EASTLEIGH 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here.

After the game, Phil Parkinson told the NL Paper "We're a victim of our own success really. Obviously, the likes of Regan Linney going to Carlisle, Alex Newby going to York and Justin Amaluzor to Grimsby, all for big money, that's our whole front line we've had to rebuild.

"We created a lot of chances and I believe it is [just] a matter ot time before they start finishing them off".

The manager's analysis was backed by the NLP statistics which showed that Altrincham had twelve shots on target to Eastleigh's three, as well as winning six corners to the Spitfires' three.

POST-MATCH PARKY

The Alty manager did acknowledge that "We've got to be better in both boxes" but he is confident that "the results will come".

Asked about the absence of Olly Crankshaw (right), Phil said his absence was due to the fact that the player has "just got a niggle" and that he was "probably being over-cautious" in not involving him in the match at Eastleigh.

NEXT: GATESHEAD

Alty last visited that venue in February 2025 when they emerged with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a Kian Taylor goal.

Less then seven months later, Altrincham fielded just three of the same starters from that game when they faced Solihull Moors last Monday. They were Lewis Banks, Tom Crawford and Tylor Golden.

The Alty line-up last season comprised 21. Caleb ANSEN, 2. Lewis BANKS, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 31. Charlie OLSON, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 12. Kian TAYLOR, 17. Lucas WEAVER, 10. Alex NEWBY, 29. Jake BICKERSTAFF. Subs: 9. Regan LINNEY, 11. Justin AMALUZOR, 16. James JONES, 20. Kahrel REDDIN, 15. Regan GRIFFITHS, 24. Joe NUTTALL, 27. Louie FALLON (gk)

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : ALI SMITH played the full game for AFC Wimbledon at Bradford City, where they led twice before losing 3-2.

CHRIS CONN-CLARKE (right) couldn't have made matters any worse for Peterborough United had he played at Exeter City, where Posh lost 3-0, and are clear bottom of the league. If he's still "in the house" when Darren Ferguson is inevitably shown the door, he may yet have a future at the club under a different manager.

Stevenage won their home game against Wycombe Wanderers. CARL PIERGIANNI captained the hosts, and will be happier tonight than JUNIOR QUITIRNA who was booked after 69 minutes, and substituted by the visitors 3 minutes later.

League Two : Having been reduced to 10 men after only 10 minutes, an injury forced Barrow to bring ELLIOT NEWBY off the bench in the 21st minute. Visitors Fleetwood Town scored the only goal after 37 minutes, and HARRISON HOLGATE played his first full game for them after almost 18 months out with injury.

It was still goalless when Bromley withdrew MARCUS DINANGA after 67 minutes, and his replacement Nicke Kabamba gave them the lead over visitors Harrogate Town soon afterwards - they scored again soon afterwards to win 2-0.

Crawley Town squandered a two goal lead at Chesterfield, and DANNY CASHMAN (left) was hooked after 66 minutes. The hosts, without the injured JAMES BERRY, couldn't cash in on their total dominance, and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

They beat Manchester United only three days ago, but Grimsby Town were turned over by their rather less stellar visitors this afternoon, a single goal proving enough to give Bristol Rovers the points. JOEL SENIOR watched his team's win from the bench. The Mariners' JUSTIN AMALUZOR had been booked, and was withdrawn at half time.

REAGAN OGLE wasn't in Oldham Athletic's squad as they went down by the only goal against visitors Gillingham, while CHARLIE OLSON was left on the bench.

Although Tranmere Rovers led at half time, visitors Notts County, with SONNY ALJOFREE (right) playing the full game, recovered to win by the odd goal in three. CONNOR JENNINGS was a 68th minute substitute for Rovers.

National League : Both MATT GOULD and KYLE FERGUSON watched from the bench at The Shay as Halifax led, went behind, and finally came back to beat Yeovil Town 3-2.

Boreham Wood dominated at Hartlepool United, but had to settle for a goalless draw - they withdrew JEFF KING after 78 minutes.

If the question at Morecambe was "who's going to score goals for us?", the answer possibly isn't JOE NUTTALL who lasted 66 minutes on his debut. Morecambe failed to register a single shot on target, and Woking took advantage of their impotence to win 0-2.

A goal in the fifth added minute at Sutton United couldn't save Carlisle United from a 2-1 defeat, even though the highly rated REGAN LINNEY was on the field throughout.

It was a bad day at the office for CONNOR TEALE, as, despite him playing the full game, Boston United became the first National League team to lose at Truro City - the Cornish side triumphed 3-0.

Rochdale left LIAM HUMBLES on the bench as they won 1-3 at Wealdstone.

National North : CHRIS MERRIE started for AFC FYLDE at home to newly promoted Bedford Town, while LIAM BROCKBANK (66 minutes, pictured left) and GEORGE WILSON (who replaced Chris after 83 minutes) were among the substitutes. CRAIG MAHON'S team won 1-0 to move within a point of leaders South Shields. The Tyneside club trailed 0-2 to visitors Buxton at half time, but came back to draw 2-2 after the Derbyshire side, captained by CONNOR KIRBY, were reduced to 10 men just before the hour.

39 year old Andy Williams scored both goals as Hereford beat visitors Alfreton Town 2-0. HARRY PERRITT was in Alfreton's starting XI, but OWEN GERMAN only came on after 86 minutes with the scoring already completed. LEWIS SALMON is still out injured.

Oxford City, having scored first, had been pulled back to 1-1 by the time they were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute. Radcliffe, captained by JORDAN HULME, took full advantage with a goal from BRAD JACKSON (right) interrupting a hat trick by the former Trafford striker Rio Clegg (he scored 20 goals in 39 appearances for them last season, and was the top scorer in NPL Division 1 West).

It was Radcliffe's biggest win in National North, and was the 400th of joint managers' Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley's careers.

LUKE WATERFALL scored the winner as Worksop Town saw off visitors Chester 2-1. Chester, who had led, started DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY, but withdrew him after 84 minutes, while TOM PEERS came off the bench after 64 minutes, but left JAMES JONES there.

National South : The new owners at Dagenham & Redbridge must be wondering what possessed them. Captained by ASHLEY HEMMINGS they collapsed 3-0 at Weston-super-Mare, and marquee signing Andy Carroll remains on the injured list.

The Daggers sit dangerously close to the foot of the table, only 3 points clear of bottom club Eastbourne Borough.

FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round : Both managers in the "Flat Cap Derby" have Altrincham connections; Atherton Laburnum Rovers' boss DAVID JONES was until quite recently the Robins' groundsman, while the man in charge at Atherton Collieries is MICHAEL CLEGG who was briefly chief scout a couple of years ago.

Probably favourites to progress, Collieries went behind after 10 minutes and never really recovered. They brought both JOE PIGGOTT and SAM SHERIDAN (left) off the bench in the 38th minute, and LR promptly went 3-0 up, going on to win 5-2.

BYRON HARRISON netted after 12 SECONDS for Nantwich Town at Avro, but that was as good as it got. With ADY ROXBURGH also in their starting XI, the Dabbers couldn't find the net again, and Avro levelled just before the hour. The replay will be at Nantwich on Tuesday.

Gainsborough Trinity travelled to Corby Town, and had to come from behind to win 1-2. JONNY MARGETTS set up the equaliser before the interval, and then scored the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.

ADAM PORTER started for Leek Town at Harborough Town, while HAYDEN CAMPBELL was on the bench. The game ended goalless and the sides must try again in Staffordshire on Tuesday evening.

When Lewis Rawsthorn headed home JACK REDSHAW'S 58th minute corner to put Hyde United 2-0 up, they would have fancied their chances of progressing.

Although visitors Prescot Cables had pulled one back and, despite Jack going off and NYAL BELL coming on, Hyde had just to safely navigate 6 added minutes. That they didn't do so was down to a last ditch equaliser by Prescot's goalkeeper. Replay on Merseyside on Tuesday.

Quorn's 8-0 demolition of visitors Sherwood Colliery featured a hat trick from ZAK GOODSON (right).

FC United were already three goals ahead at Rossington Main in the 67th minute when RON SITHOLE joined in the fun. His team promptly struck again to win 0-4.

Both TONY THOMPSON and TOM HANNIGAN contributed fully to Bootle's clean sheet at Silsden, but they couldn't find the net themselves and must replay at their Berry Street Garage Stadium on Tuesday evening.

TRAFFORD, with SEAN HIGGINS and JEROME WRIGHT playing the full game, produced one of the results of the round at Shawe View, coming from behind to knock out Premier Division Stockton Town 2-1.

Witton Albion had 4 Alty Old Boys on the bench for their home tie with Shildon, but only JAMES LAWRIE (74 minutes) entered the fray, with JOEL BEMBO-LETA (left), MAX HARROP and BEN HARRISON staying put.

The sides shared 6 goals and battle will recommence in Co.Durham on Tuesday.

Stalybridge Celtic travelled to Workington, where KYLE BROWNHILL played throughout, with GREG WILKINSON and ELLIOTT ROKKA joining him in the 70th minute as they won 2-3.

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS started on the bench for Kilmarnock at Motherwell, but came on at the start of the second half after his team lost the lead in first half added time. They went behind before salvaging a 2-2 draw. Marcus saw a yellow card in added time.

Welsh Premier League : JOEL TORRANCE made four saves to maintain his clean sheet as Bala Town won 0-1 at bottom club Llanelli.

NWCL Premier Division : Player-coach JOHN JOHNSTON (above, right) scored twice as Irlam scored three goals without reply at Litherland REMYCA.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 3 September

Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett's Through the Years remind us of previous Altrincham games played on that date.

Alty have not won any of their last eight games on this date, going back to their last win in 1994 at Farnborough Town.

The most recent encounter on 3 September was in 2022 when Altrincham crashed to a 5-1 defeat at Solihull Moors.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

And on Saturday fans saw another six goals at The International Stadium in a 3-3 draw, making it 31 goals witnessed in The Shots' six matches this season!

Their opposition on Saturday were Gateshead who are Altrincham's midweek opponents.

The BBC reports that "Hady Ghandour's 77th-minute equaliser ensured Aldershot took a point in a topsy-turvy 3-3 draw at Gateshead.

Doncaster loanee Kyle Hurst got the scoring started early, firing the hosts in front after five minutes, before Kwame Thomas drew the sides level 14 minutes later, nodding home from Josh Barrett's cross.

Aldershot took the lead when Cameron Hargreaves fired past Tiernan Brooks in the 26th minute, then Hurst netted his second of the game on the hour, assisted by Harry Chapman, who got himself on the scoresheet a minute later to put Gateshead 3-2 up.

Barrett clipped a post with a free-kick, but it was all square when Ghandour buried the rebound, and a would-be Aldershot stoppage-time winner was chalked off for a foul".

30 August, 2025:

EASTLEIGH 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Following a good start by Altrincham, James Gale (right) netted off the bar in the 20th minute to give the visitors the lead. The Robins should have been ahead by more than that one-goal lead at the interval on the balance of play.

And they paid the price for not adding to their lead as Eastleigh netted twice in three minutes soon after the break.

Firstly, Eastleigh levelled just three minutes into the second half. Interval substitute Saunders laid on the goal for Evans to sidefoot a leveller (48 mins).

Then, the Spitfires took the lead soon afterwards when a left-wing cross was headed in from close range by Saunders with Hutchinson, on his line, unable to stop it (51 mins).

After that, Eastleigh were largely comfortable, despite Altrincham deploying three of their substitutes.

For the match, Altrincham had made one change, presumably enforced, as formerly ever-present defender Tylor Golden dropped out of the squad and was replaced by loanee Sam Barnes.

Good news was that Lewis Baines made his first appearance in a matchday squad this season.

For Eastleigh, Josh Lundstram was out with a hamstring injury. Luis Fernandez dropped out of the squad and captain Jake Taylor moved to the bench. Paul McCallum remained suspended as Academy forward Barney Stone joined the squad.

Into the Spitfires eleven came Holzman and Massiah-Edwards.

EASTLEIGH: 1. Nick Townsend, 2. Richard Brindley, 6. Temi Eweka, 16. Aaron Pierre, 27. Archie Harris, 24. Jordan Cousins (c), 7. Kieron Evans, 14. Zavier Massiah-Edwards 18. Angel Waruih, 23. Louie Holzman, 11. Aaron Blair. Subs: 8. Jake Taylor 34. Freddie Ingram, 30. Connor Underhill, 21. Sonnie Davis, 22. Josh McNamara, 19 Harvey Saunders, 40 Barney Stone.

ALTRINCHAM: 30 Luke Hutchinson, 2 Lewis Banks (c), 34. Dan Sassi, 3 Sam Reed, 24. Sam Barnes, 8 Isaac Marriott, 22. Tom Crawford, 11. Jimmy Knowles, 20 Kahrel Reddin, 10 Keaton Ward, 9 James Gale. Subs: 4. Lewis Baines, 14 Matty Kosylo, 16 Remi Raymond, 6. Elliot Osborne, 17. Lucas Weaver, 27 Louie Fallon, 40 Charlie Kirk.

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Brackley Town 1-1 Scunthorpe United (k.o. 5.30pm)
• Braintree Town 0-0 Forest Green Rovers
• Eastleigh 2-1 Altrincham
• FC Halifax Town 3-2 Yeovil Town
• Gateshead 3-3 Aldershot Town
• Hartlepool United 0-0 Boreham Wood
• Morecambe 0-2 Woking
• Solihull Moors 1-2 Southend United (k.o. 12.30pm)
• Sutton United 2-1 Carlisle United
• Truro City 3-0 Boston United
• Wealdstone 1-3 Rochdale

TODAY: EASTLEIGH

That will be followed by a 310-mile round-trip in the opposite direction from Altrincham to play Gateshead on Wednesday night.

So far this season six players have started all five Altrincham fixtures. They are Banks, Crawford, Golden, Hutchinson, Marriott and Sassi.

Of those six, Banks, Crawford, Sassi and Hutchinson are the only four players to complete 90 minutes in each of their appearances.

So far, 18 players have been used by Altrincham either as starters or used subs, with just three who have been used as substitutes not having started a game (Osborne, Kosylo and Raymond).

Above: Three Altrincham players have been used a substitutes this season but have not started any games; Elliot Osborne, Matty Kosylo and Remi Raymond.

Apart from goalkeeper Louie Fallon, all players named in a matchday squad have got on to the pitch this season.

However, injury has meant that four other players (Ross, Baines, Cooper and Sass-Davies) who have been assigned squad numbers for this season have yet to be named in a matchday squad.

In addition three young squad members (German, Edwards and Bailey) have gone out on loan so have not figured in the Altrincham squad.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Premier League 2 : Although CALEB ANSEN (right) was beaten by one of only three on-target goal attempts produced by Everton U21, his Norwich City U21 side still won their home game 2-1.

League Two : Hosts Salford City omitted KEVIN BERKOE from their squad, while Cheltenham Town left JAKE BICKERSTAFF on the bench - but that didn't stop them from earning their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw, and climbing off the foot of the table, at least until tomorrow, at the expense of Shrewsbury Town.

Irish Premier League : The response from St.Patricks to hosts Derry City reducing their two goal lead was to bring BARRY BAGGLEY off the bench. Alas, the hosts struck again to earn a 2-2 draw.

Brackley Town report that "defender JUSTIN DONAWA (right) has been called up to represent Bermuda in their forthcoming Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers.

Donawa has been named in the Bermuda squad for their upcoming group stage fixtures against Jamaica and Curaçao...

The 27-year-old, who has been a consistent performer for the Saints this season... could add to his growing tally of international appearances".

The BBC has an interview with TONY THOMPSON as he recalls the time that he "was ready to walk away from the game he loved after an incident that 'knocked me sick'".

Whilst playing for Warrington Town "Thompson (left) reached for the drinks bottle by his net and took a gulp of what he thought was water.

Unbeknown to him, a Guiseley fan behind his goal had climbed over the pitchside barrier and swapped bottles while Thompson was concentrating on the game.

Instead of water, the keeper said the bottle he had drunk from was filled with urine.

The incident was filmed by other fans and viewed more than two million times on social media...

Tony said "I gripped the lad and emptied the bottle near him or on him. I threw the bottle away in anger and told him 'that's disgusting'. Thompson was sent off for his reaction... with the goalkeeper receiving a three-match ban, later reduced to one".

"I love the community feel, the family feel of non-league football," he adds. "During my five years at Altrincham, I knew everyone's name and they all knew my name. At Bootle, there's a massive family feel around the club. The chairman, the supporters... they're all in it for the same reason. It's for the love of the game."

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 23-year-old playmaker is no stranger to Meadow Park, having previously spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with the Wood, where he impressed with his technical ability, creativity, and composure in midfield...

Brunt began his footballing journey in some of the country’s most prestigious academies, including Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Sheffield United, while also experiencing trials with European giants Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and even receiving an invitation to Real Madrid from Guti. After a spell at Derby County, he took the bold step of moving into senior football at just 16 years old with Matlock Town, making his debut in the Northern Premier League.

In 2018, Brunt returned to Sheffield United, where he progressed through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in the EFL Cup in 2021. He gained valuable National League experience during loan spells at Southend United and Notts County, before his first move to the Wood in 2022... He made a permanent move to the Bees in July of 2023".

Solihull Moors "confirm that midfielder Darius Lipsuic has received a call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21s squad for their upcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers

The 19-year-old has been selected for two fixtures in September...

Moors boss Matt Taylor said 'We’re absolutely delighted for Darius – he’s worked hard over the summer and showed real quality in pre-season and against Everton U21s. It’s never easy to lose a player of his ability for a couple of games, but this is a fantastic opportunity for him'">

Footnote: Lipsuic was in the Moors starting line-up last Monday when they played against Altrincham at the J. Davidson Stadium.

29 August, 2025

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

Known as "The Spitfires", Eastleigh are one of seven National League teams whose nickname bears direct reference to their town or city's local industry.

Two National League clubs are nicknamed after the iron industry (Braintree Town and Scunthorpe United) and two after the fishing industry (Morecambe and Southend United). Others with links to historical industry or manufacture are Truro City (tinners) and Yeovil Town (glovers).

(Some might also claim that Aldershot Town's nickname is a reference to the town's military heritage rather than the more straightforward interpretation that "The Shots" is simply a shortening of their placename).

Meanwhile, the seventh club with unquestionable claims to a nickname based on local industry is Eastleigh, where the local Eastleigh Borough Council explains that it "was an important location during the Second World War.

Right: Tom Crawford took the "cooling break" literally last Monday as he applied an ice-pack to his head during a break in the game against Solihull Moors.

"Most famously, it was where the maiden flight of the Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft... took place in 1936. Eastleigh was a major railway town and the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley was one of the biggest military hospitals in the country.

Eastleigh Borough had a significant role in the build-up to the June 1944 Normandy landings, the decisive Allied invasion that signalled the beginning of the end of the war. Four marshalling camps at Hiltingbury had a total capacity of 11,000 men and 2,000 vehicles, and were the largest group of camps in any of the marshalling areas in the run-up D-Day. There was also a marshalling camp at North Stoneham.

The town’s Pirelli cableworks contributed to PLUTO (the PipeLine Under The Ocean) that was crucial to the success of the invasion".

Eastleigh FC adds that "The club’s name changed [from Swaythling, founded in 1946] to Eastleigh FC in 1980, and they became founder members of the Wessex League in 1986.

Eastleigh won the Wessex League in 2002/03 and were promoted to Division One East of the Southern League. They went on to secure promotion to the Premier Division of the Isthmian League eventually earning promotion to the Conference South.

Over nine years in the Conference South, Eastleigh twice came close to earning promotion to non-league’s highest tier but narrowly missed out on both occasions. They also had a memorable run in the FA Cup and secured silverware in the Hampshire Senior Cup in 2011/2012.

In 2014, Eastleigh clinched the Skrill South title, gaining promotion to National League".

Footnote: In their 11 seasons in non-League's top-flight, Eastleigh have had an up and down experience. They have achieved five top-ten finishes but also have recorded six bottom-half finishes, their best season being their first when they finished fourth.

Their worst season was 2021-22 when they completed the campaign in 19th place out of the 23 clubs competing in that season.

Last season they ended up in thirteenth-place for the second season in succession.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Europa Conference League Qualifiers : MAXI OYEDELE was a 67th minute substitute for Strasbourg in Denmark, and although their hosts Brondby reduced the deficit after that, the club from Alsace made up for a goalless draw in the first leg to win 2-3.

Meanwhile, in Belfast, Linfield produced only one shot on target as they lost their second leg to Shelbourne 0-2. The Dublin club won the tie 5-1 on aggregate. SAM ROSCOE was one of three players withdrawn by the hosts just before the hour.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The owners were irate last summer that their club had been denied a return to the EFL by the "champions-only" promotion rule whilst Oldham Athletic gained promotion via the play-offs despite finishing 23 points adrift of their second-placed club but the Latics had defeated the Minstermen 3-0 in the play-offs.

For the record, York City had only regained their National League status by exactly the same method in 2022, finishing fifth in National North yet clinching promotion via the play-offs ahead of second-placed Brackley Town who had finished 21 points ahead of them in the regular season.

Forest Green Rovers "announce the signing of midfielder James Balagizi from Liverpool on a season-long loan deal.

The talented youngster... signed a first professional deal with the club in September 2020... An England youth international, Balagizi... was also amongst the substitutes for the senior team during the 2021-22 campaign.

The 21-year-old has also enjoyed loan spells at Wigan Athletic, Kilmarnock and Crawley Town.

On his signing, Director of Football Mark Bowen said, 'We're delighted to be able to attract a player of his ability to the football club in amongst fighting off interest from clubs higher up the pyramid... He can play in a number of positions across the midfield...

Manager Robbie Savaged [sic!] added 'It's another great bit of recruitment for the club and shows yet more incredible backing from Dale (Vince) and Asif (Rehmanwala)'".

Tamworth "announce that a number of players from our U23 and U19 Scholarship programme have signed First Team forms and will now head out on loan across the non-league system...

The move reflects the progress of the Academy in recent seasons, with the U23 Scholarship squad – built from the ground up by Head Coach Morgan Hallett – now producing players ready to take the next step into the First Team environment...

Players signing First Team forms" comprise nine U23 players and five U19s.

First Team Manager Andy Peaks observed that "This is a fantastic step for the club. We’ve seen how hard the young lads have worked, and giving them the chance to play men’s football is crucial for their development. It’s important they’re tested in competitive environments".

Morecambe "announce the appointment of Patrick Noubissie as Head of Recruitment. He has been a vital part of the recruitment process over the past week, as we have welcomed 14 new players to our squad.

Noubissie’s playing career lasted over a decade with experience in leagues across Europe. He started his career at PSG, before playing in England, Scotland and Cyprus.

Following his retirement, he graduated as a physiotherapist and worked at Leicester City. Most recently, he spent time with the Cameroon National team and was part of their staff in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Alongside this, Noubissie has been preparing for a career in player recruitment and will now lead Morecambe FC’s recruitment strategy going forward".

Woking "would like to address the situation that unfolded during Monday's match regarding the Chris Lane Terrace...

During the first half, our health and safety officials, including the ambulance service, raised genuine concerns over the growing number of heat-related incidents in the away section. They also expressed concern that access for medical staff was limited.

In the interest of the health and welfare, we were encouraged to allow away fans to spread across the full Chris Lane Stand. This unfortunately meant that home supporters in that area had to be relocated at short notice. We fully recognise that this was disruptive and frustrating, and we are truly sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Since Monday, we have made structural adjustments to the Chris Lane Stand to ensure that, if a similar situation arises in future, we will not need to close the section to home supporters. While our new seating plan is still a work in progress, we are learning and making improvements each week".

28 August 2025

MAYNARD REPLACES HINSHELWOOD AT YORK

That club is York City who failed to get promotion last season despite finishing second with 96 points, 23 more points than earned by Oldham Athletic who beat them in the play-offs. Unbeaten this season, York currently lie one place above Altrincham, in twelfth place in the Enterprise National League, with a game in hand after one win and three draws this season

The Minstermen have today announced "that we have parted company with manager Adam Hinshelwood with immediate effect.

The 41-year-old joined the club in the winter of 2024. Adam helped guide the club to safety in the 23/24 season before helping City to a 2nd place finish in the National League last season.

Co-chairs Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla said, 'We would like to thank Adam for everything he has done for the club since his arrival early last year. We wish him nothing but the very best for the future. We look forward to announcing the new manager in due course for this next chapter for the club.'"

First team coach Cam Morrison will also be departing. Assistant Manager Gary Elphick has been placed in temporary charge. We look forward to announcing the new manager soon".

Just hours later York City revealed "Stuart Maynard as the new first-team manager of York City FC.

York stated,"Maynard began his coaching career back in 2012, working as an assistant manager for Hemel Hempstead under then-manager Dean Brennan. He followed Brennan as assistant to Billericay Town and Kingstonian before arriving at Wealdstone in 2019.

In their first season, they led the Stones to automatic promotion from the National South. Brennan departed the club in 2021, which left the door open to Maynard as his successor...

Stuart guided Wealdstone to survival in his first few months as manager before taking the club to their highest league position in over three decades in the National League.

A hugely successful 23/24 season for Maynard and Wealdstone earned him a move to League Two side Notts County. He took Notts to the League Two play-offs last season following a 6th place finish...

He will be joined [at York] by new assistant manager Joao Alves, who worked under Maynard at Notts County. Gary Elphick will remain at the club as a first-team coach".

Footnote: As Maynard takes over from a manager sacked for reaching the play-offs but failing to win promotion; he may find it ironic that he, too, was sacked last summer in similar circumstances at Notts County where, as Wikipedia reports "Following defeat in the play-off semi-final against Wimbledon, Maynard was sacked on 22 May 2025. In a statement the owners said 'While football is a game of fine margins, and Stuart undoubtedly faced numerous challenges over the course of the campaign, neither results nor performances reached the levels we believe the team was capable of - particularly during the defining period towards the end.'"

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

Despite the clubs only playing five games so far this season, they have already both met and beaten Aldershot Town by the same 3-2 margin, though in Eastleigh's case the win was away from home in matchday 3 of the new campaign, whereas Altrincham's win was at home on the opening day of the season.

The Spitfires had started the season away from home at promoted club Brackley Town, where they lost by the only goal of the game.

Right: Josh Lundstram, seen here in his Altrincham days, now plies his trade for Eastleigh

They were scoreless and pointless, again, in their second fixture, a 0-2 home defeat to Gateshead.

Having beaten The Shots in game 3, they beat Boston United 2-0 in Hampshire in match 4 before losing 1-0 away to Forest Green Rovers last Monday.

Eastleigh consequently lie fifteenth, which is two places below Altrincham.

Both clubs have six points and a goal difference of minus one but the the Robins have scored two more goals in their five outings, a tally which accounts for their higher league placing.

The most familiar face in the Hampshire club's squad is former Robin, JOSH LUNDSTRAM, who joined the club over the smmer from Oldham Athletic.

On Monday, he came on as a 54th minute substitute but was himself subbed half an hour later which suggests he may be a doubt for Saturday's clash with his former club.

