Blue Square Regional Play-Offs, 1st Legs Wed. 29 April

Blue Square Regional Play-Offs, 2nd Legs Sun. 3 May

The BSPN play-off final is on Friday, 8 May

BSP NEWS

Left: Warren Peyton, Mark McGregor and Robbie Lawton engage in some synchronised midfield play at Cambridge last Sunday.

The Woking Evening News & Mail says that "supporters on their way home from a match had their coach stoned by youths. A window was smashed on a coach that had been laid on by Woking FC for free travel to the match with Rushden and Diamonds on Sunday. The fans saw young boys in their early teens run across the road and pictures of them have been given to police in the Rushden area. One was wearing a replica Rushden and Diamonds strip. The club gave two coaches for transport as a gesture to fans who have supported the team, after they were relegated from the Blue Square Premier".

The BBC says that "Oxford United manager Chris Wilder has apologised for calling the Conference a 'poxy league' on Sunday, claiming his comments were taken out of context. United failed to reach the play-offs because of a five-point deduction, but fans of rivals' clubs saw the comments as a slur on teams in the division. Wilder told the club's website: 'I didn't mean any disrespect to anyone. I was just feeling the effects of not making the play-offs despite, in our eyes, having 82 points'. He added: 'That was hard to take and I apologise to anyone who has taken what I said the wrong way... This league is as strong as it could get at the moment and everyone needs to keep up with how it's developing'".

Blue Square Football say that "Luton Town defender Sol Davis [who was sent off at Moss Lane in our FA Cup clash this season] claims he is willing to take a pay-cut in order to stay at the club in the Blue Square Premier next season. The 29-year-old, who is one of the highest paid players at Kenilworth Road, will see his current deal expire in the summer. And even though the Hatters are expected to cut costs following their relegation to the Blue Square Premier, Davis is desperate to help them back into the Football League. 'My contract finishes in the summer. I would like to stay. I would like to help Luton back into the Football League', Davis told the Herald and Post. 'The club and the fans have been brilliant to me since I've been here. I would like to repay them. Whether I stay or I go I have to take a pay cut. I want to be a part of Luton Town. I look at Luton as my home now'... Meanwhile Hatters captain Kevin Nicholls will miss the start of next season after the FA upheld their decision to hand him a five-match ban".

Likewise, Luton Today says that "Lively wide man Ian Henderson has revealed he wants to be part of Luton's set-up as they look to mount a promotion push out of non-league football at the first attempt. The 24-year-old former Cobblers' striker signed for the Hatters back in December, but has been in and out of the team as Town surrendered their League status. But he, along with the likes of Kevin Nicholls, George Pilkington and Keith Keane, has admitted he is keen to stay, 'Obviously you want to keep hold of your best players and bounce straight back up'"

The Northwich Guardian adds that "Jim Rushe will this week offer Andy Preece the chance to bring Northwich Victoria back into non-league’s top tier. He told the Guardian that he planned to ask the former Bury boss – in temporary charge since Steve King’s departure in February – to be the club’s next manager. 'That’s the plan', he said. 'I hope Andy wants to stay and finish the work he has started because so far he’s done a fantastic job'. Preece led Vics to six successive wins to climax the campaign in style, culminating in Sunday’s stunning victory at Oxford United. He took 24 points from 15 matches – King’s team managed only six in the same period – as Northwich above Weymouth and Lewes at the bottom of the Blue Square Premier. The pair plan to meet in the next 48 hours. And they will have plenty to talk about, with Vics’ weekly wage bill likely to be reduced further for their second assault on Blue Square North in four years. They are also likely to return to part-time status.

'There’s no doubt the squad will change', said Rushe. 'Some players here are on too much money to play a level below and inevitably they will be able to earn more elsewhere. There’s nothing we can do about that, we’ve got to try and set a budget that we can afford'. Vics’ most prized assets – skipper Simon Grand, Joel Byrom and Ryan Clarke – are all on contracts up to the end of next term, so Rushe can demand fees from clubs for their services. He’s had enquiries already.

'One club phoned me on Monday to ask about two players', he said. The Football Conference banned Vics from signing fresh faces shortly after Preece took over after the club failed to pay wages owed to some players that King signed on loan during his three-month tenure. That situation remains unresolved. 'Jim is working his socks off for the club to get things sorted', said Preece. 'I need to sit down with him, then all the players and talk about budgets as well as my own situation with regard to next year. If he’s prepared to give me a chance, then I’d love to stay'”.

NW NEWS

THANKS

FANS' FORUM

Grahame Rowley explained that the main point of the evening was to underline that the "Club does not go to sleep for three months" over the summer and that in the present economic climate the palying budget for next season will be reduced. The Club does not budget for an FA Cup run and, despite the continuing presence of Manchester United Reserves at Moss Lane next season, will face a tough season financially. Amongst the economies next season is the removal from the budget of money for overnight stays on away trips and the costs of training facilities have been trimmed. Grahame reiterated that the club will not live beyond its means. Turnstile prices will be increased by £1 but season tickets remain at last year's bargain prices.

Returning to the playing side, Graham Heathcote felt that this season we had trodden the right side of the thin line between success and failure. We had recorded quite a few 1-0 wins which in previous seasons had not been achieved. Three players remained contracted for next season.

The board repeatedly made the point that more fundraising initiatives could be carried out if there were more volunteers. A host of ideas was discussed such as improving catering sales by selling cold snacks away from the kiosks. Karen Rowley underlined the need for volunteers, not least for cleaning up the ground after matches, for which free entry and a free pint were the reward. Brian Flynn said that TASC could help with the identifying of volunteers and appropriate tasks.

Geoff Goodwin underlined tha Altrincham were over-achieving and he paid tribute to the Club's many volunteers and in particular the Rowley family. It was also observed by Brian Flynn that the club had never had so many young fans, which was partly ascribed to the Altrincham FC Junior set up which meant that many youngsters were now wearing the Club's colours. More work needed to be done to integrate the Juniors set-up into the Football Club as a whole, however.

Barry stressed the importance of supporting the club's Sponsors. He also publicised the recent establishment of the Alty holiday Club (details right) whereby the club earns commission and supporters get discounts on holidays booked through Thomas Cook or Going Places.

Graham revealed that three friendlies have been arranged so far, away against Trafford and Colwyn Bay and at home to a Manchester United XI. The home game is on Tuesday, 4th August. Don't forget that all home friendlies in pre-season are free to season ticket holders!

HOLIDAY CLUB

JACKPOT

PLAY-OFFS

UniBond League Premeir Division playoffs:

Final at Ilkeston on Saturday.

OLD BOYS

BSP NEWS

Oxford United report that "Following the incidents at Sunday's game against Northwich Victoria, Oxford United have issued the following statement: The Football Club is extremely disappointed with the actions of a few on Sunday. Their actions meant that a celebration of an exciting climax to the season was soured. The club condemns the actions of these individuals and is in discussions with Thames Valley Police to ensure that those who went on to the pitch receive the appropriate punishment. The club will also complete its own investigation to ensure that scenes like this are not repeated. We expect more big games in the future and we need to ensure that this element is not allowed to spoil things for the majority of our well-behaved fans". Northwich fans were the victms this time, just as Altrincham needed a heavy escort to get out of the Kassam the season before last when the result did not go the home fans' way.

Meanwhile, "Manager Chris Wilder has announced his retained list for next season. Defenders Shane Killock and Kevin Sandwith have both been offered new deals and the club are in discussion with Adam Chapman and Sheffield United to secure his services on a permanent basis. Craig Farrell and Lewis Haldane have returned to York City and Bristol Rovers after their loan deals and are under contract at those clubs. Eight players have been told they will not be offered a new deal. Those are Eddie Hutchinson, Yemi Odubade, Chris Willmott, Phil Trainer, Craig Nelthorpe, Matt Day, Barry Quinn and Matty Taylor. In addition Joe Burnell and Chris Carruthers have been told they can talk to other clubs over the summer, although both are contracted for a further year.

Chris told us: 'I am always honest and wanted to talk to all of the players face to face... We need to move forward, raise the bar a little and we have some very exciting players in our sights for the coming season'.

Oxford United also confirm that "James Constable [has] completed the paperwork on his transfer to The U's from Shrewsbury Town. An undisclosed fee was involved. James joins on a three year deal and was pleased to have it all tied up: 'I have enjoyed my football this season and am looking forward to the future here with Oxford. The fans have been great, we have genuine hopes for next season".

Weymouth chairman Ian Ridley has issued an "end of season statement". It includes the following... "A few days after facing up to relegation, it still hurts. And that hurt is tinged with sadness at the plight of the club and a reservoir of anger at the way it has been allowed to get to this. First, we should thank the players who finished the season and were led by the irrepressible Bobby Gould... Had the new board of directors been allowed to take over even just a couple of weeks earlier than they did - but were prevented from doing so by people with their own selfish agendas within the club at the time - we might have united sooner and pulled it off... For the new board, relegation is a hammer blow. There may be those who believe it to be for the best, giving the club a chance to cut costs and regroup, but I am afraid they do not properly understand the economics of the game at this level nor the culture and condition of Weymouth Football Club.

There is always a thin dividing line between being honest with supporters and airing dirty linen, along with revealing sensitive commercial information, but we do feel it best to be open after all the misinformation and frustration of the winter. And after we have got the recrimination out of the way, we might then look forward. There certainly needs to be an end to all the axe-grinding and back-stabbing that has gone on around the club for too long from people with outdated loyalties and which has contributed to the mess the club is now in.

And we should be clear. The club is still in a mess and its future is on a knife-edge. The current board of directors have performed six weeks of crisis management and resuscitation but the patient is still very sick. The view seems to have grown up that the club has been saved and everyone can sit back with relief. It is far from the case, however. Following relegation, we will lose a minimum of £100,000 in income and possibly up to double that given an inevitable fall in attendances and sponsorship. On top of debts totalling around £500,000, it remains a dangerous situation and one, we have to be frank, that could yet sink the club.

It would all be more manageable if the club was a operating to its full revenue-producing capacity but it has sadly been allowed to become run-down. It has been generating so little income from gates, sponsorship, fund-raising and merchandising that it is currently hard to see a way forward just to service debts and cover costs.

We need, for example, to find at least £40,000 over the next month to pay off the 10 former players who went without wages for six weeks during the winter. If we do not, the Football Association are likely to stop us signing any new players which means quite simply that we cannot operate as a club.

With some share income we inherited and with an injection of funds by directors, we limped to the end of the season on the lowest wage bill in the Conference and by part-paying creditors who could have shut us down. That way of seat-of-the-pants funding simply cannot go on if the club is finally to stand on its own two feet. And that will be difficult given the problems with income. There are areas of the club, in fact, where some traditional revenue sources have been handed over to outside agencies.

All the while, large sums have been going out in contracts and deals, salaries and expenses, that the club simply could not afford. Sadly, there have been too many people looking to make money out of the club, unconcerned about whether the club could pay it. And it cannot any longer. The gravy train has hit the buffers.

Over the next week, the board will be meeting to decide a variety of issues. The first, to be brutal, is whether it has the capacity within it - in terms of time, energy and finances - to keep the club going. As a now honourable club, we desperately wanted to avoid administration but it remains one option, we have to admit.

We also have to look at restructuring the club with more volunteers and ways of raising more income through sponsorship and events, involving the Terras' Trust and the Supporters' Club. We have to look at things as diverse as setting season ticket prices and finding a new manager who can work within very strict and frugal guidelines...

With the recent share sale disappointing, we need, quite simply, fund-raising ideas from people willing to do that fund-raising... We need local businessmen with an interest in the club to play a part... In addition, we hope that Morgan Sindall, the company who now own the land surrounding the Wessex Stadium, will see fit to help out the club to protect their acquisition. If all these things do not come to pass, there may not be much of a club for Morgan Sindall’s subsidiary, the Wessex Delivery Partnership, to build a new stadium for.

What the new board do not need is what has dogged us for the last month. There are clearly disaffected people out there who have made our life difficult, people gossiping and sniping anonymously on message boards, egged on by the previous factions who have brought the club to this desperate state. They are not doing the club any good but then we should beware the background presence of predators who seem to want us and the club to fail so that then they can pick over the carcass...

There needs to be a change in attitudes and mood. For if we do not recreate a happy club and respect for each other and what the club is seeking to achieve, then what is it worth keeping alive for? Ian Ridley".

Wrexham say that "Manager Dean Saunders has begun the process of reshaping his squad for next season, after meeting the first batch of players out of contract this summer. He has so far released goalkeepers Gavin Ward and Anthony Williams, as well as young defender Chris Marriott, who spent the whole of last season on loan at NEWI Cefn Druids. Added to this ex-Feyenoord man Christian Gyan will not be returning after his short-term deal expired at the weekend. 'There are still other decisions to be made and it's not an easy time of the year for anyone', said the boss. 'I have spoken to Mike Williams, Mani Assoumani and Jamie McCluskey about returning, making them offers which I'm hoping they will accept. Talks are ongoing, as they are with Matt Jansen, who is having an operation on his knee this summer. Other offers will be made and this is by no means the final list... We have players out on loan at other clubs and I will need to talk to them in due course... All the players will have the next two weeks off, before reporting back to start a series of summer sessions, which will involve them training twice a week at Colliers Park. Individually, they will also have another two-week break at varying times during the remainder of May and June, before pre-season training starts in earnest at the beginning of July".

The Daily Post confirms that "Dean Saunders wants former England under-21 striker Matt Jansen to spearhead the club’s promotion bid next season. Even though the 32-year-old managed only three games for the Dragons after joining them in March, Saunders is hoping to persuade the ex-Premiership star to extend his Racecourse stay on an incentive-based deal... Although Jansen is having a minor knee operation imminently, Saunders said: 'It would be a major coup for the club if I can persuade him to join us. There is no doubt in my mind that after a full pre-season training he would get 20 goals for us... I’m looking at a structured contract that would be suitable both for him and for Wrexham'...

The size of Wrexham’s squad 46 different players were used during the season means Saunders has yet to speak to everyone, particularly those who have been on loan elsewhere... 'I want them playing football as quickly as possible in pre-season, so if they come in twice a week it will keep their muscles stronger and ensure they won’t have to do as much basic work when pre-season starts. It does no one any good to have so much time off work and a month is more than enough for anyone'.

UNDER CONTRACT: Jefferson Louis, Kyle Critchell, Carl Tremarco, Darran Kempson, Tom Kearney, Simon Brown, Nat Brown, Silvio Spann, Michael Proctor, Sam Williamson, Steve Abbott, Chris Maxwel, Obi Anoruo, Neil Taylor, Andy Fleming, Marc Williams, Kai Edwards.

OFFERED CONTRACTS: Matt Jansen, Mike Williams, Mansour Assoumani, Jamie McCluskey.

OUT: Gavin Ward, Anthony Williams, Chris Marriott."

THE ALTRINCHAM WAY

I think we may also see the end of the sugar daddy culture of one person bank rolling clubs through the non-League and you can already see that this has started to happen at Kidderminster and Woking...

Next season will be difficult. There will be season ticket holders who may not be able to afford the outlay; sponsors may not be so forthcoming... and also for our league to worry about is just what Setanta plan to do for next year's BSP coverage as they lose a considerable amount of subscribers...

That is why Tuesday night's Fans' Forum at Moss Lane is so important to us. We need to run the lub even more under a community basis. We need the fans to be more a part of their club and to help with seeing the club through the close season when we haemorrhage money due to lack of gate revenue".

FANS' FORUM

On Sunday, May 10th Altrincham FC Youth will play Altrincham FC Juniors U-18s at Moss Lane at 3pm. Before that on Monday May 4th (bank holiday) there is the annual Staff v Supporters' game at Moss Lane (3pm). Everyone is welcome to both games.

In the close season there will be the usual workdays to get the ground spruced up for next season. Please do try and come along if you can; more details to follow.

TRIBUTES TO JAMES

He was a former Alty ball boy and prided himself on following the Robins round the country, as well as being an enthusiastic contributor to any football debate in the Noel White Suite before and after every home game. Speaking on behalf of the club, Alty vice-chairman Grahame Rowley said: “James was one of those larger-than-life characters who everyone knew. He was an imposing presence physically and he usually had a view on any given subject.

'He could be quite outspoken, but if ever he felt he might have overstepped the mark or caused offence, he'd be the first to come over and apologise. That was one of his many endearing qualities. Another was his real love and passion for Altrincham. That shone through in everything he said and did. He did a lot of work round the place and often helped out in the snack bars. He would happily do that for the benefit of the club, and he was a true Alty fan who will be sorely missed by a lot of people. “It is an absolute tragedy losing someone like James at such a young age, and I still can't quite believe that, after seeing him only the previous week, he has gone. Everyone connected with the club sends their heartfelt sympathy and condolences to James's family'.

Brian Flynn, chairman of the Altrincham Supporters Club, added: 'James was very passionate about Altrincham and loved to be involved in helping in any way he could. He will be remembered as a big guy with a very caring demeanour who tried to live his life to the fullest'.

The funeral is at Christ Church, Thorley Lane, Timperley at 10.30am on Friday, and it is a measure of James's outlook on life that his family sent out a few words of advice about suitable dress code. The service is open to all, and the message said: 'Think of James when choosing what to wear - he was always a very cheerful person with a passion for football'".

"ENGLAND'S NUMBER ONE!"

Stuart Coburn was in superb form at Cambridge on Sunday as the Cambridge website confirms. He is seen, right, halting a Cambridge attack last Sunday.

"Altrincham arrived at the Trade Recruitment Stadium determined to frustrate United's slim title hopes, and their resolute defending and heroics from goalkeeper Stuart Coburn saw Sunday's match end goalless and the title go to Burton despite defeat at Torquay. The Robins sat deep throughout, with Chris Denham the only man occasionally getting forward on the break, and club captain Robbie Lawton revealed that they had planned to weather the early storm and 'make a game of it'.

'We had no intentions of coming here to just roll over', he stated. 'Graham Heathcote said we owe that to the league and to the likes of Burton. Although we were lacking numbers going forward, we thought if we got a decent ball forward we might have been able to nick a goal. But we certainly weren't going to come here and make it easy for you'.

On goalkeeper Coburn, he commented, 'There will be praise for our keeper, and he is a top keeper and puts in performances like that week in week out, but it wasn't just about him. The whole of the back four were solid and everybody did their bit. But saying that, Stuart bailed us out a couple of times'.

With over 7,000 in the ground the atmosphere was electric in the opening stages and Lawton said the early pressure was something his team had expected: 'The crowd was something else, and for the first 15 minutes it was like the Alamo for us. It felt like every time we turned around you had the ball and were heading back towards us! But they quietened a bit after they realised we had come to make a game of it, and that was part of the plan - to ride out the early pressure and the noise from the fans. As for the play-offs, Stevenage are the team I fancy so if you beat them in the semis it's yours, so all the best'".

Those Altrincham fans who attended the "real Alamo" at Doncaster Rovers on 7th September, 1999 will remember that the game in Yorkshire was far more one-sided than Sunday's encounter at Belle Vue.

The Cambridge website adds that "Paul Carden felt an early goal for Cambridge United could have changed the result in Sunday's match at home to Altrincham, but he praised the 'well-drilled' visitors for their resistance to United's onslaught. 'We could have done it today', he said afterwards. 'Today was a case of another side that plonked ten men behind the ball and another keeper that walks away with the man of the match. Credit to Altrincham - we knew they weren't going to lie down and get walked over', added the "U"s' captain and assistant manager. 'Graham Heathcote and Graham Barrow have a well-drilled side containing players that have played in this division for a number of years now, and although they're on a reasonably low budget they've built a competitive side that will battle for results, as they have done here. If people had in their minds that today was going to be easy they were always going to be wrong'...

'If we'd have got a goal early doors it might have been a different game but their keeper was like Gordon Banks out there', said Carden. 'Everything we threw into the box he was blocking and he had a great game so credit to him'".

From the Cambridge News we learn that "In the end it was all academic. It turned into somewhat of an anti-climax as Cambridge United failed to break down a party-pooping Altrincham side... This really was the hottest ticket in town with fans resplendent in amber and black queuing outside the Abbey two hours before the game... Just three months ago Burton were 21 points clear of United and Blue Square had already paid out on them winning the title... With three games left, United remained nine points adrift...

They went out in exactly the right frame of mind, getting at Altrincham from the off... Altrincham gave United a brief scare when Warren Peyton’s long-range effort was comfortably pushed over the bar by Danny Potter on 20 minutes. But they otherwise had little answer to the fast-flowing attacking play of United, apart from getting a foot in here, taking advantage of the odd deflection, bounce or slightly misplaced pass there".

"Scott Rendell admitted 'Maybe, if I’d taken that early chance it could have been a different story, but every game has got maybes in it'... United captain Paul Carden felt an early goal could have made all the difference, 'The first 20 minutes, I thought we were going to do it, but you can’t fault their keeper, he’s put himself in front of everything', said Carden. 'Their back four was blocking things as well – on another day, we could have been three up in 15 minutes'".

BSP NEWS

Following yesterday's claims of a betting scam affecting the Grays v FGR match, the BBC reports "Suspicious betting patterns ahead of Sunday's game between Grays and Forest Green are being investigated ..."An FA spokesman said on Monday: 'We take these matters very seriously and we will investigate'... William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said: 'When you have a meaningless end-of-season match you are not expecting to take much money and all of a sudden you are being offered a large number of bets for one outcome and some relatively substantial bets. The biggest sum placed was a three-figure bet so we suspended betting on Saturday afternoon. Interestingly, another bookmaker unbeknown to us did the same thing which suggests this not a freak occurrence'...

A Grays statement issued on Monday said: 'Grays Athletic Football Club do not condone any form of corruption and there is certainly no room for this in football'. Forest Green issued their own statement... 'The club will support any investigation into this allegation but it is disappointed that despite betting being suspended 24 hours before kick-off neither club was contacted, nor were other standard practices put into operation by both the Football Association and the Football Conference. A joint complaint has therefore been lodged to both these bodies'".

"Oxford boss Chris Wilder is desperate for United to win promotion, labelling the Conference a 'poxy league'. United would have secured a play-off place this season had they not been docked five points in January for fielding an unregistered player. 'Boy, do I want to get out of this league', Wilder told BBC Oxford after his side lost 2-1 to Northwich. 'We need to take it out of people's hands by producing a winning team and get out of this poxy league'. Sunday's home defeat - watched by over 10,000 fans - was a disappointing end to the season for the U's... He said: 'I think everyone at this football club wants to get out of this league and never come back'".

Meanwhile, "Wrexham manager Dean Saunders has pledged his future to the club by staying on next season... 'I made the decision to do the job next year', Saunders told BBC Wales. 'I have to do the job to the best of my ability. I dropped everything in my life and put everything I had into it and I was more disappointed than anybody that we didn't get promotion. But sometimes you learn more when you are losing and that makes a few decisions easier for me and I know where all my weaknesses are, and maybe as a club, we know where our weakness is'".

