The Wealdstone FC Board understands the 32-year-old's wish to pursue this chance, and is appreciative of the manner in which conversations have taken place...

Said Sam Cox of the attacking midfielder's exit... 'Max deserves all the respect and gratitude afforded to him now and in the future. He has a wonderful opportunity in the next stage of his career in football and leaves us with our thanks and best wishes for what comes next for him'...

Kretzschmar scored 25 goals in over 130 appearances for the Stones, since signing in summer 2022 as a free agent after four years with fellow Enterprise National League side Woking".

The player himself told Wealdstone supporters "This decision has not been an easy one — it has taken many days and more than a few sleepless nights... The opportunity to rejoin a manager in Alan Dowson [manager if Hampton & Richmond Borough] whom I trust and respect immensely... was something I simply couldn’t turn down at this stage of my life and career.

I’m incredibly excited to take my first steps into coaching at National League South level, at a club that is very close to my heart".

At Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone "told local press 'We had a meeting as staff, before having a meeting with the players.

'I wanted to get inside the lads’ heads and see what they want to achieve in this second half of the season... An opportunity to find a common goal... I don’t want to lose back-to-back league games. It’s important for us to get back to winning ways.' {Hartlepool secured a goalless draw at Braintree last Sunday].

After Pools were knocked out of the Isuzu FA Trophy last time out to Anstey Nomads, the manager said 'Physically, the mentality, and the performance weren’t good enough. ... We won’t accept that moving forward – we’ve all agreed that we’ll do everything we can now to focus on the league and push to where we want to be.

'We’ve addressed it, we’ve moved on, we’ve had a great reaction this week in training'.

Earlier in the week, Pools completed the loan signing of winger Ashley Nathaniel-George from York City. On the move, a 'delighted' Pools boss added...'It’s come at a great time when the squad is slightly weakened at the minute with injuries.'

Pools also extended the loan of youngster Pharrell Brown from Hull City, with Featherstone 'buzzing' at the deal...

Featherstone also provided key injury updates ahead of a busy Christmas schedule, saying Jack Hunter and Luke Charman are 'pushing for Sunday... Within two or three games, the squad will be looking pretty healthy and strong – we are not too far away with the four or five lads that are injured'".

Footnote: As Pools injury problems recede, they will host Altrincham on 17 January at the Prestige Group Stadium in a lunchtime kick-off.

23 December 2025

NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN

For The Shaymen, Altrincham's visit will be their second home game in succession after a 2-2 draw against Wealdstone at the weekend.

Just as Altrincham have recently twice thrown away late leads only to lose the matches in question, so too FC Halifax Town contrived to convert a 2-0 lead with ten minutes remaining into a disappointing 2-2 draw with Wealdstone.

The Halifax Courier reports that "Josh Hmami and Cody Johnson had put Town in a commanding position, but they contrived to throw it away...

Town can take a lot of positives from their performance, but they're of little consolation when their main positive here should have been three valuable points.

Halifax started the game with... Max Wright making his first start in the league since February at right-back...

But the game got bogged down in stoppages and free-kicks, disrupting Halifax's rhythm and making the match more disjointed, and as stodgy as overcooked Christmas pudding, which suited the visitors.

They weathered the early pressure and came more into the game".

Leading 1-0 at half-time "Town started the second-half as well as the first, doubling their lead through a rapid counter-attack from a Wealdstone corner...

Halifax were as comfortable as a pair of slippers on Christmas night but, out of nothing, Dom Hutchinson got one back after goalmouth scramble, and suddenly, the complexion of the game changed entirely... and The Shaymen were holding on.

An equaliser looked ominously possible, and arrived in gut-wrenching fashion when Hutchinson's cross deflected in off Latty-Fairweather...

Halifax: Johnson, Latty-Fairweather, Adetoro, Smith, Cappello (Kawa 87), C Johnson, Turner-Cooke, Bray (Hugill 71), Hmami, Wright (Mills 77), Harris (Devonport 77). Subs not used: Ford, Hobson, Jenkins".

ALTY OLD BOYS

County's youngsters had lost all four of their previous group game, but the Bluebirds had an off night. They were never ahead, and exited the competition, going down 2-1.

In other news, in the NW Counties Premier, DANNY HEFFERNAN (now 38 and pictured, right in his Alty days) scored a hat trick on Saturday as Abbey Hey trounced Litherland REMYCA. Since leaving Alty, Danny has played in Australia and Bali before returning to England in 2019.

The funeral in Manchester on Monday of Happy Mondays' guitarist "Mani" brought together former Alty winger DAVE GARDNER and his former Manchester United team-mates David Beckham and Gary Neville with the trio featuring on BBC TV coverage.

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS: 26 DECEMBER

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years files reveal the outcome of Altrincham's 91 previous Boxing Day matches, including games played before 1903 as Broadheath FC.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

He writes that "I accepted a long time ago that we are a much smaller community-based club than many who now reside within this league. I accepted as a lowly populated town at this level, that we would have our limitations if we focused only on attendances... <> Like my father before me, who managed our club with such distinction in the sixties and seventies, I still love the fact that sixty years later, we are still finding ways, whether through our staff's work ethic, our academy or with our improved scouting system, to improve the club off the park, while recruiting good young players on it...

For me, I’m now in my 27th season in the Chair here and our story under me was firstly one of survival at the start, followed by a bit of yo-yo success, that then got replaced with more long term ambition and it’s now a story of patience, which yet again might be slow, but my aim is to provide a long lasting period of over achievement that will one day land ourselves in the EFL.

Is it likely? No, not really... so here’s hoping and praying...

That said, our fanbase is quietly growing, as is our sponsorship, as are our partnerships and in truth so are our relationships with both our Borough Council and Town Council which have never been stronger.

For me that is the recipe for our community football club’s future success and why we’ve seen sustained progress over the last two decades. In that time, we’ve dealt with the setbacks, we’ve shown resilience, shown patience to achieve a bit of longevity, and that longevity means at National League we are making memories and a bit of history along the way...

As a long-standing Chairman of a National League club, I can only apologise to Carlisle fans and every away supporter for DAZN and the National League’s recent stupidity, and especially in putting this game on at 4pm on the last Sunday before Christmas. To disregard the away fans, who will be lucky to be home by 2am tonight is dangerous, could be the beginning of the end for the travelling supporter and it’s absolutely scandalous.

Once again the National League Board have refused to meet me to discuss things, surprise surprise which is frustrating, but I’ll keep trying to meet them on the little man’s behalf".

Maidenhead United were relegated last season to National South

Give Me Sport now reports that "The oldest football stadium in England, Maidenhead United's York Road, is set to be abandoned as more than a century and a half of history looks set to come to an end...

The National League South side are planning to move grounds in the near future...

'York Road is believed by the FA to be the oldest senior football ground continuously used by the same club. Maidenhead FC played their first game on this ground on 16th February 1871,' a blue plaque on the wall reads to mark the stadium's significance...

Maidenhead United... have recently decided on a new spot for their new and improved stomping ground – near Braywick Park".

At Tamworth "Andy Peaks’s Lambs welcomed Kevin Maher’s 7th placed Shrimpers...

Tamworth had taken a break from league action and won three cup games on the bounce coming into the fixture progressing in the Birmingham Senior Cup, FA Trophy and National League Cup in the games prior to kick off, but hadn’t recorded a home win in their five league games at The Lamb since mid September...

For the return to league action, Peaks made changes to the side that defeated Manchester United PL2, new signing Teo Kurtaran started, while Dan Creaney made his last loan appearance before returning to Solihull.

Eastleigh left The Gateshead International Stadium with all three points after winning 3-1 in an action-packed game that had a taste of everything. The Spitfires’ excellent first 25 minutes saw them take a deserved 2-0 lead courtesy of Harvey Saunders and Aaron Blair...

Just five minutes later Frank Nouble headed home to make the score 2-1. After Gateshead got an early red card in the second half it was a long way back for The Heed, especially after Paul McCallum scored a fantastic goal at the death of the game to take all the points back to SO50.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM was the provider for both of the first goals that were very similar, the midfielder provided two really good drilled crosses into the box where Saunders opened the scoring and then Blair finished to make it 2-0."

22 December 2025

NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN

To add insult to injury, the second goal of the match for the visitors Wealdstone was an own goal.

Nevertheless the Yorkshiremen have six more points than Altrincham and lie seven places above The Robins in ninth position.

MANAGERS' VIEWS

Dale's Jimmy McNulty said that "It's a really good win... We were fully focused tonight and the team deserves massive credit for what they've produced. It's a Friday night, a derby game, and they stood up.

"I think we can be better in some moments, certainly without the ball, but there was a bit of a newness to our side. We had some new players in, some coming back from injury and I was aware there would be a lack of decisiveness at times but they were right up for it...

"It's an excellent performance and a brilliant win".

Less happy was Neil Gibson (right) who stated, "The foundation of our three successive home wins has been that we are focused on defending our box and not giving soft goals away, which is what we've done [tonight]...

"I'm disappointed with how we've conceded the goals".

ROLL OF HONOUR

We want to make sure our 2025 Roll of Honour list is as complete as possible ahead of our final home game of the year, against York City on Tuesday, December 30th, when all names will be read out ahead of kick-off.

If you have a friend or relative who has passed away in the last 12 months that you'd like including on our Roll of Honour please e-mail Brian Flynn."

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

• Boreham Wood 2-0 Carlisle United 4pm
• Brackley Town 0-2 Morecambe 12pm
• Braintree Town 0-0 Hartlepool United 2pm
• FC Halifax Town 2-2 Wealdstone 4pm
• Gateshead 1-3 Eastleigh 2pm
• Solihull Moors 4-1 Sutton United 12pm

The weeeknd's biggest gate in the Enterprise National League was at York City, where 6,575 fans saw the Minstermen defeat Truro City 4-0 on Saturday. Altrincham's 3,332 for th visit of Rochdale on Friday night was the second best attendance.

In contrast, just 411 turned up at Gateshead International Stadium to witness The Heed's 1-3 defeat by Eastleigh for whom 56 valiant souls made the long Sunday trek to the North East from Hampshire.

Also in three figures was the Solihull gate of 885 who saw the Moors beat Sutton United 4-1.

On Friday, Rochdale's away support at Altrincham of 1,056 people was the largest travelling support of the weekend in the National League.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In the National League TYRESE SINCLAIR assisted the Solihull Moors equaliser against visitors Sutton United, then scored their second goal himself before claiming another assist for their third. After his 85th minute substitution, Moors struck again to win 4-1.

Another Old Boy in form was JOSH LUNDSTRAM, who assisted both of the goals that put Eastleigh in control at Gateshead, where they ran out 1-3 winners.

Although JEFF KING was booked, Boreham Wood dented the promotion hopes of visitors Carlisle United with a 2-0 win. REGAN LINNEY played the full game for the visitors, but CHRIS CONN-CLARKE (right) wasn't in their squad.".

Footnote: Cumbria's News and Star reported that "Carlisle United have suffered a further blow with the news that Chris Conn-Clarke has been ruled out of action for up to five weeks" because of a groin injury.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Brackley Town v Forest Green Rovers
• Braintree Town v Southend United
• Eastleigh v Woking
• FC Halifax Town v Altrincham
• Gateshead v Carlisle United
• Hartlepool United v Scunthorpe United
• Morecambe v Rochdale
• Solihull Moors v Tamworth
• Sutton United v Aldershot Town
• Truro City v Yeovil Town
• Wealdstone v Boreham Wood
• York City v Boston United

Tuesday 30th December 2025

• Aldershot Town v Wealdstone
• Altrincham v York City
• Boreham Wood v Solihull Moors
• Boston United v Brackley Town
• Carlisle United v Morecambe
• Forest Green Rovers v Truro City
• Rochdale v Hartlepool United
• Scunthorpe United v Gateshead
• Southend United v Sutton United
• Tamworth v FC Halifax Town
• Woking v Braintree Town
• Yeovil Town v Eastleigh

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Dudziak, 19, has played seven times for the Gunners' under-21 side, scoring once, after joining their academy in June 2016.

Drake, 20, joined Millwall's under-21 set-up last year having come through the Sheffield United academy.

21 December 2025

ALTRINCHAM 0-3 ROCHDALE

Match report here

Right: A moment of reflection for Man of the Match, Tom Crawford, in the latter stages of the defeat to Rochdale on Friday night.

Rochdale have YouTube higghlights of their win at ALtrincham.

AFTER THE MATCH: NEIL GIBSON

The manager explained the change of system he used to face Rochdale saying that "Southend did something similar" against Dale. However, he stated, "We gave away some sloppy goals".

"We are trying to add to the squad" he added, as we only have 16 or 17 players available, but he stated that it is a difficult time to get people in before New Year.

ROCHDALE'S VIEW

The Head Coach brought in new signing Charlie Waller for his Dale debut, with Galvin and Ian Henderson, for his first league start of the season, also into the chosen eleven...

Dale’s bright opening got the goal it deserved on 17 minutes, Kyron Gordon showed his crossing ability to pick out Henderson who nodded it back into the path of Pritchard sliding in for his first goal....

Dale kept pushing and found a second with a fabulous team goal. Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and Gordon somehow kept the play alive in a tight area with the number two able to get in behind and tee up McBride who sent a wonderfully lofted attempt into the far corner for his fourth of the campaign...

Altrincham regrouped well in the second period with two half chances straight away...

Smith was introduced as part of a triple change and made an instant impact with 15 minutes remaining, scoring with his first touch after another impressive team move which included an outrageous flick from the goalscorer McBride in the build-up."

NEIL'S UPS AND DOWNS

Overall his ENL record is P 8 W 4 D 1 L 3 F9 A11 PTS13 WINS 50%

He has therefore won and drawn the same number of league games in eight fixtures as the team had accrued from the 15 fixtures played before his arrival

Before Neil Gibson took over: P 15 W 4 D 1 L 10 F 18 A 25 PTS 13 WINS 26.67%

Having lost both of his cup matches, Neil's win ratio in cups reduces his win-rate in all competitions to 40%.

CAPTAIN'S LANDMARK

Lewis started out at Fleetwood Town, from where he had loan spells with Bamber Bridge (2017) and Ashton United (2018).

After making his debut for Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy late in 2018, loans at Chorley (December 2018) and Stockport County followed (January 2019). After leaving Fleetwood, he signed for Chorley in July 2019. The Magpies were then in the National League but were relegated back to the North division at the end of that season. In all he has made well over 100 appearances for Chorley and has an England C cap to his name, when he was a used sub against Wales in April 2022.

Injury sidelined Lewis for eleven games after starting the first six Alty fixtures of 2022-23 and also caused him to miss games at the end of the campaign. However, he proved dependable through the core of the season.

In 2023-24 he briefly lost his place before returning to the starting eleven but he became dependable rock in the defence to the extent that he assumed the captaincy following Isaac Marriott's injury in March 2024. He was rewarded for his performances in that role by being named as captain for 2024-25 season.

Unfortunately injury sidelined him from halfway through the season's sixth fixture but he returned after missing seven games, captaining the side once again. He was unfit to start the 25/26 campaign, making his first appearance in game no.7 but intermittent absences followed suggesting he was not fully fit at that stage. However, he has completed 90 minutes in all of the last eight National League games..

Lewis is the second Altrincham player to reach the 150 appearances landmark this season after Matty Kosylo achieved the feat recently.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : Although Stevenage, captained by CARL PIERGIANNI, managed to turn things round after trailing at the break, they had to settle for a 2-2 draw with visitors Burton Albion.

OWEN DALE was missing from Plymouth Argyle's squad at Doncaster Rovers, but they made light of his absence. Having trailed after only 4 minutes, they turned matters around with a vengeance to win 1-5.

BEN LOMAX (right) appeared in a Port Vale league squad for the first time, but merely watched from the bench as visitors Peterborough United scored the game's only goal.

After visitors Bolton Wanderers had led, it was JUNIOR QUITIRNA who completed a Wycombe Wanderers turnaround just before the break. There were no further goals, so his strike won the match, although he left the action after 64 minutes.

League Two : Grimsby Town substituted JUSTIN AMALUZOR after 80 minutes at Bromley. The hosts, without the injured MARCUS DINANGA, had already completed the scoring in a 2-0 win by then.

Although Notts County totally dominated visitors Walsall, the game ended goalless. JACK HINCHY was an unused substitute for County, but SONNY ALJOFREE (left) was again not in the squad.

Salford City were already 3 goals up when KEVIN BERKOE joined the action after 77 minutes, and hosts Barnet could only find a single goal thereafter, despite which they left JOE HUGILL on the bench.

HARRISON HOLGATE is sidelined with a hamstring injury, but TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game for Fleetwood Town as they beat visitors Gillingham 2-1.

REAGAN OGLE put in a full shift for Oldham Athletic as they racked up a 3-1 home win over Tranmere Rovers, for whom CONNOR JENNINGS was a 65th minute substitute.

Chesterfield had already scored the game's only goal at Shrewsbury Town by the time JAMES BERRY came on for them after 69 minutes.

National League : MATT PENNEY was called into action for Aldershot after only 7 minutes at Boston United, where they won 0-2. CONNOR TEALE (right) was an unused substitute for the hosts, who were without ZAK MILLS.

Scunthorpe United brought on ROSS BARROWS at the start of the second half at Woking, where they won 1-2.

KENNEDY DIGIE was dropped to the bench by Tamworth, who had more or less wrapped up a 2-1 home win over Southend United by the time he joined the action in the 89th minute.

ALEX NEWBY wrapped up the scoring as York City predictably sent Truro City back to Cornwall on the wrong end of 4 unanswered goals.

National North : AFC Telford United followed up last week's FA Trophy defeat of Altrincham by winning 0-2 at Buxton, who were skippered by CONNOR KIRBY. DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY started for Chester at home to one of his previous clubs, league leaders South Shields. TOM PEERS also started, but JAMES JONES was absent for the Seals, who lost 1-3. It was a tale of two Lukes at Haig Avenue - LUKE BURGESS started for Southport, and LUKE WATERFALL for Worksop Town. The sides drew 1-1.

National South : CALLUM DOLAN, having completed his club disciplinary suspension, was on the Torquay United bench at AFC Totton, and joined the action after 58 minutes with his side trailing to what turned out to be the game's only goal. The hosts went down to 10 men 2 minutes later, and were no doubt relieved to hold on to the 3 points - especially as Torquay put a penalty over the bar.