The Spitfires' line-up last Monday was: Townsend (GK), Brindley, Eweka, Pierre, Fernandez (Holzman 45′), Harris, Cousins, Taylor (C) (Underhill 73′), Evans (Lundstram 54′ Davis 84′) Waruih, Blair (Ingram 85′). Unused Substitute: McNamara.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Altrincham FC has a tribute to GERRY HARRISON who died recently.

ALTRINCHAM'S REVAMPED LEISURE CENTRE

The Sale & Altrincham Messenger reports that "Move Altrincham" was unveiled on Tuesday, August 26, following a refurbishment funded by Trafford Council...

Cllr Eve Parker said 'We’re delighted to present this great new facility, a leisure centre that Altrincham can be proud of.

'This investment will help meet our council priorities for facilitating healthy and independent lives for Trafford residents, sport and leisure for all, and addressing climate change'...

Move Altrincham features two swimming pools, including a 25-metre pool and a 20-metre pool, both equipped with accessible pool pods.

Additional amenities include a spa, expanded fitness suite, wellness assessment room, flexible studio spaces, an indoor cycle studio, a four-court sports hall, a gymnastics hub, and an inclusive Changing Places toilet.

The facility was developed in partnership with Sport England to deliver sustainable leisure services and improve health outcomes across the community...

Jo Cherrett, CEO of Trafford Leisure, said 'This is the second site Trafford Leisure has opened under the new "Move" brand and, together, we are truly redefining what community leisure looks and feels like".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Pilgrims state that "This year the National League are following the multi-ball system as used by the Premier League.

When the matchball goes out of play, players must either retrieve the original matchball themselves to restart play or go to the nearest cone to collect a replacement ball themselves to restart play.

The key instructions are:

• The ball crew are not permitted to provide a replacement ball, or return the original matchball, to any outfield players.
• The ball crew members located behind each goal are permitted to provide a ball only to the goalkeeper of the team who will restart play via a goal-kick.
• Participants (including but not limited to players, substitutes, occupants of the technical area or any other club personnel) must not interfere with the multi-ball system, the matchball or the replacement balls at any time.
• The use of the multi-ball system will be managed by the referee who can, if he/she deems it necessary, order that the multi-ball system be altered or deactivated, and a single ball system be implemented for the remainder of the match.
• The replacement balls located behind each goal line must be positioned in line with the 18-yard box.

The objective of multi-ball is to minimise interruption to the match when the ball goes out of play by ensuring that replacement balls are readily available to players if required".

Southend United "were delighted to hear that our very own Sammy the Shrimp earned the Highest Fundraiser Award ahead of the Epsom Downs Mascot Race.

Sammy’s sponsorships totalled £6,405.76, with the money going towards both The Children’s Trust and Southend United Community Foundation.

On the racecourse, Sammy finished 19th out of 27 mascots taking part in the race, before hurrying his way back to Roots Hall to catch the second half of our match against Hartlepool United.

Sammy even managed to make an appearance at half-time, showing off his award trophy and thanking everyone for their support".

At Sutton United Steve Morison gave a honest post-match reflection after defeat against Rochdale.

A second-half Mani Dieseruvwe goal was the difference between the Dale and the U’s, who fell to a third defeat in a row'...

'I thought we performed well first half... They rested their whole team away at Brackley on Saturday, so I needed to get as many fresh legs and to be fair I thought Mo Dabre, on his first debut, 45 minutes, was excellent...

The whole first half was pretty even as it was 0-0... and then second half, yeah, it’s tough to take because they get the goal which... spawns [sic] its way into the back of the net but it’s a good bit of movement from the centre forward and he gets a touch and then it’s just one-way traffic for the rest of the half and at the minute we can’t put a ball in the back of the net...

'It’s not good enough at the minute... It’s like someone didn’t like us when they were doing a fixture list and they picked most probably the top first six games, we’ve played the first four or five teams with the biggest budgets in the league...

'I need to have a real long, hard look at myself... I need to do some soul searching because this is the toughest period I’ve ever had as a manager. It’s hard'".

When Morecambe's transfer embargo was lifted barely a week ago, they reportedly had just five contracted players on their books and they were all included in the squad which faced Altrincham last Saturday.

They now have twenty-four players in their squad according to their Wikipedia entry!

Morecambe's latest acquisition is Terrell Agyemang.

"The full-back who can also play central midfield joins us from Middlesbrough as the 22-year-old makes the move to the Shrimps.

He spent his youth days with Charlton Athletic, until moving to Manchester City Academy for the 2022/23 season... Middlesbrough then made their move to sign him in June 2023 in preperation for the new season ahead, then being sent out on loan to Hartlepool United a few months later...

Ashvir said 'Terrell is someone I have known about for a long time when he was a young player at Charlton... He is someone who we have identified will fit the environment we are trying to create'".

The squad that faced Altrincham comprised: 1. Archie Mair, 2. Luke Hendrie, 3. Raheem Conte, 6. Ludwig Francillette, 7. Gwion Edwards, 9. Harrison Panayiotou, 10. Jake Cain, 15. Ben Williams, 17. Paul Lewis, 18. Ben Tollitt, 24. Yann Songo'o. Subs: 25. Alfie Scales, 19. Ma'kel Campbell, 23. Daniel Ogwuru, 26. Lennon Dobson, 27. Adam Fairclough

On top of that squad, they have acquired eight more personnel, two of whom (Admiral Muskwe and Joe Nuttall) were actually signed before the weekend but not registered in time to play. The other six are: 4. Terrell Agyemang, 8. Miguel Azeea, 20. Mohammed Sangare, 25. Alfie Scales, 30. Corey Goodyear and 31. Oscar Wright.

27 August 2025

ALTRINCHAM v SOLIHULL MOORS HIGHLIGHTS

Right: Summer signings James Gale and (foreground) Jimmy Knowles started the game against Solihull Moors last Monday.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 30 AUGUST

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data provide a record of previous Alty games on that date. Historically it has proved an all or nothing date, with the last six fixtures on 30 August ending in defeat, five of which were on the road.

However, before that, Alty had enjoyed a sequence of five successive victories going back to 1978!

The last fixture played on 30 August was four years ago at The Shay when Alty lost 3-0.

In the game in 2021, The Shaymen dominated the start of the second half and, taking advanntage of a slip by Jake Moult, they deservedly took the lead through Slew (58 mins).

Alty made three changes between the hour mark and 76 minutes, with Jackson, Leitch-Smith and Pringle replacing Mooney, Hancock and Bunney. But the visitors were unable to force an equaliser as Halifax continued to pose a threat at the other end.

Waters added a second five minutes from time to seal Alty's fate and they could not complain as the game ended 2-0 to the Shaymen.

Altrincham dropped to twelfth albeit with a game in hand on many clubs.

Altrincham had made one change as new signing Joe Bunney (above, left) replaced the injured left-back David Fitzpatrick who joined the litany of injured defenders comprising Densmore, Digie, Hampson and White.

ALTRINCHAM : 1. Tony THOMPSON, 24. Joel SENIOR, 25. Toby MULLARKEY, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 29. Joe BUNNEY,, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 14. Connor KIRBY, 7. Dan MOONEY, 11. Ryan COLCLOUGH, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 9. Marcus DINANGA. Subs: 4. Ritchie SUTTON, 16. Bradley JACKSON, 17. Ben PRINGLE, 23. Tom PEERS, 27. A-Jay LEITCH-SMITH.

ALTY OLD BOYS

EFL Cup : One must assume that the EFL Cup wasn't a priority for AFC Wimbledon, as they left ALI SMITH on the bench in their 2-1 defeat at Reading. JAKE BICKERSTAFF suffered a similar fate as Cheltenham Town were knocked out 3-0 at Cardiff City.

Bromley withdrew MARCUS DINANGA after an hour, while visitors Wycombe Wanderers gave JUNIOR QUITIRNA 9 minutes more than that. The match finished 1-1 and went to penalties. Both sides missed their second kick, and also their fifth as the shootout went into sudden death. Bromley missed their seventh kick, and Wycombe went through to the next round.

EFL Trophy : REAGAN OGLE gave way to CHARLIE OLSON in the Oldham Athletic lineup, but visitors Manchester City U21 proved far too strong, winning 1-5.

JOEL SENIOR started for Bristol Rovers, who found themselves 0-3 behind after only 16 minutes as visitors Tottenham Hotspur U21 threatened to run riot. However, Rovers pulled two goals back before Spurs struck again.

However, the match turned on a red card for the Spurs goalkeeper after 65 minutes, and Rovers pulled back to 4-4. Joel was withdrawn after 88 minutes, and Rovers won a 14 kick shootout 5-4.

On Monday, in the Midland League Premier Division, A-JAY LEITCH-SMITH (left) scored after 19 and 49 minutes, before being substituted on the hour as Northwich Victoria hammered visitors Abbey Hulton United 6-1.

Elsewhere, the Sports Journalists' Association has a tribute to GERRY HARRISON< well-known to NW viewers of BBC regional news programmes, who was also an Altrincham player.

The tribute says "He had started in newspaper journalism and worked for the Daily Express.

He played football at Oxford University and then for Altrincham when the club was still in the Cheshire League.

'New to Cheshire League football this season. At present on the staff of the 'Daily Express” but finding time to be one of the fittest members of the team. Gaining experience with every game. A former officer, having served in the army,' said Altrincham programme notes in his debut season 1963."

Those notes came from the Robins' Review for the Altrincham v Wrexham match in November 1963.

Terry Rowley adds that "Gerry Harrison played for Altrincham in the 1963/64 season, his record being 14 appearances in the League, 3 in the FA Cup and 2 in the Cheshire League Cup for a total of 19 games. He did not score for the Robin.

He made his first team debut in the Cheshire League Cup at left-back in a 4-0 win over Chester Reserves on 14th September 1963, retaining his place for his League debut in a 2-0 home win over Buxton on 16th September. He played a few games at centre half. His final game came against Frickley on 25th April 1964."

LINNEY IS CARLISLE'S "NEW HERO"

The Bank Holiday game saw the Blues hit five without reply against Braintree and three of them were scored by REGAN LINNEY [pictured, right in his Altrincham days]...

Preston-born Linney, started his career at Bamber Bridge... He was then signed by FC United of Manchester for an undisclosed fee in 2019, where he made 97 appearances and scored 40 goals.

Moving to Altrincham, he made 93 appearances and scored 44 goals, in his two-and-a-half seasons.

The way he was scoring in pre-season for United suggested that whatever they had paid Altrincham for his services it was well worth it.

Against a fragile-looking Braintree defence Linney opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a clever curling finish. The home side made it 2-0 on 29 minutes when Braintree central defender George Langston turned a cross from Luke Armstrong into his own net.

It was virtually game over when the admirable Linney knocked home a penalty on 54 minutes.

He completed his hat-trick on 65 minutes – his fifth goal of the season – when he nodded home a corner from Cameron Harper.

It was another header, this time by Jack Ellis, which completed the scoring".

After the game, Linney told the Carlisle United site, “It’s a special feeling scoring a hat-trick at home in front of all the fans".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Forster-Caskey, 31, brings a wealth of Football League pedigree...

Having come through the academy at Brighton & Hove Albion, he went on to make over 200 professional appearances across spells with Brighton, Charlton Athletic, Southend United and Stevenage...

Director of Football, Jody Brown, explained 'Jake’s an experienced, technically gifted midfielder, who can start play and help us mentally and organisationally throughout the season.

'He caught the eye in each of his performances for the PFA group in pre-season, and Kevin & our data team highlighted that his data during his time in the EFL has been consistently high in areas we are looking at.

'This is the kind of player Neal [Ardley] has been missing'".

26 August 2025

ALTRINCHAM 2-0 SOLIHULL MOORS

Above: Kahrel Reddin (right) celebrates his goal with Keaton Ward.

Altrincham arrested their run of three successive defeats with a win and a clean sheet against a Solihull Moors side which barely threatened Luke Hutchinson in the Altrincham goal.

The home side should have led at half-time by more than the single goal netted by Kahrel Reddin from a Ward feed in the 19th minute.

Right: Lucas Weaver takes the plaudits after scoring Alty's second goal.

Banks's point blank header, which hit a defender on the line three minutes later, was the closest to doubling the lead.

The second half was not a great spectacle but Altrincham sealed the points in the 79th minute when substitute Lucas Weaver got into the box, on the right, and though his first effort was blocked he did well to gather himself to find the net with the loose ball.

Match report here.

POST-MATCH PARKY

Phil thought that "first half, we were very strong" but, as in the win over Aldershot, "second half we need to be a bit stronger". After the break "we conceded too much territory" yet remained "a huge breakaway threat" he judged.

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

Last season Alty won the corresponding fixture 2-1, through goals by Newby and Crawford. The Spitfires' goal was scored by Ludwig Francillette, who featured last Saturday for Morecambe against the Robins.

Eastleigh finished 13th last season, five points and four places below ninth-finishing Altrincham.

The Spitfires lost 1-0 away at Forest Green on Monday and go into the match against Altrincham level on points but below their visitors on goal difference.

ALTY OLD BOYS

JEFF KING was a 58th minute substitute for Boreham Wood. Visitors Truro City had scored their first National League goal to go in level at half time, but they remain pointless at the foot of the table after the hosts snatched a 93rd minute goal to win 2-1.

CONNOR TEALE played the whole of Boston United's 2-1 home win over Wealdstone.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM came off the Eastleigh bench after 84 minutes with the match still goalless - his team managed only one goal attempt, and hosts Forest Green Rovers struck in the 94th minute to win 1-0.

KENNEDY DIGIE played the whole game for Tamworth, while visitors Brackley Town brought JUSTIN DONAWA off the bench after 64 minutes. There were no further goals, the honours being shared 1-1.

It also finished 1-1 at Woking, where the home side picked up their first point of the season. It was ALEX NEWBY who scored York City's 53rd minute equaliser. His reward was to be replaced almost immediately by TYRESE SINCLAIR (right).

Yeovil Town seemed home and dry at the break with a 3-0 lead over Gateshead, but by the time KYLE FERGUSON came off the bench (MATT GOULD stayed there) the Heed had fought back to 3-3. Kyle had only been on for 8 minutes when he was booked, and Gateshead completed a remarkable recovery to win 3-4 in the 98th minute.

National North : While HARRY PERRITT played throughout Alfreton Town's 2-0 home win against Marine, OWEN GERMAN was only a 90th minute substitute.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY played for 89 minutes, but Chester left JAMES JONES on the bench as they beat visitors Oxford City - who had equalised after having a man dismissed in the 32nd minute - 2-1.

King's Lynn were another side to suffer from disciplinary problems. They had a man sent off after only 2 minutes at Chorley, and 5 minutes after the break they lost another. This led to MICHAEL GYASI being sacrificed 4 minutes later to facilitate a reshuffle, but to no avail as the Magpies comfortably saw off the Linnets 4-0.

Captain LUKE WATERFALL led Worksop Town to victory by the only goal at Peterborough Sports.

LUKE BURGESS (left) was in Southport's starting XI, while AFC Fylde manager CRAIG MAHON restored GEORGE WILSON to his starting lineup at the expense of CHRIS MERRIE, who joined LIAM BROCKBANK on the bench. Despite going down to 10 men with the game still goalless after 37 minutes, and going behind early in the second half, Fylde fought back. Merrie replaced Wilson after 57 minutes, and they equalised almost immediately. Brockbank came on after 72 minutes, and the Coasters took the lead from an 82nd minute penalty. Although the hosts levelled 3 minutes into added time, Fylde struck again within 2 minutes to win 2-3

Southern Central : YUSIFU CEESAY scored his first Spalding United goal in added time as they won 0-3 at Stamford, who finished with 10 men.

League One : It seems that CHRIS CONN-CLARKE has been totally frozen out by Peterborough United. Having featured recently for their U21 team, he didn't even make THAT squad as they won by the only goal at Bournemouth U21.

NPL Premier Division : RON SITHOLE was a 74th minute substitute for FC United, but hosts Ashton United won 3-1.

Gainsborough Trinity striker JONNY MARGETTS was booked at Cleethorpes Town, but scored the only goal of the game.

Hyde United were trailing 2-0 at Ilkeston Town when they brought on JACK REDSHAW (right) at the start of the second half - alas Ilkeston scored again almost immediately to wrap up a 3-0 win.

DONTAI GABIDON scored for Warrington Town, but hosts Leek Town were already two goals up - the second of them scored by HAYDEN CAMPBELL. Both Hayden and ADAM PORTER were substituted later as the Staffordshire side went on to win 3-1.

NPL Division 1 West : JOE PIGGOTT was a 78th minute substitute for Atherton Collieries. They were being held by Clitheroe, but, after the visitors were reduced to 10 men, Collieries struck in the 94th minute to win 2-1.

Full shifts from TONY THOMPSON and TOM HANNIGAN, and a 63rd minute entrance from the bench by DIOR ANGUS, were not enough to stop Bootle losing at home 1-3 against league leaders Lower Breck. The newly promoted side, who struck twice in the last 8 minutes of normal time, remain unbeaten.

The only other unbeaten team are Runcorn Linnets. They brought RYAN BROOKE off the bench after 67 minutes at Witton Albion, but his only contribution of note in a 1-1 draw was a yellow card. For the hosts, JOEL BEMBO-LETA played the full game, JAMES LAWRIE came on after 77 minutes (and still had time to pick up a booking), and MAX HARROP was left on the bench.

KYLE BROWNHILL (left) played throughout Stalybridge Celtic's 0-2 win at Bury, while both GREG WILKINSON and ELLIOTT ROKKA came off the bench late on.

BYRON HARRISON equalised for Nantwich Town at Stafford Rangers, but, although both he and ADY ROXBURGH played the full game, the Dabbers lost 2-1.

SEAN HIGGINS, and JEROME WRIGHT (who was booked) played the whole of Trafford's 1-2 home defeat by Wythenshawe Town, for whom ASTLEY MULHOLLAND lasted 77 minutes.

Newcastle Town's SEAN LAWTON was booked as his side went down 3-1 at Vauxhall Motors, who brought KEVIN ELLISON on after 80 minutes.

NWCL Premier Division : LEWIS BILLINGSLEY is currently dual registered for Alty's forthcoming CSC opponents Winsford United, but this afternoon he equalised from the penalty spot at City of Liverpool, and West Didsbury & Chorlton went on to win 1-4.

After SHERIFF NJIE had put Cheadle Town ahead, visitors Irlam equalised through LUCAS EDWARDS and went on to win by the odd goal in three.

There was a brace for DARIUS PALMA as Wythenshawe spoiled FC Isle of Man's visit to the mainland, winning 4-0.

And, finally, Sportsboom reports that "Cardiff City and Exeter City are vying for Oxford United's Owen Dale, with talks underway for a loan move to Cardiff. Dale, 26, is keen for first-team action and prefers a permanent move. He has fallen out of favour at Oxford and is attracting interest for around £100,000-£200,000...

The Grecians remain interested in securing the services of the 26-year-old, but now face stiff competition from the Welsh club...

A pacy and electric wide man, Dale (left) remains a highly attractive League One option despite failing to cut the mustard in the Championship for Gary Rowett.

Dale is not in Rowett’s plans at the U’s this season and has not been named in the squad for any of the club’s opening three fixtures of the campaign...

The winger moved to the Kassam at the end of the winter window last year... He made 11 appearances in the second tier last term, only four of those starts, before Des Buckingham was sacked and has not featured once for the club since Rowett took over at the backend of 2024.

Dale made a deadline-day loan switch to Wigan Athletic last season, but the Latics decided against trying to get the player back this summer...

Rowett admitted, 'You can’t give everyone what they want. Owen is one of those'".

NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

A central midfielder who’s dynamic and can unlock defences, [he] signed his first professional contract for Arsenal in 2019, before then going on to make his senior debut the following year in the Europe League.

He [sid]... 'If I could put the shirt on right now I would, we all have the same ambitions which is to excite the fans'..

Ashvir, First Team Manager, [added]... 'There was interest from clubs all over Europe, competing in high leagues. Once we presented the project to him, and what we want to achieve here, he turned down those offers to join us. It's a true testimant [sic] to what we're trying to build here...

'He's got an incredible footballing brain, a midfielder that really controls the game and will always give his all'".

On Tuesday, Yeovil Town confirmed that manager "Mark Cooper has been relieved of his duties as First Team Manager.

We would like to place on record our thanks to Mark for his commitment to this club through some very difficult times and also his achievements during his three years at Huish Park. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.

In the interim, Richard Dryden will assume responsibility for First Team matters while the club begins the process of appointing a new permanent manager."

The writing had been on the wall on Monday when Gloverscast had reported that it had been "An incredible game at Huish Park saw a second half horror show pile pressure on Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper as his side capitulated to defeat against Gateshead.

The Glovers turned in a scintillating first half performance and goals from Josh Sims, Junior Morias and Harvey Greenslade put them 3-0 ahead and seemingly cruising towards three points at half-time. But when the visitors’ Kyle Hurst pulled one back just a minute after the restart, Yeovil started to crumble. The inevitable goal from former Glovers’ favourite Frank Nouble followed before substitute Kain Adom pulled the visitors’ level as chants of 'We want Cooper out' rang around the stadium.

Then in the eighth minute of stoppage time, Adom struck the winner as Cooper disappeared down the tunnel with many supporters following him out of the stadium.

A first half which was unbelievable and showed what Yeovil can be, a second half which was unacceptable and showed what we all too often have been...

Full time: Yeovil Town 3 Gateshead 4".

25 August 2025

BANK HOLIDAY FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 4-0 Morecambe
• Altrincham 2-0 Solihull Moors
• Boreham Wood 2-1 Truro City
• Boston United 2-1 Wealdstone
• Carlisle United 5-0 Braintree Town
• Forest Green Rovers 1-0 Eastleigh
• Rochdale 1-0 Sutton United
• Scunthorpe United 1-1 FC Halifax Town
• Southend United 1-1 Hartlepool United
• Tamworth 1-1 Brackley Town
• Woking 1-1 York City
• Yeovil Town 3-4 Gateshead (Yeovil led 3-0 at the interval)

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

Coincidentally, the Shots are the only team beaten by Altrincham this season but, like the Moors, the Robins will also be in chastened mood following three successive defeats and eight goals conceded in four outings.

Alty start the game in 19th place, one rung ahead of the Moors in the Enterprise National League table.

Both clubs have three points with the Moors' haul all coming from drawn games, two of them against title favourites.

On their most recent away trip Solihull secured a commendable 1-1 draw at Carlisle United. Befpre that, a goalless draw at Sutton United and a 2-2 home draw against Forest Green Rovers marked a solid, if not spectacular, unbeaten start to their campaign.

Solihull Moors state that "With both sides desperate for a Bank Holiday victory after disappointing Saturday afternoons, the Robins and the Moors will be aiming to break a recent trend in this fixture, with each of the last three meetings between the pair ending all square after 90 minutes".

MOORS' REPORT

"Moors started on top...

27th [minute] ... the ball was played to Hill in the box whose shot could only be deflected further into the corner by Whitmore. Aldershot lead 1-0.

32nd Aldershot made it 2 following a counter-attacking through ball to Barrett, who layed [sic] it off to Abrahams who wrong-footed Laurie Walker into the bottom left corner. Aldershot lead 2-0.

Moors went into the break 2-0 down but by no means the worst team...

A Matt Taylor half-time team talk clearly injected venom into the Moors as they came out with a bang, with Szhem Whyte-Hall replacing Callum McFarlane.

Taylor must be a tactical genius, with the kick off being launched up to Dan Creaney, whose delightful cross is met by Szhem and guided into the roof of the net...

58th... Despite Tyler French having his shirt ripped down the middle, it was judged that he was holding the attacker, and the referee pointed to the spot. Hill stepped up and converted his 3rd penalty in 2 games. Aldershot 3 - 1.

67th A belter from Barrett smashed the bar and ricocheted onto the unknowing head of Thomas, who thankfully saw it deflect into the Moors' net. Aldershot 4 - 1...

86th... Jed Meerholz... slotted the ball home to make it 5-1...

Solihull Moors: 1. Laurie Walker, 2. James Clarke, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Jamey Osbourne, 5. Alex Whitmore, 6. Brad Nicholson, 7. Callum McFarlane, 9. Dan Creaney, 11. Ben Worman, 21. Oscar Rutherford, 26. Tyler French. Subs: 13. Rory Brown, 8. Sam Bowen, 25. Kian Ryley, 29. Bradley Stevenson, 30. Charlie Watts, 16. Olly Tipton, 27. Szhem Whyte-Hall."

Despite Solihull being unbeaten at kick-off, just 937 spectators, which included 212 from Aldershot Town, attended the match.

ALTY'S YOUNG TEAM

Firstly, senior players left or were released, notably Regan Linney (aged 28), Alex Newby (29), Eddy Jones (23), James Jones (28) and Justin Amaluzor (28).

In their places came younger replacements Jimmy Knowles (23), James Gale (23), Keaton Ward (25), Sam Reed (22), Billy Sass-Davies (25)

The squad has also suffered long-term injuries, only one of which was evident before the summer. Those sidelined, none of whom has started a game this season, are Ethan Ross (28), Lewis Baines (26), Jake Cooper (24), Elliot Osborne (29) and new signing Sass-Davies (25).

They have been replaced on at least a short-term basis by a number of loanees and short-term signings; Luke Hutchinson (22), Sam Barnes (24) and Dan Sassi (21).

Consequently the average age of the eleven who started at Morecambe last Saturday was 24 years of age.

Right: 21 year-old Dan Sassi, on loan to Altrincham from Blackpool, is forging a central defensive partnership with fellow new signing, Sam Barnes. Dan was Altrincham's youngest starter on Saturday, apart from Kahrel Reddin, who is just a few weeks younger.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE played the full game as Linfield beat visitors Cliftonville by the only goal.

Ligue 1 : MAXI OYEDELE wasn't in Strasbourg's squad as they beat visitors Nantes by the only goal.

THE MOORS' VISIT, LAST TIME

After a wonderful goal from Regan Linney had given Altrincham the lead in the 17th minute, nothing much went right for the hosts.

They lost goalkeeper Rob Lainton (left) to a shoulder injury after 36 minutes, after he had been clattered as he came out to punch clear, albeit a workman-like Solihull side failed to test his replacement Caleb Ansen at all from open play.

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

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

The starting line-up that night included just four players (Banks, Golden, Crawford, Marriott) who started Alty's game at Morecambe last Saturday.

Altrincham: 26. Rob LAINTON, 2. Lewis BANKS, 5. Jake COOPER, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 22. Tylor GOLDEN, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 8. Isaac MARRIOTT, 14. Matty KOSYLO, 11. Justin AMALUZOR, 10. Alex NEWBY, 9. Regan LINNEY. Subs: 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 17. Luke WEAVER, 19. George WILSON, 21. Caleb ANSEN (gk), 32. Kacper PASIEK, 20. Kahrel REDDIN, 31. Charlie OLSON.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE

And having conceded seven times they have announced "the loan signing of defender Shaun Donnellan from Scottish Premiership side Livingston...

The 28-year-old... joins the Tinners until January 1, 2026.

Born in London, Donnellan came through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion and enjoyed loan spells with Worcester, Stevenage, Dagenham & Redbridge and Walsall...

Donnellan represented the Saddlers in League 1 and... in early January 2019, moved to Yeovil Town on a permanent deal. ..

