis, Hill; Hessenthaler, Rees; Pereira, Loupalo-Bi, Umerah".

NEW SPONSOR FOR ALTY WOMEN

The Greater Manchester legal firm, which also has offices in Cheshire, Merseyside and Shropshire, has signed an agreement for their branding to feature on training gear and coaching equipment for the 2025/26 season...

Helen Johnson, Partner and Head of Marketing at Aaron & Partners, said 'We’re incredibly proud to support Altrincham FC Women at such a defining moment in the club’s journey. As the team transitions from the community trust into the main club structure, it marks the start of a new chapter.

'We believe in backing the local communities we serve at grassroots level".

THROUGH THE YEARS: 26 APRIL

The last such game was back in 2014 at Histon in National League North, a game which ended 5-0 in Altrincham's favour.

Above: Mission accomplished; Alty players take a deserved drink at the end of the game at Histon, which secured a third-placed league finish.

Altrincham cruised into a 4-0 lead inside 25 minutes. The win ensured they finished third in the league table and they went on to face Hednesford Town in the Play-Off semi-finals over two-legs.

Altrincham: 1. Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (capt), 3. Adam Griffin, 4. Jake Moult 5. Gianluca Havern, 6. Scott Leather, 7. James Lawrie, 8. Simon Richman, 9. James Walshaw, 10. Damian Reeves, 11. Nicky Clee SUBS: 12. Tom Marshall, 14. Matt Doughty, 15. Greg Wilkinson, 16. Kyle Perry, 18. Russ Saunders.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Before that, The Lambs entertain relegated AFC Fylde who report that "The Lambs have had an impressive 2024/25, never really being considered involved in the relegation battle...

Andy Peaks’s side snatched a late winner in the reverse fixture in a 2-1 win at Mill Farm...

Manager Andy Peaks has led Tamworth to back-to-back promotions since his appointment at the Lamb Ground in February 2022. His playing career started at Northampton Town...

Obtaining his coaching badges, Peaks held assistant manager positions at Long Bucky and Daventry Town prior to a first-team manager role with Northampton Spencer.

Andy held the post of academy coach at Rushden & Diamonds before their closure in 2011, and then became assistant manager at AFC Rushen & Diamonds.

In eight-years as the Diamonds manager, Peaks led the side in over 200 matches – winning two promotions..

Peaks has been at Tamworth for over two-and-a-half-years, taking the Staffordshire outfit from the Southern League Central Premier Division to the Vanarama National League in two seasons...

Dan Creaney has made quite the impact this season, scoring 17 goals and assisting 7 times in 40 National League appearances. Creaney joined the Lambs back in 2019/20 from Coalville Town...

The 30-year-old became one of just ten players back in March to score over 100 goals for the Lambs".

Hartlepool United report that "Following the update to supporters on the 4th April, the Interim Board would like to provide further information on the takeover as well as Club operations and the 2025/26 Season Ticket release.

The owner, Mr Singh has reiterated that he will honour his commitment to fund key Club operations including player and staff wages until the last game of this season.

Due processes are still ongoing with potential takeover parties including those who had offers accepted approximately 6 weeks ago. Mr Singh has stressed that he is committed to stepping away from HUFC and is not in any way holding up matters.

Given the short timescale to the end of the season, it is now highly unlikely that any takeover will be complete before the current owner deadline is reached. It is obviously crucial that the Club continues to operate beyond the season end and the Interim Board and Club staff will continue to work hard to manage day to day operations effectively.

With this in mind, we will be asking our fans for their support as we release the 2025/26 Season Tickets tomorrow, particularly with purchases of early bird offers. It is important to note that the revenue generated from Season Tickets (and all commercial income activities) will be ringfenced and only used within the Club to maintain operations beyond the end of season. The current owner has made formal commitment to endorse and uphold this point.

The ability to continue Club operations in a ‘business as usual’ manner across Season Ticket, Retail, Hospitality, and Sponsorships will be crucial in providing an extended timeline and a stable platform with aim of completing a takeover transaction.

Collectively, we are asking for everyone to come together 'United as One' and to show potential investors and owners how valuable Hartlepool United is, to the fantastic fanbase, at the core of the community, and we ask that you join us on this journey if you are able to do so.

A full communication will follow in due course ".

23 April 2025

"REFEREE ON ALTY'S SIDE" SAY HALIFAX

Right: Tylor Golden was in the Alty side which defeated his former employers at The Shay on Monday.

Yates sent-off Halifax's Lewis Leigh in the second-half, as well as awarding Altrincham a penalty...

'They had one shot in the first-half, and scored from it, and the referee killed off the second-half, killed off any chance of a game in the second-half,' said Millington.

'He's decided it. Altrincham are a good team, they're a challenge enough at the best of times, but when the referee's on their side as well it makes it impossible'...

Millington said... 'I thought [in] the game, other than the one shot they've had in the first-half, we've largely been comfortable...

'We know Altrincham concede a lot of late goals but when you're down to ten men and he’s giving penalties against you that aren't penalties, he's sending players off who shouldn't be sent off, and then not being consistent when their players make the same types of challenges, then you might as well just pack up and go home...

'They're refereeing at this level for a reason... It isn't a proper game when you're up against an opposition plus a referee,' said Millington".

NEXT: DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

Currently they are two points from safety, with two games to play, but they have comfortably the best goal difference of any team in the bottom six.

It was in January that their form took a nose dive following their Third Round exit from the FA Cup, away at Millwall. That followed a fine away win in Round Two against AFC Wimbledon.

A run of twelve league games without a win since then has seen them plunge down the table, gaining just four points from draws out of the thirty-six available.

Since then, however, their form has improved and their most recent six fixtures have brought three wins, two draws and just a single defeat, away at Gateshead.

But goals have proved hard to come by recently, with just 14 goals scored in the last 18 league fixtures. Their leading scorer is Josh Rees, with 13 league goals to his name.

NEXT SEASON'S OPPONENTS

Morecambe reached the EFL in 2007, having won the play-offs after finishing third in the regular season. They were promoted to EFL in 2021 after finishing fourth in EFL2 but were relegated after just two seasons. They now face their second relegation in two years.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

An early goal from Brendan Kiernan for the Magpies was cancelled out by a strike from Kallum Cesay...

Neil Gibson made four changes to the side that were defeated by Boston United on Good Friday, with Connor McAvoy, Mustapha Carayol, Josh Grant and Harrison Sohna returning to the starting line-up for the Stones.

The Stones made the worst possible start, conceding in just the fourth minute of the match as Kane Ferdinand cut the ball back to the edge of the six-yard box for Kiernan to slot home under Dante Baptiste...

Gibson’s side were rewarded for their perseverance and were back on level terms with Maidenhead United in the 39th minute, with Cesay’s shot deflecting in off of the crossbar from close range, to restore parity.".

The draw was a much better result for the Stones, who remain two points clear of the bottom four, whilst Maidenhead are four ppints from safety.

Alty's final match of the season will be at home to Tamworth who had "hoped it would be a Good Friday in terms of football as they welcomed local rivals Solihull Moors...

The Lambs took the lead when Fairlamb played an incisive pass to Enoru who cut past his marker into the left of the area and drilled it low across the six yard box for McGlinchey to drive home...

Thorpe was felled by Curley and from the freekick Singh’s punch span to the right of the area for Wilkinson to rifle home (1-1, 50 mins)...

From [a] corner, Solihull captain Whitmore headed down and past Singh through a crowded box at the far post to give the travelling fans cause to celebrate (1-2, 87 mins)...

Tamworth packed the Moors box out for a couple of late late Tonks throws, and a Fairlamb forced corner which drew Singh in the box for the flagkick but there was no late late equaliser ...

Tamworth: Singh (c.), Curley (Crompton 86), Digie, Hollis (c.), Fairlamb, Sundire (Fletcher 76), Tonks, Ponticelli (Finn 90), McGlinchey (Williams 90), Enoru, Creaney (Waldron 80). Subs: Phillips, Willets".

22 April 2025

FC HALIFAX TOWN 0-3 ALTRINCHAM

On a poor surface, Altrincham took an early lead when Osborne's fine ball forward was won by Banks, in the air against Galvin, and it fell for the unmarked Bickerstaff whose excellent shot from the right of the box went into the net off the inside of the back post (10 mins). It was the Wrexham loanee's second league goal in 24 appearances for the Robins.

In a first half devoid of much quality, Alty nevertheless looked the better side against a Halifax side which failed to trouble Ansen.

Just before the hour mark Halifax's Leigh was shown a red card after lunging in on Banks (58 mins).

Shortly afterwards, following a corner, Olson's shot was judged to have struck a Halifax hand. From the resulting spot-kick Regan Linney (left) scored comfortably (65 mins).

A smart attacking move yielded a third goal for the visitors when Newby advanced and fed Weaver to his right. His pass located Linney to his left and he duly found the back of the net (73 mins).

The result leaves Alty in ninth place but Gateshead's defeat gives Altrincham a glimmer of hope that they can overhaul them, the Shaymen, or much less likely, Rochdale. However, with Gateshead facing Alty's fellow aspirants for the play offs, Southend United, on the last day of the season the omens are not good.

Match report here.

POST-MATCH PARKINSON

Asked about George Wilson (right), Phil said he has "stepped up and delivered", describing him as "a midfielder that's got a bit of everything".

HALIFAX VIEW

As for the match, FC Halifax Town reported that "10 minutes in, Altrincham went 0-1 up through striker Jake Bickerstaffe. Alex Newby [Ollie Banks] flicked on a header to Bickerstaffe, who took a touch into the box and wrapped the ball into the far corner. ..

Lewis Leigh saw a straight red in the 58th minute for a late challenge on Lewis Banks that the referee deemed high and dangerous. The afternoon worsened for the Shaymen when Adam Senior committed a handball in the penalty area.

Regan Linney converted the penalty in the 65th minute, sending Toby Savin the wrong way...

Altrincham made it 0-3, their top goalscorer Linney finding the back of the net for a second time in the afternoon. Newby carried the ball past his man, slid the ball through to the substitute Weaver, who provided Linney with a tap-in...

The Robins saw the game out, the fixture ending 0-3, as Chris Millington’s side face Braintree at the Shay Stadium on Saturday, with the pursuit of playoffs still in the balance".

NEXT: DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

The BBC reported on Easter Monday that "Dagenham remain in the National League relegation zone following a 0-0 draw at Braintree.

Harry Phipps came closest to giving Dagenham the win they craved five minutes into the second half when his header from a corner was saved by Braintree goalkeeper Henry Gray.

The hosts thought they had broken the deadlock in the 58th minute through Kyrell Lisbie but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Dagenham remain two points from safety with two games of the season remaining...

35. Jake Turner, 2. Chris Francis, 6. Harry Phipps, 30. Paul Kalambayi, 10. Ryan Hill, 8. Josh Rees (c), 4. Jake Hessenthaler, 21. Oscar Rutherford, 7. Dion Pereira, 15. Aaron Loupalo-Bi, 9. Josh Umerah. Subs: 20. Kayden Harrack, 12. Nathan Harvey, 23. Conor Lawless, 17. Trent Mahorn Rendell, 11. Christian N'Guessan, 16. Shiloh Remy, 29. Marcus Wyllie".

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was a 73rd minute substitute for Peterborough United in their 1-1 draw at Barnsley.

With TOBY MULLARKEY missing from their squad, Crawley Town brought on JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 75 minutes at home to Exeter City - the scoring was complete in their 3-1 win by then. With both Bristol Rovers and Burton Albion losing, the West Sussex side still have a chance of avoiding an immediate return to the 4th tier.

Wigan Athletic won 1-0 at home against Rotherham United, Jamie Carragher's son James scoring from an OWEN DALE assist. Owen was substituted after 70 minutes.

League Two : SONNY ALJOFREE (right) put Accrington Stanley ahead in their home clash with Carlisle United, who withdrew JOE HUGILL after 77 minutes, before snatching a point in added time. They will need to win both of their remaining fixtures to have a chance of staying up, but it's too late for Morecambe, whose relegation was confirmed when they went down 1-3 to visitors Salford City. MARCUS DACKERS wasn't able to play against his parent club, for whom KEVIN BERKOE returned to play the full match after missing 9 games through injury.

CONNOR JENNINGS was a 66th minute substitute for Tranmere Rovers at Barrow, joining CHRIS MERRIE who played throughout. The hosts substituted ELLIOT NEWBY after 65 minutes as the game ended goalless.

Having been booked in the first half of Chesterfield's 3-3 home draw with Bradford City, RYAN COLCLOUGH was withdrawn after 74 minutes.

National League : Tamworth withdrew KENNEDY DIGIE after 92 minutes, as they went down 3-0 at Forest Green Rovers.

Hartlepool United were without LUKE WATERFALL against visitors Gateshead, which was, to say the least, inconvenient when BILLY SASS-DAVIES went off injured after 39 minutes. The visitors, who withdrew LIAM HUMBLES after 64 minutes, suffered a blow to their playoff aspirations, losing 3-2.

Another of the playoff candidates, Rochdale, were unable to break down relegated visitors AFC Fylde, despite a shot count in their favour of 14(5) to 2(1). KYLE FERGUSON played the full game, but JACK KINGDON stayed on the bench.

Oldham Athletic forced a 1-1 draw at York City, leaving JOSH LUNDSTRAM on the bench. The hosts brought on TYRESE SINCLAIR (right) after 66 minutes.

Although CONNOR TEALE put them 1-2 ahead, Boston United eventually lost 3-2 to a 97th minute goal at Solihull Moors.

MILES WELCH-HAYES put in a full shift as Maidenhead United earned a 1-1 draw at Wealdstone. However, it was a game the Berkshire club desperately needed to win.