MILES WELCH-HAYES (right) was an unused substitute for Maidenhead United, who drew 0-0 at Hemel Hempstead Town.

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS was a 77th minute substitute for Kilmarnock, but visitors Falkirk had already scored the only goal of the game. Killie are in appalling form, having picked up just 2 points from the last 33 on offer.

Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE played the full game for Linfield, who were surprisingly beaten 2-1 at bottom club Glenavon.

Southern League Central : Although ZAK GOODSON equalised for Quorn just before the break, and they equalised again later, visitors Worcester City went on to win 2-4. YUSIFU CEESAY started for Spalding United at home to Real Bedford, and contributed 2 assists as the sides drew 3-3.

NPL Premier Division DEAN FURMAN captained Warrington Rylands at Bamber Bridge, but was withdrawn after 69 minutes as they went down 3-1. JOEL BAILEY was an unused substitute for the hosts.

Hyde United captain JACK REDSHAW was missing from Hyde United's squad to face Cleethorpes United. Although The Tigers led twice, the visitors drew 2-2. Both MAX HARROP (right) and NYAL BELL were second half substitute for the home side.

Both ADAM PORTER and HAYDEN CAMPBELL were second half substitutes for Leek Town as they crashed 5-1 at Rushall Olympic.

NPL Division 1 West : JAMES LAWRIE, JOEL BEMBO-LETA, and DAMOLA SOTONA (who was booked) all played the full game for Witton Albion at Chasetown, where they turned the form book on its head to win 2-4.

ELLIOTT DURRELL came on for Shifnal Town on the hour at Clitheroe, who were without SEFTON GONZALEZ. Clitheroe led 2-0 at the time, but the Shropshire side came back to draw 2-2.

When Mossley lost 2-1 at Bury last week they were watched by a crowd of 3,030. MARK LEES captained them to the same result at league leaders Lower Breck this afternoon. The crowd of 153 was about 95% lower.

AIDY ROXBURGH (left) opened the scoring for Nantwich Town at home to Bootle. Both he and BYRON HARRISON were substituted late on. TOM HANNIGAN and TONY THOMPSON (who was booked) played the full game for the Merseyside club as they went down 3-1.

SEAN LAWTON played the full game for Newcastle Town, but visitors Bury scored the only goal.

It was all happening at Bower Fold, as Stalybridge Celtic and Vauxhall Motors shared 8 goals. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game for Celtic, while DONTAI GABIDON made his debut from the bench after moving from Warrington Town. ELLIOT ROKKA was also a substitute for the home side, as were KEVIN ELLISON and YASSINE TOURE for the visitors.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND played the whole game for Wythenshawe Town, who beat visitors Kidsgrove Athletic by the only goal.

ENL SCORES

• Boston United 0-2 Aldershot Town 12.30pm
• Tamworth 2-1 Southend United 5.30pm
• Woking 1-2 Scunthorpe United 12.30pm
• Yeovil Town 0-2 Forest Green Rovers 7.45pm
• York City 4-0 Truro City 5.30pm

ENL FIXTURES

• Boreham Wood v Carlisle United 4pm
• Brackley Town v Morecambe 12pm
• Braintree Town v Hartlepool United 2pm
• FC Halifax Town v Wealdstone 4pm
• Gateshead v Eastleigh 2pm
• Solihull Moors v Sutton United 12pm

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

King has spent the first-half of the Enterprise National League season with York’s divisional rivals Boreham Wood...

The right-back has so far featured 19 times for Luke Garrard’s side, getting one goal and two assists, but has importantly nailed down a starting role...

Having joined York as a free agent in 2024, King has managed just ten appearances in that time, finding game time hard to come by under former manager Adam Hinshelwood.

It saw King leave on loan before a ball was kicked this season, but with Maynard now at the helm for City, it looks like the right-back will be returning to fight for his place in North Yorkshire.

'I think he’d be excellent for us,' Maynard stated to the Press. 'He had already gone out on loan before we turned up, he’s a player that I’ve admired from afar from his days at Halifax, all those years ago...

'He knows what it takes to get over the line and be successful in this division, and he poses a hell of a lot of quality in assists, and he chips in with goals. I believe he could be an asset for us, when he becomes available for us'.

King’s loan deal with Boreham Wood expires in January, alongside four other City players, with Ricky Aguiar, Mo Fadera, {ex-Alty loanee] TYRESE SINCLAIR and Billy Chadwick all also potentially returning to the club...

'We’ve had conversations with all of the players behind-the-scenes'" said Maynard.

20 December, 2025

ALTRINCHAM 0-3 ROCHDALE

They fell behind in the 17th minute when an aerial cross from the right was nodded down at the back post for Pritchard to score from close range. It became 2-0 in the 35th minute when a curling effort from Mc Bride looped into the net.

Altrincham started the second half well and had won half a dozen corners by the 68th minute. Rochdale then made a triple substitution and, within minutes, they scored a well-worked goal with a move up the right flank finished off by Smith (75 mins).

Match report here.

NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN

Following Alty's clash with league leaders Rochdale, the visit to Halifax will be the second of five clashes with top-seven UPDATE clubs before the end of January

• Fri.26.12.25 away to FC Halifax Town
• Tue.30.12.25 home to YORK CITY
• Wed.21.1.26 away tp Forest Green Rovers
• Sat.24.1.26 home to BOREHAM WOOD
• Sat.31.1.26 away to Carlisle United

JIMMY'S UPS AND DOWNS

Nevertheless he has had mixed fortunes under Neil Gibson's management. After starting 13 successive league games, he has started just two of the last seven league games under the new manager and has not scored in any of those appearances

However, he did start both cup games played under Neil Gibson's tenure and scored a brace in the Trophy defeat at Telford.

Unfortunately for Jimmy, of those nine matches in which he has scored, Alty have only won three times (against Aldershot Town and Sutton United in the league and in the FA Cup replay at Harborough Town).

The other six games in which he scored comprised five defeats (versus Morecambe, Boreham Wood, Carlisle United, and Woking in the league and AFC Telford United in the FA Trophy) and a draw, (at home to Harborough Town).

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Boston United v Aldershot Town 12.30pm
• Tamworth v Southend United 5.30pm
• Woking v Scunthorpe United 12.30pm
• Yeovil Town v Forest Green Rovers 7.45pm
• York City v Truro City 5.30pm

Sunday 21st December 2025

• Boreham Wood v Carlisle United 4pm
• Brackley Town v Morecambe 12pm
• Braintree Town v Hartlepool United 2pm
• FC Halifax Town v Wealdstone 4pm
• Gateshead v Eastleigh 2pm
• Solihull Moors v Sutton United 12pm

ALTY OLD BOYS

In League One ALI SMITH played the full game for AFC Wimbledon at Northampton Town, where they were beaten 3-1.

Right: Joe Piggott

League Two: The game game at Barrow was tied at 1-1 in the 73rd minute when ELLIOT NEWBY came on against visitors Cheltenham Town, who then scored their late winner not long before withdrawing JAKE BICKERSTAFF in the 88th minute.

NPL Premier Division : Having been off the radar since the sad demise of Widnes last summer, SHARIF DEANS had a short spell at Workington, before recently joining Prescot Cables. He was an 89th minute substitute as they were held 1-1 by visitors Ashton United, who were without OWEN GERMAN as he was recalled from his loan by Altrincham.

NPL Division 1 West : SEAN MILLER made his return to the Runcorn Linnets squad, coming off the bench after 62 minutes, and scoring the 86th minute clincher as they beat visitors Atherton Collieries 2-0. Collieries substituted SAM SHERIDAN at half time, but their skipper JOE PIGGOTT (right) played the full game.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Pools were on the wrong end of one of the worst results in their entire history last time out as they were dumped out of the Trophy in ignominious fashion following a 2-1 defeat to Northern Premier League Division One Midlands side Anstey Nomads...

While Featherstone's tenure has been, for the most part, generally positive so far, his time at the helm has been bookended by two nightmarish cup exits.

Most fans must surely have thought things couldn't get any worse than when Pools were knocked out of the FA Cup by Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit Gainsborough Trinity in October, Featherstone's first game at the helm, only for their side to suffer an even more humbling defeat on Saturday...

A run of seven matches unbeaten had seen Featherstone's side reenergise their faltering play-off push...

'Physically, the mentality and the performance wasn't good enough and we won't accept that moving forward.. We've all agreed that we'll do everything we can now to focus on the league and push us to where we want to be'" opined the manager.

The Enterprise National League reports that "We now know seven of the National League Cup quarter finalists following this week's matches.

Tamworth topped Group A after a fantastic finale, defeating Manchester United’s young stars 3-0.

Enoru Beck-Ray confirmed a fourth win from four after Oli Lynch and Manny Duku put the Lambs in a commanding position.

FC Halifax Town also progress - they defeated Newcastle United on penalty kicks after the match ended goalless. ..

Tamworth and Halifax join the other five teams confirmed to have progressed.

Brackley Town, Boreham Wood, Brainteee Town, Truro City and Boston United are also in the hat.

There’s one more matter to be settled and that’s in Group C.

Aldershot Town host West Ham U21 on December 23 and Woking are hoping for a big favour from their local rivals.

A four-goal Shots win will see the second-place Hammers slip out of a qualification spot next week and allow the Cardinals to climb in".

19 December 2025

BEFORE THE GAME: ALTY v ROCHDALE

Alty TV has a pre-match interview with Tylor Golden (right). Asked by Brian Flynn about the second-half collapse against AFC Telford United last week, the Alty defender admitted "It should never have happened".

He added that the team is determined to do better tonight, when Alty defend a 100% home record under Neil Gibson. "On our day, there's no one that we can't beat in this division" he added.

Altrincham have played three more league games (22) this season than Rochdale (19) whose home pitch has caused such problems that they will play their next two home league games at the Wham Stadium in Accrington whilst work is carried out on the surface at the Crown Oil Arena.

Rochdale have had a very stable squad this season with no fewer than 12 of their squad making appearances in 17 or more of their 19 fixtures played to date.

Only two players have appeared in all 19 fixtures for the Dale and one of them, Sam Beckwith (18+1 appearances), will miss tonight's action as he had an operation this week.

The other player to appear in every game is Harvey Gilmour (181+1 apps). However, Kyron Gordon has also made 18 starts but has missed one match this season.

Comfortably the Dale's leading scorer is Emmanuel Dieseruvwe who has netted 12 times, followed by Devante Rodney with five goals.

However, Alty will be relieved that Tarryn Allarakhia will not be available as he scored one goal against Alty in the reverse fixture and also was the man whose ball was turned into his own net by Tylor Golden for the Dale's winning goal in that match.

Former Alty loanee Liam Humbles (above left) is on the books of Rochdale but has made just one four-minute appearance for Dale in the National League this season.

Conversely, Altrincham have Dan Sassi (right) in their squad and he spent loan time at Rochdale in early 2024 from his parent club Blackpool.

As for tonight's game, Rochdale have a video interview in which they state that "Ryan East spoke to the club's website on Dale's away trip to Altrincham".

However, despite its billing, very little of the interview actually relates to tonight's game.

HALF-WAY POINT OF THE SEASON

At the half-way point last season Altrincham lay ninth in the league with 34 points having a record of results that read W9 D7 L7 F37 A30 PTS34.

With one match to go before the midway point of this season Alty's current record after 22 games is W8 D2 L12 F27 A33 PTS26 and they occupy 15th place. With no other fixture in the ENL tonight, a win for Altrincham would lift them up to twelfth.

Tonight's match will also mean that Altrincham have played on five different days of the week in the first 23 fixtures of the campaign. Rochdale's visit will be the first game played on a Friday.

So far 16 of Altrincham's league games have taken place on a Saturday, with three kicking off at 12.30pm and the rest at 3pm.

Monday has witnessed one match, a 3pm kick-off.

Tuesday has hosted two home matches, kicking off at 7.45pm

Three games have kicked off at 7.45pm on a Wednesday.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Right: Oldham Athletic loanee Billy Waters was lapping the pitch at Alty's last home game (as pictured) but he has yet to reappear in an Altrincham matchday squad since suffering injury in just his third appearance (all from the bench) for Altrincham at Harborough Town in the FA Cup on 21 October.

There are now seven different kick off times for the pre-Christmas fixtures in the National League. All were originally announced as 3pm kick offs on Saturday 20 December, a time now at which none of them will now kick off, courtesy of DAZN.

Friday 19th December 2025

• Altrincham v Rochdale 7.45pm

Saturday 20th December 2025

• Boston United v Aldershot Town 12.30pm
• Tamworth v Southend United 5.30pm
• Woking v Scunthorpe United 12.30pm
• Yeovil Town v Forest Green Rovers 7.45pm
• York City v Truro City 5.30pm

Sunday 21st December 2025

• Boreham Wood v Carlisle United 4pm
• Brackley Town v Morecambe 12pm
• Braintree Town v Hartlepool United 2pm
• FC Halifax Town v Wealdstone 4pm
• Gateshead v Eastleigh 2pm
• Solihull Moors v Sutton United 12pm

ALTY OLD BOYS

It's now almost 4 months since he got on the pitch, and then he only played for 24 minutes. His last full appearance was in a pre-season friendly on July 30th.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"It has been brought to the clubs notice that there is misinformation being spread on various social media outlets that the club has/is going into administration. The club can confirm that this is a complete fabrication which can be traced back to one original source on a national football forum who has for some time been trying to create damaging rumours about the club.

"This individual source has also suggested that players have not been receiving their salaries on time which is also completely untrue.

"The club fully understands that reading such misinformation on social media will cause concern to supporters which is why we have taken this step to publicly refute and dismiss the claims as nothing more than malicious trolling.

"The directors are now and wish to remain fully focused on giving the manager whatever support he needs to ensure that Aldershot Town can move into a more positive position in the league and will therefore be making no further statements regarding this matter".

The BBC confirms that "Jake Taylor has left National League side Truro City by mutual consent.

The 27-year-old former Morecambe and Port Vale player joined the Tinners in the summer, having missed the 2024-25 season with injury.

He was a regular in the City side in the opening month of the season but a hamstring strain in the 3-0 win over Boston United on 30 August saw him sidelined for almost a month.

He returned three weeks later as a substitute in the 4-0 loss at Scunthorpe United but made just one further league appearance.

In total, he played 11 times for Truro in all competitions, starting six times.

News of a strange new venture comes from Carlisle United who "are offering the opportunity to sponsor the Captain's armband at home matches from the start of 2026.

The package includes:

• 6 places in Foxy's Restaurant (opportunity to purchase more places)
• Post announcing sponsorship across social media channels
• Scoreboard message announcing sponsorship
• Company logo included in matchday programme
• Business name included on team sheet
• Photo with the Captain
• Signed Captain's armband
• £950 + VAT

Kerry Jardine, Carlisle United Commercial Assistant, said 'We are really excited about this brand new matchday sponsorship initiative.

'This brings business brand awareness with a chance to experience our brilliant matchday hospitality, whether that be bringing staff or guests along, it's always a great day out'".

18 December 2025

NEXT: ROCHDALE

As for Altrincham, alluding to the first-team's collapse last Saturday that turned a 3-1 lead into a 4-3 defeat at Telford, Robins chairman Mark Luby pondered this week whether "after Saturday the players have looked at themselves in the mirror and accept[ed that] those standards are not the ones required to play for this club".

As for this Saturday's match, Rochdale have confirmed that "This fixture will now be ticket-only for away supporters, going off sale on Thursday evening at 5pm. There will be no card/cash sales on matchday and supporters must travel to the game with a ticket".

The debacle at Telford occurred after Altrincham had taken a 3-1 lead so it would not be surprising if Neil Gibson started with the same eleven that started against the Bucks and gained that lead. And given that the chairman listed eight players who will not be fit to start on Saturday, he has little room for manoeuvre in selecting his substitutes.

ALTY OLD BOYS

CHESHIRE NEWS: MACC PLAYER DIES

Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.

Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him...

News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now...

Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time".

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER

Chef Richie Bentley and his hardworking crew of kitchen staff produced a remarkable 204 three-course turkey dinners with all the trimmings in the relatively restricted space of the Community Sports Hall kitchen.

As well as to Richie and his team, thanks were also due to an army of volunteers who acted as serving staff to ensure that the event went smoothly, whilst a local school choir performed an enjoyable programme of festive songs.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 23-year-old, a summer arrival at the Jakemans Community Stadium, has made four appearances for the Pilgrims to date.

He has been on loan at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium since mid-September".

And Boston United "have extended the loan spell of Sheffield Wednesday stopper Killian Barrett until mid-January.

The 21-year-old, who has made two appearances for the Pilgrims so far, will continue to rival Rhys Lovett for the starting position between the sticks.

Barrett has played 90 minutes against Yeovil Town in the National League and Tamworth in the Isuzu FA Trophy to date".

Tamworth "confirm the permanent signing of Teo Kurtaran.

Manager Andy Peaks said,,, 'He adds valuable qualities to the squad, especially during a busy period, and will strengthen our midfield with a great set of attributes"

Teo joins The Lambs after a spell with Maidstone United. A composed, ball-playing midfielder, he is comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas and helps control the tempo of the game.

He carries possession well, shows good awareness under pressure, and offers a strong range of passing, particularly into forward areas.

He also provides quality from set pieces".

Wealdstone "boss Sam Cox didn't hide his frustration or disappointment when speaking after his side fell 2-0 at bottom-of-the-table Truro City.

'It's certainly a wake-up call for us,' said the Wealdstone manager, reflecting on a humbling defeat in Cornwall.

The hosts were full value for a big three Enterprise National League three points - with Cox instantly acknowledging Wealdstone had offered little to cheer the 50-odd hardy souls who'd made the long pilgrimage in support of the team.

'That was the most underwhelming performance we've given all season,' he lamented. 'There was a lack of quality tonight - not a lack of endeavour...

'It doesn't matter where the other team is in the table or their form. If you don't do the basics you're going to be under threat...

'It's up to everyone to reflect on tonight in a professional way and show the right kind of reaction on Sunday... at Halifax and we need a response.'".

Boreham Wood "announce the signing of midfielder Marley Marshall-Miranda, who joins the Wood on a permanent basis from fellow National League side Braintree Town.

Marshall-Miranda began his career in the academy system at Brighton & Hove Albion... before making the move to Colchester United in 2019. During his time with the U’s, he gained senior experience on loan at Worthing in the Isthmian League Premier Division... and went on to make his professional debut for Colchester in September 2020...