Donellan signed for Maidstone United for the second half of 2019-20 before moving to Woking, for the next campaign...

At the beginning of the following campaign, Donnellan joined Maidenhead United and he would remain with the Berkshire outfit for two seasons...

[He joined] Torquay United ahead of 2022-23 and after becoming a mainstay at Plainmoor, moved north of the border.

Livingston would be Donnellan’s destination... And now, after 18 months in Scotland, Donnellan returns to the National League, a division he has played in close to 150 times previously".

24 August, 2025

MORECAMBE 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here.

POST-MATCH PARKY

As for Morecambe, "they were dead on their feet" but he felt that we missed "easy chances" in the second half.

"I feel sick to my stomach" with that result, he added.

One consolation for Phil is that so far this season "the performances are at a level where we should be getting results".

MORECAMBE'S VIEW

It was their number 11 who levelled things in the 34th minute with a low drive into the far corner.

An energetic start to the second half saw Morecambe go close to retaking the lead... While the Shrimps continued to dominate, Altrincham found themself with a chance when Reddin crossed to Charlie Kirk but his curling effort missed the target...

Moments into the added 10, Morecambe showcased their defensive capabilities as Songo'o, Mair and Jake Cain each made crucial saves on the line.

On the counter attack, Ben Tollitt drove forwards before laying the ball off to Daniel Ogwuru who made no mistake in finding the back of the net."

The report ends with an attendance figure of 3,408 (208 away) whereas the match tannoy and Altrincham website gave 3,730 (246 in away section).

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

The Moors were thrashed 1-5 on Saturday by Aldershot Town, the only team defeated by Altrincham so far this season.

ALTY OLD BOYS

NPL Victoria : CONNOR HAMPSON returned to the Oakleigh Cannons starting lineup for the final game of the regulation season - a 3-0 home win over South Melbourne, who were reduced to 10 men after 26 minutes. Cannons finished in 4th place and will meet Preston Lions in the Championship playoffs. It's nominally a home tie, but could be moved to a neutral venue with a higher capacity.

League One : AFC Wimbledon beat visitors Barnsley 2-0. ALI SMITH played the full game, and was credited with the assist for the clincher. It was a less happy afternoon for CARL PIERGIANNI as Stevenage lost to the only goal at Huddersfield Town.

League Two : Having missed 6 games with an injury, KEVIN BERKOE was on the Salford City bench at Walsall, but could only watch as one goal was enough to secure the points for the Saddlers.

Grimsby Town led at the break at Accrington Stanley, but, having missed a penalty, they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 draw. JUSTIN AMALUZOR lasted 84 minutes.

Bristol Rovers had already scored the game's only goal against Cambridge United when JOEL SENIOR (left) came off the bench in the 72nd minute.

JAKE BICKERSTAFF came off the Cheltenham Town bench after 80 minutes. Visitors Barnet, without JOE HUGILL, had gone down to 10 men a couple of minutes earlier, but already had the game's only goal under their belts.

Barrow already led at Colchester United when ELLIOT NEWBY joined the action after 64 minutes, and they went on to win 0-2.

DANNY CASHMAN put in a full stint for Crawley Town, but visitors Tranmere Rovers, for whom CONNOR JENNINGS was a 63rd minute substitute, took the spoils 0-2.

REAGAN OGLE (right) earned Oldham Athletic a point at Fleetwood where they came from behind to draw 1-1. CHARLIE OLSON was on the Latics bench, while HARRISON HOLGATE occupied a similar spot for Fleetwood.

SONNY ALJOFREE played the full game for Notts County, who led visitors Bromley twice before settling for a 2-2 draw. MARCUS DINANGA came off the Bromley bench for the second half.

National League : JUSTIN DONAWA was left on the Brackley Town bench as they enjoyed a 2-1 home win against Rochdale, for whom LIAM HUMBLES wasn't in the squad.

KYLE FERGUSON put in a full shift for Yeovil Town, while MATT GOULD sat on the bench as they lost to the only goal at Braintree Town.

CONNOR TEALE played the full game for Boston United, but hosts Eastleigh, for whom JOSH LUNDSTRAM also played throughout, were the 2-0 winners.

Tamworth, with KENNEDY DIGIE playing throughout, scored in added time at Gateshead, but lost 2-1.

Aldershot didn't miss the injured MATT PENNEY as they romped home 1-5 at Solihull Moors, Alty's next opponents.

REGAN LINNEY played for Carlisle United 77 minutes at Wealdstone before being subbed, with his side leading 1-0 from a first-half goal, a lead they retained to the final whistle.

National North : CHRIS MERRIE started for AFC FYLDE, while LIAM BROCKBANK (right) came off the bench after 57 minutes, and was joined 9 minutes later by GEORGE WILSON. The Coasters saw off visitors Kidderminster Harriers, who were without DAN MOONEY, 2-1.

After visitors Darlington had a man sent off within moments of taking a 24th minute lead, MICHAEL GYASI earned King's Lynn a point with a 50th minute leveller.

Macclesfield look to have plateaued after their rapid climb up the pyramid, and, with SAM HEATHCOTE left on the bench, were held 1-1 by visitors Alfreton Town, who had HARRY PERRITT and OWEN GERMAN in their starting XI.

Without TOM PEERS, Chester started JAMES JONES, while DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY replaced him after 65 minutes. Hosts South Shields were already 2-0 up at that stage, and went on to double their advantage.

NPL Premier Division : Robins loanee JOEL BAILEY played the full game for Bamber Bridge who saw off visitors Ilkeston Town 2-0.

By the time RON SITHOLE (right) came off FC United's bench in the 92nd minute, they'd seen off visitors Guiseley 2-0.

JACK REDSHAW scored twice before being substituted after 77 minutes as Hyde United saw off visitors Whitby Town 5-2.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : ANDY DALES scored Mickleover's second goal as they comfortably beat visitors AFC Rushden & Diamonds 4-1.

NPL Division 1 West : TONY THOMPSON and TOM HANNIGAN both played the full game as Bootle won 1-2 at Darlaston Town.

Mossley captain MARK LEES (left) picked up a yellow card in his team's 1-1 draw at Nantwich Town, for whom BYRON HARRISON was a 62nd minute substitute.

JOE PIGGOTT came off just after the hour, and was replaced by SAM SHERIDAN, as Atherton Collieries came from behind to win 1-2 at Newcastle Town.

Witton Albion started JOEL BEMBO-LETA and BEN HARRISON (who was booked, and then substituted after 54 minutes), and left MAX HARROP on the bench as they won 1-3 at Stalybridge Celtic. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game for the hosts, but GREG WILKINSON and ELLIOTT ROKKA were left on the bench.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND was a 57th minute substitute for Wythenshawe Town, but visitors Stafford Rangers hit three goals without reply.

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS put in a full shift but Kilmarnock's home match with Dundee ended goalless.

Southern League Central : ZAK GOODSON rounded off the scoring as Quorn won 0-4 at AFC Sudbury.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 25 August

Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett's Through the Years remind us of previous Altrincham games played on that date.

The most recent encounter was in 2018 in the Vanarama National League North when Altrincham won 3-0, away at Darlington.

Above: Altrincham players, in their purple kit, salute their travelling supporters at Darlington on 25 August 2018.

23 August, 2025

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Brackley Town 2-1 Rochdale
• Braintree Town 1-0 Yeovil Town
• Eastleigh 2-0 Boston United
• FC Halifax Town 1-2 Forest Green Rovers
• Gateshead 2-1 Tamworth
• Hartlepool United 3-0 Woking
• Morecambe 2-1 Altrincham (k.o. 12.30pm)
• Solihull Moors 1-5 Aldershot Town
• Sutton United 2-3 Scunthorpe United
• Truro City 0-1 Southend United
• Wealdstone v Carlisle United (k.o. 5.30pm)

MORECAMBE 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

It started badly for Altrincham with numerous mis-passes and errors and they fell behind in just the seventh minute. Tollitt was allowed to advance up the inside-left channel and, though his first effort was stopped by Hutchinson, the keeper failed to hold the ball and the Morecambe man poked home the rebound.

Altrincham improved in the latter half of the first period and equalised, albeit out of nothing, through Jimmy Knowles (right) in the 34th minute. Following a throw-in Banks, making his 100th start for the club, got the ball to Knowles who drove a low shot into the far side of the net from right of centre.

As the second half wore on, it was interrupted by numerous stoppages for Morecambe "injuries". The match seemed to be there for Alty's taking against a tiring opponent.

By the final stages Alty were camped in the Morecambe half but without over-troubling goalkeeper Mair before drawing a fine block from him in the early stages of a decreed ten minutes of added time.

In the eighth of those minutes, Tollitt was allowed to advance from his own half before laying the ball off to his right, to substitute Ogwuru who drove a low shot across Hutchinson towards the far corner to put Morecambe 2-1 ahead.

A further four minutes were played but Altrincham were incapabale of finding an equaliser.

Report to follow.

• Alty Line-Ups, Game Time, Cautions
• Alty Player Statistics

Altrincham's line up included Ward, Knowles and Reddin as Crankshaw, Gale and Weaver dropped out of the eleven. The latter two were named on the bench, however.

ALTRINCHAM: 30 Luke Hutchinson, 2 Lewis Banks (c), 34. Dan Sassi, 24. Sam Barnes, 23 Tylor Golden, 8 Isaac Marriott, 22. Tom Crawford, 11. Jimmy Knowles, 20 Kahrel Reddin, 40 Charlie Kirk, 10 Keaton Ward. Subs: 3 Sam Reed, 14 Matty Kosylo, 16 Remi Raymond, 9 James Gale, 6. Elliot Osborne, 17. Lucas Weaver, 27 Louie Fallon.

MORECAMBE: 1. Archie Mair, 2. Luke Hendrie, 3. Raheem Conte, 6. Ludwig Francillette, 7. Gwion Edwards, 9. Harrison Panayiotou, 10. Jake Cain, 15. Ben Williams, 17. Paul Lewis, 18. Ben Tollitt, 24. Yann Songo'o. Subs: 25. Alfie Scales, 19. Ma'kel Campbell, 23. Daniel Ogwuru, 26. Lennon Dobson, 27. Adam Fairclough

BEFORE THE GAME AT MORECAMBE

As reported here earlier, Morecambe have been busy recruiting players for what is their opening fixture of the 2025-26 season following their well publicised transfer of ownership saga.

Home fans as well as away supporters will struggle to identify the Shrimps players and Altrincham's management will have been working hard to second-guess their opponents' formation and tactics as well as their individual personnel, some of whom will be known to them from previous encounters when playing for other teams against the Robins.

With five players remaining at the club from last season (see below), on the eve of the match Morecambe announced their ninth new signing of the week as "Daniel Ogwuru, 20, arrives at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium following his development at Manchester City’s renowned Academy system before making the switch to Southampton, where he continued his progression within their youth set-up.

A powerful and dynamic attacker, Ogwuru has impressed at youth level with his pace, strength, and eye for goal...

First Team Manager, Ashvir added... 'He's a striker who suits exactly the way we want to play. Daniel has been at two very good category one academies in Manchester City and Norwich".

And they were not finished there, announcing three more signings on matchday, one being well known to Altrincham as Morecambe revealed "the signing of striker Joe Nuttall ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The 28-year-old forward joins the Shrimps following his departure from Oldham Athletic. He spent last season on loan to Altrincham FC, playing 26 times...

Ashvir Singh Johal said 'Joe is a striker who we have identified over the last few days as someone who we think will be a really useful part of what we're trying to build at the club... We think he is someone that can make an impact and score goals'".

However, Joe is NOT eligible to play in today's match against Altrincham.

Another name signed too late to face Alty is Admiral Muskwe. Morecambe say that "Muskwe arrives with a wealth of experience in the EFL and at international level with Zimbabwe.

Having come through the ranks at Leicester City, Muskwe has enjoyed spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Luton Town and Fleetwood Town...

Known for his pace, power and ability in front of goal, Muskwe will add further quality and depth to Ashvir Singh Johal's attacking options...

Ashvir [said]... 'He has big experience in the EFL, he's played in the Championship... We think he is going to be a big success at Morecambe

A third signing is eligible to face Altrincham today as Morecambe's announce that "Ma’kel Campbell is the latest addition to the Shrimps squad.

The attacking midfielder started his career at the Fulham Academy and was part of their youth set-up until the under-18s when he then made the move to Peterborough under-21s...

The manager said: "He is a player that I actually coached against many times when he was a young player coming through at Fulham. 'Ma'kel always stood out as one of the best players on the pitch whenever we played against him and he is technically fantastic'...

Ma'kel will go straight into the matchday squad for today's fixture".

So The Shrimps now have seventeen players, twelve of whom have arrived this week.

The club's Wikipedia entry listed (as of 11.20am today, matchday) fourteen of those seventeen players on Morecambe's books. They are:

1. No. 1 GK Archie Mair - NEW SIGNING
2. No. 3 DF Raheem Conte - NEW SIGNING
3. No. 9 FW Harry Panayiotou - NEW SIGNING
4. No.10 MF Jake Cain - NEW SIGNING
5. No.14 DF Alie Sesay - NEW SIGNING
6. No.15 DF Ben Williams - NEW SIGNING
7. No.20 MF Mohammed Sangare - NEW SIGNING
8. No? DF Luke Hendrie
9. No? DF Ludwig Francillette - NEW SIGNING
10. No. 24 DF Yann Songo'o (captain)
11. No? MF Paul Lewis
12. No? FW Ben Tollitt
13. No? FW Gwion Edwards
14. No? FW Daniel Ogwuru - NEW SIGNING

Assuming the same player availability as in midweek, Altrincham go into the game with 18 players available from their 26-man squad. Three squad members are out on loan and five were injured as of last Tuesday.

ALTY TO FACE WINSFORD IN CSC

The game will be played on Tuesday, 21 October at Winsford's Barton Stadium, with kick-off being scheduled for 7:45pm.

United have had a curious couple of years as regards their league status. They were promoted from the NWCFL Division One South over the summer but, as a consequence,they were moved out of NW Counties football into the Midland Football League Premier Division. There, they compete with local clubs 1874 Northwich and Northwich Victoria.

The Northwich Guardian reported that "Back in the summer of 2023, the FA’s decision to move Winsford and Vics laterally into the MFL from the North West Counties League sparked fury locally, with both clubs appealing against the decision.

Those were rejected and in the end, Winsford applied to be voluntarily relegated to Step Six in order to remain within the north west geographical area.

Their second season at that level saw them win the NWCFL First Division South title and the club now say they will 'embrace the beginning of our journey' into the MFL."

ALTY OLD BOYS

In Premier League 2 : Norwich City U21, with CALEB ANSEN between the sticks, were beaten 4-2 by Manchester United U21 at Carrington.

Welsh Premier League: Bala Town won 1-0 at home against Colwyn Bay, who had twice as many goal attempts as they did. They can be be grateful to JOEL TORRANCE (above left) who made 6 saves to secure his clean sheet

Irish Premier Division : It was still goalless at Drogheda when St.Patrick's substituted BARRY BAGGLEY after 85 minutes, but they scored in the 4th added minute to take the points.

NPL Premier Division : Although ADAM PORTER (right) was booked, and they were down to 10 men by the 41st minute, Leek Town went ahead at Prescot Cables, and it was only in the 92nd minute that the hosts scored their late equaliser.

NPL Division 1 West : JEROME WRIGHT and SEAN HIGGINS played the full game for Trafford but, although they went in a goal up at the break, hosts Runcorn Linnets were level when skipper RYAN BROOKE struck after 57 minutes, and, despite being without SEAN MILLER and LUKE WALL, they went on to win 2-1. Ryan's contribution ended after 88 minutes.

22 August, 2025

FIVE MORE NEW FACES AT MORECAMBE

With three signings on Wednesday, Thursday brought at least five more new names, meaning that Phil Parkinson and his staff will be busy doing their due diligence on the cohort of new faces.

Some of the new faces have played against Altrincham previously so are not entirely unknown quantities.

1. First up Morecambe revealed "the return of goalkeeper ARCHIE MAIR...

   The 24-year-old shot-stopper previously spent time with Morecambe, impressing both supporters and staff with his professionalism, talent and commitment between the sticks...

   Archie began his career at Norwich City, progressing through the youth setup before gaining valuable first-team experience with a number of clubs across the Football League and National League".

   (Mair faced Alty when he played for both Notts County and Gateshead in 2023 whilst on loan from Norwich City.

   Manager, Ashvir added 'Archie was our number one target as a goalkeeper... the way he plays with the ball at his feet is a perfect fit for how we want the team to play.'"

2. Second signing of the day was another man to have faced Alty previously, in this case playing for Eastleigh.

   
   Right: Ludwig Francillette battles with Alty's Joe Nuttall at Moss Lane in August 2024.

   He is "central defender LUDWIG FRANCILLETTE. The 26-year-old, who began his career in France with Dijon FCO before moving to England to join Newcastle United". Morecambe add that "Francilette spent three years with Newcastle... before going on to feature in the EFL with Crawley Town.

   Most recently, the Guadeloupe-born defender has been plying his trade abroad, adding to his footballing pedigree with spells in Europe.

   Manager, Ashvir added... 'He is someone who fits the profile we're looking for in our defenders. On the ball, he is very comfortable, drawing players in, or playing into space'".

3. Third through the door on Thursday was "BEN WILLIAMS... The 26-year-old defender joins Morecambe with valuable EFL League One and Two experience, with successful spells at Cheltenham Town and Barnsley...

   Williams... also spent time on loan with the Morecambe Academy back in 2015, working with Neil Wainwright.

   The manager, Ashvir said... 'Ben is a player who I've known of for a long time. He is a left back who has played multiple games in the League One and League Two'".

4. Morecambe's fourth signing of Thursday was "talented midfielder JAKE CAIN.

   The 23-year-old arrives at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium with a strong pedigree, having progressed through the academy ranks at Liverpool... before moving on to further his development in the EFL.

   He has enjoyed spells with Newport County and Swindon Town, gaining valuable experience in the Football League".

5. Signing number five of the day was announced by Morecambe as ALIE SEASY who is "bringing a wealth of experience to the club... having played across England, Europe, and Asia during a diverse professional career.

   Born in England, Sesay began his journey in the Leicester City Academy, where he earned a professional contract and featured regularly at youth and reserve levels before spells with the likes of Barnet and Cambridge United.

   Since then, he has gone on to play abroad in Greece, Sweden, Albania, and Indonesia, as well as representing Sierra Leone at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations".

The club's Wikipedia entry lists (as of 23:00 on Thursday) thirteen players as below.

• No. 1 GK Archie Mair
• No. 3 DF Raheem Conte
• No. 9 FW Harry Panayiotou
• No.10 MF Jake Cain
• No.14 DF Alie Sesay
• No.15 DF Ben Williams
• No.20 MF Mohammed Sangare
• No. ? DF Luke Hendrie
• No. ? DF Ludwig Francillette
• No. ? DF Yann Songo'o (captain) (who signed on 23 September 2020; moved to Bradford City at the start of the 2021–22 season, then went on loan to Walsall, returned to Morecambe in June 2023.
• No. ? MF Paul Lewis (who signed on 12 July 2024, having been at Tranmere Rovers)
• No. ? FW Ben Tollitt (who signed on 12 July 2024, having been on loan to Chester FC from Oldham Athletic)
• No. ? FW Gwion Edwards (who signed on 17 May 2024, having been at Wigan Athletic)

MORECAMBE, LAST TIME

That was at Christie Park on a Tuesday night, 13 March 2007. In fact, it was so long ago that current Alty assistant manager NEIL SORVEL (right) was in the Morecambe side that night as were three other players whose careers included donning Alty's red and white stripes as players or trialists. The trio were DANNY ADAMS, STEVEN DRENCH and ADAM YATES.

Although The Shrimps were to win promotion through the play-offs at the end of that season and Alty were to be relegated, before they were reprieved by the demotion of Boston United from League Two to Conference North for financial reasons, it was Altrincham who won the game, 0-1.

In fact, the win at Morecambe was the second away win in four days, after almost a year since their last away victory in the league.

The winning goal arrive after 19 minutes when Colin Little netted from right of goal, at the second attempt, from Senior's pass.

MORECAMBE : 1. Steven DRENCH; 2. Adam YATES, 5. Jim BENTLEY, 25. Danny ADAMS, 4. Michael HOWARD; 11, Garry THOMPSON, 6. Craig STANLEY, 32. Neil SORVEL, 9. Wayne CURTIS; 21. Matthew BLINKHORN, 15. Danny CARLTON. Subs: 30. Scott DAVIES (gk), 8. Garry HUNTER, 12. Ged BRANNAN, 17. Chris BLACKBURN, 26. Jamie BURNS.

ALTRINCHAM : 1. Stuart COBURN, 20. Stephen ROSE, 4. Peter BAND, 17. Karl MUNROE, 11. Warren PEYTON; 12. Joe O'NEILL, 7. Robbie LAWTON, 6. Steve BUSHELL, 14. Lewis CHALMERS; 9. Colin LITTLE, 19. Chris SENIOR. Subs: 5. Gary TALBOT, 10. Rod THORNLEY, 16. Peter THOMSON, 18. Pat McFADDEN, 22. Andy SCOTT.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In another Europa Conference League Qualifier, Linfield's trip across the border to play Shelbourne started badly when they had a man sent off just 20 minutes in. Then they had a let off when Shelbourne missed a penalty.

However they didn't repeat that error when they were awarded another in added time at the end of the first half. Shelbourne doubled their advantage almost straight from the restart, but after 53 minutes SAM ROSCOE nodded down from a corner and team mate Kieran Offord reduced the arrears. However, Offord went from hero to zero when he missed the evening's third penalty, and Shelbourne struck again to take a 3-1 lead to Belfast next week.

Meanwhile, Manchester United report that "STEPHEN TORPEY Stephen Torpey has been appointed Academy Director of Manchester United, to lead all aspects of the club’s youth development system.

Right: Steve Torpey (dob 10/9/81) in his Alty days, photo courtesy of Gavin Rathbone.

Altrincham signed left-sided midfielder Steve Torpay from Prescot Cables on 2 October 2004. He had been a schoolboy international for England and was at Liverpool Academy (1998-2001). In 2001-02 he was at Port Vale, where he made one first-team appearance.

He made his debut for Alty in October 2004 but soon picked up a hamstring injury, then contracted pleurisy. His release was announced on New Year's Day, 2005. His career appearances for Alty comprised 2(+4) games; he did not score for the club.

Torpey joins from Brentford, where he has led the rebuilding of the Premier League club’s youth structure, including the relaunch of a full Academy programme from Under-9s to Under-18s.

The UEFA A licence holder has almost two decades of experience in elite Academy coaching and management, having previously led Academy coaching across all age groups at Manchester City and the Foundation phase at Liverpool.

Jason Wilcox, Manchester United's director of football, said... 'Stephen’s record of youth development is outstanding; throughout his career he has played a significant role in the development of some of the most talented players in the country'"

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The attacking midfielder has joined National League outfit FC Halifax Town, having spent four-and-a-half years with United after joining from Sunderland in January 2021.

The 21-year-old didn't make a competitive first team appearance for the Magpies, but played under Eddie Howe in a handful of friendlies, making his senior debut in Newcastle's Diriyah Season Cup win against Al Hilal in December 2022.

Boston United "have completed the loan signing of Birmingham City centre-half Tommy Fogarty.

The 21-year-old has linked up with the Pilgrims until January – with a number of first team players currently being sidelined through injury.

He gained considerable experience on loan at Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Championship last season – having also previously enjoyed a loan spell in the National League with Ebbsfleet United".

Disciplinary issues are costing Braintree Town dear as the "Iron slipped to their second successive defeat and their second without eleven players on the pitch after going down by the odd goal in three at Boreham Wood on Wednesday evening.

There was little to choose between the two sides until the home side were awarded a controversial penalty for what looked to be an innocuous handball, with the ball blasted against an Iron defender with his arms by his side from close range.

Luke Norris gleefully accepted the present to put the home side ahead. Marley Marshall levelled just before the break as his effort from all of 25 yards deceived the Boreham Wood keeper Nathan Ashmore.

Iron dominated the first half of the second 45 but were caught out when a cross from the left found Norris unmarked and he headed past the exposed Iron keeper Mason Terry.

Frankie Terry was then dismissed for his second caution of the evening and the home side played out time to secure a somewhat fortunate three points".

Gateshead "announce that Gateshead FC Ladies will not be competing in the 2025/26 season, as we are not in a position to field a senior women's team at this time...

We will continue to support the development of the female football pathway through our existing Gastehead FC Under-16 Girls team and the recent launch of our Gateshead FC U21 Wommen's team... in the National Football Youth League NE Championship".

Eastleigh "confirm the signing of forward Zavier Massiah-Edwards, who joins the Spitfires on a month-long loan!

The 18-year-old attacker arrives on loan from Watford... after initially developing at Brentford...

Zavier was first integrated into Watford’s U18s and U21s teams during his scholarship and impressed enough to earn a senior debut shortly after turning 17.

Kelvin Davis said... 'I think he’s someone who can add a bit of pace to the frontline.'”

Joint league leaders Wealdstone's Board has issued "an important update regarding the signing of the lease extension at Grosvenor Vale.

Following the announcement on 25th June that Heads of Terms had been signed with our landlords, KSIMC of London (Hujjat), it was agreed that the full lease would be completed within six weeks. Unfortunately, this target has not been met...

Discussions are currently underway to resolve these matters.

We have also experienced unexpected delays in receiving correspondence from KSIMC’s solicitors...

Despite these setbacks, the Board remains confident that the lease will be signed, securing Wealdstone’s long term future in the National League at Grosvenor Vale".

21 August 2025

NEXT: MORECAMBE

Ticket prices increase £2 when bought on the day of the game (online or via a QR code at the stadium); under-14s must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over; under-2s, prams and pushchairs are not permitted in the stadium.

Five wheelchair bays and carer tickets are available for away fans on a first come first served basis. All wheelchair spaces are within the away end....

Official parking is available for £10 via the link here. Catering at the stadium is likely to be limited.

A reminder: the game kicks off at 12:30pm due to live coverage from league broadcast partner DAZN".

OPPONENTS TAKE SHAPE AT MORECAMBE

His professional career started at Newcastle United in 2019... Sangare spent the 2020/21 season on loan with Accrington Stanley... before making the permanent move to the north-west in 2022.

Since then, the defender has spent time at Scottish Premiership side Livingston Football Club and Bellinzona".

And also at Morecambe, "Harrison Panayiotou becomes the second new arrival of the window. The forward player brings with him a wealth of experience gained from a professional career of over a decade with his last club being NIFL Premiership side Larne FC.

First Team Manager, Ashvir said, 'It was important for us that we had players in the building who have experience in the league so he understands exactly what it takes to win games at this level. As equal to that, from a style of play point of view, he's exactly what we're looking for.

'We're looking for someone who is going to press aggressively, who's going to give us all in the games, someone who is never going to give up and win the ball, he's got the quality to drop and link play between the lines, or who can run in behind...

Leicester born Panayiotou joined his hometown club as an academy player and made his first team debut in April 2012.

Following the expiration of his contract he joined Barrow, where he made 33 appearances".