The Burton Mail says that "League football is back in Burton after an absence of 102 years... News of Cambridge United’s 0-0 draw against Altrincham, which clinched a nail-biting triumph for the Albion by just two points, provoked an outpouring of emotion from the 1,000-strong army of Brewers fans who had made the 210-mile trip from Burton for the climax of a memorable season. The Brewers will now follow in the footsteps of Burton Swifts, Wanderers and United, who played in the League in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The game and the presentation of the trophy to Albion skipper and longest-serving player Darren Stride was beamed live to viewers across the world by the cameras of Setanta Sports. Those pictures sparked wild celebrations on the terraces and among thousands more Burton fans who watched the game at pubs and clubs across Burton and South Derbyshire".

According to the Argus "Chairman Len Smith insists Eastbourne Borough will not rest on their laurels after the curtain came down on a dream debut season in Blue Square Premier... which saw Borough make a mockery of their tag as favourites for relegation. They finished a massive 16 points above the drop zone in 13th place... He has vowed to make significant funds available for boss Garry Wilson to build on this year’s achievement and says the club may still opt for a mixture of full and part-time players next season. He said: 'There are some really strong teams coming into the league so it is going to be difficult but it is up to us to strengthen in the summer... We are in a good position financially so there will be money available to spend in the summer if the right players become available. There is still a chance we might go for a mixture of full-time and part-time players but it is down to Garry and Nick (Greenwood, assistant manager) really and the way they want to do things. It all depends on the players they want to sign. If some of them are full-time then that will dictate how we run things'".

From the Northats Evening Telegraph we learn that "Mark Cooper will waste no time in preparing for next season... The Poppies' boss said: 'At the minute we have six loan boys who will all go back to their parent clubs. And then we have got four or five who are out of contract... I would love to sign six players on Monday and then go on holiday for six weeks. But the reality of it is that it's a waiting game. Players will always wait to see what clubs come in for them and the only way you get them is by throwing loads of money at them. But there are one or two I would like to get done and dusted... I am sure the chairman will back us again – although we all know things are tight financially everywhere at the moment'".

The Northwich Guardian states that "Andy Preece admits he feared for his players’ safety when fans surrounded them after running onto the pitch at Oxford yesterday, Sunday. Vics’ caretaker manager beckoned them off the field at the Kassam Stadium as stewards battled to get everybody back behind the barrier following James Constable’s late – and momentary – equaliser. 'They were intimidated', he said. 'I think people were confused because they thought I wanted the match stopped; that’s not the case at all... I just wanted the lads to avoid getting involved in anything unsavoury'.

The Us were 1-0 down near the end of the second half when four fans left the Oxford Mail stand behind Ryan Clarke’s goal and raced the length of the pitch. Two of those scaled the fence at the car park end of the stadium before stewards could grab them. Goalkeeper Billy Turley stepped in to stop another, tackling him to the ground. When the game restarted Oxford immediately equalised, sparking a second invasion by a much larger group. It was then that Preece waved the visitors off the pitch, leading to furious scenes on the touchline between both sets of players and staff.

Oxford United’s communications officer Chris Williams described what he saw in his match report. 'Fans poured on to the pitch and one idiot approached Simon Grand and seemed to flourish his flag in the defender’s face', he wrote. 'It was threatening and both Grand and Luke Horrocks reacted by chasing him from the pitch'... Oxford last night refused to make a statement about the behaviour of fans".

The Oxford Mail quotes Chris Wilder, “'There were games going on around the country, but I was interested in my team handling the big occasion and they’ve not produced', he said. 'The players never turned up, never produced, and never took responsibility. 'They worked hard and ran about, but when they had to produce on the big stage, they didn’t do it. That’s what I’m going to deliver to this football club. As I’ve said, it’s grabbed hold of me in a massive way, and I’ll make sure the supporters have a team that achieve, and we’ve not achieved... we took all the wrong options, and we weren’t good enough to win the game'.

"Torquay United will tackle the Blue Square Premier Play-Offs without their utility forward Roscoe Dsane." says This is South Devon. "Manager Paul Buckle confirmed that he has dispensed with 28-year-old Dsane's services after nearly two years at the club... Buckle would not go into detail about his decision to release Dsane, whose contract expires at the end of this season, but a statement is expected from the club in the near-future".

According to the Dorset Echo "Weymouth chairman Ian Ridley has resigned himself to life in the Blue Square South next season and believes that 'the hard work' begins now. The Terras’ chief was still hopeful of seeing the club finish 21st in the Blue Square Premier thus profiting from any potential reprieve – just like Altrincham did last season. But a 2-0 defeat at Wrexham... has left Weymouth second from bottom. Asked whether he felt relegation was now a certainty, Ridley said: 'I would imagine so and that’s very sad. We inherited a mess and the club is still a mess, but somehow over the coming weeks we’ve got to work out if we can stop it from being a mess. The season has ended for the playing staff but for everyone else this is where the hard work begins'.

Ridley and his fellow board members will also be kept busy in their search for a new manager with Bobby Gould’s period as interim boss now at an end. The Mail on Sunday journalist paid tribute to the efforts of Gould, adding: 'We’ve been a lot better under Bobby, he’s done a fantastic job. He’s come in, taken a sow’s ear and almost made a silk purse out of it. We’ve not been embarrassed in any of the games we’ve played under him... Bobby coming in was always just a five-game appointment. He hasn’t kept us up but I don’t think Sir Alex Ferguson could have done it to be honest.'"

"Wrexham manager Dean Saunders has confirmed he will be staying at the Racecourse next season" states the Daily Post... 'I have a good relationship with the men that own the club, particularly Geoff Moss, and the more time I spend here the more I like the club. I’m sorry that the club is in the state it is, but because of where we are there is a desperation running right through the town, the club, and everyone associated with it to get out of this league. We have tried a quick fix but every year it gets harder so I have my mind set now on collecting as many good players as I can get and persuade them to play in the Conference. If you look a player in the eye you can normally tell whether they are coming just to see out their careers or whether they are going to roll their sleeves up and have a right go'. One of next season’s new recruits will be current youth tam captain Kai Edwards who is expected to sign pro forms this week".

The Chester Chronicle claims that "Tears were shed yesterday as Chester City’s Football League status almost certainly came to an end... City require a miracle to stand any chance of surviving the drop back into the non-league wilderness [?] from which they emerged five years ago. Chester need to win their final League Two game of the campaign, hope Grimsby Town lose theirs and overturn a 19-goal deficit to survive on goal difference. City’s off-the-field future remains far from clear but there was good news for the club’s long-suffering supporters when manager Mark Wright indicated he will stay. Wright returned to the Deva Stadium in November but has been unable to buy or loan players because of a transfer embargo imposed on the cash-strapped club for the late payment of players’ wages. Wright, who guided the Blues to the Conference title in 2004, said: 'It is a very sad day for the club and I feel for the chairman Stephen Vaughan, the supporters and the players. But if you end up with the points we’ve got you don’t deserve to stay in the League'".

Crawley Town's assistant manager Paul Raynor "has spoken... in relation to his fear that manager Steve Evans could leave Crawley Town this summer. Raynor talks openly of Evans being targeted by ambitious Blue Square Premier Chairmen... The Reds have continually fought off relegation until the arrival of Evans. He has transformed the team into a genuine playoff contender in the Conference National and has put together a team to be respected by all. Raynor said; 'I know for a fact that the Gaffer turned down a job at a big club in the Blue Square Premier during the season because he ultimately wanted to remain loyal to all the players he had convinced to join us last summer. He gave a number of them his ‘word’ that he would be here for the season and that was a key factor. However, there are a number of Chairmen who have given their managers large budgets this season and they have failed. Some of those Chairmen have also let it be known how highly they regard the job Steve Evans has done on a very restricted budget... I do believe he will be a target for a few ambitious Chairmen over the next few weeks, I really do believe that... We will finish 9th in The Conference Premier and given the team budget - that is a magnificent achievement... Crawley Town is now seen by our Conference Premier opposition as a big club, a big scalp if they beat us".

FANS' FORUM

On Sunday, May 10th Altrincham FC Youth will play Altrincham FC Juniors U-18s at Moss Lane at 3pm. Before that on Monday May 4th (bank holiday) there is the annual Staff v Supporters' game at Moss Lane (3pm). Everyone is welcome to both games.

In the close season there will be the usual workdays to get the ground spruced up for next season. Please do try and come along if you can; more details to follow.

END OF SEASON BALL - Saturday 2nd May, 2009

CAMBRIDGE UNITED 0 ALTRINCHAM 0

Above: It's a balloon in the net, not the ball, as Alty defend their goal at Cambridge.

Altrincham, without the injured Greg Young and the ill James Smith at the heart of their defence, nevertheless gained a hard-earned point to secure an excellent 15th-place finish.

Above: Altrincham had 166 vociferous fans in the away enclosure at Cambridge (and a few more elsewhere in the ground) celebrating their 15th place finish in the Blue Square Premier

Cambridge United quote manager Gary Brabin after the 0-0 draw with Altrincham. The club website says "Cambridge United threw everything but the kitchen sink at Altrincham but the visitors came to defend and frustrate, and their resolute performance and heroics from goalkeeper Stuart Coburn thwarted United's slim title hopes. Although Burton lost 2-1 at Torquay, they clinched the title by two points to leave the U's in second place for the second successive season and facing a two-legged semi-final against Stevenage Borough, beginning with the away game on Thursday evening.

'I knew it was always going be difficult', said Gary Brabin afterwards. 'People were saying "you've got to win four-nil and Burton will get beat", but no one is going to come here and lie down and Altrincham showed a lot of spirit today. We've been camped in their half all game but the first 20 minutes were key for us. We had three or four chances but their goalkeeper was outstanding - yet again we've got another goalie coming here and getting "man of the match". We had that 20-25 minute period when we put them under a lot of pressure and they coped with it well. They got everyone behind the ball and we've played the whole game in their half, but we couldn't break them down. I believe if we'd scored in that period we would have gone on and won convincingly, but we couldn't and their goalie was outstanding, and now we've got to move on and concentrate on the play-offs'. United finished with four strikers and two wingers on the pitch as Brabin tried to break the visitors down... Obviously we're disappointed because we've had a free shot at the title, and full credit to the lads for taking it this far. I'm proud of every one of them for taking it to this stage of the season but it was always a big ask, even at home against a mid-table team, to win four-nil. Altrincham weren't going to come here and lie down and you could see that in their performance. They were dogged from the first minute, they made no attempt to attack us, they just got everyone behind the ball and made it difficult for us. We tried, but it wasn't to be'".

BSP NEWS

The BBC says that "Two leading bookmakers plan to report suspicious betting patterns surrounding Sunday's Conference game between Grays Athletic and Forest Green Rovers. Blue Square and William Hill suspended betting on the match after a large number of wagers were placed on Grays to win after trailing at half-time. 'We'll be reporting this to the FA on Monday to ask how we progress', a Blue Square spokesman told BBC Sport. 'We are withholding stakes in line with our regulations', he added. Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe said: 'We saw a most unusual betting pattern on this match involving a large number of requests for bets on Grays to be losing at half-time and winning at full-time. It's always a big price for a team to be losing at half-time and to win at full-time. Blue Square spokesman Alan Alger said, 'We have no intention of paying out, pending any potential enquiries which may be undertaken'. Grays scored twice in just 50 second-half seconds to come from behind and beat Forest Green 2-1... 'We closed the market on Saturday. It looked extremely dodgy. It's always a big price for a team to be losing at half-time and to win at full-time'".

DECISION DAY

Sunday 26 April at 4pm

CAMBRIDGE "CONFIDENT OF RIGHT RESULT"

Brabin added "We won't just go gung-ho for 90 minutes. It's obviously going to be important how the other game is going on, and I'll have the right people around me letting me know what's happening. If there's a chance it's still on late on, we've got to go for it then, but that's another scenario and there are a lot of ifs and maybes that could happen. We've just got to be professional and conduct ourselves in the right way".

The News concludes that "Brabin is likely to stick with the same side that beat Salisbury 2-1 away last weekend, while Courtney Pitt is still struggling with a hamstring injury. United (probable): Potter, Gleeson, Hatswell, Bolland, Tonkin, Carden, Reason, Willmott, Parkinson, Holroyd, Rendell".

Elsewhere the Cambridge News says, "United’s Amber Army are determined to roar their club back into the Football League tomorrow. More than 7,000 fans are expected to pack into the Abbey for the match with Altrincham... Excitement is growing among supporters, who have been ringing the club’s phones off the hook. Fan Andrew Bennett, from Histon, said 'The title looks so tantalisingly do-able, with Burton on a slump and facing a team who need to win, while Altrincham have nothing to play for – if Torquay get a few goals it could happen'... Promotion would kick-start a new era in the club’s history, bringing an extra £500,000 in revenue... Cambridge’s Mayor Mike Dixon believes the city will get a renewed sense of pride in United if they manage to do it... Cambridge MP David Howarth said: 'It would be an amazing achievement for United to finish the season ahead of Burton'”.

ON THE ROAD

1. Barrow 11,466 miles
2. Torquay 10,638
3. York City 9,096
4. Weymouth 8,484
5. Wrexham 7,632
6. Eastbourne 7,510
7. Altrincham 7,182

Altrincham's longest round trip is to Eastbourne (518), followed closely by Torquay (498), Weymouth (496) and Lewes (494).

OLD BOYS

There were four ex-Altrincham players in the adjacent team photo of our neighbours Trafford FC, taken on Saturday with the UniBond President's Trophy, which they won last Tuesday at Quorn. On the back row, second from left is ex-Alty winger Simon Woodford; the goalkeeper in green is former Alty Youth no.1, Tom Read, whilst far right on the back row is Trafford's outgoing manager and former Alty midfielder, Ged Kielty. Fourth from the right in the front row is Ian Taylor, a former Alty Youth left-back. Trafford beat Clitheroe today, 4-0, with another Altrincham connection being that former Broadheath Central striker Scott Barlow netted all four goals to take his tally to 40 for the season. Scott has now netted 68 goals in 86 games for the Shawe View club.

Altrincham old boys in action elsewhere on Saturday included Steve Torpey who scored for Stalybridge Celtic at Workington and last summer's trialist, Jake Moult, who netted for Stafford Rangers as they beat Hinckley.

PITCHES

Unlike Wembley (see below), one pitch that is still in superb condition after a full season of use is Altrincham's Moss Lane, thanks to the hard work of Neil Brown. the above picture was taken before the last game of the season last week. The FA reports that "Wembley Stadium has this week conducted a thorough review of its playing surface, subsurface conditions and pitch maintenance programme... It has been decided to bring forward the replacement of the existing pitch and the layer underneath the pitch... The next event at Wembley Stadium is The FA Trophy between Stevenage Borough and York City on Saturday 9 May. Wembley Stadium is a multi-purpose venue and needs to be able to offer both a quality playing surface and a quality calendar of events".

BSP NEWS

UPS AND DOWNS

What is decided so far includes:

UniBond Play-Offs, Tues 28 April unlesss stated

Blue Square Regional Play-Offs, 1st Legs Wed. 29 April

Blue Square Regional Play-Offs, 2nd Legs Sun. 3 May

The BSPN playoff final is on Friday, 8 May

The BSP South play-offs will be contested over two legs as follows:

A UniBond League press release adds; "The battle for the one promotion place from the North West Counties League to the UniBond League is far from over, with the two contenders both winning again on Thursday night. AFC Fylde ran out 2-0 winners against this year`s FA Vase finalists, Glossop North End. The Lancashire outfit will take heart from a good performance and a result that keeps them at the top of the division, two points ahead of New Mills who have two games in hand. On the same night “The Millers” gained a 2-0 win against Colne and there is a distinct possibility that on May 9th when the two go head-to-head at Fylde that it just could end up being a winner-takes-all title decider!

In the Midland Football Alliance champions Market Drayton Town look as though they will be part of the UniBond next season whilst in the Northern Counties East League, Mickleover Sports clinched the title on Saturday when they beat the only team who could realistically catch them, Long Eaton United. The only club to apply for promotion from the Northern League, Dunston Federation, look unlikely to qualify. The FA meets in mid May to decide the allocation of clubs to the respective leagues and the UniBond League hope that their allocation clubs will take the number of clubs to the target of 66".

WEYMOUTH RELEGATED

This result settled the final relegation place, as Weymouth now join Woking, Northwich Victoria and Lewes in being relegated.

ALTERNATIVES

Other alternatives include-

MICHAEL WINS

CAMBRIDGE GAME

That has allowed Cambridge, who are managed by one-time Runcorn star Gary Brabin, to mount an amazing late title assault, although. even should they beat Alty and Burton lose on the south coast, it will be the latter who are crowned champions providing they don’t surrender a goal difference advantage which currently stands at four. The closing day fixture at the Abbey Stadium is of relatively little significance to Altrincham, who are now safe from any threat of relegation. But, having beaten Cambridge at Moss Lane earlier this term, they’d love to finish their season on a high note by completing an unlikely double over their championship-chasing hosts".

"Winger Courtney Pitt will face a late fitness test before title-chasing Cambridge's game with Altrincham" claims the BBC. "Striker Danny Crow has recovered from concussion as the U's chase the win they need to have a chance of winning the Blue Square Premier title. Altrincham goalkeeper Stuart Coburn has recovered from a knee injury in time to take his place at the Abbey Stadium... Midfielder Robbie Lawton could return from suspension. Cambridge United manager Gary Brabin told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: 'It's interesting [the title race]. We can't worry about what's going on in other games. If we concentrate on our own performance I'm confident we'll get the result that we need'"

Altrincham fans are advised that Cambridge are not providing any seated area for visiting supporters on Sunday. If you are going to Sunday's game and want to sit down, you are advised to book a seat in adavance in the South Stand - details are on the club website.

JAMES'S FUNERAL

SQUARE UP

Congratulations to Gary Stuart who is the winner of the Square Up competition that has been played during the half time interval at a number of Blue Square Premier matches during the season. The top five scores were as follows:-

Good Luck to Gary in the Play-Off!!!!!!

Pictured right is Paul Flynn taking part in the competition last Saturday.

PHONES4ALTY

OLD BOYS

LAURENCE ON TV

BSP NEWS

Meanwhile, 24 year-old Reed has denied that he has walked out on the club and maintains that instead he was asked to leave. He told Echosport: 'I have not left the club, I have just been asked to leave. I would have loved to train but Bobby Gould and Marcus Browning both said they did not want me to. I am available for selection for tonight's game and Sunday's game, and I want to play'. The Terras have subsequently responded to Reed's claims by saying: 'Stephen Reed's version of events is clearly at odds with that of other people's at the club. He has obviously reconsidered his position after taking advice. However, after recent events we do not feel his presence within the squad is conducive to a happy camp'".

NL Daily says that "Chairman Geoff Moss is confident Dean Saunders will stay on as manager of Wrexham. Saunders has been seeking reassurances that his ambitions are shared by the board and that he will be given a playing budget that will allow Wrexham to challenge for promotion next season. Moss revealed that Saunders will be given a competitive budget and is due to hold further talks with the Reds' boss. But with a total of forty-five players used this season, Moss said the size of the squad will have to be reduced. 'I don't think Dean has any intention of going anywhere else providing we are able to come up with a reasonable budget that allows him to compete', said Moss. 'He had talked about nothing else than next season. Paul Retout has made it clear we have now got to run it more on business lines than out of my pocket, but I am fairly sure we will be able to put something decent together for next season'.

Moss added: 'There will be a lot of players that leave and he will be able to bring in his own – but it will be a much smaller squad. It is not going to be the greatest budget in the world because we have got to be realistic that we lose our parachute payment from the Football League now'... With just two victories in seventeen outings leaving the tenth-placed Reds well off the pace going into the final game of the season against Weymouth at The Racecourse on Sunday... Moss could not fault the effort put in by Saunders... 'On paper, we have brought better players in but we have had worse results. You scratch your head. Nobody puts in more hours and works harder than Dean, and he has brought a level of professionalism there has not been for many years... Moss admitted that the Reds have not recovered from the loss of Marc Williams, who has missed the last two months of the season with a fractured foot... Moss revealed that improvements will also be made to the poor Racecourse pitch" according to the Evening Leader.

From the BBC we learn that "Grays Athletic chairman Mike Woodward is promising changes over the summer. The Essex club have secured their Blue Square Premier status for next season following a midweek win over Crawley. Grays have had another season of turmoil in which two managers left and players were asked to take a 50% pay cut to ease the finances. Woodward told BBC Essex: 'I won't be the chairman next season but will still be on the board and there are a few things to sort out'. The Grays chairman has invested thousands of pounds of his own money to take the club from the Ryman League to within striking distance of the Football League, when they lost in the Conference play-offs to Halifax in 2006. They have also won the FA Trophy twice but Woodward has become the target of abuse from some fans and has had enough.

'I'll still be on the board to protect my investment and I have an idea who the new chairman will be so if they want to slaughter him on messageboards then good luck to them because they'll have their hands full', said Woodward. Gary Phillips took over as manager in January and he will remain with Grays next season, although it is not yet known in what capacity. 'Gary has been very loyal to me but we've got to look at other issues and we'll also have to wait and see as to whether we stay full-time or go part-time' added Woodward."

With existing full-time BSP clubs, like Grays, considering going part-time and promoted AFC Wimbledon confirming that they will not be going full-time, there comes amazing news from Welsh Premier that "Neath Athletic intend to challenge the domination of the Principality Welsh Premier's 'big three' by going full-time following new financial backing for the club... The Eagles were only promoted to the top flight two years ago and share excellent facilities with landlords Neath Rugby Club". Neath's highest gate this season has been 447, their lowest was 112 and their average is 260.

According to the Argus "Crawley will announce their retained list next week after holding preliminary talks with the players they want to keep next season. Assistant manager Paul Raynor admitted he and boss Steve Evans face some tough decisions. 'No one has told us that they want to leave so it’s going to be very difficult', said Raynor. Reds do have a handful of players under contract for 2009-10 including top scorer Jamie Cook, goalkeeper Simon Rayner and skipper Chris Giles. But the likes of key midfielder Dannie Bulman and [ex-Halifax] defensive pair Adam Quinn and Jake Wright, who is expected to be named player of the season after Sunday’s final game against Histon, are out of contract next week and Evans has already confirmed he will be operating with a smaller budget than last season, although the club will remain full-time.