After departing Colchester at the end of the 2023–24 season, Marshall-Miranda joined Braintree Town ahead of their National League campaign, where his energy and technical quality in midfield quickly stood out. A composed and hardworking midfielder with a strong grounding in professional environments, Marley adds depth, versatility and ball-winning ability to the Wood’s engine room...

Marshall-Miranda said 'I see the great things they’re doing at the club. To come from the league below last season and to be doing so well, to be chasing promotion, every player wants that'".

The BBC adds that "He made 52 appearances for Braintree Town, including 21 this season".

17 December 2025

CHAIRMAN'S UPDATE

Mark (right) adds that "It was nice to see Neil Gibson and Lee Jones at the game showing their support. Maybe the men’s first team squad should have shown up too, not only to support the girls but to see their courage, commitment, fighting spirit and give-everything attitude.

They certainly could have all learned something after what happened at Telford! I can assure you the Board and I share the disappointment and frustration of what happened on Saturday".

The Chairman goes on to refer to the fitness status of eight injured players, namely Ethan Ross, Billy Sass-Davies, Lewis Banks, Billy Waters, Sam Reed, Louie Fallon, Kahrel Reddin and Sam Barnes

Seven of the eight will miss Friday's clash with Rochdale with Sam Reed the only one who might make that matchday squad.

Mark also writes that "The Fans' Forum is planned and will happen within the first six weeks of the new year...

In the mean time, we’ll be opening the CSH Bar to home ticket holders from 5:30pm on Friday for an informal Meet The Board session ahead of the Rochdale game. Myself, Sam Mackenzie, John Coyne and Phil Adams will be available from 5:45pm to answer any questions you have, and you’ll also have the chance to bid on Kahrel’s match-worn shirt from the win at Truro City in November."

It is also confirned that "Due to the growing popularity of the Fan Zone during home matchdays we’ve made an application to extend it for next season. This will give us a larger area with more serving hatches and a small stage".

Mark's further comments on Friday's game are recorded below.

NEXT: ROCHDALE

"We have a very tough run of fixtures coming up and I hope that after Saturday the players have looked at themselves in the mirror and accept those standards are not the ones required to play for this club.

I expect, come Friday evening [v. Rochdale], they are ready to show everyone they have not only the ability, but the heart and the courage to get this club back to where it should be".

The chairman's comments come after the first team allowed a 3-1 lead to become a 4-3 defeat to a club from a lower tier of the non-league pyramid.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In the National North : At the newly named Solano Stadium, both LEWIS SALMON and HARRY PERRITT started for Alfreton Town, while visitors Southport fielded LUKE BURGESS (left). The game ended 1-1.

And in other news from the National North, ASHLEY HEMMINGS has returned to his previous club, Kidderminster Harriers, on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge.

He was an 89th minute substitute at South Shields 10 days ago when Harriers beat the league leaders 1-2, but wasn't in the FA Trophy squad that won on penalties at Worksop Town on Saturday.

Also from Aggborough, we learn that DAN MOONEY (right) was injured at Darlington last month, and unfortunately will be absent for some time after having surgery for an ACL injury.

National League Cup : Tamworth's 3-0 victory over Manchester United U21 ensured that they won Group A with a 100% record. KENNEDY DIGIE played the full game.

NPL Division 1 West : SEFTON GONZALEZ played the whole game as Clitheroe went down 2-0 at Runcorn Linnets, whose squad included none of their three Old Boys.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURE

• Truro City 2-0 Wealdstone

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

Group A

• Tamworth 3-0 Manchester United U21

Group D

• FC Halifax Town 0-0 Newcastle United U21 0 (Halifax won 7-6 on penalties)

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 23-year-old will link up with his brother Damola [a former Alty trialist full-back] at the Step 4 club as he continues his rehabilitation from an ACL injury sustained playing for Eastleigh on the first day of last season.

He was an unused substitute for the Pilgrims at Yeovil Town on November 29.

United will retain the player's National League registration".

At one time clubs rarely loaned a player to a competitor in the same division but such moves have become more common as a new example from Hartlepool United demonstrates.

United "announce the loan signing of winger Ashley Nathaniel-George from York City.

The 30-year-old joins Pools on a short-term deal with the option to extend further.

Nathaniel-George joined York in the summer of 2024 from Maidenhead United, winning Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2023 at the latter.

The winger has played eight times for York this season, and has not lost a game in the Enterprise National League so far this campaign.

He brings over 100 games of experience in the National League to Pools, as well as international experience with Antigua and Barbuda...

Pools Manager Nicky Featherstone said... 'He’s experienced, he can impact games positively, and he will be good to have around the place'".

York City add that "In his debut season (20S24/25), he featured 36 times in the league, scoring 6 times and assisting 3."

Yeovil Town "confirm that Leo Ramirez-Espain has been recalled by Watford from his loan spell.

The midfielder made one appearance for the Glovers after joining the club in mid-November but returns to bolster Watford’s squad as they head into a busy festive period"

Wealdstone "gloveman Dante Baptiste says 'There's so much more to come' from his performances - despite enjoying the best run of consecutive club appearances in what's been an injury-hit career so far.

Still only 23 years old, young by goalkeeping standards, the former Watford academy scholar was pitched into the cut & thrust of a relegation six-pointer against Boston United at The Vale back in April, and he hasn't looked back since...

'It's been a tough two years to get to anywhere near this point' said Baptiste... 'But I'm just getting started. There's so much more to come from me'".

As regards his debut "Gibbo (Neil Gibson, then Wealdstone manager [now at Alty]) rang me as I was driving in for the game, and I thought to myself this is a bit strange.

'He just said "You're playing...are you ready?' and I said 'Yes!". I thought to myself it's now or never, sink or swim.'"

Earlier "Surgery whilst without a club during late summer 2024, after four similar injuries to the same shoulder, meant Baptiste's Stones involvement in early 2025 was purely on a non-contract training basis initially...

[Now a] league ever-present Baptiste [added] "The team is quite young, but the older guys have great advice - and the way they are about helping makes it easy to approach them".

16 December 2025

NEXT: ROCHDALE

But, with more than half a dozen players missing the above games through injury or illness, and manager Neil Gibson the recipient of a red card at the New Buck's Head, they face a huge task to contain Dale who arrive at the J. Davidson Stadium after three successive wins in the Enterprise National League.

Alty lost the reverse fixture to Rochdale at the JDS back in August, by two gpals to one. That was one of a number of games this season in which the Robins have surrendered a lead and ended up as losers. On this occasion Keaton Ward put Alty ahead before Allarakhia equalised before the interval.

Alty lost the game to an own goal around the hour mark as Tyler Golden inadvertently diverted a ball from Allarakhia past Luke Hutchinson.

Altrincham will be relieved that Allarakhia will miss this return fixture on Friday as he is away at the AFCON competition to represent Tanzania.

ALTY WOMEN'S SEASON

Their Player of the Match against York City Ladies was central defender Ireyimika Barnigboye, who is pictured right.

In the New Year the Alty Women will resume their league campaign in the North West Women's Regional League Division One South where they lie seventh in the ten-strong division.

However, the women have up to three games in hand on a number of the other clubs above them.

YORK LADIES' VIEW OF ALTY GAME

York explain that "Coming up against a tier 6 side, the lowest ranked team left in the competition, the team were sure not to underestimate their opposition, but were prepared to come out of the tunnel strong...

But York were unable to capitalise early into the half.

Above: Alty Women line up before the game against York City Ladies. Left to right: Nat Lowe (capt), Olivia Kaleta, Ash Gilmore, Carmen Culbert, Katie Locke, Milla Jacobson, Ineyimika Barnigboye, Elise Jones, Millie Kullu, Georgia McKnight and Brianna Morrison.

Niamh Doody also came close, forcing some brilliant saves from the opposition goalkeeper with Dani Trickett delivering.

Finally, a well deserved goal was slotted into the net calmly by Watt, assisted by Astle. We led by one goal in the twenty-second minute of the game.

Immediately from kick off York won back possession, before Watt placed a ball neatly behind the defence, for a sensational Astle finish, chipping the goalkeeper; less than sixty seconds later our lead was doubled...

With many more chances infront of goal, York were looking for a way to earn their third... One final chance came in the ninetieth minute, when a ball was whipped in from the corner by Bentley, and headed home by Katie Varley!...

A phenomenal run, making the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in history!"

HALF-SEASON TICKETS

Prices are...

• Adults (16-64yo): £167
• Concessions (65 y.o.+)/ Students / NHS: £138
• Young adults (18-21 y.o.) £79
• Youth (12-17 y.o.) £63
• Children (5-11 y.o.) £31
,li>Under-5: £12

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS: 19 DECEMBER

So the last game actually witnessed by spectators on the 19th December date was back in 2017 in an FA Trophy First Round replay at Moss Lane when the Robins lost at home to Warrington Town, 1-2.

And some things never change as, just days after Altrincham's defeat at Telford here in 2025, having led at a very late stage of the match, the Robins had done the same back in 2017 when two very late defensive lapses allowed Warrington to snatch a dramatic 2-1 win.

Earlier Jordan Hulme had broken the deadlock in the 52nd minute when he turned and half-volleyed a shot past goalkeeper (and former Alty keeper) Tpny McMillan following a Johnston corner.

Left: Jordan Hulme nets Alty's goal. Image courtesy of Mike Ripley.

However, the visitors made all three substitutions and went for an equalizer which they scored in the 87th minute when another player to have worn the Alty kit, Liam Goulding netted from close range when Alty keeper Thompson hesitated after initially coming for the ball.

Alty had now lost the initiative and they conceded a second goal in the third added minute when McDonald slid in at the back post as Alty failed to clear a low cross from the right.

Nevertheless, there was still time for Hampson to hit the post and then for Alty to fail to convert the resulting loose ball before the final whistle sounded. Just 453 spoectators attended the match.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. James JONES, 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Max HARROP, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. James POOLE, 11 Sean MILLER. Subs 12. Tom PEERS, 21 Simon RICHMAN, 15. Josh HANCOCK, 16. Shaun DENSMORE, 17. Sam SHERIDAN

As well as McMillan and Goulding, the visitors also deployed Sean Williams, Adam Carden and James McCarten who also wore Alty stripes during their careers.

WARRINGTON TOWN: 1. Tony McMillan, 2. Gerard Kinsella, 3. Rory McKeown, 4. Sean Williams, 5. James McCarten (c), 6. Liam Goulding, 7. Scott Bakkor, 8. Dylan Vassallo, 9. Jamie McDonald, 10. Tony Gray, 11. James Barrigan. Subs 12. Ben Ascroft, 21 . Jamie Davis, 15. Stephen Milne, 16. Adam Carden, 17. Steven Jennings.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Dale Frith, Agronomy Director of OBI Sports, our pitch consultants, sat down to talk about the progress that has already been made.

He talks us through the excavation and how much material has been removed, the existing and replacement drainage system, as well as what the next stage of the project will be.

Watch the full video via our official YouTube channel".

ISUZU FA TROPHY DRAW

• 1 Bath City v Southend United
• 2 Walton & Hersham v Brackley Town
• 3 Woking v Macclesfield
• 4 Yeovil Town v Alvechurch
• 5 Eastleigh v Southport
• 6 Marine v Gloucester City
• 7 Kidderminster Harriers v Morecambe
• 8 Chatham Town v Carlisle United
• 9 Wealdstone v Dagenham & Redbridge
• 10 Hornchurch v AFC Telford United
• 11 Ebbsfleet United v Forest Green Rovers
• 12 Hereford v AFC Fylde
• 13 Tamworth v Rochdale
• 21 FC Halifax Town v Anstey Nomads
• 15 Leatherhead v Horsham
• 16 Scunthorpe United v Clitheroe

15 December 2025

ALTY WOMEN MEET THEIR MATCH

Above: Alty Women line up before their FA Cup Third Round clash with York City Ladies.

Altrincham FC Women, the lowest ranked team remaining in this season's Women's FA Cup, lost 0-3 to York City Ladies at the J. Davidson Stadium on a damp Sunday afternoon.

Facing a more experienced and physically stronger York side, the Alty Women were hit by two goals in a minute midway through the first half.

In a better second-half performance from the Alty team, York only added their third goal, a header from a corner, in added time.

Match report here

WOMEN'S MANAGER PROUD OF HIS TEAM

He believed that the higher-ranked York Ladies "were a lot fitter than us, a lot stronger" than his young team but was glad to see that they kept going despite falling behind.

The emphasis for his team now is to finish as high as they can in the league.

NEXT: ROCHDALE

Since the arrival of Neil Gibson and Lee Jones, Altrincham have picked up an excellent thirteen points from seven league games but they have lost their last two National League fixtures and, in their five away games in all competitions, their only win has been a 1-0 victory at struggling Truro City.

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DON'T LEAVE EARLY

Just over a fortnight ago, on Saturday 29 November, Altrincham were trailing 1-2 in the 89th minute at home to Scunthorpe United. Six minutes later the Robins were leading 4-2 having netted three times in that brief period.

The following Saturday, 6 December, in the 89th minute, Altrincham led 1-0 at Aldershot Town. Three minutes later they had conceded twice and ended up losing 2-1.

Then, last Saturday, 13 December, Altrincham were 3-1 up in the 79th minute against AFC Telford United at the New Buck's Head in the FA Trophy. 21 minutes later they had conceded three times and lost the game 4-3.

So, over three Altrincham fixtures, in a cumulative 23 minutes of action at the end of those games, eight goals were scored and the team that was winning ultimately lost each of those matches.

ALTY OLD BOYS

SHROPSHIRE VIEW

They didn’t make life easy for themselves. The Bucks were punished for a lukewarm first-half display...

The first half belonged to the Robins and... [goalkeeper] Gracey was keeping his side afloat...

The Bucks then had to contend with the loss of Allen-Hadley, who appeared to be caught unintentionally on the back of the head by Jake Cooper’s elbow...

After a lengthy stoppage, it was clear Allen-Hadley would need to be replaced, but Adan George, Wilkin’s choice to replace him, wasn’t ready, having left his shirt in the dressing room.

Hurried dashes to retrieve the garment saw the game resume with the Bucks a player short...

Weaver tucked the ball back to Knowles from the right; the striker’s spin and shot on his right foot flew high into the net to Gracey’s left.

George eventually replaced Allen-Hadley... but Wilkin tore a strip off his team collectively at the interval, fuming at their lack of preparedness".

At 3-2 "Exactly 20 seconds elapsed between the restart and the Bucks’ equaliser...

In the second of seven additional minutes, Stenson... was too much of a physical presence for Robins substitute Charlie Kirk. Kirk claimed the foul, Stenson claimed the ball... before bending an unstoppable finish into Hutchinson’s top-right corner...

Robins’ boss Neil Gibson was shown a red card for protesting too vehemently about the challenge on Kirk to the fourth official".

21 December 2025

BEFORE THE ALTY WOMEN'S BIG DAY

Kick off at the J. Davidson Stadium is at 2pm.

Altrincham are the lowest ranked team left in the competition and the club has never reached this stage previously in the Women's FA Cup.

Tickets for the match are available here. A special issue of the Robins Review will also be on sale for £1 inside The J.Davidson Stadium.

Prices are:

• Adult: £5
• Age 12-17 inclusive: £3
• Under-12 accompanied: £1

LEE JONES'S VIEW

Lee agreed with George that "it was a game of two halves", with Alty scoring twice before the interval before shipping four in the second period. Lee said that after all the good play before the interval, "we stopped doing it" in the second half.

In the end he felt that "we got our just rewards" from a performance that was "not acceptable" and he apologised to the travelling supporters for that.

AFC TELFORD UNITED 4-3 ALTRINCHAM.

Match report here.

TOUGH TIMES AHEAD

Their away form is particularly troubling. Alty are now on a run of one away win in their last six away games in all competitions and just two away wins have been secured all season in the National League.

The league fixtures over the coming weeks are especially testing with Altrincham facing all of the top five in the next eight matches. Looking further ahead, Alty face ten teams in the next eleven fixtures who are above them in the table. The only exception is game 26 against Morecambe.

The sequence is: Rochdale (H) (currently 1st), FC Halifax Town (A) (11th), York City (H) (4th), Morecambe (H) (22nd), Hartlepool United (A) (8th), Forest Green Rovers (A) (2nd), Boreham Wood (H) (5th), Carlisle United (A) (3rd), Yeovil Town (H) (21 th), Wealdstone (H) (10th) and in game 33, Woking (A) (9th) before they finally welcome another team below them (H) (Braintree Town)

NEXT: ROCHDALE

Rochdale "announce that Tobi Adebayo-Rowling has extended his stay for a further year.

The wing-back is now contracted until summer 2027, after signing for the club in the summer of 2024...

Reacting to the news, Adebayo-Rowling said... 'I am absolutely loving my time here. We’ve had an amazing start to the season, and hopefully we can keep that going.'

The 29-year-old has made 67 appearances for Dale, scoring three times...

Adebayo-Rowling ended last season with ten assists, the most of any Dale player"

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : ALI SMITH played the whole of AFC Wimbledon's goalless draw at home to Mansfield Town, while Wycombe Wanderers brought JUNIOR QUITIRNA off the bench after 66 minutes at Burton Albion - this game also ended 0-0.

OWEN DALE claimed the assist for the game's only goal at Home Park as Plymouth Argyle beat Rotherham United. He was withdrawn after 87 minutes.

CARL PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage to a 1-3 win at Stockport County.

League Two : There were already 94 minutes on the clock when Salford City brought on KEVIN BERKOE. Visitors Colchester United had led 1-3 after 55 minutes, but Salford eventually won 4-3.

In the relegation 6 pointer at Cheltenham Town, it was still goalless when they brought on JAKE BICKERSTAFF after 69 minutes - but it only took him 4 minutes to open the scoring with his first goal for the club. Alas, it took visitors Harrogate Town only another 7 minutes to equalise.

Chesterfield were 2-1 up at home to Barnet in the 67th minute when they brought on JAMES BERRY, and they'd added a third goal by the time JOE HUGILL (left) came off the visitors bench in the 83rd minute.

REAGAN OGLE played the whole of Oldham Athletic's 2-2 draw at Crawley Town.

Barrow were 2-1 down at Gillingham when ELLIOT NEWBY came off their bench after 72 minutes, and they fought back to draw 2-2.

JUSTIN AMALUZOR was a 70th minute substitute as Grimsby Town trailed 0-1 to visitors Notts County. After 86 minutes the Magpies threw on JACK HINCHY (right) , before sealing victory with their second goal 3 minutes into added time.