Panayiotou has previously faced Altrincham when playing for both Aldershot Town and Salford City.

A third signing on Wednesday was announced by Morecambe to be Raheem Conte.

"With EFL Championship experience on his CV, Conte is an exciting addition to the Shrimps squad...

Conte competed in the National League during the 2024/25 campaign, as he went on loan to Woking for the first half of the season...

The manager said 'He is someone whose career I have followed for some time now. He has had good exposure to Cardiff’s first team, playing in the Championship and EFL Cup.

'Raheem is a versatile player. He’s a midfielder but he can also play full back. We see him as a full back, he’s left footed'".

Off the pitch, Morecambe also announce that "Lee Tomlin joins Morecambe FC as Assistant Manager to Ashvir Singh Johal...

Johal said 'Lee is someone I have known for a very long time. I knew that when I became a manager Lee was the person I wanted to be my assistant manager..

He’s worked at some great clubs. Lee has experience at Leicester City and then he was at Sheffield United '...

Lee Tomlin will be on the touchline this weekend for our first game at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium against Altrincham FC".

HARTLEPOOL VERDICT

Reiss McNally’s header before half-time extended the lead to give Pools a comfortable advantage.

Simon Grayson’s side started the match as the stronger of the two sides, getting a handful of early chances..

Alty came close to getting a goal back on a number of occasions, but the combined Pools defence were able to keep them out...

As the game panned out, it seemed certain that Alty would get on the scoresheet, but Pools kept them at bay.

Harvey Cartwright was called to action in the latter stages of the game, keeping out a series of shots from Altrincham players".

WEDNESDAY SCORES

Wednesday 20th August 2025

• Aldershot Town 2-3 Eastleigh
• Boreham Wood 2-1 Braintree Town
• Forest Green Rovers 4-0 Sutton United
• Rochdale 4-0 Gateshead
• Southend United 0-0 York City
• Yeovil Town 2-1 Brackley Town

ALTY OLD BOYS

League Two : SONNY ALJOFREE played the full game, scoring Notts County's second goal in a 4-1 home win over Shrewsbury Town, who currently occupy one of the two relegation spots, just above Cheltenham Town.

National League : MATT PENNEY wasn't in Aldershot's squad for the Hampshire derby clash with visitors Eastleigh, for whom JOSH LUNDSTRAM played the full game.

Shots would prefer not to be quite such a model of consistency, two penalties bringing them from 0-3 down to lose 2-3 for the third consecutive match.

JEFF KING was a 51st minute substitute for Boreham Wood, who beat visitors Braintree Town 2-1.

Having been booked in the first half at Southend United, TYRESE SINCLAIR was replaced by ELLIOT NEWBY after 54 minutes as York City ground out a goalless draw.

At Yeovil Town, KYLE FERGUSON played the full game as Yeovil Town beat visitors Brackley Town 2-1. MATT GOULD was one of only five substitutes for the hosts, while the visitors were without JUSTIN DONAWA.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Max Kretzschmar put the Stones ahead from the spot, 11 minutes, in before Olly Sanderson levelled the score with a header early into the second-half.

Subsititute Nathan Tshikuna was on hand to smash the ball into the bottom corner to give the Stones the lead in the 85th minute.

Sam Cox made just two changes to the side that beat Halifax Town on Saturday. Dom Hutchinson and Alfie Massey came into the XI, replacing Micah Obiero and Dylan Kadji...

With such a presence from set-pieces in recent weeks, the Stones looked to utilise every opportunity from a dead ball.

Whipping a ball in from a corner, in the 11th minute, the home side were unable to contain the run of the towering Deon Woodman, bringing him down and leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.

Calm as ever, Kretzschmar was on hand to bury the spot-kick...

Sanderson... guided his header past Baptiste to level the scores...

With just five minutes left, the Stones looked desperate to take the lead late on. A blocked shot from Alfie Massey fell perfectly into the on-rushing substitute Tshikuna, on the edge of the box, who connected sweetly and smashed the ball into the bottom corner to give Cox's side the lead@.

20 August 2025

GAME ON AT MORECAMBE

With new ownership steering the club into a new era, optimism is building both on and off the pitch. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as the Shrimps look to make an early statement and set the tone for the season ahead.

This is more than just the first game of the season, it’s the start of something special us, we want to build a team and a club the town can be proud of, and we’re calling on our supporters to come out in force and be part of this journey from day one.

Supporters are encouraged to secure their seats early, with match day tickets now on sale.

Kick-off against Altrincham is set for Saturday at 12.30pm. Fans are urged to arrive early, soak up the atmosphere, and show their colours as the Shrimps look to begin the season with a bang.

Fans are advised, due to the quick turnaround, there will be limited food and beverage options available once inside the stadium.

For this fixture the Mazuma Mobile Stadium will be operating a card only payment system on all Morecambe FC ticket office and food counters".

AFTER THE MIDWEEK GAME

And Erin Carroll interviewed manager Phil Parkinson after the game, also on Alty TV.

The Altrincham boss siad of the early goal by Alex Reid, "We were a little bit naive, we let one of the most dangerous strikers in the league have too much time".

However, he felt that "We were superb for periods of the game" against "a top away performance from them... On another day we might come away and win that game".

Debutant centre-back "Sam Barnes was brilliant and Dan Sassi was steady enough but that was their first game together...

"Tom Crawford abd Isaac [Marriott] were excellent again", things are "looking very promising in terms of performances... We are a re-build, they will come good...

"I haven't seen a poor perfirmance, I've seen a couple of lapses in concentration", the manager concluded.

INEXPERIENCED ALTY

The eleven starters included seven such players; Barnes (0 previous starts), Crankshaw (6), Gale (2), Hutchinson (2), Kirk (0), Sassi (2) and Weaver (6).

The bench included five more with just six previous starts between them; Fallon (1), Knowles (1), Raymond (0), Reed (2) and Ward (2).

So, just six players (Banks, Crawford, Golden and Marriott, who all started the match, and two subs, Reddin and Kosylo) had started more than 19 games in all competitions for the club previously.

ALTRINCHAM 0-2 HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Right: Sam Barnes was one of two debutants on Tuesday night.

Phil Parkinson had made four changes as Reed, Ward, Knowles and Reddin all dropped to the bench with Kirk, Barnes, Weaver and Crankshaw starting instead.

But his changed side was chasing the game after only five minutes. The hosts had put together an impressive passing sequence before Crankshaw lost possession just outside the Pools penalty area.

Play switched upfield where Reid was loosely marked and he advanced to fire a shot from fifteen yards or so which seemed to go through the hands of loanee keeper Hutchinson.

In the final minute of the first half before added time, Hartlepool doubled their lead and it came from a corner from the left which McNally netted at the back post.

Altrincham applied sustained pressure for the first twenty minutes of the second half but the Pools weathered the storm and ended the game with their third clean sheet of the campaign.

Match report here.

ALTRINCHAM 30 Luke Hutchinson, 2 Lewis Banks (c), 34. Dan Sassi, 24. Sam Barnes, 23 Tylor Golden, 8 Isaac Marriott, 22. Tom Crawford, 7. Olly Crankshaw. 17 Lucas Weaver, 40 Charlie Kirk, 9 James Gale. Subs: 3 Sam Reed, 14 Matty Kosylo, 16 Remi Raymond, 20 Kahrel Reddin, 11 Jimmy Knowles, 10 Keaton Ward, 27 Louie Fallon.

• League table
• Alty player statistics
• Alty player line-ups

NEXT OPPONENTS: PERHAPS MORECAMBE?

On paper they have an away fixture at Morecambe but it is far from certain that the game will take place, given the Lancashire club's chaotic situation. Will they have enough players, will the ground be licensed and players insured?

If the game goes ahead, who will be facing Alty? With only five players said to have remained at the club, who will wear their shirts? How do Alty plan to face players whose identities they do not know? What state is the playing surface in?

Is there a ticketing system in place? Are there stewards? Are the showers working? What facilities are available for spectators? All sorts of basic questions remain unanswered.

Whilst meeting a club in chaos may turn out to be advantageous, going into the unknown is never predictable.

SAM BARNES INTRODUCES HIMSELF

After being released by EFL club Barrow, 24 year-old Sam spent summer on the PFA pre-season scheme for unattached players which both ensured that he had plenty of game time over the close season as well as putting him in the shop window.

His move to Altrincham came very quickly. Last week, on Tuesday, he had initial contact from Altrincham. He was training with the Robins by Thursday, signed with the club on Friday and was on the bench last Saturday at Rochdale!

His early career had been spent with Blackburn Rovers where he developed into what he described as a "ball-playing centre-back, who is very agile and quick" and who likes "to play through the thirds". So he thinks his style fits Altrincham's well.

Since arriving he has found the Altrincham players "a tight-knit group", whilst the training facilities "have exceeded what I expected".

In short, Sam is determined "to be a real asset to the club".

MIDWEEK FIXTURES

Tuesday 19th August 2025

• Altrincham 0-2 Hartlepool United
• Boston United 0-1 FC Halifax Town
• Carlisle United 1-1 Solihull Moors
• Scunthorpe United P-P Morecambe
• Tamworth 2-0 Truro City
• Woking 1-2 Wealdstone

Wednesday 20th August 2025

• Aldershot Town v Eastleigh
• Boreham Wood v Braintree Town
• Forest Green Rovers v Sutton United
• Rochdale v Gateshead
• Southend United v York City
• Yeovil Town v Brackley Town

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : A single goal was enough for Cardiff City to win at AFC Wimbledon, for whom ALI SMITH played the full game.

CARL PIERGIANNI was another to complete a full match as his Stevenage side won 1-2 at Port Vale.

It was goalless when Wycombe Wanderers brought on JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 67 minutes, but visitors Exeter City claimed the points through an own goal.

League Two : Bristol Rovers were without the suspended JOEL SENIOR as visitors Oldham Athletic ground out a goalless draw. REAGAN OGLE played the full game for Latics, but CHARLIE OLSON was left on the bench.

Bromley were a goal up at Cheltenham Town when they substituted MARCUS DINANGA after 59 minutes. The hosts hauled off JAKE BICKERSTAFF 5 minutes later. Bromley went on to win 1-2.

DANNY CASHMAN (left) made his full debut, but was booked as Crawley Town were held 1-1 by visitors MK Dons.

TOBY MULLARKEY had a nightmare start for Fleetwood Town, scoring an own goal in the opening minute, and was substituted at half time as visitors Crewe Alexandra earned an impressive 1-4 win.

By the time Barrow introduced ELLIOT NEWBY after 58 minutes, hosts Harrogate Town had long since scored the game's only goal.

JOE HUGILL was omitted from Barnet's squad as they won 0-2 at Swindon Town.

Grimsby Town had already scored the game's only goal at Walsall when JUSTIN AMALUZOR came off the bench after 77 minutes.

National League : Despite CONNOR TEALE playing the full game, Boston United lost 0-1 at home to Halifax.

REGAN LINNEY put in a full shift for Carlisle United as they were held 1-1 at home by Solihull Moors, as did KENNEDY DIGIE for Tamworth, who overcame visitors Truro City 2-0.

National North : A MICHAEL GYASI (right) hat trick helped King's Lynn to a thumping 0-5 win at Spennymoor.

National South : A goal from ASHLEY HEMMINGS put Dagenham &Redbridge 2-0 ahead after 16 minutes, but visitors Tonbridge Angels fought back to draw 2-2.

NPL Premier Division : JONNY MARGETTS scored the clincher as Gainsborough Trinity beat visitors Stockton Town 2-0.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : Captain ANDY DALES led Mickleover to a 1-2 win at Boldmere St.Michael's.

NPL Division 1 West : TONY THOMPSON was beaten twice in as many minutes as visitors Avro came back from being 2-0 down at the break at Bootle. The hosts responded by bringing on TOM HANNIGAN, and then withdrawing DIOR ANGUS, before snatching a 3-2 win in added time.

FA Cup Preliminary Round : DARIUS PALMA scored the clincher as Wythenshawe progressed with a 0-2 win at Vauxhall Motors.

KYLE BROWNHILL started for Stalybridge Celtic against Bury at Gigg Lane, while GREG WILKINSON and ELLIOTT ROKKA were on the bench. Celtic progressed 0-2.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

‘Whelo’ signed permanently at Meadow Park in July of 2023 and would go on to have a huge impact in the middle of the park for the Wood across two full seasons...

The hardworking Liverpudlian played a key role in last season’s promotion-winning season and the midfielder’s efforts during an impressive 2024/25 campaign were widely recognised, winning the Manager’s Player of the Season award, followed by a thoroughly deserved inclusion in the National League South Team of the Season".

The chairman of Boreham Wood adds that so far this season, "Other than the injured Jack Payne and Joe Newton, every other player within the squad has already had good minutes and everyone has played a big part in what has been a promising start to the season performance wise.

On the recruitment front both Luke and Charlie Hunter are still working on strengthening the squad... That said, we have just been forced to sell Tom Whelan to AFC Fylde, although in truth we didn’t want to let him go...

Tom did have a buyout clause in his contract and Fylde were obviously told that by third parties, they activated it and we were informed on Sunday by Tom’s agent that Tom wanted to discuss personal terms with Fylde which he did and subsequently accepted their terms...

The buyout clause was about fair. It was activated by Fylde, Tom wanted to go as it was a longer deal, more money and very importantly for Tom, it would possibly give him more game time...

Our squad as you know is not the biggest, as shown on the back page of our programme each and every week and that’s often highlighted by visiting fans, managers and clubs as if it’s a huge downside. That is not how we see it, as we believe that quality over quantity as a conscious footballing decision has always held us in good stead throughout my tenure here...

Our budget policies are not for everybody and if I was Carlisle United’s Chairman/Owner and had 8,000 home supporters spending up to £26 a ticket, I would of course fill my boots. But we’re not that type of club so we must do what works best for us and that has meant step by step progress, long term partnerships and our future proofing stadium builds...

At times a club like ours can get vilified by some of the bigger clubs and their supporters for possibly bloodying their nose at times, competing on much lower resources or possibly because we are playing them as equals when having a much smaller support base. Anyway, for whatever reasons we are financially sound, we are successful in our own right, and I do try to invest in all things local and do try to pay reasonably well....

We’ve already seen ... in this season’s opening games, how the bench can influence things positively and our subs/finishers up at Carlisle United played a huge, huge part in securing us a point and silencing nearly 9,000 Brunton Park supporters.

In truth I felt we were great value for what was a very hard-earned point".

Somerset Live report that Yeovil "boss Mark Cooper said he was to blame for his side’s 2-0 defeat at Robbie Savage’s Forest Green Rovers on Saturday...

'I got the game plan wrong today,' a downcast Cooper admitted after the game. 'We decided to sit in a little bit and try and draw them on to us and hit them on the counterattack, but we can’t do that. So, I’ll take the blame. We lost the ball a lot of times at the top and just turned it over and that meant we couldn’t get out of our half and got penned in...

Forest Green... have got 26 players that could all play at the league above... If you try and play too much at the back, they try and press you in. Forest Green deserved to win the game, we have to take our medicine'.

Cooper continued 'We played with two up front today [but] it didn’t work.... We couldn’t get out of our half and got penned in. We have to go back to doing what we do best is, which is getting hold of the ball and moving it about the pitch and creating overload.

'We also wanted to try and conserve a bit of energy today with our game plan of being a little bit more conservative, because we’ve only got 15/16 outfield players. So, we wanted to try and keep the game tight and stay in it, but it didn’t work'".

19 August 2025

SATURDAY OPPONENTS APPOINT NEW BOSS

Having sacked Derek Adams yesterday, Morecambe "announce the appointment of Ashvir Singh Johal as the Club’s new First Team Manager.

He arrives at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium with an excellent reputation as a forward-thinking coach and leader, bringing with him a wealth of experience in player development, tactical innovation, and building high-performance cultures.

Ashvir spent 10 years at Leicester City, coaching players in the academy setup from U7s all the way through to U18s, during that time Leicester City went through their most successful period as a football club.

His first experience at first team coaching came when he joined Wigan Athletic in 2022 as first-team coach in the Championship.

In June 2025, at 30 years old, he completed his UEFA Pro Licence with the FA, the highest qualification in management and football coaching".

The BBC adds that "Ashvir Singh Johal has become the first Sikh to take charge of a professional British club...

The 30-year-old also becomes the youngest manager in the top five tiers of English football....

Johal, who has never managed a first-team side, replaces Derek Adams, who was sacked on Monday...

Earlier this summer, Johal also became one of the youngest coaches in the history of English football to complete his Uefa Pro Licence qualification...

They are scheduled to play Altrincham on Saturday...

However, the BBC understands the club currently have just five contracted players and that, as of Tuesday morning, they are not insured to train so a postponement of that game is possible".

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

As for the visitors, the Hartlepool Mail reports that "Hartlepool United goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright has been named in the National League team of the week.

The 23-year-old, who signed on a season-long loan from Championship side Hull City on the eve of the new season, has made an impressive start to life at Victoria Park, keeping back-to-back clean sheets. After a commanding debut on the opening day against Yeovil, the former England under-20 international continued his good form as Pools beat Braintree at the weekend, saving John Akinde's spot-kick to preserve a second straight shutout.

Cartwright, who enjoyed an impressive spell on loan at League Two Grimsby in the 2023/24 campaign, making 32 appearances and winning the Mariners' player of the year award, missed all of last season with a serious injury".

Last season it was a point apiece when Pools visited Moss Lane. The match proved to be an entertaining 1-1 draw at the J. Davidson Stadium on a Wednesday night.

Left: Billy Sass-Davies was in the Pools team for last season's visit to Altrincham but he is, of course, now on Alty's books, though sidelined by injury.

Alty made four changes to the starting eleven and did not use a single substitute throughout the evening. Pools took an early lead when Sheron received the ball on the edge of the box, took a touch and then half-volleyed a shot past Ross after five minutes.

Alty enjoyed plenty of the ball with Kahrel Reddin their star man on the right wing. They finally got level just before the half-hour mark when Reddin, again, got into the box and the ball rebounded out to Banks who slotted home from about ten yards (29 mins).

The second half was an end to end affair though neither keeper was overworked. It was Pools who finished the stronger but a draw was probably a fair outcome.

Just three players who started the game last season also started last Saturday's match at Rochdale; they were Banks, Reddin and former Pools man, Crawford. Six other starters have moved on and two who remain are injured.

ALTRINCHAM : 1. Ethan ROSS, 2. Lewis BANKS, 16. James JONES, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 3. Eddy JONES, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 19. George WILSON, 20. Kharel REDDIN, 10. Alex NEWBY, 9. Regan LINNEY, 11. Justin AMALUZOR. Subs: 5. Jake COOPER, 15. Liam HUMBLES, 14. Matty KOSYLO, 24. Joe NUTTALL, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 29. Jake BICKERSTAFF, 30. Harvey RANDLE (gk)

ALTY INTO THE UNKNOWN AT MORECAMBE

We are currently awaiting further information from our hosts regarding ticket arrangements and will share full details with our supporters as soon as they are available".

Not only is there the prospect that Altrincham will face a team of largely unknown players if their fixture at Morecambe goes ahead of Saturday, but they are also likely to face a currently unknown opposition manager.

That is because, amongst others, Beyond Radio relays the news that "Morecambe FC has announced it has parted ways with manager Derek Adams just hours after new owners took over the club.

The club announced the departure of Adams on Monday evening. This came the day after Panjab Warriors officially bought the Shrimps from Bond Group Investments".

A club statement did thank Adams "for the leadership and steadiness he brought to the club during a testing chapter for the club" but "as the club enters a new era, a strategic transition in leadership, has been made with respect and appreciation for Derek’s services"...

The report adds that "News of the manager's departure came on the same day as Panjab Warriors representatives arrived at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, on their first official day in charge at the club. It was announced on Sunday that Bond Group had sold its majority shareholding to the investment company, after the club had been up for sale for almost three years.

Also on Monday afternoon, staff were paid outstanding wages for June... and said outstanding July wages would be paid to employees by the end of Wednesday, as well as money owed to other football creditors including HMRC".

ALTY OLD BOYS

SAM SHERIDAN came off the bench after 59 minutes, but Collieries eventually succumbed 2-5.

NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 19-year-old plays predominantly in central midfield and captained the Baggies U21s side on Wednesday evening in the National League Cup.

He has featured heavily throughout the age groups for West Brom and made his senior breakthrough during an Emirates FA Cup match in January 2024 against Aldershot Town.

Whitwell also received international recognition having representing England up to U18s level".

18 August 2025

ROCHDALE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

10 OUT OF 2 FOR ALTY

Two Altrincham players have been booked in both games this season, they are striker James Gale (left) and left-back Sam Reed (right).

The others to have seen yellow this season on a single occasion are Tom Crawford, Tylor Golden, Luke Hutchinson, Isaac Marriott, Dan Sassi and Keaton Ward.

In terms of appearances, twelve players have started a game this season but only six have completed both fixtures.

The six are Lewis Banks, Tom Crawford, Tylor Golden, Luke Hutchinson, Sam Reed and Dan Sassi. They are all defenders except for midfielder Crawford.

Only one player has completed both full matches this season and not been booked, that is captain Lewis Banks who is clearly setting a good example!

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

An own goal by their opponents, a penalty scored by Pools, as well as both a red card for their opponents and a missed penalty by the visitors helped to account for Pools' win in an eventful game at home to Braintree Town on Saturday.

So, whilst Hartlepool have yet to score from open play this season, following a goalless draw at Yeovil on the opening day of the campaign, equally they have yet to concede a goal in three hours of football. In contrast, Altrincham have shipped four goals in their two outings this campaign.

On Saturday Hartlepool United "secured a winning start to their Prestige Group Stadium season with a 2-0 win over Braintree Town...

An own-goal from Braintree’s Aiden Francis-Clarke gave Pools the lead before half-time after both sides had a goal ruled off for offside.

Alex Reid opened his Pools account from the penalty spot in the second half to secure victory at home, as Iron captain George Langston saw red.

It was a physical start to the game, with both sides making plenty of tackles...

Francis-Clarke would kick the ball past Mason Terry and into his own net to give Pools the lead 33 minutes in...

Reid would be brought down in the box by Langston in the 54th minute as Pools were awarded a penalty and the Iron skipper was sent off.

Tom Parkes’s foul on John Akinde saw the visitors awarded a spot-kick in the 69th minute. Akinde took the penalty, which Harvey Cartwright would save comfortably...

Pools: Cartwright, Benn, John, Parkes © (Kouogun 73′), McNally, Francis (Campbell 90+5′), Johnson (Charman 82′), Sheron, Miley (Walker 82′), Reid (Daly 73′), Topallaj. Unused subs: Smith, Hunter".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Scottish League Cup : It only took MARCUS DACKERS 6 minutes to give Kilmarnock the lead in their home tie with Dundee United. Although the Tayside club were level by the break, Killie struck again to win 2-1, with Marcus playing the whole game.

Ligue 1 : MAXI OYEDELE (left) watched from the bench as Strasbourg got off to a winning start at Metz. Strasbourg had much the better of the game (Metz didn't have a single attempt on target), but scored just once in the 86th minute.

Phil adds that Racing de Strasbourg is the FIRST TEAM in the history of Europe’s Top 5 Leagues to field a STARTING XI with ALL PLAYERS BORN AFTER THE YEAR 2000!

The eleven, comprising nine different nationalities, were aged 19 to 22.

Their coach is the former Fulham, Hull, and Brighton player Liam Rosenior - he also managed Hull for 2 seasons. His hand may have been forced by 8 senior players being out injured, but the oldest of those is only 23!

Maxi Oyedele was on the bench and only two older players were with him there - a 30 year old Ukrainian defender, and a 35 year old Swedish keeper who must have almost felt like he was playing with his kids.

Maxi had a loan spell with Altrincham in 2023 as a teenager and is still only 20 but has two full international caps for Poland already. Born in Manchester, his mother is Polish.

And elsewhere, Carlisle United Supporters' Club London Branch has a youtube video of "REGAN LINNEY on special moments and disappointments", an interview conducted after the club's 3-3 draw against Boreham Wood on Saturday.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE

And it looks like history is repeating itself as The Shots have so far featured in two games whose aggregate already adds up to ten goals; they have suffered two 3-2 defeats this season.

Aldershot Town have taken a step towards tightening their defence as they "confirm the signing of Noah Watson on a short-term contract!

The defender was signed on and registered for Tuesday night’s National League Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion Under 21s and played the full game.

Watson came through the youth ranks at Crystal Palace but left in June 2024 having been a regular in their Academy’s Premier League 2 side and making a number of EFL Trophy appearances".

As one of the less wealthy members of the National League, Wealdstone are again defying the odds, having earned a 100% record as they "made it two wins out of two, defeating ten-man FC Halifax Town at Grosvenor Vale, and propelling themselves to forth position in the National League table.

A first-half goal from Sean Adarkwa, along with a second-half wonder-strike from Jack Cook, secured maximum points for the Stones.

The Shay [FC Halifax Town] were presented with the perfect opportunity to take an early lead in just the fifth minute; Josh Hmami was brought down in the box by Micah Obiero, but Dante Baptiste brilliantly saved Jamie Cooke’s spot-kick and rebound.

Further drama ensued ten minutes later when the Shay were reduced to ten men, with Will Harris shown a straight red card after a dangerous high challenge on Dylan Kadji.

Three minutes later, the Stones duly profited from their numerical advantage, as Adarkwa clinically despatched the ball home past Sam Johnson to forge his side into the lead.

Against the run of play, the Shay were back on level terms in the 35th minute, as substitute Kawa latched onto Cody Johnson’s free-kick and converted past Baptiste.

Wealdstone returned from the interval with added impetus and retook the lead in sublime fashion, with captain Cook rifling a screamer into the top corner from 30 yards".

17 August, 2025

ALTY, FIRST TO FACE MORECAMBE?

The National League can confirm that following a meeting of their Club Compliance and Licensing committee earlier today, the takeover of the Club by the consortium known as Panjab Warriors Ltd has been approved.

The suspension of Morecambe FC will therefore be immediately lifted on receipt of the signed Sale and Purchase agreement.

However, the transfer embargo will remain until all football creditors, including players, staff and HMRC have been paid and payments due under the Sale and Purchase agreement have been satisfied.

It is the intention for Morecambe's first National League game to be on Saturday 23 August at home against Altrincham FC.

The National League would like to welcome the new owners and to thank everybody involved in helping to secure the future of the Club and reaching this point".

Footnote: With a number of players having left the club, Morecambe's remaining playing squad is something of an unknown quantity.

ROCHDALE 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

The Robins remained bedevilled by defensive injuries. Baines, Cooper and Sass-Davies all missed the opening fixture last week and all remained missing today.

The club had bolstered their resources with two new centre-backs signed in the past week, loanee Dan Sassi and former Barrow man Sam Barnes; the former started again but the latter was on the bench where he surprisingly replaced Osborne who, it emerged, was injured.

The only change to the starters saw Knowles come in with Crankshaw dropping to the bench.

Right: Keaton Ward In an entertaining first half, Altrincham took a nineteenth-minute lead when Reddin, who again had a fine first half but a quieter second, crossed from the right where Ward finished impressively with a shot which went in from the outer reaches of the box.