Reds must also make a decision on Brad Thomas, who has spent most of the season on loan with King’s Lynn. Striker Jon Shaw will return to Rochdale next week after the end of his loan spell. He still has a year left on his contract at Spotland. Raynor said: 'One or two might decide to look at options elsewhere and a few others could attract interest elsewhere after the seasons they have had'... Reds will finish ninth regardless of the outcome against a Histon side who still need a point to make sure they are in the end-of-season play-offs. Evans has made no secret of his contempt for Histon’s long-ball style but Raynor, who played under Stutes’ assistant manager John Beck when he was Cambridge manager, admits it is effective...

Raynor said: “They are a strong side physically who get a lot of balls in the box. They will put us under a lot of pressure but we don’t fear them'... Reds gave debuts to youth teamers Max Lake-Edwards and Byron Napper in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Grays but Raynor expects to have most of his big guns back for Sunday. That means Cook, Quinn, Giles, Bulman and Isaiah Rankin should all be in contention".

Histon manager Steve Fallon said: “We’re definitely not in the play-offs but we’re almost there. A lot of things would have to go against us but you never know. We’ve still got a chance of finishing runners-up and that has to be our aim". The Argus adds that "The chances of a relatively small club in Conference terms achieving what Histon have this season is bound to be reduced next season. Luton and probably Chester City are coming down from the Football League and among the promoted teams are big-spending AFC Wimbledon, who clinched promotion from Blue Square south last week. Evans said: 'When you see clubs like Woking getting relegated it shows you how tough this league is and next season will be even harder. But if we get our summer recruitment right then we have a chance of doing well'".

"The following is an account of Wednesday evening's meeting at Ebbsfleet United posted by Jessica McQueen of the MyFC Society Board and Fleet Trust for those who could not make it on the night: 'An excellent turnout, including John Moules, four SB members, eight Fleet Trust and thankfully many Fleet supporters... Although the vote recently held by the members of MyFC gave a ringing endorsement for talks with Liam Daish to commence, without significant funds it is impossible to give Liam clear figures on next season's playing budget. Contracts for players cannot be entered into unless the club has funds to back them up... What conclusions did the meeting draw?...

That the owners and supporters of the club, i.e. all of us, have to take our responsibility seriously, if we really and truly want to own a football club we have to pay for it - and everyone at the meeting agreed that the £35.00 MyFC membership fee is way too small... The date of MyFC renewals needs to be changed so that it does not come just before the end of the season, but during the close season, perhaps July? MyFC membership needs to be increased to £100.00 per annum".

A poster on the club forum adds "The size of the financial shortfall [was] set out at the meeting - the panel of speakers said that this was about £500k. If this is the case and the agreed first team playing budget is £10k per week, then the shortfall is roughly equivalent to the entire playing budget. This would mean therefore that virtually all available income is being spent on administration and support services etc. with nothing available for the team. I can't help thinking therefore that a pretty drastic re-organisation is required, with every penny of the non-playing budget being properly justified".

DECISION DAY

Sunday 26 April at 4pm

CAMBRIDGE "CONFIDENT OF RIGHT RESULT"

Brabin added "We won't just go gung-ho for 90 minutes. It's obviously going to be important how the other game is going on, and I'll have the right people around me letting me know what's happening. If there's a chance it's still on late on, we've got to go for it then, but that's another scenario and there are a lot of ifs and maybes that could happen. We've just got to be professional and conduct ourselves in the right way".

The News concludes that "Brabin is likely to stick with the same side that beat Salisbury 2-1 away last weekend, while Courtney Pitt is still struggling with a hamstring injury. United (probable): Potter, Gleeson, Hatswell, Bolland, Tonkin, Carden, Reason, Willmott, Parkinson, Holroyd, Rendell".

Elsewhere the Cambridge News says, "United’s Amber Army are determined to roar their club back into the Football League tomorrow. More than 7,000 fans are expected to pack into the Abbey for the match with Altrincham... Excitement is growing among supporters, who have been ringing the club’s phones off the hook. Fan Andrew Bennett, from Histon, said 'The title looks so tantalisingly do-able, with Burton on a slump and facing a team who need to win, while Altrincham have nothing to play for – if Torquay get a few goals it could happen'... Promotion would kick-start a new era in the club’s history, bringing an extra £500,000 in revenue... Cambridge’s Mayor Mike Dixon believes the city will get a renewed sense of pride in United if they manage to do it... Cambridge MP David Howarth said: 'It would be an amazing achievement for United to finish the season ahead of Burton'”.

ON THE ROAD

1. Barrow 11,466 miles
2. Torquay 10,638
3. York City 9,096
4. Weymouth 8,484
5. Wrexham 7,632
6. Eastbourne 7,510
7. Altrincham 7,182

Altrincham's longest round trip is to Eastbourne (518), followed closely by Torquay (498), Weymouth (496) and Lewes (494).

OLD BOYS

There were four ex-Altrincham players in the adjacent team photo of our neighbours Trafford FC, taken on Saturday with the UniBond President's Trophy, which they won last Tuesday at Quorn. On the back row, second from left is ex-Alty winger Simon Woodford; the goalkeeper in green is former Alty Youth no.1, Tom Read, whilst far right on the back row is Trafford's outgoing manager and former Alty midfielder, Ged Kielty. Fourth from the right in the front row is Ian Taylor, a former Alty Youth left-back. Trafford beat Clitheroe today, 4-0, with another Altrincham connection being that former Broadheath Central striker Scott Barlow netted all four goals to take his tally to 40 for the season. Scott has now netted 68 goals in 86 games for the Shawe View club.

Altrincham old boys in action elsewhere on Saturday included Steve Torpey who scored for Stalybridge Celtic at Workington and last summer's trialist, Jake Moult, who netted for Stafford Rangers as they beat Hinckley.

PITCHES

Unlike Wembley (see below), one pitch that is still in superb condition after a full season of use is Altrincham's Moss Lane, thanks to the hard work of Neil Brown. the above picture was taken before the last game of the season last week. The FA reports that "Wembley Stadium has this week conducted a thorough review of its playing surface, subsurface conditions and pitch maintenance programme... It has been decided to bring forward the replacement of the existing pitch and the layer underneath the pitch... The next event at Wembley Stadium is The FA Trophy between Stevenage Borough and York City on Saturday 9 May. Wembley Stadium is a multi-purpose venue and needs to be able to offer both a quality playing surface and a quality calendar of events".

BSP NEWS

UPS AND DOWNS

What is decided so far includes:

A UniBond League press release adds; "The battle for the one promotion place from the North West Counties League to the UniBond League is far from over, with the two contenders both winning again on Thursday night. AFC Fylde ran out 2-0 winners against this year`s FA Vase finalists, Glossop North End. The Lancashire outfit will take heart from a good performance and a result that keeps them at the top of the division, two points ahead of New Mills who have two games in hand. On the same night “The Millers” gained a 2-0 win against Colne and there is a distinct possibility that on May 9th when the two go head-to-head at Fylde that it just could end up being a winner-takes-all title decider!

In the Midland Football Alliance champions Market Drayton Town look as though they will be part of the UniBond next season whilst in the Northern Counties East League, Mickleover Sports clinched the title on Saturday when they beat the only team who could realistically catch them, Long Eaton United. The only club to apply for promotion from the Northern League, Dunston Federation, look unlikely to qualify. The FA meets in mid May to decide the allocation of clubs to the respective leagues and the UniBond League hope that their allocation clubs will take the number of clubs to the target of 66".

WEYMOUTH RELEGATED

This result settled the final relegation place, as Weymouth now join Woking, Northwich Victoria and Lewes in being relegated.

ALTERNATIVES

Other alternatives include-

MICHAEL WINS

CAMBRIDGE GAME

That has allowed Cambridge, who are managed by one-time Runcorn star Gary Brabin, to mount an amazing late title assault, although. even should they beat Alty and Burton lose on the south coast, it will be the latter who are crowned champions providing they don’t surrender a goal difference advantage which currently stands at four. The closing day fixture at the Abbey Stadium is of relatively little significance to Altrincham, who are now safe from any threat of relegation. But, having beaten Cambridge at Moss Lane earlier this term, they’d love to finish their season on a high note by completing an unlikely double over their championship-chasing hosts".

"Winger Courtney Pitt will face a late fitness test before title-chasing Cambridge's game with Altrincham" claims the BBC. "Striker Danny Crow has recovered from concussion as the U's chase the win they need to have a chance of winning the Blue Square Premier title. Altrincham goalkeeper Stuart Coburn has recovered from a knee injury in time to take his place at the Abbey Stadium... Midfielder Robbie Lawton could return from suspension. Cambridge United manager Gary Brabin told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: 'It's interesting [the title race]. We can't worry about what's going on in other games. If we concentrate on our own performance I'm confident we'll get the result that we need'"

Altrincham fans are advised that Cambridge are not providing any seated area for visiting supporters on Sunday. If you are going to Sunday's game and want to sit down, you are advised to book a seat in adavance in the South Stand - details are on the club website.

JAMES'S FUNERAL

SQUARE UP

Congratulations to Gary Stuart who is the winner of the Square Up competition that has been played during the half time interval at a number of Blue Square Premier matches during the season. The top five scores were as follows:-

Good Luck to Gary in the Play-Off!!!!!!

Pictured right is Paul Flynn taking part in the competition last Saturday.

PHONES4ALTY

OLD BOYS

LAURENCE ON TV

BSP NEWS

Meanwhile, 24 year-old Reed has denied that he has walked out on the club and maintains that instead he was asked to leave. He told Echosport: 'I have not left the club, I have just been asked to leave. I would have loved to train but Bobby Gould and Marcus Browning both said they did not want me to. I am available for selection for tonight's game and Sunday's game, and I want to play'. The Terras have subsequently responded to Reed's claims by saying: 'Stephen Reed's version of events is clearly at odds with that of other people's at the club. He has obviously reconsidered his position after taking advice. However, after recent events we do not feel his presence within the squad is conducive to a happy camp'".

NL Daily says that "Chairman Geoff Moss is confident Dean Saunders will stay on as manager of Wrexham. Saunders has been seeking reassurances that his ambitions are shared by the board and that he will be given a playing budget that will allow Wrexham to challenge for promotion next season. Moss revealed that Saunders will be given a competitive budget and is due to hold further talks with the Reds' boss. But with a total of forty-five players used this season, Moss said the size of the squad will have to be reduced. 'I don't think Dean has any intention of going anywhere else providing we are able to come up with a reasonable budget that allows him to compete', said Moss. 'He had talked about nothing else than next season. Paul Retout has made it clear we have now got to run it more on business lines than out of my pocket, but I am fairly sure we will be able to put something decent together for next season'.

Moss added: 'There will be a lot of players that leave and he will be able to bring in his own – but it will be a much smaller squad. It is not going to be the greatest budget in the world because we have got to be realistic that we lose our parachute payment from the Football League now'... With just two victories in seventeen outings leaving the tenth-placed Reds well off the pace going into the final game of the season against Weymouth at The Racecourse on Sunday... Moss could not fault the effort put in by Saunders... 'On paper, we have brought better players in but we have had worse results. You scratch your head. Nobody puts in more hours and works harder than Dean, and he has brought a level of professionalism there has not been for many years... Moss admitted that the Reds have not recovered from the loss of Marc Williams, who has missed the last two months of the season with a fractured foot... Moss revealed that improvements will also be made to the poor Racecourse pitch" according to the Evening Leader.

From the BBC we learn that "Grays Athletic chairman Mike Woodward is promising changes over the summer. The Essex club have secured their Blue Square Premier status for next season following a midweek win over Crawley. Grays have had another season of turmoil in which two managers left and players were asked to take a 50% pay cut to ease the finances. Woodward told BBC Essex: 'I won't be the chairman next season but will still be on the board and there are a few things to sort out'. The Grays chairman has invested thousands of pounds of his own money to take the club from the Ryman League to within striking distance of the Football League, when they lost in the Conference play-offs to Halifax in 2006. They have also won the FA Trophy twice but Woodward has become the target of abuse from some fans and has had enough.

'I'll still be on the board to protect my investment and I have an idea who the new chairman will be so if they want to slaughter him on messageboards then good luck to them because they'll have their hands full', said Woodward. Gary Phillips took over as manager in January and he will remain with Grays next season, although it is not yet known in what capacity. 'Gary has been very loyal to me but we've got to look at other issues and we'll also have to wait and see as to whether we stay full-time or go part-time' added Woodward."

With existing full-time BSP clubs, like Grays, considering going part-time and promoted AFC Wimbledon confirming that they will not be going full-time, there comes amazing news from Welsh Premier that "Neath Athletic intend to challenge the domination of the Principality Welsh Premier's 'big three' by going full-time following new financial backing for the club... The Eagles were only promoted to the top flight two years ago and share excellent facilities with landlords Neath Rugby Club". Neath's highest gate this season has been 447, their lowest was 112 and their average is 260.

According to the Argus "Crawley will announce their retained list next week after holding preliminary talks with the players they want to keep next season. Assistant manager Paul Raynor admitted he and boss Steve Evans face some tough decisions. 'No one has told us that they want to leave so it’s going to be very difficult', said Raynor. Reds do have a handful of players under contract for 2009-10 including top scorer Jamie Cook, goalkeeper Simon Rayner and skipper Chris Giles. But the likes of key midfielder Dannie Bulman and [ex-Halifax] defensive pair Adam Quinn and Jake Wright, who is expected to be named player of the season after Sunday’s final game against Histon, are out of contract next week and Evans has already confirmed he will be operating with a smaller budget than last season, although the club will remain full-time.

Reds must also make a decision on Brad Thomas, who has spent most of the season on loan with King’s Lynn. Striker Jon Shaw will return to Rochdale next week after the end of his loan spell. He still has a year left on his contract at Spotland. Raynor said: 'One or two might decide to look at options elsewhere and a few others could attract interest elsewhere after the seasons they have had'... Reds will finish ninth regardless of the outcome against a Histon side who still need a point to make sure they are in the end-of-season play-offs. Evans has made no secret of his contempt for Histon’s long-ball style but Raynor, who played under Stutes’ assistant manager John Beck when he was Cambridge manager, admits it is effective...

Raynor said: “They are a strong side physically who get a lot of balls in the box. They will put us under a lot of pressure but we don’t fear them'... Reds gave debuts to youth teamers Max Lake-Edwards and Byron Napper in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Grays but Raynor expects to have most of his big guns back for Sunday. That means Cook, Quinn, Giles, Bulman and Isaiah Rankin should all be in contention".

Histon manager Steve Fallon said: “We’re definitely not in the play-offs but we’re almost there. A lot of things would have to go against us but you never know. We’ve still got a chance of finishing runners-up and that has to be our aim". The Argus adds that "The chances of a relatively small club in Conference terms achieving what Histon have this season is bound to be reduced next season. Luton and probably Chester City are coming down from the Football League and among the promoted teams are big-spending AFC Wimbledon, who clinched promotion from Blue Square south last week. Evans said: 'When you see clubs like Woking getting relegated it shows you how tough this league is and next season will be even harder. But if we get our summer recruitment right then we have a chance of doing well'".

"The following is an account of Wednesday evening's meeting at Ebbsfleet United posted by Jessica McQueen of the MyFC Society Board and Fleet Trust for those who could not make it on the night: 'An excellent turnout, including John Moules, four SB members, eight Fleet Trust and thankfully many Fleet supporters... Although the vote recently held by the members of MyFC gave a ringing endorsement for talks with Liam Daish to commence, without significant funds it is impossible to give Liam clear figures on next season's playing budget. Contracts for players cannot be entered into unless the club has funds to back them up... What conclusions did the meeting draw?...

That the owners and supporters of the club, i.e. all of us, have to take our responsibility seriously, if we really and truly want to own a football club we have to pay for it - and everyone at the meeting agreed that the £35.00 MyFC membership fee is way too small... The date of MyFC renewals needs to be changed so that it does not come just before the end of the season, but during the close season, perhaps July? MyFC membership needs to be increased to £100.00 per annum".

A poster on the club forum adds "The size of the financial shortfall [was] set out at the meeting - the panel of speakers said that this was about £500k. If this is the case and the agreed first team playing budget is £10k per week, then the shortfall is roughly equivalent to the entire playing budget. This would mean therefore that virtually all available income is being spent on administration and support services etc. with nothing available for the team. I can't help thinking therefore that a pretty drastic re-organisation is required, with every penny of the non-playing budget being properly justified".

THURSDAY GAME

ALTY'S GATES

"NO MEAN FEAT"

Above: Gavin Rathbone's view of Alty's fans on the pitch for the end of season awards last Saturday. More of Gavin's images are on his GR Photography website.

Graham Heathcote told the Sale And Altrincham Messenger "There is a justifiable sense of elation at what we have done in staying up and it was wonderful to see so many youngsters in Altrincham shirts at the ground on Saturday. It is no mean feat for a bunch of part-time players to finish above several full-time outfits and fair play to them for that. But what happened at Mansfield [last Tuesday] left me at an incredibly low ebb. I could tell at twenty to eight that their focus and mental shape was a million miles away from what is needed for a game like that and, but for Richard Acton, it would have been a cricket score. He was the only one to emerge with any credit and that sort of unacceptable attitude has been evident too often on our travels. Since the Burton game I have been disgusted with so many of our away performances. I am disillusioned by it and very frustrated because you look for a solution and find there's not much you can do. You can tell a successful football club from the people [i.e. players] sitting in the stand. You thrive on pressure for places but there isn't enough of that here and players have become comfortable.

There are a lot of people doing all they can to raise money for the club and I have the utmost admiration for them. But you have to face reality and the fact is we can't afford to bring in the calibre of player needed to guard against things like Tuesday night. They will probably put in a performance at Cambridge this weekend because the cameras will be there. They better had, because otherwise it would be disrespectful to Burton and to all our fans making the journey".

The article adds that "Stuart Coburn should be fit while skipper Robbie Lawton returns from suspension".

JAMES BLACK

MORE SAD NEWS

Let's hope that for once medical science is wrong.

SUNDAY'S GAME

But the Burton Mail says that "Nigel Clough has agreed to help Burton Albion’s preparations for the biggest game in their history. Derby County have invited the Brewers to make full use of their lavish Moor Farm training complex ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash with Torquay United at Plainmoor. And Clough — the man who built the team that heads the league table going into the last game — will be there to pass on his best wishes. Albion boss Roy McFarland said: 'We wanted to do something different to prepare the boys for the Torquay game and this is a magnificent gesture by Derby County'. The Brewers will train at Moor Farm and, after lunch, will move on to the County Ground to watch Derbyshire’s cricketers against Surrey.

McFarland said: 'I think it will be beneficial for the players to have a change of environment and scenery. It makes it even better that Nigel will be there because of the obvious associations and connections he has with the squad. Some of the lads were with him for a long time at Burton, and it will be nice for them to be reminded of what they achieved together. The whole object of the exercise will be to get the players in the right frame of mind for Sunday. Derby have thrown their doors open to us and offered us full use of their training pitch and other superb facilities such as the jacuzzi. They are also laying on a bite of lunch and then we’ll have a couple of hours relaxing and watching the cricket'. Albion will be at the County Ground as guests of cricket club chairman Don Amott, who is a former Albion director".

Cambridge News reports that "Sunday's match is not all ticket, but the club are advising fans to buy in advance, as they expect a crowd of close to 7,000. Seats in the main and south stands are already selling fast. The ticket office is open from 9am to 5pm daily and 9am to 1pm on Saturday". Altrincham FC has been trying to get confirmation from Cambridge about the arrangements for travelling supporters but, to date, no details are forthcoming.

OLD BOYS

John Worth was a recent visitor to Moss Lane, along with Jackie Swindells. Alty supporter Paul Burton has kindly supplied the above image of John in action from the Manchester Evening News of 1967, for which the website is very grateful.

Ex-Alty midfielder Ged Kielty (right), manager of our neighbours Trafford reports that "With one game to go, the season nears to a close, but it will end another successful season for everyone associated with Trafford FC. Our win against Quorn on Tuesday night in the Unibond Presidents Cup Final puts another trophy in the cabinet... The trophy will be paraded at our last game of the season on Saturday, at home to Clitheroe FC...

For myself, Saturday ends an enjoyable time as the manager of Trafford FC. I have been the manager for two successful seasons and I have enjoyed every minute (nearly) of the job since I was appointed on Wednesday 25th April 2007. Everyone associated with Trafford FC should be proud of the club in the last 24 months. Two trophies in two years isn't bad... Numerous things have pleased me as the manager, but the following three things have meant more than anything else. Winning the North West Counties League in the first year, winning the President's Cup Final in the second year and last but not least, the introduction of the Trafford Supporters Trust. The TST have been fantastic and I can't thank them enough. I've made lots of friends at Trafford FC and only have good words to say about the place, everyone knows it as a friendly club also calls time on his Trafford career. This Saturday sees Lee make his 301st appearance for Trafford... The third part of the management jigsaw who will also leave the club is Tony Coyne. Coyney is one of the games bright young coaches with manners and attitude to match".

News of an Alty loanee from last season who is aiming to reach great heights comes from Macclesfield Town who say that "Young defender James Jennings is back in full training following the injury he sustained back in February against Gillingham... It is unlikely that he will feature in our remaining two games, deciding instead to focus on building his strength for next season. But any thoughts of an easy summer are out of the window as he has agreed to take part in an exciting challenge which will see him climb the highest three peaks in Scotland, England and Wales. The objective is to complete all three of these in 24 hours along with his dad Seamus and brother Connor. The challenge will start at 5pm on Thursday 25th June 2009 at the foot of Ben Nevis (4406 ft) in Scotland, and from there it is onto Scafell Pike (3206 ft) in England before (hopefully) the finish at the base of Snowdon (3560 ft) in Wales. All within 24 hours to match the Aim & Challenge... Macmillan Cancer Support is JJ's chosen charity... The aim is to raise £2000 and JJ is seeking your help. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure."

Another ex-Macc loan player who was at Alty is Jordan Hadfield who played this week for Macclesfield Reserves,

NL Daily says that former Altrincham striker and "Fifth on the Principality Welsh Premier's all-time scorers' list, John Toner is the latest player to join the exodus from The New Saints. Released after ten seasons with the club, the 31-year-old striker is the longest-serving current player at Park Hall and holds the TNS scoring record with 112 goals from 181 (+79 sub) Welsh Premier appearances. A former Liverpool trainee, Toner started his Welsh Premier career with Cemaes Bay before scoring thirty-eight goals from forty-nine games for Conwy United. He joined TNS in 1999 and played in the side that won the league title for the first time, going on to lift three further championship medals under manager and former strike partner Ken McKenna. Toner also played in the Saints' sides that won the Welsh Cup, League Cup and FAW Premier Cup and made fourteen appearances in Europe, scoring in the club's first-ever Champions League tie against Estonians Levadia Maardu and in the Uefa Cup defeat to Amica Wronki of Poland. He has scored eighteen times from thirty league appearances this season and notched his 150th Welsh Premer goal against Caersws this month".