HARRISON HOLGATE'S substitution on Tuesday was due to a hamstring injury, so he may be absent from Fleetwood Town's match day squad for a while. However, TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game as they won 0-2 at bottom club Newport County, who were reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute.

Tranmere Rovers brought CONNOR JENNINGS into the action after 66 minutes. Visitors Crewe Alexandra were already three goals up, and went on to win 1-4.

FA Trophy : Alfreton Town were 0-2 ahead at Alvechurch after only 12 minutes. LEWIS SALMON and HARRY PERRITT (left) both played the full game, which went to penalties after the hosts got the two goals back. Unfortunately Alfreton hit the crossbar twice - and it was Harry who was responsible for the second of those. Alvechurch were 100% accurate from the spot to win the shootout 4-2.

Boreham Wood scored first at home to Brackley Town, but went behind before half time. JEFF KING put them back on terms, but the Northamptonshire club went ahead again before Wood forced a shootout in the 94th minute. However they missed three consecutive penalties, and Brackley progressed.

York City fielded a weakened squad at Clitheroe, and ALEX NEWBY came off the bench after 79 minutes. It was still goalless until Clitheroe scored in the 89th minute, but York equalised in the 8th added minute. With the shootout level at 2-2, Alex missed from the spot, and they also missed their last kick to hand Clitheroe a 4-3 advantage that saw them go through.

REGAN LINNEY scored Carlisle United's second as they won 1-2 at Harborough Town. CHRIS CONN-CLARKE wasn't in their squad.

AFC Fylde were two goals ahead at Solihull Moors, but were pegged back to 2-2. There then followed a 22 kick shootout which the Coasters won 9-8 with both GEORGE WILSON (right) and CHRIS MERRIE among the successful takers.

Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE played the full game for Linfield as they won 4-0 at home against Crusaders.

Southern Central : YUSIFU CEESAY opened the scoring for Spalding United, but visitors Worcester City came from behind twice to draw 2-2.

NPL Premier Division : JOEL BAILEY put in a full shift for Bamber Bridge, but Ashton United scored the only goal, although they had OWEN GERMAN booked.

JONNY MARGETTS played the first 67 minutes of Gainsborough Trinity's 1-1 home draw with Stocksbridge Park Steels.

MONTEL GIBSON was withdrawn after 65 minutes as Hednesford Town won 0-3 at Ilkeston Town to remain 3 points clear at the top of the table.

Captained by DEAN FURMAN (right), Warrington Rylands saw off visitors Lancaster City 2-0. This was an important win as the sides were level on points at kick off.

NPL Division 1 West : ELLIOTT DURRELL came off the Shifnal Town bench after 72 minutes at Atherton Collieries, and 6 minutes later he scored to clinch a 1-2 win. Earlier SAM SHERIDAN had equalised an early Shifnal goal, but, having been booked, he was withdrawn after 79 minutes. His captain, JOE PIGGOTT, played the full game.

Aided and abetted by TOM HANNIGAN, TONY THOMPSON captained Bootle, and they kept a clean sheet, demolishing visitors Newcastle Town, for whom SEAN LAWTON played throughout, 5-0.

It was an unfortunate start for Mossley skipper MARK LEES at Gigg Lane, where his own goal put Bury ahead. Mossley, without MASON FAWNS (left), did get level before the break, but lost 2-1.

Although Trafford are still bottom of the league, there are signs of improvement of late, and they drew 1-1 at Chasetown. SEAN HIGGINS played throughout.

DAVE PARTON played the full game for Congleton Town as they lost 2-3 at home to Lower Breck, but REMI RAYMOND was substituted after 84 minutes.

Stalybridge Celtic won 2-1 at Bower Fold against Stafford Rangers despite going down to 10 men after 76 minutes. KYLE BROWNHILL played the whole game, but GREG WILKINSON (right) and ELLIOTT ROKKA were left on the bench.

YASSINE TOURE will have enjoyed his Vauxhall Motors debut, playing throughout their 5-0 home win over Darlaston Town. KEVIN ELLISON came off the bench after 65 minutes.

Witton Albion went down 1-4 at home to Kidsgrove Athletic. Former Robins trialist DAMOLA SOTONA played the full game, while JAMES LAWRIE joined the action after 67 minutes.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Truro City v Wealdstone

There may be 12 days of Christmas but, courtesy of DAZN, there are now no fewer than SEVEN different times across three days for the twelve National League games which were all originally scheduled to be played on Saturday 20th December at 3pm.

By Christmas, Alty could be as high as 12th in the Enterprise National League or as low as 17th depending on their result on Friday night.

For Altrincham there have already been seven changes of time or date affecting the club's league fixtures this season.

Friday 19th December 2025

• Altrincham v Rochdale 7.45pm

Saturday 20th December 2025

• Boston United v Aldershot Town 12.30pm
• Tamworth v Southend United 5.30pm
• Woking v Scunthorpe United 12.30pm
• Yeovil Town v Forest Green Rovers 7.45pm
• York City v Truro City 5.30pm

Sunday 21st December 2025

• Boreham Wood v Carlisle United 4pm
• Brackley Town v Morecambe 12pm
• Braintree Town v Hartlepool United 2pm
• FC Halifax Town v Wealdstone 4pm
• Gateshead v Eastleigh 2pm
• Solihull Moors v Sutton United 12pm

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP FIXTURES

Group A

• Tamworth v Manchester United U21

Group D

• Halifax Town v Newcastle United U21

Tuesday 23rd December

Group C

• Aldershot Town v West Ham United U21

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Forward Lucas Lowery has joined NPL Premier club Hebburn Town for a one-month period.

Also for a period of one month, another forward, Ethan Fitzhugh has joined Kettering Town in the Southern League Premier.

And, finally, Carter Milmore returns to North Shields where he had an earlier spell this season which was curtailed by injury.

13 December, 2025

AFC TELFORD UNITED 4-3 ALTRINCHAM

For this FA Trophy tie at The New Buck's Head, Neil Gibson made two changes to the starting line-up. In came Lucas Weaver for Charlie Kirk and Jimmy Knowles replaced James Gale.

On the bench, recent signing Mikey Stone came in for Jack Hinchy who has returned to his parent club Notts County.

Altrincham took a sixth-minute lead when the two players brought in to the side combined well as Jimmy Knowles (right) converted a pass from Lucas Weaver.

After a long injury stoppage for a Telford player, Allen-Hadley, Knowles netted again, firing into the top of the net to make it 0-2 (37 mins). The two-goal lead was retained to the interval despite more than eight added minutes being played.

Telford started the second half well and made it 1-2 in the 53rd minute when George sprang the offside trap before lobbing the oncoming Hutchinson. Alty then found themselves under the cosh.

However, against the run of play Olly Crankshaw's curling shot made it 1-3 (68 mins).

Then with Alty looking comfortable, two goals in two minutes made it 3-3 as Armson scored after a corner before Stenson fired home a superb winner aginst a mentally fragile Altrincham (82 mins).

In added time Stenson smashed home a fourth goal for Telford. Alty have now exited all three cup competitions this season, in each case to lower ranked opposition.

Match report here

ISUZU FA TROPHY FIXTURES

North Section

• Solihull Moors 2-2 AFC Fylde (AFC Fylde won on pens)
• Harborough Town 1-2 Carlisle United
• Alvechurch 2-2 Alfreton Town (Alvechurch won on pens 3-1)
• Hartlepool United 1-2 Anstey Nomads
• South Shields 0-1 Macclesfield FC
• Clitheroe1-1 York City (Clitheroe won on pens 4-3)
• Scunthorpe United 5-0 Peterborough Sports
• Worksop Town 0-0 Kidderminster Harriers (Kidderminster won on pens)
• Curzon Ashton 1-2 Marine
• Hereford FC 1-1 Radcliffe (Hereford won on pens)
• Leamington 0-1 Rochdale
• Southport 3-1 Leek Town
• Tamworth 1-1 Boston United (Tamworth won on pens)
• FC Halifax Town 4-0 FC United of Manchester
• AFC Telford United v ALTRINCHAM
• Gateshead 0-3 Morecambe

South Section

• Boreham Wood 3-3 Brackley Town (Brackley won on pens)
• Leatherhead 3-2 Harrow Borough
• Yeovil Town 2-1 Maidstone United
• Forest Green Rovers 4-0 Weston super Mare
• Hemel Hempstead Town 0-2 Horsham
• Chatham Town 3-0 Plymouth Parkway
• Wealdstone 2-1 Cheshunt
• Dorking Wanderers 1-1 Bath City (Bath won on pens)
• Woking 2-0 AFC Totton
• Dagenham & Redbridge 3-1 Hanwell Town
• Eastleigh 2-1 Aldershot Town
• Southend United 4-0 Truro City
• Ebbsfleet United 3-1 Braintree Town
• Walton and Hersham 4-1 Sutton United
• Gloucester City 3-3 Worthing (Gloucster won on pens)
• Dover Athletic 1-4 Hornchurch

NEIL KEEN TO PROGRESS IN TROPHY

Neil (left) was then asked about the three recent signings.

Eddy Jones had been watched by Neil before he became manager at the club so he was well aware of his ability and skills. "He adds real compettion for places in the team and gives us flexibility to change formation", the manager observed.

Yassine Toure is described by Neil as a "bundle of energy" with "an exceptional attitude to his work". He revealed that the winger has now joined Vauxhall Motors on loan. Vauxhall Motors confirmed his signing on 5 December "on a short-term loan until January".

As for Mikey Stone he is remaining with the club rather than going on loan as "He'll play over the next few weeks".

In training, the attacking midfielder "works extremely hard", is an "infectious caharacter" [and] "is always last off the training pitch". In short he is an "exciting player in the final third".

Neil is keen to do well in the Trophy after the disappointment at Slough in the FA Cup, which "still grates".

He believes that if he and Ian had been in charge for seven days longer, the outcome at Slough would have been different.

Turning to today's match at Telford, he insisted that Alty's "focus and mindset has got to be right".

In a message to travelling supporters he admitted that so far he has "not given them much to cheer about on their travels" but that he hopes to put that right, starting today.

BEFORE THE GAME: AFC TELFORD UNITED v ALTRINCHAM

Whilst three of the current Altrincham squad have enjoyed loan spells at the New Buck's Head, not all of them will feature in today's match.

L. to. R. Ex-Telford loanees Keaton Ward, Billy Sass-Davies and Eddy Jones.

The three are Keaton Ward, Billy Sass-Davies and Eddy Jones, of whom only Ward has appeared for the Robins this season, the other two having been injured todate. The trio's loan spells in Shropshire were from, respectively, Mansfield Town, Crewe Alexandra and Stoke City.

On the eve of today's match, AFC Telford United reported that "After a good seven years yoyoing between Steps 1, 2 and 3, the Robins have once again established themselves at the pinnacle of non-league football. Now in a sixth successive season in the National League Premier, Alty have been promotion chasers in each of the last two campaigns, finishing 4th and 9th.

"But after a mixed start to the current campaign, the Robins currently find themselves in mid-table, sitting in 15th on 26 points from 22 games.

Right: James Jones is congratulated on his late equalising goal in a 2-2 draw in the National North in the game played at the New Buck's Head on 1 February, 2020.

"However, there has been a noticeable uptick in the Greater Manchester club’s form since they sacked long-serving manager Phil Parkinson at the end of October...

"Parkinson was replaced by ex-Wealdstone manager Neil Gibson, who... has impressed in his time in charge, with Alty picking up 13 points from his seven league games so far.

"Even under Gibson though, the Robins have struggled on the road, losing three, drawing one and winning one of their last five away games... Former Bucks loanee Keaton Ward joined from Boston in the summer.

"The sides last met during the 2019/20 season, when they faced off against each other twice in four days at the start of February. On the Saturday, the sides played out a 2-2 draw at the New Buck's Head, before the Robins won 5-2 at Moss Lane on the Tuesday. That success is one of only two that Alty have registered in ten games against AFC Telford.

"Since reforming, the Bucks have a good record against Altrincham, winning five and drawing three of those other eight games with the Robins. What’s more, the Bucks haven’t lost on home soil in that time, winning three and drawing two".

ALTY WOMEN'S BIG DAY

Kick off at the J. Davidson Stadium is at 2pm.

Altrincham are the lowest ranked team left in the competition and the club has never reached this stage previously in the Women's FA Cup.

Tickets for the match are available here. A special issue of the Robins Review will also be on sale for £1 inside The J.Davidson Stadium.

Prices are:

• Adult: £5
• Age 12-17 inclusive: £3
• Under-12 accompanied: £1

Altrincham FC Women pictured after winning the Cheshire Women’s and Youth Football League Challenge Cup Final last season.

ALTY OLD BOYS

It is unlikely that they'll qualify for the next phase however. Burnley's academy team need only to win at Stockport tomorrow to leave a gap too large for the Welsh club to surmount.

NWCL Premier Division : Although SHERIFF NJIE put Cheadle Town ahead after only 7 minutes, visitors Stockport Town won 1-2.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Dickman initially joined Pools in October on a monthly rolling agreement and has since played a key role under Nicky Featherstone during his interim spell in charge.

Following Featherstone’s appointment as permanent manager last week, Dickman will now continue as a key member of his First Team coaching staff, which has guided the team to four wins, three draws and just one defeat in the Enterprise National League...

The 47-year-old spent more than two decades within Sunderland’s academy system, working across multiple age groups and ultimately serving as Lead Coach of the Under-23s.

He later added to that experience with a spell as Lead Player Development Coach for Newcastle United’s Under-23s, before moving into senior management with South Shields in the Enterprise National League North...

Nicky Featherstone, Manager, said 'Securing Elliott as part of the permanent coaching staff was really important for us. Since he joined in October, he’s had a positive influence on the group, both on the training pitch and around the dressing room'".

Solihull Moors "confirm that Scott High has signed a permanent deal with the Club, committing his future until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Since joining the Moors, High has featured in every league fixture and has been a consistent and influential presence in midfield.

First Team Manager Chris Millington said 'As my first long-term signing at The Moors, Scott sets the standard. He is as enjoyable to work with on a day-to-day basis as he is to watch on a Saturday. He works hard every day, always gives his best and has an undoubted ability. I expect him to become a fan's favourite very quickly.'"

Barnet add that "The midfielder came to the Bees in the summer from Huddersfield Town and made six appearances in amber and black.

The 24-year-old joined the Moors on loan in October".

12 December 2025

NEIL GIBSON'S AMBITIONS

HINCHY RECALLED

The young midfielder was signed for Altrincham, on loan till the end of 2025, by previous manager Phil Parkinson. Under Parkinson, in the National League, Jack started in his debut match and played for 72 minutes in the next NL fixture, as a used substitute.

However, after Neil Gibson took over as manager his opportunities were very limited. He was named in league squads a further six times but only appeared on the pitch twice on those occasions, totalling just 15 minutes of game-time.

So, in league games he made just a single start and three more appearances from the bench which he also warmed on four more occasions without getting on the pitch.

In cup games he made three appearances under Phil Parkinson, completing ninety minutes in the CSC after two appearances from the bench in the FA Cup.

In all he amassed 112 minutes in the National League and played a further 132 minutes in cup competitions, making a total of 244 minutes. In all competitions he made 2(+4) appearances for Altrincham.

ALTY WOMEN IN FA CUP

It is the first time that an Altrincham side has played an FA Cup Third Round tie at Moss Lane since January 1980 when the men's side entertained Orient.

To mark the Women's achievement this season, The FA reports that "Altrincham head into the Adobe Women’s FA Cup third round this weekend dreaming of progress into the fourth round proper and a shot at taking on a BWSL club.

The Cheshire side, who play in tier six, are the lowest-ranked team in the competition after progressing to the third round and what’s the furthest they’ve been in their Women’s FA Cup history.

Along the way, they’ve seen off opposition from local rivals Macclesfield, Atherton LR, Stockton Town, Penrith and Ponteland United since starting their journey in the first round qualifying.

Now, they host York City on Sunday with a place in the fourth round proper at stake when clubs from the Barclays WSL and Championship join the competition.

And for captain Nat Lowe, it’s also been quite the journey.

Having played football as a youngster before dropping out of the game, she went on to become a professional golfer and then started her own consultancy as a strength and conditioning coach for golfers.

But after missing the team unity aspect of football, a meeting with Alty’s head of women’s football Duncan Jones saw her return and rekindle her love of the game which has now seen her lead out the team this season ...

They now face a team in York City who play their football two levels higher in the FA Women’s National League division one north, while Alty are in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South...

'As far as I know no sixth-tier side has ever got that far into the competition'" said Natalie.

Altrincham FC has a video as "Elise Jones talks to Alty TV's Brian Flynn ahead of Sunday's huge Adobe Women's FA Cup third round tie".

SEVENTH KICK-OFF CHANGE FOR ALTY

Gateshead fans will be delighted to make an early start from Tyneside to attend the fixture against Altrincham at the J. Davidson Stadium.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Victory would have taken Carlisle top of the National League, but they let an early one-goal lead slip to suffer a first league loss since the end of September - a run of nine games...

'1-0 to the good, you think you should build on that, certainly being the home team and being the team with the opportunity to go top of the league,' Hughes told BBC Radio Cumbria.

'We haven't taken that opportunity and it's poor from our point-of-view in terms of our understanding of that.

'We've just got to pick ourselves up very quickly and go again. We've got some big games coming up and we'll need to be markedly better than we were tonight'...

Having lost at Blackpool in the FA Cup four days ago, Hughes says that after back-to-back defeats, there may be a change of approach...

He added 'They're a good group, but tonight they let themselves down. It was a performance we didn't expect'".

Yeovil Town "announce the signing of Josh Tobin on loan from Bromley until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old is well known to Manager Billy Rowley and Assistant Darren Simpson, having risen through the academy ranks at Chelsea, where he quickly established himself as a hardworking and technically capable young player.

He later spent time with Walton & Hersham under Billy’s guidance... before earning a move into the EFL with Bromley...

Manager Billy Rowley said 'Josh is a player we know well. He’s intelligent, adaptable, and works tirelessly for the team. His ability to slot into different roles gives us great flexibility'".

Also, the BBC informs us that "Yeovil Town have reached an agreement to terminate the contracts of coaches Richard Dryden and Jerry Gill.

Dryden joined Yeovil's backroom staff in the summer and took charge of the team for 21 league matches following the departures of Mark Cooper and Danny Webb, and in September was given the role as interim manager for the rest of the season.