Dale equalised after a spell of pressure comprising three successive corners. The ball came out to Allarakhia and he curled a fine, rising shot from twenty yards into the upper reaches of the net to Hutchinson's left (35 mins).

What proved to be the winner arrived on the hour mark when Allarakhia's ball from the left deflected off Golden and looped over Hutchinson into the far corner.

It was a fortuitous goal and prompted Dale to do little more than protect their lead in a stop-start final half hour riddled by substitutions, injuries (genuine and dubious) and an increasingly feisty atmosphere. For the second week running Alty accumulated five yellow cards.

Alty's second-half substitutes brought little to the game, though, in a very rare opportunity for the visitors, Weaver should have done better with a one-on-one with the keeper.

ALTRINCHAM: 30 Luke Hutchinson, 23 Tylor Golden, 34. Dan Sassi, 2 Lewis Banks (c), 3 Sam Reed, 8 Isaac Marriott, 22. Tom Crawford, 20 Kahrel Reddin, 11 Jimmy Knowles, 10 Keaton Ward, 9 James Gale. Subs: 14 Matty Kosylo, 16 Remi Raymond, 17 Lucas Weaver, 27 Louie Fallon, 40 Charlie Kirk, 24. Sam Barnes 7 Olly Crankshaw.

Match report here.

• Alty player statistics
• Alty player line-ups

POST-MATCH PARKY

He said that he was "So proud of the young guns" in a young Altrincham side .

During the game he felt that "Lucas Weaver's was the best chance of the game" and that he did brilliantly in getting into the position.

Right: Elliot Osborne

Overall, the gaffer felt that the match "could have gone either way". For the opposition, he was impressed by Rochdale's Dieseruvwe but felt the Dale striker was lucky to stay on the pitch, stating that "you can't be throwing punches... he was lucky to stay on the pitch".

Speaking of Altrincham injuries, he revealed that Elliot Osborne's problem, he hopes, will be for "just a week", though he conceded that the midfielder "may need ultrasound on his quad".

Asked about his defence Phil judged that "Dan Sassi was unbelievable today... the amount of duels that he won" was impressive. His was "a real Colossus performance".

As for the other new centre-back signing, Sam Barnes, who was not used today, Parkinson hopes that in him "I hope that we've got a real Rolls Royce" of a defender".

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Having drawn their opening match 0-0 away at Yeovil last week, Pools beat Braintree Town 2-0 in the north-east on Saturday to reach eighth place in the nascent Enterprise National League.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : JUNIOR QUITIRNA came on for Wycombe Wanderers after an hour at Doncaster Rovers. His side trailed 1-0 at the time, but he equalised after 71 minutes to earn a 1-1 draw.

ALI SMITH put in a full shift for AFC Wimbledon at Reading, who scored late but lost 1-2.

CARL PIERGIANNI picked up a booking, but his Stevenage side beat visitors Northampton Town 2-0.

Given his manager's stated wish to dispense with his services, CHRIS CONN-CLARKE wasn't in the Peterborough United squad at Wigan Athletic, where a single goal consigned them to a fourth consecutive defeat.

They're not actually bottom of the table - but only because they precede Reading in the alphabet.

League Two : Chesterfield didn't have JAMES BERRY in their squad as they saw off visitors Bristol Rovers 3-1. Their task was made a little easier when JOEL SENIOR was sent off with the game still goalless after 39 minutes.

REAGAN OGLE played the full game for Oldham Athletic, while CHARLIE OLSON (left) watched from the bench as visitors Swindon Town took the points by the odd goal in three.

JOE HUGILL was missing from the Barnet squad beaten 1-2 at home by Walsall.

At Holker Street, visitors Notts County withdrew SONNY ALJOFREE after 56 minutes as they trailed 1-0. Barrow brought on ELLIOT NEWBY after 77 minutes, but the Magpies equalised after 89 minutes. There was still time for a twist in the tale though, and Barrow notched a 97th minute winner.

Fleetwood struck first at Hayes Lane, but MARCUS DINANGA equalised for Bromley on the half hour. He was withdrawn after 66 minutes, and his replacement, Nicke Kabamba, put the hosts ahead 7 minutes later. Fleet, with TOBY MULLARKEY putting in a full stint, grabbed a 2-2 draw in the 93rd minute.

Having finally recovered from the injury he picked up in Worthing's penultimate match last season, DANNY CASHMAN made his debut for his home town club, Crawley Town, coming off the bench at Crewe Alexandra after 63 minutes. Alas, he could do nothing to stave off defeat to the only goal, which had been scored midway through the first half.

There was a yellow card for JUSTIN AMALUZOR in Grimsby Town's 2-1 home win over Newport County.

Cheltenham Town were already 3 goals down at MK Dons when they succumbed to desperation and threw on JAKE BICKERSTAFF after 56 minutes. His only contribution was a yellow card as two further goals condemned the Gloucestershire club to bottom spot in the table.

Tranmere Rovers drew 1-1 with visitors Gillingham, bringing on CONNOR JENNINGS just 2 minutes from the end of normal time.

National League : Boston United won 2-3 at Aldershot. They were already 0-1 ahead when the hosts had Theo Widdrington sent off. Former Robins trialist ZAK MILLS is captain of the Pilgrims these days, and he left the action after 84 minutes. His colleague CONNOR TEALE played the full game.

Having trailed 0-1 to visitors Boreham Wood at half time, Carlisle United would have been feeling confident when REGAN LINNEY struck twice soon after they'd drawn level. Alas the visitors came back to draw 3-3, and Regan was withdrawn in added time.

Gateshead had done the spade work in their 0-2 win at Eastleigh after only 25 minutes. JOSH LUNDSTRAM was substituted on the hour, having been booked 8 minutes earlier.

Both KYLE FERGUSON and MATT GOULD were left on the bench as Yeovil Town went down 2-0 at Forest Green Rovers.

KENNEDY DIGIE played the full match as Tamworth went down 2-0 at league leaders Southend United.

In the evening kick-off, both ALEX NEWBY (right) and TYRESE SINCLAIR started the game but neither had much effect before both were hauled off after 74 minutes. Newby had missed one of his side's few chances.

The Cornishmen's resistance crumbled in the 84th minute before they a second goal, three minutes later, meant that they lost the match 0-2.

National North : LUKE WATERFALL equalised for Worksop Town as they earned a 1-1 draw with visitors Kidderminster Harriers.

Southern League Central : There were two goals for ZAK GOODSON as Quorn enjoyed a 5-2 home win against Stratford Town.

NPL Premier Division : Hyde United came from 2-0 down to draw at Stockton Town, with JACK REDSHAW notching the equaliser.

JONNY MARGETTS scored for Gainsborough Trinity, but they lost 4-2 at Warrington Rylands.

Scottish League Cup : KIAN TAYLOR came off the Morton bench after 28 minutes with the game still goalless, but Premiership visitors Aberdeen proved too strong and hit 3 goals without reply.

FA Cup Preliminary Round : Although JOE PIGGOTT wasn't in the Atherton Collieries squad that won their home tie against Prestwich Heys 2-0, SAM SHERIDAN came on as a 72nd minute substitute.

Nantwich Town won their home tie against Charnock Richard thanks to a lone goal scored by Byron Harrison.

At Bower Fold, Stalybridge Celtic started KYLE BROWNHILL against Bury, with ELLIOTT ROKKA on the bench. The game ended 1-1, so the sides will have to meet again at Gigg Lane.

KEVIN ELLISON was in the Vauxhall Motors lineup at Ericstan Park, and put his team 0-2 ahead against Wythenshawe Town before being substituted after the home side fought back to 2-2. Motors regained the lead, and then their keeper saved a penalty.

Unfortunately, an injury to a Town player, following a challenge that produced a red card, led to the match being abandoned with 5 minutes left to play. The FA Committee will rule next week on whether the result will stand, or if the game will be replayed.

DIOR ANGUS missed two good chances for Bootle at Sheffield FC before being substituted after 75 minutes. TOM HANNIGAN came off the bench 6 minutes later. TONY THOMPSON kept a clean sheet as the Merseyside club went through 0-3.

Runcorn Linnets travelled to Whitchurch Alport. Unfortunately SEAN MILLER picked up a knock, and was substituted after only 10 minutes. RYAN BROOKE was credited with the assist for the opening goal before being substituted after 68 minutes, and LUKE WALL came on 5 minutes later. Linnets progressed 0-3.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 19 August

Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett's Through the Years records inform us of previous Altrincham games on that date, 19 August.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In a club statement, The Iron confirmed supporters had been accused of breaching three FA rules.

It is alleged that supporters 'behaved in a way which is improper, violent, threatening and/or provocative', threw objects onto the playing surface and encroached onto the pitch.

Scunthorpe co-owner and chair Michelle Harness said 'To have more charges against the club, which is as a result of our supporters' actions is extremely disappointing, and tarnishes what a fantastic and memorable day May 18th was, gaining promotion to the National League'...

The club is now in the process of formally responding to the charges".

16 August, 2025

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 2-3 Boston United
• Carlisle United 3-3 Boreham Wood
• Eastleigh 0-2 Gateshead
• Forest Green Rovers 2-0 Yeovil Town
• Hartlepool United 2-0 Braintree Town
• Morecambe P-P Brackley Town Morecambe suspended by National League
• Rochdale 2-1 Altrincham k.o. 12.30pm
• Scunthorpe United 3-1 Woking
• Southend United 2-0 Tamworth
• Sutton United 0-0 Solihull Moors
• Truro City 0-2 York City k.o. 5.30pm
• Wealdstone 2-1 FC Halifax Town

ANOTHER CENTRE-BACK SIGNED

Sassi made his debut in the 3-2 victoru over Aldershot Town last Saturday.

And now, Altrincham FC reveal that "Sam Barnes becomes the latest addition to Phil Parkinson's squad ahead of tomorrow lunchtime's Enterprise National League clash at Rochdale.

The 24-year-old central defender joins the Robins after his contract with League Two Barrow expired earlier in the summer...

Our new man came through the youth ranks at hometown club Blackburn Rovers, making one first team appearance during the 2023/24 season, while also enjoying a loan spell with Marine.

On signing, Sam said... 'I can see what a well run and close knit club Alty is, from the gaffer, the players, the staff and the board'".

Footnote: In the 2022 close-season he suffered an ACL injury which kept him out for that entire campaign. In summer 2024 he left Blackburn and joined Barrow, where he made four appearances from the bench and stayed till his contract expiry this summer.

SASSI INTERVIEW

"It's the perfect time in my career" to play for Altrincham, he said.

Earlier, under Vincent Kompany at Burnley, the defender asserted that "I learnt so much from him". He also felt that it helped him being captain there.

He has played in the National League before joining Altrincham. Last season, he enjoyed a loan spell at Rochdale, who face Altrincham today, and also played for AFC Fylde.

Alty's squad, he feels, "seems like a really tight group of players".

TODAY: ROCHDALE

ALTY OLD BOYS

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 23-year-old joins the Saints adding energy, creativity, and versatility to the midfield.

Hobson is a highly rated prospect who came through the ranks at Sheffield United before joining Alfreton Town in 2021. He featured over 85 times... before joining Chesterfield on a permanent deal in 2023...

Hobson joined Kidderminster Harriers on loan in September 2023 where he featured 18 times in the National League, scoring twice. Then in September 2024 he joined Barnet where he featured 13 times for the National League Champions, hitting the net twice.

Manager Gavin Cowan said 'Bailey is someone who we identified very early and has all the attributes of a player we’ve been looking for@".

Following a recent spat with Jeff Stelling, Hartlepool UNited state that "In May and June 2025, BBC Tees and the Hartlepool Mail published various material about the Club and Chairman that were factually incorrect and defamatory without giving the Club the opportunity to respond to or comment on the content, or to provide confirmation of its factual basis.

Since then, the Club’s legal representative have been in contact with both parties to correct the false impressions and inaccurate information in various material and to correct the record for our supporters and the general public.

The Hartlepool Mail has now published a statement to rectify matters, setting out the position with facts for some of the content in question. The Hartlepool Mail has also apologised for its failures in articles including those made by their reporter Robbie Stelling.

The Club still awaits similar corrections from BBC Tees and remains in ongoing legal correspondence.

Mr Singh has confirmed that he remains committed to supporting the Club until a suitable takeover party can demonstrate that necessary funds are in place".

Solihull Moors tell us that 'As you may have seen (if you follow the Gibraltar Premier League), [club chairman] Darryl has taken over today as Chairman, of the Lions Gibraltar Football Club. 🦁🇬🇮

This is a really exciting development, and in no way will affect his involvement or leadership at the Moors...

The role with the Lions will only complement and support the incredible work he has done, and will continue to do at Solihull Moors. 👊🏻

However, this does mean, you are now all, officially Lions Gibraltar FC fans. 🤣🦁

If you didn’t know, the Lions are the ONLY club in WORLD FOOTBALL that is able to use the ‘Three Lions’ on their crest. All Lions games are streamed LIVE on Catrino TV (YouTube)".

15 August, 2025

KNOWLES LAUDED

[At] 2-1, the Alty boss knew who to turn to, as he sent on Knowles (right)... The visitors went on to equalise in the 76th minute, but, just two minutes later, Knowles pounced on a half-chance in a crowded six-yard box to lash a volley into the roof of the net and seal a deserved 3-2 win.

'That’s what Jimmy does,' said Parkinson.... 'Everyone has been saying we will struggle this season because we were so reliant on Regan Linney and Alex Newby, but one thing I saw in James [Gale] and Jimmy was their ability to convert.

'At times, the two we had last season needed multiple chances or would score unbelievable goals out of nothing. That is the biggest thing for me; Jimmy had one chance and put it away'...

Parkinson provided an injury update on his three missing defenders, saying Jake Cooper might be fit for Saturday’s trip to Rochdale, Lewis Baines could be back in a couple of weeks, but Billy Sass-Davies may be missing for a couple of months 'worst-case scenario'.

NEXT: ROCHDALE

They turned the fixture into a Family Fun Day at which "It was great to see so many new and returning faces...

A crowd of 1,452 witnessed Dale’s 2-1 National League Cup victory over Burnley Under-21s, after taking part in pre-match activities on the Crown Oil Arena car park.

Beginning at 11am, there were plenty of activities for our junior supporters, including an inflatable assault course and some football mini games.

A BBQ provided by our catering partner Scratch kept fans fuelled, as did an ice cream van.

Free entry into the tie then followed, with goals from Ian Henderson and Levi Amantchi sealing all three points in our Group A opener".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Yet, by the 34th minute, they'd scored twice without reply. Alas, it was too good to last, Besiktas scoring three times to eliminate BARRY BAGGLEY and company by an aggregate of 7-3.

Already 2-1 up from the away leg in the Faroe Islands, Linfield beat Vikingur 2-0 in Belfast to go through 4-1 on aggregate. SAM ROSCOE (right) played the full game. They won't have to travel far in the next round, as they've been drawn against the Dublin side, Shelbourne.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The announcement comes after the two parties agreed to a mediation session this week after an initial session failed to take place the week before...

'This agreement reflects the willingness of both sides to compromise in the best interests of Morecambe FC, its supporters, and the wider community. It paves the way for continued stability and a positive future both on and off the pitch," the two parties said in a joint statement., external

'Final legal documentation will now be prepared, with immediate steps being taken to inform key stakeholders, including the National League and the club's management team'".

Altrincham lost the National League Cup semi-final last season to Leeds United U21 but this week Boston Uited reported that in front of 830 spectators, "Four second half goals fired Boston United to a resounding National League Cup victory over holders Leeds United on Tuesday evening.

Ben Grist broke the deadlock two minutes after half-time, substitute Kieren Donnelly doubled the lead with a majestic lob in the 62nd minute and Alex Lankshear added United's third three minutes later.

Donnelly wrapped up victory in the fourth minute of additional time with another fine solo effort to make it three goals in two competitive outings to date.

Graham Coughlan had opted to make five changes ahead of kick-off, with Rhys Lovett and new signing Jordy Hiwula making their competitive debuts for the Pilgrims....

Boston (3-4-1-2): Rhys Lovett; Ben Grist, CONNOR TEALE, Alex Lankshear (Billy Bradley 79); Jordan Cropper, Jordan Richards (Rocco Coyle 75), Greg Sloggett, Dylan Hill; Arjan Raikhy (ZAK MILLS 46); Lenell John-Lewis (Kieren Donnelly 46), Jordy Hiwula (Manni Norkett 63). Subs (not used): Finley Ging, Bobby Jones (gk)."

14 August 2025

DAZN ACCESS THIS SEASON

Obviously, during the season, other Altrincham away matches may take place outside the Saturday 3pm slot as games are postponed and rearranged or are moved because of cup clashes, bad weather or because they are selected for streaming by DAZN.

Supporters unable to attend any such games, as well as home fixtures outside the broadcasting embargo slot, can sign up for DAZN's streaming service.

Until 31 August, the company has a special offer of £12.99 for monthly access or £99 for the calendar year. Details are here.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In the same competition, KENNEDY DIGIE (left) started for Tamworth against Manchester United, but the game was abandoned at the end of a goalless first half, following a serious injury to a United player (Sekou Kone).

In the EFL Cup: Fleetwood Town came from behind when TOBY MULLARKEY equalised in added time at the end of the first half at Barnsley.

Unfortunately he then put through his own goal just before the hour to restore the advantage to the hosts. Again Fleetwood left it late, equalising in the 94th minute to make it 2-2, but they then lost the penalty shootout.

NPL Division 1 West : MAX HARROP (right) and JOEL BEMBO-LETA both played the full match for Witton Albion at Lower Breck, where they lost 3-2.

Meanwhile, in EFL1, Peterborough Today reports that "Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson has told five players that the time has come for them the leave the club.

The problem Ferguson is finding, however, is that getting these players out of the door is proving difficult.

Goalkeepers Nicholas Bilokapic, Will Blackmore, Ryan De Havilland, CHRIS CONN-CLARKE (left) and Jacob Wakeling are all unlikely to feature for the club again and Posh are actively seeking to move them on.

The future of De Havilland and Conn-Clarke was all but confirmed on Tuesday when both were sent with the Under 21s to face Bristol City rather than travel to Accrington with the senior team for the Carabao Cup tie. Conn-Clarke was on the scoresheet as Posh registered a 2-1 victory...

A ruthless Ferguson said 'I have got decisions to make on players and I have given some the benefit of the doubt, especially some of them that have only had one season with us. I needed to see how pre-season went and I’ve made decisions on the back of that and from what I saw last season...

When I don’t see improvement then I have to take those decisions. They (De Havilland and Conn-Clarke) are not the only two that are available. The problem is getting them out".

Footnote: The writing was on the wall when Conn-Clarke was stripped of his no.9 squad number of last season and assigned no.20 instead this season.

Since joining Peterborough in June 2024 Conn-Clarke has made 12(+11) League One appearances and scored once. His EFL game time comprises 1,095 minutes.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Fresh off reaching the final last term, Sutton will have hoped to get off to a better start this time round than they did, falling to a hefty 7-0 defeat to Premier League 2 side Fulham...

'They battered us' said the Head Coach.. 'I’m really lost for words to be honest and I’m not really often lost for words. I’m not a massive talker, but that was embarrassing.

'The only thing that’s done is made my job really easy in terms of picking a team for Saturday, so I suppose I just have to apologise for the 800-odd that turned up and anyone who’s watched it on TV. Apologise for that because I’ve never lost by that score as a player, never lost by that score as a manager. You just want the ground to swallow you up...

'We... didn’t win our duels, didn’t win first contacts, didn’t win second contacts and they put us to bed well and truly. We’ve got to get that out of our system, it’s ridiculous'".

Gateshead "confirm the signing of Academy goalkeeper Preston Leech.

The 18 year-old... progressed through the club's junior academy system... becoming the first player to progress from the club's junior setup through to the first team.

Leech has trained regularly with the club's first team since Auguist 2023... before appearing for the first team in pre-season across July 2025...

Leech will immediately join Northern League Division One side Northallerton on dual-registration terms".

Wealdstone "are thrilled to announce the signing of central midfielder Alfie Massey, who arrives at Grosvenor Vale on loan from Championship side Millwall, until early January!

The 19-year-old spent time in the academies of West Ham United and Arsenal as a youth before moving to the Lions.

He has featured regularly for Millwall’s youth teams... Last season, the Englishman began to break into the Lions’ first team. He was named in Millwall’s travelling squad for their preseason tour of Spain, and he thoroughly impressed on the continent.

This led to him being named on the bench for the first game of the Championship season before making his professional debut in the Carabao Cup".

13 August 2025

NEXT OPPONENTS: ROCHDALE

The Dale have clearly got a taste for light lunches as, before they face Alty, they host Burnley-U21 in the National League Cup in a midweek macth which is bizarrely kicking off at 1pm! Perhaps they want to rehearse playing football at that time a preparation for their clash with Altrincham at a very similar time?

ALTY OLD BOYS

This was markedly obvious at Accrington Stanley, where Peterborough United bowed out 2-1. Their much changed squad did not include CHRIS CONN-CLARKE, who instead turned out earlier in the day for the U21 in the Professional Development League at Bristol City, where he scored his team's equaliser as they went on to win 1-2.

Barrow only brought ELLIOT NEWBY (right) off the bench after 62 minutes, but 5 minutes later visitors Preston North End were gifted the own goal which won them the tie - all Elliot had to show for his contribution was a yellow card.

Bristol Rovers were already a goal down to visitors Cambridge United when they withdrew JOEL SENIOR after 61 minutes, and were eventually knocked out 0-2.

At Gillingham, ALI SMITH (left) came on after 61 minutes to replace the wonderfully named Delano McCoy-Splatt for AFC Wimbledon. They led at the time, but the hosts came back to 1-1 and forced a penalty shoot out. Ali stepped up and converted his team's fourth and final kick, Gillingham having failed to score from two of theirs.

JUSTIN AMALUZOR opened the scoring, and went on to put in a full shift for Grimsby Town, as they saw off visitors Shrewsbury Town 3-1.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA came off the Wycombe Wanderers bench after 61 minutes at Leyton Orient, and his side went through thanks to a 94th minute own goal

SONNY ALJOFREE played the full game for Notts County at Wigan Athletic, where the experienced Paul Mullin saw the hosts through with a 10th minute penalty.

MARCUS DINANGA played the first 67 minutes of Bromley's 1-1 draw at home to Ipswich Town, and they went on to knock out the Tractor Boys on penalties.

National League Cup : JEFF KING played the full game as Boreham Wood scored twice without reply against Nottingham Forest U21, as did CONNOR TEALE for Boston United who scored twice as many against Leeds United U21.

Brackley Town beat Blackburn Rovers U21 2-0, with JUSTIN DONAWA claiming the assist for the clincher.

NPL Premier Division : A late DONTAI GABIDON goal was not enough to stop Warrington Town from going down 2-1 at Hednesford Town.

NPL Division 1 West : SEAN MILLER pulled Runcorn Linnets level in their home game with Vauxhall Motors, but, although they went ahead later, they had to settle for a 2-2 draw.RYAN BROOKE came on for the second half and quickly found his way into the referee's notebook, and LUKE WALL (above right) joined the action after 57 minutes. KEVIN ELLISON was a 71st minute substitute for Motors.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

Group A:

• Solihull Moors 1-2 Everton U21
• Brackley Town 2-0 Blackburn Rovers U21

Group B:

• Boreham Wood 2-0 Nottingham Forest U21
• Braintree Town 2-0 Leicester City U21
• Wealdstone 2-1 Wolverhampton Wandrers U21

Group C:

• Aldershot 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion U21
• Sutton United 0-7 Fulham U21

Group D:

• Boston United 4-0 Leeds United U21
• Scunthorpe United 2-3 Sunderland U21

Wednesday, 13 August 2025, 7pm unless stated

Group A:

• Rochdale v Burnley U21 (ko 1pm)
• Tamworth v Manchester United U21

Group B

• Forest Green Rovers v West Bromwich Albion U21

Group C

• Truro City v Southampton U21
• Woking v West Ham United U21

Group D

• Gateshead v Newcastle United U21 (ko 7.30pm)

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

He issued a statement via the club website, in which he claimed work was ongoing ‘with a number of potential buyers’.

There was also criticism for Panjab Warriors, who received EFL clearance two months ago to complete a takeover, as well as a group of people whom, according to Whittingham, ‘choose to make uninformed statements for their own self-promotion’.

The owner alleged that MPs were among those individuals, who hadn’t made contact with Bond Group to discuss the situation...

In response, a Shrimps Trust statement said 'Like the rest of the football community, we watched in disbelief as yet another empty, meaningless statement was issued.

'Jason Whittingham continues his desperate attempt to shift blame for a crisis that is entirely of his own making. This isn’t new; it’s been weeks of silence, spin and vanishing acts while the club has crumbled around him...

'The National League have confirmed to the Trust that, to their knowledge, no party other than Panjab Warriors has approached them for the required approval of a change of control at Morecambe FC...

'Jason Whittingham has not communicated with the newly-elected Trust management team... The only obstacle to the sale of the club is Jason Whittingham. Under his mismanagement, we’ve been left with no players, no income and a mountain of debt.

'He hasn’t just run the club into the ground, he’s burying it,'” they concluded.

Although the club was relegated from the National League at the end of last season, Ebbsfleet United "wishes to clarify one point from Friday night’s meeting relating to the fraud of £150,000 quoted in the notes.

For the avoidance of speculation, EUFC can confirm that it related to a bogus invoice submitted on behalf of the construction contractor responsible for the commencement works on the new main stand.

All current and previous club staff were not involved in any fraud and it related solely to external criminal activity. It was reported to the Police, who immediately commenced an investigation and part of the money involved was recovered".

Meanwhile Ebbsfleet United have also announced that “The current ownership of Ebbsfleet United FC has given 12 years of commitment and funding to the club. In June, they engaged with a top Financial Advisory firm to run a strategic investment process to explore and measure the market for potential new investment.

“A marketing process reached out to and engaged with more than 80 individuals, Private Equity Firms, Family Offices and other parties. Five formal expressions of interest were received and the Board has been meeting to consider the best course of action. However, the Board are well aware of a concerted campaign by opponents of both the club and its ownership which has been targeting individuals who were former directors of the club around unrelated business events, and that is continually placing unfair pressure on the football club.

“For this reason it may be that a majority sale of the football club is the best course of action... Preferred bidders will be required to inform the FA, National League and DCMS of their intentions, and fulfil all compliance checks to satisfy all Owners and Directors tests".

In the Halifax Courier we learn that "FC Halifax Town have been dealt a massive blow with the news that midfielder Florent Hoti has been ruled out for 'several months'.

Hoti missed the opening game of the season last Saturday, a 3-0 defeat at Braintree, after picking up a knee injury in the final pre-season friendly at Curzon Ashton the week before.

And Town boss Adam Lakeland has now confirmed that... 'He's going to need an operation, he's torn his meniscus and he's going to be sidelined for several months...

'To have him missing for several months is a massive blow for him and us'...

Striker Zak Emmerson is progressing well in his recovery from injury but isn't expected to be ready for Saturday's game at Wealdstone...

Defender Charlie Hayes-Green is also back in full training after missing last Saturday's season-opener".

Boston United "have clinched the permanent signing of striker Jordy Hiwula.

