31 January 2026

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

• Boreham Wood 1-2 Boston United
• Braintree Town 2-1 Eastleigh
• Carlisle United 3-1 Altrincham
• Hartlepool United 0-3 Aldershot Town
• Solihull Moors 0-2 York City
• Sutton United 1-1 Brackley Town

NEIL GIBSON BEFORE THE GAME

After that 3-1 win, amongst the players "the mood has been much better this week" the manager judged. Neil said the players had reacted to how the opposition manager had talked about how he planned to break us down.

Until recently, the run of results had not "enabled me to keep the same team" from one game to the next but he did do so after the good draw at Forest Green.

As for the Carlisle match he has a couple of fitness doubts before Saturday.

Regarding the new players, he praised Liam Humbles and Otis Khan who are "capable of stepping past people and driving forward".

After this weekend Alty will have faced all of the top nine clubs in the last ten fixtures, so he looks forward to three successive home games in February, against Morecambe, Yeovil Town and Wealdstone.

BEFORE THE GAME: CARLISLE UNITED

Lewis, 28, joined the Blues in January 2024 and made 41 appearances for the club during his time at Brunton Park".

Carlisle United had earlier reported "the signing of [goalkeeper] Archie Mair on loan from Morecambe for the remainder of the campaign.

Mair, 24, arrives at Brunton Park on a temporary deal running until the end of the 2025/26 season...

After beginning his career at Aberdeen, Archie moved south to join Norwich City in the summer of 2019. While contracted to the Canaries, he enjoyed several loan spells, most notably with Notts County...

Since then, Mair has also featured for Gateshead, Morecambe and Motherwell, before returning to the Shrimps on a permanent basis last summer...

Archie will wear the number 13 shirt during his time at Brunton Park and is eligible for selection against Altrincham this weekend".

JAKE COOPER INTERVIEW

Jake said that there is "a great vibe around the team at the moment on the back of the last two games", which have yielded four points

He did not start a game this season until game sixteen, which was Neil Gibson's first in charge. "It was a tough start to the season due to injury and other factors", he explained. Jake remarked that the new manager "has backed me straightaway".

Now aged 25 and playing the last four games alongside 22 year-old Dan Sassi, Jake is consciously "trying to get better" at leadership and telling team-mates where they should be when defending.

As for the trip to Carlisle, Jake stated that "We are going there confident that we can get something out of the match".

Footnote: Jake recently made his 100th start for the club and is one of seven players with 100+ appearances to his name.

JOE BAILEY RETURNS FROM LOAN

ALTY OLD BOYS

Premier League 2 : CALEB ANSEN was again left on the bench by Norwich City U21 as they were unable to find a reply to two goals from visitors Fulham U21.

Professional Development League : JACK KINGDON captained Cardiff City U21, but visitors Coventry City U21 won 0-2.

Off the field we learn from Kilmarnock of "the signing of English striker JOE HUGILL (right) from Manchester United on a permanent deal until May 2027, pending international clearance.

Born in Durham, Hugill, 22, is a highly rated 6ft 2in striker who progressed through the youth systems at Newcastle United and Sunderland before joining Premier League side Manchester United, despite interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, in 2020. During his time with United’s academy he impressed with prolific goal-scoring and earned a reputation as a promising young striker.

Hugill has gained senior competitive experience through a series of loan spells in the English Football League, including at Altrincham [EFL!], Burton Albion, Wigan Athletic, Carlisle United and most recently Barnet".

FOUR EX-ALTY DIRECTORS IN GLENAVON TAKEOVER

It now emerges, not only that the Club is launcing an investment scheme, but that no fewer than FOUR former Altrincham directors are inolved at Glenavon and they are described as "The Team" behind the initiative.

They are:

• Former co-chairman of Altrincham, LAWRENCE LOONEY (right) "a highly experienced financial services executive with over 30 years’ leadership experience across banking, operations, governance, and regulatory oversight. Lawrence currently serves as Head of Banking Operations at a Global institution, a role he has held since 2010, following 15 years as Head of Branch Banking at the same establishment...

  He served as Chairman of Altrincham FC during a period that delivered two promotions, underpinned by the creation of a disciplined and sustainable business model that balanced football ambition with financial stability".

• ROB ESTEVA, "one of the most respected figures in football analytics, performance strategy, and football governance, with over 20 years’ experience working at the highest levels of the game...

  Rob previously served as Director of Football at Altrincham FC (2017–2024), playing a central role in delivering sustained on-field success, promotions, and a clearly defined football identity through data-led recruitment and disciplined squad planning".

• CATHAL MORRISON "is a senior executive with over 20 years’ experience spanning commercial leadership, infrastructure delivery, finance, and strategic growth across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. Cathal currently serves as European Commercial Director within the Data Centre Sector... He has been directly involved in football models that delivered three promotions across two clubs while maintaining financial sustainability".

• CHRIS PARRY "is a journalist, marketer, and sports entrepreneur with extensive experience in capital markets, investor communications, and sports governance. He is the Founder and Editor of Equity.Guru, a financial media platform launched in 2015...

  Beyond media, Chris was a board member and is still a part owner of English professional football club Altrincham FC, co-founder and director of Nation Extreme Wrestling (broadcast on Telus TV), Chair and Coach at Richmond FC".

CHESHIRE NEWS

Following extensive discussions, the Board of Directors has decided that the end of the current campaign is the right time to part company with Calum.

We strongly believe that Calum and his staff represent the football club’s best opportunity to achieve our target of securing a play-off place and competing for promotion this season, and they will continue to receive our full backing for the remaining 17 National League North fixtures, beginning today against Radcliffe.

All parties agree that ensuring clarity for our players, staff and supporters gives us the chance to have a complete focus on finishing this season as strongly as possible, while allowing the football club to plan for 2026/27 and begin the process of recruiting a new First Team Manager to take the club forward.

CFU Chair Nick Phillipson said... 'All of us – directors, players and staff – recognise that results of late have not been good enough, and we are fully aware that the situation must improve if we are to achieve our target this season...

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The defender joined the club in October 2025 and made 12 appearances for the Glovers during his time at Huish Park.

We would like to thank Michee for his contribution and wish him every success in the next stage of his career".

Solihull Moors "would like to remind supporters of the ground regulation that supporters aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult in order to enter the ground.

The adult must accompany those aged 14 and under at ALL times during the game and we would like to remind accompanying adults of their responsibilities towards chaperoning those aged 14 and under.

ALL match attendees aged 16 and under need to bring photographic ID.

Any aged 14 and under found unaccompanied within the stadium will be removed from the stadium, as will the accompanying adult if found.

The Moors is a family-friendly and community-based club, and we welcome everyone’s support; however, due to recent events at the Carlisle United game, it has become evident that, as a Football Club, we must rigorously enforce the under-14 rule for their own safety and enjoyment".

York City "Goalkeeper Rory Watson has joined National League North side Darlington FC on loan until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old will join up with Paddy McLaughlin, who joined Darlo on loan earlier this season.

Rory joined the club in the summer of 2023 following a short-term deal at Doncaster.

Since his arrival, he’s gone on to feature 15 times in the league so far, keeping 5 clean sheets".

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

• Boreham Wood 5-2 Brackley Town
• Truro City 1-1 Braintree Town (won 3-0 on pens)
• Tamworth 1-0 FC Halifax Town
• Boston United 1-2 West Ham United U21

The semi-final ties will take place on either Tuesday 17 or Wednesday 18 February.

The semi-final draw is:

• Boreham Wood v Truro City
• Tamworth v West Ham United

The final, will be on Tuesday 17 or Wednesday 18 March, "at the stadium of one of the National League clubs that progress. The host side will be determined by a random draw conducted".

30 January 2026

ALTY FANS' FORUM

The following does not claim to be an official record of the event but, rather, a summary of some of the topics discussed. The Alty Files apologises for any errors in what follows and will correct those if notified.

The Forum's panel comprised three members of the Altrincham FC Board. They were chairman Mark Luby (ML), CEO Sam Mackenzie (SM) and Director, John Coyne (JC). The event was introduced and closed by Union Golf Road representative Adam Firth (AF) whilst the event itself was compered by press and media officer Brian Flynn (BF).

BF indicated that 37 pre-submitted questions had been received and these had been sorted into three categories. Broadly these were -

1. Strategy, Finance and Sustainability
2. Infrastructure, Stadium, Matchday Experience
3. Operations, Fan Engagement

1. Strategy, Finance and Sustainability

BF read out all of the questions relating to this topic and these were summarised for the panel's benefit.

It was confirmed by the chairman that the club's "goal is the EFL" and that this was a realistic target over "the next five years". It was recognised that achieving this would require the stadium to meet EFL standards and it was confirmed that the club is seeking to enlarge its Board as only the three Board members in question were able to be in regular matchday attendance.

Left: John Coyne and Mark Luby during the Forum.

On the financial front, the club is attempting to reduce its losses and ML feels that this is possible. Asked if a relegation from the NL would mean a return to part-time football, ML indicated that the current situation (full-time players) is sustainable "for the next couple of years" during which the aim would be an immediate promotion back to NL level.

JC pointed out that whilst the club has a "trading loss", it has "zero debt", a situation which helps to make the club attractive to new investment. ML indicated that the club's losses had "got a little out of hand" in the past but were now "back under control".

Asked about the use of income from the sales of players, it was indicated that such monies were not directly assigned to the playing budget. In fact, the Conn-Clarke money will not even be fully received for another 18 months under the terms of that deal.

The playing budget for 25/26 was set at the same level as in the previous season.

2. Infrastructure, Stadium, Matchday Experience

ML indicated that there hade been under-investment in the Stadium "for years". He confirmed that there are no immediate plans to relocate the stadium so the current goal is to ensure the current stadium meets EFL requirements.

SM stated that a survey of the stadium is done annually and that, even to stand still in terms of its development, "costs money" in maintenance etc.

As for the matchday experience there are plans for an away fans' Fanzone. Some discussion followed about covering for the away end and it was suggested from the floow that the use of "marquee"-type covered stands as deployed at clubs such as Stockport County and Barrow might be a way forward. It was confirmed that any plans for an upgraded stadium would include terracing at the home end.

3. Operations, Fan Engagement

Right: Pictured, left to right at the Forum are Adam Firth, Brian Flynn, Mark Luby and Sam Mackenzie.

The role of club CEO was then raised and discussed with SM herself indicating the wide range of matters which came across her desk. The discussion concluded with ML and JC underlining the hard work and range of responsibilities exercised by SM and the audience responded with its applause for her.

JC then spoke about his role, which is conducted on a voluntary basis. He explained how some previous people who had joined the Board had not realised the workload involved and had soon moved on.

As regards communication the issue of player injuries was raised. Both Phil Parkinson and Neil Gibson are not keen to make player injuries public as this can give the opposition helpful information. In addition some players do not wish for their medical information to be in the public domain, so it is not always possible to keep fans informed about fitness issues.

It was confirmed that the Robins' Review matchday programme would remain a print publication next season. Its editor Alex Birch was commended for his wide range of media duties in a league where at least one club has a team of six salaried staff in that area.

During the meeting it was indicated that Fans' Forum events would be more regular than in recent years. AF concluded the meeting and announced that Union Golf Road, whose current membership was stated to be 87, was hosting an event on 26 February to foster fan engagement and increase membership.

MORECAMBE BOSS DEPARTS

Ashvir joined the Shrimps during a challenging period and has worked tirelessly alongside his staff to stabilise the squad, integrate new players, and represent the Club with professionalism and integrity both on and off the pitch.

Right: Johal is pictured at Altrincham before the postponement of the game between Alty and Morecambe on 3 January.

The Board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Ashvir for his commitment, dedication, and the way he has conducted himself throughout his time. He leaves with our best wishes for the future.

Assistant Manager, Lee Tomlin and First-Team Coach, Neil Wainwright will take joint charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis while the Club undertakes the process of appointing a new manager.

The process to appoint a new First Team Manager is underway. We will keep supporters informed as appropriate, and thank you, as always, for your continued backing of the team and the Club".

THEN THERE WERE TEN

As Morecambe, Yeovil Town and Gateshead have lost two managers in that period, fourteen is the number of clubs affected by these changes.

That leaves just ninen National League clubs with the same manager that they had at the end of last season.

They are:

1. Rochdale (currently 1st) Jimmy McNulty
2. Boreham Wood (3rd) Luke Garrard
3. Scunthorpe United (4th) Andy Butler
4. Carlisle United (5th) Mark Hughes
5. Southend United (8th) Kevin Maher
6. Woking (11th) Neal Ardley
7. Tamworth (13th) Andy Peaks
8. Braintree Town (21st) Steve Pitt
9. Truro City (23rd) John Askey

ALTY "SEARCHING FOR A FORMULA"

“We are trying to play a different way, a bit more possession-based but with more energy and, when we turn the ball over, we want to press a little harder...

"Over the past week or so, they have basically worked seven days out of eight and have only had the Sunday as a day off.

“We have been searching for a formula, and after such a strong performance from each and every player at Forest Green, we felt they deserved to start again against Boreham Wood. It was such a quick turnaround, Wednesday to Saturday, but they were magnificent, full value for the scoreline"...

You can hear more from the gaffer - and central defender Jake Cooper - in their pre-match Alty TV interviews with Tom Jolley on Friday afternoon".

NEXT: CARLISLE UNITED

Left: Mark Hughes, pictured at Altrincham in the reverse fixture this season which the Cumbrians won 1-2.

So Carlisle United asked Head Coach Mark Hughes about "the benefits of extra recovery time".

Hughes stated that "A few of the guys were creaking a little bit, so the extra days give you an opportunity to get them back up to speed.”

Having lost 0-3 at home to York City, last time out, Hughes observed, "We were disappointed to lose a really important game...

“Up to the penalty decision, I thought it was a very even game...

“The lads are really strong together, and that's important. We need to stick together and make sure we get to where we need to get to.

“We've had more time to reflect properly and work on things. Now we just want to get back to playing. We’ve got a few doubts. Extra 24 - 48 hours will help in that regard".

Referring to Altrincham, Hughes conceded "They’re a good side. They get the ball down, have good talent at the top end of the pitch, and they’re in a good vein of form.”

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 20 year-old joins the Silkmen... having signed his first professional deal in the summer, keeping him at Deepdale for at least another two seasons following a successful loan spell at Enterprise National League side Altrincham in the previous campaign...

Prior to his spell with Altrincham, Kacper enjoyed a loan spell with Warrington Town and also linked up with Marine before a very brief stint with the latter was cut short due to injury".

Footnote: Pasiek's arrival brings to seven the number of players who have worn the Altrincham shirt who are now members of Macclesfield's squad. The other six are Sam Heathcote, Danny Whitehead, Elliot Osborne, Mikey Stone, Regan Griffiths and James Gale.

EX-ALTY DIRECTOR TAKES OVER CLUB IN NORTHERN IRELAND

On Wednesday, the Lurgan Blues hosted shareholders at Mourneview Park to discuss the finer details of an investment proposal from Football International Limited, who are set to acquire a majority shareholding in Glenavon....

It’s understood that [former Altrincham FC director] CATHAL MORRISON, who was born in Cork and grew up in Londonderry, is the leading force behind Football International Limited and he brings extensive football experience.

Morrison previously held scouting positions at the likes of Cambridge United and West Ham United before moving into boardroom roles, serving as director of football at Brightlingsea Regent Football Club.

He was also a part-owner at Altrincham Football Club, holding a 12.5% stake in the National League club, and was their technical director and board member...

Living in Colchester, Morrison also served as academy director for French giants PSG in the United Kingdom and has held a number of director and leadership roles in his professional career away from football.

Morrison...has penned a number of books, including ‘The Football Club Masterplan: A 10-Year Strategy for Promotion from Step 5 to the EFL’ and ‘Full Circle’...

Glenavon say the partnership with Morrison’s Football International Limited will focus on four major areas: strengthening the Club’s financial position; improving commercial performance and revenue generation; supporting football operations and infrastructure; and reinforcing Glenavon FC’s role at the heart of its community....

A spokesperson for Football International Limited added 'Our commitment is long-term. By investing over a five-year period, we aim to provide stability, strengthen the Club’s foundations, and support sustainable growth'".

Footnote: Glenavon are currently bottom of the Northern Ireland Premiership.

ENL FIXTURES

• Boreham Wood v Boston United
• Braintree Town v Eastleigh
• Carlisle United v Altrincham
• FC Halifax Town v Gateshead
• Hartlepool United v Aldershot Town
• Solihull Moors v York City
• Southend United v Rochdale (k.o. 5.30pm)
• Sutton United v Brackley Town
• Truro City v Scunthorpe United
• Yeovil Town v Tamworth

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In truth we were a few weeks ago within a whisker of signing Kabby Tshimanga from Crawley Town on loan. In fact, Charlie Hunter and Crawley had all but agreed everything between the two clubs, but unfortunately for us with the transfer window still open, Barnet and the EFL came calling and we couldn’t offer Kabby league football nor the financial package on a permanent deal that Barnet offered him. As such I had a nice chat with Kabs we accepted that he was one that got away and I wished him well with his new club...

Last Sunday after the Altrincham game our squad was dangerously low and in truth we were down to just 14 fit players. The injured include Erico Sousa, Tom White, Luke Norris and Callum Reynolds and as all our supporters know are four of our big hitters. Unfortunately, the latter three are all not predicted to return for around 4 to 6 weeks.

As such with Junior Dixon also out on loan until the end of the season, we decided to recall both Aaron Henry and Nathan Ashmore with immediate effect...

In reality, it’s very hard to attract good strikers in mid-season especially with Matt Rush in such sparkling form, as all forwards looking to move at this stage of the season want to start games and Rushy’s form means he gets to wear the lone striker shirt in our system and at present deservedly so...

As the man who must underwrite any debt, pay the bills, pay the wages and who signs off on the cheque runs, I totally understand if we try to play free flowing football that there will always be a few dark days, even more bumps in the road and a few defeats along the way, but I don’t want us to play how we used to as I love how Luke now gets us to play...

So, I say, let’s embrace this moment as we’ve got nothing to lose... In fact, I think from what I’ve seen this season we are perhaps the most entertaining team in our division.

We also have our very own home-grown manager Luke Garrard at the helm and who would have ever thought that Luke would have changed his pragmatic footballing DNA in just two years? Luke for me is now one of the most exciting managers in the division and that was not something I ever thought I would hear myself saying but I now believe it to be true".

29 January 2026

BRACKLEY BOSS MOVES ON

Right: Gavin Cowan pictured at the J. Davidson Stadium last November.

After three successful seasons at the club, leading the team into the National League for the first time, Gavin Cowan has resigned as first team manager with immediate effect. Assistant manager Jamie Haynes has also departed with the club in 15th place in the National League.

Chairman Matt Wise said, 'We thank Gavin for his commitment and work at the club and wish him well in his next endeavour. The priority at the club now is to recruit a new manager. A unity and a togetherness have always been strengths at our club. I urge all supporters to come together and to get behind the team in these coming weeks.'”

The BBC adds that "Gavin Cowan has been appointed Shrewsbury Town's new head coach, replacing Michael Appleton at the League Two club.

Cowan is a former Salop defender and made 30 appearances for the club between March 2005 and January 2007.

The 44-year-old has been with National League side Brackley since May 2023 and took the club up to the fifth tier in 2024-25 by winning the National League North title.

He will be assisted at Croud Meadow by former Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Dave Edwards and Cowan's number two at Brackley, Jamie Haynes...

The club said they had agreed a 'compensation package' with Brackley to facilitate the appointment".

17 MANAGERS GONE IN NINE MONTHS

Changes between the end of the 2024/25 season and the start of 2025/26:

1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox

Departures since start of the 2025/26 season:

The twelve departures (so far) this season are listed below; all were sackings unless otherwise stated...

1. MORECAMBE: Derek Adams, sacked on 18 August 2025, replaced by Ashvir Singh Johal
2. YORK CITY: Adam Hinshelwood, replaced by Stuart Maynard
3. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper, replaced by Danny Webb
4. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor, replaced by Chris Millington
5. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison, replaced by Chris Agutter
6. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis, replaced by Scott Bartlett
7. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation), replaced by Billy Rowley
8. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Simon Grayson, replaced by Nicky Featherstone
9. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Tommy Widdrington (resignation), replaced by John Coleman
10. ALTRINCHAM: Phil Parkinson, replaced by Neil Gibson
11. GATESHEAD: Alun Armstrong moved to a new role, replaced by Rob Elliot
12. BOSTON UNITED: "Parted company" with Graham Coughlan, replaced by Paul Hurst
13. BRACKLEY TOWN: "Resignation" of Gavin Cowan, appointed at Shrewsbury Town

So, in all, there have been 17 dismissals or resignations, involving fifteen of the 24 members of the National League over a period of approximately nine months, with Yeovil Town and Gateshead changing manager twice.

Gavin Cowan is the only departing manager to move on to a higher-ranked club.

NEXT: CARLISLE UNITED

Away form for Altrincham has been poor this season. Their only two away wins in the league this season have been against teams currently in the bottom four; Truro City and Gateshead.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Off the field, Hartlepool United "sign attacker TYRESE SINCLAIR (right) on loan... from York City...

The 24-year-old joins Pools for the remainder of the campaign after agreeing personal terms and successfully completing a medical.

Sinclair arrives at the Prestige Group Stadium with significant experience across the Football League and Enterprise National League, having made over 200 senior appearances, scoring 33 goals and providing 15 assists...

Sinclair featured 12 times for York City earlier this season, registering one assist, before joining Solihull Moors on a short-term loan in October, where he made 10 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists...

Sinclair said 'As soon as I heard about the chance to join Pools, I jumped at it...

'Speaking to Nicky [Featherstone] was a big part of the decision for me. He was clear about the standards he expects and about where I fit in and what he wants from me, to come in, play on the front foot and add goals and creativity to our attacking play. He was straight with me, which I liked'".

DAZN'S LATEST STREAMED GAMES

• Saturday, 7 February 2026: Eastleigh v Wealdstone (5.30pm)
• Saturday 14 February 2026: Forest Green Rovers v Carlisle United (5.30pm)
• Saturday 21 February 2026: Truro City v Gateshead (5.30pm) "selected for enhanced coverage"
• Saturday 28 February 2026: Morecambe v York City (5.30pm)
• Saturday 7 March: Boreham Wood v Brackley Town (12.30pm)
• Saturday 7 March: Carlisle United v Southend United (5.30pm) "selected for enhanced coverage"
• Saturday 14 March: Wealdstone v Solihull Moors (12.30pm)
• Saturday 7 March: Scunthorpe United v Altrincham (5.30pm)
• Eastleigh v Rochdale (5.30pm)
• Morecambe v Braintree Town (5.30pm) "selected for enhanced coverage"

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

This was Nathan’s second loan spell with the Eagles, a spell which saw him feature 12 times between the sticks".

Boreham Wood have also reported that "midfielder Aaron Henry has been recalled from his loan with Enterprise National League South league leaders Hornchurch.

Aaron Henry marked his Urchins debut with a free kick goal and went on to make a total of nine league appearances".

Boston United report that ""Goalkeeper Bobby Jones has joined National League North outfit Chester FC on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 24-year-old will link up with United team-mate Michael Kelly at the Deva Stadium...

Jones has made three National League Cup appearances for the Pilgrims – and spent two months on loan with Chester's league rivals Spennymoor Town earlier in the campaign".

In addition, Boston United eport that they "bowed out of the National League Cup at the quarter-final stage on Tuesday evening following defeat to a talented West Ham United side.

The Hammers led inside 13 minutes through Ryan Battrum, but the Pilgrims levelled 15 minutes later with Jordy Hiwula on target.

The match remained finely-poised until Emeka Adiele's superb solo effort with five minutes to play - booking the East Londoners progress to the last four of the competition in the process.

United boss Paul Hurst had made five changes to his side ahead of kick-off".

Forest Green Rovers "confirm that midfielder Isaac Moore has been recalled by his parent club, Coventry City. Moore signed for Rovers in July 2025.

The 19-year-old made 27 appearances for Rovers in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and contributing three assists".

Scunthorpe United "is delighted to link up with Tickets for Good as part of our Community Day 2026, when we host Altrincham on Saturday, March 14th (5.30pm kick-off).

Tickets for Good has helped over 600,000 members across the globe, distributing over one million tickets in the world and has helped thousands attend events in the UK...

Tickets for Good is... giving free and discounted live event tickets to the NHS and charity workers...

General Manager James Moody added 'It's brilliant to once again link up with Tickets for Good as one of the many initiatives for our latest Community Day.

'We've seen just how popular these days have been in recent years, and we want as many people to experience it as possible... Last year our involvement with them brought a number of new visitors to the Attis Arena, with some even returning to us in the games which followed. It would be fantastic if we could do the same again!'"

It has been a busy day at the International Stadium where Gateshead report that "Tiernan Brooks has joined... Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee.

The goalkeeper departs Gateshead having made 51 appearances... since arriving in the summer of 2024"

Gateshead also report that "Frank Nouble is to take on a first-team coaching role with the club following the termination of his playing contract by mutual consent.

The forward calls time on his spell with Gateshead as a player having made 35 appearances and scored three goals since joining the club in March 2025 and will now assume a role as part of Rob Elliot's coaching staff... while continuing his playing career elsewhere".

Sutton United report that "Jermaine Francis arrives at Sutton United full of excitement... The midfielder has made the permanent switch from Hartlepool United in a move motivated by the chance to return closer to home...

'The manager spoke to me directly. He said he wanted me here, wanted to give me the chance to show my ability and give me game time...

'I was at Chelmsford City two years ago. I was at Barnet and went on loan to Braintree, so I’ve shown what I can do at this level,” he said.

'Then I went to Hartlepool – things didn’t quite work out there in terms of minutes...

'Hopefully I can work my way into the side. I know the manager can improve me, the lads can improve me, and I can help them as well...

'Academy football is very different to non-league. When I first went into non-league, I thought it might be easier, but you get humbled quickly. You take kicks, you get bruises. I’m used to that now.'".

Heading out of Sutton United is "Jack Taylor, who has completed a permanent transfer to League One side Stevenage for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old centre-back is a major success story of the U’s academy after making 67 first-team appearances...

Taylor initially began his career in the youth setup at Eastbourne Borough before joining Chelsea, and led to him first joining Sutton as a 16-year old...

Taylor subsequently appeared 16 times for Sutton in all competitions during 2024/25, becoming a regular fixture in the centre of defence... appearing 30 times in all competitions this season"

28 January 2026

LUNCH TIME, TEA TIME, ANY TIME BUT 3PM

The Attis Arena clash on Saturday, March 14th will now kick-off at 12:30pm instead of the original 3pm".

However, later that day, Scunthorpe United reported that "despite previous instructions, the Iron's home league encounter against Altrincham on Saturday, March 14th, which has been selected for live DAZN coverage, will now kick off at 5:30 PM, to support the club's annual Community Day event.

DAZN’s Multi Match Live returns for that weekend, with United hosting their annual Community Day on the day of the fixture, with hopes of a bumper crowd in attendance.

The match will be the Iron's third selected 5:30 PM kick-off at the Attis Arena this season".

Footnote: This will be Altrincham's first tea-time kick-off this season after four previous changes to matches to make them lunchtime kick-offs in the league this season. Three of those four games changed to 12.30pm starts have resulted in the Robins losing. The defeats were all in the away fixtures but they did win their single home 12.30pm kick off against Sutton United.

The Scunthorpe game is match 38 of the season and, at that point, Altrincham will have played 16 games at a time other than 3pm on a Saturday.

Lunchtime kick-offs (12.30pm) - 4 (3 away, 1 home)

• Matchday 2: Sat.16.8.25 Away Rochdale LOST 1-2
• Matchday 4: Sat.23.8.25 Away Morecambe LOST 1-2
• Matchday 8: Sat.6.9.25 Home SUTTON UNITED WON 2-1
• Matchday 26: Sat.17.1.26 Away Hartlepool United LOST 0-1

FANS' FORUM VENUE CHANGE

The board Q&A, in partnership with Union Golf Road, and featuring Chairman Mark Luby, CEO Sam Mackenzie and Director John Coyne, will be hosted in (UPDATED) the Community Sports Hall (entry via the red reception door on the corner of Moss Lane & Golf Road) and is open for all Alty fans to attend.

To ensure a structured and productive discussion, priority will be given to questions submitted in advance by 5:30pm on Wednesday, January 28th here; there will also be an opportunity for further discussion and questions from the floor on the night, as time permits.