National North : KOLE HALL was among the scorers as Chorley hammered visitors Radcliffe 5-0.

National South : DANNY CASHMAN (right) limped off after 25 minutes of Worthing's 1-1 draw with visitors Dorking Wanderers with what looked like a hamstring injury. This was a game which both sides would have been desperate to win. Worthing dropped off the top of the table and down to 4th, but had Dorking won they would have been just one point off the top - but only 3rd.

With only 1 game left, any of the top 6 clubs could still win the title - and of course guaranteed promotion to the National League. None of the 6 play each other in the final games on Saturday.

Truro City are the leaders now, and entertain St.Albans City. On paper they should be in the driving seat, but the visitors are currently in the one unsettled relegation spot, and need to better Salisbury's result at Welling United, so they should be motivated.

Meanwhile, Torquay United are only 2nd on goal difference, and if they win by a goal margin at least two goals better than Truro THEY will be champions. They travel to mid-table Hemel Hempstead.

But what if neither of the two South West clubs win? Eastbourne Borough are only a point behind, and are at home to Weston-Super-Mare, who have just missed out on the playoffs - and Worthing are only behind THEM on goal difference. However, they're 8 goals worse off, so would need a decent win at Enfield Town to have any chance.

Unlikely though it would be for all of the top four to lose, if they did then Boreham Wood and Dorking Wanderers are both only 3 points off the top - Boreham Wood have a 3 goal advantage over the Surrey club on goal difference, but both clubs are better off in that department than ANY of the top four!

What is certain is that 5 of the 6 challengers will need to settle for the playoffs, where they'll be joined by last season's FA Cup heroes Maidstone.

An interesting Saturday afternoon awaits!

NPL Premier Division : A goal down at the break at Ilkeston, Matlock Town equalised straight from the restart through MONTEL GIBSON, but they had to cling on for the point after having a man sent off after 66 minutes. The results relegated them.

Edward Case Cup: There was more silverware for Alty groundsman DAVE JONES, as Atherton Laburnum Rovers won the final 3-0 against Stafford Town.

Irish Premier Division : St.Patrick's managed only a single attempt on target at Weavers Park in a goalless stalemate against hosts Drogheda - a win would have put them on top of the league - and BARRY BAGGLEY was a 70th minute substitute. There are only 10 teams in this league, and only 6 points cover the top 7 clubs.

Polish Ekstraklasa : MAXI OYEDELE played the full game, picking up a late yellow card, as Legia Warsaw recovered from going behind to relegation threatened visitors Lechia, and won 2-1 despite missing a penalty.

21 April 2025

SHAYMEN'S PREVIEW

Altrincham won’t have given up on their chance of a play-off spot and a win at the Shay is a must for them... It’s just one win in their last 10 games with just five points from the last 24 on offer.

They haven’t won away in their last four... Their last away was at York City back on the 4th March

There will be a couple of familiar faces returning to the Shay with Altrincham with Matty Kosylo (left) and Tylor Golden (right) now with Altrincham".

The referee today is Ollie Yates who oversaw Altrincham's 1-1 home draw with Oldham Athletic back in August.

Facing Alty today is likely to be Tom Pugh, who was a trialist for Altrincham in 2022.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

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

TODAY: FC HALIFAX TOWN

In fact, Halifax's away performances have earned them more points than their home games. They have lost just four times on the road, the joint best in the division, but at The Shay they have tasted defeat eight times.

Goals are at a premium for Halifax too, with just three teams having scored fewer times than them in the National League this season.

In fact, they have lost their last three home games without scoring a single goal; with two of those defeats coming against clubs currently in the relegation places. They lost 0-2 to Maidenhead United, 0-1 to Hartlepool United and 0-1 to Dagenham and Redbridge.

In addition to the nine* players who were unfit to participate on Friday, Altrincham are likely to be without midfielder Tom Crawford. Tom had to be substituted during the first half on Good Friday and he is seen, right, leaving the field with physio Tommy Uda.

* The nine missing on Friday were Charlie Olson, Justin Amaluzor, Lucas Weaver, Rob Lainton, Eddy Jones, Joe Nuttall, Jake Cooper, Ethan Ross and Ollie Crankshaw.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 21 APRIL

In fact, on the last three Alty games played on today's date Alty have enjoyed big wins. Before the 4-1 victory at Grantham, Alty won 5-1 at home to Vauxhall Motors in 2014 whilst, in 2012, they triumphed 6-1 at Eastwood Town.

Just 239 spectators witnessed the win at Eastwood in 2012, which featured a hat-trick for Alty by Leighton McGivern. But the game is also noteworthy for being Duncan Watmore's full debut.

Right: Leighton McGivern, playing his last game for Altrincham, celebrates his hat-trick goal at Eastwood.

What turned into a comfortable win for Altrincham came after 34 minutes of lacklustre play before they went ahead when Scott Phelan drove home a low shot. When Lawrie was upended, Reeves converted the penalty for his 44th of the season (39 mins). McGivern made it 3-0 on the stroke of half time, to make it three goals in eleven minutes.

Phelan got a second four minutes after the interval when the keeper failed to hold a Watmore effort. McGivern scored again after 78 minutes when Lawrie's breakaway set him free and he scored after rounding the keeper (78 mins).

Alty could not keep a clean sheet as Burgess scored following an Eastwood corner (82 mins). But McGivern completed his hat trick in the closing minutes to make it 6-1.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

For a brief moment, it worked. The Daggers’ social media following soared, particularly on Instagram, where hundreds of thousands of new Arabic-speaking fans flocked to cheer on a club most had never previously heard of.

Serry, a football content creator with over 5 million followers, spoke of taking the club to the Premier League and making it a household name across the Middle East...

On 17 April, Dagenham & Redbridge announced that Mashhour had been dismissed 'effective immediately.' No reason was offered, but it didn’t take long for the dots to connect. A pro-Israel campaign had emerged online, citing an old Instagram post from 30 October 2023, in which Mashhour... criticised the occupation of Palestine and described resistance movement Hamas’s actions in the context of self-defence...

It appears the club caved to pressure, likely from Zionist lobby groups or high-profile supporters, who demanded Mashhour’s head...

The backlash was immediate. Marwan Serry, clearly blindsided by the move, announced his full withdrawal from the club and its investment project...

Perhaps the biggest irony of all is that a National League club on the verge of relegation believed it could become the next Middle Eastern cult icon—without understanding the politics of its new fanbase".

20 April, 2025

"A TOUGH ONE TO TAKE"

"I thought we deserved something out of the game. Maybe not the win but definitely a point.

Right: Isaac Marriott was a deserved Man of the Match as well as Altrincham's goalscorer against Rochdale on Good Friday.

"It's another disappointing finish to a game".

In their last ten league games, Altrincham have lost seven times, drawn twice and won just once. Those seven games have included six losses by just a single goal, three times 0-1 and three times 1-2.

ROCHDALE MATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN

Altrincham, currently lie ninth and face a Halifax side which has both scored 15 fewer goals than Altrincham and conceded 15 fewer times. The Shaymen lie seven points ahead of the Robins in sixth place.

Like Alty, their opponents have experienced a drop in form in recent weeks but by not quite to the same extent as The Robins. However, their one-nil win at Fylde on Good Friday was their first win in seven matches.

The Yorkshiremen's leading scorer is Jamie Cooke with seven to his name from 41 appearances in the National League. They have one ever-present player in defender Adam Senior who has started all 43 fixtures.

SUCCESSFUL WALK TO RAISE FUNDS

Above, we see the walkers who covered the 20.6 miles from Rochdale's Crown Oil Arena to the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday. They took just under seven hours for the walk which was organised to raise funds for the Altrincham FC Community Sports company.

An early start meant that they arrived in time for kick-off of the match between Altrincham and Rochdale at 3pm.

All the participants are grateful for the sponsorship support that they received, with those funds augmented by the "Bring a Pound to the Ground" initiative which took place at the game on Saturday.

ALTY OLD BOYS

John has remarkably played every minute of 31 games - and he wasn't in the squad for the other one. He now has a well earned 15 day break before the Welsh Cup Final in which TNS will start strong favourites.

The match will do little to help either club's carbon footprint, as it's being played well over 100 miles away at Newport!

In the Championship Group, Bala Town finished bottom, but still qualify for the playoffs. Although JOEL TORRANCE was beaten twice - the second a 90th minute penalty - his team beat visitors Penybont 3-2.

NPL Premier Division: MONTEL GIBSON (right) scored for Matlock Town, but by the time he did so in the 96th minute it was a lost cause, visitors Worksop Town having already scored twice.

NPL Division 1 West : DAMOLO SOTONA, who trialled for the Robins in pre-season, equalised for Witton Albion, who then went on to beat visitors Chasetown 2-1.

NWCL : Congratulations to Robins groundsman Dave Jones, who, in his other capacity as manager of Atherton Laburnum Rovers, led his team to victory by the odd goal in five at Winsford United to lift the First Division Champions Cup.

And in a change of sporting code, in the Cheshire County Cricket League, Ian Wilkinson informs us that there was a "cracking game at Chester Boughton Hall against Timperley on Saturday.

The game ended in a tie with the Chester club hitting 322-6 and Timpeley replied with 322-9.

OLLIE BYRNE played for Timperley. He batted at number eight and scored.8 runs off 7 balls including one 4. He did not bowl".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

A win for Barnet at Sutton United and defeat for York City at Oldham Athletic would confirm that the Bees had won the National League championship.

At the bottom, Wealdstone host Maidenhead United. A home win would condemn Alan Devonshire's side to relegation for next season but would not mean that the hosts were yet safe from relegation themselves as Dagenham could still catch them.

19 April, 2025

ALTRINCHAM 1-2 ROCHDALE

The Robins created little in the first half and fell behind following a Dale corner in the 20th minute. Though Beckwith overhit his corner the ball was recycled to him and his low shot from 22 yards found the back of the Alty net.

Right: Matty Kosylo congratulates Isaac Marriott on his goal.

The hosts increased the tempo in the second half and deservdly levelled when Isaac Marriott's shot from the edge of the box beat Barrett in the Rochdale goal (59 mins).

Altrincham dominated the latter stages but could not find a winner before Rochdale won possession amidst claims of handball and Gilmour fed Rodney who netted from the left (89 mins).

Despite further pressure the Robins could not find a leveller and dropped to ninth, six points outside the play-offs with just three games remaining.

Match report here

POST-MATCH PARKY

He believes that one factor is that "You can't play on our pitch" which is cutting up and prejudicial to Alty's normal style of play.

However, he remains proud of the team for continuing to fight to the end of every game, despite being weakened by injuries. On that topic he indicated that Tom Crawford had had to be substituted owing to a "tweak" in his groin.

NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN

The gap between the cubs grew wider on Good Friday as FC Halifax Town report that the Shaymen "secured a valuable three points on the road at AFC Fylde, thanks to Ryan Galvin’s first-half header.

Just one change was made to the starting eleven... with Luca Thomas coming into the side in place of Adam Adetoro.

The visitors made a bright start and nearly opened the scoring inside five minutes. Tom Pugh struck an audacious volley from distance, but Ben Winterbottom was equal to it, comfortably collecting the effort...

Halifax’s pressure finally told on the half-hour mark. Ryan Galvin wheeled away in celebration after heading home his second goal for the club—both of which have come via headers. On this occasion, it was Adam Senior who provided the assist, nodding the ball across goal and putting it on a plate for Galvin to convert...

The second half began with more frustration for Thomas, who struck the woodwork for a second time....

Halifax continued to push for a second goal and should have extended their lead by the hour mark...

Despite dominating for large spells, Halifax were almost made to pay for missed chances...

FC Halifax Town: 31 Toby Savin, 5 Adam Senior ©, 3 Ryan Galvin, 20 Jack Jenkins, 18 Florent Hoti (29 Sean Tarima 86), 9 Luca Thomas (21 Zak Emmerson 76), 23 Tom Pugh (28 Lewis Leigh 73), 8 Daniel Nkrumah (22 Dubem Eze 89),10 Jamie Cooke, 11 Angelo Cappello (14 Harvey Sutcliffe 84), 16 Josh Emmanuel. Subs 12 Nathaniel Ford, 27 Adam Adetoro.

ALTY OLD BOYS

By the time CARL PIERGIANNI scored for Stevenage after 77 minutes, it was merely a consolation effort. Blackpool's Rob Apter had earlier rattled off a 12 minute hat trick, and the Tangerines won 1-3.

League Two: The scoring at Carlisle United was all over by the time JOE HUGILL came off the bench in the 85th minute. Visitors Port Vale had pulled back two goals, but couldn't add to them and lost 3-2.

Morecambe, for whom MARCUS DACKERS was a 79th minute substitute, finished with 10 men at Bromley, and were beaten by a Michael Cheek penalty. With only 3 games left, the only team they can catch outside the bottom pair are Tranmere Rovers, and they're 8 points adrift of the Birkenhead club, who went down 0-3 at home to Doncaster Rovers after bringing on CHRIS MERRIE at the start of the second half, and CONNOR JENNINGS after 78 minutes.

Carlisle can still, at least mathematically, overtake 5 of the clubs above them, but it seems very unlikely after Accrington Stanley, with SONNY ALJOFREE back in their starting lineup, won 1-2 at Salford City. KEVIN BERKOE was on the home side's bench after missing 8 games with injury.

ELLIOT NEWBY (right) was withdrawn by Barrow after 80 minutes of their goalless draw at Fleetwood - a game in which the side produced only 3 shots on target between them. Chesterfield also failed to trouble the goalkeeper at AFC Wimbledon, where the hosts did at least manage 4 shots on target without any of them being successful. ALISTAIR SMITH played the full match for the London club, while RYAN COLCLOUGH was introduced by the visitors after 61 minutes.