The 30-year-old, who appeared and scored as 'Trialist D' against Sheffield United on August 2, has put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal at the Jakemans Community Stadium.

Hiwula did not play competitively in 2024-2025 - last appearing for Morecambe in the EFL in April 2024.

His most prolific spell unfolded with Coventry City between 2018 and 2020 - and he has also played for the likes of Portsmouth and Doncaster Rovers since".

12 August 2025

BILL WATERSON RESIGNS

Bill was, until recently, the co-chairman of Altrincham FC having been a supporter of the Club since childhood. He was also recently appointed to the National League Board of Directors.

He joined the Board of Altrincham FC in February 2017. With Lawrence Looney, Bill became co-chairman of the club in succession to Grahame Rowley from June 2020. After Lawrence resigned in May 2025, Bill briefly became Chairman before Mark Luby assumed that role, with Bill becoming vice-chairman in July 2025.

Following Bill's resignation the Board now comprises:

• Mark Luby (Executive Chairman)(re-appointed to Board 23 July 2025, having previously served on the Board from November 2022 to January 2025)
• John Coyne (appointed to Board 24/1/20)
• Sam Mackenzie (Chief Executive Officer) (appointed to Board as a director 15/5/21)
• Albert Valdes (appointed to Board 1/1/23))
• Gary Corbett (appointed to Board July 2025)

NEXT: ROCHDALE

That game should have been played on New Year's Day 2025 but a waterlogged pitch scuppered that plan.

Instead, the sides met at Rochdale on a Tuesday night in March, when Altrincham slumped to a second league defeat in ten days.

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

Above: Of Alty's four-man defensive wall against Aldershot Town last Saturday, only Tom Crawford started last season's fixture at Rochdale. Left to right we see the bearded quartet of Ward, Sassi, Gale and Crawford.

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

At the other end, Alty were indebted to two first-half saves from Lainton in as many minutes.

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

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

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

Just three players (Golden, Marriott and Crawford) who played that night also started last Saturday's match against Aldershot Town.

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

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 20-year-old, who has captained Rovers’ Under-21s, spent much of last season on loan with Altrincham in the National League, making 25 appearances from October.

And after being voted Altrincham's young player of the year in 2024/25, Latics boss Micky Mellon believes the 20-year-old is ready for the step up...

Olson said... 'I played here last year and it's by far the best atmosphere I've played in. So to call this place home for the season is something I'm really excited about'".

The PFA has issued a list of "38 free agents [who] are joining us for week 7 of PFA pre-season" in the hope of getting new clubs.

The list includes JOE NUTTALL who, after spending last season at Altrincham, also spent part of this summer with the club, even appearing in thie initial summer friendly at Warrington Town.

DUNCAN WATMORE was released by Millwall this summer. The Blackpool Gazette reports that "Blackpool will not be making a move for Duncan Watmore this month.

Steve Bruce states Blackpool haven’t made a move for Duncan Watmore despite recent reports.

The winger was linked with a move to Bloomfield Road last week, but while his name was discussed, the Seasiders will not be pursuing the free agent at this current time".

NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The National League South champions were beaten 2-0 at Wealdstone on Saturday in the first-ever game in the fifth tier of English football for a club from Cornwall.

'Obviously we're all disappointed, we've been used to winning every week, so when you lose it hurts you,' Askey told BBC Radio Cornwall.

'But we lost our first game last season, we learned from that, so hopefully that'll be case the next game that we play. It's going to be a bit of a rollercoaster, but we've got to try to enjoy it and hopefully pick up one or two good results to give us confidence'.

Truro's next league game is their first home match of the season against Askey's former side York City...

'Our home form is going to be crucial if we want to survive [until] next season,' he said."

Wealdstone "announce the signing of 24-year-old forward Marcus Day, following a successful trial in pre-season!

Day came through the youth ranks at his hometown club, Bristol City...

He joined Bristol Manor Farm in 2020... The versatile attacker earned a move to the Cymru Premier League with Barry Town... before returning to Bristol Manor Farm for six months and then moving to AFC Totton...

Day joined Taunton Town ahead of the 2023/24 campaign... whilst also spending time out on loan at Frome Town...

The 24-year-old joined the Robins on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024, but his spell with the club was short-lived as he soon moved to Tiverton Town, where he spent the remainder of last season".

Boreham Wood "are pleased to confirm we.. reached our target of 650 season tickets before [our] Enterprise National League opener against Rochdale!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to those of our beloved Wood Army and those in our town and our community who have purchased season tickets. Your support does not go unnoticed!"

At Hartlepool United "manager Simon Grayson believes that his team’s 0-0 draw with Yeovil Town in their season opener was a ‘fair result’...

The Pools boss said... 'Over the course of the game, probably a fair result. It was probably a typical first day of the season game where both teams, especially in the first 20 minutes or so, were really apprehensive, really nervous.

'Out of possession, I thought we were really good in terms of the shape of the team, how hard we defended, how hard we worked. In possession, I think we could do a little bit more over the course of 90 minutes'...

The Glovers have never found victory against a side managed by Grayson, nor has the Pools boss tasted defeat in his first league match as a manager".

Southend United "confirm that Macauley Bonne has left the club upon the expiration of his contract.

After joining in September 2024, Bonne made 48 appearances last season scoring five goals to help the club reach the National League Promotion Final in June.

Head coach Kevin Maher said 'I’d like to thank Macca for his tremendous contributions last season. He was a valued member of the squad on and off the pitch and everyone at the club wishes him every success in his next chapter.'”

The Express reports that "Carlisle United star Luke Armstrong has revealed that he was left with a horrific facial injury after this weekend’s action.

During his side’s clash with Woking FC, the forward was kicked in the face when looking to nod home from close range in the second half.

Armstrong spent two years with Carlisle previously and returned to the recently-relegated outfit on loan from Motherwell over the summer, and he marked his homecoming with a well-taken goal in the 57th minute.

Just moments later, the 29-year-old looked set to bag his brace when the goal was at his mercy after a shot had rebounded into his direction. But as Armstrong stooped down to head into an empty net, Woking goalkeeper Craig Ross – who was down on his back at the time – managed to get a toe to the ball and force the attempt over the crossbar.

However, during the incident, Ross’s studs impacted into [sic] Armstrong’s face, leaving him with some nasty injuries... Ross went unpunished having initially made contact with the ball".

11 August 2025

ALDERSHOT MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Right: Alty captain Lewis Banks and Aldershot debutant Jed Meerholz get to know each other during Saturday's match.

NEXT: ROCHDALE

The meeting between the two Greater Manchester clubs is a lunchtime kick-off with DAZN requiring a 12.30pm start to fit their streaming programme.

For the second successive fixture, Alty's opponents are a club who performed the double over the Robins last season.

Alty lost the equivalent fixture at Spotland 3-0 last season in the National League.

This season Rochdale won 2-0 in their opening fixture at Boreham Wood.

Rochdale report that "A brace from Emmanuel Dieseruvwe on his Dale debut secured a 2-0 win...

After a goalless first half, Dale burst into life after the break, scoring twice in three minutes..

The first starting eleven of the new campaign featured three debutants in Oliver Whatmuff, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Joe Pritchard. Fellow summer signings David Tutonda, Levi Amantchi, Casey Pettit and Dan Moss were amongst the substitutes...

It was Dale who controlled the majority of possession in the opening stages...

McNulty’s men came flying out of the blocks after the break... Beckwith... burst into the area before squaring. Dieseruvwe was there to meet it, cleverly backheeling home from the edge of the six-yard box.

Dale’s new number nine took less than three minutes to double his tally, receiving a ball with his back to goal and taking a great first touch to free him of his marker. He turned and fired from the edge of the area, finding the far bottom corner...

Dale XI | Whatmuff, Gordon, East (79’ Pettit), Ebanks-Landell ©, Gilmour, Dieseruvwe, Rodney (72’ Amantchi), Adebayo-Rowling, Pritchard (65’ Allarakhia), Barlow (79’ Henderson), Beckwith (65’ Tutonda). Unused subs | Hogan, Moss".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Southern League Central : The reason for the continued absence of YUSIFU CEESAY from Hereford's pre-season squads finally revealed itself when he made his competitive debut for Spalding United. The Tulips led at Real Bedford, before going down 2-1

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS (right) played the full game at Easter Road as Kilmarnock came back from being 2-0 down inside half an hour to earn a 2-2 draw with Hibernian.

Meanwhile, MILES WELCH-HAYES posted on his Twitter feed :

"Wishing all the best to everyone starting their season today. I hope all my friends have an injury free and successful one."

It does little to qualify his status - he's still contracted to Livingston for this season, but he doesn't have a squad number. Maybe the message is coded to indicate that he's currently injured.

Northern Ireland Premiership : On the opening day of the new season, Linfield had a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Dungannon, thanks to a hat trick from young Scottish striker Kieran Offord.

SAM ROSCOE was at the heart of their usual watertight defensive display - last season they conceded only 28 goals in 38 games as they won the title.

Welsh Premier League : Although he says he has hung up his boots, Connah's Quay Nomads boss JOHN DISNEY (right) hasn't allocated his number 2 shirt to anybody else so far. This afternoon they opened the new season with a 1-1 draw at newly promoted Colwyn Bay.

It seems strange to think of the rather humble ambience of Llanelian Road by its new name - The Blue Turtle Arena.

Irish Premier Division : After a goalless first half, St.Patrick's brought on BARRY BAGGLEY. Visitors Sligo Rovers had gone down to 10 men not long before the break, and paid for it with a 3-0 defeat.

17 year old Mason Melia, sold to Spurs but loaned back to the Dublin club, scored twice.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE

Recent events have also changed things somewhat, as only last week we were invited into the National League Cup due to the off-field issues at Morecambe. That meant we would need to improve the budget slightly to facilitate a bigger squad and as such Luke [Garrard] and Charlie Hunter have looked further afield to bolster our ranks and it proved productive as we have signed the highly rated midfielder Tom White from Morecambe.

It was a big decision for our football club to accept the late invitation into the National League Cup, especially after Jack Payne’s injury, operation and expected 14-week layoff...

Our South Stand and away fan zone planning application will finally be submitted to HBC after six years of hard graft... This application alone has taken 6 years of behind closed-door meetings...

So, to finally get the chance to submit what would be an amazing local project is hugely exciting and very satisfying. In truth, the execution of a three phased build over the next two years will no doubt be complicated...

It’s now time to finish the Park, deal with the walkways, finish Brook Road Car Park and get our Stadium ready for the EFL and get our High Street ready to deal with additional visitors and their third party spend...

I hope never to be in the National South again and so I say hello once again to so many ex- Football League clubs".

Having made a bad start to the season, losing 3-0 at Braintree Town, FC Halifax Town "confirm the signing of centre back Jevon Mills, following his release from Championship side Hull City...

In 2021... the defender made his professional debut in a Championship fixture... That year, Mills also captained the Republic of Ireland under 19s for two fixtures. In January 2022, Mills joined Falkirk in the Scottish League One for the remainder of the season...

In September 2022, Mills signed for Gateshead on loan... The centre back made six appearances before returning to Hull in January. The following month, Mills joined Solihull Moors on a one-month loan, which was then extended for a further month. He made nine appearances as Solihull finished 15th.

In February 2024, the defender signed for Bohemians on loan in the League of Ireland Premier Division... before returning to Hull in November. Mills made 26 appearances and scored once as they finished 8th. At the end of last season, Mills was released by Hull".

There were two signings at Gateshead before The Heed crashed 0-3 at home to Southend United on Saturday.

Arriving on loan from Doncaster Rovers was forward Kyle Hurst.

"The 23 year-old arrives on Tyneside on temporary terms for the first half of the 2025-26 season...

Hurst has racked up over 100 appearances for Doncaster Rovers over his three seasons with the club and made 21 appearances last term... scoring three times".

Also arriving at Gateshead is Ethan Fitzhugh, who "arrives for the 2025-26 season after appearing three times as a trialist during pre-season....

The 22 year-old [spent] the 2024-25 season with National League North side, Buxton, where he made 32 league appearances last season, following on from a 13-year stint with Leicester City".

Also in the North-East, Hartlepool United "announce that Tom Parkes has been named as Club Captain for the 2025-26 season.

The defender has worked closely with Pools boss Simon Grayson to make sure that the group is well prepared...

Nathan Sheron has been appointed as his vice-captain....

Parkes said 'I got the duty towards the back of last season, but I’m proud to have the armband for good going into this season...

'[My relationship with Simon Grayson] is good, I’ve enjoyed working with him in pre-season'...

Grayson said 'It’s never an easy decision, who to make your captain. He is a leader both on and off the pitch. He is somebody that the players look up to as well, and Sheron is exactly the same.

'But I want 11 captains, I want communicators, I want people to lead by example.'"

Wealdstone "announce the signing of centre-back Phillip Chinedu, who joins us from Leyton Orient on an initial 28-day loan!

The young defender, who can play both on the left and in the centre of defence, spent time in the Blackburn Rovers youth setup before moving to South London...

Chinedu joined St. Albans City on loan in August 2024, when he was just 17 years old... This was extended by two months due to his impressive performances.

After making 13 appearances for the Saints, the youngster joined Hemel Hempstead... in the National League South...

Earlier this summer, it was announced that he had signed his first professional contract with Leyton Orient".

Woking "announce the signing of Olly Sanderson.

The 21-year-old striker joins on a season-long loan from Premier League side Fulham.

Sanderson joined Fulham at under-9s level, getting his first taste of senior football in September 2022 with then-National League South side Oxford City...

He would then join up with the Hoops again in their National League campaign of 2023-24, where he scored ten times in 26 games... before being recalled to join up with then-League Two side Sutton United, where he scored four times in his first EFL spell.

Last season, he spent time on loan at Bradford City and Harrogate Town, before returning to Fulham’s under-21 side this summer...

Director of Football Jody Brown says... 'I’ve been keen to build a relationship with Fulham... Hhopefully this can be the start of a beneficial relationship for both clubs@">

10 August, 2025

ALTRINCHAM 3-2 ALDERSHOT TOWN

But, sent out early after the break, the visitors were then much improved and fought back to parity at 2-2, only to concede what proved to be the winner just three minutes later.

Right: Kahrel Reddin celebrates his goal.

Reddin's speed up the right meant Alty could have been two up inside three minutes but they eventually took an eleventh-minute lead when the winger himself finished off a smart Alty move.

And it was the right-wnger's cross, headed home by captain Lewis Banks, that made it 2-0 (25 mins).

The intensity of the opening stages wore off but Alty retained their two-goal advantage at the interval, with the Shots failing to trouble debutant goalkeeper Hutchinson and his defence, which included a makeshift combination of right-back Lewis Banks and debutant loanee Dan Sassi at its heart.

Aldershot were improved after the break and it was ex-Alty winger Penney who got them back in the game heading in Theo Widdrington's cross from the right (56 mins).

After Abrahams had hit the bar, Clarridge made it 2-2 following a short-corner routine (76 mins). But Altrincham replied almost instantly, with Sassi winning a header from which substitute Jimmy Knowles netted his debut goal for the Robins (79 mins).

Match report here.

• League table
• Line-up
• Player statistics

POST-MATCH PARKINSON

He judged that "Resilience is the biggest thing I took from that game".

Referring to Man of the Match Kahrel Reddin, the Alty manager said "It is an important season for Kahrel", He has "got the bit between his teeth... he's an absolute match winner" he added.

Jimmy Knowles, he pointed out "has had one chance and scored".

Asked abiout the centre-back injuries, Phil said that he should have available "Bainesy in a couple of weeks".

As for Jake Cooper "he could be [available] at the weekend but he might not be".

Finally, more serious is the case of Billy Sass-Davies who "could be out for a couple of months".

ALDERSHOT'S VIEW

There were six debutants in Tommy Widdrington’s first lineup for the 25/26 season...

Right: One of Alty's five debutants against Aldershot on Saturday was Blackpool loanee, Dan Sassi. He was one of four under-23s in the line-up

Referee Niall Smith giving a lot of harsh fouls in the home side’s favour and their opening goal in the 11th minute was a beneficiary of one of those decisions.

A very soft foul was given against Tristan Abrahams on the halfway line and Altrincham’s quick free-kick spread the play out to the left. A well-placed cross found Kahrel Reddin at the back-post and despite Dewhurst’s best efforts to scramble across and save the close-range effort, it found the back of the net...

But Altrincham had a second in the 24th minute...

The Shots found their route back into the game... Matt Penney... power[ed] his header into the back of the net.

The Shots managed to get the game back level with another debutant goalscorer as James Clarridge found the back of the net...

But just three minutes later, Altrincham retook the lead. A deep free-kick was headed back across goal and it fell kindly for Jimmy Knowles to fire in past Dewhurst".

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : Although he made the Peterborough United bench, CHRIS CONN-CLARKE didn't join the action as his side lost 0-2 to visitors Luton Town.

ALI SMITH played the full game for AFC Wimbledon, as they took full advantage of visitors Lincoln City going down to 10 men midway through the first half to win 2-0.

CARL PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage to a 1-0 win over visitors Rotherham United.

Wycombe Wanderers were already 0-2 down to visitors Stockport County by the time they withdrew JUNIOR QUITIRNA just before the hour - they managed to reduce the arrears, but couldn't rescue even a single point.

League Two : SONNY ALJOFREE played the full game for Notts County, but visitors Salford City, still without the injured KEVIN BERKOE (left), were 1-2 winners.

Tranmere Rovers were already 2-0 up when CONNOR JENNINGS came off the bench after 64 minutes. Visitors Shrewsbury Town had been down to 10 for 6 minutes by then, and Rovers doubled their advantage to win 4-0.

Barrow failed to register a single shot on target in their home game against MK Dons, who were already ahead when ELLIOT NEWBY was substituted after 77 minutes, and went on to win 0-2.

JOE HUGILL played the full game for Barnet at Bromley, but to no avail as they lost 2-0. MARCUS DINANGA (right) came off the Bromley bench after 72 minutes.

Cheltenham Town's response to going a goal down straight after the restart at home to Chesterfield was to pitch JAKE BICKERSTAFF into the action after 51 minutes. All he had to show at the end was a yellow card as his team lost 0-2.

Fleetwood were 2-0 up at half time, but withdrew TOBY MULLARKEY after 76 minutes as visitors Bristol Rovers, with JOEL SENIOR playing the full game, reduced the arrears but still went down 2-1.

When Harrogate Town were a goal up after 66 minutes, visitors Grimsby Town brought JUSTIN AMALUZOR off the bench. They soon equalised, but 8 minutes later they trailed 3-1 - however they fought back to draw 3-3.

There was a full shift from REAGAN OGLE as Oldham Athletic came from behind to draw 1-1 with visitors Colchester United.

National League : Rochdale had already sealed a 0-2 win at Boreham Wood before the home side sent on JEFF KING after 75 minutes.

Brackley Town left JUSTIN DONAWA (left) on the bench as a single goal proved sufficient for them to win against visitors Eastleigh, who withdrew JOSH LUNDSTRAM after 89 minutes.

Former Robins trialist TOM PUGH came off the Halifax bench only in the 92nd minute, and with hosts Braintree Town comfortably winning 3-0. There was still time for the Shaymen to win a penalty - but they failed to convert it.

Although KENNEDY DIGIE put in a full shift for Tamworth, visitors Scunthorpe United won 1-2.

By the time Carlisle United substituted REGAN LINNEY in the 89th minute, they'd ensured a 0-2 win at Woking - their goalkeeper didn't have a shot to save.

Both KYLE FERGUSON and MATT GOULD were left on the bench by Yeovil Town, as visitors Hartlepool United ground out a goalless draw.

ALEX NEWBY was credited with the assist that gave York City a 58th minute 2-1 lead over visitors Sutton United, but he was withdrawn after 85 minutes (TYRESE SINCLAIR had gone off 25 minutes earlier). Within 2 minutes Sutton scored to force a 2-2 draw.

National League Cup : Facing the prospect of a blank opening day due to Morecambe's current travails, Boston United rearranged their opening tie in this seasons competition, playing host to Middlesbrough U21. Having been behind, they equalised with a penalty from the veteran Lenell John-Lewis ("his name is a shop!"), and after CONNOR TEAL was substituted in the 68th minute, they went on to win 2-1.

National North : GEORGE WILSON (right) and CHRIS MERRIE were both in AFC Fylde's starting XI, but new signing LIAM BROCKBANK wasn't in the squad. They surprisingly trailed visitors Oxford City at the interval, and within 4 minutes of the restart the pre-season bookmakers' favourites to win the division went further behind. George was withdrawn after 54 minutes, and CRAIG MAHON'S team fought back to earn a 3-2 win.

Alfreton Town started OWEN GERMAN and HARRY PERRITT for their visit to newly promoted Bedford Town, but LEWIS SALMON wasn't in the squad. They were behind, but hopes were raised when they turned things round to lead after 75 minutes. Unfortunately Bedford, who were without BRUNO ANDRADE, equalised in the 90th minute.

Radcliffe started JORDAN HULME and BRAD JACKSON at Buxton, but the hosts clinched a 2-1 victory thanks to CONNOR KIRBY.

Chester started JAMES JONES against visitors Peterborough Sports, but it was 37th minute substitute DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY who earned the plaudits, scoring just 5 minutes later, and then, after the sides went in level 2-2 at the break, scoring what turned out to be the only goal of the second half after 54 minutes. He was a whisker away from a hat trick, hitting the post late on.

MICHAEL GYASI enabled King's Lynn to come from behind to draw 1-1 with visitors AFC Telford.

Scottish Championship : KIAN TAYLOR (left) was booked just after Morton ceded their half time lead at Partick Thistle, and was one of three players substituted in the 68th minute as the match ended 1-1.

NPL Division 1 Midlands: A full shift frim ANDY DALES couldn't prevent Mickleover from going down 2-0 at Coventry Sphinx.

NPL Division 1 West : Both JOE PIGGOTT for hosts Atherton Collieries, and RYAN BROOKE for visitors Runcorn Linnets, found their way into the referee's notebook, and it's Ryan who'll be happier this evening as his team won 0-2 despite him being substituted after 69 minutes.

TONY THOMPSON and DIOR ANGUS (who was booked) both started for Bootle against visitors Nantwich Town, who fielded AIDY ROXBURGH and BYRON HARRISON (also booked) and went home to Cheshire with a 1-2 win.

Another side to go down 1-2 at home were Trafford - despite having scored against Darlaston Town in the opening minute. SEAN HIGGINS played the full game, but JEROME WRIGHT was substituted after 70 minutes.

Stalybridge Celtic, with KYLE BROWNHILL sullying his full shift with a yellow card, went ahead after 54 minutes at. Vauxhall Motors. With Superman not available, the hosts immediately did the next best thing and brought on KEVIN ELLISON.

By the time Celtic pulled GREG WILKINSON off the bench, Motors had equalised, and the match ended 1-1.

MAX HARROP, and JOEL BEMBO-LETA (right, who was booked) both played the full game for Witton Albion, but visitors Chasetown forced a goalless draw.

NWCL Premier Division : DARIUS PALMA scored the only goal of the game for Wythenshawe at Longridge Town.

And finally, the ALty Files extends its congratulations to JOE BUNNEY, whose engagement to Lionesses player Ella Toone has been announced.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Macadam, 24, arrives at Brunton Park following the expiry of his contract with Morecambe FC.

The midfielder played 36 times for the Shrimps...

Prior to his move there, Harvey was contracted to Fleetwood Town, where he made 43 appearances, scoring two goals. .. He spent time on loan in Ireland at Waterford FC... between February and June of 2024.

Macadam has been on trial with the Blues".

9 August 2025

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Altrincham 3-2 Aldershot Town
• Boreham Wood 0-2 Rochdale
• Boston UnitedP-P Morecambe Morecambe suspended by National League
• Brackley Town 1-0 Eastleigh
• Braintree Town 3-0 FC Halifax Town
• Gateshead 0-3 Southend United
• Solihull Moors 2-2 Forest Green Rovers
• Tamworth 1-2 Scunthorpe United
• Wealdstone 2-0 Truro City
• Woking 0-2 Carlisle United
• Yeovil Town 0-0 Hartlepool United
• York City 2-2 Sutton United

TODAY: ALDERSHOT TOWN

As previously chronicled, including this Saturday, nine of the last ten opening-day fixtures of the season for Altrincham have been at home and, until last season, Altrincham had failed to win any of them! Ironically, they did win the single away fixture in this sequence, at Torquay in 2021.

Alty's line up for the first game of last season comprised:

1. Ethan ROSS, 2. Lewis BANKS, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 5. Jake COOPER, 3. Eddy JONES, 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 10. Alex NEWBY, 21. Max HAYGARTH, 11. Justin AMALUZOR, 24. Joe NUTTALL. Subs: 9. Regan LINNEY, 19. George WILSON, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 15. Kahrel REDDIN, 16. James JONES, 17. Luke WEAVER, 27. Louie FALLON (gk)

Of that starting eleven, Eddy Jones, Alex Newby, Max Haygarth, Justin Amaluzor and Joe Nuttall have all since left the club, whilst Ethan Ross's injury mean there will be at least six changes necessary today.

L. to R. Lewis Banks, Elliot Osborne and Tom Crawford.

As Baines and Cooper were unfit last weekend, there could be as few as three starters today, (Banks, Osborne, Crawford, pictured above), who also kicked-off last season.

Three of the substitutes' bench (Linney, Wilson and James Jones) have also left Altrincham. So, for sure, more than a half of the matchday squad will be different for this year's opener.

OPPONENTS' MANAGER EXTENDS STAY

Alongside this, Tommy’s staff; Assistant Manager, Hugo Langton and Goalkeeping Coach David Smalley have also committed their futures to the Club for the next two years.

Taking charge of the Shots in April 2023, Widdrington guided Aldershot Town to safety as he kept his new side unbeaten during his first, and the season’s last, six games...

Last season, Widdrington and his staff brought silverware to the EBB Stadium with an historic Isuzu FA Trophy win".

With twenty-nine players allocated a squad number for 2025-26, Aldershot Town have one of the bigger squads in the National League. Former Alty man MATT PENNEY is one of the squad.

• 1. Marcus Dewhurst, 2. Josh Brooking, 2. Ollie Harfield, 4. Luke Jennings, 5.Ben Jackson, 6. Theo Widdrington, 7. Cameron Hargreaves, 8. Tyler Frost, 9. Kwame Thomas, 10. Josh Barrett, 11. Ryan Jones, 12. Keane Anderson, 14. Jed Meerholz, 16. Pat Nash, 17. James Henry, 18. Kiban Rai, 19. Ryan Hill, 20. Haydon Vaughan, 21. Ashley Akpan, 22. Olly Scott, 23. Hady Ghandour, 24. Maxwell Mullins, 25. Will Nightingale, 26. Joe Lewis-Evans, 28. Archy Taylor, 30. Tristan Abrahams, 32. James Clarridge, 34. Dejan Tetek, 42, Matt Penney

ALTY OLD BOYS

They were a goal up when he left the action, and within 8 minutes they led 3-0. Crewe fought back, but fell short losing 3-2.

Meanwhile in the Welsh Premier League, JOEL TORRANCE was kept busy in the Bala Town goal, as newly promoted Flint Town United forced him to make 6 saves. The game ended 1-1.