To help us manage numbers fans will need to register for a FREE ticket for the event here.

The CSH bar will be open with the usual offering of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, some additional Fan Zone favourites, plus bar snacks".

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS

As well as that game, Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records provide the full picture of all games on 31 January.

Left: Ryan Shotton and Robbie Lawton celebrate the second goal against Woking.

Even back in 2008, television companies were calling the tune as this encounter with The Cards was being played in front of the Setanta cameras on a Thursday evening (7.45pm) rather than its original date the following Saturday.

Then, as now Alty were troubled by relegation fears but they edged another point towards safety and showed great character to come back from two-down against Woking on a cold night at Moss Lane.

In a fairly scrappy first half in which the players had to contend with a gusty wind, a moment's lack of concentration on the Alty right allowed Norville to advance and when the ball reached the centre it came out to Quamina, whose low shot evaded Coburn's dive, low to his right (35 mins).

Referee Craig Pawson, later to grace the Premier League arena, allowed a lot of pushes and nudges to go unpunished and when Lawton appeared to be shoved off the ball on the edge of the Woking box, he waved play on, allowing the Cards to break forward and Morgan slotted a low shot past Coburn (55 mins).

Two minutes later a well-taken goal by Little made it 2-1 and after Joe O'Neill had come on, Alty adopted a 4-3-3 formation for the final half hour. Alty's second-half pressure was rewarded when Ryan Shotton lashed a shot into the top of the net after 71 minutes.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN; 17. Richard BATTERSBY, 16. Ryan SHOTTON, 10. Greg YOUNG, 24. James JENNINGS; 23. Ryan TOULSON, 7. Robbie LAWTON (capt), 25. Liam KING, 11. Warren PEYTON; 9. Colin LITTLE, 19. Chris SENIOR. Subs: 3. Gary SCOTT, 6. Jake SEDGEMORE, 12. Joe O'NEILL, 15. Chris LANE, 22. Carlos LOGAN.

ALTY AND THE SPACE-TIME CONTINUUM!

A landmark for away fans arriving at Altrincham Interchange, the Victorian clock tower (right) in the forecourt has been showing the wrong time for several months.

But the Sale & Altrincham Messenger now reports that "A historic town clock is set to tell the time once more with restoration work planned.

Altrincham’s Clock Tower, in Stamford New Road, is believed to date back to the 1880s.

It was linked to Altrincham Station, which was built in 1881. The structure is Grade II listed, meaning Historic England considers it to be of 'special interest' and warranting protection.

However, the clock has stopped ticking, with its hands frozen in place. Transport for Greater Manchester told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that issues with its power supply are to blame.

A spokesman said the organisation was first made aware of the problem in October last year. Some restoration work has now taken place.

However, TfGM is still waiting for delivery of a new motor for the clock to ensure it is “'back to full working order'. That motor is expected to be fitted in early February, the spokesman added".

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : Although skipper CARL PIERGIANNI was booked late on, Stevenage held on to beat visitors Peterborough United 1-0.

Wycombe Wanderers had already completed the formalities in their 2-0 home win over Wigan Athletic by the time they withdrew JUNIOR QUITIRNA in the 82nd minute.

League Two : CONNOR JENNINGS (right) left the action at Barnet after 31 minutes, but his Tranmere Rovers team mates must have thought they'd done enough when the final 5 added minutes ticked over. Alas the Bees had other ideas and nicked the game's only goal in the 96th minute.

JOEL SENIOR was withdrawn after 68 minutes by Bristol Rovers at MK Dons, who had already scored the game's only goal. Rovers remain just above the drop zone as both Harrogate Town and Newport County also lost.

Salford City, without KEVIN BERKOE, unfortunately suffered the same fate as Tranmere, visitors Chesterfield snatching victory via a 93rd minute own goal. The Spireites left JAMES BERRY on the bench.

National North : ASHLEY HEMMINGS was unable to save Kidderminster Harriers from a goalless draw at Bedford Town.

Macclesfield, with SAM HEATHCOTE and ELLIOTT OSBORNE in their starting XI, were 1-3 up at Peterborough Sports after 35 minutes, but 30 minutes later they trailed 4-3, and were unable to turn things around. JAMES GALE came off the bench after 66 minutes, but DANNY WHITEHEAD and MIKEY STONE stayed there.

With 3 debutants in their starting lineup, Chester left both TOM PEERS and DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY on the bench at Marine, and got off to a bad start when they were reduced to 10 men after 15 minutes. It was 1-1 when Dylan came on after 67 minutes, but Tom could only watch as Marine snatched an 89th minute winner.

Radcliffe, captained by JORDAN HULME, found themselves 0-4 down to visitors Scarborough Athletic, and only managed a late consolation. BRAD JACKSON (above, left), who has been out injured for a long time, returned to the bench, but didn't come on. Worksop Town skipper LUKE WATERFALL was missing tonight, but SAM WEDGBURY started against visitors Darlington and lasted 67 minutes as the game finished 1-1.

National League Cup Quarter Finals : Tamworth left KENNEDY DIGIE on the bench, as a single goal proved sufficient to see off FC Halifax.

West Ham United ensured that they were the only U21 team to progress, winning 1-2 at Boston United, who were captained by CONNOR TEALE.

The other semi-finalists are Truro City and Boreham Wood.

NPL Premier Division : SHARIF DEANS lasted 73 minutes for Prescot Cables, who had already wrapped up a 3-0 win over visitors Warrington Rylands by then. DEAN FURMAN came off the Rylands bench after 53 minutes.

NPL Division 1 West : ELLIOTT ROKKA has moved from Stalybridge Celtic to Runcorn Linnets, and was an 83rd minute substitute in their 4-2 home win over leaders Lower Breck. SEAN MILLER was among the Linnets' scorers, as they leapfrogged Avro into 2nd place, just 3 points behind this evening's victims.

And finally, back in National North, briefly employed by Altrincham as a scout for Phil Parkinson, MICHAEL CLEGG is the new Hyde United boss. He has been appointed until the end of this season.

MIDWEEK GAME

• Rochdale 2-1 Southend United

CHESHIRE NEWS

In recent weeks, the club has seen a significant increase in media interest, reflecting the progress being made on and off the pitch. With that heightened profile comes the need for a clear figurehead to represent the club and lead its external communications.

As the founder and driving force behind Macclesfield FC’s rebirth, Rob is uniquely placed to fulfil that role. He has therefore agreed to step back into the Chairmanship to act as the public face of the club, providing leadership, continuity, and a clear point of accountability. Rob is working on some major media opportunities that will greatly benefit the club in the coming months and years.

Alongside this, the Board is confirming a number of further structural changes to strengthen the club’s leadership team".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

The experienced Irishman has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season... having previously made 106 appearances for Pools and scored 21 goals in all competitions across four seasons.

Playing alongside current Pools boss Nicky Featherstone, Holohan was a key member of the side that won promotion back to the Football League...

After leaving Hartlepool, the Kilkenny native enjoyed a productive spell with Grimsby Town, scoring 16 times in 107 appearances...

Holohan joined Crawley Town in the summer of 2024 and featured regularly in League One and League Two...

Gavan Holohan said... 'I’ve got great memories, especially getting promoted back to the EFL. That’s where this Club should be'".

Heading in the opposite direction, Hartlepool United "confirm that Jermaine Francis has completed a permanent transfer to Sutton United, for an undisclosed fee.

The right midfielder departs the Prestige Group Stadium after making 22 appearances in all competitions this season... following his arrival from Barnet last summer".

For their part, Sutton United add that "Jermaine Francis... arrives on a permanent deal from Hartlepool United...

The versatile midfielder... becomes the tenth player to be recruited by Chris Agutter following his arrival in October, and will offer pace, directness and determination to the U’s midfield...

He became a regular in the centre of the park for the Hashtag United, scoring 14 goals in 30 league appearances as they won the Isthmian League North Division... in 2016.

His form in the eighth tier led to a move up the pyramid, and following a trial at Barnet and a brief return to Cannons Wood, Francis making the switch to National League South Chelmsford City, where he continued his rapid rise up non-league by featuring 42 times in the sixth tier. This was followed by a permanent switch to Barnet, who had rekindled their interest in the midfielder... spending the bulk of the season out on loan at Braintree Town, before joining Hartlepool United on a permanent deal last summer...

Francis said... 'I know a lot about the club, about the manager as well, the players, I know the manager and how he plays and that excites me'">

27 January 2026

NEXT: CARLISLE UNITED

It was Olly Crnkshaw who put Altrincham ahead against The Wood and Neil has given the forward seven successive starts, the longest sequence of inclusion in the starting eleven in his Altrincham career which had previously been blighted by an ACL injury incurred in just the second match in which he played after his arrival in 2023.

Above: Olly Crankshaw needed treatment to his right hip from therapist Tom Cadman during the game against Boreham Wood last Saturday.

Crankshaw has responded to his restored fitness by netting six times in Altrincham's last eight fixtures.

Saturday will be Altrincham's first visit to Carlisle with previous visits to Cumbria being confined to the likes of Barrow, Workington and Kendal Town.

ALTY WOMEN UPDATE

"The first competitive game of 2026 saw Altrincham FC Women progress through the preliminary round of the Alliance Design and Print Plate with a 3-2 victory away from home against Chorley Women FC Development

It was the substitutes who made the difference for the Robins, with Emily Rutter netting a brace and Francesca Boyle scoring on her competitive debut for the first team...

In the first round of the Alliance Design and Print Plate, Altrincham have another away trip to a North West Women’s Regional League Division One North side in Fleetwood Town Wrens Ladies Reserves on Sunday, February 8th. Before then, it’s a return to league action next Sunday against Wirral Phoenix at Partington Sports Village.

Elsewhere, the Elite U18 side were also on the road, travelling to a strong Nantwich Town U18 Girls team. Spencer O’Connor’s side returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory, with goals from Mae Winchcombe and Megan Hunt".

ALTRINCHAM FC ACADEMY UPDATE

The team which plays in the National League Football Alliance North Division finds itself bottom of the table after playing two league matches in January.

• 14/01/26: Hartlepool United 3-1 Altrincham
• 21/01/26: Altrincham 5-1 Guiseley

As for the team which competes in the National Football Youth League, North West Championship 1, they lie ninth in the table.

They, too, have only played twice in the past six weeks and like their fellow Academy side, have won once and lost once.

• 10/12/25: Bolton Wanderers EDS NWC 6-1 Altrincham FC U19

  Altrincham's squad was as follows: Savior Abanwa, Harry Cain, Callum Dakin, John Gbolagun, Josh Herreaman, Ryan Knowles, Benjamin McNamara, Callum McCormack, William Molloy, Charlie Noble, Archie Rowlands. Subs: Christopher Antoniades, Daniel Farrar, Connor Summerfield, Thomas Tattersall,

  Knowles was the Altrincham scorer.

• 21/01/26: Altrincham FC U19 3-2 FC Halifax Town U19

  Altrincham's team comprised: Savior Abanwa, Christopher Antoniades, Theo Bunting, Harry Cain, Callum Dakin, Rafael Fereday, John Gbolagun, William Sneyd, Thomas Tattersall, Jimmy Taafe, Harley Renshaw. Subs: Zachary Crisp, Afernee Denise, William Molloy, Connor Summerfield.

  The Alty scorers were Antoniades, Sneyd and Renshaw.

ALTY OLD BOYS

However, CHARLIE OLSON wasn't in their squad, and maybe he's being held back for another - hopefully more fruitful - loan spell.

OPPOSITION'S VERDICT

Wood started well enough, but the hosts soon took over and dominated the first half...

The Robins took the lead when an excellent ball over the top from Tom Crawford found dangerman Olly Crankshaw, who outpaced the Wood defence before a clinical finish past Ted Curd in the Wood goal...

Wood started the second half with attacking intent and looked as though they were about to spend the period camped in the Robins’ half. However, they were undone three minutes after the restart when an excellent pass from Crawford picked out Otis Khan, who finished well past Curd to double the lead...

The hosts made sure of the points by adding a third. Crankshaw’s shot was parried by Curd into the path of Cooper, who made no mistake from close range

On 81 minutes, Booty reduced Boreham Wood’s deficit with an incredible free kick which crashed in off the post and gave Wood a glimmer of hope....

Boreham Wood have lost two matches in a row for the first time this season and, with Callum Reynolds going off injured early on, Wood may have to do without their skipper for a period of time".

MIDWEEK FIXTURE

Tuesday 27th January, 2026

• Rochdale v Southend United

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

York Press provides a fuller appreciation, telling us that "The pacey winger returns to York having spent the last 41 days with Hartlepool...

He joined City's National League rivals in search of regular minutes. Playing... alongside another York loanee in Cam John, Nathaniel-George found game time limited during his time at the Suit Direct Stadium.

The winger started in his first match with the Poolies in central midfield, featuring for 59 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Braintree Town.

He was also given a start in the next match, a 2-1 defeat hosting play-off occupants Scunthorpe United, playing in his more natural left wing position.

However, that would be the last time the Hartlepool supporters would see the 30-year-old, being an unused substitute in three of their next five matches, and twice not being named in the squad.

Nathaniel-George now returns to City again looking for game time, but has not been granted a single start for York yet this campaign".

Hartlepool United report "the signing of goalkeeper Nick Hayes from Southend United".

Alty fans will recall that Hayes made his Pools debut against the Robins, earlier this month, on loan from Southend United.

But now, "The 26-year-old joins Pools for an undisclosed fee... Hayes came through the Ipswich Town academy before signing for Southend on loan in 2023 on a short-term deal.

A further loan at Solihull Moors in 2024 saw Hayes reach the National League play-off final, losing on penalties to Bromley.

Barnet swooped for Hayes that summer, then [he] would return to Roots Hall in February 2025, once again reaching the play-off final, losing out to Oldham Athletic.

On joining Pools, Hayes said... 'It’s a massive Club, the fanbase is brilliant, and I’m signing here at a great time'...

Pools Manager Nicky Featherstone said... 'We looked at his pedigree at this level; he’s played in the last two play-off finals, so he is someone with really good experience at this level. It’s nice to have a permanent goalkeeper as well, knowing that he is ours will bring a lot of security, which is a massive thing for us.

'We did character reference with loads of people, everyone said the same thing that he is a top lad above everything'".

At Wealdstone "Defender Charlie Waller has signed on loan until the end of the season from EFL League Two Milton Keynes Dons.

The Dons' academy product has already featured 11 times for their first-team.

A significant loan spell in last year's National League at Sutton United saw him really make his mark, featuring over 20 times for the Surrey club... Waller played eight times for MK Dons during the second half of season 2024/25.

Previous loan spells have seen the 20-year-old [spend]... short but successful spells taking in the likes of AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Billericay Town and Banbury United.

The most recent experience on a growing CV saw four appearances at fellow National League side Rochdale during December for Waller".

26 January 2026

NEXT: CARLISLE UNITED

Carlisle have had a blank weekend after their planned fixture at Aldershot was postponed due to waterlogging at the Recreation Ground.

Of course, the match next Saturday will bring former Altrincham players Regan Linney and Chris Conn-Clarke into opposition of their former club.

Despite their lofty position, Carlisle lost their last home game, 0-3 to York City and have only won three of their last eight games in all competitions.

They lost 4-1 at Blackpool in the FA Cup before Woking beat them 3-1 in Cumbria in the league.

A 2-0 reverse at Boreham Wood followed before Carlisle won three league games on the trot against clubs not in the title race; Gateshead, Mprecambe and Wealdstone.

They then drew 3-3 at Solihull Moors before the defeat by York.

OTIS KHAN INTERVIEW

Right: Otis Khan pictured during the game on Saturday.

ALTY v BOREHAM WOOD HIGHLIGHTS

ALTY OLD BOYS

JOE MWASILE has returned from Litherland REMYCA, and was on their bench, but ANDREW JONES and A-JAY LEITCH-SMITH weren't involved.

Meanwhile in the French Ligue One, MAXI OYEDELE remains out of action at Strasbourg with a groin injury. He is undergoing rehabilitation, and will hopefully be able to return to action in the next few weeks.

Maxi last played as a 67th minute substitute in Strasbourg's 2-3 win at Brondby in the Europa League qualifier on 28th.August 2025, and that has been his sole action this season.

NW NEWS

25 Jan uary 2026

ALTRINCHAM 3-1 BOREHAM WOOD

Right: Otis Khan, Isaac Marriott and Dan Sassi celebrate with goalscorer Olly Crankshaw after Altrincham went ahead against Boreham Wood

Neil Gibson named an unchanged squad from the one that secured a draw at Forest Green in midweek and, as in that game, they took an early lead this afternoon through Olly Crankshaw, who has now netted five times in the last seven league fixtures.

This time his goal came in the 13th minute from an excellent Crawford feed which saw the Alty winger outpace a defender to slot the ball, low, past keeper Curd.

Alty should have added to the lead before the interval with Knowles wasting a good chance but they made amends early in the second half when Knowles advanced up the right/centre channel and played the ball inside to Khan. The Pakistan international midfielder stepped inside a defender and fired a low shot past Curd (48 mins).

The game seemed to be wrapped up at 3-0 when, following a corner won by Weaver, a Crankshaw effort was parried by Curd for Jake Cooper to net (75 mins).

However, Luke Garrard's men showed commendable fight as they found themselves three down for the second time in a week. They got a goal back with a superb freekick by Regan Booty into the top corner of Luke Hutchinson's net (81 mins). Alty immediately withdrew two of their best players on the day in Liam Humbles and Tom Crawford and proceded to concede a series of freekicks as the Wood sought a way back into the game.

But Altrincham held out, with Hutchinson having to make a couple of important saves before they emerged 3-1 victors.

Match report here

NEIL GIBSON'S VIEW

Neil felt that Saturday's win was "the best performance as a collective in my time at the club".

During the week he had stressed to the plaers the "importance of pushing for the second goal" if we went ahead and the team did that against Boreham Wood.

Overall he felt that "3-1 is a very fair scoreline" from the game.

Asked about the departure of James Gale, Neil said "he has worked extremely hard" but that he would like to bring in certain players which would mean that "James would not get much game time". Hence his move to Macclesfield.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The man in question was RONNIE ELLIS (seen, right, at the match with Brian Flynn, in an image courtesy of Paul Mitchell).

In his pen-portrait of Ronnie in the Alty Legends series, Terry Rowley wrote, "For Ronnie the 1986/87 season would be the one that ..guaranteed that he would become part of Altrincham’s history when he scored in Altrincham’s historic 2-1 victory of Birmingham City at St Andrew's, (remember Birmingham were in the First Division)... Even better, Ronnie scored one of the goals that beat Enfield, 2-0 in the second leg of the FA Trophy semi final, which sent Altrincham to Wembley where they beat Runcorn, 1-0".

Brian Flynn also introduced Ronnie to the crowd at half-time in Saturday's match, the two of them standing on the touchline in front of the Atlantic Timber main stand.

Phil Jordan reports on Saturday's "old boy" action.

League One : A full shift from ALI SMITH helped AFC Wimbledon to come from behind and force a 1-1 draw at Rotherham United. It was the same story and scoreline for Stevenage, who were captained by CARL PIERGIANNI against visitors Mansfield Town.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA came off the Wycombe Wanderers bench for the second half, but visitors Peterborough United, having been a goal up at the break, went on to win 0-2.

League Two : Crawley Town scored the only goal of the game at Barrow in the 89th minute, ELLIOT NEWBY only joining play for the hosts 2 minutes later.

Tranmere Rovers led twice at Cambridge United, but it was 2-2 when CONNOR JENNINGS was withdrawn after 74 minutes, and the home side went ahead within 3 minutes, netting a 4th in added time.

JAKE BICKERSTAFF played the full game for Cheltenham Town, but visitors Grimsby Town, without JUSTIN AMALUZOR, scored twice without reply.

Fleetwood Town were 2-0 behind at the break at Colchester United, and withdrew HARRISON HOLGATE in favour of TOBY MULLARKEY. They managed to reduce the arrears, but lost 2-1.

JAMES BERRY lasted 75 minutes for Chesterfield at Newport County, but the Welsh club were two up by then, and won 2-1 to climb above Harrogate Town at the foot of the table. They are only a point behind Bristol Rovers, who fell to the only goal at Salford City. Rovers brought on JOEL SENIOR for the second half, but the Ammies left KEVIN BERKOE on their bench.

National League : In a topsy-turvy battle at the Jakeman's Community Stadium, Boston United recovered from going behind to Southend United, and built a 3-1 lead. However, despite CONNOR TEALE putting in a full shift, the Shrimpers fought back to draw 3-3.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM (left) was withdrawn after 72 minutes by Eastleigh, who were never ahead against visitors FC Halifax, and eventually lost 2-3.

JOE NUTTALL came off Morecambe's bench after 63 minutes with his side already a goal down to visitors Solihull Moors, who added another goal later.

KENNEDY DIGIE played the full game for Tamworth, but visitors Sutton United, who have started to find some impetus recently, scored the only goal.

JEFF KING played the full match for York City, and they were already 4-0 up against struggling visitors Braintree Town when ALEX NEWBY came on to join him after 56 minutes. The Minstermen eventually strolled to a 5-0 win.

In the evening kick-off ROSS BARROWS played the full match for Scunthorpe United as they completed a second win of the week over a top team, defeating Forest Green Rovers 3-2 after the Iron had won 3-1 at Boreham Wood in midweek.

National North : Both HARRY PERRITT and LEWIS SALMON started for Alfreton Town, who lost 1-2 to visitors Bedford Town.

CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde were surprisingly beaten 1-0 at Oxford City. CHRIS MERRIE, GEORGE WILSON, and LIAM BROCKBANK all started, but George was withdrawn at half time, and Chris lasted 74 minutes.

A Shaq Coulthirst hat trick for Peterborough Sports was enough to see off visitors Chester. TOM PEERS started for the vanquished Seals, while DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY came on for the second half. TOM, having been booked a few minutes earlier, was withdrawn after 54 minutes.

Radcliffe took a 14th minute lead against visitors Buxton - but that was as good as it got, the Derbyshire side, captained by CONNOR KIRBY winning comfortably 1-5. JORDAN HULME was on the home bench until the 71st minute, by which time it was already 1-3.

LUKE WATERFALL captained Worksop Town in their home game against Macclesfield Town. SAM WEDGBURY came on against one of his old clubs in the 92nd minute, by which time the Silkmen had finished scoring in their 2-4 victory. The victors had ELLIOT OSBORNE and SAM HEATHCOTE in their starting lineup, whilst DANNY WHITEHEAD was left on the bench, and MIKEY STONE only came on in the 92nd minute.

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS was withdrawn by Kilmarnock after 67 minutes at Motherwell. Already trailing 3-0, they conceded a further goal after his departure.

Southern Premier Central : ZAK GOODSON scored Quorn's second goal at Royston Town, and, despite conceding from a late penalty, they won 1-2.

It took YUSIFU CEESAY just 7 minutes to give league leaders Spalding United the lead, but they fell to a surprising 1-2 home defeat by Banbury United. Harborough won 3-2 at home to Leiston, and are now only 3 points behind - and they have 3 games in hand.

NPL Premier Division : JAMES HARDY played the first 76 minutes for Ashton United in their 2-1 home win over Warrington Rylands, for whom DEAN FURMAN (right) lasted only 63 minutes.

MONTEL GIBSON played the full game for Hednesford Town in their 1-0 home win over Leek Town, for whom ADAM PORTER and HAYDEN CAMPBELL were late substitutes.

WILL HALL continues to captain Hyde United in the absence of the injured JACK REDSHAW, but, despite MAX HARROP and NYAL BELL coming on during the second half, they lost 1-2 to visitors Rushall Olympic.

FC United brought RON SITHOLE off the bench after 75 minutes at Morpeth Town, but lost to the only goal scored in the 9th minute

NPL Division 1 Midlands : According to the NPL website, the attendance at Sutton Coldfield Town this afternoon was 228,757. This just might be a misprint, and Mickleover would doubtless be rather relieved that there were fewer people to witness their 4-0 defeat. ANDY DALES was withdrawn after 71 minutes.

NPL Division 1 West : There was a clean sheet for DAVE PARTON as Congleton Town, who left REMI RAYMOND on the bench, won by the only goal at Darlaston Town. One goal was also sufficient for Vauxhall Motors at Kidsgrove Athletic. Both KEVIN ELLISON and YASSINE TOURE were second half substitutes.

SEAN MILLER (right) was booked for Runcorn Linnets, and DAVID FITZPATRICK for visitors Avro in their 2-2 draw.

ELLIOTT DURRELL lasted 72 minutes for Shifnal Town, but visitors Bootle won by the odd goal in three. TONY THOMPSON (booked) and TOM HANNIGAN played throughout.

JOE PIGGOTT made his Bury FC debut at Stafford Rangers, playing throughout the 2-2 draw. Stafford's 92nd minute equaliser stopped the Shakers from leapfrogging Avro into 2nd place behind Lower Breck, who surprisingly lost at home to Chasetown.

Trafford's 4-1 home victory over Atherton Collieries was only their 3rd win of the season. Unfortunately no team details can be found for the winners, so it's not clear whether SEAN LAWTON played. Collieries, having lost JOE PIGGOTT to Bury, were also without SAM SHERIDAN.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND captained Wythenshawe Town to a 1-1 home draw with Sporting Khalsa.

NWCL Premier Division : JOHN JOHNSTON scored Irlam's third in a 4-0 home win against Litherland REMYCA.

DARIUS PALMA rounded off the scoring as Wythenshawe beat visitors Charnock Richard 3-0.

Welsh Premier League : JAMES JONES and his manager JOHN DISNEY will have been disappointed that Connah's Quay Nomads were held 2-2 at Colwyn Bay after being two goals up at the break, especially since the winner was scored in the 96th minute.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Rochdale v Southend United

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The striker returns to Tamworth from Solihull Moors, committing his future to the club on an 18-month contract...

Creaney is no stranger to Tamworth supporters, having enjoyed an outstanding previous spell with the club. A proven goalscorer, Dan netted over 100 goals in more than 200 appearances...

Manager Andy Peaks expressed his delight... 'I have been trying to get Dan back ever since his loan period ended in December. We have been sorting things out with Solihull and this is something Dan and I wanted to happen. He is a proven goalscorer and we all know what he brings to the team. He works well with me and I think I create an environment where he knows he can flourish'".

Gateshead "confirm the loan signing of Sunderland forward Ethan More.

The winger arrives on Tyneside until the end of the 2025/26 season after appearing for Sunderland U21s 18 times throughout the season so far...

The 21 year-old made his footballing comeback in September 2025 after missing over two years through a serious knee injury, first ruling him out in March 2023 and now joins Rob Elliot's side in his first taste of senior football".

The player says, "Rob Elliot spoke to me; he thinks I have good traits that will really help the team, pace and power, he said I'll bring that to the team".

Brackley Town "announce the signing of Kian Harratt, who joins the Saints on loan from Oldham Athletic until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old forward adds further firepower to Gavin Cowan’s attacking options, bringing pace, energy, and a natural goal threat to the front line. Harratt arrives with valuable experience across the National League and EFL.

Brackley Town manager Gavin Cowan had this to say about his latest recruit 'Kian is someone we have been pursuing for some time and I’m really pleased we have our man. He suits our style and will undoubtedly bring a real high level of quality to the team'...

Harratt came through the ranks at Huddersfield Town before making his name with a prolific loan spell at Port Vale, earning a move into the EFL. Since then, he has gained further experience with clubs including Fleetwood Town and Oldham Athletic".

24 January 2026

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday, 24th January 2026

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

GALE DEPARTS FOR MACC

The 24-year-old leaves The J.Davidson Stadium after playing 27 games in all competitions and scoring five goals since his summer move from Mansfield Town.".

Footnote:

With Elliot Osborne and Mikey Stone both already having dropped a level and headed to the Moss Rose since New Year, it brings Macclesfield's tally of ex-Robins to six, when Sam Heathcote, Danny Whitehead (who played for Alty on loan) and Regan Griffiths are added to the equation.

Before joining Alty last summer, James had scored six times and enjoyed 1,053 minutes of game time in the National League whilst at Solihull and Boston in 2024-25.

In pre-season 2025, Gale scored in all of Altrincham's first four friendly fixtures and started 11 of the opening 16 league fixtures, scoring three times.

He leaves the J. Davidson Stadium having made 18(+5) league appearances in which he netted four times.

In addition he made 3(+1) cup appearances in which he added a further goal to his account. Overall, therefore his appearances amounted to 21(+6) and his goals tally to six.