National League : Although they led early, and LIAM HUMBLES won the Man of the Match award, Gateshead went down 1-3 to visitors York City, who substituted TYRESE SINCLAIR after 61 minutes. They could still overtake Barnet for the championship, but are definitely not capable of being caught by anyone below them.

CONNOR TEALE played the whole of Boston United's 2-0 home win over Wealdstone. Boston are not yet mathematically safe from relegation, but, having won 8 of their last 10 games, not many would bet against them staying up.

Maidenhead United were looking to be also heading for the safety zone after MILES WELCH-HAYES doubled their advantage, but visitors Woking scored twice in the next 5 minutes, and the points were shared.

Oldham Athletic had already scored what turned out to be the goal that gave them a 2-1 win when they brought on JOSH LUNDSTRAM after 84 minutes. Visitors Hartlepool United, who had opened the scoring, brought on LUKE WATERFALL at the start of the second half, while BILLY SASS-DAVIES played the full game for them.

Although KENNEDY DIGIE (right) played throughout, Tamworth's lingering playoff hopes suffered a blow when visitors Solihull Moors came from behind to win by the odd goal in three.

National North : The only goal at Buxton was scored against visitors Chorley by CONNOR KIRBY.

Needham Market were reduced to 10 men after 55 minutes at Peterborough Sports with the game still goalless, and the hosts pressed home their man advantage with MICHAEL GYASI scoring the clincher in a 2-0 win.

ASHLEY HEMMINGS opened the scoring for Kidderminster Harriers at Rushall Olympic, and they went on to win 1-2, a result that puts them top of the table on goal difference from Brackley Town. Overnight leaders Scunthorpe United went down 1-0 at King's Lynn.

NPL: ANDY DALES scored the only goal as already relegated Mickleover beat visitors Leek Town.

NPL Division 1 West : KEVIN ELLISON put Vauxhall Motors ahead at Stalybridge Celtic, but they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Irish Premier League : With the score at 1-1 after 80 minutes, St.Patrick's brought BARRY BAGGLEY off the bench. Visitors Shamrock Rovers regained the lead but couldn't hold on and the game ended 2-2

Northern Ireland Premiership : Linfield led at the break at Larne, but within 15 minutes of the restart they'd made 5 substitutions, including the withdrawal of SAM ROSCOE, and the hosts struck twice late on to win 2-1.

18 April 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

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

TODAY: ROCHDALE

Today's Good Friday match against Rochdale means that Altrincham will have played a league fixture on every day of the week except Sunday this season.

As well as the usual Saturday and Tuesday fixtures, Alty faced Hartlepool United on a Wednesday, courtesy of DAZN requirements.

Boxing Day fell on a Thursday when FC Halifax Town were the visitors to the J. Davidson Stadium.

All they need now to complete the full seven-day set is to reach the Promotion Final on Sunday, 1 June. That would also mean that, if pre-season games are taken into account, Alty will have played fixtures in twelve separate months in succession.

CALEB'S Q AND A

ALTY OLD BOYS

On Thursday, in the Europa Conference League, MAXI OYEDELE played the full game at Stamford Bridge, as Legia Warsaw won 1-2. However it was a vain effort, as they had lost their home leg 0-3, and Chelsea go into the semifinals.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Early Bird ticket offer is now closed but tickets for the Promotion Final will go on sale on the Wembley Stadium website on May 22 once the two finalists are known.

Timings for the Eliminators and Semi-Finals will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Confirmed Vanarama National League play-off schedule:

• Eliminator A (5th v 6th) – Wednesday 14 May
• Eliminator B – (4th v 7th) – Thursday 15 May
• Semi-Final (2nd v Eliminator A Winner) – Tuesday 20 May
• Semi-Final (3rd v Eliminator B Winner) – Wednesday 21 May
• Promotion Final – Sunday 1 June – 3pm kick-off (Wembley Stadium)

Five points from safety with four fixtures to complete, Maidenhead United report that "It’s the penultimate home game of the season this weekend at York Road...

The Magpies enter the fixture with two back-to-back wins so far this April. A 3-1 win against Tamworth earlier this month was matched by a 2-0 win at Halifax last weekend, but there can be no time for let up in the bid to cement a ninth season in the National League.

Woking were in a similar situation to United a little over a month ago, but come to Berkshire having not lost their last five in the league. The Cardinals have amassed wins against AFC Fylde, Oldham and Braintree, with home draws against Rochdale and Halifax to add to an impressive start to the run-in.

The visitors kept the points in Surrey in the reverse fixture on New Year's Day... The Magpies last win over the Cards came in September 2022".

Another club five points adrift is Dagenham & Redbridge who announce "that Marwan Serry, the Egyptian YouTuber and creative entrepreneur, has joined the club’s ownership group alongside Club Underdog.

Marwan is the founder of Arcade, a digital production studio, and the creator of Erza3, a football YouTube channel with over 2 million subscribers and a reach of more than 5 million fans across platforms. His influence makes him one of the leading Arabic voices in global football media...

Said Marwan 'I feel lucky to join a club with real character and potential. I’m here to contribute and be part of something meaningful'.

Also joining the club in a leadership role is Salma Mashhour, who has been appointed Director of Development & Engagement. A prominent digital storyteller in UK football, Salma is known for her matchday vlogs covering everything from the Premier League to 10th-tier games. Her content has helped Arabic-speaking fans explore the full depth of the English football pyramid...

Salma’s content was instrumental in inspiring Marwan’s interest in the lower tiers of English football...

With this announcement, Dagenham & Redbridge FC deepens its commitment to growth beyond the pitch — expanding its global footprint, connecting with Arabic-speaking audiences, and embracing a new era of creative, community-first football".

17 April 2025

LANDMARKS GALORE AT ALTY

But no fewer than three other Alty players are also at, or on the verge of, century landmarks for the club, either in terms of starts or of overall appearances.

When ISAAC MARRIOTT (left) started the recent game against Ebbsfleet United it was his 100th start for the club.

Isaac joined the club at Christmas 2021 from Bradford (Park Avenue), having been at Huddersfield Town as a youngster. Following his release by Huddersfield Town in summer 2020, he signed for Bradford (Park Avenue) where he had made fifteen appearances in 2021-22 before signing for Phil Parkinson at Altrincham.

Once he had regained fitness he became an ever-present starter for the final sixteen games of the 2021-22 campaign.

A pre-season injury in summer 2022 meant that Isaac missed the start of the 2022-23 season and it was league game 18 before he started a match. However, he soon re-established himself as a key figure in the team and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension, announced at the end of March 2023.

On 22 July 2023 it was announced that James would be the Altrincham team's vice-captain for the 2023-24 season and he later captained the side.

A serious ankle injury curtailed Isaac's appearances in March 2024 and a remedial operation ended his season prematurely as well as causing him to miss the opening weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. After a brief return a further injury lay-off saw him sidelined in January 2025 before he returned to league action in March.

He has made 16(+14) appearances so far in 2024-25.

Saturday should also see REGAN LINNEY reach his hundredth appearance for Altrincham, having already made 78(+21) appearances).

On 3 February, 2023, it was announced that Regan had joined Altrincham for an undisclosed fee from FC United of Manchester FC United, a club that he had joined in 2019 from Bamber Bridge for whom he made his debut in 2015.

The striker had made 133 appearances for FCUM and netted 61 goals before signing for the Robins. His debut came off the bench against Wrexham on 4 February 2023...

But in 2023-24, having scored three times in the first six fixtures, he was sidelined by injury and missed eleven league matches before returning to action and scoring regularly, including a number of penalties.

Regan was not fully fit for the start of the 2024-25 season and his minutes on the pitch, accordingly, were limited initially but he scored regularly before it was announced on 1 October 2024 that he had extended his contract for an unspecified period.

By early 2025 he was the leading scorer in the National League and he remains the club's top scorer this season.

A fourth player, along with Matty, Lewis, Regan and Isaac, who will reach a century almost certainly on Saturday when Rochdale visit the JDS, is defender LEWIS BANKS (right). To date, he has 92(+7) appearances to his name since joining in June 2023, so his next game will bring up three figures.

Lewis had ended the 2022-23 campaign up at Arbroath in the Scottish second-tier where he had made 12(+1) league appearances. Prior to that he had made 118 appearances for Sligo Rovers, since early 2019, in the Republic of Ireland and had appeared for them in the European Conference League.

However, Lewis had started out at his hometown club of Stoke City where he had played up to under-23 level before leaving to join Stafford Rangers in summer 2018.

Lewis soon established himself as the regular right-back at Altrincham where he was not only reliable but weighed in with a number of goals. His versatility has also seen him perform well at left-back and in the centre of the back line as well as weighing in with six goal to date.

Supporters may also recall that we recently recorded another player's century of games and that was JAKE COOOPER, who has now made 87(+14) appearances for Altrincham.

And, finally, on the theme of landmarks, no fewer than three Alty men are on the cusp of their fiftieth appearance for Altrincham.

The next appearances by ALEX NEWBY, TYLOR GOLDEN and TOM CRAWFORD will be their fiftieth of the current season for Altrincham, whilst for Tylor (42+7 games) and Tom (46+3 games) it will also be the fiftieth game of their Altrincham career. In Alex's case this season he has made 45(+4) appearances and his career total at Altrincham is currently 82(+5) games, in which he has scored 27 times.

The only player to have made more than 50 appearances this season is Lewis Banks with 52 games behind him, comprising 47 starts and five more appearances from the bench.

Alty's current players who have made 99 or more career appearances for the club (including from the bench) are:

• 205 James JONES (189 starts, pictured right)
• 164 Elliot OSBORNE (145 starts)
• 137 Matty KOSYLO (100 starts)
• 125 Lewis BAINES (117 starts)
• 124 Eddy JONES (118 starts)
• 111 Isaac MARRIOTT (100 starts)
• 101 Jake COOPER (87 starts)
• 99 Lewis BANKS (92 starts)
• 99 Regan LINNEY (78 starts)

MATTY'S Q AND A

NEXT: ROCHDALE

As for Dale, our record since 2005 stands at 38 games played with 16 wins, 14 losses and eight draws. From 2006 to 2012, fixtures were played on a Saturday, closely followed by a Monday before changing back to Friday with one Thursday fixture, which came in a win at Bury in 2017".

NEW MANAGER FOR ALTY WOMEN

Daryll grew up in Sale and attended Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham. A keen Alty fan, captaining Altrincham FC as a football scholar (16-18) whilst completing a BTEC Level 3 in Sport...

A bachelor’s degree with honours in Football Coaching & Administration at The University of South Wales followed, in partnership with Wigan Athletic and The English Football League and the newly appointed manager is currently studying for a master’s degree in leadership.

Daryll, who has a UEFA B Licence, has worked for Manchester United for the past four seasons and... For the past two years Daryll has worked for Liverpool Football Club as an Academy Coach with their International Academy...

During the last 12 months, Alty’s future women’s manager worked in the Middle East for Juventus as an academy coach, with their International Academy...

Also, during the last year, Daryll carried out the role of Head of Football Operations at Sale United FC... Recently appointed Head of Women’s Football, Duncan Jones who has been in charge of team affairs since January, added... 'Daryll... is the perfect candidate to help propel the club to the next level.'"

TOP AND BOTTOM

But where, currently, are the other play-off contenders from last season? It took 71 points to get into the play-offs last season.

• Second placed in 2024, Barnet are running away with the league title this campaign
• Fourth placed Altrincham are, as we know, lying eighth.
• Fifth-placed Solihull Moors lie seventeenth currently.
• Sixth-placed Gateshead are lying fifth currently.
• Seventh-placed FC Halifax Town are... in seventh place once more.

So, of the five play-off teams who did not get promoted last season, three (Barnet, Gateshead and FC Halifax Town) are again in the top seven.

Of the other four clubs who are in the current top seven currently, FGR were not in the division last season, whilst York City (20th last season) and the Greater Manchester duo of Oldham Athletic and Rochdale are the other three. The latter two finished tenth and eleventh respectively in 2024.

The bottom four this season are curious in that all of the clubs were in the division last season, so all of the "new" clubs for 2024-25 have stabilised to varying degrees, so far, at this level, whether they were previously relegated (FGR and Hartlepool United) or promoted (Tamworth, Braintree Town, Boston United, Yeovil Town).

COLTS WIN AWAY IN CUP

ALTY OLD BOYS

It was a fine achievement for JOHN JOHNSTON in his first season as player coach, and AIDY ROXBURGH was among the Irlam scorers. Hyde captain JACK REDSHAW also found the net, but it was the underdogs who took the spoils.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Since joining the National League at the start of 2021, Ives [has] increased the profile of the Competition and was influential in the implementation of the National League’s streaming platform National League TV and more recently the launch of the 3UP campaign.

Due to personal and family reasons he made the decision this week to step away from the National League with immediate effect to focus on these commitments".

16 April 2025

NEXT: ROCHDALE'S MIXED NEWS

Ahead of the game, Rochdale report that "Striker Jay Bird has been recognised for his performances in the month of March by winning the Supporters' Trust's Player and the Club's Goal of the Month Awards.

The 23-year-old, on loan from Exeter City, joined the club on 25th February and made his debut that evening away at Tamworth. Since that game, the forward has made a further six appearances, all from the start.

He netted four times in March with his first in the Isuzu FA Trophy against Altrincham on his home debut before scoring three in a week. His last goal came in the defeat at home to Boston United, his last outing before injury.

Included in his goals was the opening goal away at Oldham Athletic which has won March’s Goal of the Month with 85.9% of voters selecting the 25-yard strike".