In other news, Carlisle United has an interview with REGAN LINNEY.

AFC Fylde "announce the signing of defender LIAM BROCKBANK (below, left) following a successful trial period at Mill Farm.

The left-back has featured in most of Fylde’s pre-season friendlies, performing very well down the left-hand side...

After coming through the ranks with Carlisle United, the 24-year-old has spent all of his career in Non-League, moving from Workington to Lancaster City in July 2021.

He then earned a move to National League side Altrincham, in what was seen as a real coup for Phil Parkinson, who landed the highly-rated Brockbank...

AFC Fylde Head Coach Craig Mahon added 'Liam has been with us since day one of pre-season and has shown real character, consistency, and commitment throughout'">

Mahon was a player At Alty when Brockbank played there.

The BBC confirms that "Chesterfield have signed midfielder JAMES BERRY back on loan from Wycombe seven months after he made the move to Adams Park.

The 24-year-old was a key part of the Spireites side who won promotion from the National League in 2023-24 and scored 10 goals before Christmas last year.

He moved to Wycombe in January but played just 34 minutes of football for the Chairboys as manager Mike Dodds said he could be a 'slow burner' of a signing.

The winger has now returned to Chesterfield for the season".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The striker brings National League pedigree, having scored a total of 52 goals in the fifth tier of English football.

'I’m delighted,' said Dallas. 'From the outside looking in, I’ve always thought this is a massive club, one that’s big enough to be out of the division'...

Dallas came through the youth system of Scottish giants Rangers, getting his first opportunities of senior football at Stenhousemuir and Greenock Morton before moving to Cambridge United.

A fruitful loan spell at Weymouth in 2021 saw the striker net 12 times in 25 appearances, before joining Solihull Moors... before joining fellow National League outfit Chesterfield on loan in March 2023...

He was snapped up by League One outfit Barnsley... Since then, the 26-year-old has spent time on loan at Kilmarnock, Oldham Athletic, Barrow, and Morecambe".

The Yorkshire Post "The Scot, 26, made five appearances early on in 23-24 for the Oakwell outfit, scoring in the opening-day rout against Port Vale, but soon headed out on loan to SPL outfit Kilmarnock...

He was recalled by the Reds and went out for a second temporary stint... to Conference side Oldham Athletic, where he made 14 appearances without scoring...

He netted five times in 23 appearances [for Barrow] before linking up with... Morecambe in the second half of last term, scoring three ties in 17 games for the Shrimps".

Wealdstone "announce the signing of 21-year-old forward Daniel Nkrumah on a permanent basis.

The diminutive attacker came through the youth ranks at Leyton Orient...

After seven appearances for Orient during the 21/22 season, he joined Welling United on two separate loan spells throughout the following campaign...

The summer of 2023 saw the youngster join Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee. At the back end of the season, he joined Dagenham and Redbridge on loan, making four appearances for the Daggers.

Last season, Nkrumah spent the final weeks of the campaign on loan at promotion-challengers FC Halifax Town. He made seven appearances for the Shaymen".

Also, Wealdstone have signed "experienced goalkeeper Lucas Covolan!

The shot-stopper was born in Curitiba, Brazil and spent his youth playing for a Vasco da Gama team that included the likes of Philippe Coutinho...

Covolan moved to Europe in the summer of 2014. He first joined Atlético Rafal, before moving to Alaró the following season.

Covolan’s move to England came in 2016 as he played for Whitehawk, Lewes and Worthing before signing a professional contract with Torquay United.

He made 53 appearances across two seasons for the Gulls... His impressive performances in the National League earned him a move to Port Vale, where he played 21 league games as his new side won promotion from League Two.

After 13 games for Chesterfield during the 2022/23 season, Covolan joined Maidstone United in the summer of 2023...

Last season, he played 30 games in the National League for Braintree Town and Ebbsfleet United, before ending the season in the National League South with promotion-chasers Worthing".

Iron-Bru report that "Scunthorpe boss Andy Butler has urged patience and realism as the club navigates the significant step up in competition...

The manager has spent the summer reinforcing his squad...

Butler told BBC Radio Humberside 'It’s been a positive year of learning. You can’t buy experience, so for me, it was a great first season...

'Let’s get to the 50-point mark first... and see where we are..

'I think that we’ve got an excellent squad put together'...

'Don’t put too much expectation and too much pressure on the players, because we all want to do well'...

With his own contract expiring at the end of the season, the manager remains unflustered about his personal situation...

'I’m just taking it one game by one game, that’s all I can do,' he said".

The BBC reports that "The Prince of Wales has written to Truro City captain Connor Riley-Lowe to wish the club well ahead of their first season in the National League....

'The Duke knows that you have only just returned home after a few years away, and like everyone else in Cornwall will be cheering you on,' the letter from his private secretary read...

'Prince William has asked me to pass on his warmest congratulations in getting promoted to the National League as Cornwall's first professional team'...

They are the first team from Cornwall to ever reach the fifth tier of English football and the first side from the county to go fully professional."

The BBC states that "Prospective Morecambe buyers Panjab Warriors have claimed that owner Jason Whittingham cancelled a scheduled mediation session in relation to the protracted purchase of the club.

In a statement issued on Friday, Panjab Warriors said they had agreed to a meeting with a 'mutually known' independent mediator at the request of Whittingham and co-owner Colin Goldring.

A meeting was set up in London on Thursday but the pair cancelled the meeting on Wednesday evening, according to Warriors' statement.

The mediator, who Panjab Warriors claimed had been appointed by Whittingham and Goldring, later informed the group that they would no longer be facilitating discussions.

'This ongoing pattern of avoidance must end. We urge Jason and Colin to stop prolonging the suffering of everyone impacted by the current crisis at Morecambe FC,' the statement added.".

8 August, 2025

ALTY SIGN CENTRAL DEFENDER ON LOAN

The towering 21-year old defender was described as 'the perfect match' for Alty's needs by the Robins boss after meeting and training with his new team-mates...

Uttoxeter-born Dan will wear shirt number 34...

Parkinson said 'Everyone can see we are a little bit depleted in that area at the moment, with a few players having knocks and niggles...

'Dan, at 21 and with the experience he has had and how close he has been to the first team at Blackpool this pre-season, is perfect for what we need right now.

'His skill-set suits us and so does his background at Burnley and the style of football he was brought up to produce under Vincent Kompany...

Dan, who started out at Stoke City's Academy and then captained Burnley's under-21s, joined Blackpool in February last year.

He had two spells with Rochdale, the second being interrupted when he was recalled to make his senior Blackpool debut... and one with AFC Fylde".

CLASH OF DEPLETED SIDES

The National League reports that at Aldershot, "The club have been busy in the transfer market this week and they’ve needed to be after some cruel close season injury news.

Josh Brooking will miss the majority of the season after rupturing his Achilles in a friendly.

Olly Scott and Ollie Harfield are progressing from their set-backs but also won’t be back for some time.

Tyler Frost, Kwame Thomas, James Henry and Dejan Tetek are all rated doubtful for the weekend opener at Altrincham.

Tommy Widdrington, who signed centre-back Will Nightingale this week, says 'We’ve got our eyes firmly fixed on our first game at Altrincham, and what comes after... We’ve had a lot of new faces, it’s a new group again and we’re already seeing partnerships develop'".

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

Last season The Shots won the corresponding tie 2-1

Right: Alex Newby (right) is congratulated on his goal, with Lucas Weaver in the foreground.

Despite Regan Linney being suspended, Tylor Golden not being involved, presumably through injury, and Joe Nuttall, Ollie Crankshaw, Ethan Ross, Eddy Jones and James Jones all being known to be sidelined through injury, Alty nevertheless also rested Lewis Baines and Tom Crawford, naming both on the bench.

Consequently five of their starting eleven had previously started just eight or fewer league games this season. In short, it was a far from first-choice Altrincham team which lined up against Aldershot, who had beaten Alty 2-1 in the reverse fixture.

In the end, a tired-looking and injury-weakened Altrincham slumped to a fourth league defeat in five, against an Aldershot side which deserved the points.

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

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

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

JOEL GOES ON LOAN

Altrincham's highly-rated young defender had a hugely-successful loan spell at NPL West Division Witton Albion last season which culminated in former Robins favourite Ben Harrison recognising his immense contribution by naming him manager's player-of-the-year.

Now he is stepping up a level to the Premier Division by joining Bamber Bridge, managed by Jamie Milligan, on a season-long loan...

Said the Alty boss Phil Parkinson, 'It's the perfect fit for him. Bamber Bridge and Milly as a manager are a match made in heaven for a player of Joel's talent.

'He is a footballing centre-half, and Bamber Bridge play a really expansive brand of football. It will suit him down to the ground'".

ALTY OLD BOYS

In Dublin, St.Patrick's were already 4 goals down at half time against the Turkish side Besiktas, who are managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - former Chelsea and England striker Tammy Abraham notched a hat trick.

The Irish side did at least reduce the arrears early in the second half, but look unlikely to progress with a 1-4 deficit to overcome. The scoring was all over before BARRY BAGGLEY came off the bench in the 82nd minute.

ALTY'S REVAMPED LOYALTY SCHEME

"After a full review of our existing loyalty scheme, we’ve made the decision to streamline the structure from three tiers down to two — making it easier to understand, easier to join, and easier to manage.

Discontinued Tiers: Premium, VIP and Elite levels have been retired.

New Structure:

• Patron – £50
• Royalty Gold – £150
• Royalty Platinum – £500

Each level offers increasing access, benefits and recognition, giving you the chance to support the club in a way that suits you — while being part of something special".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 21-year-old joined Blues in September 2023 from Charlton Athletic's academy but did not feature for the first team during his time at St Andrew's.

Last season Kamara joined Welling United on loan in January 2025, having had a loan with Corinthian Casuals in 2023-24.

Brackley Town have announced their squad numbers for the new season.

The squad comprises just nineteen players.

The best known to Altrincham supporters is former player JUSTIN DONAWA who will wear number seventeen, which was also his squad number at the J. Davidson Stadium.

The squad: 1. Jonny Maxted, 2. Tyler Lyttle, 3. Riccardo Calder, 4. Jack Price, 5. Kyle Morrison,6. Gareth Dean, 7. Scott Pollock, 8. Zak Brown, 9. Miracle Okafor, 10. Morgan Roberts, 11. Matt Lowe, 12. Michael Nottingham, 14. Danny Waldron, 17. Justin Donawa, 19. Zak Lilly, 21. Cameron Gregory, 23. Shane Byrne, 27. Connor Hall, 37. Ryan Haynes.

And coincidentally another ex-Alty man has selected number seventeen as Eastleigh announce their squad numbers.

Eastleigh explain that "the 11 new signings made by Eastleigh have been allocated the following squad numbers: Nick Townsend (1), Temi Eweka (6), Kieron Evans (7), Aaron Blair (11), Aaron Pierre (16), JOSH LUNDSTRAM (17), Sonnie Davis (21), Josh McNamara (22), Louie Holzman (23), Jordan Cousins (24), and Archie Harris (27)".

Otherwise, "Players who were at the club during the 2024/25 season have all kept their same numbers for the new season.

Four of our Elite Development Squad players have been given a shirt number for the season" adding up to a squad, like Altrincham's, of twenty-four players.

Gateshead, like Alty, met Darlington this summer; however The Heed won their encounter.

However, new manager Alun Armstrong felt that, in the first half, "we became predictable and boring. We had to fix it at half-time and. to be fair to the lads, they did...

"Bringing on young lad Callum Bone gave us that bright spark, making things tick... But I wasn't at all happy with the [last] 35 minutes of the first half...

"People probably got scared when I came in and I said I was going to look at the lads in the academy but I saw what they were capable of. Will they be ready straight away?... We've got to not expect too much too soon...

"Pre-season's gone really well" apart from a thrashing by Dunston where "They had nine shots, scored seven", explained Armstrong.

Rochdale, like other clubs this week, have announced their squad numbers which include a former Alty loanee in LIAM HUMBLES.

"In terms of the new arrivals, goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff will don the number one jersey with Tom Myles wearing number 20. Defenders David Tutonda & Dan Moss have chosen three & 22 respectively.

Joe Pritchard and Bryce Hosannah have opted for 17 & 23. As for our newest midfielders, Casey Pettit will wear 16 with Liam Humbles going for the number 47 shirt.

Summer additions from Hartlepool United in Anthony Gomez-Mancini and Emmanuel Dieseruvwe will wear 11 and nine for the club, with Walsall loanee Levi Amantchi opting for number 12.

That leaves the remaining 13 players who will all retain their 2024/25 squad numbers...

The confirmed squad list for 2025/26... 1. Oliver Whatmuff, 2. Kyron Gordon, 3. David Tutonda, 4. Ryan East, 5. Liam Hogan, 6. Ethan Ebanks-Landell (c), 7. Tarryn Allarakhia, 8. Harvey Gilmour, 9. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, 10. Devante Rodney, 11. Anthony Gomez-Mancini, 12. Levi Amantchi, 14. Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, 15. Retired in memory of Joe Thompson, 16. Casey Pettit, 17. Joe Pritchard, 18. Aidan Barlow, 19. Jake Burger, 20. Tom Myles, 21. Connor McBride, 22. Dan Moss, 23. Bryce Hosannah, 24. Corey Edwards, 33. Sam Beckwith, 40. Ian Henderson, 47. Liam Humbles".

So Dale's squad is 25-strong.

Truro City "announce the signing of midfielder Jake Taylor, on a short-term contract.

The 26-year-old has been training with the Tinners...

Manchester born, Taylor came through the ranks at ... Nottingham Forest, before joining Port Vale on loan in 2019, with the Valiants then managed by current City chief John Askey... [In] 2020-21, Taylor had a second loan spell away from Forest, this time at Scunthorpe United...

Taylor re-joined Port Vale, on a permanent basis, helping the side win promotion to League 1, via a 3-0 play-off final win at Wembley... In June 2022, he moved north to Morecambe, where he remained until the end of 2023-24 term".

Wealdstone "announce the permanent signing of 26-year-old midfielder Nathan Tshikuna.

Nathan began working his way up the English football pyramid, including spells at the likes of Aylesbury United, Bedford Town and AFC Rushden & Diamonds before joining Tamworth in 2023.

Scoring nine goals in 42 appearances, Nathan was a key component of Tamworth’s 2023/24 National League North win... before making the move to Eastleigh in February of 2024".

Woking "confirm that the entire Chris Lane Terrace will be allocated to Carlisle United supporters for this Saturday’s Enterprise National League opener at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.

This move comes in response to the exceptionally high demand for away tickets from travelling Carlisle fans and will provide them with the full allocation of 1,180 spaces in the Chris Lane Terrace.

Home fans who have already purchased tickets in the Chris Lane Terrace will be contacted directly by the club’s ticketing team in the coming days to arrange alternative seating options elsewhere in the stadium..

In addition, Carlisle United supporters will be able to enjoy our brand-new Away Fan Zone, located adjacent to the Chris Lane Terrace... offering a variety of hot food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages".

7 August 2025

COMPLEX FIXTURE DIARY

This time it is a home game for Alty, to which the supporters of Sutton United will have to set off early in the morning to reach Moss Lane by lunchtime on 6 September, a change of kick-off time which is reported by Altrincham FC

With two more of the first eight games being on a Tuesday evening and a Wednesday evening respectively, Altrincham now have games on four different days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday) and three different kick-off times (12.30pm, 3pm, 7.45pm), all in their first eight fixtures.

Just three of those eight games as 3pm starts and only one of those is at Moss Lane on a Saturday; that is tomorrow's fixture.

1. Sat.9.8.25 H ALDERSHOT TOWN 3pm
2. Sat.16.8.25 A Rochdale NB 12.30pm
3. Tue.19.8.25 H HARTLEPOOL UNITED 7.45pm
4. Sat.23.8.25 A Morecambe NB 12.30pm
5. Mon.25.8.25 H SOLIHULL MOORS 3pm
6. Sat.30.8.25 A Eastleigh 3pm
7. Wed.3.9.25 A Gateshead 7.45pm
8. Sat.6.9.25 H SUTTON UNITED NB 12.30pm

SQUAD NUMBERS RELEASED

24 players comprise the squad currently.

1 Ethan Ross; 2 Lewis Banks; 3 Sam Reed; 4 Lewis Baines (c); 5 Jake Cooper; 6 Elliot Osborne; 7 Olly Crankshaw; 8 Isaac Marriott; 9 James Gale; 10 Keaton Ward; 11 Jimmy Knowles; 14 Matty Kosylo; 15 Billy Sass-Davies; 16 Remi Raymond; 17 Lucas Weaver; 18 Owen German; 19 Lucas Edwards; 20 Kahrel Reddin; 22 Tom Crawford; 23 Tylor Golden; 25 Joel Bailey; 27 Louie Fallon; 30 Luke Hutchinson; 40 Charlie Kirk

ALTY OLD BOYS

"Regan Linney grew up supporting Liverpool but, when Manchester United legend Mark Hughes came calling at Carlisle United this summer, the decision was fairly simple...

The allure of working under Hughes and trying to get Carlisle back to the EFL was too great to turn down.

'I’ve loved working under the gaffer so far,' Linney tells DAZN News... 'He’s different to the other managers I’ve had...

The Cumbrians are the bookies’ favourites to win the division and Linney adds...'There was interest from them [Carlisle] back in January and I did have a few options in the Football League this summer.

'But I chose Carlisle because of the project of getting the club back where it belongs and yes, the gaffer helped me to make my decision'...

Linney adds 'Last season at Altrincham, even though we didn’t get in the play-offs, we had a really good group on and off the pitch.

'We were all in it together and it’s the same here at Carlisle... ’d say this is the best group of players I’ve been involved in.'"

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

For absolute clarity, neither the Club nor Chairman have asked for other clubs in the National League to exclude or ban Mr. Stelling from matches at their grounds.

Mr. Stelling resigned whilst making unfounded accusations about the treatment of an unnamed party that he claimed had interest in takeover of the Club.

At that time Mr. Stelling declined to say what that treatment was or how he came to know of it. One explanation is that he was wrongly given information by a source or a prospective buyer.

At no time did Mr. Stelling ask the Club or Chairman for a factual position on those takeover matters. Further Mr. Stelling could not have been privy to any of the factual negotiations for takeover as all parties involved signed Non-Disclosure Agreements. Mr. Stelling was not party to those agreements or the negotiations.

The letter that the Club recently sent to National League opposition simply informed opposition that Mr Stelling no longer held a formal role and considerately asked opposition not to allocate Mr. Stelling dignitary places or seating, so as to avoid any unnecessary confusion or embarrassment on matchdays for the benefit of all parties including Mr. Stelling.

Mr. Stelling is of course able to attend away matches in any other capacity, as he stated was his intention when he resigned. At no point has the Club or Chairman requested or suggested that be otherwise.

Forest Green Rovers "announce the signing of attacking midfielder Nick Haughton from AFC Fylde on a permanent deal.

He enjoyed an excellent 24/25 campaign at the Coasters – scoring 19 league goals and made a number of assists missing just one match all season...

He was named in the National League Team of the Season. The 30-year-old has spent seven years at Fylde – making 273 appearances".

Also joining FGR is " Aidan Dausch on a season-long loan from Coventry City.

The 19-year-old... spent time on loan at National League South side St Albans City last term...

Aidan joins fellow Coventry City loanee Isaac Moore at the club for the 25/26 season".

Meanwhile three FGR players are heading trough the exit door.

"Full-back Jamie Robson has left the club with immediate effect" reports FGR.

"Robson signed in January 2023 and went on to make 122 appearances... The 27-year-old was an ever-present in the 2024-25 season, winning the Player of the Season award and helping the club to a third-place finish in the National League.

FGR also "confirm that forward Joe Quigley has left the club with immediate effect.

The 28-year-old departs GL6 after a season in Gloucestershire following his move from Chesterfield - making 38 league appearances last term. [It was later reported that Quigley had signed for Oldham Athletic].

The third leaver from Forest Green is "midfielder Charlie McCann...

McCann signed in the January 2023 transfer window and proceeded to make 89 appearances in his two-and-a-half seasons with the club.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a strong scoring season last term with 11 goals to his name".

6 August 2025

NEXT OPPONENTS: ALDERSHOT TOWN

Aldershot Town have made their second new signing of the week with the arrival "of central defender Will Nightingale!

The 30-year-old joins the club as a free agent, having left AFC Wimbledon in June following two seasons on loan with Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.

Nightingale joined the Wombles at the age of nine... He would eventually make his league debut for the side in January 2015, and would go on to make over 200 appearances for the Dons...

Leaving one phoenix club for another, Will Nightingale brings a wealth of Football League experience...

Manager Tommy Widdrington said, “The squad has obviously been depleted in options with the injuries we’ve had so I’m delighted to be able to get Will through the door... We feel he’ll be a brilliant fit in with our group whilst also helping our ambitions on the pitch.”

YOUNG PLAYERS GO OUT ON LOAN

The left back has already started three games for the Manchester Premier Cup holders, most recently in their resounding 4-0 win against Thackley in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.

Fellow first team squad member Owen German started in midfield for Alfreton Town in the National League North side's final friendly of the summer, a 1-1 draw with Quorn.

Second year scholar Max Beddow started in goal for Barnton, winning man-of-the-match as his temporary team won 2-1 at Allscott Heath in the NWCFL Division One South. Harry Watson appeared from the bench in that game.

Also in the NWCFL Division One South, Isaac Mannion came off the bench for Cheadle Heath Nomads as they won 3-0 at home against Foley Meir.

There were also appearances in the Cheshire League for Henry Watts, Harley Renshaw and Ryan Knowles at Broadheath Central, Theo Bunting and Kian Leckey with Vulcan and Charlie Hough for Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves."

Footnote: Irlam, where Lucas is playing, is managed by former Alty winger John Johnson.

ALTY OLD BOYS

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Chris Millington was a constant figure in the dugout.

It now falls to Adam Lakeland, and his assistant Sam Walker, a former Halifax player, to pick up the baton and ensure The Shaymen stay among the National League's pacesetters.

Millington had his critics, who disliked the style of play and lack of goals under his watch, but the end results were undeniably impressive.

Yes, Town bowed out at the first hurdle in the play-offs on all four occasions while Millington was at the club, but getting there in the first place was a magnificent achievement each time, considering the comparitive paucity of money and resources at his disposal...

It remains to be seen how quickly the club adjusts to a new squad, a new management team and a new pitch".

Solihull Moors "confirm that Stephen Ward will be leaving the Moors as our Director of Football".

Ward said, "After spending 20 years in professional football, I know how difficult it is to find the right balance between football and family. I feel now is the right time for me to step away and spend more time with my young family and explore new opportunities with them. I mentioned to the Chairman that this was something I planned to do, and his understanding of my decision was fully supportive and appreciated. ..

I was once told that the most important thing in football was for a club to have the right owner, and Darryl has shown this by his continued commitment, support and dedication to Solihull Moors...

The most important thing for me was to remain at the club until the start of the season to ensure everything was in place for the team to be ready for the challenges that lie ahead this season.

[With others] I have worked hard all summer to build this new team, and we believe we have assembled an exceptional squad of talented players to once again challenge at the top end of the National League...

Watching Moors walk out at Wembley was a moment I will cherish forever... It was very special to see a club of our size compete in such an iconic football stadium".

Boreham Wood "announce the signing of experienced midfielder, Tom White.

The 28-year-old becomes our fifth summer addition, joining Luke Garrard’s side after his departure from Morecambe, and will wear number 19.

White brings a wealth of experience across the National League and EFL, with previous spells at clubs including Barrow, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Gateshead and Hartlepool United before his move to Morecambe last year...

White’s breakthrough came at Gateshead, where... he enjoyed a standout 2018–19 campaign with 43 league appearances, a campaign in which the midfielder represented England C on two occasions...

Following a spell with Morecambe last season, Tom arrives in WD6 looking to make a big impact in black and white...

We recognise that his signing comes in the wake of deeply unfortunate circumstances surrounding fellow National League side Morecambe, brought about by the actions of their owner. We would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the loyal Shrimps supporters".

5 August 2025

ALTY SQUAD PHOTO

It depicts 24 players, as follows...

Back row: Jimmy Knowles, Joel Bailey, Billy Sass-Davies, Luke Hutchinson, Ethan Ross, Louie Fallon, Jake Cooper, James Gale, Charlie Kirk
Middle row: Remi Raymond, Owen German, Lewis Banks, Tom Crawford, Sam Reed, Lucas Weaver, Keaton Ward, Olly Crankshaw, Matty Kosylo
Front row: Lucas Edwards, Tylor Golden, Elliot Osborne, Neil Sorvel (assistant manager), Phil Parkinson (manager), Lewis Baines, Kahrel Reddin and Isaac Marriott

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

Right: Altrincham had to field two trialist centre-backs on Saturday in their final pre-season game. Here we see the trialists in question, Declan Drysdale (left) and Ben Lomax.

Last season, The Shots won the corresponding fixture, 2-1, thanks to an 88th minute goal.

Apart from champions Barnet and forth-placed Rochdale, Aldershot Town was the only club to perform a league double over Altrincham having also beaten the Robins 2-1 at the Recreation Ground (EBB Stadium).

The Shots finished the season seven points and seven places behind Altrincham in the National League. They finished 16th whilst the Robins ended the campaign in ninth place.

However, Aldershot finished the season by winning the Isuzu FA Trophy.

WOMEN DRAW MACC AGAIN

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 23-year-old scored in a friendly for the Robins against Swansea City last week while on trial.

The former Wrexham and Liverpool academy player returned to north Wales in 2017 and has gone on to play 12 league games for the club - five in the National League and seven in League Two.

He has spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley... and all of last season on loan at National League side Altrincham, where he scored twice in 26 league appearances.

'He did really well in trial game he played for us so I'm delighted now to get this one over the line,' Cheltenham boss Michael Flynn told the club website.

'If we can get Jake back to how he was 18 months ago then I think we'll have a very promising player on our hands. He knows where the back of the net is. It's a really positive addition.'"

NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 26-year-old arrives at Huish Park with a strong pedigree in the EFL, having previously featured for clubs including Chelsea, Wimbledon, and most notably AFC Wimbledon and Bristol Rovers...

Manager Mark Cooper said, 'Luke is a really intelligent footballer who brings a lot of quality in possession. He’s got great energy and a good understanding of the game at this level. We’re delighted to have him on board'".

The BBC reports that Truro City "had not been expecting promotion 12 months ago; they only moved into their new stadium at the start of last season when [John] Askey took over [as manager].

Truro have... become fully professional - the first-ever team from Cornwall to do it... Captain Connor Riley-Lowe... has balanced part-time football at Truro with a full-time job as a teacher.

'It still feels a bit strange coming to football every day rather than going into work, but it's been lovely,' he says... But how difficult is it to give up a job that you have studied hard to get the qualifications for...

'It was really tough. I changed my mind about four times... The school was so accommodating'...

For assistant manager Stewart Yetton the promotion came at the perfect time...Shortly after Truro went up he found out he was being made redundant...

Their closest opponents this season will be Yeovil Town - 140 miles and about three hours drive away. No side in the history of English football will have had to travel as far as the Tinners will this season. In total, they will travel around 13,560 miles in the league, with their longest round-trip 914 miles to Gateshead and back at the end of October.