SIX MISSING DEFENDERS

As they prepare to face Boreham Wood today at the J. Davidson Stadium the players in question are...

1. Ethan ROSS - goalkeeper - yet to appear in a matchday squad following his ACL injury last summer
2. Billy SASS-DAVIES - centre-back - yet to appear in a matchday squad following his signing last summer.
3. Sam BARNES - centre-back - injured; last league appearance in game 21
4. Lewis BANKS - defender - injured; last league appearance in game 14
5. Sam REED - left-back - injured; last league appearance in game 15
6. Lewis BAINES - centre-back and captain - not in squad for last two league games and unused substitute in the previous fixture; unclear if injured

Also absent from the squad at Forest Green on Wednesday night was striker James GALE who, after playing virtually the entire game at Hartlepool last Saturday, has moved on to Macclesfield.

TODAY: BOREHAM WOOD

The 27-year-old’s impressive showings at Gresty Road caught the attention of Charlton Athletic yet [he] failed to make a lasting impression with the Addicks as stints at Blackpool, Burton Albion and Barrow followed.

The Wood: It was an evening to forget in Hertfordshire on Tuesday night as we suffered a 3-1 defeat to fellow promotion hopefuls Scunthorpe United. A Charlie O’Connell own goal as well as strikes from Callum Roberts and Zain Westbrooke in the first-half did the damage as the Iron took a three-goal half-time lead. Luke Norris’s fifth league goal of the campaign six minutes from time wasn’t enough to spark a late comeback.

Previous meetings: We hosted Neil Gibson’s side in September in the reverse fixture and a dominant 3-1 victory followed. Erico Sousa netted a ten-minute brace before Zak Brunt converted from the penalty spot to give the Wood a commanding lead at the break. Jimmy Knowles looked to turn the tide with 58 minutes on the clock but the Wood held on to secure the three points".

ALTY ON THE ROAD

There is another club presence to be seen on the streets of the Altrincham area and that takes the form of an Altrincham FC Community Sports vehicle, (pictured right). Sponsored by the stadium sponsors, J. Davidson Scrap Metal Merchants, the car in question is pictured in it striking livery, parked outside the stadium this week.

You can find details of the wide range of work carried out by Altrincham FC Community Sports on their website.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Premier League 2 : CALEB ANSEN found himself dropped to the Norwich City U21 bench after conceding 6 goals in his last 2 outings. His team led twice at West Ham United U21, but having been reduced to 10 men after 86 minutes, they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw when the young Hammers levelled in the 92nd minute.

Welsh Premier League : The league has now split into separate Promotion and Relegation groups, and while JOHN DISNEY'S Connah's Quay Nomads are in the former group, Bala Town sat one place outside the drop zone before tonight's clash with Flint Town United, who were immediately below them. JOEL TORRANCE had only conceded 3 goals in his last 3 games - but tonight he shipped 4 in 15 minutes midway through the first half! Only 10 days ago Bala had hit four without reply on their opponents' patch, but tonight they lost 3-4 at home, and sit in the relegation spot above Llanelli.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

From there, Carlisle United "confirm that Ethan Robson has been recalled from Spennymoor Town and will join South Shields on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Robson, 29, joined Spennymoor Town in October and went on to make 12 appearances for the Moors during his time with the club. Ethan will now join the Mariners on loan until the end of the season.

He signed a two-year deal with the Blues in June 2024 and has since made 11 appearances, netting his first United goal from a free-kick in the 2-0 opening day win over Woking last August".

Sutton United are within touching distance of Altrincham with a game in hand and, like the Robins, last time out they secured a point against Forest Green Rovers one of several recent games against top-end teams, again akin to Altrincham

Sutton United head into tomorrow’s clash with Tamworth fixture in positive spirits after a strong week on the training pitch, following an encouraging performance and result against Forest Green Rovers... preventing a run of three straight defeats...

The Head Coach [Chris Agutter] has since had a full week to prepare for the visit to The Lamb Ground, with Sutton’s clash with Woking on Tuesday night being postponed... but gave the U’s a chance to continue getting players back fit....

'There’s obviously a good feeling in the camp after a very good performance and a decent result against Forest Green', said Agutter. 'There’s a good feeling, a good buzz, and we’re just looking forward to getting back out on the pitch and testing ourselves against a very decent Tamworth side'

Recent weeks have seen Sutton produce strong performances against some of the league’s leading teams, even if results haven’t always reflected that, but the U’s have come the other side of a difficult opening to the year after facing a number of sides who are chasing promotion, and will be aiming towards Agutter’s target of at least eight wins for the remainder of the campaign...

'If we continue to produce the same level of performance we’ve shown of late, against what the league table suggests are the best teams in the division, then the points will come. We’ve shown we’re a very capable side against the best teams...

'[Tamworth are] 'direct, very dangerous on the counter-attack and very well organised defensively,'he said. 'They don’t mess about – they get the ball into forward areas quickly and with quality. Set-pieces are also a big threat. It’ll be a clash of styles. We play the game slightly differently to them, but we’ve got a lot of respect for what they bring to the table'...

Agutter also touched on the recent ins and outs within the squad...

Eduino Vaz (Hampton & Richmond Borough) and Alex Woodyard (Folkestone Invicta) have both departed the club on temporary deals until the end of the season... while Jaiden White (Hereford) and Siju Odelusi (Dover Athletic) have both returned to training after their brief time away came to an end...

'At the moment the squad is bloated again even with the loans going out, but we also have to consider that we had an extraordinary injury and suspension crisis'".

FC Halifax Town will travel to Eastleigh... on Saturday...

The Shaymen are 8th in the table and have now won 5 out of their last 6 games in league and cup... [which] keeps Adam Lakeland’s side in contention of pushing for a play-off place.

His side will be looking for a 6th away victory of the league season at Eastleigh...

Eastleigh are 15th in the table... They were beat[en] 4-1 away at Southend United in midweek and lost by the same scoreline at home last weekend by Aldershot Town

The Spitfires have just one win in 5 and picked up 9 points from the last 27 on offer but have scored in each of their last 6 games. They haven’t won at home in the league since the 25th October... Their top goalscorer is Aaron Blair who has scored 10 league goals this season".

Truro City "confirm that midfielder Seidou Sanogo has left the club after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

The 25-year-old joined City in the summer of 2024 after previously playing for Isthmian League outfit Folkestone Invicta...

In early September, he suffered a broken leg in a freak training ground incident and did not feature for the rest of the title-winning campaign.

After battling back to full fitness, Sanogo played four times for City this term and netted two goals across Enterprise National League and National League Cup competitions.

He also had a spell on loan at Southern League Premier South outfit Taunton Town which covered November, December and early January".

Forest Green Rovers have again turned to North West England for their latest recruit as they "announce the signing of Jay Mingi from Stockport County on loan until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old right back began his career in the academy at West Ham United, where he made 26 appearances for the Hammers’ Under-18s before moving to Charlton Athletic in July 2021... before making the switch to Portsmouth in September 2021... going on to make 29 appearances for the south coast side.

During that period, he also enjoyed a loan spell with Maidenhead United in the National League for the 2021/22 campaign.

Jay then headed to Essex, joining Colchester United for the 2023/24 season, where he clocked up 25 appearances... He was subsequently snapped up by Sky Bet League One side Stockport County, making 15 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 season ...

Mingi joined Crewe Alexandra for the early part of the current campaign, making 9 appearances before heading to GL6 to complete the season on loan with Rovers".

23 January 2026

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

AFTER THE MATCH: NEIL GIBSON

The Alty boss judged it had been a "a very good level of performance" in which his side "were very good in possession of the ball" in the first half.

In the second half, after the four substitutions by Robbie Savage, Alty came "under pressure a bit more".

But the manager felt that the players set a "real price on conceding goals" after some disappointing defensive showings recently.

Neil believes Alty had deserved a point at Hartlepool where the game turned on a referee's "mistake" in awarding a late, dubious penalty to the hosts.

He reminded us that Alty are in a difficult run of "ten games against the top nine plus Aldershot" with Boreham Wood and Carlisle United the next two opponents.

There was to be no rest for Neil and assistant, Lee Jones, as the coach trip home from Nailsworth was going to be spent on video analysis of Alty's next opponents, Boreham Wood.

AFTER THE MATCH: ROBBIE SAVAGE

Left: Robbie Savage pictured at the J. Davidson Stadium with his Macclesfield side in 2024

After the interval he thought that his players were "magnificent" but he went on to name the names of players who did things wrong during the match.

Speaking collectively of his squad he judged that "the football intelligence of some [of them] is hard to understand". He questioned why they decided to sit back in the first half and concluded that "we missed Ricard Rees". FGR's new striker was suspended for the match on Wednesday.

In contrast to Rees, the "forwards on the pitch were reactive not proactive" against Altrincham. He cited "27 chances and 23 shots" created by his side but they could not put the ball in the back of the net more than once..

The boss was also highly critical of his side's corners, as "so many kept going out of play". He was also annoyed at his keeper Istead for "kicking ball out of play that led to the first goal".

He mixed criticism with praise, conceding that the players "work their socks off every week" but, from crosses, "nobody makes first contact".

He has already conceded the league title stating that "We are not going to win this league because we can't put the ball in the net". However, he is convinced that Ricardo Rees will solve that deficiency.

NEXT: BOREHAM WOOD

In the 2023 match Altrincham's third draw out of four fixtures this season left them unbeaten in tenth place.

Right: Regan Linney is policed by Boreham Wood's Jamal Fyfield in the game in August 2023.

Altrincham had the better of the first half against an uncharacteristically error-prone Boreham Wood. They took the lead in the 32nd minute through one of those errors by the visitors as a promising link up between Amaluzor and Conn-Clarke seemed to have faltered with the latter's poor touch.

But the Wood gifted possession back to Linney who drove a fine, low shot past Ashmore.

There was a further double-blow for the Wood in first-half added time as they substituted the injured Owens, himself a post-warm-up replacement, just as Mo Sagaf looked to suffer a bad injury, the player having to be helped off the field, supported under both shoulders.

But the second half saw Altrincham barely threaten the Wood goal and the visitors deservedly levelled after 61 minutes. An impressive run up the left to the byline by Ilesanmi resulted in his laying on a virtual tap-in for Ndlovu.

After that it was the Wood who created the greater pressure but the afternoon ended level.

Matty Kosylo, Eddy Jones, Isaac Marriott and Jake Cooper are the only players who started Alty's most recent game at FGR and also the match against the Wood in 2023.

ALTRINCHAM : 29. Ethan Ross, 3. Eddy Jones, 8. Isaac Marriott, 5. James Jones (c), 7. Matty Kosylo, 6. Elliot Osborne, 9. Regan Linney, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 11. Justin Amaluzor, 15. Jake Cooper, 16. Sam Roscoe. Subs: 2. Lewis Banks, 6. Lewis Baines, 14. Dior Angus, 19. George Wilson, 22. Joey Jones.

THROUGH THE YEARS

January 24 has a resemblance to Groundhog Day for Altrincham...

Firstly, Saturday will be the fifth successive Altrincham fixture on 24 January against a team beginning with the letter "B"! And all three of the league fixtures in that sequence have ended in 1-1 draws.

So, each time, in the four games, the opponents have scored a single goal.

• 2009 Burton Albion Away Draw 1-1
• 2012 Blyth Spartans Away Draw 1-1
• 2015 Bath City Away (FAT) Loss 0-1
• 2017 Brackley Town Away Draw 1-1
• 2026 Boreham Wood Home

ENL FIXTURES

Saturday, 24th January 2026

• Aldershot Town P-P Carlisle United
• Altrincham v Boreham Wood
• Boston United v Southend United
• Brackley Town v Hartlepool United
• Eastleigh v FC Halifax Town
• Gateshead P-P Wealdstone
• Morecambe v Solihull Moors
• Rochdale v Truro City
• Scunthorpe United v Forest Green Rovers (k.o. 5.30pm)
• Tamworth v Sutton United
• Woking v Yeovil Town
• York City v Braintree Town /li>

22 January 2026

FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1-1 ALTRINCHAM

In awful swirling rain and wind, Altrincham started well and went ahead in the 11th minute. Matty Kosylo, playing at right-back, fed Jimmy Knowles to his right and he found Olly Crankshaw whose shot was curled into the net from a central position, his fifth league goal of the campaign.

Crankshaw (right) was later to force a near post save from keeper Isted's legs (26 mins) as Robbie Savage's men faltered. The FGR boss responded to his team's lacklustre showing with a triple change at the interval and a fourth substitution within ten minutes of the second half resuming.

An improved Rovers dominated the second half, especially up their left flank, and they levelled in the 58th minute with a low shot from 20 yards by substitute Jayden Clarke.

Alty defended for much of the rest of the game and barely threatened at the other end as FGR increased the corner count which finally amounted to sixteen against Altrincham's six, with the shots' count reflecting similar numbers, 17 v 5.

But stout defending, with Cooper particularly effective, saw Altrincham's run of defeats terminated by this battling draw which lifted Altrincham to seventeenth.

Match report here.

NEXT: BOREHAM WOOD

But the Wood were surprisingly blown away by a first-half performance from Scunthorpe which gave them a 3-0 lead before the interval. The Iron eventually left Hertfordshire with a 3-1 win.

The BBC reported that "Scunthorpe ended Boreham Wood's six-game winning streak in the National League and boosted their own promotion hopes with a 3-1 victory at Meadow Park.

The visitors scored three times in the first half to emphatically take charge, with the opener coming in the 27th minute when Charlie O'Connell poked into his own goal.

The Iron doubled their advantage in the 39th minute when Callum Roberts struck past a rooted Ted Curd from 25 yards.

Scunthorpe were out of sight in first-half stoppage time as Zain Westbrooke tucked in at the back post from Tyler Denton's ball in.

Luke Norris's 84th-minute reply proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Scunthorpe moved to within three points of their opponents".

ALTY OLD BOYS

National League : Both REGAN LINNEY and CHRIS CONN-CLARKE played the full game for Carlisle United, while visitors York City had a full shift from JEFF KING as they cruised to 0-3 victory, with 76th minute substitute ALEX NEWBY scoring the final goal.

JOE NUTTALL lasted 55 minutes for Morecambe at Halifax, where both sides produced only a single shot on target - unfortunately for the Shrimps, Halifax scored from theirs.

NWCL Premier Division : Having recently returned to West Didsbury & Chorlton from a recent spell with Prescot Cables, BEN ELLIOTT was among the scorers as they beat visitors FC Isle of Man 3-2.

ENL FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town v Carlisle United
• Altrincham v Boreham Wood
• Boston United v Southend United
• Brackley Town v Hartlepool United
• Eastleigh v FC Halifax Town
• Gateshead v Wealdstone
• Morecambe v Solihull Moors
• Rochdale v Truro City
• Scunthorpe United v Forest Green Rovers (k.o. 5.30pm)
• Tamworth v Sutton United
• Woking v Yeovil Town
• York City v Braintree Town /li>

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 21-year-old Wales U21 international joins the Shrimps to bolster Ashvir Singh Johal’s attacking options...

Popov, a highly-rated product of the Leicester City academy, originally spent time in Manchester United’s youth system before moving to the East Midlands in 2021.

Known for his pace, technical ability, and versatility across the front line, the Cardiff-born attacker... made his senior professional debut for Leicester in the EFL Cup last season.

The move marks Popov’s second loan spell, following a productive stint at Barrow where he gained valuable first-team experience in League Two".

Wealdstone whose mid-week match was postponed becaue of a waterlogged pitch at Grosvenor Vale, nevertheless report that thay have signed "winger Michael Adu-Poku on a short-term loan from EFL Championship neighbours Watford...

Adu-Poku made his Hornets' first-team debut in a January 2023 FA Cup tie at Reading aged just 17.

He enjoyed a couple of further Watford appearances - the most recent of which in February 2025 - but has had more first-team action during a series of three loan spells.

The first two of the trio came in last year's National League; initially at Solihull Moors between October 2024 and January 2025, then towards the end of the campaign at Rochdale.

He enjoyed further EFL match minutes earlier in the current 2025/26 term on loan at League Two Barrow, where he made played eight times...

A fleet-footed wide operator, often deployed as an out-and-out winger or wide forward, the now 20-year-old Adu-Poku will be looking to add some serious Stones' game time to his still fledgling professional career.".

21 January 2026

WEDNESDAY FIXTURES

• Carlisle United 0-3 York City
• FC Halifax Town 1-0 Morecambe
• Forest Green Rovers 1-1 Altrincham
• Solihull Moors 0-1 Rochdale
• Wealdstone P-P Tamworth (waterlogged pitch)

TC ON FGR GAME

They first discussed the defeat last Saturday at Tom's previous club, Hartlepool United, which was decided by a controversial penalty.

As for the match at FGR, Tom looked forward to "a good away performance". He felt that Alty did well in the reverse fixture this season but, at 1-1 in the second half, they lost to a red card and a second set-piece goal of the match.

Regarding Alty's four recent signings, Tom felt thar "We needed a few new faces... They're good people and good footballers", he added of the new recruits.

BEFORE THE GAME: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

"The new lads have come in and given a fresh impetus to the group and we've got real competition for places. We've managed to sign some real assets to the squad and we're looking at hopefully adding one or two more."

Four new signings were blooded last Saturday at Hartlepool, with Otis Khan and Anthony Forde starting the game and Josh Grant and Liam Humbles joining the match as second-half substitutes.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : CARL PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage as they were held to a goalless draw at home by Bolton Wanderers.

FA Cup 3rd Round : KEVIN BERKOE started for Salford City, and provided the assist for the opening goal, but, after visitors Swindon Town had come back from 2-0 down to level the tie, he was part of a triple withdrawal after 61 minutes. Salford struck again soon afterwards, and their 3-2'win means that they will be away to Manchester City in Round 4.

National League : Scunthorpe United were 0-3 up at Boreham Wood when ROSS BARROWS (right) was subbed after 69 minutes. The home side only managed to pull one goal back.

KEATON WARD provided the assist for Gateshead's early opener at Hartlepool United, but they were reduced to 10 men early in the second half, and eventually lost 2-1.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM played the full match for Eastleigh at Southend United, but they went down 4

National North : Radcliffe, captained by JORDAN HULME, were beaten 3-0 at Marine, not helped by having a man sent off soon after the second goal.

FA Trophy : Macclesfield were knocked out 2-1 at Woking. DANNY WHITEHEAD and MIKEY STONE (who was booked) started, but Danny was withdrawn after 61 minutes. SAM HEATHCOTE came off the bench after 76 minutes at 2-0, and the Silkmen reduced the arrears, before missing an 81st minute penalty and bowing out of the competition.

Professional Development League : JACK KINGDON captained Cardiff City U21 at Bristol City U21, where they lost 3-1.

NPL Premier Division : HAYDEN CAMPBELL (right) was a 59th minute substitute for Leek Town, while ADAM PORTER started, and played 74 minutes. Visitors Hyde United, captained by WILL HALL, earned a 2-2 draw, with MAX HARROP coming on after 87 minutes.

NPL Division 1 West : DAVE PARTON kept a clean sheet for Congleton Town in a goalless draw against visitors Newcastle Town. REMI RAYMOND also put in a full shift for the Bears.

NWCL Premier Division : Although SHERIFF NJIE put Cheadle Town ahead just before the break, visitors Chadderton fought back in the second half to win 1-2.

JOHN JOHNSTON'S second half equaliser earned Irlam a 2-2 draw at Ramsbottom United.

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS

Three years ago on the same date, 21 January, Altrincham were scheduled to face Yeovil Town in Somerset but the match was postponed less than 90 minutes before kick off, following a pitch inspection.

So, hopefully, this time their trip to the South West will not have to be aborted.

As Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records show, the previous occasion when Alty played on the 21 January date was a 2-0 reverse at Chorley in National North in 2017 and, before that, a home defeat, 1-2 against Worcester City in 2014.

So the last Altrincham win on 21 January was back in 2012 when Altrincham beat Harrogate Town 5-2 in the Blue Square Bet North.

On that occasion four goals from Damian Reeves ensured Altrincham got revenge for the defeat at Wetherby Road on the opening day of that season.

Right: Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography captured the joy of scoring as Damian Reeves and James Lawrie joined Simon Richman (no.7) in celebrating one of Alty's goalsagainst Harrogate.

After a scrappy opening, Damian Reeves put Alty ahead with a smart finish from Richman's right-wing cross in the 14th minute. Eleven minutes later, Reeves made it 2-0 after a Lawrie corner was cleared to Alty's leading scorer.

Harrogate got a route back into the match when Lees conceded a penalty which Brayson converted after 35 minutes.

Alty then went off the boil and early in the second half, Harrogate levelled when an error by Hawes let in Brayson who gave Alty Youth keeper Adam Reid no chance (51 mins).

But Altrincham responded well as, first, Redshaw made it 3-2 when he scored at the back post from a Clee free kick. Then Reeves scored the goal of the game in the 61st minute with a brilliant first-time finish, off the post, from outside the box following Lawrie's good work.

Sixteen minutes from time Reeves tapped in his fifth from a Richman cross to make it 5-2. He had then scored 31 goals in 25 league outings and was unsurprisingly named Man of the Match.

Just 773 spectators watched what was a Saturday afternoon match.

TUESDAY SCORES

• Boreham Wood 1-3 Scunthorpe United
• Hartlepool United 2-1 Gateshead
• Southend United 4-1 Eastleigh
• Truro City 3-3 Brackley Town
• Yeovil Town P-P Aldershot Town (waterlogged)

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

The first of the duo to be revealed was a man who captained Grays Athletic against Altrincham as far back as 2010 and was red-carded in his side's game at Moss Lane that year.

His identity is revealed by Morecambe as "experienced central defender Harlee Dean.

The 34-year-old arrives at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium boasting a wealth of experience, having racked up over 500 career appearances, the vast majority of which came at Championship and League One level...

Dean began his professional journey at Dagenham & Redbridge before making a name for himself at Brentford...

He subsequently spent five years at Birmingham City, where he captained the side... making nearly 200 appearances for the Blues.

Dean has also enjoyed spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Reading".

Also with Birmingham connections is their second signing as they "confirm the signing of Tommy Fogarty, who joins the Shrimps on loan from Birmingham City for the remainder of the season.

The Northern Irish defender... progressed through the ranks at St Andrew’s... He recently returned from his loan spell at National League outfit, Boston United.

Fogarty is known for his energy, technical quality, and composure in possession".

Having allowed Nick Hayes to join Hartlepool United last week, Southend United "announce the signing of 21-year-old goalkeeper Owen Mason.

The shot-stopper has joined the Shrimpers on loan from Sky Bet League One side Mansfield Town until the end of the season.

Mason made his debut for the Stags in April last year, gaining valuable first team experience prior to that with the likes of Guiseley, Farsley Celtic, Kettering, Wexford and Ilkeston Town, while also earning youth international caps for the Republic of Ireland.

The 6ft 3in goalkeeper also had a spell on loan at Gateshead last season where he featured 11 times during his three months on Tyneside.

This season, Mason’s minutes have all come in cup competitions for Mansfield".

20 January 2026

NEXT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

From there, Forest Green Rovers announce that "We’re pleased to invite supporters to a Fan Engagement Day during February half-term, to be held at The New Lawn on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

With open training beginning in the morning at 10:30 am, we will also be hosting a Fans’ Forum on the evening of 17 February, with doors opening at 6:00 pm. This is a free, ticketed event, which can be reserved.

Come and watch Robbie Savage and his coaching team put the players through their paces, offering a first-hand look at a live training session. Tickets for the Open Training Session are available

Doors will open from 10:30 am, with the session expected to run until 12:30 pm. Food will be available to purchase in the Carol Embrey Suite from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

From around 1:45 pm, fans will be invited into the Carol Embrey Suite for the opportunity to meet first-team players for photographs and autographs. The event is expected to conclude at 3:00 pm...

There will also be a pop-up shop so that fans can take advantage of our mid-season sale."

ALTY OLD BOYS

Elsewhere, AFC Fylde state that the Coasters can "confirm that the club have parted company with RYAN COLCLOUGH (right).

The club would like to wish Ryan all the best for the future.

AFC Fylde will be making no further comment on the matter".

Back in December 2024, the Derbyshire Times reproted that "Chesterfield FC player Ryan Colclough will go on trial in April 2026 facing a GBH charge".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Boreham Wood v Scunthorpe United
• Hartlepool United v Gateshead
• Southend United v Eastleigh
• Sutton United v Woking
• Truro City v Brackley Town
• Yeovil Town v Aldershot Town

Wednesday 21st January 2026

• Carlisle United v York City
• FC Halifax Town v Morecambe
• Forest Green Rovers v Altrincham
• Solihull Moors v Rochdale
• Wealdstone v Tamworth

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In that time we have lost a popular loanee in JEFF KING, who has returned to York City, but on a more positive note we have quietly strengthened with the loan signing of Junior Robinson from West Ham United and the permanent signings of both Ollie Kensdale from Barnet and Regan Booty from Barrow for undisclosed fees... Tough I’ve spent a few bob, we knew what we needed to do and have reacted accordingly.

That said, we have for many years been shrewd, strategic, risk averse and sold good players when needed at the right time and importantly for the right price. That meant we held a budget surplus and were ready to invest in future quality if the right players ever became available...

I think being a new owner of a football club in today’s social media world is almost impossible. As they will only get a season, perhaps two at best, to be successful before their honeymoon period ends. They will then be judged, often vilified, asked to justify their overall spend, their first team budget, every signing both in and out, and asked to explain every structural change...

In truth, some fans at bigger clubs expect far too much from new owners and turn far too quickly if instant success is not delivered...

I know being a safe and patient owner is not seen as desirable anymore but in my opinion it certainly should be.... In hindsight when I look back, I possibly only survived the first five-years here because I was young, naive and obsessed with proving my doubters wrong and being a success in regard to my father’s memory...

I also underwrote all club losses and that nearly killed me. From there on in, the Wood Army then gave me the time to do things my way...

For the record, and I direct this only to our supporters, when you hear we are a 'tinpot' club please embrace it, as it means we must be doing something right...

I knew from my film industry Prop Master background and from Dad being Manager here in the sixties and seventies, that we had to be competitive, but business wise we needed to create diversified income streams with sustainable income 365-days of the year and not just rely on match day and bar income....

In all honesty, after 27 seasons here I’ve never felt more excited, ambitious and confident in our club, myself, my Manager, our dressing room, my partners, sponsors and supporters, than I feel today as most of the things I dreamt of achieving, of course not all, are now in place".

Rochdale "announce that the mid-season rebuild of the Crown Oil Arena pitch has now been completed. Managing Director, Andy Duff [said]... 'The pitch is now fully installed and performing well. We had 13mm of rain on Sunday, which has passed through the turf overnight and leaves the surface in good condition today.

'Measuring the amount of water that passes through the turf is a key metric, and the new pitch is now achieving an average filtration rate of 500mm per hour. This is compared to a rate of less than 5mm per hour from the old pitch...

'Whilst the surface will immediately be suitable for play, supporters will see some joins in the turf. These are purely cosmetic... We have a large number of home fixtures in the immediate weeks ahead, along with the start of the Rugby League season. However, we are assured the new Halo carpet can withstand this volume of games, although it will need careful management to build strength in the plant.

'Once the football season is complete, there are a small number of Rochdale Hornets games to play before the summer pitch renovation commences around the 25th May. This work will last for 8-9 weeks and is being completed by the same group of companies that installed our new pitch... Once the summer work is complete, we expect the water filtration rate to be in the region of 700-800mm per hour...

Whilst we only managed to play one game at Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium, a massive amount of effort went on behind the scenes to try to make the venue as close to home as possible'".

19 January 2026

NEXT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Now just two points above the bottom four, Altrincham have lost twelve and drawn two of their last 18 National League fixtures.

For their part, FGR's promotion push has faltered a little recently with only three wins from their last eight National League games. Nevertheless, Rovers have more than twice as many points (53) as Altrincham (26 points).

Kahrel Reddin (left) and Lewis Baines (right) both missed Altrincham's match at Hartlepool. Whether either will feature on Wednesday at The New Lawn, remains to be seen.

However, their new forward signing, Ricardo Rees, was sent off at the weekend and should therefore miss the Altrincham game.

Whilst that may be a little encouraging to Altrincham, the bad news is that, at home, Forest Green have lost just once in the league this season, whilst Alty have only won twice on the road.

Following the meeting with fourth-placed Forest Green Rovers, Altrincham's next two games are at home to Boreham Wood (2nd) and away to Carlisle United (3rd), with both of those opponents currently sharing the same points total as leaders York City.