Less happily for Rochdale, "defender Liam Hogan will miss the rest of the season through injury... after being forced off at half-time of the midweek away visit to Sutton United".

Head Coach Jimmy McNulty stated "We had his injury scanned and it’s another muscle one which puts him out for the season. The last 11 weeks have battered the players physically, we’ve had a number of injuries through that period"...

The number 26 joins Ryan East, Sam Waller, Jake Burger, Connor McBride, Jid Okeke and Jay Bird on the lengthy injury list.

[Ex-Alty man] Kyle Ferguson was recalled from his loan spell at Yeovil Town on Saturday...

'He did really well there (at Yeovil). He’s in good rhythm and we recalled him which we’re very fortunate to be able to do. We’re stronger for Kyle’s experience, he came on (vs Eastleigh) and he was excellent, showed superb attitude and we’re pleased to have him back'".

FOUR TOUGH TESTS AHEAD FOR ALTY

• First up, is a visit from Rochdale, who are already in the play-off places. They have four points more than Alty as well as a game in hand and far superior goal difference.
• Just three days later, there is a trip to The Shay to face FC Halifax Town, who also have four points more, but have played the same number of games and have a slightly worse goal difference.
• Five days after that comes a lengthy trip to Dagenham & Redbridge who have slid alarmingly into deep relegation trouble, finding themselves now five points from safety with four games to play.
• And finally, Alty host Tamworth whose rise through the table has brought them level on points with Alty, though with a worse goal difference. However, like Alty, they will have an eye on sneaking into the play-off places.

MATTY'S ENTHUSIASM

And Matty's start at Boston last Saturday was his 100th start for Altrincham which, together with 37 appearances from the bench, gives him 137 appearances for the club. He has scored 22 times in those games.

With his former club, FC Halifax Town, Alty's opposition on Easter Monday, Matty will be hoping to avoid a third successive red card against the Shaymen!

ALTY OLD BOYS

JOSH HANCOCK and BRAD JACKSON were in the starting lineup, while JORDAN HULME was on the bench. Radcliffe knew that 3 points would guarantee another season at this level, and they took the lead after 63 minutes. With 6 minutes left, Jordan replaced Josh after Farsley had managed to equaliser 3 minutes earlier.

But in the first of 4 added minutes Radcliffe snatched the winner and will stay up.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

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

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

From Calderdale, the Halifax Courier reports that the Shaymen "have received a long overdue fitness boost with the news that midfielder Lewis Leigh and defender Festus Arthur have both returned to training.

Leigh, who is on loan from Bromley, has missed Town’s last two games with a foot injury, but took part in Monday’s training session and will be monitored throughout the week to determine if he is available for Friday’s game at Fylde, according to manager Chris Millington.

Jamie Cooke is playing with an ongoing groin issue, which Millington says is being managed to try and keep him available.

'He's capable of running and covering the distances, it's the ball striking that causes him pain and discomfort,' Millington said. 'So if that means he's not able to make passes or get shots off then that'll require him to come out of the team'.

Defender Arthur and goalkeeper Sam Johnson, who both have abductor injuries, are expected to be back before the end of the league season...

Scott High and Adan George are the only others on Halifax’s injury list that could potentially still play a part this season".

Aldershot Town have "triggered an option on Cameron Hargreaves’s contract, extending his stay with the Shots until the summer of 2026!

Hargreaves joined the Shots ahead of the 24/25 season and has already made 52 appearances for the Shots before the end of his first season!

The midfielder has also chipped in with five goals as he’s quickly become a key part of Tommy Widdrington’s side...

Tommy Widdrington added 'Cameron is a lad I also worked with before I came to Aldershot and knew he’d fit in seamlessly so was delighted to capture his signature last summer. His all round game in the heart of the engine room has been excellent'">

For the run-in Barnet have recalled two of their loand-out players.

Firstly, "Reece Hall-Johnson has been recalled from his loan at Solihull Moors. Reece featured 7 times for The Moors.

Reece also featured five times for the Bees earlier on in this seasons".

And also Barnet add that "Jermaine Francis has been recalled from his loan at Braintree Town.

Jermaine featured 34 times for The Irons, finding the net 9 times.

Jermaine also featured four times for the Bees earlier on in this season."

Ebbsfleet United's "annual memorial to remember fans, family, friends, players and staff who have passed away will be held at our final home game against Maidenhead United next Saturday, April 26th.

The club introduced the memorial match at the beginning of the 2021/22 season following the Covid lockdown, initially as a means to remember all of our supporters, players, staff and families who had passed away during that time.

It has since become an annual reflection to enable all of us at the club the chance to pay our respects to those who have departed throughout the previous season.

Our matchday programme will once again feature the names of those who have passed away, in addition to all those names submitted to us in previous seasons (so you will not need to resubmit if previously sent) – and they will also be listed on the scoreboard pre-match and at half-time...

As on previous occasions, there will also be a silent reflection ahead of kick-off to mark the occasion".

15 April 2025

NEXT: ROCHDALE

Dale, like Altrincham and a number of other clubs vying for play-off places, have faltered in recent weeks, winning only two of their last eight league games, both being 4-0 home wins. Away from home they have not won any of their last eight fixtures on the road.

They secured that second 4-0 home win on Saturday, thrashing Eastleigh 4-0 but the Hampshire club does not provide the sternest test at the moment as the Spitfires currently lie bottom of the form guide! The previous 4-0 win was against Aldershot Town.

For the game against Eastleigh last weekend, Rochdale reported that it was "a dominant home display... Devante Rodney scored another brace at the COA and alongside Ian Henderson’s second-half goal and an own goal [it?] allowed... Jimmy McNulty’s men to run out convincing winners.

The Dale Head Coach made three changes to the midweek eleven with Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Tarryn Allarakhia and Ian Henderson returning to start in place of Liam Hogan, Michael Adu-Poku and Kairo Mitchell...

With 11 minutes elapsed, Dale broke the deadlock. Rodney slamming home the opener... Inside the opening 20 minutes, a two-goal buffer was created between the sides. Aidan Barlow whipped in a dangerous corner which came off the hapless Luis Fernandez and trickled over the goalline.

Dale were playing with an intense tempo...

Dale grabbed a deserved third. Sam Beckwith delightfully picked out Adebayo-Rowling who prodded towards Henderson, he stayed cool to convert... Dale made it four when Corey Edwards sprayed the ball out to Adebayo-Rowling who skipped past two Eastleigh defenders and teed up Rodney...

Dale XI | Barrett, Gordon, Ebanks-Landell (c), Allarakhia (79′ Kingdon), Gilmour, Rodney (90+1′ Adu-Poku), Adebayo-Rowling, Barlow (66′ Mitchell), Edwards (84′ Weston), Beckwith (79′ Ferguson), Henderson. Unused subs | Armstrong, Ayinde.

Attendance | 1762 (13 visitors)."

ALTY WOMEN REACH FINAL

The Dabbers had completed a league double over the Robins and were crowned champions of The Cheshire Women’s & Youth League, Premier Division last week.

With the hosts unbeaten at The Swansway Stadium this season, the win represents, possibly, the most significant result in the history of Altrincham FC Women, who will face Witton Albion or Vauxhall Motors in the final, which is likely to be played at the end of the month or early in May, as their semi-final is not being played until Wednesday April 23 at Wincham Park...

Alty took the lead just after the half hour mark... The Dabbers equalised just before the break... and an even first period finished level at 1-1.

After the interval, Alty gradually took control of proceedings and Saycell restored the lead just before the hour...

The third goal was the best of the game with the industrious Walsh again involved in the initial play, which ended with Nat Lowe’s slide rule ball dissecting the heart of the Dabbers defence to pick out Elise Jones, who calmly rolled the ball past the outstretched legs of the advancing Niamh Harding...

But some sloppy play in the 83rd minute gifted possession to the Cheshire side and Poppy Smith took full advantage with a powerful left foot strike... just underneath the crossbar...

Alty (4-4-2) Ari Shapiro; Annie O’Donoghue, Brianna Morrison, Emily O’Leary, Libby Newton, Holly Lloyd, Ashley Jones, Nat Lowe (c), Grace McArdle, Kira Saycell, Elise Jones. Game Changers: Brogan Walsh, Caitlin Beaty, Rose Fitzgerald, Rhianna Pickering, Katie Robins."

BRING A "POUND TO THE GROUND"

ALTY AND AGENTS' FEES

Altrincham is reported to have spent £16,445 in this way.

The highest spenders are Forest Green Rovers with £133,184, whilst both York (£109K) and Southend (£103K) have both also hit six-figures.

ALTRINCHAM FC STATEMENT

The club has a zero-tolerance policy for such behaviour.

This matter is being investigated by Lincolnshire Police and the club will fully cooperate with their investigation. We are liaising with them and with Greater Manchester Police and following their guidance on this matter.

The supporter has been given an interim ban pending the outcome of the Lincolnshire Police investigation.

We at Altrincham Football Club are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all our supporters, for match officials, players and staff of opposing clubs and we will take all necessary measures to protect them from harm".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In the Daily Echo, head coach "Kelvin Davis questioned Eastleigh's mentality following a 'humbling' 4-0 defeat to National League play-off hopefuls Rochdale on Saturday...

Davis said, 'It's a humbling experience if I'm honest... I've felt a different mentality in the group, and against a quality side, if your mentality's not right, then you lose a bit of your heart, which is what we did today.

'I don't like saying that because you want to be supportive of the group, and you want the group to emulate yourself. But ultimately, today we saw the side of our squad and our team that we don't like to see, and it came out to play too often...

'Early on, I thought we were at the races, and I thought the game plan looked like it was going to have some success.

'Then the goals come and the mentality changes and then it's very difficult. I think we've got a mentality amongst us where the first goal seems to be pretty damaging.'"

14 April 2025

SPONSORED WALK

The walking team will set off on Good Friday at 6:30am from Rochdale’s Crown Oil Arena and walk the 20 miles back to The J.Davidson Stadium in time for Alty's big play-off chasing clash with Rochdale at 3pm".

UPS AND DOWNS

Next season, of course, two teams each will be promoted to join the Vanarama National League from the North and South divisions.

• Vanarama National League North: With three fixtures remaining, Scunthorpe United lead the way but they are only a single point ahead of Kidderminster Harriers. Third place is filled by Brackley Town who have the same points as Kiddy and are heading for their seventh successive play-off finish at that level, having lost the previous six! Those two clubs are five points clear of fourth-placed Chester FC.

  The other play-off positions are currently occupied by Chorley, Hereford FC and King's Lynn Town.

• Vanarama National League South: In the South it is Cornwall's Truro City who are top but only on goal difference from West Sussex club Worthing, neither of these clubs ever having been in the national division.

  Third place is currently held by East Sussex's Eastbourne Borough, followed by Torquay United, Dorking Wanderers, Boreham Wood and Maidstone United.

• Northern Premier League: In the northern feeder leagues, Macclesfield FC have already won the Premier Division, as they are 26 points clear of second-placed Worksop Town, with the other three play-off places currently held by Stockton Town, Guiseley, Ashton United and Ilkeston Town.

  The NPL's three regional feeder league currently feature three teams who have not played at Step 3 before. They are Leicestershire's Quorn (Midlands division), Widnes (West) and Cleethorpes Town who are already champions in the East division.

In terms of relegation:

• Vanarama National League: The bottom four are now five points or more adrift of safety with four fixtures to be played.

  Twenty-first are Dagenham & Redbridge who are, nevertheless, mid-table in the form guide but have been overtaken by the resurgence of clubs below them such as Braintree Town, Boston United, Woking and Wealdstone. The six-game form guide currently has all four of those clubs in the top nine, whilst the other end of the form guide has three of the current top eight in the division (Gateshead, Altrincham and FC Halifax Town) in the bottom five!

  The bottom three in the National League comprise Maidenhead United, AFC Fylde and already relegated Ebbsfleet United.

• Vanarama National League North: Here, with three games to play, the bottom four are at least eight points adrift, with only 21st placed Needham Market having a mathematical chance of survival. Already relegated are Rushall Olympic, Warrington Town and Farsley Celtic.

• Vanarama National League South: Two teams have already been relegated, Weymouth and bottom team, Aveley. The other two in the relegation spots are St Albans City and Welling United.

• Northern Premier League: To date, three clubs Blyth Spartans, Mickleover and Basford United have been relegated with Matlock Town the most in danger of following them downwards.

CONGRATULATIONS, DAVE

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

THROUGH THE YEARS: 18 APRIL

In the midweek game with the Essex club in 2023, played in front of the third lowest home gate of the league season, Altrincham, winless in four outings in the league, added another point to their tally.

Right: Matt Gould replaced Ollie Byrne in goal against Dagenham in 2023 but had to contend with the setting sun in the opening stages at the J. Davidson Stadium.

In the 41st minute, Dagenham took the lead from the penalty spot, their first shot on target in the game.

Alty levelled straight after the interval when Harry Perritt's cross from the left ran on to Jordan Hulme who netted smartly to make it 1-1 (46 mins).

The Robins then took the lead in a strange fashion. Good build-up play led to Linney turning smartly in the box and being felled for what looked a clear penalty. But in the confusion created by this foul, the ball somehow found its way into the net and was credited to Phipps as an own goal (65 mins).

If that was an unusual goal, Dagenham's equaliser was in a similar vein. Following the award of a Daggers corner which Alty disputed, substitute Saunders hoisted an intended cross from the left touchline some 40 yards from goal but it curled over Gould and into the far corner of his net to make it 2-2 (78 mins).