Gill was brought in as Dryden's assistant manager but, following the appointment of Billy Rowley two weeks ago as permanent boss, both have now left Huish Park",

Meanwhile, at Wealdston's "vice-captain Max Kretzschmar, currently pushing towards a return from injury, doesn't believe for a moment that last Saturday's FA Cup exit will dent confidence...

'There's less time left until I'm ready than has already passed being out injured so that's a big plus,' said the 32-year-old.

'I've done my first session on the grass today; just straight line running for now, but that'll progress to turns and sprinting later in the week..

'And I know I'll be coming back into a squad that's currently only lost one game in nine'".

11 December 2025

EDDY JONES INTERVIEW

Eddy explains that the injury was not diagnosed immediately after the game but after the swelling had reduced he had a scan before undergoing an operation in February 2025.

He said that the club had helped him to do his rehab work for which he is very grateful.

This week he admitted that the lads had had a "blasting" following last Saturday's performance in the game at Aldershot for which Eddy was an unused substitute.

This week Alty face AFC Telford United in the FA Trophy and Eddy recalled that he was in the Alty side which lost in the FA Trophy semi-final a couple of years ago. That disappointment motivates him to help Altrincham to put that disappointment to bed this weekend.

NEXT: AFC TELFORD UNITED

Despite being winless in twelve outings "It was Leamington who started with the wind in their sails. The Brakes were quick out of the blocks and looked to take the game to the Bucks, and for the first ten minutes Kevin Wilkin’s men struggled to get out of their own half...

On 18 minutes... debutant Frank Tattum appeared to have scuffed the ball into the net for the Brakes. The ball was over the line before Oliver Cawthorne scrambled it clear, but fortunately for the Bucks the officials didn’t see it that way, and the game remained goalless...

Right: Harvey Randle.

But the Brakes did take the lead in the 24th minute...

The momentum swung towards Wilkin’s men in the 36th minute. A fantastic low strike from the left of the box from Dylan Allen-Hadley flew past Brearey to level the scores at 1-1. The Bucks were in the ascendency now...

Wilkin’s men... made it count on 68 minutes. The ball was switched out to Dyer on the right... and the Bucks defender drove into the box and hit an effort that took a deflection and found its way into the net...

The Bucks had to stand firm in the face of some strong pressure from Leamington...Having kept the Brakes out, the Bucks wrapped things up in the 93rd minute thanks to a cracking hit from Hilton".

Team Sheet: Josh Gracey, Ammar Dyer, Jamie Meddows, Oliver Cawthorne, Jordan Piggott, Alex Fletcher, Khanya Leshabela, Remi Walker, Charlie Williams, Dylan Allen-Hadley, Matty Stenson. Subs: Rhys Hilton, Ola Lawal, Adan George, Jimmy Armson, Edward Elewa-Ikpakwu, Jahdahn Fridye-Harper.

Footnote: Goalkeeper HARVEY RANDLE could face his former employers on Saturday as he is now on the books of opponents AFC Telford United.

ALTY OLD BOYS

National League : Carlisle United would have gone top of the league had they won their home fixture against Woking, but the Surrey club made their 632 mile round trip worthwhile by winning 1-3. REGAN LINNEY played the whole game, but CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was withdrawn after 79 minutes.

National North : Although SAM HEATHCOTE wasn't in the Macclesfield squad at King's Lynn, DANNY WHITEHEAD (right) started, and was replaced by REGAN GRIFFITHS after 75 minutes. The Silkmen had been behind inside 2 minutes, but forced a 1-1 draw in the 81st minute.

NPL Premier Division : RON SITHOLE only came on in the 90th minute at Stocksbridge Park Steels, by which time FC United had already sealed a comfortable 0-3 win. They climb to 3rd, 4 points behind leaders Hednesford Town but with a game in hand.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURE

• Carlisle United 1-3 Woking

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In a month that saw City win six out of six league games, scoring a whopping 26 goals, with Ollie bagging six himself in that period.

Many congratulations to both Stuart & Ollie on this achievement!"

Morecambe's chairman has issued an open letter to supporters.

It states "There has been unacceptable disruption, particularly in key operational roles. The departure of valued staff has created uncertainty, and communication from the Board has not been good enough. We take full accountability for that, and we are acting immediately to restore stability.

We also recognise the impact of the recent resignation of Rod Taylor and Graham Howse. We thank them for their decades of dedicated service to Morecambe FC, and we understand the seriousness of the concerns they raised. We are addressing those concerns directly through stronger governance, clearer leadership structure, and rapid recruitment into critical positions.

To be absolutely clear on one point: an associate who recently appeared around the club had no financial or operational role in Morecambe FC. His involvement has been fully terminated. We will not allow anyone to damage the integrity or reputation of this club.

This is what is happening now:

• Interim operational leads appointed to ensure continuity in Finance, HR and Safeguarding• Permanent recruitment underway for key roles, with first appointments to be confirmed within the next 3–4 weeks
• A strengthened Board governance structure, with clear oversight and weekly executive reviews
• Full support for the football department, including resources for the January window and performance improvements on the pitch
• Communication reset, including monthly updates and open dialogue with supporters

Our commitment to this club is long-term, and we continue to fund operations while we implement these changes. We are putting in structure where there was none, adding expertise where it is missing, and setting the foundations for a sustainable, ambitious future.

We are not asking for blind trust. We are asking you to hold us to the commitments we are setting out today.

• You will see us more.
• You will hear from us more.
• And you will see improvements quickly.

We will be sitting down with the Shrimps Trust podcast as an ownership group, and we will engage directly with fans at the Forum in January. This is your club, and you deserve clarity, honesty and a plan you can believe in.

We are taking control of this situation and driving Morecambe FC forward. Thank you for your passion, your loyalty, and your belief in this club.

Together, we move forward, stronger.

Kuljit Singh Momi, Chairman, Morecambe Football Club".

Rochdale confirm that "Tarryn Allarakhia will be heading to the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after being selected in the 26-man squad.

The 28-year-old will make his second appearance at the tournament following Tanzania’s previous campaign in January 2024.

The former Wealdstone man had a successful time with the Taifa Stars in November, scoring his first-ever international goal in a friendly with Kuwait...

Tanzania have been drawn in Group C for the tournament alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and Uganda.

They will first take on Nigeria on Tuesday 23rd December (5.30pm UK), before a matchday two clash with Uganda on Saturday 27th December (5.30pm UK). Their final group game takes them to Rabat where they face Tunisia on Tuesday 30th December (4pm UK).

Allarakhia is expected to join up with his international teammates following Dale’s Isuzu FA Trophy tie at Leamington on Saturday 13th December with the tournament getting underway on the 21st of the month"

Footnote: This means that Allarakhia will miss the Dale's clash with Altrincham on 19 December.

10 December 2025

NEXT: AFC TELFORD UNITED

AFC Telford United are in their first season back in National North after spending two seasons at step 3 in the Southern League Premier Central.

They regained their National North status last summer through the play-offs after finishing third.

This season has proved tough for both Altrincham and their opponents with the Bucks moving up to 13th in the North, after a first away win of the league season on Tuesday night at bottom club Leamington, and Altrincham 15th in the National division.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

• £500 cash | 479 Jim Ward
• £75 cash | 1 S. Ellis
• Hospitality for Two | 258 R. Knight
• £25 cash | 27 Campbell McLay
• Bottle of Alty Gin | 246 Josie Fuller
• Scarf & Pin Badge | 549 D. Jordan

ALTY OLD BOYS

In League One : ALI SMITH (right) played the full game for AFC Wimbledon at Exeter City, but the hosts scored the only goal.

OWEN DALE also played throughout Plymouth Argyle's 0-1 win at Wycombe Wanderers, picking up a yellow card - the first of 6 for his side. JUNIOR QUITIRNA was a 55th minute substitute for the home side.

Another player to incur the wrath of the referee was CARL PIERGIANNI, who picked up a yellow card as Stevenage lost by the only goal to visitors Cardiff City.

League Two : 3 months to the day since he last featured in a Barnet squad, JOE HUGILL was named on the bench, and came on in the 81st minute. Visitors Bristol Rovers were again without the injured JOEL SENIOR, and were 3 down by then, eventually losing 4-0.

CONNOR JENNINGS entered the action at Barrow after 75 minutes with his Tranmere Rovers side already two goals up. 8 minutes later ELLIOT NEWBY came off the Barrow bench, but within a minute they were down to 10 men, and Tranmere won 0-3 by dispatching the resultant penalty.

After missing the last 3 games, MARCUS DINANGA was an unused substitute for Bromley, who beat visitors Crawley 3-1. On the other hand, JAMES BERRY did come off Chesterfield's bench at Cambridge United after 68 minutes. The Spireites were 1-0 down at the time, but scored late on to force a draw.

Although TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game for Fleetwood Town at home to Salford City, HARRISON HOLGATE had to come off after 39 minutes with his side a goal down. However, they came back to draw 1-1. KEVIN BERKOE was an unused substitute for the visitors.

The scoring was over at Shrewsbury Town, where Grimsby Town drew 1-1, when the Mariners brought on JUSTIN AMALUZOR after 86 minutes.

JAKE BICKERSTAFF (left) put in a full shift for Cheltenham Town, who ripped up the form book to win by the only goal at promotion hopefuls Swindon Town.

The hosts failed to register a shot on target as Cheltenham moved further clear of the relegation trapdoor - Newport County are in some difficulty in bottom spot, while Harrogate Town are now 23rd.

Southern Premier Central : ZAK GOODSON played the full game as Quorn came from behind twice to beat visitors Redditch United 3-2. All 5 goals were scored in the first 23 minutes.

NPL Division 1 West : KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game as Stalybridge Celtic beat Nantwich Town 3-2 at Bower Fold. BYRON HARRISON put in a full shift for the vanquished visitors, while AIDY ROXBURGH was an 81st minute substitute.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURE

• Carlisle United v. Woking

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Saints stayed in with a shout of reaching the third round for the first time but a fateful slip saw the Brewers, inspired by hat-trick hero Tyrese Shade, seize control.

Despite having to soak up spells of pressure from a Burton side featuring no fewer than nine starters from their previous EFL outing, Brackley gave away little either side of Michael Nottingham wrapping his foot around a 25th-minute equaliser. ...

The sliding doors moment arrived 17 minutes from time... With every Brackley player in their attacking half, Saint Kitts and Nevis international Shade was free to race through unopposed and made no mistake in stroking past exposed goalkeeper Jonny Maxted on the move...

'I have to accept responsibility, I asked the players to be brave,' said the Brackley boss... 'We should have been professional and loaded it up. We were very much in the game and starting to build momentum.

'We’re disappointed because we fell on our sword, it was not something that was done to us, but now it is the end of our run...

'Across my two-and-a-half years here it has been incredible and I cannot speak highly enough of everyone here and how hard they work'">

At Rochdale "The mid-season rebuild of the Crown Oil Arena pitch began on Sunday morning.

As confirmed in recent weeks, a complete rebuild will take place over the next six weeks, with Dale playing two home matches at Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium.

We spoke to Rochdale AFC Managing Director Andy Duff about the pitch rebuild and the move to Accrington.

Andy also introduced Charles Henderson, Managing Director of OBI Sports, who have been appointed as pitch consultants.

He detailed the programme of works that are set to take place, discussed the new hybrid surface and the work that will take place in the summer".

The club has a YouTube video further clarifying the work involved.

Woking "share the success of [a] Fans' Forum, held in the Cardinals Bar...

Managing Director Robin Byrne, Director of Football Jody Brown, and First-Team Manager Neal Ardley were all in attendance, each taking the time to address a wide range of hard-hitting questions from supporters.

Chairman Todd Johnson also made an appearance via a pre-recorded video link to say a warm welcome and thanks to those in attendance. Topics included on-pitch performance, recruitment strategy, club operations, and long-term ambitions for The Cards

The panel’s openness and willingness to engage in constructive dialogue were warmly received, and the evening highlighted the shared passion and commitment that unite the club and our fanbase".

The Lancaster Guardian reports that "Former Morecambe co-chairmen Rod Taylor and Graham Howse have described their positions as untenable following their shock resignations from the club’s board of directors.

The pair left their roles as directors with immediate effect on Monday – suggesting off-the-field issues as the main reason behind their decision to end decades of proud service to the Shrimps.

Taylor and Howse were co-chairmen under the previous ownership, but returned to the board after Panjab Warriors bought the club in the summer".

9 December 2025

NEXT: AFC TELFORD UNITED

The Bucks have yet to win a league game away from home but are much better at home, where they have accrued 18 of their 23 league points this season, winning five and drawing three of their 11 home fixtures.

Their dangerman is the subject of a report from the Shropshire Star on their 2-2 draw at home to Southport on Saturday

It tells us that "Striker Matty Stenson tied the AFC Telford United all time scoring record - as the Bucks were held to a point against Southport.

Kevin Wilkin's side made a quick start as they took the lead in just the fourth minute...

It was the Bucks who were the better side...

The Sandgrounders then hit back in the opening minutes of the second half ... and then hey turned it all around as Chris Sze capitalised on indecision from the Bucks to put his side in front.

But in a frantic start to the second half, Stenson was hauled down in the box and the Bucks handed a penalty.

Stenson was denied from the spot - but he turned home the re-bound to equal Andy Brown's all time club record".

ALTY WOMEN'S LAPSE

Manchester Laces, second in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South, looked the better side, particularly in the first half where the Robins looked off the pace.

It was a game of limited chances, though the visitors took theirs after 16 minutes...

Altrincham [are] now looking to bounce back for the most important game in their history next Sunday; an Adobe Women’s FA Cup third round tie against York City Ladies at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Tickets for the game are available online here.

HALF-SEASON TICKETS

Prices are...

• Adults (16-64yo): £167
• Concessions (65 y.o.+)/ Students / NHS: £138
• Young adults (18-21 y.o.) £79
• Youth (12-17 y.o.) £63
• Children (5-11 y.o.) £31
• Under-5: £12

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS: 13 DECEMBER

However, waterlogging postponed the game so the last time Altrincham competed on 13 December was back in 2014 when Macclesfield Town visited Alrincham for a First Round FA Trophy tie. Altrincham won the game 1-0.

Right: Simon Richman in action during the 2014 FA Trophy win over Macclesfield Town.

Back in this 2014 match, Altrincham repeated their league win that season over the Silkmen with another 1-0 win. The deciding goal arrived after just one minute and fifty seconds. A great turn by Damian Reeves got him free and he scored with a rising shot past Branagan. Macclesfield did not look like a team lying second in the Conference but they did improve after the break.

However, the visitors scarcely tested Dave Parton in the Alty goal and were reduced to ten men after 73 minutes, when Danny Whitaker was sent off for a "last man" trip on Simon Richman. Substitute Whitaker had only joined the game 13 minutes earlier. It was Alty who went closest to scoring again when Tom Marshall's cleverly hooked shot came back off the woodwork (76 mins).

Macclesfield rallied to apply some late pressure but their best chance was wasted by Grant who missed the target after a mis-header by Marshall.

Altrincham welcomed Nicky Clee back to the bench, whilst goalkeeper Stuart Coburn was again missing with injury, so Dave Parton continued in goal. Sean Williams replaced Jake Moult in midfield, whilst Scott Leather returned to the bench after completing his suspension.

ALTRINCHAM : 17.Dave Parton 2. Shaun Densmore (c), 5. Gianluca Havern, 16. Tom Marshall, 3. Adam Griffin, 8. Simon Richman, 18. Sean Williams, 25. Peter Cavanagh, 19. Ryan Crowther, 7. James Lawrie, 10. Damian Reeves. Subs: 4. Jake Moult, 14. Kyle Perry, 9. Steven Gillespie, 15. Greg Wilkinson, 11. Nicky Clee.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Meanwhile, the BBC tells us that Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard hailed JEFF KING as non-league football's Trent Alexander-Arnold as the full-back scored in their win over Newport County in the FA Cup.

Right-back King volleyed home a 32nd-minute opener to pave the way for a 3-0 win by the National League club, which put them into the third round for the fourth time in six years.

The 29-year-old is currently on loan from York City and does not know whether he will still be at the club in January when it could play against Premier League opposition.

'I likened him in his years at Chesterfield and Halifax to Trent Alexander-Arnold. He has so much quality over the half-way line. He's got unbelievable delivery (with crosses) but he's smart, he sees the game,' Garrard told BBC Match of the Day.

After his shot hit the net, King blew a kiss to a TV camera adjacent to the goal dedicating it to his mother, who died last year... 'I caught it lovely. I'm just grateful it went in,' he said. 'I probably had the toughest year outside of football and in football, not playing a lot of games. I got an opportunity to come to Boreham Wood (in the summer) and when I spoke to Luke, he welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a son'".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Whilst Rochdale unsurprisingly is placed at the top of the annual rainfall statistics for National League club locations with 1,136mm of rain per annum, Altrincham lies third with 1,047mm per annum.

As previously reported the Dale are switching two fixtures from the Crown Arena to Accrington's Wham stadium whilst their pitch is replaced.

Speaking after his side's FA Cup win on Sunday, Luke Garrard told the BBC that after Borehamwood returned this season to the National League, "'The style had to change, we were in a division last year [National South] where we had the biggest budget and the best group, so you can't go and serve up what I was doing in years before, being a pragmatic manager and having percentages football.

The fact that we've won games in the league (this season) and have gone to the third round of the FA Cup and are yet to concede, there's more confidence and belief (in the team) , and when you tell them something, they hang on your every word'...

Garrard said he did not have a preferred system or formation, just a 'concept'. He explained 'The players understand exactly what I mean by that. Depending on what the opposition present, we'll find a way to go and play round them'".

At Morecambe, chairman Kuljit Singh Momi "confirms that Mr. Rod Taylor and Mr. Graham Howse have today, 08 December 2025, tendered their resignations as Directors of the Club with immediate effect.

The Board wishes to place on record its profound appreciation for the exemplary service both individuals have rendered over many years.

Their unwavering commitment, steadfast leadership, and substantial contributions have been integral to the Club’s development, resilience, and continued progress through periods of both significant achievement and operational challenge.

Mr. Taylor and Mr. Howse have consistently acted as distinguished ambassadors for Morecambe Football Club and the wider community, upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Their tenure as Co-Chairmen has left an enduring legacy that will remain embedded in the history and culture of the Club".

EMIRATES FA CUP

• Brackley Town 1-3 Burton Albion

The draw for Round Three is as follows...