BSP NEWS

'I'm glad that people realise what we are trying to do here as a club with our means and resources', Daish told the Reporter. 'We've achieved in every year in some way or the other. This year has been very, very difficult, yet - in the bigger picture - I'll use it as real experience'...

A number of key decisions need to be put to a MyFC vote - which can take days to be resolved - and the head coach believes that a way needs to be found to speed up the Fleet's working operations. 'Things could have been sorted out a long time ago', the 40-year-old said. 'People have to make decisions quickly in a football club and, as a whole, we have to be decisive... This club is not in a position where we can waste time in any way... I, for one, just want things resolved as quickly as possible'".

The Dorset Echo says that "Weymouth chairman Ian Ridley believes relegation from the Blue Square Premier is 'not a forgone conclusion'... The Terras now require six points from their final two games to stand any chance of preserving their Conference status and despite the club not having tasted success in their last 14 encounters Ridley is adamant such a revival is possible. He said: 'It was a much better performance at Histon and we really deserved something from the game. I should have left there disappointed with the result... but I was actually really encouraged by the way the team fought for the cause... It would be easy for them to throw in the towel. Fortunately in Bobby Gould, we now have a manager who won’t let them do that. He has been staying in the town all week and working them, and with Marcus Browning’s help, the boys are responding.

'I had a talk to them at the hotel where they were having their pre-match meal in the afternoon before the game at Histon and outlined to them the state of the club and possible scenarios for next season. I think they appreciated someone being straight with them and I also think they have come to appreciate that they have just a week not only to save the club from relegation but also to restore their own reputations, which have taken a bit of a battering'. The Terras will take on York at the Wessex Stadium tomorrow before closing their campaign with a clash at Wrexham on Sunday... York will travel to already-relegated Lewes on Sunday while Barrow face a trip to mid-table side Eastbourne Borough.

Ridley continues to be optimistic. He said: 'Strange as it may sound, I now think we could still stay up... Six points could well keep us up... The York game is massive for us and I just hope that we get a big crowd to roar us on and keep our hopes alive... If we are going down – and it is not a foregone conclusion – let’s go down fighting and with our heads held high'”.

NW NEWS

Hyde United look to have been spared relegation as the BBC confirms that "King's Lynn will be demoted from Blue Square North at the end of the season because The Walks Stadium does not meet Football Conference standards. The club and stadium owners King's Lynn Borough Council have committed to completing improvements by next season. Linnets' chairman Ken Bobbins said he was left perplexed by the decision. 'We've been to grounds that are virtually derelict, and they seem to get ground grading certificates, it's bizarre', he told BBC Radio Norfolk. 'We knew there was work to be done on the ground, we've been working on the finances and how that can be achieved all season', he continued. 'It's particularly galling because the council have given the Conference an unconditional undertaking that they will make good all the required alterations, and they will be completed by the start of the season', he said. The club have been given 14 days to appeal against the league's ruling, but Bobbins is not confident of success.".

NEW CLUBS, OLD CONNECTIONS

And that is not the only connection with Alty's past as the manager of AFC is the former manager of Hayes FC, Terry Brown. NL Daily tells us that "Terry Brown has always dreamed of managing in the Football League - and says he now has the perfect chance to turn that ambition into a reality. The former Aldershot Town and Hayes boss has a wealth of experience in the Blue Square Premier, and came agonisingly close to leading the Shots to League Two in 2004, when he saw his part-time side lose 3-0 on penalties to Shrewsbury in the play-off final. The Hampshire outfit were then beaten by Carlisle a year later, this time in the play-off semi-final, also in a shoot-out, meaning the 56-year-old has never had a shot at the Football League. 'Managing in the league is my ambition', said Brown. 'I’ve been in non-League all my life, as a fan, a player and now as a manager. The problem is that very few professional clubs delve into non-league when they make appointments. If you’re a non-League manager - apart from a few exceptions - no Football League club is ever going to give you a job... What I do have here, in AFC Wimbledon, is a vehicle to realise my ambitions'" he told South London Today.

ONE END OF THE PITCH TO THE OTHER

Right: From one end to the other - nearest the camera is Richard Acton making only his second league appearance of the season at Mansfield. Towards half way are Dale Johnson and Michael Welch, whilst on half-way we see captain Greg Young lining up for a pre-match photo with his Mansfield counterpart and The Stags' mascot. At the other end is the Mansfield keeper.

JUST £8.65 TO SEE ALTY

Full details are on the Season Ticket page and are reproduced below.

Season Ticket Prices

A £10 discount will apply to the above categories (only) if bought before the end of June.

No further discount will apply to the under-12 and 12 to 16 categories.

Turnstile Prices

Season tickets also confer free admission to the pre-season friendlies held at Moss Lane..

NB The Club welcomes payment by instalments; please ring the Club (928-1045) to arrange this.

CAMBRIDGE GAME

On Sunday, Altrincham will have captain Robbie Lawton available again after suspension whilst goalkeeper Stuart Coburn should also be available after missing Tuesday's game through injury.

SEASON ON DVD

ALTY PUT THROUGH THE MILL

Stags kicked off their penultimate match of the season, attacking the small splattering of Altrincham supporters who had made the journey on what was quite a fine, spring evening at Field Mill... Rarely has a first half of football at Field Mill seen quite so many corners in the opening period" - Alty won just one of them. "It was 2-0 on 51 minutes when Nathan Arnold latched onto some poor defending from Young to nip in and fire underneath Acton, from just inside the six yard box. It was nothing more than the home side had deserved in truth and gave a fairer reflection of the level of Mansfield's performance... Stags were playing with a freedom, and were clearly enjoying themselves against a side, that were seemingly looking forward to their summer holidays... Altrincham were almost back in the game, somewhat against the run of play when Anthony Danylyk struck a fine effort that beat Jason White, but clipped the crossbar as it headed over".

This is Nottingham adds that "From the balmy April weather to the relative apathy of supporters concerning the end result, this-end-of-term encounter had the feeling prior to kick-off of a pre-season friendly. Yet, come full-time, a stirring Mansfield Town display had raised the interest level several notches... In short, it was a top-notch team performance that had the mouths of the Mansfield fans watering about the team's prospects for next season. Yes, this game was a meaningless affair in the overall scheme of things. Yes, their opposition were no world-beaters. And yes, the Stags only managed two goals in the end. But some of their football was a joy to watch – the most creative they have been going forward all season... Alty rallied in the closing stages, but White produced a fine save to keep out Welsh's free-kick".

STATS

OLD BOY

Ex-Alty loan player Tom Cahill got a hat-trick for Ilkeston as they beat Marine 3-0 in midweek.

CHESHIRE NEWS

The BBC adds that "Chester manager Mark Wright insists that his side can still stay in the Football League despite Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by rivals Bournemouth. 'We're still in it', Wright told BBC Radio Merseyside. 'We know what we have to do. We've got to go to Aldershot next week and win. Grimsby and Bournemouth play each other and both can't win. So it will leave it open and, if we can win, and we have to win it, that leaves it open to the last game'. City are only four points adrift of safety of Bournemouth and Grimsby, the only two sides they can catch. But, with a vastly inferior goal difference, they must win both their last two matches to stand even a chance of survival... And Wright has the task of lifting a young, badly depleted team who have picked up just 13 points out of a possible 66 since Boxing Day. But the two wins City have enjoyed in that nightmare 22-match streak have come on their last two away outings, at Notts County and Accrington".

JACKIE

BSP NEWS

Current club chairman David Taylor admits: 'Several names were mentioned in the board meeting. There are lots of well-known high-profile managers out there. A lot of people have been saying [former Lewes and Northwich boss] Steve King has put himself forward. He's a personal friend of mine. I think other people have been putting him forward. I hope he gets a successful position somewhere'".

According to Sport4Salisbury "Nick Holmes paid tribute to his players and the club’s supporters and sponsors at a special event in the Sarum Suite to reveal Salisbury City’s corporate sponsorship plans for the 2009/10 season. In a candid address to a packed room of sponsors, the Whites’ manager reflected on what he described as an ‘eventful’ season, the recent decision to put the club up for sale, and why promotion to the Football League remains his ambition...

'These players took pay cuts during the season and to be fair to those boys they’ve got on with the job and done us proud', said Holmes. 'This season has been eventful. You can divide it into three parts – two have been very good, one has been diabolical! The first third of the season we started brightly and we got 20 or 21 points from ten games and everything was firing. Then we know what happened - things took a turn for the worse and we went through about 20 games and got ten points, which was definitely relegation form. Fortunately things clicked in again towards the end of the season - we got a couple of lads in from Torquay who did us proud while they were here and got the momentum going and we finished well. It’s actually been a good season when you think of what’s gone on...

Some good things have come out of it. All of a sudden a supporters club appeared – their quiz nights and 50/50 draws have actually helped with the upkeep of the pitch. Also we’ve now got away travel organised - we’ve got coaches going to away games... A couple of weeks ago the club was put up for sale for £1. Personally I think it’s the best thing that can happen to this club. Nev and the directors have taken it as far as they can. It’s time for someone else to come on board...

When I came here I said we could make it to the Football League in ten years. That’s possible. We’ve got quite close and I don’t want that to stop now... We spoke to two parties on Friday. I was very pleased I was allowed to sit in on the meetings and it impressed me that the football was a major part of what they wanted -not the egotistic stuff that some chairmen seem to want. They were interested in the football and that’s a very important part... The timing of the sale is correct. Everybody here feels this is the next step on the ladder'".

"England "C" winger Mitchell Cole has signed a new two-year deal with Stevenage Borough. The 23-year-old, out of contract next month, had been in discussions with the club for some weeks... Chairman Phil Wallace said: 'Mitch is one of those players that can get you on the edge of your seat when he's on his game. His pace is electric, his technique outstanding'... Cole was signed from Southend United for a five-figure fee and has made seventy-eight appearances for Boro"

The Football Conference has issued a statement on "Histon Player Registration". It says, "The Football Conference received an email from the FA on 19 March stating Histon FC had been found guilty of a breach of FA Rule E.1(d) regarding player Ben Coker, having been charged by the FA on 20 January. On 19 March the case was heard by the FA and the Club was found guilty of the breach and fined £300. In an email to the Football Conference, The FA stated that their view was that the Football Conference should charge Histon FC under rule 6.8, pointing out there was discretion for the Board in determining a punishment as this was an international clearance issue.

The Football Conference issued a charge on 23 March. The club did not request a Personal Hearing and the case was dealt with at the Board meeting on 16th April where the Club was fined £200. Consistent with similar decisions made this season, where an ‘offending’ player has been used as a substitute, no points were deducted. The player did not play for Histon FC again, and has since left the club.

This was not an issue the Football Conference could have observed or controlled. The player's registration form states he had not played outside England. In no way could this have been uncovered by the Football Conference Office, thus the FA involvement".

As previously reported this is a shift in policy from 2005 when Altrincham lost every point gained whilst James Robinson, who likewise did not have international clearance, was on the pitch as a sub.

The Conference also reports that on Wednesday 23rd April at 3pm, "Joining us in [a] live and interactive webtv show is Dave Cribb lifelong Altrincham FC supporter who recently won a competition to present a new video guide to the Blue Square Premier. Joining him on the sofa is Blue Square's own betting expert Alan Alger.

Wrexham record that "A fourth straight 1-0 loss sends the Reds to defeat at the hands of Ebbsfleet United in Kent. 'It's like a bad dream at the moment!' said Dean Saunders... 'It is though incredible how things are going for us at the moment, but I must change it during the summer... It will make my decisions easier to make in the summer. The players are trying, but like a boxer getting battered in the ring'... The fact that the travelling following was down to just 39 hardy souls spoke volumes for the way Wrexham's fortunes have slumped so dramatically in the closing stages of a campaign that had promised so much back in mid-February".

ALTY ROCKERS!

This Saturday (April 25th) at 7.30pm (Doors Open at 7pm), TASC (The Altrincham Supporters' Club) present 'Harbingers' plus support in the Noel White Suite, Altrincham Football Club.

'Harbingers' are a band comprising a number of Altrincham supporters including the club's longest serving gateman........Nigel Hennerley and they will be performing songs from their debut album 'Falling off Roofs'.

The full line up of the band is: MIKE BENSON - Guitars/Vocals IAN PRICE - Bass/Vocals JIM BENSON - Drums NIGEL HENNERLEY - Guitars.

This is sure to be an excellent evening and you can listen to some 'Harbingers' tracks on MySpace. Tickets from Brian Flynn or 07860 561011. £4 in advance, £5 on the door.

TASC RACE NIGHT RAISES £1,300!

Many thanks to everyone who supported and attended Saturday's Race night and helped raise a total profit of £1,303. The vast majority of this has already been handed over to club. The Race Night is always one of the best events of the year, but it was particularly nice this year to have it on the day the club secured a fifth consecutive season in the Blue Square Premier.

Thanks also to the TASC Committee and to Karen, Sarah & Grahame Rowley for organising such a successful event and to Premium Collections for suppying the bottles of bubbly for the winning race owners.

WELL DONE, GED!

GOING TO CAMBRIDGE

Having been involved in the BSP's least attended fixture this season, just 337 saw Lewes beat us recently, we could now be involved in the best attended BSP game as a gate of 8,000 is predicted at Cambridge.

FORUM BACK

MANSFIELD TOWN 2 ALTRINCHAM 0

Match report here.

THE VICE-CHAIRMAN'S SHOCK

YANKEE

BSP NEWS

TONIGHT'S GAME

Tuesday 21 April

BEFORE THE GAME

This is Nottingham reports that "Mansfield Town's youngsters could be given a chance to impress in the final two games of the season, says boss David Holdsworth. The Stags take on Altrincham tonight and Stevenage on Sunday... They have little to play for in terms of league position, but Holdsworth is determined his side protect their unbeaten home record under his charge. Even so, he may use the opportunity when the pressure is off to blood the likes of Connor Higginson, Grant Ryan and Tom Naylor. 'We have a few injuries and I may give Connor, Grant or Tom a go. I will try a few young players if they deserve the opportunity', said Holdsworth. 'But at the same time I have to balance that with the fact I want to win these games at home and finish the season well... It is massive for us to win these last two home games in front of our fans; we have got our pride. If we could finish like that it would be fantastic, but we have to prepare right'. Mansfield are waiting on the fitness of Louis Briscoe (ankle ligaments), Curtis Woodhouse (groin), Matt Somner (knee) and Daryl Clare (back). Briscoe and Woodhouse came off against Woking, while the other two players were not fit enough to be involved". The club website says that Somner is definitely out.

Mid-table Altrincham make their first ever visit to Field Mill tonight (Tuesday) for their league match against Mansfield Town, whom they beat earlier this season at Moss Lane when the Notts side were managed by Billy McEwen. Robbie Lawton is out suspended but the Stags face three players with Mansfield connections; former striker Joe O'Neill and Colin Little and ex-trialist Mark McGregor. The referee is Mr R Madley who officiated at the Altrincham v Lewes game earlier this season.

Current "Mansfield Town manager David Holdsworth watched Rob Duffy bag two goals against Woking, then hinted the striker may be offered a new deal" states This is Nottingham. "The striker's double in the 2-2 draw in Surrey took him to nine goals for the season since joining in January and makes him joint top scorer with Mark Stallard... 'When Rob plays like that, he is very hard to play against, but when he plays the other way, he is anaemic', said Holdsworth... 'I took Rob off because we already have a few injured and I need him fit... Now he has two home games to be top scorer on his own... I will be over the moon to have someone in double figures. If you are going to challenge in a league then you must have two players who get into double figures'...

Louis Briscoe (ankle ligaments), Curtis Woodhouse (groin), Matt Somner (knee) and Daryl Clare (back) are all fitness doubts ahead of tomorrow night's clash with Altrincham". Mansfield later confirmed that "Matt Somner will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury whilst Curtis Woodhouse and Louis Briscoe will face late fitness tests ahead of tomorrow's penultimate match of the season at home to Altrincham".

This is Nottingham adds that Duffy "is one of 20 players whose current deal expires in the summer... He has certainly divided fans' opinion, drawing an equal share of supporters and detractors... He has now hit nine goals in 18 starts and one substitute appearance... Duffy has achieved that, despite coming from a part-time club in Newport County where his fitness suffered".

For their draw last Saturday at Woking there were "four changes to the starting line-up with debutant Curtis Shaw, Nathan Arnold, Gary Silk and Duffy replacing Gianluca Havern, O'Connor and the injured Matt Somner and Daryl Clare. O'Connor was not out of action for long as Louis Briscoe limped off with an ankle injury after just 20 minutes and there was a further setback at the start of the second period when Curtis Woodhouse failed to reappear because of a groin problem and was replaced by Alan O'Hare... When Woking went in front, unfortunately, it was down to another goalkeeping error from Jason White of the type that have punctuated his Stags' career at regular intervals. This one, failing to collect a routine cross from Joel Ledgister, will probably have sealed his fate in terms of him being shown the door by Holdsworth, if that decision had not been made already".

The Chad quotes Duffy: "We mustn't let leads slip. It is the difference between finishing mid-table and pushing on up next season. We have to be more professional and more tough after we have scored... It is now the business end of the season and the gaffer has decisions to make over contracts. We will have to wait and see what happens".

"Some Stags fan dressed as Smurfs to mark the last game of the season in party mood and Holdsworth added: 'Our fans were absolutely different class today'... Stags had two youngsters in central midfield but they were in charge by the end. 'I thought Olly Hotchkiss and Curtis Shaw did well together in midfield', he said". Hotchkiss added "It is a much better standard than playing for Leeds reserves. It is tough and physical... I have a year left on my contract at Leeds and will report there for pre-season training. But I will be sad to leave here".

HAVE A BALL!

FANS' FORUM

On Sunday, May 10th Altrincham FC Youth will play Altrincham FC Juniors U-18s at Moss Lane at 3pm. Before that on Monday May 4th (bank holiday) there is the annual Staff v Supporters' game at Moss Lane (3pm). Everyone is welcome to both games.

In the close season there will be the usual workdays to get the ground spruced up for next season. Please do try and come along if you can; more details to follow.

YOUTH GAME

Right: Osebi Abadaki in action against Nantwich.

There is now a match report on Altrincham FC Youth's final league game of the season on Sunday against Nantwich Town in the Youth section. However, there will be a trial match between the Youth team and Altrincham FC Juniors under-18s on May 10th at 3pm at Moss Lane; spectators welcome.

The latest youth team league table shows Altrincham lying third but catchable by Woodley Sports.

THE FINAL GAME

The referee at Cambridge United this Sunday for Altrincham's visit is Mr Jock Waugh, who is well known to us having officated our matches several times including our games away at Burton and Northwich in April and December 2008 respectively.

BSP NEWS

The Daily Post claims that "A third successive defeat and not a goal to show for 270 minutes of football offers the possibility that Wrexham will look back on their first Blue Square Premier campaign as one in which the club has made little or no progress during the past 12 months. It’s certainly been a season of contrasting fortunes for two managers, 45 players and as loyal a bunch of supporters at any club that has experienced what the Dragons have over the course of the last few years.

The fans were there again in numbers at Rockingham Road on Saturday to witness yet another painfully limp display by the Dragons that revived memories of a dismal day trip to Grays Athletic last September just prior to the departure of Brian Little and the arrival of Dean Saunders. But the initial renaissance inspired by the former Wales international seems an equally long way distant as he and his players have dug themselves into an increasingly deepening hole from which the only escape would appear to be next week’s Racecourse curtain call against Weymouth".

FANS' FORUM

FINISHING PROFESSIONALLY

Setanta has confirmed that they will cover the Torquay v Burton game as their main match on the last day of the season. The NL paper says that "Burton have a tough away game at Torquay to finish their season, while Cambridge have what appears to be a much easier task at home to Altrincham". However Setanta's cameras will be at Cambridge "to keep viewers fully updated... should Gary Brabin's men be able to grab the title".

WELL DONE!

Above, Julian and Alan from the Autistic Society were amongst the guests of the Club at Moss Lane on Saturday. They had completed the 50-mile walk from Altrincham to Wrexham over the Easter period to raise funds both for the Society and the Football Club. They are pictured above with Altrincham players and manager Graham Heathcote.

TUESDAY'S GAME

In the first half, striker Louis Briscoe's "luminous right boot was ripped as he suffered an ankle injury which meant he had to be replaced by Aaron O'Connor. O'Connor made an instant impact... Nippy winger Ryan Williams won Stags' first corner on 41 minutes and it was from that which provided the opening goal... At half time, Captain Curtis Woodhouse was replaced by Alan O'Hare". Mansfield secured a 2-2 draw but "On the stroke of the 90, Scott Gardner replaced the injured Rob Duffy, who was unable to continue... and so Nathan Arnold was moved up front with Gardner moving to the right of midfield".

END IN SIGHT

14th ALTRINCHAM P 44 GD -16 PTS 55 MAX 61

15th EBBSFLEET UNITED P 43 GD -7 PTS 54 MAX 63

16th SALISBURY CITY P 45 GD -10 PTS 54 MAX 57

17th FOREST GREEN ROVERS P 44 GD -4 PTS 52 MAX 58

18th BARROW P 44 GD -16 PTS 47 MAX 53, cannot catch Alty.

19th GRAYS ATHLETIC P44 GD-22 PTS 46 MAX 52, cannot catch Alty.

20th YORK CITY P 43 GD -6 PTS 45 MAX 54, cannot catch Alty.

21st WOKING P45 GD -21 PTS 44 MAX 47, cannot catch Alty.

22nd WEYMOUTH P 43 GD -37 PTS 43 MAX 52, cannot catch Alty.

The 23rd and 24th clubs, NORTHWICH VICTORIA and LEWES are already relegated.

COMING UP

NW NEWS

CHANGE OF INTERPRETATION

BSP NEWS

At Salisbury City on Saturday "United played out a tense second half to secure a play-off place and go into the final day of the season with an outside chance of the title. 'That was a really hard game', commented Gary Brabin afterwards. 'Some of the things you hear beforehand sound really easy when you say it dead quick - 'Go there and win four-nil, then win there three-nil' - but it's not like that. This is a tough place to go and we weren't shocked last week when Torquay drew here... 'In one way I'm trying to say to the lads that we've got nothing to lose, just go out there to secure a place in the play-offs and see what happens in the play-offs. But the lads and myself have had so many texts in the last 24 hours and everyone's a mathematician', he added. 'First and foremost I just wanted three points'...