ALTY OLD BOYS

Polish Ekstraklasa: MAXI OYEDELE put in a full shift for Legia Warsaw, but visitors Jagiellonia scored the game's only goal late in the first half to hold on to 3rd place in the league, 11 points clear of Legia, who look increasingly unlikely to have European competition to look forward to next season.

One old boy not in action on Monday was CHRIS CONN-CLARKE who was an unused substitute as his Peterborough United side retained its EFL Trophy at Wembley by defeating Birmingham City 2-0.

13 April, 2025

PHIL, POST-MATCH

The Alty boss referred to "three decent chances" for Altrincham which went unconverted in the first half. He conceded that "in the second half we were a non-entity" with just one good opportunity which James Jones "blazed over". He felt Alty had as many "decent chances" as the hosts, but they took one of theirs.

He thought that Baines should have shown the Boston scorer to the outside but Maguire got through to score the game's only goal. Without Amaluzor or Nuttall who can hold th ball up Altrincham lacked physicality, Phil thought.

"The fans let us know" their disappointment at the end, admitted the manager, but he felt that "some of the comments were out of order".

He added that "I won't take the players over again [to the away fans after games have finished] if that is how we are going to be treated".

BOSTON UNITED 1-0 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here

NEXT: ROCHDALE

And, for the second time inside a fortnight the Robins could face former Alty centre-back KYLE FERGUSON (left). Kyle has recently been on loan at Yeovil Town and he played against Altrincham only eight days ago.

This Saturday, Rochdale reported that they "can confirm that defender Kyle Ferguson has been recalled from his loan at Yeovil Town.

The Scotsman made 16 appearances earlier this campaign for Dale between August and December before heading out to the Glovers last month on a deal until the end of the season.

He appeared four times for Mark Cooper’s men, helping the team to two wins with both featuring clean sheets in his time with the club. His final game came in a 2-1 defeat at Altrincham with the number 16 rejoining us for our final six games of the league season" which just happen to start with a trip to... Altrincham.

ALTY OLD BOYS

CARL PIERGIANNI and his Stevenage team mates withstood the attacking forces of hosts Wycombe Wanderers for 91 minutes before succumbing to the only goal.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA put Crawley Town ahead with a 49th minute penalty - but just 4 minutes later visitors Leyton Orient had struck twice to turn the game on its head . Junior was substituted just after the hour, but although TOBY MULLARKEY battled to the end, it was Orient who rounded off a 1-3 victory in the 92nd minute. Crawley are now effectively 7 points from safety with only 4 games remaining.

League Two : ALISTAIR SMITH (right) gave AFC Wimbledon a 5th minute lead at Doncaster Rovers, but they were reduced to 10 men after 28 minutes. Rovers' veteran striker Billy Sharp also saw red after 72 minutes - despite which they forced a 1-1 draw.

With Accrington Stanley 3-0 at half time, visitors Tranmere Rovers withdrew CHRIS MERRIE and CONNOR JENNINGS. Then they produced an unlikely fightback, first reducing the arrears in the 78th minute, scoring again after 87 minutes, and claiming an unlikely equaliser in the 11th added minute. A win for either side would probably have more or less guaranteed safety.

However, the two teams below them met today, and Carlisle United won 0-2 at Morecambe, who introduced MARCUS DACKERS (right) after 71 minutes. He was joined by JOE HUGILL for the visitors 9 minutes later.

RYAN COLCLOUGH opened the scoring for Chesterfield 10 minutes into the second period. He was withdrawn after 68 minutes - and within a minute Fleetwood were hit with another goal, going on to lose 3-0.

ELLIOT NEWBY set up the clincher as Barrow saw off visitors Walsall 2-0. Having been 12 points clear in February, the Saddlers have imploded of late. This was their tenth game without a win, and on that form they may not even make the playoffs. With 4 games left, they still sit 3rd, but 8th placed Colchester United are now only 7 points behind them.

National League : With BILLY SASS-DAVIES playing the full game, and LUKE WATERFALL on the bench, Hartlepool United drew 1-1 at Dagenham & Redbridge despite being reduced to 10 men after only 25 minutes.

Halifax Town's playoff challenge seems every bit as rocky as Altrincham's. They failed to register a single goal attempt on target, and visiting relegation strugglers Maidenhead United won 0-2, with MILES WELCH-HAYES coming on as an 89th minute substitute. Rochdale showed no such signs of hesitancy however, and had wrapped up a 4-0 home win against Eastleigh by the time JACK KINGDON, and KYLE FERGUSON, recalled from his loan at Yeovil Town, both joined the action after 79 minutes.

Another team badly out of form at the wrong time are Oldham Athletic. Still missing the injured REAGAN OGLE, and with JOSH LUNDSTRAM left on the bench, they were beaten 2-1 at Yeovil Town. They've now won only 2 of their last 13 matches, and this was their third consecutive defeat.

Forest Green Rovers have taken their foot of the gas and have now lost three of their last four games. Their latest defeat was 2-3 defeat, at home, by visitors Gateshead, with LEWIS HUMBLES (right) putting the Heed three goals ahead before two late goals, one an own goal, earned some respectability for FGR.

York City are having no such problems, and blew away visitors Aldershot 7-2. TYRESE SINCLAIR was withdrawn after 58 minutes.

KENNEDY DIGIE played throughout Tamworth's 4-2 home win over Braintree Town.

National North : Alfreton Town beat visitors Peterborough Sports 2-0, with LEWIS SALMON (right) netting both goals.

After Darlington had led at the break at the Deva Stadium, TOM PEERS equalised for Chester and they went on to win 2-1.

ASHLEY HEMMINGS scored in the first minute, and netted again in the second half, as Kidderminster Harriers dented Curzon Ashton's playoff aspirations with a 3-0 home win.

After Oxford City had opened the scoring, YUSIFU CEESAY levelled for visitors Hereford, and they went on to win 1-2.

NPL Premier Division : MONTEL GIBSON was among the scorers as Matlock Town hit 4 goals without reply at Hyde United. They still remain 3 points from safety with only 3 games left.

NPL Division 1 West: A MASON FAWNS penalty in the 87th minute rescued a point for Mossley in a 1-1 home draw with Widnes.

BYRON HARRISON was among the scorers as Nantwich Town crushed visitors Hanley Town 6-0.

12 April, 2025

BOSTON UNITED 1-0 ALTRINCHAM

The visitors rarely threatened the home goal as they suffered another disappointing defeat in the run-in.

For the match at Boston today, Alty brought back Alex Newby (right) to start, for Justin Amaluzor, who was not in the squad at all today, having been unwell during the week.

On the bench James Jones and George Wilson returned.

Brandon Powell dropped out of the squad which was also lacking the injured Cooper, Ross, Lainton, Crankshaw, Eddy Jones, Nuttall and Bickerstaff

Facing Alty in an unchanged Boston squad was defender Connor Teale who had played twice for Altrincham earlier in the season.

BOSTON UNITED 1. Cameron Gregory, 14. Connor Teale, 23. Zak Mills, 17. Brad Nicholson, 12. Jai Rowe, 19. Jordan Richards, 21. Greg Sloggett, 3. Cameron Green, 24. Dylan Hill, 22. Frankie Maguire, 9. Jacob Hazel. Subs: 10. Adam Marriott, 11. Noah Wadsworth, 20. Olly Green, 30. Jake Lovelace (gk), 39. James Gale, 7. Keaton Ward, 27. Jacob Scott.

ALTRINCHAM: 21. Caleb ANSEN (gk), 2. Lewis BANKS, 31. Charlie OLSON, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 14. Matty KOSYLO, 77. Callum DOLAN, 10. Alex NEWBY, 9. Regan LINNEY. Subs: 8. Isaac MARRIOTT, 17. Lucas WEAVER, 19. George WILSON, 16. James JONES, 20. Kahrel REDDIN, 30. Harvey RANDLE (gk), 42. Matt PENNEY.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Barnet 1-1 Wealdstone (k.o. 12.30pm)
• Boston United 1-0 Altrincham
• Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Hartlepool United
• Ebbsfleet United 4-1 Sutton United
• FC Halifax Town 0-2 Maidenhead United
• Forest Green Rovers 2-3 Gateshead (k.o. 5.30pm)
• Rochdale 4-0 Eastleigh
• Southend United 0-1 Solihull Moors
• Tamworth 4-2 Braintree Town
• Woking 1-0 AFC Fylde
• Yeovil Town 2-1 Oldham Athletic
• York City 7-2 Aldershot Town

TODAY: BOSTON UNITED

With one win in their last eight league games, Altrincham must respect their opponents who have won eight and drawn two of their last thirteen league fixtures.

But the Pilgrims' home form is by no means as good as their achievements on the road, where they have won eight times. Indeed, apart from bottom club Ebbsfleet United, Boston have the worst home record in the division this season.

They have won just four of their twenty home games in the National league to date, drawing seven other matches and losing on nine occasions.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In the Welsh Premier League, JOEL TORRANCE made 9 saves for Bala Town at TNS, but couldn't stop the 84th minute penalty that earned the hosts, who had already clinched the championship some time ago, a 2-1 win.

And in the Irish Premier Division, BARRY BAGGLEY only came off the St.Patrick's Athletic bench in the 93rd minute at Cork City, as his side clinched a 0-2 victory that leaves them just a point behind surprise leaders Drogheda.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Now it has been announced by the Premier League that Sutton will host final, with the showpiece match taking place on Tuesday 29 April.

Leeds will travel to the The VBS Community Stadium at the end of the month, with kick-off set for 7pm".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The midfielder returns to The Red Devils having spent the past two months on loan at Gateshead International Stadium, scoring three goals in 12 appearances during his temporary stint on Tyneside".

Southend United report that "Tom Hopper [has] described how much he’s enjoyed returning to Roots Hall to play for Southend United.

The 31-year-old rejoined the Shrimpers from Colchester United in January this year, going on to make 14 appearances...

Having spent 18 months at the club between July 2018 and January 2020, the 31-year-old knew what to expect... 'One of the big pulls obviously was wanting to get back to enjoying my football'...

Plenty has changed since the forward’s previous stint at the club, with Fossetts Training Facility being among the most notable...

'It’s a bit like Christmas – everyone’s enjoying the new things! We’re lucky to have it... The club’s heading in the right direction, particularly now with investment from above...

'There are five games to go, and the teams that handles success and disappointment the best will probably see themselves put in the strongest performances in that run-in'".

Tamworth are Alty's opponents on the last day of tis season and The Lambs "are proud to announce that Dan Creaney has been named the Vanarama National League Player of the Month, after a sensational run of form...

In the month of March, Creaney was in unstoppable form, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists in just 6 league appearances. When you factor in all competitions, those numbers rise to a staggering 8 goals and 4 assists in 7 games — a true demonstration of his quality, consistency, and importance to the side.

This phenomenal spell has also seen Dan reach an incredible personal milestone: 100 goals in a Tamworth shirt".

York City are pleased to announce our 2025/26 season ticket information!">York City reveal that "We have now sold 1000 season tickets in just under a week since their launch!

Over half of the 1000 season tickets sold are from brand NEW ticket holders!...

We can confirm the following season ticket information:

• Frozen Early Bird prices!
• Early bird offer ends 16th
• Season ticket holders have until 27th of June to reclaim their seat...
• All season ticket holders will get 10% off in the club shop on any product that is non-discounted!

Those who renew their new season ticket before the 16th of May will have their season ticket price frozen from last year's standard pricing. New season ticket holders will get the benefit of paying the same amount as last year’s standard prices as well! All current season ticket seats will be held during this period to allow fans to re-purchase their same seat for next season...

Unfortunately, due to the unavoidable rising operational costs, the difficult decision has been made to increase our general sale season ticket prices for adults, concessions, 12-16’s and students. We acknowledge this will come as a disappointment to many but to keep this price increase to a minimum has been our utmost priority throughout."

At Wealdstone "After a season-defining set of results, Stones manager Neil Gibson has been named Vanarama National League Manager of the Week!

Sat one place behind the visitors, last Tuesday’s fixture at Grosvenor Vale against Boston United was a must win for the Stones.

An early goal from Alex Reid had Gibson’s side ahead, but the job was far from done. Boston piled on the pressure for the remaining 70 minutes, with the Stones calling upon goalkeeper Dante Baptiste, a notable inclusion in Gibson’s lineup, to keep them ahead and seal three points.

Next up was the visit of high-flying Forest Green Rovers... Alex Reid had the Stones level just before the break from the spot, before sealing his brace with just eight minutes to play, his 20th goal of the season in all competitions.

With six crucial points gathered across the week, the Stones currently sit five points above the drop, with just five games remaining."

Yeovil Town "confirm that there will be a price freeze on season tickets for the upcoming 2025/26 season...

We’re pleased to offer loyal Glovers fans the opportunity to renew their seats at the same great value as last season.

Children can enjoy cheaper tickets up to the age of 14 – however, all under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. This update is in line with guidance from the National League and NSPCC".

Hartlepool United will "welcome fans to our Open Training Session during the Easter holidays, to be held at The Prestige Group Stadium on Tuesday 15th April.

You can watch Anthony Limbrick and his coaching team put the players through their paces and see what a training session looks like first hand, before having the opportunity to meet the first team for photographs and autographs.

Turnstiles will open from 10am with the club shop and catering outlets open, as well at Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation on hand with their inflatable target goal. H’Angus will also be here getting up to his usual mischief before the players take to the pitch at 11am.

All under 14 tickets sold will be entered into a prize draw, with three lucky winners joining the first team for lunch.

Entry is just £3 per person and tickets are available here".

At Solihull Moors "Laurie Walker has been recalled from his loan spell at Oxford City with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper has returned from his loan spell ahead of Saturday’s Vanarama National League fixture as we take on Southend United at Roots Hall.