• Wolverhampton Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town
• Doncaster Rovers v Southampton
• Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
• Port Vale v Fleetwood Town
• Preston NE v Wigan Athletic
• Ipswich Town v Blackpool
• Wrexham v Nottingham Forest
• Charlton Athletic v Chelsea
• Manchester City v Exeter City
• West Ham United v QPR
• Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford
• Fulham v Middlesbrough
• Everton v Sunderland
• Liverpool v Barnsley
• Burnley v Millwall
• Norwich City v Walsall
• Portsmouth v Arsenal
• Derby County v Leeds United
• Swansea City v WBA
• Salford City v Swindon Town
• Boreham Wood v Burton Albion
• Grimsby Town v Weston-super-Mare
• Hull City v Blackburn Rovers
• Newcastle United v Bournemouth
• MK Dons v Oxford United
• Cheltenham Town v Leicester City
• Cambridge United v Birmingham City
• Bristol City v Watford
• Stoke City v Coventry City
• Macclesfield FC v Crtstal Palace
• Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion
• Sheffield United v Mansfield Town

8 December 2025

ALTY OLD BOYS

FA Cup : SAM HEATHCOTE and DANNY WHITEHEAD started for Macclesfield at Slough Town, and after a turgid first half the game turned in favour of the Silkmen when Slough's captain conceded a penalty, which in turn led to a second yellow card and his dismissal.

The penalty was converted, and Macc seemed to be in control, but in the 86th minute Slough were awarded a soft penalty from which they levelled the tie. Despite 9 added minutes, the match went to extra time. Within 3 minutes Macclesfield regained the lead with a superb goal from James Edmondson, but in the 103rd minute Danny, who had been booked earlier, picked up a knock and was replaced by REGAN GRIFFITHS (right).

Another injury a few minutes later reduced Macclesfield to 10 men too, as they'd used all their substitutes. The clock had reached the 127th minute when Regan popped up to finish off the scoring, Altrincham's 1st Round conquerors going down 1-3.

It is generally considered that the clubs in the top half of the National League are mostly the equals of those in the bottom half of League Two, so one can only assume that Christian Fuchs, the manager of bottom club Newport County, didn't prioritise the FA Cup.

Travelling to Boreham Wood, who were aiming to reach the 3rd round for the 4th time in 6 seasons, he named effectively a second choice lineup.

He paid for that when JEFF KING (left, in his youthful Alty days), who played the whole game, put Wood ahead, and they went on to demolish their Welsh visitors 3-0. A shots ratio of 27(8) against 10(1) pretty well tells the story.

Although Carlisle United matched Blackpool in terms of goal attempts, they were knocked out 4-1 at Bloomfield Road. Most of the damage was done in the first half as the hosts struck 3 times without reply.

The scoring was complete when CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was withdrawn after 64 minutes, and REGAN LINNEY left the action 5 minutes later.

EMIRATES FA CUP RESULTS

Saturday, 6 December 2025

• Chelmsford City 0-2 Weston Super Mare
• Cheltenham Town 6-2 Buxton
• Grimsby Town 4-0 Wealdstone
• Sutton United 1-2 Shrewsbury Town aet

Sunday 7 December 2025

• Blackpool 4-1 Carlisle United
• Boreham Wood 3-0 Newport County
• Gateshead 0-2 Walsall
• Slough Town 1-3 Macclesfield aet

Monday 8 December 2025

• Brackley Town v Burton Albion ko 7.30pm

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The pair arrive from the Championship club’s development setup and already have National League experience under their belts, having spent time on loan at Yeovil Town earlier this season...

Wodskou is a striker with a keen eye for goal, strong movement in the box, and the ability to unsettle defenders...

Pendleton is a versatile defender capable of playing at right-back or right wing-back, offering athleticism, defensive reliability, and a willingness to get forward and get crosses into the box".

Hartlepool Unitedhave confirmed "the appointment of Nicky Featherstone as the Club’s permanent manager, following a highly impressive period in interim charge.

Featherstone has overseen a significant upturn in performances and results since stepping into the dugout in October.

Working alongside Elliott Dickman and Adam Smith, who will both remain part of the First Team coaching staff, he has guided Pools to a seven-match unbeaten run in the Enterprise National League, recording four wins and three draws...

Featherstone will take charge of Pools until the end of the season, with a Club option to extend following a review of performance.

The former midfielder has been held as a Club legend with more than 450 appearances across an 11-year spell at the Prestige Group Stadium, which saw promotion to the EFL in 2021...

Joe Monks, Head of Football Operations, said 'We conducted a thorough process and spoke to a wide range of candidates from the English football pyramid including experienced EFL managers but Nicky’s leadership and understanding of the Club made him the standout choice'"

Rochdale reported on Saturday how their match at homr to "Southend United has been abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch.

Dale had come from behind to lead the game 2-1 when the referee suspended play in the 78th minute. After a near 30-minute delay, in which the coaching staff and grounds team tried their utmost to make the pitch playable, referee Andrew Humphries officially abandoned the fixture.

We now await further information on whether the result will stand or the game must be replayed, which will be determined by the National League...

Dale fell behind inside six minutes when Southend’s Oli Coker fired high into the net...

Dale came flying out of the traps after the break...

The equaliser came in the 53rd minute. A ball forward wasn’t dealt with Southend goalkeeper Collin Andeng-Ndi, who spilled it into the path of Ryan East. He showed great composure to take it around a defender and slot into the empty net...

Dale’s second... [saw] Allarakhia [who] took the ball past a defender inside the area before slamming home into the far corner.

Two further inspections resulted in the match being abandoned with 78 minutes played."

Meanwhile Southend United "head coach Kevin Maher spoke with the media following our abandoned fixture at Rochdale this afternoon...

Oli Coker’s sixth-minute strike had given the Shrimpers the lead, but as conditions worsened through the second half, Ryan East and Tarryn Allarakhia had both taken advantage of the deteriorating surface to put the hosts ahead.

Maher praised Rochdale’s grounds team for their efforts to preserve the pitch, but concluded that the decision to call the game off was correct.

'The only thing is that at 2-1 obviously they want to keep playing and we’re not that bothered,' Maher told the press. 'If it was the other way around, it’d be the same of course....

'The referee before the game even said it was in the hands of the gods in terms of the weather. Seeing the state of it now, there was no chance. What you’ve got to do is call it earlier, at 1-1 or even at half-time, and when you make a decision stick to it because it wasn’t going to get any better with it still raining, so it became a farce really...

'Their goals that have come from conditions and it just became silly really...

'It’s just a shame for everyone and our fans who have travelled up again in huge numbers and were making a great noise. For large parts of it we were leading the game and playing ever so well, but it’s the right decision that should have been made earlier to stop any controversy.'

One positive to come from the afternoon was Harry Cardwell’s second debut for the club, having returned to the Shrimpers on loan from Forest Green Rovers earlier this week".

Solihull Moors "confirm the signing of defender George Nurse on a one-month loan from League Two side Shrewsbury Town, joining the club until 3rd January 2026.

The 26-year-old defender arrives at Damson Park with EFL and National League experience...

Nurse began his career with Bristol City... His early senior experience came through a loan spell with Weston-Super-Mare in the National League South, before impressing during a season-long stint at Newport County in 2019/20 - making 26 appearances...

A loan spell at Walsall followed before he made the permanent switch to Shrewsbury Town in July 2021... ending last season with 25 appearances."

7 December 2025

NEIL GIBSON'S ASSESSMENT

He felt that the team at Aldershot gave a performance that was "nowhere near the levels of the last 6 or 7 games". He also identified that Alty's "away form and home firm are really different" which he felt had actually been a club trait for the last couple of years.

He judged that "too many of us were not at our best". He felt that the "players looked leggy" and explained that in terms of selection Matty Kosylo was unfit to start because of "soreness" whilst Kahrel Reddin's absence was due to a knock.

After a "four or five hour trip" to Hampshire the manager did not cite that as a factor in the team's disappointing performance.

ALDERSHOT TOWN 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here

HIGHLIGHTS FROM ALDERSHOT

SHOTS' VIEW

The Shots started brightly, enthused by the re-introduction of talisman Josh Barrett...

{in the second half] the pressure continued as Altrincham again lost possession close to home. Jones fed Ghandour, who ... put his effort into the East Bank inside two minutes of the restart...

On the hour, Altrincham broke at lightning speed, and with almost their first shot on target in the game, Oliver Crankshaw drove the ball beyond Boyce-Clarke and into the back of the net, giving the visitors the shock lead with half an hour to play.

Tempers flared shortly after, as both benches became embroiled in a squabble, as Altrincham looked to run the clock down with a series of stoppages. John Coleman received a yellow card for his part in the coming together between the dugouts, the visiting bench also received a yellow...

In the 90th minute, the Shots restored hope, as Hady Ghandour blasted home an equaliser from close range, after Ryan Jones’s deflected shot was palmed into danger by the home goalkeeper, sending the East Bank into raptures.

And just moments later, in the 93rd minute, Tyler Frost cut in from the left and curled a beautiful shot into the top right corner, completing a memorable late comeback, handing the Shots a more than deserved 3-points, handing hope to their survival mission".

NEXT: AFC TELFORD UNITED

The Bucks drew 2-2 at home to Southport on Saturday in National North, a result that leaves them 16th in the divison.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : Bradford City had already scored the only goal of the game at Home Park when Plymouth Argyle withdrew OWEN DALE after 71 minutes.

FA Cup : A CONNOR KIRBY (right) assist put Buxton ahead for the second time at Cheltenham Town, but when he was withdrawn after 85 minutes things no longer looked rosy. The hosts, who had withdrawn JAKE BICKERSTAFF 2 minutes early went on to win 6-2.

Having been behind at Wigan Athletic, Barrow levelled, and after bringing on ELLIOT NEWBY in the 80th minute they briefly led. The game ended 2-2 after a scoreless extra half hour, but, although Elliot converted his penalty, the Cumbrian side lost the shootout 4-3 after two of his teammates failed from the spot.

It was a happier story for Fleetwood Town. With HARRISON HOLGATE in their starting lineup they led Luton Town twice, before this game too finished 2-2 after a fruitless extra period, during which TOBY MULLARKEY came on as a 99th minute substitute. Harrison converted Fleetwood's 3rd penalty, and the Hatters missed two in a row to lose the shootout 4-2.

National League : Not so long ago CONNOR TEALE captained Boston United in the absence of ZAK MILLS, but today, even in Zak's continued absence, he was merely an 80th minute substitute as the Pilgrims won comfortably at Morecambe 0-3.

Solihull Moors were a goal up at Forest Green Rovers when TYRESE SINCLAIR was one of 3 players withdrawn after 61 minutes. Within a minute, the hosts equalised, but couldn't actually manage a win despite a shots tally of 19(6) to Moors paltry 3(1).

MATT GOULD watched Yeovil Town's 0-2 win at Hartlepool United from the bench as usual, but KYLE FERGUSON played the whole game, picking up a yellow card for his pains.

ROSS BARROWS, playing for a contract extension after injury, was a 70th minute substitute for Scunthorpe United at home to Tamworth. The score was 1-1 at that point but the Iron went on to win 3-1.

Ross won his side a late penalty but Ubaezuono's effort was saved, depriving him of a hat-trick after he had also netted against Altrincham last week.

KENNEDY DIGIE played the full game for the visitors from Staffordshire.

National North : TOM PEERS (lwft) and DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY started for Chester at King's Lynn, where they won 0-2, but JAMES JONES was left on the bench.

Southern Premier Central : ZAK GOODSON opened the scoring for Quorn, and they went on to win 0-3 at Needham Market.

YUSIFU CEESAY (right) was credited with the assist for the final goal of the game at Spalding United, as they saw off Leiston 4-1, with all the goals being scored in the first half.

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS was substituted after 66 minutes as Kilmarnock lost 0-3 to visitors Rangers.

FA Vase: West Didsbury & Chorlton went through to the next round with a 0-3 win at Rossington Main. LEWIS BILLINGSLEY scored the opener.

NPL Premier Division : MONTEL GIBSON gave league leaders Hednesford Town the half time advantage, and won Man of the Match, but visitors Warrington Rylands came back to draw 1-1.

JONNY MARGETTS opened the scoring for Gainsborough Trinity at Warrington Town, and they went on to win 0-3.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : ANDY DALES was on target for Mickleover as they won 1-3 at Bourne Town.

NPL Division 1 West : ELLIOTT DURRELL moved from Stamford to Shifnal Town last week, and made his debut as a 71st minute substitute in a 1-1 draw at Lower Breck. He wasn't in action this weekend, as Shifnal's home game against Bury was one of many postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

KYLE BROWNHILL played the whole of Stalybridge Celtic's 2-3 win at Darlaston Town.

TONY THOMPSON (left) and TOM HANNIGAN played the full game for Bootle at Kidsgrove Athletic, where they won 1-3 after trailing at the break.

BYRON HARRISON started for Nantwich Town, but by the time AIDY ROXBURGH came off the bench in the 62nd they were trailing 2-4 to visitors Vauxhall Motors. Byron was withdrawn 4 minutes later, while KEVIN ELLISON was left on the bench by Motors, who won 3-5.

Although ASTLEY MULHOLLAND played the full game, Wythenshawe Town lost 2-3 to visitors Chasetown.

6 December, 2025

ALDERSHOT TOWN 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham had earlier put in a very poor first-half performance against an Aldershot side which had lost all of its previous eight games but who were were comfortably the better side here in the first forty-five minutes.

Alty were grateful to a fine save by Hutchinson from Ryan Jones to keep the score 0-0 at the break. At the other end the only effort on goal was a mediocre effort from Kirk which was comfortably saved.

Alty were initially a little better after the break before fading. But then, out of the blue, Crankshaw took advantage of a ricochet to fire home, right-footed and give Altrincham an unlikely lead (62 mins).

Immediately, a spat involving John Coleman the home manager got him booked as was Alty's Lee Jones.

But the Robins could not hold on and Ghandour equalised in the 90th minute after a fine save by Hutchinson saw the ball come back off the post for Ghandour to score.

Then substtiute Frost beat Kosylo and scored off the inside of the post to take the lead (90+2 mins). Altrincham could have no complaints at the result as the Shots ended their long run of defeats.

Match report here

NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

There is a reduced ENL programme owing to the FA Cup Second Round taking place over this weekend.

• Aldershot Town 2-1 Altrincham
• FC Halifax Town 4-0 Braintree Town
• Forest Green Rovers 1-1 Solihull Moors
• Hartlepool United 0-2 Yeovil Town
• Morecambe 0-3 Boston United ko 12.30pm
• Rochdale A-A Southend United (match abandoned at 2-1, waterlogged pitch)
• Scunthorpe United 3-1 Tamworth ko 5.30pm

EDDY JONES RETURNS

Media officer John Edwards adds that "the former Stoke City full-back suffered a significant setback last February when he sustained a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury that required surgery.

"When his Alty contract ran out in June and he became a free agent...

"But Robins boss Neil Gibson revealed that Eddy's recovery programme has been largely supervised by Alty staff and that he opted for relaunching his career with us over approaches he received from rival clubs in the Enterprise National League".

Manager Neil Gibson explained that "he has been training with us to get back to full fitness...

"I felt it was a really good opportunity for us to offer him a deal until the end of the season, because the quality he has will complement the group of players we have here... and allow us to play in a completely different shape, one we are not currently able to operate in".

Footnote: Now 24, left-back Eddy originally signed up for a season-long loan at Altrincham from The Potters on 3 February 2022.

The following season he rejoined Altrincham for a second loan spell from Stoke City on 2 September 2022 and made the left-back berth his own in 2022-23, having signed on as an Altrincham player after leaving Stoke City in January 2023.

2024-25 saw him sent off in the opening game and then start less regularly than in the previous campaign. More misfortune followed as he suffered a serious injury which sidelined him from early December 2024. This was only revealed to have been an ACL injury on 13 February 2025, for which an operation had to be carried out.

OLLY CRANKSHAW INTERVIEW

He spoke about his two goals in last Saturday's win over Scunthorpe United confirming that his first goal was a deliberate lob and not an intended cross.

After a season of intermittent action for the winger, Olly has been involved more regularly in recent weeks and he declared "It's time to kick on a bit now".

BEFORE THE GAME: ALDERSHOT TOWN v ALTRINCHAM

. On the eve of today's match against Altrincham, Aldershot Town "confirm[ed] the youth-loan signing of Stockport County centre-back Christy Grogan, until the end of the season.

Christy, 20, joined Stockport earlier this year, after a ten-year spell at Championship outfit Stoke City. The dominant centre-half was a regular in Stoke’s Premier league 2 squad before making the move, and previously enjoyed a successful loan spell at Wythenshawe Town in the 2024/25 season.

This campaign, he has made two appearances for Stockport’s first team in the EFL Trophy, playing against Wolves U21 and Wigan’s senior side.

On joining the Shots on loan, Christy told us 'I’m excited to get going in such a competitive league, the experience I will gain here is huge'".

R.I.P. PAUL JOHNSON (1955-2025)

Ironically the news of Paul's death came on the same day that Altrincham revealed the re-signing of another ex-Stoke City player in Eddy Jones, which is reported elsewhere in today's news on this site.

Paul Johnson made his professional debut at Stoke City in the 1976-77 season and was still with the Potteries club in 1978-79 when he made 15 appearances for them. In all he made 60 appearances for Stoke City.

After a spell with South California Lazers he returned to play for Chester in 1982, which preceded his move to Altrincham the following season, details of which are provided below by Barry Pikesley.

Season 1983/84

• APL appearances: 14 (+4 as sub)
• APL Cup: appearances 2; 1 goal

  The above-mentioned goal in the APL Cup came on Monday, 5th September 1983 in the First Round, First Leg in which the outcome was Altrincham 3 Frickley Athletic 1.

  652 spectators were in attendance as Alty's goals were netted by John Davison (pen), Paul Johnson and Mal Bailey

• FA Cup appearances: 1 (+1 as sub)
• FA Trophy appearances: 1.
• Total appearances: 18 (+5 as sub); 1 goal.

There are obituaries of Paul Johnson in the following sources...

• Stoke City
• Stoke Sentinel.