On Saturday, Altrincham's four newly signed players made their debuts, either from the start (Otis Khan and Anthony Forde) or from the bench (Josh Grant and Liam Humbles).

However, Kahrel Reddin missed the match at Hartlepool with "a knock" but captain Lewis Baines's absence was unexplained. Whether either features on Wednesday remains to be seen. Still missing from the action are four long-term injured players in Ethan Ross, Lewis Banks, Sam Reed and Billy Sass-Davies.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Rees was shown a second yellow card on 40 minutes after the ball came off his chest onto his arm as he rolled the ball into the net. The recent signing from Merthyr had earlier been booked for a retaliation foul following a heavy challenge.

Kyle McAllister put Rovers ahead from the penalty spot on 21 minutes after the lively Rees was upended. Savage’s side owed a lot to a couple of smart saves from the impeccable Harry Isted but were left to rue a raft of missed chances before Sutton snatched parity through Jayden Harris in the dying moments of the game...

Savage... said 'I’ve never been one to have a go at referees because I know how hard the job is. But I’ve been involved in football for many, many years, and some of the decisions today, for both sides, were quite unbelievable. It’s a difficult job officiating, and sometimes referees need help from their assistants'

On Rees’s red, Savage said... 'The assistant is in line and the ball comes off his chest onto his arm. It’s clearly unintentional... The referee is absolutely correct to disallow the goal — no problem at all. Correct decision, well done. But what you cannot then do is give a second yellow card for deliberate handball. In all my years in football, I’ve never seen it...

'We’ll miss Ricardo now, for Wednesday against Altrincham — another tough game...

'It’s hard being an official. It’s really hard. They need help and education'...

However, Savage bemoaned a raft of missed chances 'Some of the decision-making we showed going forward wasn’t intelligent enough... At 1–0, the game should be done. But because we sit deeper and deeper—the forward decision-making not smart enough—they score'...

Savage heaped praise on recent signings Elijah Morrison, Chibby Nwoko and Gabe Kircough... >P> 'Listen, it’s a draw away from home — that’s one defeat in fourteen — but the lads are devastated because they feel hard done by@".

Somerset Live reports that Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley said "'I'm going to apologise for that performance'... after his side fell to a 2-1 defeat at Brackley.

The Glovers struggled to break down a resolute Brackley side who made the most of their chances in the first half, despite Yeovil enjoying the majority of the ball throughout the 90 minutes.

The Saints took an early lead following a defensive error, before Yeovil found an equaliser through KY:E FERGUSON who rose highest to head home. However, Brackley would restore their lead just before the break when ex-Yeovil player Ben Wodskou finished from close range...

'The two goals are errors from us,' Rowley admitted. 'Tnere was a set piece chance which we didn't defend in the correct zones and the other was a mix-up from an early counter.'”

18 January 2026

ALTY HIGHLIGHTS

HARTLEPOOL UNITED 1-0 ALTRINCHAM

The result was Altrincham's sixth successive defeat and their fifth in a row in the Enterprise National League.

Match report here

NEIL GIBSON'S VIEW

Without saying so directly, he was clearly annoyed with the referee's performance which culminated in a questionable penalty decision which lost the game for Altrincham.

He thought Alty were worthy of at least a point from the match.

"We are a work in progress at the moment" he judged. Neil added that "recruitment is key" and stated that "we will look at bringing in one or two more" though he pointed out that January is not the ideal time to do so.

HARTLEPOOL'S VIEW

In a half with a lack of clear-cut chances, the Robins’ Charlie Kirk (left) troubled Hayes twice; a volley from the edge of the box fizzed wide just before the half-hour mark, while a curled effort quarter of an hour later flashed past the right post.

As the first period came to a close... Hayes was called into action with a smart stop to deny Oliver Crankshaw on an Alty counterattack.

Pools dominated the opening stages of the second half... Alex Reid drove towards goal and got a low strike off, which was saved well by Luke Hutchinson...

A delightful cross from Folarin picked out Daly in the 78th minute, whose header from close range rattled the crossbar.

Five minutes later, though, the hosts’ pressure was rewarded. After Reid was brought down by Dan Sassi in the Alty box, the striker stepped up to take the penalty, clinically slotting home into the bottom-left corner...

Pools saw out their one-goal advantage to secure their first victory at home since the end of November, and their second win in three games".

NEXT: FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Altrincham go into the match after five successive league defeats which leave them just two points above the relegation spots. With more matches to be played on Tuesday, that position could change before Altrincham play at The New Lawn.

FGR won the reverse fixture 2-1 at the J. Davidson Stadium.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : ALI SMITH (right) played the full game for AFC Wimbledon, but they were reduced to 10 men in the 90th minute, and visitors Doncaster Rovers scored the only goal in the 9th added minute.

It was a bad day at the office for CARL PIERGIANNI, as Stevenage went down 3-0 at Exeter City, who regained their pride after losing 10-1 at Manchester City in the FA Cup last weekend.

League Two : JAMES BERRY lasted 66 minutes, as Chesterfield were held to a goalless draw by visitors Bromley, who failed to convert an 89th minute penalty.

CONNOR JENNINGS played the full match for Tranmere Rovers, and earned the assist for their late goal - unfortunately visitors Walsall had already struck 3 times by then.

Having been booked in the first half, JOEL SENIOR was withdrawn by Bristol Rovers after 59 minutes. Visitors Colchester United scored the game's only goal in the 85th minute.

All the goals in Crewe Alexandra's 3-1 home win against Barrow were scored in the first half, so ELLIOT NEWBY'S 85th minute substitute appearance for the Cumbrian team was to no great effect.

HARRISON HOLGATE started for Fleetwood Town at home to Cambridge United…

National League : Although KYLE FERGUSON equalised for Yeovil Town at Brackley Town, they eventually lost 2-1. The Glovers didn't name a substitute goalkeeper, so MATT GOULD (right) had the day off.

Aldershot were without MATT PENNEY for their visit to Eastleigh, where they won 1-4. JOSH LUNDSTRAM played the full game for the hosts, as did CONNOR TEALE for Boston United in their 2-1 defeat at Halifax

KEATON WARD put in a full shift for Gateshead on his debut, but Rochdale enjoyed their trip to Tyneside, winning 0-2.

While visitors Scunthorpe United left ROSS BARROWS on their bench, JOE NUTTALL played 69 minutes for Morecambe before giving way to Admiral Muskwe, who earned the Shrimps a 2-2 draw with a 97th minute penalty.

REGAN LINNEY played the full game for Carlisle United at Solihull Moors, while CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was withdrawn in the 91st minute, having claimed the assist for his side's second goal. The lead changed hands twice, but Moors struck in the 93rd minute to draw 3-3.

KENNEDY DIGIE played the full game for Tamworth in a goalless draw at Truro City.

In the evening kick-off at York, Southend led 0-1 at half time with ALEX NEWBY peripheral.

They improved after the break with JEFF KING being brought on by York after 65 minutes but he was booked for simulation just five minutes later.

Undaunted, it was King who provided the assist from which York equalised after 87 minutes.

Newby was subbed in added time and the game ended one apiece.

National North : Buxton skipper CONNOR KIRBY (right) was withdrawn after 93 minutes as they saw off visitors Marine 4-0.

TOM PEERS played the full game as Chester were held 3-3 by visitors Chorley. DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY came on for the Seals after 82 minutes.

Last week Macclesfield Town were all over the media as they eliminated FA Cup holders Crystal Palace from this year's.

Today's visitors to the Moss Rose were rather more modest, in the shape of Oxford City. SAM HEATHCOTE started the match, but it was still goalless in the 62nd minute when ELLIOTT OSBORNE came off the bench for his debut.

Within 6 minutes the Silkmen opened the scoring, and they went on to win 3-0 without having to bring on DANNY WHITEHEAD.

Scottish Cup : MARCUS DACKERS was substituted after 84 minutes by Kilmarnock, who had led at home to Dundee before being reduced to 9 men and getting knocked out 1-2.

NPL Premier Division : Hyde United had a bad afternoon at Bamber Bridge, losing 4-0 and finishing with 10 men. MAX HARROP played the whole of the second half, and was joined by NYAL BELL after 67 minutes.

JAMES HARDY played the first 64 minutes for Ashton United at Hebburn Town, who beat them with the only goal of the game.

ADAM PORTER played the full game as Leek Town won 2-1 against visitors Cleethorpes Town, but HAYDEN CAMPBELL was left on the bench.

MONTEL GIBSON was booked in the first half at Stockton Town, and substituted after 88 minutes as his Hednesford Town team won 1-2 to retain the league leadership.

DEAN FURMAN captained Warrington Rylands to a 1-0 home win over Guiseley.

NPL Division 1 West : Captain JOE PIGGOTT played the full game for Atherton Collieries, while SAM SHERIDAN (right) was a 65th minute substitute, but opposing captain MARK LEES will be happier as Mossley, for whom MASON FAWNS was a 53rd minute substitute, won 2-3.

In the top of the table clash, DAVID FITZPATRICK played the full match for Avro, but league leaders Lower Breck won 1-3 to go 5 points clear.

There was a clean sheet for TONY THOMPSON and TOM HANNIGAN as one goal was enough for Bootle to beat visitors Stafford Rangers.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND had a frustrating afternoon at Clitheroe, as his Wythenshawe Town side crashed 4-0.

REMI RAYMOND played the full game for Congleton Town, as did keeper DAVE PARTON, but visitors Nantwich Town scored early through BYRON HARRISON, and both he and AIDY ROXBURGH played throughout as they won 0-2.

Trafford brought SEAN HIGGINS on after 56 minutes at Sporting Khalsa, where they were on the wrong end of 5 unanswered goals.

Stalybridge Celtic finally saw off visitors Kidsgrove Athletic 3-2, having been pegged back twice before scoring a 95th minute winner. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game, and DONTAI GABIDON (right) was a 53rd minute substitute, but ELLIOTT ROKKA was the only unused substitute.

KEVIN ELLISON played the first 77 minutes, while YASSINE TOURE was an 84th minute substitute, as Vauxhall Motors were held 1-1 by visitors Shifnal Town, for whom ELLIOTT DURRELL was an 80th minute substitute.

Although JAMES LAWRIE played the first 67 minutes, and both JOEL BEMBO-LETA, and former Robins trialist DAMOLA SOTONA, played throughout, Witton Albion went down to the only goal against visitors Newcastle Town.

NWCL Premier Division : JOHN JOHNSTON scored twice as Irlam won 1-3 at Abbey Hey, who withdrew DANNY HEFFERNAN after 54 minutes.

17 January 2026

HARTLEPOOL UNITED 1-0 ALTRINCHAM

In a goalless first half Altrincham were the better side against a misfiring Pools but the Robins showed their customary lack of punch up front and failed to convert superiority into a lead.

Pools were improved in the second half and they missed a couple of decent chances before the referee harshly awarded a spot-kick against Sassi for a challenge on Reid for which the Pools man did not even seem to appeal.

Weaver had a great chance to equalise in added time but skied the ball over the bar from a cut-back by Kosylo.

The single-goal defeat, their sixth on the run in all competitions, cost Altrincham a further drop in the table. After the later kick-offs they found themselves nineteenth, just two points from safety.

Match report here

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Brackley Town 2-1 Yeovil Town
• Braintree Town 0-3 Boreham Wood
• Eastleigh 1-4 Aldershot Town
• FC Halifax Town 2-1 Boston United
• Gateshead 0-2 Rochdale
• Hartlepool United 1-0 Altrincham (k.o. 12:30pm)
• Morecambe 0-2 Scunthorpe United
• Solihull Moors 3-3 Carlisle United
• Sutton United 1-1 Forest Green Rovers
• Truro City 0-0 Tamworth
• Wealdstone 1-0 Woking
• York City v Southend United (k.o. 5.30pm)

BEFORE THE GAME: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

The Hartlepool Mail reports that "New Hartlepool United owner Landon Smith is relishing the prospect of Saturday's visit of Altrincham, the first home game since the American businessman and investor completed his takeover of the club.

Pools are preparing to usher in what many fans are hoping will be an exciting new era after Smith, who is the co-founder of real estate company Tailwind Group, bought the club from controversial former owner Raj Singh...

Pools were on the wrong end of a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Woking last time out, which manager Nicky Featherstone slammed as the most embarrassing moment of his life.

Despite that, fans are set to flock to Victoria Park in their numbers ahead of what promises to be a memorable, emotional and potentially momentous day as Pools prepare to entertain Altrincham... who will make the trip to the North East having lost all of their last five games".

SQUAD CATCH-UP

To date, there have been eight ins and outs over the past fortnight. All four of those coming in have had fairly little competitive action this season before joining Altrincham.

• Otis Khan, subject to confirmation, has made 8 league appearances this season in Malaysia for Kelantan Red Warrior.
• Josh Grant, on loan from Carlisle United, 3(+8) league appearances this season, 372 minutes of game time.
• Liam Humbles, on loan from Rochdale, 1 league appearance this season, 4 minutes game time.
• Anthony Forde, subject to confirmation, zero league appearances this season.

Those who have left the club, to date, had made the following appearances for the club:

• Elliot Osborne, debut January 2022, 165(+28) appearances, 4 goals.
• Keaton Ward, debut August 2025, 14(+12) appearances, 2 goals.
• Billy Waters (loanee), debut October 2025, 0(+3) appearances, 0 goals
• Mikey Stone, 0 appearances

ALTY OLD BOYS

National League: After limping off at York City two months ago, JOE NUTTALL was named on the bench by Morecambe for Tuesday's FA Trophy tie at Kidderminster Harriers. Unfortunately, by the time he joined the action, his side were trailing 6-1, although they did score a late consolation goal.

Northern Ireland Premiership: SAM ROSCOE (right) was missing from Linfield's squad on Friday night for the 5th successive time. He had successively negotiated the game before that run started, so could have picked up an injury in training.

Visitors Larne were already 10 points clear at the top of the league at kick off, and were probably happy enough to leave Belfast with another point from a goalless draw.

Premier League 2 : After being short of game time at Notts County, SONNY ALJOFREE got a full stint under his belt for Manchester United U21 as they drew 2-2 at Fulham.

United's other recalled loanee JOE HUGILL is 22, and not likely to be given much action at this level.

At the Avant Training Centre in Norwich, Wolves U21 only produced 4 shots on target - but they beat Norwich City U21 0-3 as CALEB ANSEN was beaten twice by his own team mate Charlie Wilson.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 23-year-old joins the club after being monitored over a number of weeks, with Yeovil securing his services for a five-figure sum. Jones is a tricky, direct wide player who offers extreme versatility, capable of operating on either flank with pace, energy, and creativity.

Jones began his senior career with Weston-super-Mare... before moving to Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee in 2020. During his time with Rovers, he gained valuable experience through loan spells at Bath City, Hungerford Town, and Bromley...

He joined Aldershot Town in 2024, where he enjoyed a strong 2024/25 season, making 50 appearances and scoring 10 goals...

Manager Billy Rowley added 'Ryan is a talented left-sided player who has had a strong season at Aldershot'”.

Aldershot Town explained that "With Ryan out of contract at the end of the season, and having made it clear that he was seeking a move closer to his family, the club has concluded the transfer at this stage.

As a result, the club has secured a five-figure sum rather than losing Ryan for nothing at the end of the season as a free agent.

In addition, the agreement includes a sell-on clause, ensuring the club will benefit from any future transfer of the player and enabling any such receipt to be reinvested into the club’s playing staff.

The 23 year old joined the Shots in July 2024 on a free transfer from Bristol Rovers and has gone onto make over 70 appearances for the Shots, scoring 9 goals & 8 assists".

Aldershot Town also "confirm the permanent signing of Coniah Boyce-Clarke on a deal until the end of the season, with an option for the club to extend this for a further year...

Since joining the Shots on a trial basis after being released from Reading Coniah has impressed everyone here at the club, so much so the club representatives ensured they did everything they could to sign Coniah on a permanent deal".

Morecambe "announce the loan signing of Timothy Akindileni from Queen's Park Rangers.

The 18-year-old defender joined QPR's Development Squad in June making the move from Aberdeen.

Akindileni was with the Dons for just under two years and... managed to catch the eyes of his international team... He represented the Czech Republic under-18s in March 2025...

Now he makes the move to Morecambe looking to do the same".

16 January 2026

NEIL DISCUSSES RECENT SIGNINGS

Firstly, he declared that he was "Really excited about Saturday [against Hartlepool]... "We've had a really good week in training", he added.

Neil was asked about the four recent signings and he responded as follows...

Otis Khan: He was known to Neil from the time when he managed the youth team at Tranmere Rovers, where Otis was in first team. Neil described him as "versatile and a leader".

Josh Grant: The midfielder was at Wealdstone when Neil and Lee Jones arrived there last season. Josh, he judged, "has real strong leadership qualities on the pitch".

Liam Humbles: Liam was described by Neil as "a very, very good footballer" whom he had watched in person playing both for Alty and Gateshead. He feels that Liam has been unlucky in his time at Rochdale as the midfield pair of East and Gilmore are firmly established there ahead of him.

Liam was described as having "athleticism and dynamism".

Indeed, "athleticism" and "versatility" were epithets used by Neil in regard to all of the new players.

Anthony Forde: He brings "a real level of quality and, technically, is really, really gifted". Neil pointed out that Anthony has had five promotions in his career yet remains "hungry" at the age of 32.

"'Fordey' brings good experience and good leadership qualities", he observed.

Turning to Dan Sassi (left), the centre-back on loan from Blackpool was described as "a player we didn't want to lose from the group".

More new faces are on the horizon if Neil's comment that he has "brought in four players, so far" is taken at face value.

Overall, he felt that the squad needed "more leaders... to be more athletic and to play more expansive football".

Whilst players had had to leave to facilitate the acquisitions, the "club has made funds available" as well.

ANTHONY FORDE INTERVIEW

Asked about his own assets, Anthony said that he was "quite creative" and likes "getting on the ball as much as I can". He also "always gives 100%" and wants "to bring my experience and help the other lads".

HARTLEPOOL AND ALTY CONNECTIONS

No fewer than four current Altrincham players have turned out for both clubs.

Above: The four ex- Hartlepool players who are now at Altrincham.
L to R: Jake Cooper, Eddy Jones, Billy Sass-Davies and Tom Crawford.

• JAKE COOPER, on Saturday will not only return to a club for whom he made two appearances in 2021 but, also, it would be a 100th start for Altrincham if he is selected to do so. He has also made 14 appearances from the bench in his Altrincham career.

  Jake would become the sixth current player to have made 100 or more starts for the club. The others are Lewis Baines, Lewis Banks, Eddy Jones, Matty Kosylo and Isaac Marriott.

• EDDY JONES played three games in EFL 2 for Hartlepool United whilst on loan from Stoke City at the start of 2021-22 season. His spell in the North East saw him make a total of six appearances in all competitions for Hartlepool.
• BILLY SASS-DAVIES spent the 2024-25 season with Hartlepool United.
• TOM CRAWFORD made 101 appearances at Hartlepool United, where Dave Challinor was then the manager, following his release by Notts County in summer 2020. He remained in the North East till the end of 2023-24, at which point he was released by Pools.

Saturday should also afford Altrincham fans their first glimpses of the four signings made inside the last ten days. They are OTIS KHAN, JOSH GRANT, LIAM HUMBLES and ANTHONY FORDE. But, since the club's last game, of course, we have also seen the last of Elliot Osborne, Mikey Stone, Keaton Ward and loanee Billy Waters in an Altrincham shirt.

Without the suspended Cameron John, the Hartlepool Mail believes the Pools will line-up as follows: 1. Goalkeeper: Nick Hayes, 2. Right-back: Nathan Sheron, 3. Centre-back: Reiss McNally, 4,. Centre-back: Maxim Kouogun, 5. Left-back: Jay Benn, 6. Central-midfield: Jack Hunter, 7. Central-midfield: Jamie Miley, 8. Right-wing: Matty Daly, 9. Attacking-midfield: Adam Campbell, 10. Left-wing: Luke Charman, 11. Striker: Alex Reid.

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Hayes made eight appearances this season and 34 in total for the club across two spells.

The goalkeeper returned to the Shrimpers in February 2025, featuring in our run to Wembley in the play-offs last season".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Southern League Central: Although ZAK GOODSON played the whole game, third placed Quorn were surprisingly on the end of a 5-0 hammering at Stourbridge Town, who remain in the relegation zone despite their romp.

The home side's hero was new signing Tom Edge, who marked his debut by scoring all the first 4 goals.

NPL Division 1 West : It was clearly a night for shocks in the West Midlands, as leaders Avro, with DAVID FITZPATRICK playing the full game, were beaten by the only goal at relegation threatened Darlaston Town.

Phil adds that on Thursday in the Cheshire Senior Cup 2nd Round, SHERIFF NJIE was joined in Cheadle Town's starting lineup by HARLAN RODGERS-MORRIS as they entertained Sandbach United.

Sheriff was withdrawn after 70 minutes with Town 1-0 up, but with 4 minutes left the visitors equalised, and the tie went to penalties. Town failed with two kicks, and Sandbach went through 4-1.

Harlan had started the season at Newcastle Town, and tonight was his 10th Cheadle Town appearance.

Off the pitch comes news of two Altrincham loanees in 2022-23 season as, firstly, Barnet "confirm that JOE HUGILL has been recalled by his parent club, Manchester United.

Left: Joe Hugill and, right, Sonny Aljofree

The 22-year-old joined the Bees on loan last summer and made a total of six appearances in amber and black."

Manchester United add that "SONNY ALJOFREE and Louis Jackson have returned to Manchester United, after being recalled from loans with Notts County and Solihull Moors respectively.

Sonny made 11 appearances for the Magpies, scoring once, in his second taste of League Two action having spent 2024/25 with Accrington Stanley.

The centre-back, who was part of the 2022 FA Youth Cup-winning squad, represented the club’s first-team in pre-season fixtures against Wrexham, in 2023, and Rosenborg, in 2024">

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Fans Network reported earlier that "Rochdale AFC are set to strengthen their attacking options with the signing of experienced forward Manny Duku, who is poised to join the club following his recent departure from National League side Tamworth.

The 33-year-old journeyman striker brings a wealth of experience from across the English lower leagues..

Born in Amsterdam, Duku began his footballing journey in the Dutch lower leagues... He moved to England in 2015, where he started to build a reputation as a powerful and reliable goalscorer within non-league football... It was during his time at Hayes & Yeading United where he truly made his mark, scoring an impressive 33 goals in just 39 league appearances.

Those goals earned him a move into the Football League with Cheltenham Town in 2018... After leaving Cheltenham, Duku took his career north of the border, signing for Raith Rovers in the Scottish Championship before later joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He also enjoyed a brief but prolific stint overseas with Manchester 62 in Gibraltar...

Returning to England, Duku resumed his career in non-league football, representing Maidstone United and Wealdstone before enjoying a particularly productive spell at Hednesford Town... Further goals followed during a short stint with Solihull Moors, where he netted four times in nine games, before most recently joining Tamworth. During his time with the Lambs, Duku made 29 appearances and scored seven goals before leaving the club by mutual consent earlier this month".

Rochdale also "announce the signing of Bryant Bilongo. The left-sided player has joined from Sky Bet League Two side Bristol Rovers on a permanent basis, signing a one-and-a-half-year deal.

Bilongo, who also spent over two years at Championship club Middlesbrough, commented... 'Me and the gaffer have been talking for a while and it’s nice to have that interest'...

Gaffer Jimmy McNulty is delighted with the acquisition... 'Bryant is a player we’ve been aware of for a long time,' McNulty commented... 'He’s got an excellent ceiling height. He stuck in my mind when we played Ebbsfleet United away a couple seasons ago'...

Bilongo was part of the AFC Wimbledon academy at a young age, before joining West London side Hanworth Villa.

He moved up the pyramid to Kingstonian in the summer of 2021... Middlesbrough agreed an undisclosed fee with the K’s for Bilongo’s signature in January 2022, handing him a debut in August 2022.

Spells on loan at National League clubs Woking and Ebbsfleet United followed, before he joined Bristol Rovers in the summer of 2024, again for an undisclosed fee... A loan spell at Harrogate Town in the second half of 2024/25 followed.

This season, the 24-year-old has played 15 times for The Gas in all competitions".

Eastleigh inform us that "James Waite has signed permanently for the club following his departure from Weston-super-Mare until the end of the season.

Waite joined the Spitfires on loan in November and quickly established himself as an important member of the squad, featuring in every match he was eligible for since his arrival, starting four of the six games.

[Manager] Bartlett commented 'James has settled in really well and made a big impact with us'".

Scunthorpe United "announce the permanent signing of former loanee forward Connor Smith from Scottish League One side Hamilton Academical for an undisclosed fee.

Starting his career with Heart of Midlothian, Smith was a highly rated regular in the Scottish national team at youth level... The versatile attacker would gain first-team experience on loan with Cowdenbeath, Arbroath, Cove Rangers and Queens Park...

During his initial spell with Scunthorpe, Smith would quickly become one of the club's top performers with eight goal contributions in just 16 games for the club, attracting attention from then Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone, who snapped up Smith on a permanent basis in the January of 2024.

Featuring just a handful of times for the Saints, Smith would be loaned to Scottish Championship side Hamilton for the second time in his career... and signing for the club permanently in January 2025".

The Deck reports that "York City have suffered a significant injury blow, with manager Stuart Maynard confirming that the injury sustained by Malachi Fagan-Walcott is worse than initially feared.

The defender has been a crucial cog in his side’s pursuit of a return to League Two since signing on a permanent deal in December 2024. With 23 appearances made so far this season...

BBC Sport North Yorkshire journalist, David Ward, has confirmed that Fagan-Walcott will be out for six to eight weeks with a broken metatarsal and ankle ligament damage...

The 23-year-old’s statistics also suggest that he is a key component of York’s defence. According to Sofascore, he has completed an average of 12.4 ball recoveries per game in his 23 appearances... He has eight goal contributions in the National League, scoring 8% of York City’s goals this season from defence".

Wealdstone reports "the signing of defender Daniel Cox, who arrives in HA4 on a short-term loan from Derby County.

The 19-year-old has featured heavily for the Rams’ academy sides, making 20 appearances in the Premier League 2 during the last two seasons and captaining the side on a number of occasions.

Cox made his senior debut for the Rams against Wolverhampton Wanderers under-21s in November 2023, but has not yet made any further appearances for the Championship side..

League Two promotion challengers Walsall opted to sign Cox on loan in the summer following two impressive performances as a trialist... He currently plays for his country [Wales] at the under-21 level, where he has won four caps in recent months.

Speaking following his arrival, Cox said,,, 'Not many gaffers want to bring in a young centre-half. I really appreciate the opportunity, and I want to show him [Sam Cox] that he can trust me'"

Truro City report "the loan signing of defender George Cooper from SkyBet League 1 side Mansfield Town.

The 23-year-old, who came through the ranks at Field Mill, will see his temporary switch with the Tinners last until the end of the 2025/26 Enterprise National League campaign.

Cooper made his professional bow for the Stags in the EFL Trophy during 2021/22, making two substitute appearances and starting in a home clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

That same season Cooper joined National League North side Kettering Town on loan and this sabbatical away from Mansfield was repeated the following term too... before further loans at Kidderminster Harriers and League of Ireland outfit Drogheda United...

Cooper told trurocity.co.uk 'There is a nice energy around the place and as an honest individual, playing at centre half, I love defending and I will always give my all'".

And also at Truro City "announce the permanent signing of striker Jack Stretton.

The 24-year-old was born in Burton-upon-Trent and cut his formative footballing teeth in the Midlands with Nottingham Forest, then their fierce rivals Derby County...

During 2020-21 Stretton joined Stockport County on loan and netted three times in five games.

The following year, Stretton was around the fringes of Derby’s first team, scoring his maiden professional goal in the EFL and after joining Carlisle on loan in 22-23, then moved to Stockport County on a permanent basis... He spent time on loan at both Woking and Oldham in the National League. A short spell at Burton Albion ensued last season with Stretton’s most recent club... [being] League of Ireland team Drogheda United...

'I’m direct, put myself about on the pitch and give 100 per cent every time I play'" the player opined.

15 January 2026

SASSI STAYS

The 22-year-old central defender has played 29 games for Alty so far in 2025/26, after originally joining up with the squad at the start of August.