Walker has played a key role in the Hoops’ survival in the National League North, keeping five clean sheets as City secured some big wins to retain second tier status with five games to go prior to their 2-2 draw against Southport".

11 April 2025

"GOING TO THE WIRE" SAYS PARKINSON

“It all looks so uncertain for the two places immediately above us. It’s all to play for, and we just need to keep pushing forward and going for it, as we did against Yeovil...

Right: Brandon Powell, on loan from Blackburn Rovers will be hoping to make his debut next Saturday after signing on loan at the J. Davidson Stadium. The left-back is pictured last Saturday when he was an unused substitute against Yeovil Town.

“It’s a bit of a war of attrition with our pitch. It’s horrific, so difficult for our lads to play on. It’s a complete leveller for us, and we’ve had to adapt over the past month. It’s not going to get any better over the coming weeks, so I just hope we can continue adapting.

“The state of the pitch and injuries we’ve had are beyond our control. What is in our control is the work the lads are putting in. I don’t think anyone can question their attitude".

NEXT: BOSTON UNITED

United will be aiming to build upon their last-gasp 2-1 victory over Aldershot Town on Tuesday evening, which lifted Graham Coughlan’s men outside of the relegation zone by three points.

Coughlan will check on the fitness of striker Jimmy Knowles, who missed out in midweek due to an ankle injury...

The reverse fixture earlier in the season, which saw Cameron Gregory injured and sent off in the same incident, ended 2-2 courtesy of late goals from Keaton Ward and Cameron Green."

ALTY WOMEN JOIN THE FOLD

Having previously been part of Altrincham FC Community Sports, the official charity of Altrincham FC, the women’s team is now moving under the umbrella of the football club, alongside the men’s first team, reserve team and academy.

Duncan Jones has been appointed as Head of Women’s Football and will be overseeing the development and evolution of Altrincham FC Women.

Duncan has been involved with both Altrincham FC Juniors and the women’s first team for many years and is currently managing the women’s first team through one of its most successful seasons, having finished 3rd in The Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League, Premier Division and progressed to the League Challenge Cup semi-final."

ALTY OLD BOYS

In the Liverpool Senior Cup, Runcorn Linnets, with RYAN BROOKE and LUKE WALL in their lineup, were knocked out 3-1 in their semi final at Lower Breck.

Left: Kyle, pictured as he faced Altrincham last week.

And Yeovil's unofficial Gloverscast reports that "On loan defender KYLE FERGUSON has said his move to Yeovil Town has saved his season after a difficult time without regular action at his parent club Rochdale.

The centre half, who arrived from National League Premier Division rivals just under a month ago, has formed a good partnership alongside fellow loanee Frankie Terry and started all four games since arriving.

He made just four starts for Rochdale in the league this season with the majority of his 12 appearances coming off the substitutes’ bench.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins... the 25-year-old said 'I have loved my time here, the Gaffer (manager Mark Cooper) has been really good with me. I have been playing which is a big positive for me, but the boys, the staff, the Gaffer especially have been great to me and the fans have been so welcoming, so I have loved it here so far...

'This is the first three or four games I have played in a row in a long time and I never got the chance to do that at Rochdale. I feel like the Gaffer believes in me here'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Blues have been training at their new home since September 2024, but the full relocation will now allow the players to use the changing facilities, gym equipment, and cafeteria at Fossetts...

'We’ve been using the pitches for a little while now, but to get the players into our own home is a huge step for us' Maher told the local press...

Maher assessed the scenario the team finds itself in... 'I’m pleased that we’re looking ahead to big games. Big crowds are coming in and there’s a certain amount of edge to these games'".

10 April 2025

NEXT:BOSTON UNITED

The temperature has been turned up on the 2024-2025 season – and it's time to reward the managers keeping their composure under intense pressure...

It was only a few weeks ago that Boston United fans were plotting their National League North away days with an instant return looming large, but last month has totally changed their outlook.

Manager Graham Coughlan has totally transformed their season... He steered his side out of the bottom four for the first time since September with big wins over fellow strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge and Braintree Town.

Rejuvenated Boston also beat play-off contenders Rochdale and Southend United - having started the month 12 points from safety, they ended it the right side of the dotted line on goal difference".

RESERVES' FORM IMPROVES

However, there has been an upturn in fortunes as they have moved off the bottom place and now they are only in the two relegation spots on goal difference and with a game in hand.

The move upwards came courtesy of two league wins in March.

However, the month did not start well with a 2-1 defeat at local rivals Broadheath Central on 8 March in the Altrincham FA Senior Cup Semi Final, played at Salisbury Road playing fields.

But, the following Saturday, 15 March, in the league Alty won 2-1 away at Whaley Bridge Athletic. Whaley Bridge and Altrincham are vying to attain the place just above the drop zone.

The starting eleven was Jack Chandler, Rhys Cosquer, Kian Leckey, Isaac Mannion, Charlie Noble, Kaiden Powell, Remi Raymond, Vladislav Shtyhlian, Harry St Romaine, Max Whittle and Harry Watson. The only sub was Jacob Martin. The scorers were Whittle and Shtyhlian.

Altrincham recorded a second successive win, a week later, 22 March, when they beat Whalley Range 3-1 at Egerton Youth Club in Knutsford.

The Alty starters were Jack Chandler, Lucas Edwards, Kian Leckey, Isaac Mannion, Charlie Noble, Kaiden Powell, Remi Raymond, Vladislav Shtyhlian, Harry St Romaine, Harry Watson and Max Whittle. The subs were Kian Gonzalez-Moghaddam, and Joe Weston. Alty's scorers were Whittle (right) and Raymond.

Unfortunately, on Saturday 29 March, although Alty came back from a 0-3 deficit at half-time against Garswood United, they fell just short, losing 2-3. Alty finished that game with ten men after Harry StRomaine saw a red following a second yellow card.

ANOTHER 3-3 FOR ACADEMY

They lie tenth in the division of thirteen teams in the NLFA North Division.

COLTS SHIP FIVE IN CUP MATCH

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Just over two minutes in... [a] shot was parried straight into the path of Kian Harratt to give the hosts an early lead...

Half time came with Oldham fairly comfortable after their early opener, with Woking unable to break down the Latics’ defence.

Last season, it took Woking thirty seconds after half time to score at Boundary Park. This time it took three minutes, as a delightful cross... was nodded home by the diving head of the smallest player on the pitch in Kelly-Evans.

With just under an hour gone, the turnaround was complete. A long ball forward was misjudged by Hudson, but take nothing away from Walker’s finish, a good 25 yards out...

Then came the full time whistle and huge relief for the Cards, with Boston winning as well meaning they have a six-point cushion over 21st".

9 April 2025

NEXT: BOSTON UNITED

Ruled out long-term have been goalkeeper Ethan Ross and winger Ollie Crankshaw. However, Phil Parkinson has indicated that Crankshaw should be "there or thereabouts" by the end of the season.

Also currently sidelined are Jake Cooper, George Wilson, Joe Nuttall, Rob Lainton, Eddy Jones, James Jones and Jake Bickerstaff.

Boston's win at Aldershot on Tuesday night has lifted them out of the bottom four and underlined their current run of good form as they prepare to welcome Altrincham at the weekend.

ALTY'S MOBILE SHOP

Above, we see the new premises of the Altrincham FC Official Club Store, which is now installed in its third location on George Street in the town centre, next to the WH Smith shop.

Altrincham FC has the current opening hours.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 1-2 Boston United
• Oldham Athletic 1-2 Woking
• Sutton United 1-0 Rochdale

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : OWEN DALE was substituted after 81 minutes by Wigan Athletic as they drew 1-1 at Exeter City.

CHRIS CONN-CLARKE wasn't in the Peterborough United squad as visitors Birmingham City won 1-2 to clinch promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt.

League Two : With visitors Gillingham having scored the only goal of the opening 69 minutes, Chesterfield turned to RYAN COLCLOUGH - and 8 minutes later he set up Will Grigg for a point saving equaliser.

National League : CONNOR TEALE (above, right) and his Boston United colleagues trailed at the break at Aldershot, but fought back to win 1-2. They again climbed out of the relegation zone, this time overtaking Dagenham & Redbridge, who are in the bottom 4 for the first time this season.

Although JOSH LUNDSTRAM put in a full shift, Oldham Athletic emulated Aldershot by losing 1-2 at home after having led at the break against Woking. Both this result, and Rochdale's 2-0 defeat at Sutton United, were good news for Altrincham's playoff hopes. Rochdale left JACK KINGDON on the bench.

NWCL First Division South : HARLAN RODGERS-MORRIS (above, right) scored the second goal for Cheadle Heath Nomads as they won 1-2 at Stafford Town.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The National League club lost a shootout 5-4 in their FA Trophy semi-final clash at the Crown Oil Arena with National League North's Spennymoor Town on Saturday.

A spokesman for Rochdale AFC said police were investigating 'unacceptable behaviour' at the match after both sets of supporters swarmed the pitch at the final whistle...

In a statement, Rochdale Supporters' Trust said it had received several complaints after the match from 'disgruntled' fans about issues to do with turnstiles, staffing and seats and tickets at the Crown Oil Arena. The group said it had written to the club to address the problems to 'hopefully enable us to finish the season on a more positive note'".

8 April 2025

NEXT: BOSTON UNITED

As that was a match played behind closed doors, the last time Alty supporters actually visited Boston was on 26 August 2019, when Alty were thrashed 5-0!

It was a poor team performance that day by Altrincham, who conceded five preventable goals on a sweltering afternoon.

Above: Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel oversee a second-half drinks' break at a sweltering Boston in August 2019.

But in the wake of the COVID disruption to the 2019-20 season, the sides met again on 1 August 2020, when Altrincham won promotion back to the National League, thanks to a mistake by Boston keeper Crook, which left Dan Mooney with an open goal, and he scored (65 mins).

The Altrincham squad that won promotion that day was: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Simon RICHMAN, 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. Toby MULLARKEY, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. Daniel MOONEY, 8. Josh LUNDSTRAM, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 11. Elliott DURRELL. Subs: 12. Craig MAHON, 14. Max HARROP, 15. Tom PEERS, 16. James HOOPER, 17. Sean WILLIAMS, 20. Elliot WYNNE.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Despite their troubling league position, ‘the Pilgrims’ are very much relishing better times as a club after a topsy-turvy 21st century thus far. Having received an unusual double relegation from League Two in 2007 due to financial issues, the club’s 17-year wait to return to step-one ended last year via the National League North play-offs...

They are perhaps the most in form candidate among their nearest rivals approaching the final run-in... Having found themselves eleven points adrift by late-January, they have gone on to win eight of their last 16 matches...

Despite only beginning his managerial career in 2018, 50-year-old Graeme Coughlan arrived in Lincolnshire with substantial EFL experience both on and off the pitch... His time with the Pilgrims [Plymouth Argyle] saw two promotions in four years...

His managerial career has admittedly been a mixed bag... Coughlan joined Bristol Rovers’ backroom staff in December 2018, though found himself appointed interim manager shortly after his arrival... He made a shock mid-season move to then-fourth-tier Mansfield Town in order to be closer to his Sheffield home. Just four wins in 27 for the Stags saw him dismissed within 12 months of joining.

After an acceptable spell at Newport County between 2022 and 2024, Coughlan has been with Boston since late last year... The Pilgrims have been the 11th best side in the league since...

The two clubs [Aldershot and Boston] have somehow managed to completely avoid each other over the years" until this season.

Solihull Moors "announce the appointment of Jerry Gill as Interim Assistant Head Coach. Gill arrives with a strong managerial background and will work alongside Head Coach Matt Taylor as the club continues to push for success on and off the pitch.

The 54-year-old joins from Bath City, where he served as first-team manager from October 2017 until November 2024...

Gill said 'First and foremost, I’d like to thank Darryl Eales and Stephen Ward for inviting me in to help the football club out alongside Matt Taylor, the staff and the players.'...

Under his stewardship, Bath City developed a reputation for disciplined, attacking football and player development, making them one of the most consistent sides in the division...

The [assistant] coach said... 'I’ve had three play-off finishes and developed and sold nine players... I had a really good seven years there@".

7 April 2025

NEW AND OLD FACES

Ironically, both of those familiar faces were not on Altrincham's side but belonged to members of the Yeovil Town matchday squad, whilst two faces in the Altrincham squad had not been seen previously by those Robins fans who do not travel to away fixtures.

Left: Kyle Ferguson at Alty in 2022

For Yeovil, their starting eleven included centre-back KYLE FERGUSON, who had enjoyed two spells with Altrincham, amassing 22 appearances between 2022 and 2023 before opting to join Harrogate Town

Kyle had since joined Rochdale on a two-year contract, from where he has been loaned to The Glovers.

And, on the bench for the Glovers on Saturday, was goalkeeper MATT GOULD who had made thirty appearances for Altrincham in a four-year spell at the club in which he also served in a coaching role.

Above, right: Four of Alty's unused subs on Saturday. L to R back row, Brandon Powell and Matt Penney. Front row; Lucas Weaver and Isaac Marriott.

Whilst Matt had barely changed in appearance since leaving Moss Lane, Kyle looked rather different. His very short, ginger hair had been transformed into a longer, brown-haired look as seen in the accompanying images.

Left: Kyle playing for Yeovil 2025

Meanwhile Altrincham's squad included two players who had not been seen by home-only supporters in an Altrincham squad previously.

They were MATT PENNEY and Blackburn Rovers loanee BRANDON POWELL.

Matt had made his Altrincham debut as a substitute, at left-back, at Hartlepool in February 2025 but was injured in that game and had been sidelined since. So the J. Davidson Stadium faithful had not previously seen him.