EMIRATES FA CUP FIXTURES

Saturday, 6 December 2025

• Chelmsford City v Weston Super Mare
• Cheltenham Town v Buxton
• Grimsby Town v Wealdstone
• Sutton United v Shrewsbury Town ko 5.15pm

Sunday 7 December 2025

• Blackpool v Carlisle United ko 5.30pm
• Boreham Wood v Newport County ko 2.30pm
• Gateshead v Walsall ko 3.30pm
• Slough Town v Macclesfield kp 12.30pm

Monday 8 December 2025

• Brackley Town v Burton Albion ko 7.30pm

ALTY OLD BOYS

Northern Ireland Premiership : Linfield needed to win at Larne to close the gap at the top of the table, but a goalless draw leaves them still 7 points behind with a game in hand. SAM ROSCOE played the full match for Linfield.

Welsh Premier League : JOEL TORRANCE (right) was far the busier of the two goalkeepers, but Bala Town's failure to produce a single effort on target didn't help him, as visitors Haverfordwest tested him 7 times - and beat him twice.

JOHN DISNEY is enjoying his first season in management, and Connah's Quay Nomads are 2nd in the table - albeit perennial champions TNS are 10 points clear. Tonight Nomads beat visitors Colwyn Bay 2-1.

ALTRINCHAM: A HAPPY PLACE!

The accolade from Rightmove's happiness survey is even more to be applauded as it places Altrincham above seventh-placed Macclesfield!

Top of the list is Skipton but only two of the top ten boast a football club in the top five levels of English football. Alongside Altrincham (ENL), Harrogate (EFL2) figures in the list in fourth place.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Both fixtures will be played at Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium, whilst the pitch at the Crown Oil Arena undergoes a mid-season rebuild".

Earlier, when announcing the pitch work, the club stated that "There are two matches which will be affected by the rebuild, against Hartlepool United (Tuesday 30th December) and Brackley Town (Saturday 3rd January)".

Borehamwood may not feature in the top ten happiest places in Britain (see above) but at the town's football club the Boreham Wood chairman Danny Hunter is certainly in a happy place as he looks forward to his side's home FA Cup tie today against Newport County.

He writes that "We have had possibly the most extraordinary 6 months in the clubs’ history, where we won ourselves promotion through the play offs, where we have started this season very well and sit just two points off the top of the National League, while we’ve already beaten an EFL club Crawley Town in the FA Cup 1st Round...

To date we have not felt any pressure this season because after promotion, in all honesty, everything’s gone like a dream and the football we’re playing has been a joy to watch. The last two weeks are a perfect example of that, as we’ve recently beaten Gateshead away 3-0 when down to 10 men for an hour and beaten a decent Leicester City U/21’s here. We then went and battered Halifax here in front of the DAZN cameras and put another 4 past Wolves U21’s on Tuesday night to reach the last 8 of the National League Cup.

So results at present have been more than we could have reasonably expected, our key staff it appears are happy and working to levels I’ve never seen here before and the dressing room incumbents are simply an incredibly talented group of highly motivated individuals who collectively, through Luke’s leadership, are creating great things for themselves, for our community, our town, our supporters and also for themselves and their loved ones.

As a Chairman, I’m very happy with everything associated with what’s happening here both on and off the pitch, but I’m still quietly trying to improve our business model a tad off the pitch. As such I hope to begin the next phase to complete our facility upgrades, by finally starting the South Stand, its associated facilities and the away fan zone project in May 2026...

For me, as always, I’ll be a bit emotional on Sunday as that’s just me…. I’ll as always be consumed with the memories of my mother and father who both helped build this amazing football club...

My best friend of well over 50 years, Ian Fryer, is also getting himself down to the club (a club we both played for so badly 40 odd years ago)...

In truth I feel blessed as a local man, whose family has been a part of our football club in some capacity since 1948. So, to be its longest serving Chairman is an honour...

Lastly, and as a gently reminder, if it’s not our day, then we must remember to wipe our mouths, we must accept defeat with good grace, as that’s what the FA Cup is all about".

5 December 2025

ALTY RECRUIT TWO YOUNGSTERS

Both players have accepted terms for the rest of this season, and while 19-year old Yassine, son of former Arsenal and Manchester City centre-back Kolo Toure, is immediately going out on loan to a Northern Premier League West side, versatile midfielder Mikey is in contention for a place in the Robins' squad away to Aldershot Town on Saturday.

Yassine is a powerful right-sided attacker who recently played at youth and Reserve team level for Wrexham, while Wythenshawe-born Mikey (21) would have been spending this season with Hamilton Academicals but for a transfer embargo on the Scottish League One promotion contenders scuppering that arrangement...

Said Alty boss Neil 'He [Mikey] is a... high-intensity player who can operate in multiple positions as an attacking option in wide areas and centrally... He is a local boy from the Wythenshawe area, and he fully deserves his contract with us... Yassine also has a lot of potential. He has a huge amount of physical prowess. He is very strong, and, in one-on-one duels, he is quick, pacey'".

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

Coincidentally, four wins and a draw was exactly Altrincham's record this season over their first 15 fixtures this season, with the duo taking over from game 16.

However, Altrincham face a lot of stern tests in the coming weeks.

Apart from hosting Morecambe in game 26, Aldershot are the Robins' only opponents ranked lower in the National League than Altrincham (currently 14th) in their next nine league fixtures.

Included in those nine fixtures are matches against all of the current top four in the National League.

Following their visit to the Recreation Ground this weekend, Alty face Rochdale (currently 1st), FC Halifax Town (11th), York City (3rd), Hartlepool United (8th), Forest Green Rovers (4th) and Carlisle United (2nd) before they welcome Yeovil Town (15th) in game 31.

NEIL GIBSON SALUTES ANDY

'I’ve worked with Andy [Morrison, ex-Manchester City] previously, and he is absolutely top level when it comes to set-pieces.

'Thankfully, he came in as a favour three weeks ago and spent a few hours with the players, working on various things.

'It’s the fine detail he comes up with that makes the difference, and it is coming to the fore now. It was so important we stood firm in those final moments, and it feels fantastic to have won'".

NO WINS FOR THE ACADEMY SIDES

In a league game played at Wyke Community Sports Village, Bradford, on Wednesday, 3 December, Altrincham lost 4-3 to FC Halifax Town

A couple of days earlier (1 December) in the National League Academy Cup Second Round, 2nd Round, also at Bradford's Wyke Community Sports Village, FC Halifax Town again had the upper hand and won 2-0

Meanwhile, the under-19s' side played on Friday 28 November (12 noon) in the National Football Youth League NW Championship 1 at the Marley Centre, where they faced the Pro Elite U19 Academy NWC

Alty fell behind just before the break and the host doubled their lead after the break to round off a 2-0 win.

Altrincham's squad was Savior Abanwa, Lewis Broderick, Theo Bunting, Harry Cain, Callum Dakin, Amara Diomande, Josh Herreaman, Benjamin Mensah, Archie Rowlands, William Sneyd, Connor Summerfield. Subs: John Gbolagun, Benjamim McNamara, Callum McCormack

A few days later (3 December) in a league match played at Egerton Sports Club in the NW Championship 1, Altrincham FC U19 hosted Bradford Park Avenue U19, with the game ending pne apiece.

Savior Abanwa was the Altrincham scorer early in the second half.

The squad comprised: Savior Abanwa, Theo Bunting, Harry Cain, Callum Dakin, Amara Diomande, Josh Herreaman, Ryan Knowles, Benjamin McNamara, Callum McCormack, William Sneyd and Archie Rowlands.

On the bench were John Gbolagun, William Molloy, Connor Summerfield and Thomas Tattersall.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Iron-Bru reports that "Scunthorpe United manager Andy Butler has opened the door for ROSS BARROWS to extend his stay at Glanford Park beyond December, following the defender’s successful return to action in the National League Cup this week.

Barrows, whose current short-term deal expires at the end of the month, played an hour in a 2-0 victory over Newcastle U21s on Tuesday...

Barrows is now considered fully fit for selection in the National League having recovered from an ACL injury which kept him out of action for almost a year....

Butler said 'He performed really well. I know there was a lot of adrenaline and emotion going through him, but he looked fit, strong, composed and organised'...

The manager confirmed that Barrows is playing for his future at the club, but indicated he is eager to keep him... 'He is aiming for a contract, so I’ve got to give him every possibility to get one'".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Our FA Trophy tie at Ebbsfleet United on Saturday 13 December will kick-off at 1pm.

Our National League fixture at home to Hartlepool United will now take place on Sunday 21 December with kick off at 2pm.

Finally our National League match at Yeovil Town on Saturday 3rd January will now kick off at 5.30pm".

Three clubs have nominations in both categories as The National League announces the nominations for Manager of the Month and Player of the Month for November, stating that "Our panel will be selecting a winner from the following nominations:

Manager of the Month:

• Stuart Maynard – York City
• Robbie Savage – Forest Green Rovers
• Chris Agutter – Sutton United
• Mark Hughes – Carlisle United [pictured, right, at Moss Lane earlier this season]

Player of the Month

• Ollie Pearce – York City
• Lewis Simper – Sutton United
• Kyle McAllister – Forest Green Rovers
• Chinwike Okoli – Woking

As well as their two award nominations, two players are leaving Sutton United.

Firstly, Sutton United report that "Osman Foyo has been handed an additional suspension from all footballing activity due to betting offences committed whilst at Ipswich Town, and has left Sutton United as a result.

We are sorry to lose Osman so prematurely after such a promising start to life at Gander Green Lane and we wish him all the best for the future.

Osman’s parent club, AFC Wimbledon have provided the following statement: 'Osman Foyo has received an enhanced suspension from playing competitive football, in relation to the same historical betting offences for which he has already served a ban.

Osman was previously handed a 5-month suspension, with 1 month ordered to be served immediately, and the remaining 4 months to be suspended for 18 months. Osman completed this suspension at the start of November and then returned to training and playing with commitment and professionalism, and his recently agreed loan spell at Sutton United was progressing positively.

The FA appealed the Commission’s original sanction on the grounds that it 'came to a decision which no reasonable such body could have come' and 'imposed a penalty, award, order or sanction that was so unduly lenient as to be unreasonable'. The Appeal Panel accepted the FA’s appeal in part, and has replaced the original order with an enhanced sanction:

• A £1,000 fine
• A five-month suspension, of which three months were to be served immediately, with credit for the one month already spent suspended,
• And two months suspended for 24 months, to be activated only if a further breach of a similar nature occurred.

Osman is therefore prohibited from playing competitively until the revised suspension expires on 24 January 2026... Osman’s loan with Sutton United has regrettably concluded as a result".

In less negative circumstances Sutton United "confirm the departure of Dillon De Silva, who joins Dagenham & Redbridge on loan until January...

De Silva embarks on his second loan spell of the campaign so far, having spent the last month at Tamworth...

The 23-year old initially joined Sutton in May 2024, having departed Wealdstone after a brief period at Grosvenor Vale, having left Torquay United after spending two years in Devon, partially on loan".

At Forest Green Rovers "The club can confirm that midfielder Adam May has departed Forest Green Rovers by mutual consent.

May joined GL6 in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old went on to make 49 appearances for Rovers across the 2024-25 season, scoring two goals and contributing four assists that season.

The club wishes Adam the very best for the next chapter in his career".

From Yeovil Town comes "An open letter from the Owner and Chairman, Prabhu Srinivasan, after a productive and uplifting visit to Somerset.

He starts by saying that "I have just returned to Dubai after a whirlwind spell in Somerset, and I want to share a brief update...

> Our vision at Yeovil Town FC is straightforward: build on our incredible history with fresh energy and clear ideas. We have welcomed a manager whose vision genuinely mirrors our ambitions. Billy Rowley brings not only a progressive style of football but also tactical sharpness and a passion that resonates with all generations of Glovers...

Over the past five months, much of our work has centred on the Three Cs – Calmness, Community, and Competitiveness. We have worked hard to steady the ship, instilling focus and replacing past volatility with firm stability and clarity..

On the competitiveness front, we have introduced a new, progressive football regime with a long-term vision..

When we took over, the club faced many challenges. Over these months, we have repaired finances, settled legacy debts, and rebuilt vital relationships...

The direction is clear, the energy is positive, and with your continued support, I truly believe the good times are coming back to Huish Park".

At Truro City the Tinners welcome "the decision by Cornwall Council to accept Football Foundation funding of £746,057 for a community 3G pitch on land adjacent to the Truro City Stadium.

The construction of a synthetic community pitch will provide much needed floodlit and all-weather facilities for local sport clubs in Threemilestone, Truro and the surrounding areas...

Planning consent for this pitch was granted in February 2024, with the site levelled and key grounds work already in place ready for the pitch to be laid. It is envisaged that the pitch and relevant associated amenities for the facility will be complete for the start of the 2026/27 football season".

BVM Sports reports that "The UK government has sanctioned Gurpreet Singh Rehal, a key figure in the Morecambe FC ownership, due to suspicions of his involvement with terrorist organizations in India.

Singh, linked to terrorist groups such as Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar, has had his assets frozen and has been disqualified from directorships. Although not officially listed in management roles at Morecambe or its owner, Panjab Warriors, Singh has been publicly representing the club in recent promotional activities...

Singh's role as a representative of Panjab Warriors remains despite sanctions. The English Football Association and National League have not publicly commented on the issue".

4 December 2025

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

How long he will remain with Alty is unclear as, initially, he was loaned from Blackpool only "until New Year 2026".

Dan has proved himself a key member of the squad, amassing more minutes on the pitch than any other outfield Altrincham player this season.

Above, Alty's four centre-backs, (left to right), Sam Barnes, Jake Cooper, Dan Sassi and Lewis Baines.

With fellow centre-back Sam Barnes having to come off at half time last Saturday against Scunthorpe United with what manager Neil Gibson hoped was just a back spasm, and Billy Sass-Davies recovering from an operation and yet to appear this season, Alty's defensive resources have been stretched.

Thankfully, after missing the first 15 league games with injury, centre-back Jake Cooper has returned to action in good form and has completed all but eight minutes of the last six league fixtures.

Some more welcome centre-back news is that captain Lewis Baines has now completed 90 minutes in the last six NL games after early season injury meant he did not first complete a league match till matchday nine of the campaign.

ALTY'S LATEST GOAL?

On 6 December 2005 Altrincham travelled on a Tuesday night, (no pre-match overnight hotel stays back then), to face Grays Athletic. At the time the Essex club was a force in non-League football and they were to finish third that season in what was then called the Conference National League.

Newly re-promoted back to national level, Altrincham were lying 18th at kick-off and were to finish in that position before being deducted 18 points for the registration issues surrounding debutant James Robinson, whose previous club Accrington Stanley had not gained international clearance before he joined Alty. Whilst Alty got a relegation reprieve that summer thanks to the demotion of Scarborough for financial reasons, Stanley were to be the champions that season and move up into the Football League under the managership of John Coleman who, coincidentally, manages Aldershot Town, Alty's opponents this coming Saturday.

Right: The Alty management duo of Graham Heathcote and Dalton Steele are seen at Grays in 2005 as they coaxed a magnifcent performance out of an Altrincham team lacking several regulars. In the background, Mark Maddox prepares to head clear. Apart from the emergency lighting, the outdoor spotlight on the flats (right) had been the only illumination on the pitch after the floodlights had failed in the warm-up.

A battling performance by Altrincham gained them a deserved point at Grays in a match delayed 45 minutes by floodlight failure during the warm up.

It then looked ominous for Alty when McLean scored for Grays after only five minutes. But Alty improved and were playing well by half-time, with Robinson impressing up front on his debut and Munroe fitting in well in a hard-working back four led by Maddox.

Grays started the second half well but Alty gradually got back into the game and finished strongly. After several chances had gone astray, Alty finally levelled in the third minute of added time when Owen won a header on the left and Lugsden gathered the ball, before scoring coolly.

Overall, this was a great team peformance as Alty again overcame their part-time status to achieve a fine result against many people's championship favourites. And was Kieran Lugsden's goal, at around 10.23pm, the latest ever for Alty from a 90-minute game?

Alty's line-up comprised 1. Stuart COBURN; 11. Gary SCOTT, 17. Karl MUNROE, 4. Mark MADDOX (capt), 3. Chris ADAMS; 37. Ged MURPHY, 8. Val OWEN, 30. Steve BUSHELL, 12. Warren PEYTON; 9. Colin LITTLE, 19. James ROBINSON. Subs: 7. Colin POTTS, 14. Lewis CHALMERS, 20. Kieran LUGSDEN, 28. Pat McFADDEN, 29. Kyle WILSON.

ALTY OLD BOYS

NWCL Premier Division : Although LEWIS BILLINGSLEY scored, West Didsbury & Chorlton lost 1-3 to visitors Stockport Town.

3 December 2025

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

The Shots' most recent line-up included pnly three starters who had also been in the first eleven when the sides met at the JDS in August. That trio comprises Cameron Hargreaves, Ryan Hill and former Altrincham man, Matt Penney

Altrincham's starting eleven last Saturday included five players who had started against Aldershot in the opening game of the season. They were Luke Hutchinson (right), Tylor Golden, Tom Crawford, Kahrel Reddin and James Gale.

Right: Alty keeper Luke Hutchinson who made his debut at the time, is one of Alty's five survivors from the reverse fixture between Alty and Aldershot Town, which was the opening game of this season.

For Aldershot, Archy Taylor, who was a used sub when the sides met in August, is the only player to have got onto the pitch in all 21 league games for his club this season; he has started 17 of those games.

The next highest appearance-maker for the Shots is Kwame Thomas with 20 appearances (14+6), whilst three others have made 19 appearances, Ryan Hill (19 starts), Cameron Hargreaves (18+1) and Tristan Abrahams (10+9).

Thomas is also the leading league scorer this season for Aldershot with five goals, whilst Hill and Hady Ghandour have netted on four occasions.

31 players have been named by the Shots in league games this season with 26 named in a matchday squad by Altrincham.

Whilst Matt Penney (left) has played for both clubs and may feature on Saturday, Ethan Ross has also kept goal for both teams but he remains unfit for Saturday.

Like Altrincham, Aldershot will be without their first-choice keeper on Saturday as Pat Nash follows concussion protocols after sustaining a head injury. The Shots have brought in former Reading goalkeeper, Coniah Boyce-Clarke as cover. [Goalkeeper] Pat Nash will be out for at least 3 weeks as he follows concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury on Saturday.

Also like Altrincham, both sides have changed management since their previous meeting. In The Shots' case, Tommy Widdrington's replacement is the well-known face of John Coleman.