'Our fans have seen how well Dan has played for us this season,' said manager Neil Gibson. 'He's exactly the kind of defender we want at the football club, he's really enjoyed his time at Alty so far and it felt like a perfect fit to extend his loan for the rest of this season.'"

Footnote: With Altrincham suffering a wave of injuries to centre-backs, Dan's arrival on a loan from Blackpool until New Year 2026, was announced on the eve of the 2025-26 campaign.

His career started at Stoke City before joining Burnley where he stayed from 2020-23. At Turf Moor he benefitted from coaching by manager Vincent Kompany.

In February 2024 he joined Blackpool who sent the 6ft 3inch centre-back on loan in September 2024 to Rochdale where he made 14 appearances. In January 2025 he also had a loan spell at AFC Fylde which lasted till the end of the season.

At Altrincham, Dan had played every minute of the first 20 league games, except one match in which he only made a brief appearance from the bench, until he was sent off four minutes from the end of the match at Southend.

Since serving his one-match ban he has completed 90 minutes in three of the four subsequent ENL fixtures, making him the outfield player who has the most league minutes on the pitch of any Altrincham player this season.

In the league he has made 22(+2) appearances with an additional 4(+1) appearances in cup competitions. So, in all, he has made 26(+3) appearances.

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

The aim is to get more females into the stands of non-league Clubs...

Anne, an avid Altrincham FC supporter, has made it her mission this season to attend 20 non-league matches and invite new groups of women to each game.

This means 20 first-timers will attend a welcoming and unforgettable female-friendly experience.

The end goal of this is a community of 400 new local football superfans.

Match of the Dames are partners with Altrincham FC, and Alty CEO Sam Mackenzie is a huge supporter. With Sam’s support, Anne has hosted a number of matches at Altrincham and at several of their away fixtures.

It is Hartlepool United’s turn, and 20 women will experience Pools for hopefully the first of many occasions...

Give the Dames a vibrant, balanced and all-round electric matchday experience for every fan.

This is something Her Game Too 100% supports, and Anne contacted our Ambassador Jill a few months ago for her support in publicising this fixture.

Anne told us'Match of the Dames is delighted to be coming to Hartlepool for such an eagerly anticipated fixture. For our guests, it will be their first visit to a National League game and, with the ground set to be full, the atmosphere is going to be electric!"

ALTY OLD BOYS

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 51-year-old, who jointly managed the Pilgrims with great success between 2009 and 2011, makes a welcome return to Lincolnshire after agreeing to become Graham Coughlan's successor... [He] will be supported by long-term assistant Chris Doig...

As a consequence of the appointments of Hurst and Doig, United can confirm the departure of Coughlan's assistant manager Lee Bullen...

Hurst's initial spell with the Pilgrims, in partnership with Rob Scott, saw the club win three trophies in 2009-2010, including promotion via the UniBond Premier League play-offs.

United were well set for another promotion when Grimsby came calling for the pair in March 2011 and Hurst twice guided the Mariners to promotion from the National League, in 2016 and 2022.

He was also the League One manager of the year in 2017-2018...

United chairman David Newton commented... 'We enjoyed great success during his previous spell at the club, along with Rob Scott, which led to a very successful period for Paul – and I was delighted to see him rise to managing in the Championship.

'I am sure some will point to the way Rob and Paul departed the club back in 2011. I had no issue with their ambition to manage at a higher level – but did not feel that it was done in the correct manner. The matter was dealt with at the time and the club received the right compensation for their move. That drew a line under things for me, and I was delighted when Paul continued to bring teams over for pre-season fixtures, and we have kept in touch ever since.'"

The East Anglian Daily Times adds that "Former Ipswich Town boss Paul Hurst... has been out of work since his second spell in Shropshire ended in November 2024".

Solihull Moors "confirm that Sam Bowen has terminated his registration by mutual agreement.

Sam leaves Damson Park after a positive spell with the Club, during which he was a respected and reliable member of the squad. His commitment, professionalism and influence around the group were evident throughout his time with the Moors.

Everyone at Solihull Moors would like to place on record their thanks to Sam for his contribution in a Moors shirt and wish him the very best as he begins the next stage of his career".

Wealdstone "are thrilled by the signing of 25-year-old midfielder Elijah Dixon-Bonner on a short-term loan deal from Queen's Park Rangers.

Eagle-eyed Stones fans may recognise Dixon-Bonner, as he has already faced Sam Cox’s side twice this season, when playing for QPR under-21s in a preseason friendly and for Morecambe in the National League.

The Englishman spent a considerable period of time in the youth ranks at Liverpool. He was part of the Reds’ side that won the 2018/19 FA Youth Cup, scoring the winning penalty in the final in front of almost 4,000 fans.

The midfielder's good form for the Liverpool youth teams saw Jürgen Klopp reward him with his first-team debut for the Reds in early 2020, as he played the final minute of their FA Cup clash against Shrewsbury Town. He made two further appearances for the Merseyside giants before leaving the club in 2022...

Dixon-Bonner was picked up by his current club, Queen's Park Rangers... During the 2023/24 season, Dixon-Bonner made 26 appearances in all competitions for the Rs...

Last campaign, the midfielder made six appearances for the Rs before moving to Swedish side Västerås SK on loan. He played five games in the Superettan, helping his team to the title, before returning to England.

Dixon-Bonner has spent much of this season on loan at fellow National League side, Morecambe. The 25-year-old made 14 appearances... for the Shrimps before returning to Loftus Road".

Leamington report that "Chris Knott has made his first signing as interim manager of the club after agreeing a deal with Scunthorpe United to bring in midfielder Max Brogan on an initial 28 day loan.

The 24 year old, who has spent time with the likes of Barwell, Tamworth, Solihull Moors, and most recently had loan spells at Telford and Cleethorpes Town, was able to take part in last night's Birmingham Senior Cup win.

Said Knott, 'Max is someone that we've seen over the last few years. I spoke to Paul and he looked at him previously and wanted to try and sign him at some point. It's just good that at this moment he wants to get game time. He carries the ball well, he's aggressive as a midfield 8, which is something we're missing at times'...

Said Brogan... 'I'm a midfielder with lots of energy, I like to get on the ball, try and get up and down the pitch and chip in with a few goals'".

Boreham Wood "announce that midfielder Regan Booty has completed a permanent move to the club from Barrow AFC for an undisclosed fee, following a successful loan spell in black and white. The 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a long-term contract that will keep him at Meadow Park until the summer of 2028.

Booty began his career with Huddersfield Town... before leaving the Terriers following their relegation from the Premier League. He went on to feature for Notts County before a successful spell at Maidstone United. Regan joined Gateshead in 2023... His form... earned him an England C call-up and later, a move Barrow AFC.

Booty arrived in Hertfordshire on loan in November...

Booty said 'Everyone knows how much I’ve enjoyed my loan here, it was a no brainer to get it done on a permanent'".

Meanwhile Boreham Wood also announce that "manager Luke Garrard has been named Enterprise National League Manager of the Month for the second time this campaign, winning the award for December!...

His side kicked off December with an Emirates FA Cup Second Round Proper triumph over League Two Newport County. Wins in all three of the Wood’s December league outings... followed and Luke Garrard’s side entered the new year top of the pile. The Gaffer’s month simply couldn’t be overlooked!"

At Eastleugh "Louie Holzman has returned to the club following his loan spell with Farnborough.

Louie Holzman joined Farnborough on loan from Eastleigh in October 2025 to gain valuable first-team experience in the National League South...

Despite a brief suspension following a red card early in his spell, Holzman returned to the side and continued to earn minutes, completing full matches and showing composure in defence, while also contributing going forward with several dangerous deliveries...

Holzman remained a consistent part of the squad during a challenging run of fixtures. He featured in a mix of starts and substitute appearances, including a full 90 minutes in a positive 4–2 win over AFC Totton.

Overall, his time at Farnborough provided him with sustained senior exposure and valuable experience in a competitive environment, supporting his continued development at first-team level".

Southend United "has today launched recruitment for a Director of Football role.

The position will play a key role in leading the Club’s football department, strengthening structures and processes around recruitment, performance and squad planning, and supporting the coaching staff in delivering success on the pitch.

The Club has engaged Executives in Sport Group (EISG) to lead the recruitment process.

Further updates will be provided once an appointment has been made.

Justin Rees. On behalf of the Board">

Truro City "confirm that striker Aiden Marsh has left the club, upon the expiry of his contract.

The 22-year-old joined the Tinners on a short term deal in September...

After coming through the ranks at hometown club Barnsley, Marsh spent time in Scotland last year with raith Rovers, before his spell in the Duchy, which resulted in nine league and cup appearances.

His second and final goal for Truro came in the 3-1 away loss at Hartlepool in late November. Marsh was an unused substitute in City’s festive games".

Three new players have arrived at Yeovil Town with one of the trio being "Terrell Works, who joins on loan from Fulham until the end of the season.

Works has been with Fulham since Under-9s level... An attacking and adaptable player, he is capable of operating across the front line, including on either wing, as a centre-forward, or in a number 10 role...

Earlier this season, Works spent time on loan at Braintree Town... making 15 appearances and registering five goal contributions".

Also arriving at Yeovil Town is "Joy Mukena from Crawley Town on a deal until Summer 2027.

Mukena began his career with Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Watford in 2017... He later joined St Albans City in 2020...

Mukena joined Crawley Town in July 2023 and was part of the club’s promotion-winning 2023/24 season".

The third new player at Yeovil Town is "Troy Perrett, who joins on loan from Cardiff City until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old Wales Under-21 midfielder, Perrett arrives at Huish Park having already gained senior experience with Cardiff City. He has made a number of appearances in the EFL Trophy this season...

Manager Billy Rowley added... 'He’s already been involved at senior and international level, and this move gives him the chance to gain valuable experience'".

And, finally, Carlisle United "announce a mutual agreement has been reached to terminate the contract of Jude Smith.

The 22-year-old joined the Blues in the summer of 2024, but unfortunately his time at the club was disrupted by injury, limiting his opportunities to make an impact".

14 January 2026

COSMOPOLITAN ALTY

Whereas no member of the management or of the players who took to the pitch for Alty in the National League during the first four months of this season was known to have exercised an overseas footballing affiliation, the arrivals at Moss Lane since then have predominantly been players who are eligible for international selection by foreign countries.

Although Welshman Billy Sass-Davies, born in Abergele, was already on Alty's books by August 2025, he has yet to be seen on the pitch this season and the longer-serving Matty Kosylo has Ukrainian heritage but he has not exercised that eligibility to represent that country.

The recent broadening of Alty's horizons started in earnest with the appointment of a Welsh management team comprising Neil Gibson and Lee Jones, who both have representative honours for their country of birth.

On the player front, in December 2025, the return of Eddy Jones, born in Chester but boasting Welsh representative honours, continued the process.

The trend has recently accelerated with the arrivals in 2026 of Otis Khan (Pakistan representative honours), loanee Liam Humbles (born in Miami Beach) and now Irishman Anthony Ford.

LIAM HUMBLES INTERVIEW

Liam is spending his second spell on loan at the J. Davidson Stadium after 13 appearances here last season.

This time, he has been loaned by Rochdale whereas his loan spell last season was from Salford City.

In the interview, Liam declared that he was attracted back to Moss Lane by the club's "playing style".

As for his own playing style he described it as being "quite a technical player" but with an element of "aggression" and the capability "to break up play".

One area of his game that he wants to improve is his goalscoring.

LATEST SIGNING: ANTHONY FORDE

He started his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers where he made his debut in the League Cup in 2011 and went on to make 21 appearances. He moved on to Walsall where he made 78 appearances (2014-16) before clocking up more than a century of games for Rotherham United.

Oxford United (66 games) and Wrexham (45 appearances from July 2022) followed, with Anthony staying at The Racecourse until early 2025 when he joined Burton Albion for the remainder of that season, having made 11 appearances,

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS: 17 JANUARY

Alty's exploits on all previous 17 January dates are chronicled by Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years.

Their most recent game on that date was in 2023 when The Robins beat Maidenhead United 3-2 at the J. Davidson Stadium.

In that game, Alty made it ten games unbeaten in all competitions and moved up to tenth in the National League with a win over Maidenhead which should have been more comfortable than it was.

Maidenhead took the lead against the run of play when Alty headed a visitors' freekick out to Reece Smith. He fired an unstoppable shot past Byrne from outside the box (18 mins).

But Conn-Clarke (left, pictured in 2022/23 season) levelled seven minutes later, direct from a freekick (25 mins). Then, from a Conn-Clarke cross, Kaja got a touch towards goal before Dinanga finished it off to give Alty the lead (33 mins).

Having largely dominated the first half, Alty's occasional defensive sloppiness gave Maidenhead an equaliser in the first added minute of the half. A long ball got McCoulsky in behind James Jones and he volleyed home to make it 2-2 at the interval.

Another wonderful freekick by Conn-Clarke, after he had been fouled, deservedly made it 3-2 and Alty looked set to secure a comfortable win (64 mins). But after taking the lead, they took their foot off the gas and sloppy defending gave Maidenhead occasional openings. But the Robins got to the end with the three points intact.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Oliver Byrne, 5. Toby Mullarkey, 26. James Jones, 6. Lewis Baines, 2. Eddy Jones, 4. Isaac Marriott, 8. Josh Lundstram, 16. Chris Conn-Clarke, 30. Marcus Dinanga, 9. Jordan Hulme (c), 33. Egli Kaja. Subs: 18. Ben Pringle, 10. Elliot Osborne, 32. Zak Goodson, 35. Connor Jennings, 28. Maxi Oyedele.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In the Professional Development League : JACK KINGDON (right) captained Cardiff City U21, but their visiting counterparts from Watford proved too strong, winning 2-5.

EFL Trophy : Although TOBY MULLARKEY (right) played the full game, Fleetwood were knocked out 3-1 at Doncaster Rovers.

JOEL SENIOR started for Bristol Rovers, and it was 3-3 when he left the action after 83 minutes, but visitors Plymouth Argyle struck in the 94th minute to go through to the last 8.

Welsh Premier League : Connah's Quay Nomads manager JOHN DISNEY named new signing JAMES JONES on the bench at Caernarfon, but he was called into action after 28 minutes with the score at 1-1. Nomads had scored first, and regained the lead just before the hour, but eventually had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

JOEL TORRANCE (right) and his Bala Town colleagues kept a clean sheet at Flint Town United, despite the home side producing 7 shots on target - Bala produced only 4, but scored from all of them

NPL Premier Division : JOEL BAILEY was left on the bench by Bamber Bridge, who lost 1-2 to visitors Warrington Town.

FC United were surprisingly held 2-2 at home by bottom club Workington - indeed, the Cumbrians were 2 goals up in the 87th minute. RON SITHOLE came off the home bench after 65 minutes.

NPL Division 1 West : Having rounded off the scoring in Nantwich Town's 1-3 win at Kidsgrove Athletic, BYRON HARRISON exited the action after 79 minutes. ADY ROXBURGH had gone off 7 minutes earlier.

Manchester Premier Cup Quarter Final : Although DANNY HEFFERNAN (right) equalised Mossley's opener, and Abbey Hey levelled again later, it was the home side who progressed 5-2.

Liverpool Senior Cup 1st Round : Although MSB Woolton were drawn at home, the tie was moved to Runcorn, and SEAN MILLER'S 70th minute penalty saw Linnets go through 2-1.

FA Trophy : JOSH LUNDSTRAM started for Eastleigh, but they fielded a below strength side, and visitors Southport made the 496 mile journey worthwhile, winning 0-2. LUKE BURGESS played the second half for the victors.

Although he played the full game, KENNEDY DIGIE wasn't involved in the 16 kick penalty shootout that followed Tamworth's 1-1 home draw with Rochdale. Tamworth converted 7 of their 8 kicks, but Rochdale failed from the spot twice to leave the competition and concentrate on their promotion challenge.

ROSS BARROWS played the first 65 minutes for Scunthorpe United, who knocked out visitors Clitheroe 3-1.

ISUZU FA TROPHY GAMES

• Bath City 1-3 Southend United
• Eastleigh 0-2 Southport
• FC Halifax Town 4-0 Anstey Nomads
• Hornchurch P-P AFC Telford United
• Kidderminster Harriers 6-2 Morecambe
• Scunthorpe United 3-1 Clitheroe
• Tamworth 1-1 Rochdale (Tamworth won 7-6 on pens)
• Woking P-P Macclesfield FC

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Morrison has made five senior appearances for the Robins since coming through the academy ranks. This season, he has made one appearance in the EFL Cup, while also featuring five times for City’s Under-21s in the Premier League Cup.

The versatile left-sided player is capable of operating in a number of positions, from the left side of defence to midfield.

The youngster links up with Robbie Savage’s squad immediately and will be available for selection ahead of our National League fixture against Sutton United this Saturday.

Solihull Moors "are delighted to confirm that Joe Sbarra will remain at Damson Park until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Joe has made an immediate and significant impact since arriving at the Club, becoming a key figure in midfield with his energy, quality on the ball and leadership on the pitch.

First Team Manager Chris Millington said 'This is news that I’m sure everyone connected with the club can celebrate. Joe’s presence has been great for the staff and his teammates, his goals have highlighted his importance to our campaign and this news will rightly solidify his status as a Moors favourite.

'Everyone at Solihull Moors is thrilled to have Joe with us for the remainder of the season and we look forward to his continued contribution as we push on in the months ahead.'"

13 January 2026

EIGHT CHANGES IN EIGHT DAYS

The announcement says that the club "announce wing-back Anthony Forde as the latest player to sign for Alty in January, with the 32-year-old heading for The J.Davidson Stadium as a free agent on an 18-month contract.

The fourth new face for the Robins' squad in the last week, Anthony goes straight into contention to face Hartlepool United in the Enterprise National League on Saturday...

Said manager Neil Gibson 'Obviously he's played at a much higher level over the last few years, has a very strong playing CV and been part of a very successful Wrexham side, winning National League and League Two promotions.

'He'll bring that experience, as well as leadership qualities, into the group and his creative ability down the right side will give us more options... He's ... a fantastic signing for the football club '...

A former Ireland youth international who made his senior breakthrough with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, Anthony has since made over 400 appearances across the top five divisions in English football.

He spent nine seasons in League One and the Championship with Walsall, Rotherham United and Oxford United before winning the National League title with Wrexham in 2023.

After also being part of the Red Dragons' squad that won promotion from League Two a year later, our latest signing finished last season in League One making 11 appearances for Burton Albion".

Footnote: Anthony faced Altrincham for Wrexham in October 2022 when Alty lost 4-0 at The Racecourse.

SEVEN CHANGES IN SEVEN DAYS

That is because there have now been no fewer than seven changes of personnel at the J. Davidson Stadium during the past week alone! And with a gap of 18 days between Altrincham's last and next games it will be a new-looking line-up that faces Pools.

The player movements have been as follow...

• IN: Otis Khan
• IN: Josh Grant, on loan from Carlisle United
• IN: Liam Humbles, on loan from Rochdale
• OUT: Mikey Stone, signed for Macclesfield FC
• OUT: Billy Waters, loanee, returned to Oldham Athletic
• OUT: Keaton Ward, signed for Gateshead
• OUT: Elliot Osborne, signed for Macclesfield FC

The four players who have left Altrincham, left to right: Mikey Stone, Billy Waters, Keaton Ward and Elliot Osborne

Although the fixture at home to Morecambe was postponed on 3 January, the decision came so late that the team sheet had already been published.

It showed two changes from the defeat by York in the previous game, with Kirk and Ward replacing German and Reddin in the proposed starting eleven and also two changes on the bench as Billy Waters and Louie Fallon came in to replace Ward, and Beddow

The squad named to face Morecambe in the Match that Never Was comprised: 30. Luke Hutchinson, 23. Tylor Golden, 5. Jake Cooper, 34. Dan Sassi, 22. Tom Crawford (c), 8. Isaac Marriott, 14. Matty Kosylo, 7. Olly Crankshaw, 9. James Gale, 40 Charlie Kirk and 10. Keaton Ward. Subs: 4. Lewis Baines, 17. Lucas Weaver, 11. Jimmy Knowles, 33. Eddy Jones, 40. Charlie Kirk, 27. Louie Fallon (gk), 29. Billy Waters

Three of that putative squad are no longer at the club (Osborne, Ward, Waters).

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

In advance of the game, Hartlepool United have an initiative to "Pack the Park" for Altrincham's visit on Saturday to celebrate the takeover of the club by new American owner Landon Smith.

ALTY OLD BOYS

EFL Trophy : It took ALI SMITH just 3 minutes to put AFC Wimbledon ahead against visitors West Ham United U21, and he played 83 minutes as they went on to win 4-2, although he did pick up a booking.

Premier League 2 : CHARLIE OLSON was booked as Blackburn Rovers U21 were hit by 3 unanswered goals from their visiting counterparts from Nottingham Forest.

Footnote: Macclesfield have a video interview with their new signing, ELLIOT OSBORNE.

ISUZU FA TROPHY DRAW

The FA states that "The fifth round will be staged on Saturday 31 January 2026, with winning clubs picking up £6000 from the prize fund and losing clubs receiving £1750.

• 1 Forest Green Rovers v Wealdstone
• 2 Chatham Town v Bath City or Southend United
• 3 Scunthorpe United or Clitheroe v Horsham
• 4 FC Halifax Town or Anstey Nomads v Kidderminster Harriers or Morecambe
• 5 Walton & Hersham v Woking or Macclesfield
• 6 AFC Fylde v Eastleigh or Southport
• 7 Hornchurch or AFC Telford United v Yeovil Town
• 8 Tamworth or Rochdale v Marine

EMIRATES FA CUP DRAW

• 1 Liverpool or Barnsley v Brighton & Hove Albion
• 2 Stoke City v Fulham
• 3 Oxford United v Sunderland
• 4 Southampton v Leicester City
• 5 Wrexham v Ipswich Town
• 6 Arsenal v Wigan Athletic
• 7 Hull City v Chelsea
• 8 Burton Albion v West Ham United
• 9 Burnley v Mansfield Town
• 10 Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion
• 11 Port Vale v Bristol City
• 12 Grimsby Town v Wolverhampton Wanderers
• 13 Aston Villa v Newcastle United
• 14 Manchester City v Salford City or Swindon Town
• 15 Macclesfield FC v Brentford
• 16 Birmingham City v Leeds United

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Mukena began his career with Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Watford in 2017, where he turned professional and was named on the bench for the senior side during a Premier League victory over Chelsea in February 2018. He later joined St Albans City in 2020...

Mukena joined Crawley Town in July 2023 and was part of the club’s promotion-winning 2023/24 season...

Manager Billy Rowley added 'Joy brings good experience for his age and has been part of successful teams. He’s someone we feel will add competition and depth to the squad@".

The Stacey West reports that "Outgoing Boston United head coach Graham Coughlan has blasted the club board following his exit from The Jakeman’s Stadium...

The Irishman was appointed in November 2024 and guided Boston to safety on the penultimate game of the season, following an outstanding run of 10 wins from 15 matches across March and April.

However, a return of just one victory in their last 11 league games since the end of October has now resulted in his departure.

On his LinkedIn, the former Newport County boss [wrote]... 'Take it (the job) on 11 points adrift in 23rd place in the league. Survived, 19th, five points above relegation. We are currently 17th and in the last eight of the cup [NL Cup], with the lowest budget in the league,' he said of his current achievements...

Newly promoted [in 2025] from the National League North after an absence of 20 years (including their Football League adventure) they were deemed as favourites to go down, but Coughlan led them to a miracle.

It seems that the relationship has soured, with him adding a barb clearly directed at the current board. 'Hands tied. You’re happy to go down; I’m not. But on my head be it we didn’t make Premier League in 14 months. Apologies that I could not take us further'...

Early front-runners for the job include a former Lincoln City figure, Danny Butterfield... He is the current assistant at Eastleigh. As a Boston native, his appointment would certainly be popular.... Dino Maamria has also been mentioned...

Finally, Jimmy Dean is also a name being mentioned. He is a former Scunthorpe United boss who has had success with Peterborough Sports in the past, and is currently in charge of Spalding United, who are nine points clear at the top of the Southern League Premier Division Central".

Morecambe "announce the loan signing of Ashton McWilliams from Aston Villa.

The 18-year-old attacking minded full-back signed his first professional contract with the Premier League outfit in July last year... He played a vital role in the Aston Villa under-18s treble winning campaign, which saw them lift the FA Youth Cup, Premier League South and Premier League National Final.

McWilliams is known for his energy, technical quality and ability to drive the team forward from the back".

12 January 2026

HUMBLES RETURNS

The 22-year-old midfielder spent the first part of the 2024/25 season on loan with the Robins from Salford City, making 12 appearances, before spending the second half of the campaign with Gateshead.

'I'm really pleased to get the signing of Liam over the line,' said manager Neil Gibson... 'He brings a lot of technical ability into our midfield and we look forward to him bringing his style and enthusiasm into the club'.

Liam linked up with his teammates at Egerton this morning and will be eligible to face Hartlepool United on Saturday lunchtime.

Footnote: Midfielder Liam originally arrived last season on a one-month loan from Salford City in an agreement revealed on 7 September 2024. He made his debut from the bench in that day's 4-0 win over Ebbsfleet United.

He had finished 23/24 season on loan at Nantwich Town but had ten Salford City starts to his name including the opening fixture of 2024-25 season.

Despite fairly limited game time during the seven league fixtures after his arrival, his loan was extended for a further month as was announced on 11 October 2024. A further extension kept him at the club until Gateshead announced that they had signed him on loan on 21 December.

In all, his Altrincham appearances totalled 8(+5) games.

REMI EXTENDS LOAN AT CONGLETON TOWN

The 18-year-old has played nearly 20 games already for the Bears in the Northern Premier League West."

OSBORNE JOINS MACC

The 29-year-old joins The Silkmen, having made just shy of 200 appearances for the Robins during four year spell....

Osborne... captained the National League side as they knocked out 10-man Silkmen in the Isuzu FA Trophy last season via a penalty shootout".

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

From Hartlepool United, manager "Nicky Featherstone insists [there are] ‘good times to come at the Football Club’ as 10-man Hartlepool United fall to a 4-0 defeat away to Woking in the Enterprise National League

The Pools manager... exclaimed, 'I’m embarrassed, and I’m disappointed for the new ownership that we’ve started in this manor [sic].

'I did not see that coming today; it’s shocked me massively. Even the 11 v 11 at the start of the game, I did not see that coming at all, and we were second best in every department today.

'There are a few things to consider because the drop off from one game to another at the minute is too big and we’re never going to get to where we want to get to with that level of consistency.

'I think with this group, they find it easy to get up for the bigger games. What we struggle with massively is getting up for games that are winnable for us and not as glamorous...

'We’ve been hurt by a real lack of effort, commitment, and willingness.

'The most disappointing thing for me is that we’ve had four crosses come into our box and they’ve scored from four crosses, which we’ve been really good at this season'.

On Cameron John’s red card, Featherstone said 'Cam knows he’s let us down today, but he knows he’s been brilliant for us throughout this season so far...

'It also costs us for the next three games, and Cam’s a massively important player for this Football Club at the minute...

'We play a good team in Altrincham, back to the drawing board, and hopefully a positive week. I know we’ve sold a lot more tickets for this one with the new owner coming into town...

'I am angry, gutted and embarassed but there will be good times to come at the Football Club.'”

BOSTON BOSS GOES

The 51-year-old leaves his post following Saturday's 0-0 draw at Braintree Town, with the Pilgrims four places and three points clear of the relegation positions ahead of their encounter at FC Halifax Town next Saturday.

Coughlan will be fondly remembered for masterminding the Pilgrims' great escape from relegation in 2024-2025, which saw United overturn a double digits point deficit to stay up, with 10 victories across March and April sealing a remarkable turnaround....

The club extend their thanks and best wishes to Graham, whose contribution to a stunning survival effort in 2025 will never be forgotten.

There will be no further comment at this stage - as the club formulate their new management team".

Footnote: Boston United have an identical record to Altrincham's this season, 26 points and a goal difference of F29 A40 but The Pilgrims have played an additional two fixtures.

The BBC describes Coughlan's departure as a sacking after "a run of one win in their last 11 league games since the end of October".

Coughlan's departure means that twelve National League managers, excluding interim appointees, have left Enterprise National League clubs since the start of this season, a further four clubs had already changed their management in the 2025/26 pre-season.

Changes between the end of the 2024/25 season and the start of 2025/26:

1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox

So, in all, there have been 16 dismissals or resignations, involving fourteen of the 24 members of the National League over a period of less than nine months, with Yeovil Town and Gateshead changing manager twice.