Given Kyle's current Rochdale connection, there was a coincidental link to Dale with Matt, who had a brief spell at Spotland early in late 2024 and January 2025.

Brandon Powell was making his first appearance on an Altrincham teamsheet. He is a Blackburne Rovers under-21s defensive team-mate of another Alty loanee, Charlie Olson, and Brandon was likewise signed, recently, on a season-long loan.

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

THROUGH THE YEARS: 12 APRIL

The long trip back was not made any easier by a 2-0 defeat at Plainmoor in a relegation-bound season.

Alty defend in the first half at Torquay in 2016.

ALTY OLD BOYS

His side had just come from behind to lead 1-2 at Gornik Zabrze when he came off the bench after 75 minutes. Despite the home side having 15 (4) goal attempts to their 6 (2), Legia held on to the win.

Still sitting in 5th place, 8 points short of the European qualification spots for next season, they entertain Chelsea in the Europa Conference League on Thursday evening in the first leg of this season's quarter final (TNT1 at 5.45 pm).

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Your support yesterday was loud and proud and undoubtedly helped the players push on and to see the EBB Stadium sold out with the second-highest attendance since the Club reformed in 1992 was truly special.

We must unfortunately condemn the action of a very small minority of individuals who did their best to blight a joyous occasion with idiotic actions that are now being dealt with by the police with the full co-operation of the Club – they will not be welcome back.

But on the whole, the vast, vast majority were superb and... we want to see as many of you as possible returning to the EBB Stadium for our three remaining home games...

Local pubs were drunk dry and local restaurants and shops bloomed with custom: Your support at our games is not just beneficial to the Club but to the town and our local community as a whole.

It’s befitting that as Aldershot – known as the home of the British Army – will make it’s way to Wembley on May, 11th, that week will also mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the end of fighting in Europe in the Second World War. As a Club, we pride ourselves on our relationship with the Armed Forces and will look to commemorate the occasion at the home of British Football. On behalf of Deane Wood, John Leppard and myself, I’d like to say a massive thank you to Tommy Widdrington, his staff and his players, our behind-the-scenes staff, our Volunteers, our Sponsors and of course you, our supporters, for helping us to finally achieve our dream of playing under that famous arch".

6 April, 2025

"A STRUGGLE" SAYS NEIL

"They [Yeovil] had the better territory in the first half but, after the break, we got going and it wa a sweet strike from Bainsey [Lewis Baines] to win it.

"I'm really pleased for him as he missed a similar one recently.

"This keeps us with a shout [of getting] in the play-offs, although everyone else has won. We're still in the picture and will keep going to the end".

ALTRINCHAM 2-1 YEOVIL TOWN

But this was a match of low quality on a difficult bobbly surface.

Right: Lewis Baines scored the winner; the Alty captain is pictured during the game.

Match report HERE.

PARKY'S PERSPECTIVE

YEOVIL MANAGER'S VIEW

Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset’s Josh Perkins he said 'There was not a lot in the game, we ran out of a bit of energy at the end, because we had to make so many subs early in the game, I think that cost us towards the end...

'I think, we make a sub, we put a young lad on, who doesn’t track his man in the box and he scores, 1-0 up, that’s poor, not quite up to the speed of the game.

'I will say, the challenge on Alex Whittle is a really dangerous one, I could see from here, that the guy, doesn’t look at the ball, doesn’t one minute look at the ball and he leads with his – let’s give him the benefit of the doubt – leads with his arm, Alex Whittle looks like Harry Potter, he’s got an unbelievable scar on his forehead.

'I end up getting booked for asking the fourth official, "have you seen the cut on his forehead?" and I get booked.

'So our captain has to come off, which then disrupts our rhythm'".

NEXT: BOSTON UNITED

VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

Left, we see the Golf Road goalmouth being smoothed out by a heavy roller, whilst right, we see the net being repaired at the same end of the ground.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Although JUNIOR QUITIRNA played the whole game for Crawley Town at Stevenage, TOBY MULLARKEY was withdrawn after 88 minutes. Just a minute later CARL PIERGIANNI set up a goal to put the home side ahead, and 2 minutes later they struck again to win 3-1.

League Two : Chesterfield, with RYAN COLCLOUGH missing from their squad, had an unhappy time time at Prenton Park as Tranmere Rovers laid into them after the interval scoring 4 goals without reply. While CHRIS MERRIE played throughout for the hosts, CONNOR JENNINGS was taken off after 76 minutes.

Harrogate Town were undone at AFC Wimbledon, where the only goal of the game was scored by ALISTAIR SMITH.

Carlisle United were 2 goals down to visitors Newport County inside half an hour, but they'd wiped out the Welsh team's advantage by the time JOE HUGILL (right) came off the bench after 80 minutes - and 4 minutes later they scored the goal that gave them a 3-2 win.

However, they remain 9 points from safety. Morecambe are only 2 points better off after going down 3-1 at Grimsby Town - MARCUS DACKERS was a 63rd minute substitute.

ELLIOT NEWBY put in a full shift as Barrow comfortably won 0-3 at MK Dons.

National League : LIAM HUMBLES played the whole of Gateshead's 2-1 home win over Dagenham and Redbridge, as did BILLY SASS-DAVIES in Hartlepool United's 3-2 home win over Ebbsfleet United. LUKE WATERFALL came off the Hartlepool bench after 68 minutes.

KENNEDY DIGIE picked up a yellow card in Tamworth's 3-1 defeat at Maidenhead United, who gave MILES WELCH-HAYES his first action after missing 4 games - but not much of it as he only got off the bench after 93 minutes.

National North : TOM PEERS (right) put Chester ahead just before the break at Hereford, but they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 draw. DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY and DAN MOONEY both came off the Chester bench late in the game, while the hosts withdrew YUSIFU CEESAY after 71 minutes.

MICHAEL GYASI opened the scoring for Peterborough Sports, and they went on to beat visitors Leamington 2-0.

National South : In the match of the day at Worthing, DANNY CASHMAN converted a penalty to wipe out Truro City's 3rd minute opener, but the Cornish side struck again midway through the second half to win 1-2 and take over at the top of the table.

Altrincham and their fans had better prepare for the possibility of a 635-mile round trip next season.

Isuzu FA Trophy : Having left JACK KINGDON on the bench, Rochdale were seconds away from earning a Wembley date with Aldershot, when lower division Spennymoor Town scored with practically the last kick of the game to earn a 2-2 draw. And it was the Durham club who earned that Wembley spot as Rochdale failed with the last penalty of the regulation 10.

NPL Premier Division : Already relegated Blyth Spartans didn't go down without a fight at Hyde United, eventually going down 3-2. Hyde's second was a JACK REDSHAW penalty.

ISUZU FA TROPHY NEWS

Goals from Devante Rodney and Aidan Barlow from the penalty spot inside ten minutes of the second-half seemed to have been enough to see off the North East outfit but a second equaliser deep into stoppage time took the game to spot-kicks, with the Moors scoring all five.

Dale boss Jimmy McNulty switched four names from Tuesday’s draw with Sam Beckwith returning from injury and Liam Hogan, Barlow and Ian Henderson rounding off the changes...

Three minutes into the second period, Dale gained the ascendancy. A short corner routine was worked to Henderson who flicked the ball into an area for Rodney to rush onto and steer home into the far corner for his fourth in three games.

In what was a frenetic start to the half, the Moors drew level instantly...

This didn’t seem to deter Dale as two minutes later, a penalty was awarded when Charlie Weston showed great feet as he dribbled into the area and was brought down. Barlow stepped up and stayed cool as he slotted to the goalkeeper’s right to regain the lead...

As we entered the final minute of added time, Spennymoor hit Dale with a second equaliser. Aidan Rutledge climbed highest in the box to head down into the corner and send the game to penalties.

Nine spot-kicks were converted with Dale’s Beckwith, Barlow, Kairo Mitchell and Buyabu all scoring before Allarakhia’s effort was saved to send the Moors to Wembley".

5 April, 2025

ALTRINCHAM 2-1 YEOVIL TOWN

Right: Altrincham celebrate their winning goal.

But this was a match of low quality on a difficult bobbly surface.

Altrincham took the lead on the half-hour when Tylor Golden nipped in to divert a curling shot from Crawford into the net after a Regan Linney effort had been blocked at the near post.

Just two minutes later, Yeovil were level when a defensive error allowed Terry to poke the ball past an exposed Caleb Ansen.

With the second half also largely devoid of quality, Alty applied some sustained late pressure and it paid off when Lewis Baines fired home after an Osborne corner had come back out to him in the 89th minute.

Match report HERE.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

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

ISUZU FA TROPHY SEMI-FINALS

• Aldershot Town 2-1 Woking
• Rochdale 2-2 Spennymoor United (Spennymoor won 5-4 on pens)

TODAY: YEOVIL TOWN

There are two former Altrincham players in the Glovers' current squad.

• Centre-back Kyle Ferguson (now 25) has played three games for Yeovil in the National League this season, all comprising the full ninety minutes.

  He enjoyed two spells at Altrincham. The first was on a short-term contract, which was announced on 25 February 2022.

  After 8(+1) appearances, Kyle was offered terms for 2022-23 but rejected these and joined EFL 2 club Harrogate Town instead; his departure was announced by Altrincham on 30 May 2022.

  However, Kyle returned on a month's loan from Harrogate to Altrincham which was announced on 4 March 2023. This was converted into a season-long loan, as was announced on 23 March 2023. So, in all, he has made 20(+2) appearances for the Robins.

• Goalkeeper Matt Gould, now 31, has yet to start a league game this season. His appearances for Altrincham were likewise relatively sparse. Despite being four years at the club, he made just 30 starts do the Robins.

  He arrived at Moss Lane from Spennymoor Town in August 2020. He made his debut for Altrincham in the CSC at Barnton on 4 November 2020 but did not make his league debut until 3 May 2021. Indeed, over the whole season he was only named on the bench for four other league games. In cup matches he played once, in the Cheshire Senior Cup, and was an unused sub for two other ties.

  Injury in a pre-season match in summer 2021 was a factor in his exclusion from the first four matchday squads of 2021-22 before, on 24 September 2021, it was announced that he was going to Nantwich Town, on dual registration, to regain match fitness. Owing to injury to Tony Thompson, Matt was recalled from Nantwich on 13 October 2021. But Matt then returned to Nantwich Town and on his return in May 2022, it was announced that he would be remaining at Alty for 2022-23.

  In addition to his role at Altrincham, Matt also coached the under-18s and under-23s at Wigan Athletic. Having started the 2022-23 season in goal for the first-team, Matty suffered a bad facial injury in the second fixture, at Bromley. Having not played any National League game after that, it was announced on Boxing Day 2022 that he would go on loan for a month to Ashton United but by 10 January he had been recalled.

  On 7 February 2023 it was announced that Matt was going on loan to Chorley. However, he returned before the end of the campaign to cover for the injured Ollie Byrne.

  In 2023-24 he had his busiest season, making twelve starts to cover for the mid-season injury to Ethan Ross, whilst remaining as coach to the first-choice keeper. However, on 1 July 2024 an unexpected announcement revealed that Matt was moving to play for Yeovil Town, the south-west being an area with family connections.

Yeovil Town last visited Altrincham in August 2022, being deprived of an away win by a very late Altrincham equaliser. They were relegated at the end of that season.

Above: Debutant Egli Kaja scored in added time to earn Alty a point against Yeovil in August 2022.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Hartlepool United have published an interview with former Alty centre-back and current "Pools defender BILLY SASS-DAVIES (left) ...

The defender has enjoyed a run in the starting 11 in place of LUKE WATERFALL recently...

'I’m really enjoying it in the new formation,' he stated. 'I like playing on the right side of a back three, it gives me the licence to get on the ball more. I played there last season for Boreham Wood and I enjoyed that role.

'I’m living up in Yarm at the minute with Greg Sloggett, Tom Parkes, Luke Waterfall and Sam Folarin... When Darren Sarll got the [Hartlepool manager] job in the summer, I worked under him twice, he gave me a call to come up on trial...

'I loved my time at Boreham Wood, I learnt a lot and it was nice to be playing every week... We shouldn’t have got relegated... On a personal note, I took a lot away from that'".

GEORGE ANSWERS QUESTIONS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Following Mr Singh’s recent announcement to step down as Chairman, a notable number of parties contacted the Club with interest.

The Club has been working through these enquiries with a clear process and sequence.

Within the first week two specific parties immediately showed strong intent and moved through initial stages swiftly with acceptable offers and proposed terms for a takeover, however the required proof of funds have not yet been deposited...

New enquires are still continuing to come in and we are again reminding any interested parties that completing proof of funds, to a level that can realistically support Club cash flow, is a critical early step in progressing through any takeover bid...

Testament to the staff and players, on and off the pitch, the Club has continued to operate professionally over the past month and we aim for that to continue during this transition period".

4 April 2025

LEEDS TIE HIGHLIGHTS

NEXT: YEOVIL TOWN

Speaking to the BBC’s Jack Killah, the Whittle said 'They play good football but... they’ve hit a little rocky patch. I think we can go there with confidence.

'They have to win the game as they’re going for play-offs, I think we can go there and try and enjoy ourselves'...

The BBC also spoke to the interim chairman Stuart Robins pointing out that "The club’s recently-published financial accounts detailed nearly £3m of debt, should fans be worried about that?...

Robins responded, 'I do not think we are a lot different from a lot of clubs at this level and above... We are being supported by the Hellier Group and I have been given assurances that will continue'".

Gloverscast adds that the referee on Saturday will be Mr Dale Baines... His record reads 104 Yellows and just two reds across all competitions this season".

Footnote: Mr Baines has previously refereed Altrincham on at least three occasions, none of which were games that the Robins won!