ALTY OLD BOYS

National League Cup : JEFF KING played the first 65 minutes as Boreham Wood comfortably saw off Wolves U21 with 4 unanswered goals. The Hertfordshire side have clinched Group B with a 100% record from their 4 matches.

In Group D, Scunthorpe United shrugged off their defeat at the J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday, beating Newcastle United U21 2-0. ROSS BARROWS (right) started for the Iron for the first time this season - indeed it was the first time he'd been in their squad at all - and he played until the 63rd minute. This group is still to be settled.

EFL Trophy : JACK KINGDON earned another start for Cardiff City, and played the full game, but visitors AFC Wimbledon won 1-5. ALI SMITH also put in a full shift and claimed the assist for his team's 4th goal.

Chesterfield took off JAMES BERRY after 73 minutes as they lost 5-1 at Doncaster Rovers.

OWEN DALE played the whole of Plymouth Argyle's 0-1 win at Leyton Orient, as did JUNIOR QUITIRNA for Wycombe Wanderers, who lost 2-0 at Northampton Town.

Salford City's KEVIN BERKOE was substituted in the 90th minute, just after visitors Rotherham United had wrapped up a crushing 2-7 victory.

Although CARL PIERGIANNI put Stevenage ahead, visitors Walsall fought back to win 1-2.

Fleetwood Town rested HARRISON HOLGATE at Tranmere Rovers, but TOBY MULLARKEY played throughout as they won 0-3. CONNOR JENNINGS was an 81st minute substitute for Rovers.

Premier League Cup : The scorer for Preston North End U21 as they drew 1-1 at Charlton Athletic U21 was KACPER PASIEK (right).

CALEB ANSEN was beaten 3 times at Colchester United U21, but luckily for him his Norwich City U21 colleagues scored 4 times!

NPL Premier Division : ADAM PORTER started for Leek Town at Stockton Town, where they won by the odd goal in three.

Staffordshire Senior Cup : Hanley Town won their 2nd.Round tie at Stafford Town 1-5, with EDEN BAILEY netting their first 2 goals.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

DAZN as a broadcast partner, in my opinion, show very poor production value and limited viewing numbers in the main and they do not hit the standards we should reasonably expect. It’s worrying, if we want to grow our level of the game, to partner up with a streaming company who do not have a wider football audience at our level, or in my opinion the infrastructure to show off our football in a positive light, which is a huge concern.

I also dislike the current treatment of the loyal fans at our level, which is ably demonstrated by the current late live matches scheduled and the Christmas scheduling, which is uncaring and makes no sense for away supporters. As an example, our recent FC Halifax match just last Saturday was DAZN’s chosen late 5:30pm kick off game. It involved 49 FC Halifax fans having to overcome a 400-mile round trip to attend and those fans are a perfect example of the stupid kick off times that are now dictated by a streaming company toward our member clubs supporters...

Throughout my film career and film industry background, production value and production quality was always driven from the production company and its well trained and professional staff. Trust me DAZN’s production content and value must be more consistent in football, or you will not last. DAZN in football have a very big problem... in poor camera work, poor sound levels, poor and often biased commentary. In truth they are overseeing a sloppy, poor and expensive streaming service.

The money on offer from DAZN to member clubs is inconsequential... The National League Board are seemingly happy to give-away our greatest asset, namely the ‘live’ game, on the cheap.

In truth, it’s also very disrespectful and perhaps my biggest frustration, to continually have these stupid late 5:30pm kick offs within DAZN’s normal weekend schedule for no good reason... Around 65% of away fans DO NOT now travel to these games and who can blame them?... Those time slots showcase both the EFL and Premier League games and us owners know we are competing with broadcast companies like Sky and TNT who consistently provide far better production value, a better more accessible service, better camera work with multi cameras, far better match coverage and an informed and unbiased match commentary...

For transparency BWFC are given a £6k match fee for a chosen home DAZN televised game and the away team will receive just £2k...

The National League spokesperson said, 'if DAZN give us four weeks’ notice then we are powerless to intervene”, which in layman’s terms means they have abdicated all responsibility and chosen not to protect its member clubs and our supporters...

It is only my opinion, but I believe the National League Board have lost its mind and sold off the family silver (our biggest asset) being our ‘live’ broadcast to a streaming provider for a pittance. The Board agreed a deal with a streaming partner without once consulting with its member clubs...

They have moved all 12 games the weekend before Christmas [which] was not even discussed with any member clubs. How dictatorial is that and that decision alone has disrupted every club, every player, every member of staff, loyal fanbases and disrupted most clubs training schedules and groundsman... It’s simply wrong on every level, to... move 12 games from Saturday, 20th December with 3pm kick offs...

Let me wrap this up by saying to the National League Board, you kept your member clubs in the dark and proceeded without authority to sign off on a streaming deal which you knew would be defeated if it was put to a vote – that was clearly wrong. That behaviour in truth is a very outdated business way of working and would not be tolerated and challenged at Premier League level, at EFL level and quite possibly in the Dog and Duck League?

For the National League Board to exclude its member clubs (who all have one vote) from voting on something as fundamentally important as a broadcast deal, is perhaps open to a legal challenge? I will take advice on that"

Brackley Town report that "Miracle Okafor joins National League North side Worksop Town on loan deal.

The striker has completed a loan move to Worksop Town until the end of February where he will link-up with ex Brackley Town midfielder Martin Woods.

The Tigers currently find themselves 20th in the National League North division following their promotion last season".

Coincidentally, Brackley Town lie twentieth in the National League's top division.

Carlisle United "have unveiled a new Honours Board celebrating the club’s owners, managers, and major achievements throughout the years.

The board, now proudly displayed in the Brunton Park boardroom, was the brainchild of owners Tom and Patty Piatak, who took inspiration from similar displays they had seen during visits to other clubs.

Tom Piatak said... 'We also have room and space for the future of what's coming and we think some great things are coming'...

Former owner Michael Knighton and former managers Bobby Moncur, Chris Beech, and Roddy Collins joined club dignitaries... to officially unveil the installation...

Knighton reflected fondly on his tenure, noting that despite his experience at Manchester United, his most cherished football moment remains seeing his Blues team walk out on the hallowed turf of Wembley back in the 1994/5 season".

In-form Hartlepool United's interim manager "Nicky Featherstone believes that Hartlepool United’s home form will be ‘massively important’ if they are to ‘move forward’... following a 3-1 victory over Truro City

The interim Pools boss was.. 'Desperate for a win at home. We’ve drawn too many games this season at home, and if we do want to move forward in this division and challenge at the right end of the table, then our home form will be massively important to that...

'We started the second half really poorly, first 15-20 minutes, then they got the goal. We made a couple of subs, the two wingers come on, and they’ve changed the dynamic of the game.'

Adam Campbell opened the scoring for Pools with his fourth goal contribution in five games... Featherstone continued 'He’s been absolutely brilliant since I’ve come in both in and out of possession. All I’ve done is given him an opportunity to go and do his thing, but he goes out there, tries his hardest and brings the quality he possesses'...

Featherstone was also pleased with the form of Alex Reid since coming back from injury against Gateshead... '[Reid] does a lot of unseen work, a lot of work out of possession for the team, which is really important for how he plays and how we play'" his manager concluded.

At York City "Paddy McLaughlin has extended his loan at Darlington FC until the end of the season.

Paddy has featured in all eight games for the National North side since joining on an initial one-month loan in October.

He will now see the rest of the season out with Darlo.

Paddy’s testimonial year will continue to work alongside the Minstermen across the season as we celebrate his incredible achievements at the club!"

At Rochdale, "Jimmy McNulty confirmed that goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff will be out of action for in and around a month through injury.

The Head Coach...says the 18-year-old suffered a muscle injury...

'It’s a shame, of course,' says McNulty... 'He’s now back with Man City for treatment'...

Whatmuff has kept ten clean sheets in 17 appearances since joining on loan from Manchester City, missing just two league matches. Dale were able to hand a debut to Bolton Wanderers loanee Nathan Broome who joined the club on a short-term loan on Saturday...

'I was really pleased for him in a clean performance and to get a clean sheet' [said McNulty].

McNulty also gave a debut to Ryan Galvin... 'He got an opportunity to go to the Football League this summer which I don’t blame him for taking... He’s done what it takes in this league in terms of churning out a high volume of appearances and the quality to get into the playoffs two seasons running'".

Southend United "are recruiting for a First Team Analyst to join the club...

This is a hands-on role at the heart of the football department, blending tactical acumen with data-driven insight to impact training, match preparation, recruitment, and in-game decision-making. You will be responsible for generating actionable insights through video, data, and tools such as Impect, StatsBomb, Hudl Sportscode, and more".

The accompanying job description gives a good insight into the role of a football analyst.

Wealdstone look forward to their participation in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

In the FA Cup "Sam Cox's team are... making their way to north-east Lincolnshire and a return visit to Grimsby Town of League Two... A third supporters' coach [is] being made available for on-the-day return travel.

Can the Stones repeat their FA Cup heroics of last season at Blundell Park scene of Alex Reid's late winner?... That November 2024 triumph was in the First Round Proper of the competition. December 6th's kick-off is in Round Two action..

Can the class of 2025/26 emulate the Wealdstone heroes of 1977/78 who got to Round Three...

The would-be giant-killers on December 6 turn giants on December 13, when Wealdstone entertain Isthmian League Premier Division Cheshunt FC at The Vale...

It's the Third Round of The FA Trophy...

Two divisions below the Stones, the Ambers will be trying to put their indifferent league form to one side as they travel to Ruislip for an FA Trophy tie which must be settled on the day".

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP RESULTS

Group B

• Boreham Wood 4-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers U21

Group D

• Scunthorpe United 2-0 Newcastle United U21

2 December 2025

MORE ACCOLADES FOR ALTY

With Alty trailing as the ninety minutes of full-time approached, Neil admitted to the NLP that "It's fair to say that nobody expected that with 87 minutes gone. What we're trying to instill in the players is belief and togetherness. Days like his will help enormously.

Above: The togetherness sought by Neil Gibson was evident before kick off on Saturday as ten Alty players awaited captain Lewis Baines who was contesting the toss-up.

"Scunthorpe are a very good team but I didn't think they were better than us today".

Opposite number Andy Butler did not concur, asserting that "We deserved to get into a 2-1 lead but we switched off.

"The subs we made didn't have the impact we wanted and it cost us with some decision-making in the final minutes.

~We've lost the game 4-2 where we should probably have won it and it should be six points with last week's game. This is a little blip and every team has them.

"We need to make sure we do the basics and rectify our mistakes".

The Iron have now won just two of their last eight fixtures in all competitions.

SCUNTHORPE SUPPORTER'S VIEW OF ALTY

ALTY ABILITY ACKNOWLEDGED

The Alty Ability programme "includes an array of inclusive activities for young people with disabilities & SEN allowing them to take part in competitive sport".

Amongst those participating in the event on Saturday was 22 year-old Joseph Adams, an Altrincham (and Liverpool) supporter with Downs Syndrome, who last year completed ten 10km runs in ten European countries over a five day period. He has raised more than £300,000 for the Altrincham FC Community Sports charity.

As well as with the club's crest, the shirt is emblasoned with multiple different shapes and sizes to underline that everyone is different yet welcome under the Alty Ability scheme.

ALTY WOMEN WIN

Having lost 8-1 against Nantwich on the opening day of the season, the result illustrates the remarkable progress Daryll Abrahams’s side have made in just a matter of months...

Altrincham opened the scoring after 16 minutes, when Georgia McKnight appeared to put in a cross from the right flank, though the ball flew over the goalkeeper and nestled into the bottom left corner.

Just 10 minutes later, the advantage was doubled, as captain Nat Lowe scored her second goal in as many games... Following a defensive mix-up, Katie Locke converted into her own net.

With just a couple of minutes of the first half remaining, the two-goal lead was restored. McKnight cut the ball back to Millie Kullu, who was on hand to fire past the goalkeeper...

Jacobson linked up well on the left flank, the latter saw her shot deflect beyond Connie Watts [4-1]...

The visitors did pull one back in the third minute of injury time".

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

Since manager Tommy Widdrington unexpectedly decamped to manage National South club Eastbourne Borough, the club has appointed experienced boss John Coleman (on 24 October) but, so far, he has been unable to turn the tide.

Aldershot are currently second-bottom of the Enterprise National League, seven points from safety, and just a single point ahead of bottom club Truro City.

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS: 6 DECEMBER

Back on 6 December 2003 Altrincham were competing in the UniBond Northern Premier League.

On that day, Altrincham went up to 13th with an entertaining 4-1 home win against Radcliffe Borough. Marcus Hallows scored the first, finishing well after good work from Aspinall and Scott (7 mins).

Right: Barry Shuttleworth leaves the pitch after the game against Radcliffe Borough in 2003. He is followed by physio Gary Thompson..

Man of the Match Ian Craney scored a fine second (39 mins) after earlier striking the upright with a superb chip.

Substitute Nick Welton drove home a fine third (86 mins) before Danny Luker pulled one back for Radcliffe moments later. Ian Craney scored a brilliant fourth goal for Alty after getting to the bye-line (88 mins).

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Steve ASPINALL, 3. Chris ADAMS, 4. Mark MADDOX(capt.), 5. Gary TALBOT, 6. Stephen ROSE, 7. Gary SCOTT, 8. Ian CRANEY, 9. Marcus HALLOWS, 10. Rod THORNLEY 11. Peter BAND. Subs: 12. Barry SHUTTLEWORTH, 14. Stuart WRIGHT, 15. Nick WELTON.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 27-year-old went on to make 49 appearances for Rovers across the 2024-25 season, scoring two goals and contributing four assists that season.

The club wishes Adam the very best for the next chapter in his career".

Truro City "confirm that Dawn Sports & Entertainment LLC (DSE) has completed the acquisition of an 8.33 per cent ownership stake in the club, marking the beginning of a structured, long-term partnership that will play a central role in the future direction of professional football in Cornwall.

DSE’s headquarters are in Oklahoma City, United States and the ownership group behind Oklahoma United FC bring an ambitious, globally-minded vision to Truro...

For DSE, the major point of excitement is the opportunity to invest in a region with such character and pride, a place with the passion and foundations for football growth. DSE is deeply excited to work alongside Eric Perez and the club’s existing leadership group to elevate Truro City and build a strong future for football in Cornwall...

DSE CEO Abdullah Ashraf enthused 'We see enormous potential in Truro City not just as a football club, but as a regional institution that deserves the structure, investment, and ambition needed to rise. Our plans will focus on shifting momentum quickly and then prioritising targeted investment into infrastructure, training environments, operational standards, and long-term facilities the club needs to grow sustainably'...

Truro City’s chairman and CEO Eric Perez, added... 'They believe in the club, and first and foremost they believe in Cornwall as a place, its people, and culture. I have no doubt the future looks bright for football in Cornwall'">

At Wealdstone the "Board of Directors wishes to provide an update... on the progress of the club's new lease at Grosvenor Vale and the proposed investment by Nick Semaca...

The signing of the lease is critical to the survival of the club...

Nick remains committed and keen to conclude his investment to help drive the club's progress towards becoming a sustainable community club in a stadium of its own.

Wealdstone FC is also in regular dialogue with The National League, who remain understanding and sympathetic toward the club's immediate priorities and challenges.

As of today [Monday], the proposed new lease with The Vale's landlords remains unsigned despite further discussions.

As a club, Wealdstone FC believes it has been both proactive and pragmatic in agreeing changes to the lease since the heads of terms were signed in June, however a number of points remain unresolved. These points remain with the landlords' solicitor pending instructions.

The Board firmly believe that the outstanding points can be quickly resolved with the right engagement and will continue to work hard to secure the signing of this lease as soon as possible".

1 December 2025

HIGHLIGHTS OF ALTY v SCUNTHORPE UNITED

NINE OUT OF TEN FOR TWO ALTY MEN

Right: Matty Kosylo pictured in the match against Wealdstone in March 2025

Man of the Match Matty Kosylo was one recipient and impact substitute Olly Crankshaw was the other to receive the accolade.

But it was Crankshaw who made the NLP's Team of the Day.

For Kosylo, the arrival of new manager Neil Gibson has been helpful. In the first 15 league fixtures this season he had made 1(+6) league appearances totalling 128 minutes of pitch-time.

Since Gibson arrived he has been named in all six league squads and has made five starts, amassing 370 minutes of game-time.

Crankshaw, too, has had a vote of confidence in that he has been named in all six ENL games under Gibson apart from one when he was ill and has got on the pitch in each of those games, albeit for short periods. His four consecutive appearances was the first time ha had achieved that sequence since joining Altrincham.

A third man to benefit in terms of game time under the new regime is Charlie Kirk who has started five and been a used substitute in the sixth game in the ENL. In the previous 15 league matches before the change in managership he had started only four times.

WATERS FLOWING AGAIN

However, Waters stay soon became an unhappy one. Booked within minutes of joining both his debut game and his second match from the bench, in his third appearance he suffered a PCL knee injury which seemed to have ended his loan.

In all he had played for just 34 minutes excluding added time in the three matches in which he appeared.

His return to Oldham was confirmed by Phil Parkinson on 21 October 2025.

However, 31 year-old Billy has now returned to fitness and was seen lapping the pitch before the game against Scunthorpe United last Saturday.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Closer to home, in NPL Division One West Trafford's SEAN HIGGINS faced Congleton Town's REMI RAYMOND at Shawe View. The game ended 1-1 leaving Trafford still rooted to the bottom of the division, nine points from safety.

UNDER 19S' DEFEAT

Alty remain second bottom of the division having gained two points from their six fixtures played.

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

It took just five minutes for City to take an early lead... It was Greg Olley with the magic header from a left-sided cross...

Less than ten minutes later and Aldershot grabbed an equaliser out of nowhere. Ryan Jones collecting the ball on the edge of the box before rolling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner... Aldershot were having a strong opening period and came close again when... James Henry... rattled the crossbar...

After a first half with City on the back-foot it was crucial for Maynard’s men to have a bright start to the second half. They couldn’t have asked for much more when the ball fell to Malachi Fagan-Walcott on the edge of the box who volleyed the ball right into the net to give York the lead once more".

The Minstermen went on to win 5-1 and leave Aldershot Town 23rd in the National League table.

Aldershot: Boyce-Clarke, Hargreaves, Jones, Henry, Hill, Ghandour, Nightingale, Sheckleford, Inwood, Tetek, Penney. Subs: Dewhurst, Frost, Thomas, Anderson, Rai, Taylor, Armitage.