United go into the final day three points and four goals behind leader Burton, who have lost four of their last five games". Brabin added "As a club we all have something to really look forward to now in our last game of the season [v Altrincham]; we've got a chance of promotion and we're expecting a massive crowd, and there's everything to play for. The onus is still on Burton', he cautioned. 'There's one game left and they're four goals better off than us, but we're in a great position and at least we've taken it to the last day of the season... It's a big ask because we're relying on someone else to get beaten and we've got a lot of goals to catch up, and we've got a tough home game against Altrincham too, but in the past this league has been won with ten games to go and we've taken it to the wire so I'm proud of the lads for that'...

United's final league game is at home to Altrincham next Sunday at 4pm. The match is not all-ticket but a larger than normal crowd is anticipated so supporters are advised to purchase tickets in advance where possible. The Ticket Office will be open as usual Monday-Friday next week, closed on Saturday, but open again from 9am next Sunday before the game".

According to Your Thurrock "You knew this was going to go down to the last week. Back In August, Grays lost by two goals down in Weymouth. They ended the [away] campaign in similar manner, losing 2-0 to Altrincham at the Moss Lane Stadium. Goals by Colin Little in the 23rd and then sub Chris Denham in the 80th sealed Premiership football for Altrincham. Their celebrations after the game contrasted with a dejected Grays Athletic. After the game, Gary Phillips directed the criticism towards the players. The players have never looked comfortable away from home all season apart from the period when Wayne Burnett got going: the draw against Carlisle, the away win at York. Burnett’s team carved out some 'winning ugly' results". The article then assesses each player's performance against Altrincham. It concludes "So there we have it. Woking have one game left up at Rushden, who were thrashed 4-0 by Forest Green. Weymouth still look doomed. York’s win against Eastbourne seems to have secured their survival (they have Lewes and Weymouth this week). So, Lewes, Northwich for sure. Weymouth, barring a miracle and then in truth it is between Woking and Grays"

Meanwhile, Woking report that ""With this draw [against Mansfield], the Cards slipped back into the bottom four and the odds are heavy now that this is where they will finish as other clubs, midweek, take advantage of their game(s) in hand. With 10 minutes to go and the Cards 2-1 up, and most other latest scores in our favour, it was looking hopeful but the Stags’ tactic of trying to plant the ball on Robert Duffy’s head at the far post finally paid off to level the scores".

ALTY YOUTH 2 NANTWICH TOWN 3

A picture of the Alty Youth team before this game is on the Youth Page.

AWARDS

1. Greg Young
2. Mark McGregor
3. Dale Johnson

Above upper: Left, Greg Young - Players' Player of the Year, receives his award from Stuart Coburn. Right, Shaun Densmore, Young Player of the Year, receives his award from Dave Johnson.

Above lower: Left, Graham Barrow, Tom Earley Clubman of the Year, receives his award from Graham Heathcote. Right, the winner of the Ballboy of the Year award.

Left: Michael Welch receives the Jimmy McKiernan Goal of the Season award from Fred Eyre, the former footballer and author.

The winner of the raffle for a place on the team coach to Cambridge United next weekend was Brian Newhall. The winners of the Supporter of the Year 2008 award were John and Dana Laidlar (who were both surprised but very appreciative). Runners-up were Stan and Isabel Riley, followed by Steve Murray.

The final auctioned event in the Race Night was won by John (Jock) Henderson and both TASC and the Club would like to thank him and his partner, Winnie, for their generosity in donating the £140 prize money back to the Football Club.

Many thanks are due to TASC and their chairman Brian Flynn for their orgnaisation of the Race Night the awards ceremonies.

ALTRINCHAM 2 GRAYS ATHLETIC 0

Above: The Alty back-four held firm for the second successive game yesterday. Here we see Michael Welch, James Smith, Greg Young and Chris Lane in action against Grays.

Altrincham are now definitely safe in the Blue Square Premier for next season after this win over Grays. But their season is not over with two away games left at Mansfield Town (Tuesday) and Cambridge (Sunday). Cambridge United are the only team who can catch Burton for the title but need Albion to lose at Torquay on Sunday. The "U"s would then have to beat Altrincham 5-0 (assuming Burton only lost by a single goal) to claim the title. Setanta have however elected yet again to show Burton's game live, though there will be cameras at what will be a packed Abbey Stadium next Sunday. To book your seat on the TASC supporters' coach to Cambridge, see the Away Travel page.

GREG YOUNG, PLAYER OF SEASON

Above: Greg Young received his Supporters' Player of the Season award from vice-chairman Grahame Rowley after today's game.

ALTRINCHAM 2 GRAYS ATHLETIC 0

SATURDAY GAMES

ALTY v GRAYS

LANDMARKS

TASC EVENTS TODAY

TASC Life Members' Membership Cards

Life Members of TASC will be able to pick up their Membership Cards from the Club Shop at the Grays game today.

Supporter of The Year Award

Due to technical issues with the Fans' Forum, we have not been able to run the electronic poll for the inaugural 'Supporter of The Year' award.This will now be decided via a poll at today's match against Grays Athletic.

'Square Up' Challenge Final

The final of the 'Square Up' Competition will take place at half-time during today's game against Grays Athletic. This 'square ball keepie uppie' competition has been taking place at a number of home Blue Square Premier matches this season and the five highest scorers have been invited to contest the final.

They are:-

1. Niall Flynn 27
2. Steve Sutcliffe 22
3. Garry Stewart 19
4. Gareth Thomas 19
5. Paul Flynn 19

The winner will receive, courtesy of Blue Square, two Altrincham F.C. season tickets for 2009/10 season and will be invited to a play-off against winners from other Blue Square Premier, Blue Square North & Blue Square South clubs. From this play-off the top five will go to Wembley for the Blue Square Premier play-off final and the overall winner will walk away with £10,000!!!!

GRAYS' LAST GAME

THE NEW SHIRT

Adjacent is the new Altrincham FC home shirt for 2009-10, which can be seen today in the Club Shop. Order yours now at the Shop or by phoning the club on 928-1045. The shirts are made by Prostar and supplied by Ian Senior's Sensport Kits. Photos courtesy of Karen Rowley.

Ian adds that the available sizes, in either long or short sleeve, are:

Any sizes not listed above may be available subject to a small alteration fee.

ALTRINCHAM FC AWARDS

TASC chairman Brian Flynn writes, "Following Easter Monday's fantastic win at Wrexham, all Altrincham supporters will be hoping that we can mathematically confirm our Blue Square Premier status for next season, by getting a result against Grays Athletic in our final home game of the season. A number of presentations will be made straight after the final whistle has been blown on Saturday with further presentations taking place during the Annual End of Season Race Night later in the evening".

The running order for the presentations to be made in front of the Main Stand after the final whistle will be as follows. Supporters will be allowed onto the pitch to watch these.

The presentations at the Race Night will be:

Our opponents on Tuesday, Mansfield Town report that "Midfielder Neil MacKenzie has left Field Mill by mutual consent. The central midfielder, who turned 32 years old two days ago, returned to Field Mill for a second spell in January this year... Manager David Holdsworth told mansfieldtown.net: 'He has been frustrated recently by not playing as regularly as he would like... He is still our (registered) player and can be called upon if needed but Mac's future lies elsewhere'".

According to the NL Football Paper "Crawley Town became the second Blue Square Premier club to be broken into in a week on Thursday night. Thieves broke into the club following the Crawley League Cup, taking hundreds of pound worth of kit. Sergeant Taylor of Crawley Police told the West Sussex Gazette: 'It's possible an emergency door was left open and that's how they gained entry. Twelve match balls were taken, official match balls, they're marked with the Blue Square Premier logo on them and they're worth about £50 apiece. A lot of clothing was taken, sweat tops, padded jackets and tracksuit bottoms, they're all logoed as well which makes it all very distinctive. The club have reported it and we're looking for anyone with information to contact us. It's very distinctive clothing, it'll be hard stuff to shift because it's so synonymous with the club'.

Reds' boss Steve Evans told the Gazette: 'It's a shame that people would want to come and break in and do something like this. The club works really hard for the community and the people of Crawley... At the end of the day we always have a contingency plan, so we shouldn't be too affected by the losses at this stage... I think there's a huge, huge swell of backing for the football club and the good things we're doing and if people are out there with balls and kits I'm sure we will be told about it'".

The Woking News and Mail reports that "David Taylor believes that Woking are on the verge of an exciting future – despite the spectre of relegation hanging over the club. The Kingfield chairman confirmed this week that he will be standing down after 14 months at the helm... Taylor is confident a consortium waiting in the wings – which he confirmed was being led by IT entrepreneur Shahid Azeem – has the passion and business nous vital to turn the Cards around. That can’t happen though without the approval of owner Chris Ingram, who has already indicated his extensive seven-year funding is ending...

Ingram – who will remain as the club’s landlord, having ploughed in millions – said it may take up to a month for him to make up his mind... 'We have players who come under the Bosman ruling and might want to keep them. But we can’t make these decisions with a holding board which is what we’ve got at the moment. I’m very excited about Shahid’s involvement. I’ve told him I don’t want to be chairman, just a fan again, but he has said he wants my input for the new board because of my closeness to the supporters', said Taylor...

One of 49-year-old Azeem’s plans is to set up what could be known as The Chris Ingram Foundation, a body which would raise cash for a local charitable cause of his choice and serve as a permanent legacy to the man who saved the Cards from oblivion in 2002... Azeem was reticent about revealing the identity of other members of his consortium group, but he added: 'We must go back to basics, to being a community club that young people in the borough want to aspire to be a part of'...

Azeem, who is also chairman of the Woking Asian Business Forum and an influential figure in the town, is already rallying support for the Cards... Azeem has issued around 500 tickets throughout the town’s Asian community, who are expected to converge on Kingfield to add vocal and drum-beating backing to the cause".

"Crawley boss Steve Evans believes it will be even harder to mount a Conference promotion challenge next season" states the Argus. "Evans admitted last week that he is likely to be operating once again with a small squad of around 18 full-time pros but working within a reduced budget. Added to that, Luton Town’s massive resources and big fan base means they will have a huge advantage in the race for the Football League... Their average crowd is still more than 6,000... He said: 'If you consider the likes of Luton as well as a host of other big clubs it is not going to be easy... But if we can retain our best players and add a few new ones in important areas I feel we can definitely challenge'.

Evans wants to add goalkeeping cover for Simon Rayner, a right-back, midfielder and striker to his squad while talks with the club’s out-of-contract players will take place next week. Only a handful – including striker Jamie Cook, Rayner, Mikey Malcolm and Chris Giles – have deals which extend into next season... Assistant Paul Raynor said: 'We are on course for the highest position and most points in Crawley Town’s history this season which is a magnificent achievement in itself. But when we came here in 2007 we said it was a three-year plan to get this club into the Football League and we’re now getting ready for the third season. We have got better and better and I think the fans here appreciate how much we have moved the club forward'... Tomorrow’s opponents Barrow still need four points to ensure survival...

Evans added: 'It would be disrespectful to the other clubs who are involved in the play-offs and relegation not to give everything in these last three games.. Reds have opted against making the 600-mile trip to Barrow overnight and will set off early tomorrow to save costs. Evans said: 'If we’d still been in play-off contention we would definitely have stayed in a hotel but the club can’t really afford to spend £1,500 when it’s not really necessary'”.

BURTON BLOW CHANCE

Just a point tonight would have secured the title for Burton but Oxford's win now means that Altrincham could have a part to play in the destiny of the automatic promotion place. If Cambridge United win tomorrow at Salisbury and Burton lose their last game of the season at Torquay United next Saturday, a win for the "Us" against Altrincham that same day could win Cambridge the championship. Currently, however, Burton have a 5-goal better goal difference than Cambridge.

SAD NEWS

FANS' FORUM

MIDWEEK

VIRTUALLY THERE

They gave up their Easter and that underlines their dedication and commitment. When you consider how injuries have hit us, it has been a great effort and so many people have contributed. My assistant Graham Barrow has played a major part and even bringing Rod Thornley back to the club as cover has given everyone a lift for the effect he has in the dressing room as well as on the pitch.

You can juggle the maths as much as you like but we are 99.9% safe. Now it is important to try and sign off on Saturday with another good performance and another bumper gate".

DON'T MISS IT

JACKIE AND JOHN HONOURED

LITTLE RESISTANCE?

Altrincham beat Cambridge 1-0 earlier this season.

THE ALTRINCHAM SUPPORTERS' CLUB

BSP NEWS

The new wave of recruits want to be in a position to run the club without his controlling hand, other than as the owner/landlord. Ingram preferred not to elaborate on the behind-the-scenes activity, other than to say: 'I am prepared to sell the club for a nominal fee, which is £1, for it to go into the right hands. The idea behind that is that any money a buyer does have doesn’t go to me, it goes to the club. A decision is needed quickly and I will make it within the next months. When Kim Grant was sacked the board refused to accept my resignation but I knew privately that I would go at the end of the season', he said. 'My mind was made up when Phil Gilchrist went. I will continue to be involved at the club though in some capacity and I look forward to that... I’ve got the scars on my back to show for the past 12 months and they will come in very useful in the future. I know more about how football works now and I aim to use the knowledge in a positive fashion to the benefit of the club'”.

"Intruders have stolen hundreds of pounds and caused £600 worth of damage in an overnight raid at Weymouth Football Club. "The culprits broke in and vandalised the club shop before stealing around £200 – cash taken during Monday’s home game with Forest Green Rovers. They then rifled through financial paperwork and stole petty cash as they ransacked a commercial office at the Wessex Stadium... Director Shaun Hennessy said 'It’s the last thing we need at the moment. We can’t afford to lose a penny right now. It’s going to be quite expensive just to repair the damage. I’d say we’re looking at £600 at least'... Mr Hennessy said the thieves gained access to the club shop, which is run by supporters' club, the Terras Trust, by kicking in the door. 'The till was forced open, which unfortunately had all of Monday’s takings in it', he said. 'They got £200 from that and just threw the shirts all over the place'. Mr Hennessy said the raiders then smashed their way into the commercial office and wrecked it before seizing a small amount of petty cash. He said: 'They literally stole a couple of pounds but every file in there was opened and paperwork was thrown everywhere. We’re not sure exactly what was taken but we’re in the middle of conducting a full audit on the club so we need to ensure everything we require is still there'. Mr Hennessy said the club’s security company had now offered to patrol the Wessex Stadium at night to try toprevent further incidents... 'We’ve got absolutely no idea who might have done this at the moment', he added. 'But we’re obviously hoping it was just opportunist thieves'”.

Meanwhile the administrator of the Weymouth forum writes, "Enough is Enough. After a pathetic, needless and heated PM conversation last night with a Director of Weymouth FC I have decided to call it a day. I will close this board down at 17:00 this evening. I am sorry but I no longer want any association with a club who can accuse me of being partly responsible for trying to destroy the hard work that some have put in recently in saving the club. This is a big insult to me. I have never said anything detrimental to Weymouth FC ever. On the whole, I thought this was a well moderated message board and at times done under very difficult circumstances".

At another club for sale for a pound, BBC tells us that "Salisbury City chairman Neville Beal has said he will begin to meet with potential buyers of the club on Friday. The Whites' chairman said many of the enquiries had come from the Salisbury area, although one enquiry for the Blue Square Premier club was from Denmark. Beal is selling City for a pound after seven years in charge and hopes to have met all potential buyers within a week. He revealed there are three or four parties who seem serious about taking over at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium".

The Ebbsfleet Forum has a "Statement from the MyFC Society Board. Early evening on Monday, the MyFC Society board were informed by the CEO of Ebbsfleet United, Mr David Davis that he wished to resign from the position of CEO. David has requested that the reasons for his decision remain confidential and the Society Board intend to honour his request and support his decision to resign... After a lengthy discussion, the MyFC board decided by a majority decision of 6 to 1 to ask the Chairman of Ebbsfleet United Mr John Moules to take over the additional work of the CEO with immediate effect. This situation is for an interim period of 3 months... We wish this decision to be voted on by the membership of MyFC, so you will soon be asked to ratify the decision if you wish. The vote will be a fast 24 hour vote so matters can be dealt with asap and we can move on".

Later Kent Online added that "Ebbsfleet chief executive David Davis has resigned from his position with immediate effect. Mr Davis was only appointed to the post last year following the MyFootballClub takeover".

The Gravesend Reporter states, "Liam Daish has held crunch talks with Ebbsfleet United chairman John Moules to thrash out which way the Fleet will be steered under the current regime. Daish - like the majority of his players - is out of contract in the summer, and met Moules yesterday in a bid to clarify 'massive issues' that currently afflict the Stonebridge Road club... 'I have got to find out what the future holds and I'm waiting for direction', he said before the meeting... 'I need be shown, from above, what's going to happen in the foreseeable future - regarding what the club is looking to achieve and what status it wants to be in... That, hopefully, will be revealed this week because there are massive issues to be addressed'.

'Of course, I would like to stay', he said. 'If you put together the team that I could have fielded over the years and had we been able to keep those players, it's one that was capable of getting into the Football League. Sometimes though, you lose players and you have to start again and, if I have to, I will'".

Two players with Altrincham connections are involved in a report from the NW Evening Mail. "Two Barrow AFC stars have been questioned by police following a 'road rage' incident. AFC duo Nat Kerr and Carlos Logan were given permission to travel home in Mr Kerr’s father’s car at the end of Easter Saturday’s away game against Mansfield Town. The players were in the back seat when they became involved in an incident on a ring road outside the ground with a car containing two Mansfield stewards. It is understood that both parties had gestured to each other and then they all got out at a set of traffic lights to continue a heated verbal exchange.

Members of the public became alarmed and the police were called to the scene. A Nottinghamshire police spokesman said five people were subsequently arrested and later released. Nottinghamshire police will not be taking any further action. Barrow AFC director Tony Keen said: 'Both players were approached by two Mansfield Town stewards and a verbal exchange occurred. Following their departure from the ground the verbal exchange again occurred at a set of traffic lights where the police were alerted by a member of the public... Barrow AFC will not be taking further action with either player... We will however, be reviewing our players travelling arrangements and procedures for future away games'... AFC joint manager Darren Sheridan said: 'Nat asked to go early as he had a wedding do to go to and Carlos has just moved into a new home'".

"A three-way battle is being raged for Mansfield's right-back slot at Woking on Saturday" says This is Nottingham. "Gianluca Havern has played the last four games in that position, which have brought three away defeats and a home draw... But with Gary Silk (groin) and Scott Gardner (hamstring) now back in contention, David Holdsworth has a pleasant selection headache... Said the Stags' manager, 'There is healthy competition for places in that area because Elijah Reid also played well for the reserves'. Jonathan D'Laryea has been rested for the last two games but may come back into his boss's thinking. But Mark Stallard (stomach) is still not fit for selection...

The 1-0 reserves' win at Field Mill yesterday, secured by Neil MacKenzie's penalty, saw several trialists involved. 'Chris Orvington is a young boy from Leeds with excellent pace who can play down both wings', said Holdsworth. 'Alex White unfortunately got a slight hamstring injury. Paul Tocco is another young lad who did fine and is very energetic. They will all be given another chance against Sheffield United next week'">

"Their run of form away from Field Mill has been particularly poor in recent weeks with five defeats in a row... But striker Clare says Mansfield are determined to end on a high... Said Clare, 'We have to try to end things on a positive note, even if it means doing things ugly... In the last couple of home games I could have probably helped myself to four goals with the chances we have created. Away from home we have been relying on the odd knockdown here or there or a bit of luck'".

According to the Evening Leader "Dean Saunders today raised concerns over his player budget for next season. Some of the cash at the his disposal will be taken up by players who have not featured in his plans this term... Wrexham have used a total of 45 players this season, 19 of whom have been brought in by Saunders but only two – Sam WIlliamson and Steve Abbott – are contracted beyond the summer... A further 16 players have deals that run into next season including defender Kai Edwards and striker Obi Anoruo who have signed their first professional contracts...

Said Saunders. 'I have not yet had the final figure that I have got for next season... The Football League's parachute payment is a big loss and every year it will get worse without it... Eleven players who have not been playing have got a year left on their contracts and they are spilling into my wage bill. I want to bring quality players in, players to get us out of this league and to build my own team. I have not been building a team, just filling holes in'".

News of our next opponents comes from Your Thurrock, which reports on the "Launch of Grays Supporters' Trust... The Trust hopes to build stronger links with the community and give the fans a voice in the Board... It was a strange atmosphere at the meeting. There was a feeling that the meeting was on 'enemy territory'... The Board were keen to point out that they are not there to emulate West Ham’s Supporters' Trust, that simply wanted the Chairman out, but rather to nurture and help guide the club to a more stable and better future. They are hoping to get 1890 members. That may be a challenge. There were only about thirty people watching and listening to the meeting. Many people did not have the good manners to keep quiet for ten minutes but were happy to shout on their mobiles or talk to their mates".

NEW SHIRT

WEDNESDAY

SUPPORTER OF THE SEASON

Nominations for 'Supporter of The Season'

TASC are looking for nominations for the inaugural 'Supporter of The Season' Award to be made at The TASC Race Night on Saturday.

Nominees should meet at least one of the following criteria:-

1. Have attended every game this season
2. Shown an exceptional level of commitment to supporting Altrincham this season

If you feel that you or another supporter qualifies as a nominee, please send me a personal message via the Fans' Forum or an e-mail by the end of Thursday night and we will publish a voting poll on Friday morning.

Right: Stuart Coburn celebrates Alty's win at Wrexham with his habitual - and much appreciated- salute to the travelling supporters. Behind him is Michael Welch, physio Sean Riley and manager Graham Heathcote.

MISSING THE POINT COMPLETELY

No one likes to see another team go out of business, but I'd be a fool if I thought those clubs saved as a result of another's demise aren't smiling inside just a little bit. No one likes to get relegated".

And no one likes to be an unpaid creditor, either!

EX-ALTY YOUTHS AT WEMBLEY

State your ticket requirement (remember, £20 for adults, £10 concessions) and enclose a cheque for the correct amount, plus an extra £2.00 per order to cover postage and admin, and please write your debit card number on the back of the cheque. Applicants should also add a further £0.75 per order, if they want the tickets sent by a secure 'Signed for' service.

NEXT AWAY OPPONENTS

Right-midfielder Tocco has been at BGB Premier Corby Town and before that Hitchin Town. He has also been on trial at Weymouth... and at Macclesfield Town. Today's game with the Imps was also set to see former Notts County front man Spencer-Weir Daley figure, as well as right-back Levi Reid. At senior level, Mansfield have struggled to score goals from midfield this season and Holdsworth says he has identified that as a priority that needs addressing.

He said: 'Midfielders have to get in there and be part of that with three to five goals each from your midfield four... I will be looking to bring one in'".