He officiated when Alty drew at Oldham in the Vanarama National League in February this year. Prior to that he also oversaw the game when Oldham knocked Altrincham out of the FA Cup in 2023 at the J Davidson Stadium.

Mr Baines also officiated when Chesterfield won 2-1 against Alty in Derbyshire in early 2024.

ALTY TO VISIT ISLE OF MAN AGAIN

The Robins will launch proceedings against Radcliffe at 3pm on Friday July 18th, with the second semi-final following at 7pm the same day between hosts FC Isle of Man and League Two Fleetwood Town.

Two days later, on Sunday the 20th, a third-placed play-off will kick-off at 11am as a precursor to the final at 3pm, all games taking place at The Bowl, FC Isle of Man's smart, modern 3,350-capacity home stadium in Douglas".

Alty have previously visited the island in pre-season, that was in 2022 for a friendly against an Isle of Man XI...

Alty Co-Chairman Lawrence Looney ststed, 'As I am based in the Isle of Man, I am delighted that we will once again be showcasing our talented squad for football fans on the island'">

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

That is a huge increase on the £1,362,432 for the previous year. Overall, the club have lost £3,626,404 in the financial year after tax.

The tax on loss has gone up an incredible amount between the years of 2023 and 2024 seeing it rise from £6,831 to £355,980.

The difference between the loss in the two financial years is just over £2.2m, something that Rovers would have anticipated given their league status...

Dale Vince, chairman of Forest Green Rovers said 'No surprises here, the last two seasons’ results reflect where we’ve been, but these results also show the strength we’ve got behind the scenes.

'A club with an £8m turnover, backed solidly by its owners and an incredible group of loyal fans.. We’ve found our rhythm again. 20 games unbeaten at home all season...

'Looking ahead we’ve got big plans, including the progress we’re making with the new training ground and Eco Park'".

3 April 2025

PHIL DISAPPOINTED

With justification he thought that, against Leeds, Alty "were unlucky we haven't got an equalizer", having dominated, as he estimated, half an hour of each half of play. But Leeds had been clinical in taking their two chances. For the opening goal he felt that Alty "were undone by a bit of indiscipline" which conceded the freekick and then guilty of "switching off in the second phase".

Overall he feels that the team is "doing everything right except winning games".

L. to R. James Jones, Ollie Crankshaw, Jake Cooper, George Wilson.

Phil also updated supporters on the injury situation. In addition to the season-ending injuries of Eddy Jones and Ethan Ross, he stated that...

• James Jones as regards fitness to train "he is not quite there yet" with his back problem
• Ollie Crankshaw should be "somewhere near [fitness] before the end of the season"
• Jake Cooper pulled his hamstring on Tuesday against Leeds so that "could be him done" for the rest of the season
• George Wilson was also injured on Tuesday and has a "slight pull".

DISAPPOINTING DOZEN

Seven of the matches have been at home, none of which has been won inside ninety minutes. The exception was a "winning draw" in the National League Cup.

In the National League no win has been achieved in the last seven fixtures.

The record is:

1. NL HOME Sat.22.2.25 v AFC FYLDE 1-2 LOST
2. NL CUP QF HOME Tue.25.2.25 v NEWCASTLE UNITED U21 3-3 (Altrincham won 3-2 on pens) DRAW-WIN
3. FAT6 AWAY Sat.1.3.25 v Rochdale 0-2 LOST
4. NL AWAY Tue.4.3.25 v York City 2-1 WON
5. NL AWAY Sat.8.3.25 v Southend United 1-2 LOST
6. NL AWAY Tue.11.3.25 v Rochdale 0-3 LOST
7. NL HOME Sat.15.3.25 v ALDERSHOT TOWN 1-2 LOST
8. NL HOME Tue.18.3.25 v WEALDSTONE 0-1 LOST
9. NL HOME Sat.22.3.25 v BARNET 0-1 LOST
10. NL HOME Tue.25.3.25 v SOLIHULL MOORS 1-1 DRAWN
11. NL AWAY Sat.29.3.25 v Ebbsfleet United 2-2 DRAWN
12. NL CUP SF HOME Tue.1.4.25 v LEEDS UNITED U21 1-2 LOST

So, overall the record reads: Played 12, Won 1, Drawn 3, Lost 8, For 12 Against 22. In Vanarama National League games only it reads Played 9, Won 1, Drawn 2, Lost 6, For 8 Against 15, Points 5 out of 27 available.

NEXT: YEOVIL TOWN

Like Altrincham, Yeovil have been having a difficult time in recent weeks. Indeed, their indifferent form has lasted much longer than their hosts'.

Over the last eighteen league fixtures, they have won only four games. They currently lie fourteenth, five points behind Altrincham.

Unfortunately, for Altrincham, the Glovers arrive in decent form as those four wins include their two most recent fixtures, a 3-0 away triumph at Solihull Moors and a 1-0 home win over AFC Fylde.

Before that brace of wins they had lost four on the trot without scoring and conceding ten times in the process.

Their leading scorers, both with seven goals are Brett McGavin, who is also their leading appearance maker this season (38 games), and Aaron Jarvis (24 games.)

ACADEMY UPDATE

In the National League U19 Alliance NLFA North Division, Altrincham's Academy first team drew 3-3 at home (Cheadle Heath Sports Club) with Guiseley.

Altrincham currently lie tenth in the 13-strong division.

Meanwhile, the under-19s' Academy side lost 2-0 away to league leaders, the Steven Gerrard Academy Kirkby, in the National Football Youth League NW Championship 1.

The Alty starters were Louie Fallon, Jacob Hill, Charlie Hough, William Knowles, Jacob Martin, Jimmy Taafe, Henry Watts, Kyran Webster, Nathan Wood and Noah Lavin. On the bench were Christopher Antoniades, Ryan Knowles and Charley Renshaw.

COLTS' NARRROW DEFEAT

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

• £500 cash | 297 John Moran
• £75 cash | 12 Pete & Judy Foster
• Hospitality for Two | 460 F. Norton
• £25 cash | 258 Mr R. Knight
• Bottle of Alty Gin | 201 John Searle
• Scarf & Pin Badge | 426 E. Mead

Congratulations to all the winners!

THROUGH THE YEARS

Indeed, they have lost their last five such fixtures, the most recent being a 2-0 defeat at King's Lynn Town.

Their last win on 5 April was a 1-0 win at home to Ashton United in 2003.

2 April 2025

ALTRINCHAM 1-2 LEEDS UNITED UNDER-21S

Altrincham started with just four players who had started last Saturday's league game, as Phil Parkinson rightly gave priority to the quest for a place in the National League play-offs.

Right: Callum Dolan (left) made his second home debut after returning to the club on loan. Here he is pictured with Tylor Golden.

The opening goal came when a late challenge by Golden gave Leeds a freekick inside the "D". Chadwick's freekick came back off the inside of Ansen's right upright and diverted across goal to for Monteiro to score (38 mins).

With the volatile Kosylo getting wound up before the interval he was subbed at half-time.

Eight minutes into the second half, McDonald got behind Golden and advanced into the box, jinking his way past a potential challege before netting smartly.

Despite dominating the final half-hour of normal time Altrincham could only score once. That came when a slick move produced a goal for Amaluzor (66 mins).

During the second half, Griffiths, Cooper and Wilson all left the field injured and it remains to be seen whether those injuries affect their league availability.

Match report here

NEXT: YEOVIL TOWN

On Monday, Yeovil Town issued a statement from their chairman, Martin Hellier, stating that "It has been a privilege to serve as chairman, and I am proud of the significant changes made around the club, changes that I believe will benefit it for years to come. Helping the club regain its place in the National League was a key milestone, and while the journey has had its challenges, real progress has been made.

However, due to the pressures placed on myself and my family, I have made the decision to step away from my role. Stuart Robins will take on the position of interim chairman while a successor is found, and I hope the club can continue building towards a strong future".

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : JUNIOR QUITIRNA gave Crawley Town an early lead (he was booked later) and both he and TOBY MULLARKEY put in a full shift, but visitors Peterborough United, missing CHRIS CONN-CLARKE (right) secured a 3-4 win with a 97th minute penalty.

CARL PIERGIANNI had an unhappy return to historic Cheshire, his Stevenage side being comfortably beaten 3-0 by Stockport County.

Having been booked in the first half, OWEN DALE was substituted by Wigan Athletic after 84 minutes. The game was still goalless at that stage, but visitors Bolton Wanderers pinched the points with a 92nd minute penalty.

Although Wycombe Wanderers brought JAMES BERRY off the bench after 83 minutes, he couldn't help them to victory, visitors Shrewsbury Town withstanding 32 attempts on their goal while not having a shot on target themselves.

JOEL SENIOR was an 85th minute Bristol Rovers substitute, immediately after visitors Birmingham City had converted a penalty to win 1-2.

League Two : ELLIOT NEWBY was Barrow's Man of the Match, but visitors Salford City forced a 1-1 draw

JOE HUGILL returned to Carlisle United's lineup at Chesterfield. He picked up a booking, and then scored in the 89th minute. Alas, the goal was in vain as the hosts, for whom RYAN COLCLOUGH was an 84th minute substitute, were already 2-0 up by then and held on to win. The Cumbrians are 9 points from safety with only 6 games left.

Meanwhile Morecambe, leaving MARCUS DACKERS on the bench, beat visitors Cheltenham Town 2-0 to pull 5 points clear of Carlisle, and within 4 points of Tranmere Rovers, who lost 3-2 at Harrogate Town. CHRIS MERRIE played the whole game for the men from Birkenhead, while CONNOR JENNINGS came on in the 59th minute.

ALISTAIR SMITH picked up a yellow card, as AFC Wimbledon lost 2-1 at Swindon Town.

National League : Boston United's escape from the relegation zone lasted a mere 3 days, as CONNOR TEALE and his colleagues were leapfrogged by hosts Wealdstone, for whom prolific Oldham Athletic loanee Alex Reid scored the only goal.

Meanwhile, a 1-1 draw at Woking would probably be considered 2 points dropped by Rochdale, for whom JACK KINGDON put in a full shift.

Northern Ireland Premiership: SAM ROSCOE returned to the Linfield starting lineup after his second spell of injury had seen him miss the previous 4 games. He lasted 55 minutes as the Belfast side comfortably beat visitors Crusaders 3-1. They had already comfortably won the title last month, and sit an eye-watering 22 points clear with 4 games left. Assuming his fitness holds up, Sam can look forward to playing in the Champions League qualifiers at the end of the summer.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The football club released their accounts for the year ending June 2024, which confirm a loss in the past year in total equity.

York's records show that they started June 2023 with a figure of £3,166,144, but that number has since reduced to £2,930,713 - a loss of £235,431.

In comparison, York made a loss of more than £1,000,000 in the 2019/20 season, when Covid brought a halt to football competitions, and Wythenshawe Town, who play three levels below City, recorded a similar amount lost of more than £200,000.

York has spent £473,630 on transfer fees... However, there is no confirmation in the accounts of what City has spent on wages from the year.

There has been an increase in staff too, from 58 to 69".

Eastleigh "and Liam Webber have agreed a mutual cancellation of the defender’s contract to allow him to pursue a career abroad.

After spending ten years at the club, Liam Webber rose through the academy before signing his first professional deal with the club in the summer of 2024.

The centre-back will now explore options that allow him to play football abroad".

1 April 2025

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINAL FIXTURES

• Altrincham 1-2 Leeds United U21
• Braintree Town 0-0 Sutton United (Sutton won on 5-4 pens; the first eight were all converted then the next five were all missed before Sutton clinched the tie.)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 2-0 AFC Fylde
• Wealdstone 1-0 Boston United Woking 1-1 Rochdale

TONIGHT: LEEDS UNITED UNDER-21S

Their wins were away at Boston United (3-4) and Gateshead (1-2) and their defeat was at Tamworth (2-1).

Leeds are the only PL2 club to reach the semi-finals, which they reached with a quarter-final win at Aldershot Town (1-3). They lie 16th in the 26-club PL2 division, having won, draw and lost on six occasions in each category of result.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The businessman has been in charge at Huish Park for almost two years and funded his side's promotion back to the National League last season.

The Glovers - whose 16-season stay in the English Football League ended in 2019 - are currently 13th in the fifth tier.

'I fully intend to sell the club and leave as soon as a suitable buyer is found,' Hellier said in a statement on social media. 'It's simply not worth losing the money to be abused and my children abused and so on. I would ask in the meantime that you stop the endless online harassment and abuse. You've done enough, it's worked'...

'My investment provided the club with the funds needed to get through and provided you with football and promotion to the NL (National League) but has given me nothing but abuse and minus £4m personal deficit,' Hellier added."

Solihull Moors "confirm the signing of Elliot Thorpe on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old midfielder joins Moors for the final seven games of the Vanarama National League campaign, reuniting with Matt Taylor after their time together at Wealdstone...

A product of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, he moved to Luton Town in 2021 and later gained experience in the EFL with loan spells at Burton Albion and Shrewsbury Town.

Earlier this season, he made 14 appearances for Wealdstone under Taylor before departing at the end of December".

The Maidenhead Advertiser states that "Maidenhead United have been punching above their weight in the National League for several seasons now, but it seems they may have finally punched themselves out after their 1-0 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge... left them five points from safety with only six games left to play...

Never have they been quite so far adrift of safety with so few games to play. They’ve also played a game more than the three sides above them in the table competing for survival, so it’s going to take a miraculous rediscovery of form in the final weeks of the season to get themselves out of jail this time.

With games against four of their direct rivals for survival still to come, there’s always a chance the Magpies could pull a few positive results out of the bag to take their battle to the final matches".