ALTY OLD BOYS

And the League One club’s chief suggested that Carlisle winning promotion from the National League will be a key factor in the outcome.

Conn-Clarke this week extended his loan deal with United until the end of the season, having been with the Cumbrians since October

'But we need Carlisle to win promotion'" added the chairman.

"Conn-Clarke is on the brink of returning to action after a spell on the sidelines with a groin injury".

Not an Altrincham "Old Boy" but ROBERT HOPKINS played an important part in Altrincham's history as he scored a decisive own goal when the Robins memorably won 1-2 at St Andrew's in the FA Cup Third Round in 1986.

At the time his club, Birmingham City, plied their trade in the top-flight of English football.

Sadly, his death has been reported recently. He was born in 1961.

The Manchester Evening News reports on "Macclesfield FA Cup hero SAM HEATHCOTE. After helping pull off the greatest shock in FA Cup history, the defender will be back... at his day job as a PE teacher on Monday morning...

For Heathcote (right, in his Alty days), 28, that means Stamford Park Primary School in Altrincham. He said 'I didn’t expect to be going back in having won!'...

Paul Dawson set the tone for the afternoon with a robust early challenge which left him with blood running from a head wound and the customary bandage. Heathcote had helped him rearrange the dressing seconds before he met Luke Duffy’s free-kick with an excellent header to open the scoring two minutes before half-time.

'I’ll take the assist for that!' Heathcote joked. 'A bit of his (bandage) ripped off, then he started shouting at me because I was taking way too long, and then he scored. We’ll take that all day.'"

And, finally, in NPL 1 West: DAVID FITZPATRICK scored for Avro from the spot on Saturday to secure a 1-1 draw for his side at Bury.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The local businessman and club director stepped up earlier this week to replace long-time chairman Shahid Azeem, choosing to restructure the club himself rather than accept new investment from an external consortium.

'I have put in £200,000 already. We're losing £400,000 plus this year. We were £2m in debt, but I'm wiping a load of my debt into shares,' Wood told BBC Radio Surrey.

Azeem and fellow director John Leppard have both stood down as directors, and written off their entire loans to the club, transferring their shares to Wood at no cost.

Wood admits his decision is 'really exciting and really terrifying... My thing is to get these people paid up. I don't like running a business where you owe money. I like to pay my bills as I go,' he added...

'Shahid and I are two different people. I'm more outspoken, telling everyone how it is, doing it my way.

'Who's to say my way will work in football? I'm going to give it a good try. I'm an Aldershot boy, I live round Aldershot, I can't keep my head down and cover my face up. I want to be big-headed and proud'...

The original Aldershot FC went bust in 1992, and the newly formed club went into adminstration in 2013...

'I've put a bit of money in to keep the wolves away from the door, but we've got to change the way the business is run. We've got to save money, but at the same time we've got to earn more money,' he added...

New manager John Coleman replaced Tommy Widdrington in October, and after losing his first six matches in charge, they are back out of the bottom four...

'If we can finish middle of the table, John will have done a good job' said Wood".

11 January 2026

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Unlike Alty the Pools had a game on Saturday and in that rearranged fixture away to Woking they lost 4-0 had Cameron John sent off just before half-time so he will be missing against Altrincham.

However, Hartlepool United had better news last week as "Hartlepool United defender Reiss McNally expressed his delight at returning from long-term injury".

After almost four months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, McNally was back on the pitch for Pools last time out in a 2-1 win against then league leaders Rochdale...

The defender told local press... 'Just to be back out there, I didn’t even want to come off. I wanted to stay on, I’ll always try to play on...

'All the defenders, I think we have a good relationship, good understanding. Whoever is playing, whoever comes in, we’ve all got each other’s backs'”.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : Only 4 games survived the bleak mid-winter, and the only Old Boy active in this division was CARL PIERGIANNI, who captained Stevenage at Kenilworth Road. Luton Town missed a first half penalty, and 8 minutes after the restart Stevenage nosed ahead. However, it took the Hatters only 11 minutes to complete a turnaround, and they held on to win 2-1.

League Two : Although CONNOR JENNINGS came off the Tranmere Rovers bench after 66 minutes at Prenton Park, two goals from the prolific Michael Cheek for Bromley had already more or less settled the match.

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS (right) came off Kilmarnock's bench on the hour at Livingston, where they'd been 1-0 down at half time, and 10 minutes later he scored to earn Killie a 1-1 draw.

National League : York City went to the top of the league, winning 1-2 at Sutton United after going behind inside 8 minutes. ALEX NEWBY played 87 minutes for York, while returning loanee JEFF KING came on in the 69thminute after the scoring was completed. Their other player coming back from loan, TYRESE SINCLAIR, wasn't involved.

CONNOR TEALE played the full game as his Boston United team drew 0-0 at Braintreee Town.

MATT PENNEY went off injured after 20 minutes of Aldershot's home fixture against Solihull Moors. The visitors, already a goal up, went on to win 1-5.

National South : After visitors Hampton & Richmond had struck first, CALLUM DOLAN equalised for Torquay United, and they went on to win 4-1.

National North : CONNOR KIRBY captained Buxton at Oxford City, but was withdrawn after 72 minutes as they lost 2-1.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY started for Chester as they visited Scarborough Athletic (who actually play in Bridlington). TOM PEERS came off the Chester bench after 39 minutes, but the hosts scored the game's only goal 3 minutes after the break.

LUKE WATERFALL gave Worksop Town the lead at home to Merthyr Town, and they soon added a second. But that was as good as it got, because the Welsh side rallied strongly to win 3-5.

NPL Premier Division : ADAM PORTER (right) played the full game for hosts Leek Town, while HAYDEN CAMPBELL lasted 62 minutes. However FC United had scored the game's only goal just 14 minutes in, and RON SITHOLE didn't come off the bench.

NPL Division 1 West : Bootle led at the break, but visitors Wythenshawe Town, for whom ASTLEY MULHOLLAND played the full game, equalised midway through the second half. However TONY THOMPSON, and, despite a yellow card, TOM HANNIGAN, weren't on the wrong end of any more goals, and Bootle scored themselves in the 84th minute to win 2-1.

There was a booking for YASSINE TOURE, and a goal for captain KEVIN ELLISON, but Vauxhall Motors were undone by two late SEAN MILLER goals, visitors Runcorn Linnets winning 1-3.

Southern Premier Central : YUSIFU CEESAY started for Spalding United in their crucial promotion clash at home to Harborough Town, which they won 3-1, scoring the clincher in the 100th minute. The Lincolnshire club are now 9 points clear at the top of the division, although Harborough have 4 matches in hand.

FA Cup 3rd Round : Even though holders Crystal Palace put out a weakened team, there can be no denying that their dismissal from the competition at Macclesfield was the day's biggest upset.

The Silkmen, for whom SAM HEATHCOTE (left) played the full game, were 2-0 ahead, and went on to a famous 2-1 victory. Three Old Boys were unused substitutes : DANNY WHITEHEAD, REGAN GRIFFITHS, and recent signing MIKEY STONE.

Interestingly, Luis Lacey, who played the first 79 minutes is the brother of former Robin PADDY LACEY, who hasn't played for anybody since leaving Flint Town United last season, but is enjoying a fine new career as a middleweight boxer, remaining unbeaten after 12 fights. A third brother, Shea, made his second substitute appearance for Manchester United at Burnley on Wednesday, hitting the crossbar during a 7 minute cameo.

Although JAKE BICKERSTAFF played the full game for Cheltenham Town, 2 first half goals saw visitors Leicester City go through.

Grimsby Town made heavy weather of winning their home tie against Weston-super-Mare, who equalised twice before succumbing to an 86th minute winner. JUSTIN AMALUZOR was an unused substitute for the Mariners.

FA Trophy : Carlisle United didn't seem to consider this competition a priority, and for their visit to Chatham Town they rested REGAN LINNEY, although CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was on the bench, and played the second half. However the Kent side had already scored the tie's only goal in the first period.

Yeovil Town made hard work of seeing off visitors Alvechurch, not helped by having Brett McGavin sent off midway through the first half. KYLE FERGUSON (right) played the full game (as usual MATT GOULD didn't) and it ended goalless. The Glovers missed their third penalty in the shootout, but it didn't matter, since Alvechurch failed to convert 3 of the 4 they took.

AFC Fylde started CHRIS MERRIE and RYAN COLCLOUGH at Hereford, where they led 0-2 at the break. GEORGE WILSON came off the bench after 59 minutes, by which time Hereford had pulled a goal back, then Ryan was withdrawn 9 minutes later. However, the Bulls equalised after 86 minutes to take the tie to penalties. JUSTIN DONAWA had started for them - indeed he skimmed the bar with a bicycle kick - but he wasn't called upon in the shootout, in which George converted his kick, and Fylde settled it 4-3 to progress.

In off-the-field news, JOHN DISNEY, manager of Connah's Quay Nomads, has signed JAMES JONES who recently left Chester FC. The two men played together at Altrincham.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 1-5 Solihull Moors
• Braintree Town 0-0 Boston United
• Sutton United 1-2 York City
• Woking 4-0 Hartlepool Unuted

EMIRATES FA CUP THIRD ROUND FIXTURES

Saturday, 10 January 2026

• Macclesfield 2-1 Crystal Palace (k.o. 12.30pm)
• Boreham Wood 0-5 Burton Albion (k.o. 3pm)
• Grimsby Town 3-2 Weston-super-Mare (k.o. 5.45pm)

ISUZU FA TROPHY FIXTURES

Saturday, 10th January 2026

• Bath City P-P Southend United
• Chatham 1-0 Carlisle United
• Eastleigh P-P Southport
• Ebbsfleet United 0-2 Forest Green Rovers
• FC Halifax Town P-P Anstey Nomads
• Hereford FC 2-2 AFC Fylde (AFC Fylde won 4-3 on pens)
• Hornchurch P-P AFC Telford United
• Leatherhead 2-3 Horsham
• Marine 1-1 Gloucester City (Marine won 4-3 on pens)
• Scunthorpe United P-P Clitheroe
• Tamworth P-P Rochdale
• Walton & Hersham 1-0 Brackley Town
• Wealdstone 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Yeovil Town 0-0 Alvechurch (Yeovil Town won 3-1 on pens)

Tuesday 13th January 2026

• Bath City v Southend United
• FC Halifax Town v Anstey Nomads
• Hornchurch v AFC Telford United
• Kidderminster Harriers v Morecambe
• Scunthorpe United v Clitheroe
• Tamworth v Rochdale
• Woking v Macclesfield FC

From Bath City comes a statement about the postponement of their home tie against Southend United.

"Everyone at the football club is frustrated by today’s decision. First of all, we’d like to acknowledge the length that home and away supporters have travelled and wish them a safe journey home. We hope to see as many of them as possible on Tuesday night.

At 9 am, we inspected the pitch and deemed it to be playable. Frost covers were in place overnight and there were no concerns with the pitch upon arrival. This was communicated to the match referee and he felt no need to arrive to the stadium earlier to inspect.

When the referee arrived at 1 pm, he expressed concerns over a run-off area on the Popular Side and went on to express further concerns about general pitch deterioration whilst inspections were taking place.

As a club run by volunteers, we did everything in our power to ensure the game went ahead as planned. We would like to reiterate that this was a refereeing decision made on the basis of player safety, something paramount to us all.

We completely understand and sympathise with the frustrations of both sets of supporters, but this was a decision that – ultimately – was out of our hands".

This and the other matches involving National League sides have been rescheduled as shown above.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday 13th January

• Eastleigh P-P Brackley Town
• Southend United P-P Gateshead

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The move sees Beck take the next step in his career with a Football League club, having been a key part of The Lambs’ success...

Manager Andy Peaks said 'I’m really pleased for Becks to be given the opportunity to join a club in the Football League. He had a few offers in the summer and has decided now is the right time.

Obviously, we’re disappointed to lose him as he’s been a big part of the club’s success, but he goes with my blessing and I look forward to staying in touch with him and following his progress'"

Boston United report that "striker Manni Norkett has returned from his loan spell at Stamford AFC – and subsequently gone back out on loan to Mickleover.

The 21-year-old has one goal to his credit – at Hartlepool United in September – in United colours so far. He has made a dozen appearances to date.

Mickleover are currently sixth in the Midlands Division of the Northern Premier League",

On Saturday, Eastleigh reported that "our Isuzu FA Trophy fixture against Southport has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Our playing surface was in a perfect condition yesterday and temperatures were not due to fall below zero degrees. Unfortunately, an unexpected frost which wasn’t forecasted [sic] has affected a small area of the pitch...

The need for a pitch inspection ahead of today wasn’t required with the pitch in a perfectly playable condition. With temperatures expected to rise throughout the morning, we remained hopeful... Upon the referee’s arrival, we highlighted a small area of the pitch, and we agreed a provisional pitch inspection for 1:30pm.

With the Southport squad already in the local area and away support due to arrive, we felt that giving the pitch as long as possible was the best option to see the game go ahead. Unfortunately, with both teams present, the referee made the decision to postpone this afternoon’s fixture".

Solihull Moors report that "Louis Jackson has returned to Manchester United following the end of his loan agreement.

Louis signed for Moors in a bid to gain valuable senior experience. Louis demonstrated his ability on multiple occasions, with a stand out performance coming against Stratford Town in the Birmingham Senior Cup".

And another player departing Soilihull Moors is George Nurse, whose "loan spell at Damson Park has now come to an end.

George joined the Moors on loan on 5 December and quickly established himself as a regular starter at left-back, making a strong impression with his consistency, work rate and professionalism throughout his month with the Club".

Forest Green Rovers' "Forward Aidan Dausch has been recalled by Coventry City. Rovers signed Dausch on loan in August 2025.

The 19-year-old made 11 appearances across all competitions this season".

Also at the New Lawn, "Forest Green are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Chibuzo Nwoko from Fulham on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The dynamic midfielder has risen through the Fulham youth system and is currently representing the U21 side...

FGR manager Robbie Savage said 'Fulham are trusting us with one of their best young talents. He’ll be brilliant for us, can play as a 6 or an 8, he’s left-footed and dynamic!'".

Truro City "confirm that midfielder Cole Deeming has returned to his parent club West Bromwich Albion, after his loan expired.

Deeming, 18, first linked up with the Tinners in November and made his debut in a 3-2 home reverse at the hands of Sutton United.

He then featured in the National League Cup clash with West Ham United, league game on the road at Hartlepool United and Isuzu FA Trophy tie at Southend United.

His loan was then extended to cover the pre and post festive games...

Deeming’s final match of his second loan saw the talented teen score in a 1-1 draw at promotion chasing Forest Green Rovers".

Woking "confirm that Caleb Richards’s contract has been extended, with a one-year option activated for the defender, securing his services until June 2027..

Caleb has been a model of consistency and reliability. This season, he has featured in every league match so far, completing 100% of available minutes in National League fixtures, underlining his durability and the trust placed in him by the manager. Over the last 365 days, he was ranked 33rd in world football for minutes played.

Director of Football, Jody Brown said, 'The manager has trusted him in various positions and he’s an ever-present so far this season, following on from a similar few seasons at Kidderminster'".

Yeovil Town "announce the signing of Dakarai Mafico on loan from Cardiff City until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has been highly rated at Cardiff and has featured on the fringes of their first team. Mafico made his senior Cardiff debut... in the 3-0 League One win over Rotherham United, and has also been involved with the Wales Under-21 squad, making his debut against Belgium U21s in November 2025.

Mafico signed his first professional contract with Cardiff City in July 2024...

Dakarai Mafico said 'I’ve heard a lot about the club and the team, and I can’t wait to contribute and help the squad wherever I can'".

10 January 2026

BLANK SATURDAYS

Indeed, traditional Saturday afternoon kick-offs at Altrincham have been fairly rare this season as just five of their 13 home league games have been played at that time.

Alty face another deviation from Saturday afternoon games at 3pm in their next fixture, on 17 December, when they travel to Hartlepool United for a 12.30pm kick off, a time dictated by streaming service DAZN.

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

American real estate developer Landon Smith completed a takeover of the National League club on New Year's Eve, ending Raj Singh's seven-and-a-half year tenure in charge.

Featherstone was appointed Pools' permanent boss by Singh last month, following the departure of Simon Grayson in October...

Smith backed Featherstone in an open letter... 'As a manager new to this game, it's exactly what you want to hear,' Featherstone told BBC Radio Tees.

'The conversation I had with him privately was exactly what I wanted to hear and to back it up publicly is brilliant for me personally'...

Under Featherstone, Pools have climbed from 12th to ninth, four points outside the play-offs... He said 'We're not just going to become the best team in the league overnight. It's a process and something he sees as a long-term plan. But there are a lot of positive feelings around the place, which is long overdue.'"

OSBORNE BECOMES THIRD DEPARTURE IN A WEEK

Elliot, who will turn 30 this May, made 193 appearances for the Robins after joining us from Stevenage in January 2022.

He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club, as underlined by manager Neil Gibson, who said 'I have really enjoyed working with Elliot in the short space of time we have been together.

'He is someone who had an impact in the first four or five games we played after my arrival at the club, but, of course, his contribution goes back a lot further than that.

'We wish him very well and thank him for his services both during my time here and previously.'

The departure of Mikey Stone earlier this week to Macclesfield FC, was not seismic news as he had only arrived at the club a month earlier, and had never played for the Robins.

More significant was the announcement of Keaton Ward's move to Gateshead. He had been Phil Parkinson's first signing of summer 2025 and had made 26 appearances since then.

But the announcement of the departure of Elliot Osborne, one of the club's senior professionals and its leading appearance maker in the current squad, underlines Neil Gibson's determination to change the squad's composition to try and find a solution to the club's protracted poor form since last Spring. Only Matty Kosylo of the current squad has been at the club for a longer period.

Indeed, it is just three days over four years since Osborne's arrival at Moss Lane was revealed.

Elliot was one of Phil Parkinson's many Altrincham signings who had formerly played under him at Nantwich Town. He had started out in the youth system at Port Vale but, after the Valiants had released him, he joined another Staffordshire club in Newcastle Town as an 18 year-old in 2014.

Right: Just over year ago, on 7 December 2024, Elliot Osborne was captaining Altrincham against Macclesfield FC in the FA Trophy.

In February 2015 he moved across the county border to Cheshire to sign for Nantwich Town where he netted 22 times from midfield. In summer 2016 he signed for Fleetwood Town of League One but in September 2016 he went out on loan to Tranmere Rovers.

In January 2017 he went on another loan, to Stockport County and then Morecambe in League Two at the start of the 2017-18 campaign. However, in early 2018 he was transferred from Fleetwood to Southport for an undisclosed fee.

September 2018 found him on loan to Stockport County and in November he signed for the Hatters, where he went on to record 79 appearances and 11 goals.

A move south came in summer 2020 when he was signed by League Two Stevenage and he played 30 games there in 2020–21 season.

He played every minute of all but two of his 23 league appearances for Altrincham in 2021-22 and was an ever-present starter in 2022-23 by October 2022 but, in the latter part of the season, he was often a used substitute. However, 2023-24 saw him playing well as a regular starter once again and in 2024-25 he was again a mainstay of the side in midfield.

However, he was unfit to start the 2025/26 season, only making his first appearance in the league in game number seven of the campaign. He then started regularly under Phil Parkinson and then Neil Gibson but, in Alty's last four league games, he has started just once.

In all Elliot had made 17(+8) appearances in all competitions this season, bringing his career total at Altrincham to 165(+28) appearances, in which he scored four times.

A MORE THAN "O.K." INTERVIEW

Otis started the interview by outlining how his career started at Manchester United at a very young age. From there he moved to Sheffield United.

But is was whilst on loan at Yeovil Town, under manager Darren Way, that he feels that he he made his breakthrough in terms of first-team games. He really enjoyed his time there, "everything sort of clicked" he said.

As well as Darren Way, Otis has a lot of time for Nigel Clough who gave him a debut for Burton Albion.

At Tranmere Rovers he played in an FA Trophy Final at Wembley but, sadly, COVID meant it was not the occasion it might have been, otherwise. Also, it was at Tranmere that he first crossed paths with Alty boss Neil Gibson.

Kenny Jackett signed Otis at Orient but the sometime Altrincham resident was sacked shortly afterwards.

Otis was approached by Pakistan to play for their national side a couple of years ago and went on to compete in World Cup qualifiers. Norberto Solano is their current manager.

Otis has even captained Pakistan. That was in a match against Saudi Arabia when they were managed by Roberto Mancini and Yaya Toure.

His last club before joining Altrincham was in Malaysia but behind the scenes issues brought that to an unsatisfactory conclusion.

Asked by Brian about his role on the pitch, Otis described himself as an a attacking midfielder who is "direct and gets forward" and who likes to "play the ball on the floor".

Alty's two-week gap without a fixture has helped him to get to know the squad and the management well.

JOSH GRANT SETTLES IN

The 27-year old from Brixton is with us for the rest of the season...

[He spent] more than a decade at Chelsea's Academy and made over 100 appearances for Plymouth Argyle and Bristol Rovers as well as being capped by England under-18s and under-20s.

He is well known to Neil after playing 24 times for Wealdstone last season, prior to joining Carlisle six months ago...

Neil Gibson stated that Josh "is a player I worked with previously at Wealdstone and is someone who is very aware of what is needed on and off the pitch.

'He sets really high standards in and around the training ground and on match days out in the middle. He is a leader. He speaks, organises and communicates well with the rest of the group, and he plays in a number of positions, mainly as a holding central midfielder but also as a defender in the middle of a back four or back three...

'I saw first-hand the influence he had on Wealdstone staying in the National League last season, so I'm really keen to work with him again and grateful we have been able to secure this loan move'".

A brief video interview with Josh is available via Alty TV.

SQUAD CATCH-UP

But things have been far from quiet off the J. Davidson Stadium pitch where there have now been six ins or outs during the past week.

• IN: Otis Khan
• IN: Josh Grant, on loan from Carlisle United
• OUT: Mikey Stone, signed for Macclesfield FC
• OUT: Billy Waters, loanee returned to Oldham Athletic
• OUT: Keaton Ward, signed for Gateshead
• OUT: Elliot Osborne

ALTY OLD BOYS

FA Cup 3rd round : Having put himself under pressure by picking up a yellow card after 25 minutes, TOBY MULLARKEY was withdrawn by Fleetwood Town after 59 minutes at Port Vale. The Valiants had scored the game's only goal in added time at the end of the first half, and didn't need to bring BEN LOMAX off the bench.

NPL Division 1 West : Atherton Collieries skipper JOE PIGGOTT was substituted after 68 minutes, and replaced by SAM SHERIDAN, but Atherton were beaten 0-2 by visitors Stalybridge Celtic.

KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game for Celtic, while DONTAI GABIDON came on after 78 minutes. ELLIOT ROKKA was left on the bench.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

A product of West Ham’s renowned development system, the Bethnal Green-born defender enjoyed a standout youth career... His progress was rewarded in the summer of 2022 when he signed his first professional contract...

During the 2024/25 campaign, Robinson featured 24 times in all competitions for the U21s... and has since gained senior experience through loan spells with Sutton United and Scottish Premiership side Livingston... Robinson is also an England youth international".

Also arriving at Boreham Wood is "centre back Ollie Kensdale, who joins the Wood on a permanent basis from EFL League Two side Barnet...

Kensdale joined his hometown club Colchester United at the age of seven and progressed through their Academy... and then gaining his first taste of men’s football with several loan spells at Maldon & Tiptree.. during the 2018/19 campaign. Kensdale went on to make his first-team debut for Colchester in the EFL Trophy before featuring in League Two...

Following spells with Bath City, Braintree Town and Concord Rangers, Kensdale joined Southend United at the end of 2021, where he established himself as a key figure, making 110 appearances and scoring twice for the Shrimpers. After a season with Eastbourne Borough, helping the club reach the National League South play-offs, he signed for Barnet in May of last year".

Gateshead confirm that Kain Adom has joined Burton Albion for an undisclosed fee.

The forward departs after spending the last two years on Tynesid and leaves as the club's top scorer across the 2025/26 season, scoring 12 goals in 28 appearances".

The Deck adds that "The 24-year-old has been a rare spark in what’s been a fairly disappointing campaign for Gateshead so far this season, and now things look set to get even worse for Rob Elliot’s side".

Gateshead add that they have also signed "forward Billy Chadwick on a permanent transfer from York City. The 25 year-old signs... until the end of 2026/27 season, joining the club for the second time after originally spending the first half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan on Tyneside from Stockport County".

9 January 2026

KEATON WARD DEPARTS

The 25-year old attacking midfielder joined us in the summer after a successful two-year stay at Boston United and went straight into the starting line-up for an eventful season-opener, as the Robins beat Aldershot 3-2 at The J.Davidson Stadium with a late winner from Jimmy Knowles.

He opened his scoring account with a goal at Rochdale in our second fixture and followed up with a stunning volley to secure a 1-0 win at Truro in November.

Keaton's dead-ball delivery was always a feature of his time with us, and, in thanking him for his contribution over the course of the season, we would like to wish him well in his future career".

Footnote: Central midfielder Keaton Ward's arrival at Altrincham was announced on 26 May 2025, making him Phil Parkinson's first summer signing, following the expiry of the player's contract at Boston United.

He had started out at hometown club, Mansfield Town in 2019, moving later that year to Barnsley, though he made no first-team appearances for either club.

From Oakwell he had brief loans at FC United of Manchester, Gainsborough Trinity and Ilkeston Town.

He rejoined Mansfield Town in 2021 making 15 appearances as well as featuring in 22 games on loan at Telford United.

He spent 2022-23 at Kettering Town before joining Boston United in 2023, where he went on to make 86 appearances in which he scored ten times.

Having made his Alty debut in the opening match of the season, his appearances became less regular, with only nine starts recorded in the first nineteen league fixtures. On departure he had made 14(+12) appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Jon Moran said, 'This hasn’t been an easy decision, as everyone knows what this club and its supporters mean to me and my family. I am incredibly grateful and privileged to have been given the opportunity to manage my boyhood club at such a young age and while I understand results have not been as consistent as we all would have liked this season, the support that myself and my management team have received from the supporters, players and board has been unwavering and for this I will be eternally grateful...

'I plan to continue my personal development as a coach'...

Dabbers Chairman Jon Gold said 'Whilst this isn’t the outcome that any of us wanted, we fully support Jon’s decision. He is one of the youngest managers ever in the NPL and a fantastic coach and leader, a real class act and he epitomises what Nantwich Town is all about and I firmly believe he has an exciting and successful future ahead of him, both in life and football'".

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

• Boreham Wood v Brackley Town
• Truro City v Braintree Town
• Boston United v West Ham United U21
• Tamworth v FC Halifax Town

The ties are to be played on Tuesday, January 27.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"The main aim is to keep the football club in the league and I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think we were going to do it. It's going to be a challenge but we will do it".

Scunthorpe United "announce the acquisition of versatile winger Kyle Hurst for the remainder of the 2025-26 Enterprise National League campaign.

A product of the Birmingham City academy, Hurst signed his first professional deal with the Blues at 18... before making the switch to Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2022...playing 45 games in his first League Two campaign...

Now 23 years old, Hurst has surpassed 100 games for Rovers, including 21 last season, as he played his part in Doncaster's promotion to League One, featuring in the first-half of the term before joining Scottish Championship side Queen's Park for the second-half of the season, playing 10 times for the Spiders.

So far this season, Hurst has plied his trade on loan with fellow National League side Gateshead FC, playing 29 times in all competitions for the Heed, being a standout figure for a struggling side with six goal contributions so far this campaign".

From the Midlands, the Express & Star reports that "Levi Amantchi has left Walsall to join National League side Gateshead on a permanent deal, after an agreement has been struck between both clubs.

The 25-year-old, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Rochdale in the fifth-tier, leaves Bescot after just 12 months following an agreement between Walsall and Gateshead, which will remain undisclosed.

Amantchi arrived on an undisclosed fee from Bromley and penned an 18-month contract, which included the option of a further year.

Yeovil Town "announce the signing of Jonathon Page from Walton and Hersham until the end of the season, with the option of an additional year.

Page, a defensive midfielder, spent 10 years progressing through the youth ranks at Fulham, signing his first professional contract in February 2020...

[He] gained valuable senior experience during a loan spell at Farnborough, before joining them permanently. He went on to make almost 100 appearances in the National League South.

After a spell with Aldershot Town, Page joined Walton and Hersham in June 2025, linking up with Billy Rowley and Darren Simpson and helping the Swans to the top of the table. He now takes the next step in his career by joining them at Huish Park.