Mansfield Town are offfering season tickets at lower prices than this season, provided at least 3,000 fans buy them. If they do buy a season tiocket, they will pay the equivalent of £7.80 a game, compared with a £16 turnstile. The reduced prices are "valid until May 29th and contingent on reaching 3,000 adult season ticket sales. If 3,000 is not reached then these pledges will be cancelled and prices will return to the 2008/9 season levels... Compared to gate prices, your season ticket will have paid for itself by November! All adults from 16 years of age pay less than £8 per game, with prices also slashed on all concessions, and completely free for those aged under 13, when accompanied by an adult!... It's for the fans that cherish and support this club. It's for the community without whom we are nothing, and for whom we can be a source of strength and unity in difficult times. It's about the principles of sportsmanship, fairness, guts and endeavour. It's about drawing strength and comfort from knowing you always did your best, and stood up when it counted. It's about building memories and sharing experiences together. It's about friends and families having something that unites them - a shared goal that draws people together. It's something that gets people talking, singing, crying and laughing. As one. It's about being a Stags fan forever, like our parents and grandparents before us. It's something you are given when you are young, something you carry with you wherever you go, and something you pass on with pride knowing you did your bit to keep it safe. Come on you Stags!".

BSP NEWS

Left: Dave Meadows has kindly supplied the photo (left) of Dale Johnson, James Smith and Greg Young celebrating the win at Wrexham.

The Daily Post says that "Wrexham manager Dean Saunders is seeking reassurances that his ambitions for the club are shared by the Racecourse boardroom. Following a meeting yesterday with directors Paul Retout and Ian Roberts, the Dragons' boss hopes to finalise his playing budget for next season when club owner Geoff Moss returns from holiday in a few days. 'The longer Wrexham are in the Conference the harder it will be to get back into the Football League', he said. 'You only have to look at a club like York City to see what I mean. I feel we have to go for it next season without ruining the club financially and we have to balance the books. But as long as I feel we are competitive with the other main contenders then I think we will have a chance. I know what’s required next season and I’d like to build my own team. I’ll try and use the loan market as well but we need to get the nucleus of the team right. The more money that is available to me, the better players we will be able to bring in next year'”.

Elsewhere the Post adds that "Wrexham's plans for a second season in the Blue Square Premier are a ‘work in progress’ according to Racecourse director Paul Retout... Retout said a return to the Football League as quickly as possible remained the top priority for everyone involved with the Dragons... 'We spent the whole afternoon with Dean discussing a wide range of topics, including the sort of budget that will be made available to him', he said. 'It’s important to stress that the club is going to be run on business lines. Far too many football clubs spend more than they make with all the consequences that entails and we want Wrexham to be run on a proper commercial basis. The money is there to ensure that Dean has one of the largest budgets, if not the largest, in the Blue Square Premier', he added.

'We want to get back into the Football League as soon as it’s possible, but we realise it’s going to be tough next season. From our discussion with Dean it’s quite clear that there could be a lot of movement during the summer with regard to the playing squad, which is currently far too big. But that’s due in part to the legacy he inherited from the previous manager Brian Little. We will lose the Football League’s ‘parachute’ payment next season, so we will have to work very hard to make up that shortfall, which means making sure that we improve on and maximise the commercial opportunities open to us... We are looking to invest in all areas and aspects of the club',” he went on. 'That means looking at ways we can improve the school of excellence because its success is vital for the future of the club. We will also be looking at the Racecourse pitch, the maintenance of which has been neglected for a long time'...

Following local authority approval earlier this month for the commencement of the Wrexham Village student accommodation project, work is expected to get under way in June on the first phase of development. Retout said income from the leasing of accommodation to students attending the adjacent Glyndwr University would begin to come on stream in September next year. In the interim, the club would have access to some working capital from the scheme".

And the Evening Leader adds that "Dean Saunders wants Wrexham to bring back their reserve team next season... after previous manager Brian Little decided to withdraw from the Pontin's Holidays League West division... Saunders is also eager to reinstate Wrexham's reserve team to aid the development of younger players...'I am hoping we have a reserve team next season. We need one', said Saunders today. 'This club will survive with young players but we need them to come through. They need to be playing against men, and to play alongside a group of men to bring them on. And first-teamers not playing in the first team need games, and need competitive games – winning is everything'".

Saunders added, "I will be putting my neck on the line again, I said I wanted to try and get the club out of the division, and I want everyone trying as hard as me... If everybody is as enthusiastic and determined as me, and want to give it a go, I think I will stay if everything is right and if everyone wants me to be here. And I will have a chance to have a pre-season with my players, have ten or 12 games where we can teach them things and mould a team. I want less players but more quality'... Saunders said he will use the final three games of the season to give younger players such as Chris Maxwell and Obi Anoruo more first team action. A number of players are out of contract and Saunders has not yet made up his mind who will be offered new deals: "I am not giving people a game for the sake of it. It will be for a reason," he said. "I played Chris against Altrincham to see how he coped... I have learnt about the league and my players', added Saunders. 'Sometimes when you are getting beat you learn more... We will have to go into the season with four good strikers... I have never been involved in such a bad run in football'" as this season, he said.

Another manager trying out young players is Steve Evans, as Crawley Town website reported yesterday that "The Reds travel to Kettering Town this evening and, given the injury situation, manager Steve Evans has added youth team players Mithun Nayee, Danny Mills and Byron Napper to the travelling squad... Manager Steve Evans said; 'We will fight right to the very end. The players here have given us a great season and only due to a lack of monies we lacked quality cover when key players went out injured, suspended or missing due to unforeseen circumstances [what can he mean?]... I want us to finish this one as strongly as we can... I have added 3 of the youth team to our squad for Kettering and I hope to give each of them a chance to show what they can do'".

A press release has been issued by Ebbsfleet United. It includes the following: "Following stories in the media about the new stadium project for Ebbsfleet United FC (EUFC), FGD, sister company of EUFC and the contracted provider for the stadium, wishes to announce the following... Brian Kilcullen, Director of EUFC and FGD, a sister company of EUFC and the contracted provider for the stadium, stated, 'We have been looking for many years for a suitable location that will enable EUFC to remain an ambitious club with aspirations of playing in the Football League... We believe the A2 Corridor is a great site to finally achieve our aims'.

There has been some opposition from both Kent County Council (KCC) and Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) and whilst Kilcullen understands the concerns he also firmly believes they can be overcome... In line with Fleet's community feelings, Kilcullen added, 'We are extremely conscious that with any proposed development of this kind there may be some concerns from those residents close to the planned development. The location for the stadium is at the furthest point from other built development and FGD plans to consult fully with local residents... This is the only site currently available and offers a last-chance opportunity. We are proud of what we have done for the region over the last 10 years and all we are looking for is that the authorities open their minds to the possibilities that lie behind our project'".

The press statement adds that "the football club is now 75% owned by nearly 10,000 members through MyFootballClub.co.uk. Membership is mainly centred across the UK, but there are also many overseas members. Being a revolutionary venture, this has brought global media and internet attention to the club and, combined with our name change and work with Eurostar (our main sponsor), has really helped to get the name of Ebbsfleet on the map. The other 25% of shares are still owned by hundreds of local people".

PLAY-OFF DATES

For Blue Square North the dates are:

For Blue Square South:

ANOTHER KIND OF BALL SPONSORSHIP

Vice-chairman Grahame Rowley writes, "We are looking to find sponsors for each of the players at the 'End of Season Ball' on May 2nd at the Cresta Court, Altrincham. The idea is that each table wil be named after an Altrincham FC player. For £50 your name will appear on your player's chosen shirt and will be displayed on a table at the function and will be acknowledged during the evening by the compere, Graham Heathcote. This is perhaps a way that people can contribute to the evening, in the event that they cannot attend themselves. For further details please contact Karen or Grahame Rowley at the club (980-1045) or by e-mail with the name of the player of your choice. Thank you for your support".

YANKEE JACKPOT

SATURDAY

Right: Gavin Rathbone captures Michael Welch's goal for Alty against Kidderminster last Saturday. More photos are on the GR Photography website.

News of Grays, Alty's opponents this Saturday, comes from The Argus which says that Eastbourne Borough’s "success this season was highlighted by the fact they secured their safety nine games ago while Grays are still desperately in need of points to avoid the drop. The visitors are full-time and have the likes of former Crystal Palace midfielder Tommy Black and ex-Ipswich defender Fabian Wilnis in their ranks. They were made to look second best in the opening quarter of an hour, though, as Borough took the game by the scruff of the neck.

The visitors were not helped when goalkeeper Stuart Arnold went down clutching his knee after just five minutes and had to be replaced by Rob Beckwith. Beckwith was then at fault for the opening goal as he was slow off his line". At 2-1 down "Grays kept pushing forward in search of an equaliser but their task was made harder with ten minutes to go when Pugh was shown a straight red card for an ugly challenge on Matt Crabb". Grays: Arnold (Beckwith, 8), Long (Slabber, 72), Stuart, Wilnis, Beavan, Hudson-Odoi (Black, 26), Thurgood, Cogan, Welsh, Taylor, Pugh. Subs not used: Jones, Davis.

Meanwhile, Kent Online says that "Young striker Andy Pugh had his hopes of earning a recall to the Gillingham side shattered after being sent-off while on loan at Grays. Pugh, 20, was due to be recalled by Gills boss Mark Stimson after netting seven goals while on loan at the Blue Square Premier side... The ban means Pugh will no longer play for Grays but if he serves his ban with the Blue Square Premier side he will still be available for Gillingham’s final game of the season at Rochdale".

YOUTH PLANS

REFS AND BANS

The FA confirms that Altrincham FC captain Robert Lawton is banned from 18/04/2009 "from all football until the Club have completed 2 first team matches", following his tenth yellow card against Kidderminster last Saturday. Grays, our opponents on Saturday will be without Andrew Pugh who is suspended from 13/04/2009 "until the Club have completed 3 first team matches".

OLD BOYS

Gav advises us that after leaving Alty, Kirk returned to former club Royal Antwerp for 2006/07 but recurrent injuries again limited his appearances and his contract was not renewed for 2008/09. Kirk now works as a football coach for the Elite Sports Academy in Dubai where he works "alongside luminaries such as Trevor Sinclair and Tim Cahill".

Former Alty reserve Ashley Stott, AFC Halifax's leading scorer, sustained a suspected broken ankle last Saturday. Former Alty trialist Gavin Salmon netted for Woodley Sports at Trafford on Easter Monday. Buxton hammered Leigh Genesis 7-0 and former Alty centre-back Terry Bowker scored at 2-0. Alex Hay, who enjoyed a loan spell from Tranmere at Moss Lane hit a hat-trick for Cammell Laird as they beat Prescot Cables 4-1. Darren Tinson and Carlos Roca played against each other as FCUM drew with Nantwich Town on Monday. Jamie Baguley also turned out for FCUM.

NEXT, AWAY

"Perhaps the best way to sum up just how abysmal Mansfield Town were in Cheshire is that they, rather than opponents Northwich, had the look of a team on the brink of relegation" claims This is Nottingham. "It was an embarrassing and miserable fifth away defeat on the trot for David Holdsworth's side... Many performed as if they don't care where they end up next season – or don't believe they are good enough to be at Field Mill... The tone was set right from the first few minutes when Northwich came out of the blocks quickly and created openings...

The Stags constantly struggled to clear their lines and looked vulnerable to balls played aerially into the Stags' box, whether from open play, free-kicks, corners or long throw-ins. In midfield, Northwich were so much quicker to the second ball and found room out wide that the visitors could not... The Stags should have been a goal down early on when Lee Elam headed straight at White from close range... [At 1-0] Elam made up for his earlier miss when he tucked away Byrom's cross to finish off Mansfield, aided by some atrocious defending... [There is a] stark contrast between performances depending on the venue. At home, the team look full of confidence, creativity and endeavour. On the road they look scared, one-dimensional and introverted"

Said Holdsworth. "All I can do is apologise to the fans for that performance because it was not good enough... When we are at home, we get the ball out wide and penetrate. But we can't just turn up for 50% of our matches... I need the players to have ability and desire. I was expecting a few home truths in the dressing room, but they just sat there... There are 20 players out of contract and after that you would have to say there will be 20 places to fill".

The local Chad added that "We didn't win any first balls until Rob Duffy came on... I can't give my players any credit whatsoever. I can't defend them and they have just had the full force of that in the dressing room. They sat there like rabbits in the headlights... I will have them in at 9.30am tomorrow and they will know about it... My son Charlie and his mates from school would have put up more fight than that. – and they are aged four. My players should be embarrassed'...

'It is disappointing not to turn up at sides struggling at the bottom', added striker Daryl Clare. 'We are a bit of a two-headed monster at the moment home and away. We show all that flair and energy at home but for four away games on the bounce we have been unpredictable and given a poor account of ourselves... I wasn't happy with my form today. But, after so long out, maybe a third game in six games was one too many for me at the moment'.

Skipper Curtis Woodhouse added: 'This away form is a mental thing. At home you have the fans behind you and it seems easier but away from home we have been powderpuff... I am the leader out there. I can assure fans that I will make sure that doesn't happen again and if that means falling out with people then so be it... Our last away game on Saturday is one last chance to earn contracts and players need to stand up and be counted away from home. I am the same as a lot of them, I am out of contract this summer'"

FINAL GAME

WREXHAM GAME

"Most fans could have summed it up far more succinctly, one suspects, after witnessing possibly the poorest display of a depressing run that has now delivered just five points from a possible 24. Dragons boss Dean Saunders clearly expected better after yet again rotating his mammoth squad and making four changes from the starting line-up at Oxford United at the weekend. Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell, the 45th player used by Wrexham this season, was given his senior debut as a result of the thumb injury suffered by Gunnar Nielsen at the Kassam Stadium, while Aurelien Collin, Wes Baynes and Obi Anoruo were recalled in place of Mike Williams, John Curtis and Jefferson Louis – the club’s leading scorer not even meriting a place on the bench... For the most part it was a scruffy, non-descript contest between two sides apparently doing little more than the low-key occasion demanded... Wrexham’s flagging fortunes were summed up by the controversial dismissal of Assoumani eight minutes from time, a red card his punishment for an alleged punch on substitute Chris Denham".

"Dean Saunders yesterday admitted his thoughts were turning towards next season. Following Altrincham’s 1-0 win... the Dragons' boss exempted debutant goalkeeper Chris Maxwell and stand-in striker Ryan Flynn from a withering assessment of the display. 'I wasn’t happy with the overall performance at all', he said. 'We haven’t got enough players in our team who lose their temper. In any walk of life or whatever job you are in the people who are the best are those who lose their temper now and again. We’ve only got Ashley (Westwood). I know they are a young team and we have some good characters but we have some who, if they are not careful, will end up playing part-time'.

Having axed leading goal scorer Jefferson Louis from the 16-man squad, the Racecourse boss added: 'Ryan Flynn played well, but he’s not a striker and I’m asking of lot of Obi (Anoruo) to come in at the age of 17 and bang goals in right left and centre. But at the moment, I’d rather go down that road than play people who are not going to be here next year. If the front two are not producing, then everything looks wrong throughout the team and it affects all the players. I was happy with the back four and the midfield two were solid but then you look at the front four to produce and that didn’t happen today. As long as they have got some desire and they get annoyed when they are losing, they will do for me. I want hungry, young players who have the desire to get to the top. In the summer we’ll have to get better players in. You learn all the time and I’m learning about this league and I’m starting to think in different ways. If we have a decent pre-season with maybe 12 or 15 games in which to teach players, we’ll come back a bit wiser and a bit stronger.

According to the Evening Leader "It was another day to forget for Wrexham who slumped to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Altrincham... Inability to beat the likes of Altrincham - Wrexham only picked up one point in two meetings with their opponents this season - has cost the Reds dearly... Wrexham's bid to reach the play-offs has clearly faultered after losing Marc Williams through injury for the final two months of the campaign. And after seeing Wrexham fail to score for a sixth time in eight outings, Saunders will definitely need to bolster his strikeforce.... Said Saunders, 'It was a bit of a mix-up for the goal again from the set-piece, I think Aurelien headed it into his own net. These things happen to you when it is going like it is going for us...

Assoumani has been given a three game ban for violent conduct... and Saunders could not understand the sending off. 'It was ridiculous apparently. I think it was a shoulder charge. The lad got up, there was nothing wrong with him', said Saunders. 'I asked Mani and he said it was just a shoulder charge. Some of these officials at this level are learning the game. Some of them are very young. There is no point arguing with them. I thought about slaughtering them for some of the ridiculous decisions that are made but there is no point. I would go greyer than I am now, but it wasn't a red card... Most of the players I have brought in are leaving at the end of the season or their contracts are up. Only Steve Abbott and Sam Williamson who I signed (are contracted) for next season... I have got my reputation to think about as well. I never envisaged myself working at this level but I can work at this level if I have got the tools'".

BSP NEWS

'There are three reasons for my decision', he said. 'One is that I made a mistake, I have to pay for that mistake and I have paid for that mistake every moment of every day for the whole of the season if anyone is in any doubt about that. Secondly I can sit and complain or I can actually get up and do something and I am now making sure the future of this club is a lot brighter than it has been for the last 12 years. I've been involved overseas and in this country speaking to potential purchasers and other shareholders. The third reason is I do have to have some sanity back. I cannot wait to be either just a director or just going back on the terraces'" reports the BBC.

"Burton Albion manager Roy McFarland says his side need to re-group to ensure they seal a place in the Football League next season... McFarland told BBC Radio Derby: 'We've got two games to go now and again it's still in our hands. We've missed out on a great opportunity. We've got to be stronger and we've got to see it through'... McFarland's side are one point away from automatic promotion and face Oxford on Friday. Cambridge are the only side that can deny their promotion if they take maximum points and the Brewers lose their next two games. The U's would also need to improve their goal difference over Burton by more than six goals".

LAST TWO TRIPS

For differing reasons, both games have their attractions; it will be our first-ever visit to Field Mill, Mansfield, and at Cambridge we are likely to be playing one of the play-off contenders, so it could be our last visit to the Abbey Stadium for a while.

Full details of the coach arrangements are on the Away Travel page - book early to avoid disappointment by ringing the club (928-1045)!

THE RUN-IN

WREXHAM 0 ALTRINCHAM 1

Right: Greg Young battles it out with Wrexham's Wes Baynes as Chris Lane looks on.

Altrincham secured the three points which almost certainly ensure their place in the BSP for next season. Alty had a few scares with Johnson clearing off the line in the first half and Smith doing so in the second half but overall Wrexham were disappointing going forward. Young led the Altrincham defence superbly whilst Doughty was always looking to get forward up the left. The goal arrived after 52 minutes when a Lane freekick from near halfway was headed into his own net by Collin, the Wrexham centre-back. Assoumani was deservedly sent off late in the game for an off the ball butt against Denham. Altrincham's away support, numbering 306, gave great support throughout and the celebrations at the final whistle were as if we had won the league!

Wrexham report that their side "ended a scrappy match at The Racecourse with ten men and no points as Mansour Assoumani took an early bath and Aurelien Collin's own goal header surely ensured another season of Blue Square Premier football for visitors. It was another of those dreaded set pieces that undid us on 52 minutes, when a simple lofted freekick bounced in the box and with three defenders in attendance, somehow French defender Collin managed to head past his advancing keeper, who had clearly shouted for the ball to be left for him... The opening minutes were evenly matched with both sides having half chances from set pieces but in truth it was a very scrappy start to the game... The game was evenly matched at the mid point of the first half... Wrexham finished the half on top territorially... [but] Once again the Red Dragons had not tested a visiting goalkeeper and almost paid the penalty with a minute of the half left when Johnson fired into the side netting from close range... The 306 Altrincham fans got behind their team. It was the first time this season more than 200 visiting fans had been on The Racecourse".

The red card picked up by Mani Assoumani late in this afternoon's will land him with a three-match ban for violent conduct. Only the second sending off we have received as a team in the BSP this season". In his post-match interview, Dean Saunders described the off-the-ball incident as a shoulder-charge!

PROGRAMME

BSP NEWS

Altrincham's next away game (Tuesday 21st) is at Field Mill from where "The Chad" newspaper reports on Mansfield Town's goalkeeping problems after the dismissal of regular keeper Alan Marriott, who will miss three games including the one against Altrincham on 21 April. The Stags' manager "David Holdsworth has urged Stags' fans to get behind reserve keeper Jason White as he takes over the number one jersey for three games after Alan Marriott's red card on Saturday.

White has taken a lot of stick from Mansfield supporters during his lengthy time at the club and was the keeper beaten by a 40 yard lob that all but relegated the club last season. But Holdsworth begged fans to give him a fresh start after a frustrating season on the sidelines following summer knee surgery. 'Jason has worked really hard and is now down to the weight I expect a keeper to be at', said Holdsworth. 'He has been here a while and sometimes players can singled out for lack of winning and progression. All I ask of our fans is to give Jason the support he needs and get his confidence up. He has been through some very turbulent times over the years but he has worked his socks off since I came here and I want fans to embrace him and give him some support'.

Marriott will serve a three game ban for a straight red after he clashed with Barrow's Paul Jones after the Bluebirds' stoppage time equaliser in the 2-2 draw. Striker Rob Duffy is another doubt for [Monday]'s trip to struggling Northwich Victoria. 'Rob was stamped on in his nether regions and has a slight groin strain so we will have to see with him though he has to be a doubt', added Holdsworth. With Mark Stallard also injured it leaves me without a target man though Daryl Clare and Aaron O'Connor did play well together after Duffy had gone off'. Gary Silk will return to the squad after injury, but Scott Gardner is not quite ready yet".

Luton Town's refusal to switch the date of our FA Cup 1st Round replay this season to concentrate on their league campaign cost Altrincham £37,000 in television fees. But the BBC confirms that the Hatters' decision was in vain as they have now been confirmed as relegated to the BSP for next season. "Luton boss Mick Harford blamed the previous regime at the club following the Hatters' relegation from the Football League on Easter Monday... 'I said to the players it's 100% not their fault', said Harford. 'The past incumbents of this club are to blame. The penalty points were a massive burden we could not overcome... I looked at the clock in the dressing room and said to the players "remember this time. Five to five on 13th April. This is the rebirth of Luton Town Football Club". We will go forward, we will kick-on. There are lots of people worse off than Luton Town Football Club'... Harford said it would be difficult to maintain keep Luton's squad together following relegation. "If I was another manager I'd be ringing me up", he said. "We've got some good players... I'm disappointed to be in the Conference and out of League football, but these players are not non-League players", he said. "They are winners. We've got a group of winners. They've won a trophy this season. There are millions and millions of players who have never won a trophy and this group of players did. They are winners and deservedly so".

OLD BOYS

EASTER MONDAY

MATCHDAY UPDATES

NEXT SATURDAY

The Player of the Season awards are:

ROBBIE BANNED

WREXHAM'S "BAD LUCK"

And on Blue Square Football we read that "Saunders is adamant that he has done a worthy job as manager. 'I have cheered the place up, we might have ended up in the league below the way we were going'," he said. 'At this level your two strikers are everything. You're only as good as your strikers no matter what team you've got, and as you can see we're short. I know exactly what the problem is'."