The club has seven away round-trips in excess of 700 miles...

Says Riley-Lowe... 'I think every team in this league will come down the night before, so that's where it does level out a little bit... Now we've gone full-time, we'll be leaving at 10 in the morning. All right, there might be a few longer journeys, but we'll be getting there at a better time of the day'..

Financial problems followed, as did a period of homelessness after the club sold their ground to developers... Truro's [current] ground is undergoing a revamp to allow it to accommodate the extra fans - both home and away - expected this season...

But Askey says... 'The whole club needs a complete overhaul really in its structure, but you can't do everything overnight'".

West Ham United "confirm that Academy goalkeeper Mason Terry has joined National League side Braintree Town on a season-long loan.

The young Hammers’ FA Youth Cup-winning goalkeeper, who signed a new contract with the Club in March, continues his progression up the English football pyramid, having spent the last two seasons on loan in the Isthmian Premier Division and National League South respectively.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper was named Supporters’ Player of the Season during his first senior loan at Concord Rangers, and repeated the feat last term with Hornchurch in the National League South".

4 August 2025

COLCOUGH LEAVES CHESTERFIELD

On its X/twitter feed, Chesterfield FC has announced that "Ryan Colclough has left Chesterfield after a mutual agreement was reached with the club to terminate his contract.

The player is now free to seek an opportunity elsewhere to secure regular first-team football.

The club would like to thank Ryan for his services and wish him all the best for the future".

In his response on social media, Colclough wrote, "I look forward to a new adventure".

Footnote: Now 30 years of age, winger Ryan Colclough made his debut for Altrincham on 24 November 2020, having been signed that day on a short-term contract after departing from Scunthorpe United.

On 12 December 2020, after just one start and two appearances from the bench for Altrincham, Ryan signed for the club until the end of 2021/22 season.

Chesterfield matched his buy-out clause and signed him in a deal that was announced on 12 January 2023, his signature being secured for an undisclosed fee.

His Altrincham appearances totalled 88(+10) games in which he scored 26 goals.

NEW-LOOK ALTY

Since last summer Alty have lost eight players; five were released and three opted to move elsewhere.

Those not retained were Eddy JONES, James JONES, Harvey RANDLE, George WILSON and Remi THOMPSON

James has moved on to Chester FC and George Wilson has signed for AFC Fylde, so the two will face each other in National North whilst the other three have seemingly not joined a new club yet.

The three who opted to move on were Justin AMALUZOR, who joined EFL1 Grimsby Town, and two who moved sideways, Regan LINNEY who signed for Carlisle United and Alex NEWBY who has signed for York City.

Over the summer Altrincham have signed seven new faces:

Above: Alty's seven new faces; (top row) James Gale, Luke Hutchinson, Charlie Kirk, Jimmy Knowles, (lower row) Sam Reed, Billy Sass-Davies, Keaton Ward.

• James GALE - aged 23, striker, signed from Mansfield Town after spending 24/25 on loan at Solihull Moors and Boston United
• Luke HUTCHINSON - aged 22, goalkeeper, signed on season-long loan from Bolton Wanderers
• Charlie KIRK - aged 27, winger, signed after being released by Barrow
• Jimmy KNOWLES - aged 23, striker, signed from Accrington Stanley for an undisclosed fee
• Sam REED - aged 22, left-back, released by Sheffield Wednesday having spent 2024-25 on loan at Boston United and Scarborough Athletic
• Billy SASS-DAVIES- 25, central defender, joined Alty fo a third time after leaving Hartlepool United. Yet to appear on the pitch this summer.
• Keaton WARD - 25, midfielder/number 10, signed as a free agent after his contract expired at Boston United

NEXT OPPONENTS BEATEN

"The Shots’ pre-season ended in defeat as a goal in the fourth minute earned AFC Totton the win.

The home side took the lead... through ex-Shot, Scott Rendell...

Dejan Tetek was substituted after just 25 minutes after going down and receiving treatment in what was hopefully just a precautionary substitution.

Aldershot were far superior in possession... but... the Shots were reduced to launching efforts from distance...

An early second-half change brought a change of positions for a number of the squad as [ex-Alty man] MATT PENNEY (left) was tested out on the left, Jed Meerholz was on the left of the back-three and Ryan Hill, who had started the game on the left, moved in behind Hady Ghandour...

Matt Penney began finding some joy on the left as he superbly took down a great switch of play by Theo Widdrington to beat his man and break into the box but his cutback was cleared...

Not long later, a first-time cross by Penney from the left was met by Abrahams in the middle...

The Shots were continuing to have the higher share of possession and despite pushing for an equaliser, [but] were unable to find one...

Shots lineup: 1. Marcus Dewhurst, 5. Ben Jackson, 6. Theo Widdrington, 7. Cameron Hargreaves (C), 10. Josh Barrett, 19. Ryan Hill (18. Kiban Rai, 75′), 23. Hady Ghandour (30. Tristan Abrahams, 62′), 24. Maxwell Mullins (28. Archy Taylor, 51′), 32. James Clarridge, 34. Dejan Tetek (14. Jed Meerholz, 25′), 42. Matt Penney.

Subs not used: 13. Pat Nash, 12. Keane Anderson, 20. Haydon Vaughan, 25. Kaden Hughes, 26. Joe Lewis-Evans".

ALTY OLD BOYS

He only got onto the pitch in the 90th minute, by which time his team had wrapped up a comfortable 0-2 win, helped considerably by the hosts failing to produce a single attempt on target.

In the FA Extra Preliminary Round SEAN MILLER played for Runcorn Linnets and hit the post as his side won 0-1 at Clitheroe.

On Friday night Bootle beat 1874 Northwich 4-0. DIOR ANGUS scored the third goal and there was a clean sheet for Tony Thompson.

Also in the FA Cup competition a Trafford side including SEAN HIGGINS and JEROME WRIGHT [right] (40 years old next month) beat Barnoldswick 2-0 at Shawe View.

Elsewhere, DARIUS PALMA scored the third goal as his Wythenshawe FC side won 0-3 at Liversedge. Also scoring a third goal was JAMES LAWRIE whose Witton Albion side went on to defeat visitors Cheadle Town 4-3.

In midweek in the NWCFL, JOE MWASILE scored twice for Litherland REMYCA.

On a day when the cricket Test Match was left hanging in the balance, in the Cheshire County Cup Quarter Final, it was a bad day for Timperley's OLLIE BYRNE as they lost heavily, at home, to visitors Maritime CC.

Ian Wilkinson reports that Maritime posted 282-7 but Timperley were skittled out for 163 with the former Altrincham goalkeeper out for a duck after facing two balls as an opening batsman.

3 August, 2025

POST-MATCH PARKY

Phil said that the match was "Exactly what we needed, a competitive game" even though injuries mean "We haven't got our centre-half pairing yet and we've got a new keeper". As a consequence "mistakes are going to happen".

Asked about the two trialist centre-backs, the Alty boss said that "Ben [Lomax, pictured] was superb, coming in from Port Vale". However "Dec [Drysdale] has had a day to forget" though he has "been brilliant in the previous two games and has shown class".

Asked about Olly Crankshaw, Phil thought that "the tackle on him was shocking, a straight red" but it was not punished that way. He was pleased to see Olly complete "his first ninety". Crankshaw did complete ninety minutes on his debut in 2023 but this was his first ninety since his ACL injury.

Up front, "James [Gale, left] is taking pole position" having scored four times in pre-season. Fellow forward "Jimmy Knowles has got real quality, his finishing is second to none but we haven't seen that yet".

Phil also remarked that Keaton Ward "is a real goal threat" and overall the "front line are certainly posing a threat"

As the season starts, injuries mean that the "centre-backs are the big question mark". However, the manager has "every hope that Jake Cooper and Billy Sass-Davies (right) will be returning to training this week".

He continued, "In the past we've had continuity in the central positions... We might be a bit inconsistent at the start [of the season] with so many new players".

Referring to the opening fixture, at home to Isuzu FA Trophy holders Aldershot Town, the Altrincham manager said, "I've got a lot of time for Tommy Widdrington and his team".

"We're very similar clubs and have a similar standing in the division", he added.

Looking forward to the new season, Phil judged that "We need to get them [the injured players] all on the pitch and we'll be a real force".

ALTRINCHAM 1-3 NOTTINGHAM FOREST "B"

But despite numerous changes of personnel during the game, they steadied the ship and kept the score down to 1-3.

Right: Captain for the day, Elliot Osborne exhorts his men with Ollie Cranksahw in the foreground.

Alty fell behind after six minutes when a defensive mistake allowed Berry to advance on goal and smash the ball past Hutchinson in the home goal.

An error by Crankshaw allowed Sillah to get into the box where he was bundled over to win a penalty. Berry beat Hutchinson from the spot so it was 0-2 after 16 minutes.

Then, trialist centre-back Drysdale was outmuscled by Sillah but managed to divert his shot over the bar for a corner. Following the corner, on the right, the ball came back out to the taker, Powell. His shot from right of goal was well saved by Hutchinson but the ball ran for Hanks to make it 0-3 (31 mins).

Just before half time Altrincham got a goal back as Osborne scored a fine goal from 20 yards, leaving the half-time score 1-3.

And so it remained at the final whistle.

Match report here

NEW FACE: BEN LOMAX

Whilst trialist Declan Drysdale had featured in two previous pre-season games, his defensive partner today, Ben Lomax (right) was a new face. A local lad, he was born in Warrington.

Ben is a 19 year-old Port Vale right-sided central defender who played for the Valiants in League One three times in 2023-24.

Last season he made 13 appearances for Peterborough Sports in National North and also made two appearances for Redditch United in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : CHRIS CONN-CLARKE wasn't in the Peterborough United squad that led at the break at Cardiff City before losing 2-1.

JAMES BERRY was similarly left out by Wycombe Wanderers at Bradford City, although JUNIOR QUITIRNA played the first 68 minutes of their 2-1 defeat.

Although Stevenage captain CARL PIERGIANNI picked up a yellow card, his team won 2-3 at Blackpool.

League Two : By the time Barnet withdrew JOE HUGILL after 59 minutes, visitors Fleetwood Town, with TOBY MULLARKEY (right) playing the full match, had already scored the goals that gave them a 0-2 win.

JOEL SENIOR also played the full game, but his Bristol Rovers side fell to the only goal of the game from visitors Harrogate Town.

Cambridge United also found a single goal sufficient to see off Cheltenham Town, for whom JAKE BICKERSTAFF (left) made his debut as a 67th minute substitute.

Chesterfield, without RYAN COLCLOUGH, had already scored the game's only goal when visitors Barrow withdrew ELLIOT NEWBY after an hour.

CONNOR JENNINGS (right) gave Tranmere Rovers the lead after 15 minutes at Colchester United, but he was withdrawn after 71 minutes, and the hosts scored late to secure a 1-1 draw.

JUSTIN AMALUZOR lasted 83 minutes as Grimsby Town dominated against Crawley Town, winning 3-0.

REAGAN OGLE played the whole of Oldham Athletic's goalless draw at MK Dons.

MARCUS DINANGA was also involved in a goalless draw, playing the first 73 minutes for Bromley at Shrewsbury Town.

SONNY ALJOFREE put in a full shift as Notts County came from behind to draw 1-1 at Newport County.

Scottish Premiership : Having been 2-0 up at the break, Kilmarnock conceded a penalty and went down to 10 men. MARCUS DACKERS was withdrawn soon afterwards (68 minutes), and visitors Livingston, whose squad did not include MILES WELCH-HAYES, went on to earn a 2-2 draw.

It is thought that Miles, who is contracted to the club until the end of this season, may be going out on loan again, but he is currently inactive.

Scottish Championship : KIAN TAYLOR was a 79th minute substitute for Morton as they drew 0-0 at home against Dunfermline Athletic.

Friendlies : CALEB ANSEN (left) started for a Norwich City XI against Dutch visitors NAC Breda. It's not known if he played the whole game, but the Canaries won 1-0

CONNOR TEALE played the full game as Boston United racked up a 6-0 home win over Sheffield United U21.

DAN MOONEY gave Kidderminster Harriers an early lead, but visitors Solihull Moors fought back to win 1-2.

Chester's starting line up included JAMES JONES, TOM PEERS, and DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY, while REGAN LINNEY started for visitors Carlisle United. Tom was withdrawn after 58 minutes, and 8 minutes later Regan was brought down in the box, with his side going ahead from the resulting penalty. James left the game after 73 minutes, and the Cumbrians won 0-2.

With their game at Weston-super-Mare goalless at the break, Yeovil Town brought on KYLE FERGUSON (right), but the National South side later scored the game's only goal.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Just weeks after the club smashed its previous record for season ticket sales, Friday’s numbers revealed that 50% of tickets for the first three home league fixtures have already been sold.

John Askey’s side will kick off their debut season at Step One of the non-League pyramid with an away trip to Wealdstone, followed by a National League Cup tie against Southampton.

Truro then returns home for three consecutive Saturday fixtures, starting with a clash against York City on Saturday 16th August... It will be streamed live across the globe, the first time any Cornish club has received this level of exposure from the sports streaming giant...

Truro City’s head of commercial Rob Butland said... 'We were expecting strong ticket sales but today’s results have simply blown us away...

'We have gone from being homeless and without a home, to winning National League South and now playing against some big clubs with rich and successful histories... We are anticipating these games to sell out very quickly@".

Like Altrincham, Brackley Town have gone for a new away kit featuring yellow and black. However, the Northamptonshire club's choice is yellow with black swirling stripes, as opposed to Alty's black shirt with yellow diagonal stripes.

Brackley Town "are proud to reveal the club’s brand new away kit for the 2025/26 campaign, a bold design that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter...

The new shirt features a vivid yellow base with dynamic black wave patterns, bringing energy, movement, and a strong sense of identity to the design. The iconic Adidas three stripes run along the sleeves, giving a classic finish to a thoroughly modern look.

Paired with black shorts and yellow socks, the full kit offers a striking visual on the pitch".

2 August, 2025

TODAY: NOTTINGHAM FOREST PL2

The only Altrincham squad member not seen in pre-season, so far, is summer signing Billy Sass-Davies who has been absent with an unspecified injury which manager Phil Parkinson indicated, in a recent interview, should be remedied by the start of the league season.

Indeed, centre-back has become a significant problem over the summer.

Above: Seven potential central defenders for today's game; top row, left to right, Lewis Baines, Jake Cooper, Billy Sass-Davies, Owen German; bottom row, left to right, Joel Bailey, Lewis Banks, Declan Drysdale.

Phil Parkinson indicated that this was a "precautionary" move.

Another player who has featured at centre-back this summer is Owen German. Owen has now been loaned to Alfreton Town so, as on Tuesday, he is unlikely to be available for his employers today.

The most recent two friendlies have seen a loanee, Declan Drysdale, brought in to play in the centre of defence and he has acquitted himself well. However, he, too, suffered a knock on Tuesday night and was substituted midway through the second half. Whether he will feature today or, indeed, be signed on for league action next week remains to be seen.

Also playing as centre-back over the summer was Academy graduate Joel Bailey who spent last season on loan at Witton Albion and who might be expected to have another loan in 2025-26.

Lewis Banks who is normally deployed at right-back has covered in central defence this summer so that means that at least seven players have either featured in central defence this summer or have joined the club as a recognised centre-back.

Those seven are: Lewis Baines, Jake Cooper, Declan Drysdale, Billy Sass-Davies, Owen German, Joel Bailey, Lewis Banks.

Which two (or three) will be named at the heart of the Altrincham back-line to face Forest today?

FIRST OPPONENTS' NEW SIGNING

Aldershot Town "confirm the signing of central defender Ben Jackson!

The 21-year-old has been a trialist for the Shots this pre-season and has done enough to impress Tommy Widdrington in the fixtures he played a part in and in training.

Jackson joins the Shots after leaving Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer where he spent five years...

He spent last season on loan with Livingston and Queen’s Park in the Scottish Championship...

Widdrington said:... 'With our recent record of recruiting young defenders from developmental football, and having spoke to people who’d worked with Ben, we felt he could well be a good fit...

'He has shown confidence and sound basics in the central defensive role we were looking to add'".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Back in England's League One, it fell to Luton Town and visitors AFC Wimbledon to kick off the season in front of Sky TV's cameras. In all honesty it was poor fare, with the hosts producing the only attempt on target, so it was quite fitting that a late own goal handed victory to them. ALI SMITH laboured in vain for the full game.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Simon Grayson’s off-field staff will consist of Neil McDonald, Adam Smith and Nicky Featherstone – the latter two continuing their dual roles of player-coach.

Jake Lloyd joins the Club as Strength and Conditioning Coach, with Sam Clifton named as Head of Analysis.

Danny O’Connor remains as Lead Physiotherapist.

Ronnie Moore will remain in his capacity as Chief Scout, supported by Jem Dennis as Head of Recruitment Analysis. [Moore was sadly diagnosed with cancer recently].

• First Team Manager – Simon Grayson
• Assistant First Team Manager – Neil McDonald
• First Team Player/Coach – Nicky Featherstone
• First Team Player/Goalkeeping Coach – Adam Smith
• First Team Lead Physiotherapist – Danny O’Connor
• Strength and Conditioning Coach – Jake Lloyd
• Head of Analysis – Sam Clifton
• First Team Kit Manager – Lee Sweeney

Yeovil Town "confirm the signing of goalkeeper Jed Ward on a season-long loan from Bristol Rovers.

The 22-year-old brings a wealth of senior experience to Huish Park, having made 42 Football League appearances for his parent club Bristol Rovers. In addition to his EFL experience, Ward impressed on loan in the National League, making 31 appearances for Forest Green Rovers last season and 19 appearances for Wealdstone the year before.

A highly rated young talent, Ward is known for his sharp reflexes, commanding presence, and calmness under pressure. His arrival adds proven quality between the posts as Mark Cooper continues to shape his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign'".

Wealdstone "announce the addition of four highly experienced professionals to Sam Cox’s first team management setup...

Joining as Assistant Coach - Technical Lead, Danny Payne brings a track record in football development and senior team management. Most recently, Danny was First Team Manager at Biggleswade Town... Danny is the Managing Director of the Pro Direct Academy, one of the UK’s largest private football development programmes with over 6,000 registered players aged 5 to 21...

We also welcome Liam Badcock as Assistant Coach - Tactical Lead, who will work alongside the existing team while continuing his role as Academy Performance Analyst at Arsenal FC...

We are also pleased to confirm the appointment of Steve Bates as First Team Coach. Steve holds a UEFA B Licence and was most recently Assistant Manager at Hampton & Richmond Borough, competing in the National League South...

Completing the quartet of new arrivals is Ethan Brewer, who joins as the club’s new Strength and Conditioning Coach".

1 August, 2025

ALTY'S NEW PHYSIO

"Tom was reaching the business end of his sports therapy degree course at the University of Central Lancashire when he answered a call to fill a vacancy on a temporary placement for the last few months of our final season as a part-time club.

The best part of five years later, he's back and, this time, it's for good after he accepted an offer to succeed Tommy Uda...

He's already feeling at home, given the familiar faces from his previous four-month spell at The J.Davidson Stadium and the fact he has already worked with Olly Crankshaw and Kahrel Reddin at other clubs...

'I went through all the different age groups [of cricket] at Lancashire, playing with the likes of Haseeb Hameed, the Parkinson twins and Josh Bohannon, but they released me when I got to under-19s level...

'I soon enrolled on a sports therapy course at the University of Central Lancashire...

'I was fortunate enough to secure a job straightaway at Motherwell,' he said... 'I headed back south after that to take up a position with Stoke City's Academy...

'This is my first opportunity at senior first-team level, and I'm really looking forward to it... I was at Motherwell when Olly Crankshaw (let) was there on loan and I was with Kahrel Reddin (right) at Stoke, so I'm not going in at the deep end too much."

NEXT: NOTTINGHAM FOREST PL2

Forest's PL2 side finished fifteenth in the twenty-six strong Premier League 2 table in 2024-25 season.

KIRK TO STAR IN ALTY'S ENTERPRISE

Parkinson freely admitted the Winsford-born attacker should still be plying his trade at a much higher level.... 'Charlie is a player I never thought would be within our reach at 27 years old, but I’m just really pleased he is here and we’ve got it all done.

'He should be playing much higher, but for one reason or another, we find ourselves in the fortunate position where he is needing our support. His quality is unquestionable and his pedigree speaks for itself, but the biggest thing for me was his desire to come to Altrincham'" said the Altrincham manager.

WOMEN'S FA CUP

As a Tier 6 team, the Robins enter the competition at the first round qualifying stage on Sunday September 7th. The draws for both the preliminary and first qualifying rounds take place on Monday 4 August.

The prize money for the competition has increased significantly in recent years, and in the first qualifying round, the winning club secures £1,800 in prize money and the losing club £450...

The season will kick-off with the preliminary round on Sunday August 24th".

Footnote: Last season Altrincham FC Women bowed out of the Adobe Women's FA Cup in the First Round Qualifying, losing 1-3 at Moss Lane, against Macclesfield FC Women.

FIRST LEAGUE OPPONENTS: ALDERSHOT TOWN

The BBC reports that "Aldershot Town's head of recruitment Jamie Hedges has been charged after breaking the FA's gambling rules.

As a result he has been given a two-month ban from football with immediate effect and handed an £850 fine.

Aldershot detailed the 25-year-old had placed 2,523 bets placed on football matches between 2 January 2020 and 5 May 2025.

In response to the charge, external, the Shots said they 'will be giving Jamie all the support he needs'.

Hedges joined the club in 2023 having previously worked under first-team manager Tommy Widdrington at Bristol Rovers.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Europa Conference League Qualifier : St.Patrick's took a 1-0 lead to Tallinn, but their Estonian hosts, Kalju, wiped it out two minutes before the interval, and within 4 minutes of the restart they struck again.

BARRY BAGGLEY was substituted after 51 minutes, but, despite dominating, the Irish side looked to be on the way out of the competition.

However, a 91st minute strike forced the game into extra time - and just 3 minutes into the added period the Dublin club scored again, and hung on for the next half hour to draw 2-2 on the night, and go through to the next stage 3-2 on aggregate.

Meanwhile in Belfast, Linfield started their second leg against Lithuanian side Zalgiris level at 0-0. They broke the deadlock after just 6 minutes, going on to win 2-0 despite missing a penalty. SAM ROSCOE played the full game.

Meanwhile in England, Norwich City's first-team squad list reveals that they have six goalkeepers but CALEB ANSEN is not one of those listed.

In the next round St.Patrick's will play the Turkish side Besiktas, while Linfield will take on Vikingur from the Faeroe Islands (a much more favourable prospect).

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The U’s were condemned to a 6-2 defeat against the Lions after a first half hat-trick from Macauley Langstaff set the visitors on their way, and despite goals either side of the break from Ashley Nadesan, couldn’t produce what would have been a remarkable turnaround as a brace from Aidomo Emakhu and a late goal from Josh Coburn put the cherry on top of a fine win for the visitors, and saw Sutton end their home pre-season campaign in defeat...

Said Morison, 'As I said to the players in there, I said there’s levels and difference in levels is you make a mistake, you get punished.”

'I thought they were excellent but I’m really really proud of my players, the fact that we went toe to toe. We didn’t try and not engage in the game, we didn’t lack any belief, we scored two good goals. We could have and should have maybe had one or two more as well...

'But I thought our lads put one hell of a shift in and I thought they showed some really good quality going forward'...

With one more pre-season friendly to go – an away trip to National League South side Hampton & Richmond Borough... 'I might have had an idea of my team six weeks ago, but that’s up for me to know and everyone else to wonder'">

York City report that "Leone Gravata who followed boss Adam Hinshelwood from Sussex football where he managed Worthing, has returned to the county and "joined Horsham FC on a season-long loan.

The 24-year-old will join up with the National South side for the rest of the season.

Leone joined the club in March 2024 from Eastbourne Borough.

Gravata spent the 24/25 season on loan at Chippenham, where he featured 34 times in the league".

Solihull Moors "welcome Goalkeeper Rory Brown to the club.

The 25-year-old keeper joins having left Coleraine this summer in his native Northern Ireland.

However he is no stranger to English football having been at Wolves as a scholar and then Huddersfield Town before he moved back home to play in the Northern Irish League.

Head Coach Matt Taylor told us 'He’s been really impressive. He’s an experienced keeper, a good communicator and he still wants to works hard at his game'...

Rory said... 'It is all set up for a really positive season and I can’t wait to be part of that.'”

Scunthorpe United "invite supporters to the Attis Arena... to discuss and review shareholdings in the company.

Current shareholders are able to ascertain their current stake, and can look at the possibilities to increase their shareholding of the £20 category A shares...

Any supporter who purchases shares will be eligible to attend a shareholders meeting...

Since taking ownership of the football club, there have been 143 new shareholders come on board and support the club, and this is now a limited opportunity to be included in that number, or to extend the shareholding you currently have with us.

This initiative continues our step forward in bringing the club closer to our passionate fanbase, strengthening our foundations both on and off the pitch".

The Morecambe saga took another twist on Thursday as the BBC reported that "The consortium looking to take over ailing National League side Morecambe has said that the club will close on Monday.

Panjab Warriors said in a statement on Wednesday that all first-team operations had stopped because the club's insurance had lapsed.

The group and Morecambe's minority shareholders have now said the academy will shut on Friday and that, as it stands, the club will cease to operate on Monday 4 August".

Rochdale announce the signing of goalkeeper Tom Myles on an initial one-year deal.

The 19-year-old had been on trial with the club during pre-season and joins having departed Manchester United earlier in the summer...

Preston-born Myles joined the Red Devils at the age of six and made the steps all the way up to the Under-21 side last July.

In August of last year, he got his first taste of senior football, joining Northern Premier League outfit Runcorn Linnets as he made 17 appearances... Myles then linked up with Leek Town".

Eastleigh "confirm the signing of full-back Sonnie Davis... until the end of the season!

The 20-year-old full-back arrives on loan following his development at Southampton FC...

Davis made over 20 appearances in Premier League 2, scoring three goals from defence and captaining the side on several occasions.

Sonnie, son of first-team manager Kelvin, signed a contract extension with Southampton in 2023...

Kelvin Davis said 'We needed a similar profile to what we have on the other side in terms of a loan recruitment from a higher league club...

'I’m aware that there’s an obvious connection but ultimately he’s been recruited because of what he can give us on the pitch'".

Truro City "announce the signing of forward Rekeil Pyke on a one-year deal, with an option to extend.

The 27-year-old joins City after his summer release from SkyBet League Two outfit Grimsby Town.

Leeds born, Pyke began his career at Huddersfield Town and made one senior appearance for the Terriers, whilst serving Colchester, Wrexham, Port Vale, Rochdale and Shrewsbury on loan.

He left Huddersfield for the Salop in 2023 and spent three seasons at the Meadow. A loan spell to Scunthorpe ensued... before joining Grimsby for the 2023-24 campaign.

After two years with the Mariners and a short loan at Eastleigh, Pyke becomes the fifth permanent signing Truro have made this summer...

'I have played at this level for Wrexham, whilst also playing in League 1 and 2'", the player added.