Jonathon Page said 'I’m really excited to be joining Yeovil Town and to be working with Billy and Darren again'...

Billy Rowley added 'Jonathon is a talented, disciplined defensive midfielder who brings experience and energy to our squad'">

From the BBC comes news that "Forest Green Rovers have signed midfielder Chibuzo Nwoko on loan from Fulham for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old has made 16 appearances for Fulham's under-21 side this season and is described by Forest Green manager Robbie Savage as 'one of their best young talents' who can play as 'a six or an eight'.

8 January 2026

WINGER KHAN JOINS ALTY

He writes that "Gibson has significantly strengthened Altrincham's midfield options after landing vastly-experienced and versatile winger Otis Khan on an 18-month deal.

Locally born but capped at international level by Pakistan on 12 occasions, Otis brings with him a wealth of know-how after clocking up over 200 Football League appearances as a winger ...

Said Neil 'He is a player I have seen and worked with during his time with Tranmere Rovers five or six years ago, and he is someone who has played at a very good level for a lot of distinguished clubs in the Football League.

'He's got experience at National League level as well, and he's at a really good age, in terms of what he will bring to the group with regard to his experience and being such a good character... He is a neat and tidy footballer, very capable in possession, and he can play in a number of positions, so he is going to add some real quality to the team in a number of different areas.

'On top of all that, he is someone who understands what out-of-possession looks like and how important it is, as well as being a very gifted and technical footballer'...

Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Otis spent a decade in Manchester United's Academy before switching to Sheffield United's youth system in the summer of 2012... On leaving Bramall Lane in January 2016, he was awarded an 18-month contract at Barnsley in League One ... Later that year, he was snapped up by League Two Yeovil Town on a 12-month deal, and that was followed by a move to Mansfield Town, also in League Two, for an undisclosed fee in June 2018...

Following his departure from Mansfield in the summer of 2020, he turned down offers from League One clubs to join League Two Tranmere... After stints with Walsall and Leyton Orient, he signed for Grimsby Town in July 2022... When Grimsby released him at the end of the 2023-24 season, he signed a one-year agreement with Oldham Athletic for the 2024-25 campaign and finished it on loan at Yeovil.

Otis turned 30 in September and is fresh from a brief spell abroad, playing for Malaysian side Kelantan Red Warrior".

Footnote: Khan played at the JDS against Altrincham last April, whilst on loan at Yeovil Town

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

• £500 cash | 426 E Mead
• £75 cash | 215 D. Johnston
• Hospitality for Two | 229 Martin Hamnett
• £25 cash | 218 A Hooper
• Bottle of Alty Gin | 343 Ian Richards
• Scarf & Pin Badge | 94 May Davis

ALTY OLD BOYS

Rovers needed to win to qualify for the next phase, but found themselves down to 10 men after just 5 minutes and lost to the only goal of the game.

They could still go through if Coventry win their remaining game against Leyton Orient to stop the London club from qualifying.

Elsewhere, Carlisle United "announce that CHRIS CONN-CLARKE's loan deal from Peterborough United has been extended until the end of the season.

Conn-Clarke, 24, arrived in Cumbria on loan in early October, with his initial deal due to expire at the end of January.

Since making the switch to Brunton Park, he has made 11 appearances for United - three of those coming in the Emirates FA Cup, with the remainder in the Enterprise National League.

Head Coach, Mark Hughes said... 'Since arriving, he’s shown exactly the quality and composure we knew he could bring to the group, both in training and on matchdays'...

Head of Football Operations, MARC TIERNEY added... 'He understands our way of working, has settled into the group, and continues to show the hunger and quality we look for'".

NATIONAL LEAGUE FOOTBALL ACADEMY CUP

Blyth Spartans and Chester are still to play their tie next Wednesday...

• Blyth Spartans or Chester v Hartlepool United
• FC Halifax Town v AFC Fylde
• Dartford v Slough Town
• Southend United v Sutton United

Ties are to be played on Wednesday 18 February 2026".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Galvin, 24, has penned a two-and-a-half-year contract at Brunton Park, with the club option of a further year...

Ryan began his career with Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday before making a permanent move to FC Halifax Town, following successful loan spells with Gloucester City and Maidstone United...

A two-year spell with the Shaymen... earned him a move to newly-promoted EFL side, Barnet.

In November 2025, Ryan joined promotion rivals Rochdale on an initial two-month loan deal, which was concluded to enable this move to be completed.

Head Coach, Mark Hughes said, 'He’s a fantastic addition to the squad... He brings great energy and professionalism to the group".

Woking "can confirm that Ipswich Town loanee Ashley Boatswain has had his loan deal extended until the end of the season.

Ashley has played 16 games for the club so far this season, scoring 4 goals. The 20-year-old striker’s most recent goals came in his brace performance against AFC Totton in the last round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

Director of Football, Jody Brown, commented, 'Ash got off to a brilliant start at the club with goals against Brackley and Altrincham, but his red card, coupled with Olly and Josh forming a partnership, reduced his playing opportunities after those first couple weeks.

'It’s been a challenge for him yet his output is still pretty good with a goal contribution every 128mins and 4 goals in just 7 starts.

'Our relationship with Ipswich is good, and we all feel there’s more to come from Ashley. Josh Kelly’s injury means there’s a real opportunity to step up and impress.

'We will continue to look to strengthen the squad if the right ones become available. We are in a much different position than this time last year.'”

The owners of Soiuthend United, COSU, "have released a statement following [the recent] bankruptcy verdict against Mr Martin.

As a creditor, we have been kept informed throughout the bankruptcy process. The outcome is expected to result in a significant balance-sheet write-off for COSU, relating primarily to monies advanced to support the club prior to completion of the takeover in July 2024.

Both the transfer of the Roots Hall freehold to COSU, and the payments expected to help finance the regeneration of the stadium, fall outside Ron Martin’s personal bankruptcy, as those matters relate to separate entities and arrangements."

Hartlepool United's new American owner and chairman, Landon Smith has issued an open eletter addressed to "Dear Poolies".

"I am under no illusions about the responsibility that comes with my position and I approach it with respect, care and a long-term mindset...

My approach will be to work methodically towards delivering sustained progress on and off the pitch, guided by sound governance, meaningful engagement with supporters and the right football and commercial structures...

My role is not to change the Club’s identity, but to respect it, protect it and help it grow in the right way...

I have spoken with long-standing supporter Jeff Stelling and I’m looking forward to meeting him in person to discuss how we welcome him back into the Club and how he might play a role for Pools in the future...

I have already spoken with Nicky Featherstone and I want to be clear that he has my backing as manager. Our focus is on supporting him and the team throughout the January window and beyond, as we look to finish the season as strongly as possible and with a continued push for a play-off position... We want to return Pools to the English Football League and, once there, to establish and sustain the Club at that level.

Central to that aim is building a financially strong and sustainable Pools, with a key focus on growing commercial revenue and partnerships that ultimately support investment in football, facilities and people...

Above all, I believe Pools belongs to its fans and its town, and that any real progress only comes through togetherness. My sincere and fundamental hope is that we can unite the Club and town to embark on this journey together. Trust is earned over time and I fully appreciate that you will judge my stewardship not by these words, but by actions and by the standards that are set across the Club in the months and years ahead..

I will be at the upcoming home matches against Altrincham and Gateshead and I am very much looking forward to meeting people from across the Club and experiencing first-hand the atmosphere and support that makes Pools what it is... Let’s Pack the Park on the 17th of January!", the date of Altrincham's visit.

In his latest programme notes, chairman of Boreham Wood Danny Hunter writes that "In the National League we of course get to play against plenty of ex-football league clubs here – great clubs like Scunthorpe United, York City, Hartlepool United, Carlisle United, Rochdale and Southend United...

Some regularly call the smaller clubs like ours 'tin pot'...

Whether we are tin pot or not, I feel many of the bigger clubs in our division, are way too big for our league and they deserve, (as we all do), promotion and relegation parity that clubs in the EFL enjoy...

After 24 league games we are where we are on merit. That said, we accept we are a small club with limited finance, so we must remain focused, remain well run and remain concentrated on good recruitment..

As a small, overachieving community football club we must look ahead... We have entered 2026 with quiet ambition, with smart and progressive staff, and an academy and football club with no historical debt. In truth this season’s first team budget even with a few more player additions, is still just about manageable... and trust me we’re ready to keep going to the end and see where this season might take us..

It’s the togetherness, the friendships and the collaborations that has [sic] been our strength and it’s our unity that keeps me going, and I feel with some further personal investment that we really could just make the impossible, become possible this season".

7 January 2026

GRANT JOINS ALTY ON LOAN

Grant, now 27, was an England U-18 and U-20 international and started out at Chelsea, from where he had loans at Yeovil Town and Plymouth Argyle. He spent 2020-24 at Bristol Rovers making more than 80 appearances for The Gas before spending 2024-25 with the Stones

He was a used substitute when the Stones drew with Altrincham last December in London. Josh was an unused sub for Carlisle when they visited the JDS this season. He has made 12 appearances for Carlisle.

TWO DEPART FROM ALTY

Left: Billy Waters

The forward's time at The J.Davidson Stadium was unfortunately interrupted by injury, which led to Billy making only three appearances for the club.

Winger Mikey Stone is another player leaving Alty, as he moves on to pastures new. We wish both Billy and Mikey all the best for the remainder of the season.

Defender Yassine Toure has had his loan spell with Vauxhall Motors extended for a second month. The 19-year-old has made five appearances for the NPL West club since the start of December.

Footnote: Waters made all three of his appearances from the bench; 17 minutes at Wealdstone in the league, and a combined further 17 minutes across two appearances from the bench against Harborough Town in the FA Cup.

He managed to pick up two yellow cards in his 34 minute Altrincham career and did not score.

As for Stone, he never got on the pitch for Altrincham. The nearest he came was that he was named but not used on the bench at Telford in the FA Trophy.

DEJA VU AS MACC SIGN STONE

In what seems like a parallel to the James Berry case where a promising young player joined Altrincham only to leave before making an appearance and then turned up at Macclesfield, Stone "agreed terms earlier today (Tuesday 6th January)" with the Silkmen.

Macc state that "Stone has most recently played [sic] locally for rivals Altrincham for the last month or so before confirming his switch to Macclesfield at the turn of the year".

NEW DATE FOR MORECAMBE'S VISIT

This means the J Davidson Stadium's pitch will have three home games played on it in the space of a week:

• Tue.3.2.26 v MORECAMBE 7.45pm
• Sat.7.2.26 v YEOVIL TOWN 3pm
• Tue.10.2.26 v WEALDSTONE 7.45pm

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Their current keeper is, again like Alty, a loanee, namely George Evans, who has made twelve starts for the Pools in the National League so far.

His parent club, Millwall, announce that "George Evans has extended his loan at Hartlepool United until 7th February 2026.

The goalkeeper has impressed between the sticks for the Enterprise National League side and will now stay in the north-east for a further month".

Curiously in those twelve matches, he has tasted defeat just three times but, encouagingly for Altrincham, on each occasion it was a home fixture in which the Pools lost the game.

ALTY OLD BOYS

National North : Macclesfield's home match against Radcliffe survived the weather, and SAM HEATHCOTE started for them, while JORDAN HULME did so for the visitors.

The Silkmen raced into a two goal lead inside 21 minutes, but the crucial moment of the first half came when their keeper, Dearnley, saved a 39th minute penalty.

DANNY WHITEHEAD came off the Macclesfield bench after 77 minutes, and although Radcliffe pulled back a 95th minute goal, the home club's efforts to get the game played were rewarded by a 2-1 win in front of a crowd of 2,578.

Welsh Premier League : JOEL TORRANCE made 2 saves, but Bala Town were unsurprisingly outplayed at leaders TNS, going down 2-1.

Following the 2021 photo of Altrincham players at Trafford FC which we published yesterday (see below), Phil has ascertained that amongst those in the image, WILL HALL is currently at Hyde United, where he has been starting regularly and, indeed, he was their captain on Boxing Day. However, he missed their last match on Saturday so may be injured.

CURTIS MILLER (left) is now playing in Australia for Melbourne club Albion Rovers.

BRAD JACKSON is apparently still at Radcliffe, as is JUDE OYIBO, but neither is currently in their matchday squad.

And, in other news, following the recent death at the age of 95 of former Altrincham goalkeeper COLIN McDONALD, Terry Rowley advises that PETER HIGHAM may now be the oldest surviving Altrincham player, though this cannot be stated definitively. Peter is 95 years old but was born a month after Colin McDonald.

Terry Rowley's profile of Peter Higham is available in his Alty Legends series.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINALS

Matches are set to be played on 27 January 2026.

• Truro City v Braintree Town
• Other ties to follow.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Northern Ireland under-21 international made 11 appearances for the Pilgrims during his time in Lincolnshire.

Fogarty found regular game time hard to come by – with three separate international call-ups in September, October and November affecting his club availability".

Meanwhile the National League reports that manager "Graham Coughlan says if there’s anyone else out there who can get Boston United out of a rut then he’ll happily step aside for them.. following an error-strewn 2-1 home loss to Eastleigh on Saturday...

His team are in a tough spot after just one win in ten Enterprise National League matches...

He said 'I’m hiding the fact that the blame has to be put on me. So if anyone - the fans, the chairman or the players - feel that my time is up, then no problem at all. There will be no hard feelings, I won’t fall out over it.... If there’s someone out there, and they need to make a change, I’m as honest as the day is long. I’ll help in any capacity. I understand'...

Boston are better on their travels with four away wins so far and now they have back-to-back away games at Braintree Town and FC Halifax...

'We won’t be able to do it on our own, a club effort will be needed,' he added."

At Brackley Town the club announces "the signing of Yahya Bamba on a one-month loan from fellow National League side Forest Green Rovers.

Bamba, a 26-year-old winger/forward, adds pace, direct running, and attacking versatility to Gavin Cowan’s squad, capable of operating across the front line and in wide areas.

The French-born forward enjoyed an excellent spell with Eastbourne Borough, where he was a key contributor during the 2024/25 campaign. He made over 50 appearances for Eastbourne, scoring 11 goals in all competitions.. His performances earned him a move to Forest Green Rovers in June 2025...

Manager Gavin Cowan commented... 'Yahya is a player that gets fans off seats. He has pace, versatility and is hungry to establish himself'">

Another player leaving Forest Green Rovers is James Balagizi, who "has returned to Liverpool. The 22-year-old made 10 appearances for Rovers, scoring a last-minute equaliser against Scunthorpe United earlier in the season.

Balagizi signed from Liverpool on loan in August 2025.

Meanwhile, three players have left Gateshead on completion of their loans.

They are Ibrahim Bakare, Kan Pennant and Kyle Hurst (Doncaster Rovers).

"Bakare and Pennant both arrived on loan in October, with the former making 11 appearances in defence while the latter racked up 14 games in attack... scoring once".

Another player, wing-back Aidan-Elliott-Wheeler has extended his loan at Gateshead until the end of the season after making eight appearances to date.

On a day of busy player moves in the National League, Eastleigh "announce the arrival of defender Luey Giles, who joins the Spitfires on loan from Cardiff City until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has progressed through the academy system at Cardiff City, where he has developed within the club’s youth and development squads. During his time with the Bluebirds, he has featured regularly at academy level and gained experience training in a professional first-team environment.

Primarily operating at left-back, Giles has continued his development through competitive youth football and now makes the move to Eastleigh to gain further experience in senior men’s football.

Bartlett commented 'Luey is a talented player who has been in and around the Cardiff City first team. He possesses excellent quality and is comfortable in a number of positions down the left, as well as at left centre-back'"

Eastleigh also "announce the signing of defender Will Spiers, who joins the Spitfires on loan from Cardiff City until the end of the season.

Spiers has spent his development years with the Bluebirds, coming through their academy ranks... During his time at Cardiff, he has made his senior debut in a Vertu Trophy fixture against Newport County earlier this season...

The right-back spent time with Merthyr on loan after joining the Welsh side in October 2025... Spiers secured four assists from 11 league appearances.

Manager Brtlett expressed his delight... commenting 'Will is a player we’ve watched on numerous occasions and is an exciting, attack-minded wing-back. Following a brilliant loan spell at Merthyr, he attracted interest from the EFL,'".

Closer to home Rochdale "confirm that Ryan Galvin has been recalled by his parent club Barnet.

The versatile defender joined Dale in November, appearing for the first time in our 2-0 home win over Eastleigh.

Galvin, 24, made four further outings for the club with a total of four wins out of five during his loan spell".

Also Rochdale report that "Levi Amantchi and Nathan Broome have both returned to their parent clubs following short-term loan spells at the Crown Oil Arena.

Amantchi, who joined the club in late July, made 20 appearances and scored twice during his five-month stay...

The 25-year-old now heads back to League Two high-flyers Walsall.

Goalkeeper Broome was loaned in from Bolton Wanderers in November, following an injury to Oliver Whatmuff at our win over Tamworth. The recently turned 24-year-old appeared four times".

He was named in the starting eleven to face Altrincham last Saturday but the late postponement of that game cost him an appearance as Morecambe reveal that "Maldini Kacurri has returned to Arsenal following the end of his loan deal.

The 20-year-old made 18 National League appearances during his time with the club, becoming a regular feature in the starting XI.

Kacurri took home Player of the Month twice, as he impressed fans with his performances throughout October and November.

The defender scored one goal as a Shrimp".

Sutton United "confirm that Kai Jennings has extended his loan deal from AFC Wimbledon until the end of the season.

The midfielder initially joined the club on a temporary deal until Sunday 4th January, and has become a firm fans’ favourite during his brief stint at the VBS Community Stadium so far.

An impressive first half of the season has seen him rack up 14 appearances...

His finest moment in amber so far in front of the television cameras [came when] scoring directly from a corner against Shrewsbury Town in the Emirates FA Cup.

He has also impressed with his tenacity and energy in the centre of the park, as well as his wonderful eye for a pass...

Jennings is now set to be a key part of Chrs Agutter’s side for the remainder of the campaign, having successfully made the jump into the fifth tier after previous loan spells at Walton & Hersham and Farnborough.

Furthermore, his form for the U’s has seen him called up to Wimbledon’s first team on two occasions this term".

Solihull Moors "confirm that Rory Brown has departed the Club following the expiration of his contract on 6 January 2026.

Rory joined the Moors in July 2025 and has been a committed and valued member of the squad throughout his time at Damson Park.

His contributions both on and off the pitch have been appreciated by teammates, staff, and supporters alike".

Woking "can confirm that Luke Hall has joined National League North side Worksop Town on an initial loan deal until the end of the season, with a call-back included.

Luke initially spent time on loan with fellow National League North side Buxton FC, making 19 appearances and reaching the Emirates FA Cup Second Round.

Luke’s only appearance for the Cards came in our first National League Cup fixture back in August against West Ham United U21s".

Scunthorpe United "confirm the departure of midfielder Kian Scales as he joins Enterprise National League North side Radcliffe FC on loan for an initial month.

Joining the Iron in the summer of 2023, following his release from boyhood club Bradford City, Scales would arrive ... immediately taking the division by storm and impressing supporters with his tireless performances and incredible work rate.

The midfielder would go on to repeat that feat in United's 2024-25 promotion-winning campaign by covering more ground than any other Iron player and featuring 47 times across the course of the season.

So far this campaign, Scales has featured 19 times for the Iron in the Enterprise National League, with a further six appearances in other competitions. Despite an extended period in the starting XI during the suspension of Joe Starbuck earlier in the season, Scales has struggled to break into the Scunthorpe team at times, hence joining the Boro".

And, finally, the Southend Echo reports that Ron Martin the former owner of Southend United has been declared bankrupt.

6 January 2026

SATURDAY'S "DISORDER"

"Following the postponement of Saturday’s fixture against Morecambe, the Club are aware of several incidents of disorder involving a small minority of supporters outside the stadium environs.

Above: Heat lamps were deployed on an area of the pitch before the postponement last Saturday.

Today (Tuesday), the club has met with Greater Manchester Police, following which a criminal investigation has begun.

Once the investigation has concluded, any individuals identified committing offences may face criminal action.

The Club has a zero-tolerance approach to this level of anti-social behaviour and any individuals identified will face an immediate ban from fixtures at The J Davidson Stadium and travel on official coaches to away fixtures"s.

If you have any information, please contact:

• PC John Coburn by e-mail
• Altrincham Football Club e-mail

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Alty might equally well have filled the gap in the Pools' and their own fixture list but, presumably, with DAZN having selected the game against Alty for live transmission the following week, it was not an option to do that.

So Altrincham face another blank weekend following the postponement of last weekend's clash with Morecambe.

MANAGERS IN TRAFFORD SUFFER COMMON FATE

The other two clubs in question are Altrincham, in the Enterprise National League, and Trafford FC who compete in the Northern Premier League Division One West.

Altrincham's long-serving manager Phil Parkinson departed last autumn after more than eight years in charge of the club and was replaced by Neil Gibson, whose interim appointment was subsequently made permanent.

Trafford FC, meanwhile, are enduring a wretched season. Bottom of their division for several weeks, manager Karl Marginson was replaced by former Alty reserve Tom Baker on 27 October 2025.

Since his appointment Baker has overseen six league matches which started with three stabilizing draws but those encouraging outcomes have been followed by three successive defeats. They remain eleven points from safety, having won just twice in 27 games.

Despite their worrying league position, Trafford recently announced "exciting plans for upgrading their Shawe View ground in Flixton.

The plans include:

• New clubhouse with a community room, new bar and kitchen and new spectator toilets
• New changing rooms for home and away teams and officials, player treatment room, hospitality area, plus spectator toilets and first aid
• LED floodlights: replacing the current sodium lights with more efficient LEDs will save on running costs and reduce light spillage to local properties
• Improved landscaping and planting inside the ground to enhance the biodiversity on the site"

At Trafford in 2021 pre-season, Alty warm-up with (left to right), Tom Peers, Matty Kosylo, Will Hall, Curtis Miller, Toby Mullarkey and Brad Jackson pictured alongside Strength & Conditioning Coach, Ryan Spencer (in red).

In the background, Ian Wilkinson and Brian Flynn prepare for the Radio Robins broadcast from the game, with some of the structures to be ugraded behind them.

Meanwhile Trafford's closest neighbours, Flixton FC, are attempting to rise from the ashes of their club having become defunct.

Following the change in ownership, former club captain Alex Mortimer was appointed as manager, with Rhodri Giggs named assistant manager...

Flixton announced in March of 2025 plans for significant infrastructure improvements at Valley Road Stadium, including the installation of a state-of-the-art playing surface and the renovation of a two-story clubhouse".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Another ex-Alty man is the subject of an announcement from Spennymoor Town that "TOM PUGH (right) has now returned to parent club FC Halifax Town at the end of his loan spell at The Brewery Field.

The midfielder joined Moors back in September and has gone on to make 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal...

Said Moors boss Graeme Lee, 'It’s been great to have him around the place, and he’s made a good contribution on the pitch, so we wish him all the best for his future career.'”

Burnley "are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Burnley and England international goalkeeper COLIN McDONALD at the age of 95.

The Tottington-born player signed for the Clarets as an amateur in July 1948... In 1952 he signed a professional contract with the club, however, he had to bide his time before making his debut for the first team in April 1954. He established himself as Burnley’s number one and for the next couple of seasons, he was more or less ever-present.

Unfortunately, he broke his ankle in a game against Chelsea in December 1956. On his return from injury, he continued to excel for the Clarets and was selected to play for England... In March 1959 [he] suffered a broken leg. Unfortunately, complications and pneumonia hampered his recovery back to full fitness.

Sadly, in May 1961 he retired as a professional footballer and departed the club. He held various coaching and administrative posts within the game and even had a brief spell back in the green shirt for Altrincham in 1965 {to 1966]".

Terry Rowley's profile of Colin McDonald is in his Alty Legends series. Altrincham FC also has a brief appreciation of Colin's life.

ISUZU FA TROPHY FIXTURES

Saturday, 10 January 2026

• Bath City v Southend United
• Eastleigh v Southport
• Ebbsfleet United v Forest Green Rovers
• FC Halifax Town v Anstey Nomads
• Hereford FC v AFC Fylde
• Hornchurch v AFC Telford United
• Kidderminster Harriers v Morecambe
• Leatherhead v Horsham
• Marine v Gloucester City
• Scunthorpe United v Clitheroe
• Tamworth v Rochdale
• Walton & Hersham v Brackley Town
• Wealdstone v Dagenham & Redbridge
• Yeovil Town v Alvechurch

Sunday, 11 January 2026

• Woking v Macclesfield FC

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The pair joined the Saints on initial one-month loans from Birmingham City and have both made a strong impression during their time at St James Park, earning the opportunity to remain with the club for the remainder of the campaign.

Wodskou, a striker, has added energy and a goal threat to the forward line scored his first Saints go in our 2-1 away win at Boston, while Pendleton has impressed with his versatility and consistency, operating effectively at right and left wing-back. Both players have quickly adapted to the demands of senior football and have played an important role in recent performances.

The extension of both loan deals ensures continuity within the squad as Brackley Town look to maintain momentum during the closing stages of the campaign".

Rochdale report that "Tarryn Allarakhia became the first-ever Rochdale representative at the Africa Cup Of Nations tournament... After making his international debut with the Taifa Stars [Tanzania] in... 2023, Allarakhia headed into the 2025 competition having recently scored his first goal for his country...

Two days before Christmas, Tanzania faced one of the favourites to win it Nigeria, in the opening group encounter. Our number seven was named in the starting line-up and involved in the build-up to Charles M’Mombwa’s equalising goal... Unfortunately, Nigeria hit back minutes later to secure all three points...

The side ranked 112th in the world then had the task of Uganda, with Tarryn earning a second straight start... They had to settle for a point.

Tanzania knew victory over Tunisia in the final group match would be enough to secure passage through to the Round of 16... The game ended 1-1, with Tanzania making history by getting past the group phase for the first-ever tim...

This set up a glamorous tie with the host country Morocco on Sunday. Again, Taz had to be patient with a place on the bench and entered the field with... 17 minutes left on the clock. However, their journey ended with another spirited performance".

Sutton United "confirm that Noa Boutin has officially been recalled from his loan spell by parent club, AFC Bournemouth.

The wing-back made the temporary switch to Sutton on the eve of the U’s first win of the season against Carlisle United, playing the full 90 minutes..

Boutin went on to appear 14 times for the club in all competitions, impressing with his marauding runs down the flank...

He last appeared with a 20-minute cameo against AFC Telford United in the last round of the FA Cup".

Yeovil Town "confirm that Luke McCormick has committed his future to the club, signing a new deal that will keep him at Huish Park until Summer 2028.

Luke has been a central figure for the Glovers this season, scoring eight goals already, while consistently leading by example and delivering when it matters most. His work rate, presence, and ability to influence matches in decisive moments have made him an integral part of the side, both on and off the pitch.

Securing Luke’s long-term future represents a significant step in the club’s ongoing plans, underlining a commitment to building a competitive and driven squad capable of sustained success. His influence within the dressing room and strong connection with supporters make this agreement a major boost for everyone associated with the club...

Manager Billy Rowley said 'Keeping him here long term was a priority for us, and this is a really important moment as we continue to build for the future.'”

5 January 2026

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

The 12.30pm kick off time for that fixture has been dictated by DAZN's streaming of the game. The gap in action arises from Altrincham's early exit from the Isuzu FA Trophy as 10 January is the date of the next round in the competition. Given the league match postponement yesterday that will mean two and a half weeks of inaction for The Robins since they played York on 30 December.

15 MANAGERIAL CHANGES SINCE LAST SEASON

The two clubs are similar insofar as both changed managers and appointed initially interim replacements whose initial results led to their becoming permanent bosses.

In Hartlepool's case, the new man is Nicky Featherstone, who replaced Simon Grayson.

Whilst eleven managers, excluding interim appointees, have left Enterprise National League clubs since the start of this season, a further four clubs had already changed their management in the 2025/26 pre-season.

Changes between the end of the 2024/25 season and the start of 2025/26:

1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox

Departures since start of the 2025/26 season:

The eleven departures (so far) this season are listed below; all were sackings unless otherwise stated...