MORE PATRONS WANTED!

Altrincham FC is a family friendly club, whose aim is to encourage youngsters, girls and boys, to participate, watch and get involved in football. In addition to that, the club has competed on a part-time basis in the Blue Square Premier League for the last four consecutive seasons.

The Patrons' Scheme was created to assist the club to continue to fulfil its community activities through the Summer months when there are no league games and thus no gate income. For the bargain sum of £50, your name or company will appear throughout the season 2008-09 in the matchday programme for every home game.

In August, every Patron will be entered into a prize draw with the winner being match sponsor for an appointed game along with 9 guests. Second prize will be hospitality for 5 people and third prize hospitality for 3 people in the Sponsors' Lounge – the value of the 1st prize is £550.

Last year we had 101 members of the Patrons' Club. If you are interested in helping us obtain 200 for this season please forward a cheque payable to “Altrincham FC” for £50 for my attention. If you require further information, please speak to me on 07720-606897 or e-mail me.

Please consider joining the scheme which provides vital funds during the close season for your football club. Thank you in anticipation.

Yours sincerely

Grahame Rowley, Vice Chairman

NEW SHIRT

OLD BOYS

Ashton United lost 5-1 at Kendal on Friday. "Danny Heffernan made his debut and looked every inch a UniBond player, in fact he almost scored with his first touch. I could go on, Pat McFadden, Ian Bennett, Terry Smith, etc, etc... Thornley, Heffernan, Mulholland all had chances as the lads gave their all till the end of 90 minutes, but to no avail". Team; Smith, Lees, Ralph (Deegan), Bennett, Robinson, Frost (Thornley), O' Neill (Mulholland), Heffernan, Richards, Howard, McFadden". Danny Heffernan has had an interesting season. The Abbey Hey forward has played for Altrincham, Ashton United and Abbey Hey in the last month.

ALTY HOLIDAY CLUB DISCOUNT

LEGENDARY PLAYERS

AFTER THE HARRIERS...

"A proud boss Mark Yates poured praise upon his players despite the set-back of dropping two points at Altrincham to a late penalty - something he feels they didn't deserve", according to the Kidderminster Harriers website. "Harriers made sweeping changes to rest exhausted legs more than anything... 'I thought we were outstanding today, to be honest - absolutely fantastic', Yates said after the game. I had to rest a few of the boys - we were back on the bus [from staying overnight at Ebbsfleet] and they're exhausted some of them... I wasn't taking liberties and I wasn't not giving Altrincham respect - I was giving them more respect by the fact that I felt we had to have fresh legs and I got that. In the first half we just weren't ruthless enough. They only got into our box once in the first half and its cost us a goal... They've thrown everything at us to be fair to them, they were playing four or five up in the last 20 minutes but I'm absolutely as proud as anything with my players... They didn't deserve that at the end... We're 12 games unbeaten, we've drawn too many in our last couple of games for our liking'".

The unofficial Harriers site adds that "Another controversial penalty given late into stoppage time broke the hearts of the Harriers fans and players alike after the referee signalled a foul for a shove in the box by Michael Carr on Rod Thornley. It's doubtful if could have been classed as a shove after the Altrincham man went to ground far too easily. That penalty bought the game back level to two goals apiece and robbed the Reds of a well earned three points"/

Speaking to the Kidderminster Shuttle, Yates said "I'm gutted at the moment. That's 12 games unbeaten and I thought we outstanding today," commented Yates... "To be fair to Altrincham they played four up front in the last ten minutes and we had to change what we normally do".

END OF SEASON

But the last five seasons have all seen tense last games in the league programme:

YOUTH TABLE

ALTRINCHAM 2 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 2

Kidderminster Harriers themselves report that their "season took another dramatic twist on Saturday as they dropped two vital points at Altrincham with a penalty in the fifth of three minutes added time. The away side controlled large parts of the game but trailed at the break as poor defending allowed Michael Welch to score. Martin Brittain and sub Matthew Barnes-Homer scored in the second half to swing the game, but Colin Little's last-gasp spot-kick ensured it was even at the end... With three minutes of added time played, Harriers seemingly only had to force clear a final Alty corner to secure the win, but as the ball was recycled into the box, sub Michael Carr was adjudged to have charged into Rod Thornley, the referee pointing to the spot. The accomplished Little stepped up to tuck away the kick, leaving the 236 visiting fans disappointed".

The Kidderminster Shuttle adds that "Harriers saw two vital points slip through their fingers at Moss Lane... However, their hopes of victory were dashed in the 95th minute when the referee blew for an Altrincham penalty after Michael Carr's foul on striker Rod Thornley. But the draw was harsh on Harriers who had bossed the game... Harriers started well and dominated the game... Harriers were pegged back in the dying minutes as Altrincham manager had four strikers keeping the pressure on Harriers... Carr accidentally collided with Thornley as the pair both rose to meet the ball and the midfielder was unlucky to see the referee blow for a spot-kick. Little slotted it to the left of Bartlett, who dived the wrong way".

WREXHAM KEEP GOING

Before Saturday's game the Evening Leader wrote that Wrexham's "barren scoring run has coincided with injuries to Marc Williams and Matt Jansen. Williams is out for the rest of the season with a fractured foot while last month's big name signing Jansen... is still nursing a knee problem. But Saunders, who should have 17-year-old striker Obi Anoruo available... [Against Histon recently], Aurelien Collin and Mansour Assoumani, given his Wrexham debut after signing a short term deal until the end of the season, formed a new partnership in the middle with Ashley Westwood and Mike Williams switching to full-back roles... Just two wins in 13 league matches means tenth place Wrexham have got plenty of ground to make up...

Saunders has laid down a challenge to his players to prove they want to be part of his plans for next season... 'The players were told they had eight games to show me they want to be here and eight games to show they didn't. That is what they are playing for'".

As Oxford beat Wrexham on Saturday, the Oxford Mail reported that "Wrexham had to put in an outfield player in goal, their centre back and captain Ashley Westwood, for the final 13 minutes after Gunnar Nielsen injured his hand". (4-4-1-1): Nielsen (Collin 79); Curtis, Westwood, Assoumani, Mike Williams; Spann, Fleming, Crofts, Williamson (Taylor 63); Flynn; Louis (Anoruo 63). Subs not used: Baynes, Fairhurst."

After the game Wrexham boss Dean Saunders said, "It was quite even in the first 45 minutes, and I didn't feel we were really in any trouble... In the second half, I really thought we dominated and were going to score. But you are only as good as your strikers, no matter how good a team you've got. As you can see, we are a bit short at the minute". Meanhwile "On-loan goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen had to leave the action at the Kassam Stadium after a collision in the 75th minute... Whatever the final outcome of his problem, it has certainly ended his season after just five games on loan from Manchester City. 'At first I didn't realise the damage I had done to myself', said the Faroese international... 'I have dislocated fingers before, but this kept popping out everytime I put it back in. To me it seems more than a simple dislocation'.

AWARDS NEXT WEEK

Coordinated by Mike Antrobus and Ray Armstrong, the ballboys and girls have again provided an impressive service, helping to keep the game flowing and saving the Club a fortune in retrieving balls kicked out of the ground. In 2008-09 Mike and Ray have also been ably assisted by Senior Ballboy, Matthew Jamieson.

As usual, the awards will be distributed according to the number of games at which each boy or girl has worked and will be presented in front of the main Carole Nash stand. Please do stay behind after the game for a few minutes to show your appreciation for their efforts.

Ballboys of the season, 2008-09

1. 35 games: Matthew Jamieson, who will receive a watch.
2. 33 games: Jack Bowyer, who will receive a watch.
3. 32 games: Daniel Gregory and James Antrobus, who each receive an Alty mug.

Ballgirls of the season, 2008-09

1. 16 games: Phoebe Read, who will receive a watch.
2. 10 games: Chloe Tyms, who will receive an Alty mug.

Other ballboy and ballgirl season totals

Mike and Ray also wish to thank all of the other ballboys and girls used during this very busy season when Manchester United Reserves' games as well as Altrincham FC fixtures had to be covered.

Altrincham Football Club would also like to record its appreciation to all of the boys and girls who have worked as ballboys and ballgirls this season. Their dedication is much appreciated as is that of the coordinators Mike Antrobus and Ray Armstrong. Visits to away grounds underline just what an asset we have at Moss Lane. At away matches often long delays are caused by the ball going out of play and there being no one to retrieve it quickly.

JACKIE AND JOHN HONOURED

OLD BOYS

At The Lamb, [former Alty trialist] Jake Moult put Stafford in front as they had a good win over Tamworth.

BSP NEWS

As well as changing their manager, Weymouth FC has launched "a new share sale...as part of its fund-raising initiatives over the next month to keep the club afloat... The new sale features around 900,000 shares at 50p a share. These are the shares returned to the club by Malcolm Curtis. While the future of the club until the end of the season at least has been secured, we remain in a difficult position and need an injection of funds to further the next stage of the rescue package. The directors have themselves already put in a sum of money to buy shares and avert closure. Now we need to build on supporters' generous £40,000 from the sale of shares in February that enabled us to pay the players and pressing creditors".

The NL Paper adds that "Weymouth are relying on a third of their creditors accepting a payment plan to avoid a CVA and starting next season with a 10-point deduction. The Terras have already agreed with former chairman Malcolm Curtis, owed £220,000, and the taxman, who they owe nearly £95,000, to repay the bulk of their existing debt. But the new regime are banking on the remaining creditors, including players who went seven weeks without wages, agreeing a payment proposal spread over four and a half years for the remaining £135,000". Ridley added we "are hopeful of avoiding a CVA. The easiest thing for us to do would be to go into administration but we honour our commitment and pay off what we owe... We will spend 50% of our income on wages, 25% on keeping the club ticking over and 25% on repaying our debts".

According to the NW Evening Mail, "Barrow AFC rode their luck to come away from Field Mill with a precious point... Heroics from Tim Deasy in the Barrow goal brought applause from the 150 travelling fans, but Mansfield pressure told in the 78th minute when Aaron O'Connor netted. Barrow looked to be heading for certain defeat, but striker Nick Rogan pulled the game from the fire in the 93rd minute when he turned a free-kick into the Mansfield net. A melee developed in the aftermath of the disputed goal, which resulted in Mansfield keeper Alan Marriott being given his marching orders". Alty play Mansfield on April 21st.

News of another club we have to play before the end of the season [Cambridge Utd] comes from The Argus."Garry Wilson pointed the finger at referee David Coote after Eastbourne Borough went down 2-1 at Cambridge United. Borough took the lead through a Paul Armstrong penalty but United replied through Lee Phillips and then grabbed a winner from the spot. Wilson said: 'We never really got into the game in the first half but improved a lot after the break. We were pleased to get the penalty but we thought that their player should perhaps of got a second yellow card. Then we let things slip by giving two poor goals away. We didn't think the first one had gone out for a corner and Matt Smart says he was pushed first for the penalty so we were disappointed with that".

From This is Nottingham we learn that "Mansfield were denied victory by an injury time strike from Barrow substitute Nick Rogan – but the Stags at least made it nine games unbeaten under David Holdsworth... In the third minute of stoppage time... Darren Sheridan's free-kick was pushed onto the bar by Alan Marriott but Rogan reacted first to head the ball in. Immediately after, Marriott reacted angrily to a taunt from Paul Jones and kicked out before being shown a red card... The referee left the pitch to a chorus of boos".

ALTRINCHAM 2 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 2

Right: Brittain's freekick makes it 1-1.

Saturday 11th

JACKIE AT MOSS LANE

"It is a phenomenal record that will surely never be repeated, and Jackie Swindells has given Altrincham's official website a fascinating insight into how he became such a prolific finisher in his six seasons at Moss Lane. One of the most celebrated figures in the club's history, Jackie amassed a remarkable 82 goals from 63 appearances in his first full season and 265 from 317 (+5) overall between 1965 and 1971.

As he prepared to head north from his Cornwall home to be guest of honour at Saturday's Blue Square Conference game with Kidderminster at Moss Lane, he described how he was transformed into a single-minded goalscorer by a few harsh words from former Wales great Trevor Ford.

'I remember playing for Newport County against Wrexham, and my strike partner Kenny Morgans had already scored two goals,' he said. 'I played a one-two with him and found myself in a one-on-one with the keeper. I took the ball round him and had all the time in the world to knock it into the empty net. Honestly, I could have got down on my hands and knees and headed it over the line. But as I was about to draw my foot back, I heard Kenny shout: "I'm on a hat-trick, Jack - square it". I did, and, of course, he had a simple tap-in to round off a 3-1 win. Afterwards, Trevor, who had been watching the game, came over and asked me what on earth I thought I was doing. I tried to explain that it was a team game, but he wasn't having it.

He said: "Have a look at the paper in the morning, and, next to the result, it will say Morgans (3). You won't get a mention. You had an open goal, and you should have stuck it in the back of the net". That stayed with me, and when Freddie Pye signed me for Alty and discussed where I was going to play, I told him I would be up front, knocking in the goals. From then on, if I heard anyone shouting for the ball anywhere near goal, I remembered what Trevor told me and ignored them. Any chances in and around the area, and I had only one thought in mind. It stood me in good stead, so perhaps I should be grateful to Trevor for those few harsh words'".

WELL DONE, COLIN!

The previous top goalscorer was the great Graham Bennett with 62 goals, so Colin actually overtook Benno when he scored his second goal against Forest Green Rovers on 21st March 2009. Hats off to him for this achievement....and may there be many more from him".

REMEMBER YOUR EGGS!

TEAM NEWS

OUR OPPONENTS - KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS

[Harriers' boss, Mark] Yates will have a tough choice to make with selections - subs Russell Penn, Martin Brittain and Brian Smikle all impressed after coming off the bench at Ebbsfleet and will be hopeful of restoration to the starting eleven."

Following Thursday's draw at Ebbsfleet manager Mark Yates said, "The bottom line is that we didn't start the game particularly well. We were hurried with our clearances and didn't get the ball down like we know we can and should... I keep saying it - this squad has got something about it and these players have got some resilience and quality and they've had to dig deep tonight because there was only one winner in terms of play. But I've got the best 'keeper in the league who makes save after save when we need to call upon him... I thought I produced a masterstroke of a tactical decision - I put Chris McPhee up front for about ten seconds, he won his header and Barnsey's lashed it in the top corner, and then I put Chris back in the centre of midfield!'".

However, "Defender Lee Baker will sit out the visit to Altrincham after being sent off... at Ebbsfleet United... Meanwhile, fellow defender Martin Riley returns to the side after sitting out the trip to the Fleet - though Justin Richards has two games of his ban remaining. Midfield man Chris McPhee picked up his ninth yellow card of the season in last night's fixture and not his tenth - PA reports by error list him as being cautioned during the recent game at Woking when it was in fact Michael Carr who was booked. McPhee must avoid a yellow card in tomorrow's game to pass the 'deadline' whereby ten cautions are only punished by a written warning. Otherwise, a two-game suspension for the accumulation of ten yellow cards would kick in seven days following the final offence".

OUR OPPONENTS - KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS

OLD BOYS

Adam Farley scored for Marine, who parted form their manager Alvin McDonald this week. Marine lost on Friday to Cammell Laird.

Several old boys were in action for Trafford yesterday as they crashed to a 2-4 home defeat by second-bottom Rossendale United. The ex-Alty men included captain Simon Woodford, who played at centre-back, left-back Ian Taylor, an Alty Youth graduate, as was Dion Depeiaza, a used sub by Trafford. Forner Youth keeper Tom Read was on the bench for the Shawe View side.

BSP NEWS

On behalf of the club, Colin Peake stated 'This marred what was in all other aspects a great evening for the club and the local community, to show that we can stage such finals, only for one individual to throw an object towards persons who had no way to defend themselves or even be aware that an object was being thrown. We pride ourselves at the New Lawn in being a family orientated club and over the 20 years of being personally associated with this club, I cannot recall such an incident before... I personally visited both the young boy and his father at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital just after midnight and expressed on behalf of the club our deep regret that such an incident had occurred and wished both a speedy recovery. It was pleasing to find the young boy in good spirits despite his facial injuries. May I therefore seek the backing of all true supporters aligned to our club, to come forward with any information which may assist identifying the offender, to contact the police or myself'".

According to The Argus "Steve Evans is expecting to operate with a smaller playing budget next season... Evans said: 'I would expect to have a smaller budget next season. I’m hoping that we will still be full-time and I’ve had no indication that it will be anything different...

Evans and assistant boss Paul Raynor have already begun weighing up which players they want to keep and who will be shown the door. Jamie Cook, Chris Giles, Simon Rayner and Mikey Malcolm are contracted until the end of the 2009-10 season while the club have until April 26 to offer the same or improved terms to their players aged under 24, who include highly-rated defender Jake Wright and former [Brighton & Hove] Albion fullback Sam Rents. Under-24 players could still leave the club but Crawley would be entitled to a transfer fee decided by an FA tribunal. Evans believes the transfer market will be depressed this summer as clubs in the Football League and non-league cut their cloths and he expects players to be realistic when it comes to deciding their own futures.

He added: 'Players usually expect a pay increase with a new contract but football is not immune from the credit crunch and I think they understand that... We would like to keep the bulk of what we’ve got and perhaps add to it'... Evans accepts that they will probably need to win all six of their remaining games to sneak into the play-offs... Evans said: 'The play-offs are probably a long shot for us now but we are still going to give it a go until it’s mathematically impossible... We’re probably the last side Torquay want to play at the moment but I can tell you that if it’s 1-1 in the 90th minute and we get a corner I will be sending our goalkeeper up, we have nothing to lose'. Evans says tomorrow’s opponents provide a graphic illustration of the haves and have nots in the Conference, a gap which could get greater in the future if clubs such as Crawley struggle to make ends meet on modest crowds and lower sponsorship revenue.

'We don’t fear Torquay but we respect the size of the squad and the fact that they can afford to leave players earning £60,000 out of their squad', added Evans. 'If they don’t go up (manager) Paul Buckle will probably go. No one likes to see that happen to a fellow manager but it comes with the territory at a club like Torquay'".

"Salisbury City Football Club has received encouraging approaches following the announcement yesterday that the chairman Neville Beal is to step down at the end of the season with his fellow directors" reports the Salisbury Journal... There is a £1 asking price for the club, but it comes with a condition of the sale that the buyer is prepared to invest in the Whites. Mr Beal, 47, said he was pleased with some of the calls he has taken since the announcement... The businessman... was keen to point out that the club remains in a good financial state... It was not correct - as published in today's Journal - that the club's salaries were in excess of £35,000 per week. The sum stated was nearer the monthly wage bill. The nominal £1 asking price for the club, would be a paper exercise. However, anyone taking on the club would be immediately responsible for debts and ongoing costs. Mr Beal, who led a consortium seven years ago to rescue the club when it had 24 hours to survive, said he would continue in the post until the end of the season and was hoping for a smooth handover. 'It’s a well established club, it has great supporters, a great management team and, most of all, good players. There are some who will see this as a golden opportunity'”, he said.

EASTBOURNE GAME

Right: Shaun Densmore celebrates his equaliser against Eastbourne Borough last Tuesday with Greg Young, Chris Lane, Joe O'Neill and Matt Doughty. Photo courtesy of Gavin Rathbone; more images are on his GR Photographywebsite.

There is now a very fair report on Tuesday's game at Moss Lane on the Eastbourne Borough website. It starts... "Visits to Altrincham have been eventful this season, and for very different reasons. Back in January the Blue Square Premier match was called off by referee Harrington due to a frozen pitch. The Borough squad returned to Priory Lane without a ball being kicked. But on Tuesday evening there were worries that the game would ever come to an end. What is more amazing is the fact that action in this exciting, end to end 2-2 draw will be scarcely remembered as the main topic of conversation surrounded the farcical second-half that lasted an astonishing 63 minutes, and was again linked to Mr Harrington’s influence!... Manager Garry Wilson and coach Nick Greenwood made their feelings known to the officials as did the crowd who sought an explanation for the mystery of the ‘extra-time’ and it appears that the stoppage time was added TWICE by rather inadequate time keepers! Wilson commented, 'As for the stoppage time, the players deserved better at this level of the game'. A good point from a hard game but overall a fair result from an encounter that kept the crowd on its toes throughout, although towards the end they might have preferred to be in their beds".

BLUE SQUARE NEWS

For Blue Square North the dates are:

For Blue Square South:

Team Bath "regretably announces the resignation of Team Bath FC from the Blue Square Conference at the end of this season. The decision was taken after the Blue Square Conference ruled that the club could not, in its current format, win promotion to its Premier division – and hence on to the Football League. TeamBath FC is fully committed to fulfilling its remaining fixtures this season. TeamBath FC has achieved five promotions in just nine seasons and has played in Blue Square South for the first time this season. It also reached the first round proper of the FA Cup on three occasions, in 2002 becoming the first university side to do so for 122 years...

Ged Roddy, Director of Sport at the University of Bath and Manager of TeamBath FC, said: 'Unfortunately the letter from the Blue Square Conference said that no further promotions would be possible for us, thereby denying us the opportunity to progress. Our dream has always been to promote a student football team into the Football League and in effect the Conference’s decision means the club has gone as far as it can go without making significant changes to its structure. As a trailblazer for university sport TeamBath FC is unique and we feel that its structure has served us well and is a fitting and robust model for the 21st century. As a result, we don’t want to change that model... It is particularly disappointing that as a result of the board of the Conference’s decision, we will have to give up our hard-fought membership of FA Cup competitions".

EASTER FUN WEEK

Above is a photo from Gavin Rathbone of the Easter Fun Week presentation event. This successful coaching scheme took place this week at Moss Lane, with Colin Little one of the coaches involved.

NW NEWS

GOOD FRIDAY

ALTY DROP A PLACE

Setanta Shield Final

"LEGENDS" AT MOSS LANE

Altrincham fans are guaranteed a Memory Lane trip to remember at Moss Lane on Saturday after the club announced that Johnny Worth as well as legendary goalscorer Jackie Swindells (right) will be attending Saturday's Blue Square Conference game against Kidderminster.

A round trip of over 800 miles from his Cornwall home wasn't going to deter Jackie after Alty vice-chairman Grahame Rowley asked if he would like to be guest of honour to mark his 72nd birthday the following day.

The club's most prolific finisher, who announced his arrival at Alty by plundering a staggering 82 goals in 63 appearances in his first full season over 40 years ago, accepted in an instant and was savouring his visit all the more after hearing his one-time fellow-marksman would be alongside him in the directors' box.