1. MORECAMBE: Derek Adams, sacked on 18 August 2025, replaced by Ashvir Singh Johal
2. YORK CITY: Adam Hinshelwood, replaced by Stuart Maynard
3. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper, replaced by Danny Webb
4. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor, replaced by Chris Millington
5. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison, replaced by Chris Agutter
6. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis, replaced by Scott Bartlett
7. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation), replaced by Billy Rowley
8. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Simon Grayson, replaced by Nicky Featherstone
9. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Tommy Widdrington (resignation), replaced by John Coleman
10. ALTRINCHAM: Phil Parkinson, replaced by Neil Gibson
11. GATESHEAD: Alun Armstrong moved to a new role, replaced by Rob Elliot

So, in all, there have been 15 dismissals or resignations, involving thirteen of the 24 members of the National League over a period of eight months, with Yeovil Town and Gateshead changing manager twice.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Argyle have won 4 and drawn 2 of their last 7 matches, and on Sunday afternoon they saw off visitors Burton Albion 3-0 to climb above them to 16th place.

Left: Junior Quitirna, right Tolani Omotola

JUNIOR QUITIRNA (left) opened the scoring for Wycombe Wanderers against ALI SMITH and AFC Wimbledon. He was withdrawn just after the hour, and Wanderers went on to win 2-0.

League Two : 'tis the season for postponements, and the entire afternoon programme fell victim to the weather, with just the 2 lunchtime games surviving.

JAKE BICKERSTAFF played the first 81 minutes of Cheltenham Town's 3-0 home win over Crawley Town, while JAMES BERRY played the whole of Chesterfield's 2-2 draw at MK Dons.

In other news, TOLANI OMOTOLA (above, right) is nowadays playing for Boldmere St Michael's who play in the NPL Midlands. He scored the only goal in their win at Coleshill Town yesterday

Not a former Alty player but a scout for Phil Parkinson for a period, MICHAEL CLEGG has left Atherton Collieries with the club lying tenth in the NPL West division. The NL Paper quotes Clegg himself as stating that after "575 games, 41 years old, it's time for a little break from football".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Sutton United v York City
• Braintree Town v Boston United

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The defender, adept wither as a left-back or centre-back, joins the Heed having made 20 appearances in the ENL for The Moors this season".

It adds that during the 2-24/25 campaign, he played "an integral role in both Scunthorpe United and Boston United's sides last term".

Chris Millington, manager of his most recent club, Solihull Moors adds "It’s a shame that we are losing Brad, but we respect his desire for more regular football.

Brad has been a reliable and selfless servant to the club in my time here and he goes with our best wishes for the future."

Morecambe report that "Adam Fairclough has returned to the club following the conclusion of his loan spell with Lancaster City.

The young midfielder returns to the Mazuma after a productive period, gaining valuable senior experience.

Fairclough made seven appearances during his time at Giant Axe, finding the net on two occasions".

Fairclough was not in the Shrimps' matchday squad which was named before the postponement of the match against Altrincham on Saturday.

Truro City "announce the permanent signing of defender Shaun Donnellan from Scottish Premiership side Livingston.

Donnellan, 29, joins City after signing a multi-year contract, subject to international clearance.

Since joining the Tinners on loan in August, Donnellan has made 19 appearances for the side...

A former Republic of Ireland international, Donnellan cut his formative footballing teeth at West Bromwich Albion, whilst also playing for the Baggies’ Midland neighbours Walsall.

He has also enjoyed spells at Yeovil Town, Maidstone, Woking and Maidenhead, with a further West Country move to Torquay ahead of the 2022-23 campaign".

4 January 2026

THE POSTPONEMENT YESTERDAY

Above: Lewis Baines and Dan Sassi leave the pitch before the announcement of the game's postponement.

In its preable to the timeline, the club states that "We understand the frustration felt by supporters of both clubs following today’s postponement. As a club, we know how disappointing late decisions are for travelling fans in particular, and we have ourselves been on the receiving end of similar postponements at away fixtures in the past.

"The club’s clear preference is for any match to go ahead, subject at all times to player safety and welfare. However, once match officials arrive at the stadium, the authority to determine whether a fixture is played rests solely with the referee. Clubs do not have the jurisdiction to call a game off.

"The decision to postpone today’s fixture was therefore made by the referee following inspections of the pitch and discussions involving both managers".

RE-ARRANGED GAME

ALTY OLD BOYS

National League : Only 5 fixtures survived the winter weather (the other 6 postponements were confirmed much earlier than was the case at Moss Lane), and Carlisle United took over top spot with a 2-0 home win over Wealdstone. REGAN LINNEY played the full game, but picked up a late yellow card.

Boston United would have gone above Altrincham had they won at home against Eastleigh, but having led early they went down 1-2. CONNOR TEALE again featured in midfield for the Pilgrims, and was in opposition there to JOSH LUNDSTRAM, who was substituted after 87 minutes.

Gateshead seem to be in total disarray, and remain bottom of the league. Tamworth, with KENNEDY DIGIE (left) at the heart of their defence, took full advantage at the Lamb Ground, winning 3-1.

In the evening kick-off, Yeovil Town saw off visitors Braintree Town 3-1. Scotsman KYLE FERGUSON played the entire game and was the sole member of the 22 starters who was not English. The defender had a goal disallowed when the game was goalless. As usual MATT GOULD watched the entire proceedings from the Glovers' bench in his role as the nominated substitute goalkeeper for the hosts.

National South : MYLES WELCH-HAYES returned to Maidenhead United's starting XI at Horsham, and scored their equaliser before they went on to clinch a 1-2 win in the 90th minute.

National North : CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde had CHRIS MERRIE, LIAM BROCKBANK, and GEORGE WILSON in their starting lineup at Bedford Town, where they won 0-2. Both Chris and George had already been substituted when RYAN COLCLOUGH came off the bench after 84 minutes.

Chester started DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY, while TOM PEERS came on after 66 minutes, but LUKE WATERFALL captained visitors Worksop Town to a 0-1 win. SAM WEDGBURY (right) announced his retirement at the end of last season, but has apparently changed his mind. The 36 year old came on for the Nottinghamshire side in the 81st minute.

Welsh Premier League : JOHN DISNEY'S Connah's Quay Nomads took advantage of the TNS game being off to move within a point of them at the top of the table, coming from behind to beat visitors Barry Town 3-1.

Southern Premier Central : With Harborough Town inactive today, Spalding United took the chance to move 6 points clear at the top of the league. YUSIFU CEESAY rounded off the scoring as visitors Barwell were swept aside 3-0.

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS was an 85th minute substitute for Kilmarnock. They were down to 10 men and trailing visitors Hibernian by then, eventually losing 1-3.

NPL Premier Division : There should have been 7 games across the NPL's 4 divisions today, but the only survivor was Hyde United v Ilkeston Town. The game ended 2-2. JACK REDSHAW was out injured, NYAL BELL (right) was an unused substitute, and the only active Old Boy was MAX HARROP who joined the action after 86 minutes and picked up a yellow card in added time.

Both Hyde goals were scored by the magnificently named Braulio Ariel Varela Pinto Maieco.

NWCL Premier Division : DARIUS PALMA rounded off the scoring as Wythenshawe won 1-3 at South Liverpool in one of the only 2 games to survive from 10 scheduled.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The moves came a day after after Rob Elliot was re-appointed as manager, following the team's difficult start to the season.

Beck said he 'jumped at the chance"' to rejoin his former side on loan from Scunthorpe United, having previously made 15 league appearances for the club last season.

Nicholson joins from Solihull Moors and offers flexibility across the backline, with the ability to play both left-back and centre-back.

The club have also announced the return of player-coach Louis Storey, who has left Dorking Wanderers.

The central defender has signed on until the end of the season and will assist Elliot and fellow coach Jacob Butterfield...

The Heed are at the foot of the table, having only won five of their 24 matches so far this season".

On Saturday, FC Halifax Town "were defeated 2-1 away at Forest Green with two goals from Ricardo Rees on his debut for the Gloucestershire side.

New forward Ricardo Rees was straight into the action... The home side looked like they were going to go ahead in the 18th minute, Neil Kengni ball into the box was met by Ricardo Rees, his header hit the post...

Adam Lakeland was forced into an early change in the 38th minute with Josh Hmami having to go off with Thierry Latty-Fairweather replacing him...

Town took the lead within the three minutes of [first-half] injury time... [A] ball across goal was turned home by Will Hugill...

Forest Green equalised in the 67th minute... Rees was on hand to score on his debut...

The game was turned around in the 78th minute, a cross from the left- hand side went all the way to the far post and Rees doubled his goal tally for the afternoon...

Rees was denied a hattrick with five minutes to go as he hit the woodwork for the 2nd time".

Somerset Live reports that "Yeovil Town ended their three-match Enterprise National League winless run after beating relegation-battlers Braintree 3-1 at Huish Park.

The Glovers thought they had broken the deadlock in the 25th minute through Kyle Ferguson's header, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Yeovil eventually went ahead just after the hour when Luke McCormick tucked home a rebound and James Daly then swiftly nodded in a second following Mason Terry's initial save in the 65th minute.

Lewis Walker's fierce shot pulled a goal back for Braintree with 20 minutes left, but Brett McGavin made sure of the points when his late free-kick was deflected past Terry".

3 January 2026

FIASCO AS ALTY GAME POSTPONED AT 2.53PM

The pre-match scene, with the two managers in discussion and Alty's Ethan Ross also evident in the foreground

The reason for the postponement that was given was "safety concerns during the warm-up", though no further elaboration was supplied.

Later, however, Altrincham FC stated "Unfortunately, due to safety concerns brought to the referee by both managers during the warm-up, today's game with Morecambe has been postponed". All very strange.

Pre-match, a row of heat lamps had been deployed on the pitch in front of the main stand presumably to address concerns about the impact of frost though, as can be seen from the accompanying photo, there was no obvious sign of frost on the playing surface.

Altrincham had not arranged a pre-match inspection.

There will now be a further three-week gap until Altrincham's next home game, versus Boreham Wood (24 January).

LINE-UPS FOR THE GAME THAT NEVER WAS: ALTRINCHAM v MORECAMBE

For Altrincham, Owen German dropped out (suspended) and Reddin was omitted (injured?) altogether. Into the starting line-up came Knowles and Kirk.

On the bench Waters and Fallon returned from injury and Osborne rejoined the squad.

ALTRINCHAM 30. Luke Hutchinson, 23. Tylor Golden, 5. Jake Cooper, 34. Dan Sassi, 22. Tom Crawford (c), 8. Isaac Marriott, 14. Matty Kosylo, 7. Olly Crankshaw, 40. Charlie Kirk, 11. Jimmy Knowles, 9. James Gale. Subs: 4. Lewis Baines, 6. Elliot Osborne, 10. Keaton Ward, 17. Lucas Weaver, 29. Billy Waters, 33. Eddy Jones, 27. Louie Fallon (gk).

MORECAMBE: 40. Jamal Blackman, 5. Maldini Kacurri, 6. Ludwig Francillette, 8. Miguel Azeez, 11. Admiral Muskwe, 14. Alie Cesay (c), 18. Ben Tollitt, 28. Emmerson Sutton, 32. George Thomas, 33. Arjan Raikhy, 36. Jack Nolan. Subs: 1. Archie Mair (gk), 2. Lewis Payne, 3. Raheem Conte, 7. Gwion Edwards, 12. Rolando Aarons, 15. Ben Williams, 17. Paul Lewis.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town P-P Solihull Moors (frozen pitch)
• Altrincham P-P Morecambe (player-safety concerns)
• Boreham Wood P-P York City (frozen pitch)
• Boston United 1-2 Eastleigh
• Carlisle United 2-0 Wealdstone
• Forest Green Rovers 2-1 FC Halifax Town
• Rochdale P-P Brackley Town (frozen pitch at Accrington Stanley)
• Scunthorpe United P-P Sutton United (frozen pitch)
• Southend United P-P Truro City (frozen pitch)
• Tamworth 3-1 Gateshead
• Woking P-P Hartlepool United (frozen pitch)
• Yeovil Town 3-1 Braintree Town (k.o. 5.30pm)

BEFORE THE GAME THAT NEVER WAS: ALTRINCHAM v MORECAMBE

For this match the Robins' Review is digital only and can be accessed for free, here.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In a brief statement, Chester FC "confirm that JAMES JONES (right) has left the club by mutual consent.

The defender made 15 appearances this campaign, following a summer move from Enterprise National League side Altrincham, with 13 of those coming in the National League North.

Jones scored on one occasion for the Blues, a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Marine at the Deva Stadium in November".

News of another ex-Altrincham centre-back, this time a loanee, comes from the Oldham Times which tells us that "On-loan defender CHARLIE OLSON (left) has been recalled by parent club Blackburn Rovers.

The 21-year-old had joined Latics on a season long loan in August but found first team opportunities limited to three Football League Trophy games.

And with Blackburn suffering a spate of injuries, forcing them to delve into their Academy for reinforcements, Olson's spell at Boundary Park has been cut short.

Olson made his full debut soon after signing, in the Vertu Trophy tie at home to Manchester City Under 21s... He then started in the next group game, away to League One Rotherham, where Latics let a 2-0 lead slip to lose 3-2...

Olson's final appearance came in their last Vertu Trophy group game, at home to Bolton Wanderers, when he came off the bench after Dynel Simeu was injured just 11 minutes into his debut".

A third ex-Altrincham man is the subject of news from that Hereford FC "is delighted to announce the signing of JUSTIN DONAWA (right) from National League side, Brackley Town.

The Bermudian international winger spent the majority of his career in the National League with the likes of Solihull Moors, Altringham [sic] and Brackley Town.

During the 2024-25 season, Donawa helped the Saints lift the National League North title.

Paul Caddis speaking on the signing [said], 'Justin Donawa is someone we have tried previously to sign and I’m now pleased we are both in a position to make it happen. Justin possesses great athleticism and will be an important addition into our group'".

York Press reports that "JEFF KING is set to link back up with the York City squad as early as next week with his loan spell with Boreham Wood coming to an end.

As confirmed last week, King will spend the second-half of the Enterprise National League season back with York, with his loan spell as divisional rivals Boreham Wood coming to an end.

City have opted to bring King back into the fold for their push for promotion, with the right-back having an impressive spell at Boreham Wood, who currently lead the way in the National League.

King has featured 21 times in the fifth tier for the Wood in the first-half of the campaign, scoring once and assisting on three occasions.

He’s played a key part in Luke Garrard’s sides rise to the summit.

'He’ll be back with us on the Monday training', Maynard... told 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'".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Landon Smith, an American investor and co-founder of real estate company Tailwind Group, has acquired a full controlling stake in Hartlepool United with immediate effect...

Departing Owner and Chairman, Raj Singh, commented 'It has been a real privilege to act as custodian for Hartlepool United for nearly 8 years... Overall, I do believe the Club is in a better place than when I found it, which was always a fundamental aim. It has operated with financial stability for an extended period...

'Landon has passed all League and FA ownership criteria, including submission of detailed business plans and up-front proof of funding'...

New owner Landon Smith commented... 'Our immediate priority is to ensure a smooth transition period and to support the current staff and team with their endeavours this season. That work will start straight away.

'Our longer-term vision is built around key cornerstones and guiding principles of:

• returning to EFL
• developing a full player and club pathway model
• enhancing financial sustainability, including through commercial growth
• enhancing engagement with supporters and community stakeholders
• investment in facilities and people
• respecting and protecting Club heritage...

'Having looked at several National League and EFL Clubs, it was clear to see the potential with Pools, including the benefit of the foundation work that has been put in under the current owner’s tenure. I’m looking forward to building on that, and I’m fully committed to investing in the Club for what I hope will be a very exciting future'".

Also in the North-East, Gateshead "confirm the appointment of Rob Elliot as first-team manager".

From Tyneside, the News & Star explains that Elliot "returns for a second spell in charge, as previous boss Alun Armstrong moves to a different role at the north east outfit.

Armstrong, who had been in charge since last summer, will now be head of football development at the International Stadium.

Gateshead announced the change after an 11-game losing run in all competitions, with the team sitting bottom of the table. They have not won a league game since late September.

Elliot, who had previously been in charge at the Heed from October 2023 to October 2024, has rejoined until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Chairman Bernard McWilliams said... after Elliot's appointment, [the club] would be looking to strengthen the squad in a bid to avoid relegation to National League North.

Elliot, who was in charge of Crawley Town for five months last season, was previously part of Mike Williamson's coaching team at Gateshead prior to taking the top job after Williamson joined Carlisle early in the 2024/25 campaign...

Armstrong... said it was 'in the best interests of myself and the club' to step aside from the managerial role".

Eastleigh " confirm that Ciaran McGuckin has returned to Rotherham United following the end of his loan in Hampshire.

McGuckin featured six times for the club, netting three goals in his short spell. The 22-year-old scored his first goal against Scunthorpe United, earning the Spitfires a point at the Silverlake. Unfortunately, McGuckin suffered a knee injury that saw him sidelined for the remainder of his spell with Eastleigh.

We would like to thank Rotherham United and McGuckin for his efforts during his stay".

Forest Green Rovers "announce the signing of forward Ricardo Rees on a permanent transfer from National League North side Merthyr Town for an undisclosed fee.

The Welsh striker joins Rovers following a prolific campaign so far this season, scoring 25 goals in 23 league appearances during his time with Merthyr Town in the National League North...

Rees scored 38 goals in the 2023/24 season with the Welsh side, followed by another impressive 33 goals in the 2024/45 season.

Rees knows the South West well after short spells with Yate Town and Bath City, as well as graduating from the Bristol City U23 academy at the start of his career.

Rovers fended off interest from several English Football League clubs to secure the striker’s signature".

The OLdham Times reports that "Harry Charsley has left Oldham Athletic to join Truro City on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old signed for Latics from Newport County at the start of the 2024/25 season and got off to a flying start with a goal on his debut in a 3-0 win over Braintree.

But the midfielder has suffered a number of injury setbacks that have severely impacted his opportunities at Boundary Park.

And with manager Micky Mellon needing to move players on in order to be able to make any January additions, an agreement has been reached for former Mansfield man Charsley to sign for National League newcomers Truro, having made 15 appearances for Latics

2 January 2026

2025: THE YEAR HOME FORM FELL AWAY

In the calendar year of 2025, Altrincham played 47 regular league fixtures, one more than in calendar year 2024. Those 2025 games produced 16 wins, 7 draws and 24 defeats, a points haul of 55 points. That equates to 1.17PPG, a marked decline on the previous year, as outlined below.

In 2024, the 46 games which were played across the latter part of the 2023/24 campaign and the first part of the 2024/25 season, produced a much better points haul of 73 points, gleaned from 21 wins, 10 draws and 15 defeats or 1.59PPG.

For more calendar year comparisons (including Alty's results, attendances, appearances, goals scored/conceded, etc.) please visit the End of Year Review, a MS Word document.

NEXT: ALTRINCHAM v MORECAMBE

The sides last met in a league match at Moss Lane back in October 2006, a game in which The Shrimps won 2-0 on their way to promotion to the EFL through the play-offs.

Right: Captains Jim Bentley and Robbie Lawton line up with the officials and Alty mascot before kick-off in October 2006

Altrincham were outplayed by a swift-passing Morecambe side in which Michael Twiss starred.

In fact, the home side, who played Peter Band up front, barely mustered a shot on goal in the 90 minutes. Nevertheless it took a goal with more than a hint of offside about it to put the Shrimps ahead after 23 minutes - a goal which left Graham Heathcote fuming at the linesman.

The goal arrived after Acton had brilliantly beaten out Carlton's close-range shot but the ball came to McLachlan to nod home.

Early in the second half Alty's Joe O'Neill had to come off, apparently with some form of concussion or double vision but moments later Morecambe's Thompson was sent off for what was apparently a head-butt at Munroe (55 mins).

Although Alty's man advantage allowed them at last to get into the Morecambe half, they were kept at bay by the combative Bentley and his colleagues. Indeed, Morecambe scored a second goal after 80 minutes when Yates's low cross from the right was converted by the unmarked Carlton.

Then in the dying minutes, Steve Bushell who had come on as a second half sub, limped off with what was presumably a recurrence of his hamstring problem, to leave both sides a man short.

ALTRINCHAM (Red & white striped shirts, black shorts and red socks): 13 Richard ACTON, 2. Steve ASPINALL, 17. Karl MUNROE, 20. Stephen ROSE, 11. Warren PEYTON; 22. Colin POTTS, 8. Val OWEN, 7. Robbie LAWTON, 14, Lewis CHALMERS; 4. Peter BAND, 12. Joe O'NEILL. Subs: 3. Gary SCOTT, 23. Eddie HUSSIN, 18. Pat McFADDEN, 15. Justin BOWLER, 6. Steve BUSHELL.

WHO'S AVAILABLE?

In addition there is a lengthy list of other players unavailable, through injury.

As of midweek, Altrincham had at least eight players missing the game against York City through injury, with most if not all likely to miss out again this weekend. They are...

• Lewis BANKS
• Sam BARNES
• Louie FALLON
• Elliot OSBORNE
• Sam REED
• Ethan ROSS
• Billy SASS-DAVIES
• Billy WATERS

ALTY OLD BOYS

Championship : CHARLIE OLSON'S loan period at Oldham Athletic has ended, and his lack of opportunities at Boundary Park would make it seem unlikely that Blackburn Rovers will extend the arrangement. Further news on Charlie will hopefully be forthcoming soon.

League One : ALI SMITH played the full game at Leyton Orient for AFC Wimbledon, who came from behind to win 1-3.

CARL PIERGIANNI also played the full game for Stevenage, but, having led, they only managed a 1-1 draw with visitors Plymouth Argyle, who are still without OWEN DALE.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA played the first 65 minutes for Wycombe Wanderers as they held visitors Cardiff City, who remain top of the league, 1-1.

League Two : Crawley Town, still without the injured DANNY CASHMAN (right) , lost 2-1 at Barnet, for whom JOE HUGILL was a 90th minute substitute.

Salford City brought on KEVIN BERKOE at Barrow in the 69th minute, the hosts introducing ELLIOT NEWBY 9 minutes later. Salford struck in the 83rd minute to win 1-2.

Still without the injured MARCUS DINANGA, Bromley held on to the top spot with a 2-1 home win over struggling Newport County. The only team below the Welsh club are Harrogate Town, and they were beaten 0-2 by visitors Tranmere Rovers, for whom CONNOR JENNINGS was a 90th minute substitute.

Cheltenham Town brought JAKE BICKERSTAFF on at the start of the second half at Crewe Alexandra, but the Railwaymen scored the only goal after that to record a comfortable 4-1 win.

At Fleetwood Town, TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game for the home side, but Grimsby Town substituted JUSTIN AMALUZOR after 69 minutes, going onto score the only goal of the game in the 89th minute.

JAMES BERRY claimed the assist for the goal that put visitors Chesterfield ahead after 21 minutes, but Oldham Athletic fought back to draw 1-1. They could have won in added time, but failed to convert a penalty. There was a yellow card for REAGAN OGLE.

Having got 30 minutes action under his belt against Barnet on Monday evening, his first since October 11th, JOEL SENIOR returned to the Bristol Rovers starting lineup at Shrewsbury Town, where they hit three goals without reply.

NPL Premier Division : RON SITHOLE was a 73rd minute substitute for FC United as they went down by the only goal to visitors Ashton United, for whom JAMES HARDY (right) played the first 64 minutes.

League leaders Hednesford were another side surprisingly beaten, going down by the only goal at Rushall Olympic despite a 77 minute shift from MONTEL GIBSON. Hebburn Town, who didn't play today, are now only 2 points behind them with a game in hand.

ADAM PORTER was booked, and neither he nor HAYDEN CAMPBELL lasted the full game for Leek Town as they lost 3-1 at Warrington Town.

AARON BENNETT returned to the Lancaster City bench at Workington, but was booked only 8 minutes after his 64th minute entrance. At that point his side trailedv1-0, but Workington had a man sent off after 81 minutes, and it cost them as the Dolly Blues snatched a 96th minute equaliser.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : ANDY DALES was withdrawn by Mickleover after 90 minutes - and the man who replaced him scored within a minute to give them a 3-2 win which had looked unlikely after 54 minutes when visitors Loughborough Students, who are next to bottom, had gone two goals up.

NPL Division 1 West : MARK LEES captained Mossley at Avro, where they lost 2-0. Avro are only 3 points behind long time leaders Lower Breck, and have 2 games in hand on the Liverpool team. The teams are due to meet in Oldham later this month.

Both DAVE PARTON and REMI RAYMOND played the full game as Congleton Town drew 1-1 at home to Kidsgrove Athletic.

Although they brought on ELLIOTT DURRELL (right) after 80 minutes, Shifnal Town suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat at struggling Darlaston Town.

BYRON HARRISON was among the scorers as Nantwich Town demolished visitors Stafford Rangers 6-1. Both he and AIDY ROXBURGH played the full game.

A 53rd minute red card for SEAN LAWTON reduced their chances of coming back from the only goal of the game, which Vauxhall Motors had registered just before the break. Both KEVIN ELLISON and YASSINE TOURE played the full game.

SEAN MILLER played the full game for Runcorn Linnets, who were surprisingly thrashed 0-5 by visitors Witton Albion. The Northwich side's final goal was scored by JAMES LAWRIE, who shared his full stint with JOEL BEMBO-LETA and DAMOLA SOTONA.

Stalybridge Celtic were also on the wrong end of a hammering at home, as Bury beat them 2-6. KYLE BROWNHILL played the whole game, while DONTAI GABIDON came on for the second half. Neither GREG WILKINSON nor ELLIOT ROKKA came off the bench.

Wythenshawe Town's ASTLEY MULHOLLAND was booked, but his side won their home match with bottom club Trafford 2-1.The visitors, without SEAN HIGGINS, weren't helped by going down to 10 men early in the second half, after they had led at the break.

Footnote: And finally, news not of an Alty Old Boy but of a player who faced Altrincham in summer 2023...

On New Year's Day Sunderland gained an excellent point from a goalless draw with Manchester City at The Stadium of Light. In no small part they were indebted to their goalkeeper Robin ROEFS. Altrincham fans may recall that they, like City, were unable to beat the Dutch goalkeeper when he played for Dutch Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen against Altrincham in a pre-season match in 2023. City and Alty also had reason to regret meeting another member of that Nijmegen side which beat Altrincham 4-0.

Magnus Mattsson scored against Altrincham for NEC in 2023 before he moved on to FC Copenhagen in 2024. He then also scored against City for the Danish side in a Champions' League qualifier.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"Ahead of our Enterprise National League tie at home to York City on Saturday 3 January, 15:00 kick-off, Boreham Wood FC can confirm that a pitch inspection will take place at the Mangata Developments Stadium Meadow Park tomorrow (Friday 2 January) morning in light of the forecasted [sic] freezing temperatures".

1 January 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2026 will be the 27th year of operation of the Alty Files via its original form as the Alty Pages (2000-01) and its subsequent years as the Altrincham FC official website (2001-18).

YORK MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

NEXT: MORECAMBE

Morecambe were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Carlisle in midweek. From the Cumbria News & Star we learn that "A solitary strike from Luke Armstrong was the difference between the Blues and the Shrimps...

Hughes acknowledged that his side 'struggled' in the first-half against Ashvir Singh Johal's possession-focused Shrimps and explained how a tactical tweak at the break helped the Blues regain control of proceedings.

'They have got good technical players who can look after the football, so although they didn't create anything of note, we just had to reorganise at half-time.

'In the second half we changed it round, we changed the shape and that helped us, we got more balls [?players] around the ball and locked them in a bit better and were the dominant side in the second half'".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Right: John Disney in his Alty days in 2017-18 season.

Nomads have picked up 32 of the last 36 points on offer, having been unbeaten in the league for over 3 months.

It was a less happy afternoon for JOEL TORRANCE as Bala Town were beaten by the only shot on target that visitors Caernarfon produced. Bala have only picked up a single point from the last 5 games, largely due to a lack of goals.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

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

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Nothing could separate the two sides after Jili Buyabu put Forest Green ahead through a short corner routine before Cole Deeming equalised for Truro just five minutes later, Rovers dominated the ball but couldn’t find a way through Truro’s low block.

'I think there’s a realisation now that the honeymoon period is over; the exciting football, I’m accountable because we’ve brought players into the football club who I think it’s too big for and I’m realising that after four or five months,' Savage said.

'I made a living out of heart, desire, energy, affecting games, and some of them, we’ve got technically good players who can’t affect the game, it’s as simple as that. I get lost for words at times, and in the last two performances I’ve been bored, people don’t want to go forward, people don’t want to sprint, people don’t want to do that extra yard, and that’s not what we’ve built, we’ve built a team based on energy, desire and heart, the last two games have been sadly lacking'".