'Johnny was a great lad, a really good centre forward and a smashing player to play alongside,' Jackie told the club's official website. 'I've kept in touch with him by phone the best I can, but I haven't seen him for years. 'It will be lovely to catch up and have a natter, it really will. I'm grateful to the club for the invitation, because I still have friends up in the Altrincham area and still have so many fond memories of my time at Moss Lane. Those were the best days of my career by far.'

Jackie aims to arrive at the ground at around 1.30pm, and it is planned to introduce him and Jackie to the crowd shortly before kick-off. Both players will be entertained in the boardroom at half-time but it is hoped they will stay for a drink in the Noel White Suite afterwards and meet supporters.

Jackie will, for sure. 'Oh, I'll be popping into the bar for a pint, all right,' he said. 'And if any of the fans want to speak to me and have a chat, so much the better. I'd be delighted'.

Profiles of both players appear in Terry Rowley's Alty Legends.

NEXT OPPONENTS

The Kidderminster Shuttle reports how "Sub Stefan Moore rescued a point for nine-man Harriers during a tempestuous match at New Lawn on Tuesday night... The game was marred by referee David Coote, who lost control of the match and made a series of innacurate decisions which left Harriers infuriated. Yates made one change to the side which had defeated Stevenage Borough only three days before, handing Martin Brittain his first start since March's draw at Salisbury. The wideman was employed to roam each wing and supply the ammunition for strikers Matthew Barnes-Homer and Justin Richards... Harriers went into the game brimming with confidence after a nine-game unbeaten run... Harriers: Bartlett; Baker (Moore, 84); Creighton; Barnes-Homer; Penn (Jones, 84); Richards; Brittain (Smikle, 75); Riley; Bennett; Lowe; McPhee. Unused substitutes: Knights; Carr".

Kidderminster Harriers report that "Mark Yates was understandably 'delighted' after seeing his nine-man Kidderminster side snatch a point at the death at Forest Green on Tuesday night... but the sending off of Justin Richards gave the game a nasty undercurrent. Yates was then given marching orders of his own before Martin Riley was sent off for picking up two of the harshest bookings you'll likely ever see on a pitch... Yates admitted: 'We were 1-0 up and comfortable - Justin was silly, he knows. Their lad ought to be embarrassed with himself - Justin's put his face in [Ayres's] face and hasn't made any contact, but he's gone down like he's a foreigner. If he wants to be like that then that's fine - I thought he was better than that to be honest... We'll dust ourselves down now and do everything properly to go to Ebbsfleet on Thursday night', he went on to say".

LAST GAME

OLD BOYS

NW NEWS

BSP NEWS

The Comet claims that "Visiting Cambridge United fans caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at the Lamex Stadium last night as their side lost a crucial and highly charged game against Stevenage Boro 2-1. A Boro steward was also knocked to the ground as United fans complained about being crushed at the front of the away stand and forced open a gate to get on to the area between the goal and the corner flag... This morning the full extent of the damage in the away stand was revealed with 10 seats ripped from their concrete bases and two advertising boards torn down and damaged... Said Boro secretary Roger Austin, 'We think the problems were caused by United fans who had been banned from their own Abbey stadium but we will be sending Cambridge a bill for the damage'".

From Cambridge News we learn that "Gary Brabin has admitted defeat in Cambridge United’s Blue Square Premier title bid following last night’s 2-1 defeat at promotion rivals Stevenage. It was the first time United have lost back-to-back league games this season and Brabin said 'We’re really devastated. I think we’ve put so much into the last few months, but for me that has put to bed our chances of winning the league... I think we’ve got a lot of young lads in the squad and it would have been a massive blow if we’d gone to the last game of the season [v. Altrincham] really believing we were going to get promotion and then have to bounce back into the play-offs. So the plus for me is we can focus on nailing down our place in the play-offs and concentrate on hopefully getting to Wembley... We don’t seem to be having that killer instinct in front of goal'".

Blue Square Football says that "Mansfield Town manager David Holdsworth has been rewarded for steering the Stags away from relegation with a new four-year deal... He initially penned an 18-month deal at the club, but following Town's rise to an impressive 13th in the standings, chairman Andy Perry was eager to tie Holdsworth down on a longer term contract. 'When we took David Holdsworth on he was asked to do one thing to start with and that was to get us away from the relegation that was high on the cards at that time', Perry told the Mansfield Chad. 'I don't think anyone at the football club or supporters could see where a win was coming from at that time. But David brought his enthusiasm here - an enthusiasm we had at the start of the season but that seemed to have lost its way a bit with results and off-the-field problems under the other manager [Billy McEwen]... It is good to know we can shape a good young manager to help shape our football club. He is not coming in here with pre-conceived ideas - just good standards, knowing what's right and wrong and a good work ethic'".

According to the Dorset Echo "Weymouth chairman Ian Ridley is adamant that the Terras have enough quality in their ranks to keep their heads above water in the Blue Square Premier. The Wessex Stadium outfit have lost their last ten games and sit just two points above the drop-zone but with Marcus Browning having returned to action and Stephen Reed back in the frame following the completion of a five-match suspension, Ridley is optimistic ahead of a crucial couple of weeks. He said: 'I think we have a decent enough group of players now it is just a question of collecting the points that we need. We have got to find a goal and a result from somewhere and the forthcoming weekend offers us a big chance to do that with a trip to bottom of the league Lewes on Saturday and a home game against Forest Green Rovers on Monday'. The Terras have not found the net in nearly ten hours of football and have conceded thirty-nine goals in their last ten games... Ridley said: 'We will be launching a share sale at the Forest Green game and there will be more details coming out about that later in the week. We are still in a dodgy position financially and we are doing all we can to pay the bills so we do not get closed down, while also paying the players to keep us in the league. And it is imperative that we stay up. If we go down our revenue will go down by £100,000. Also, it has taken the club a long time to get into the Conference and we do not want to give that up lightly'”.

"Andy Preece hailed his players’ determination after they dented Woking’s survival hopes", reports the Northwich Guardian... 'We deserved to win that game', he said afterwards. 'The lads worked so hard and were organised from back to front, you can see how tough it is to break us down now in open play'... It extended Vics’ stay in non-league’s top flight at least until the weekend... 'We spoke to a couple other managers and they tipped us off that Woking were vulnerable from dead balls and, with Joel’s delivery, I felt we exploited that'... Victory over the Cards makes Preece the most successful manager at the Marston’s Arena this term, taking his points tally to nine from 10 matches... 'We’ve got half the players Steve King had', he said. 'Around a dozen have gone since we came in and it’s a massive effort by the players to put in some of the performances they have'".

According to the Dorset Echo "Weymouth player-coach Marcus Browning has insisted that the Terras must go all out for the win at Lewes on Saturday to stand a chance of fending off the threat of relegation... Browning said: 'Saturday’s game is massive. We have lost our last 10 games and are now deep in the mire so we have no other choice but to go to Lewes and go all out for the win.. With them being bottom of the league there will be no better opportunity for us to end our losing run'... The Terras have not netted in 592 minutes and only scored twice in their last 10 games, with one of those coming via an own goal".

Forest Green Rovers confirm that in the Setanta Shield Final "It has been agreed by both clubs and Setanta that in the event of the match being drawn after 90 minutes, there will be no extra time played and a penalty shoot-out will take place to decide the result".

Sport4Salisbury confirms that "Salisbury City is up for sale for £1 and chairman Neville Beal, along with directors Stuart McGlashan and Paul Orsborn, are to step down at the end of the current season... [Last season] they eventually finished in a highly creditable 12th place. However, their success came at a cost and dwindling gates this season left a shortfall in their budget. Beal took the unorthodox step of appealing directly to City’s supporters with an impassioned half-time appeal on the pitch last autumn to help raise £100,000 to get the club back on an even keel. Although more than £35,000 was realised, the chairman then had to make cuts which resulted in key first team players being loaned out or transferred to other clubs. A dreadful sequence of results followed and City briefly flirted with the relegation zone before running repairs were made and a run of 11 games unbeaten took them back into the mid-table comfort zone".

RACE NIGHT

Alty Horse Sales busier than Tattersalls!!!!!

TASC are delighted to advise that all horses for the End of Season Race night on Saturday April 18th have now been sold. There are still a couple of Races available for sponsorship at £25 per race. Many thanks to everybody who has supported this event.

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

ALTRINCHAM 2 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 2

SALISBURY CITY FOR SALE FOR £1

It is with great sadness that the directors are today announcing that Salisbury City FC Ltd is being put up for sale.

The Board of Directors is unanimous in its decision to take this action, and is convinced that this will prove to be in the best interests of the club, so that new leadership, with an unencumbered club, can ensure its future development and achieve its undoubted potential...

The directors have all put their hearts and souls into the running of this great club, often to the detriment of their businesses, and at considerable cost to their families... The directors' investment of time, and not least personal financial support, has taken its toll, and despite their best endeavours, it must now be accepted that they have brought the club as lose to its original goals as they are able... Everyone has enjoyed an incredible journey with the Whites, but it is now time to look beyond what the present board can offer the club.

Salisbury City Football Club is fortunate to have a dynamic football management team in manager Nick Holmes, his assistant Barry Blankley, and coach Tom Widdrington, and there can be no doubting their ability to take the club into the Football League... They have succeeded in ensuring survival at the highest level of non league football, the Blue Square Premier league... The opportunity to take Salisbury City Football Club into the Football league must be a very attractive proposition to investors and one the directors would love to see realised...

Chairman Neville Beal, vice chairman Stuart McGlashan, and director Paul Orsborn are relinquishing their positions at the end of the current season. The club is available at a cost of £1".

WREXHAM TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased by phone (01978 262129) or on the Wrexham website and will be available for collection on matchday.

Meanwhile the Daily Post claims that "Wrexham manager Dean Saunders is seeking a balance of brains and brawn to combat the direct, no-nonsense style that has taken tonight’s Racecourse visitors, Histon, into the Blue Square Premier play-off zone. Ahead of the second meeting between the sides in less than a fortnight, the Dragons boss accepts that nothing less than maximum points from the last six matches of the season will give his players a chance of extending their season into the winner-takes-all knockout.

And he believes his players can build on Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Mansfield Town and also gain revenge for the 1-0 reverse at the Glass World Stadium just 11 days ago, a match Saunders missed because he was on World Cup duty with Wales. 'I might not have been there, but I have watched the video and Histon created only one chance worthy of the name', he said. 'But by playing four centre backs in defence we sacrificed a little bit of footballing ability. Nevertheless, we won 17 corners in the game without being able to score from any of them... We bullied [our opponents] a bit on Saturday and we outfought them, which is what we have to try and do against teams in each of our remaining six games... We are going into tomorrow’s game with a bit of confidence... In these next six games the players also have to show me they deserve to be here next season but they have six games in which to persuade me otherwise and I will be watching them all very closely. There have been lots of new faces, but only two long-term signings in Sam Williamson and Steve Abbott. The rest has been the equivalent of putting a sticking plaster on a wound to try and fix it quickly, but we’ll have a rethink in the summer once we know which league we will be playing in next season'. Saunders is awaiting the outcome of fitness tests on defender John Curtis (calf) and midfielder Silvio Spann (back) before finalising his team selection."

ROBINS' REVIEW

Cote's Comments

By Graham Heathcote

We Need to Encourage

As difficult as this may sound after our dismal performance at Lewes on Saturday, it is imperative that we give the lads as much encouragement as possible.

Clearly we are disrupted at the moment and the warning may not have been heeded but sometimes the harder you try, the worse it gets and we need to get the lads to relax, especially on the ball. The facts from Saturday are that we had five very good chances to have taken the lead and one poor mistake at our end and we were punished. Poor marking cost us a second goal and though we huffed and puffed second half, we showed no real quality.

I think the disruption of the squad of players through injury, illness and suspensions has exposed us, as it was always going to do running on such a thin squad. We have to re-group, sit down now in a calm fashion and work out a strategy that is going to suit the players that we have available. Clearly our away form is a major worry to me but our home performances have been good, the performance level against Stevenage, Torquay and Crawley in the last month have been very good with very little return but we have to achieve that level of performance in our last three home games.

I would still have taken our current position at this time of the season compared to previous seasons, but I'm not blind and I can see at times we are having major problems and only a collective effort by everyone connected to this Football Club can overcome them. Too many players are collectively having an off time, the same players bar one or two who had done so well up to the beginning of March. If anyone had the answer to a dip in form there wouldn't be any; the facts are the most consistent players come out top. The players mustn't feel sorry for themselves or look to blame anyone else, they are good players who have to dig themselves out of the predicament we are putting ourselves in. It's happened before and it is difficult to reverse the trend but it can and does happen. Other teams below us have to do it and so do we. A test of character for the players, a test of patience for the fans.

You can rip into me, into the players, and would have every right to do so, on the back of our recent away performances, but just remember last minute goals against the teams I mentioned earlier cost us points but you all applauded the performance. The players have to realise we have always accepted the result as long as the performance is acceptable. Too often of late, the performances have not been acceptable. Tonight we must put the past behind us and compete in a six game season and get the basics right and the starting point is attitude by everyone. We have to be positive, we can get the points we need, all bad runs come to an end; we need to end ours tonight. We need your help to achieve it - create a positive attitude and let's get the lads to respond.

Graham

Captain's Log

by Robbie Lawton

I'm setting my sights on a return to action against Kidderminster on Saturday after being sidelined by a freak injury at the worst possible time.

We are all acutely aware that points are still needed to secure our Blue Square Conference place for another season, and the last thing I wanted was to miss those key games at Ebbsfleet and Lewes. I had no chance of making either, though, after a mishap at work last Tuesday that left me doubled up, literally. As head of PE at a school in Liverpool, I suppose there is always a chance of picking up a slight knock or strain during the course of a working day.

I managed to put my back out leaning over to put a piece of paper on a chair before the start of morning assembly! Don't ask me how. I've no idea, but as I leant over, I felt something in my back. A minute later, it locked, and I was stuck in that position. I somehow managed to get out of the hall and into a chair outside, but, an hour later, it was still no better. I couldn't move, and there was no alternative but to call an ambulance and go to hospital.

All day long, I was in a sort of crouched position, lying on a bed on my side. I was given painkillers, but it didn't make any difference. I just couldn't straighten up and stayed like that until 6 o'clock that evening. I have had back spasms and twinges before, but nothing like this. It was a bit worrying, because there were no warning signs whatsoever. It just happened, and for the best part of nine hours, I was doubled over after the doctors discovered that both sides of my back had locked. The left side eventually released its grip and allowed me a bit of movement, but, even so, I was off work all last week and obviously unable to travel to either Ebbsfleet or Lewes.

What caused it is still something of a mystery, though the medical people said sometimes your body can just throw up the white flag for a variety of reasons, if you've been overdoing things or whatever. You could be answering the phone, getting dressed, or anything, and it can just happen. I was told it would be two weeks before I get back to how I was, but I'm aiming to trim a few days off that and be ready for the Kidderminster game.

I feel 100 times better than a week ago, and, though it's still difficult to bend forward or to the right, I'm gradually getting more movement back. I can't really comment on the defeats at Ebbsfleet and Lewes, having not even seen them, but I have spoken to a few of the lads, and it is clear there is a lot of disappointment that we didn't take something from both games.

The impression I got about last Tuesday at Ebbsfleet was that we had more than enough possession and pressure in the second half to have come away with at least a point. Saturday at Lewes sounded like a tale of missed chances in the first 25 minutes and a missed opportunity to put the game out of the home side's reach by half-time. I have said on numerous occasions that we don't want to be looking over our shoulders, but, like it or lump it, that's the position we are in. It is a concern, because it seems the harder we try the further away that elusive win appears to be.

I feel for the rest of the lads and particularly you, the supporters, especially all those who made the long trek to Ebbsfleet and Lewes. You've been behind us all season and travelled in numbers, and we really wanted to give you something better than this. Let's hope we give you something to shout about tonight and on Saturday. Who knows, it could even be one of the Ashton United lads, currently helping us cope with a growing injury crisis, who does the trick and puts a smile back on all our faces. Certainly, in his days as an Alty player, Rod Thornley showed he knows the way to goal. He was a bit of a local hero, in the Colin Little mould, and, just like Pat McFadden, Ben Deegan and Alex Frost, I'm sure he'll respond positively if he gets the shirt.

Ed Lines

By Grahame Rowley

Good evening and welcome to our visitors from Eastbourne Borough for this Blue Square Premier league game. We hope they have had a good journey up to Altrincham and wish them a safe journey home tonight. Like ourselves, Eastbourne are a true part-time squad and these long distance midweek games cause many problems with players having to take time off from their day-time jobs in order to travel with the team. However, with the credit crunch biting I believe that there may be more teams next season operating under the part-time banner.

What can you say about the performance at Lewes on Saturday? Not a lot, I would suggest. The positives from the game were the picturesque setting, the beautiful weather and the fantastic support that followed the team down to the south coast. The negative was certainly the performance of the team, especially after the first 20 minutes. We started similarly to the Weymouth game at home and must have had at least 3 good chances to take the lead. However, they were scorned and a slip at the back and superb finishing from Wheeler saw Lewes take the lead and subsequently control of the game. How we failed to dominate the game from then on is anybody's guess but the players contrived to concede a second and give themselves a mountain to climb.

I can understand supporters' frustration at the performance but what I cannot understand is the reaction to one of OUR players after the game. Michael Welch, an Altrincham player at least until the end of the season, came over to the travelling fans to thank them for their support throughout the afternoon. He received a mouthful of abuse from a couple of our fans, which was totally unjustified. Michael knows that he along with his team mates didn't play well but at least had the good manners to come over and thank the many fans who had spent good money to travel down and watch them.

What he didn't expect and what he shouldn't have received is this foul mouthed abuse. I hope the people involved feel totally ashamed of themselves. What the team need now, probably more than at any other time in the season, is your wholehearted support to see us over the finishing line. No one likes to lose a game of football, and especially when you're expected to win it, but what we now need to do is regroup and collect those vital few points with the fans and the team pulling in the same direction - let's start tonight!

Many thanks to the 40 people who have already signed up to the Patrons' Scheme for next season - this is an excellent response in the early days of the scheme. If you're interested in becoming a Patron of the Club for next season please follow the above link or e-mail me for further details.

Finally, many thanks to Colin Little and Chris Rowley who have been running the Altrincham FC sports week at Moss Lane over Easter. This is a great way of encouraging young children to become involved with the club and hopefully they'll become our supporters of the future.

Keep up your great support - you know it's appreciated.

Grahame.

YANKEE

NEXT REFS

BSP NEWS

Shrewsbury Town say that "It has been reported in the media that James Constable has been transferred to Oxford United. This is not the case, a deal was agreed which was to be concluded prior to the 31st of March 2009, for reasons best known to Oxford this did not occur. The next opportunity for Oxford to sign James is at the end of their playing season. It is conceivable that the transfer could take place at this time however for this to be so all parties concerned would have to reconfirm their willingness for the transfer to take place. James is contracted to Shrewsbury Town FC until the 30th June 2010."

NW NEWS

Harris, who now plays for Chester City, has also been charged on betting on a game involving his new club and another two League Two fixtures. Cavanagh has also been charged with betting on another Accrington Stanley matches in which he played and on a number of other League Two matches. Under FA rules, players, managers or coaching staff are prohibited from betting on the result or progress of any match or competition in which the participant is participating or has any direct or indirect influence. All five have until 23 April to respond to the charges".

MIDWEEK

UPDATES

GRAHAM'S POSITIVE MESSAGE

"We have to be positive, we can get the points we need, all bad runs come to an end; we need to end ours tonight. We need your help to achieve it – create a positive attitude and let’s get the lads to respond".

Read the full article in the "Robins' Review" tonight, price just £2.

WREXHAM TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased by phone (01978 262129) or on the Wrexham website and will be available for collection on matchday.

GOALS OF THE MONTH

EASTBOURNE SAFE

Altrincham, however, have their own reasons for claiming all 3 points from the fixture. 'The Robins' are not yet safe themselves and after a long spell in and around the 14th position in the table now find themselves slipping slowly down the table as others, maybe closer to the dreaded drop zone, fight to maintain their current status. Indeed the Woking and Grays wins this weekend will have focused the Cheshire club's mind, especially when combined with the 'shock' defeat at relegated Lewes this Saturday, a side that had not won in 18 League games".

"Try telling Jack Jeffery there is little left to play for this season" says The Argus. "Eastbourne Borough may have already secured their Blue Square premier status for another year but the West Ham striker is not about to put his feet up and relax. The 19-year-old has already been told his contract will not be renewed at Upton Park when it runs out this summer and is desperate to find another club. No wonder, then, he was all smiles after coming off the bench to score twice in the last eight minutes to finally kill off a spirited display from Weymouth. It was Jeffery’s first goals in eight appearances since arriving at Priory Lane a month ago and he is desperate for more as he tries to secure his future.

Jeffery said: 'It was about time I scored because it’s been frustrating for me so far... I was told I was not being kept on at West Ham before I came on loan at Eastbourne so I know I have got to put myself in the shop window'... But with Andy Atkin and Sam Gargan sidelined and Allan Tait doubtful for tomorrow’s trip to Altrincham he should now get the chance for a run in the side. Eastbourne: Hook, Austin, Baker, Pullan, Jenkins, Armstrong, Smart, Brown, M Crabb (Mingle, 88), Tait (Wormull, 70), N Crabb (Jeffery, 79). Subs not used: Harding, Lovett".

Altrincham are likely to be down to 14 fit players tonight, with Anthony Danylyk suspended and both Robbie Lawton and Chris Denham still expected to be out, injured. But Chris Senior may be fit for a recall after his hamstring injury. Altrincham can also be expected to include one or two of their back-up signings from Ashton United in their squad tonight. Otherwise, they are likely to be choosing from: 1. Stuart COBURN, 22. James SMITH, 2.Chris LANE, 4. Mark McGREGOR, 5. Greg YOUNG, 21. Shaun DENSMORE, 3. Matt DOUGHTY, 17. Ben WILKINSON, 11. Warren PEYTON, 14. Dale JOHNSON, 9. Colin LITTLE, 12. Joe O'NEILL, 8. Michael WELCH, 19. Chris SENIOR.

AWAY TRIP

EASTER EGGS

And from Monday 6th to Thursday 9th April there has been an Easter Fun Week at Moss Lane when football coaching for children (boys and girls) for school years 1-7 is available. The course is being overseen by qualified coaches including Alty striker Colin Little, who coaches at Crewe Alexandra. There are a few places left for the remainder of this week. All participants receive a certificate of attendance and are guaranteed an enjoyable week, Please contact the club 928-1045 to book a place.

YOUTH NEWS

BSP NEWS

However from the Oxford Mail responds by saying that "Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas has denied a story that Shrewsbury are claiming James Constable will remain with them next season. 'We have an agreement with Shrewsbury and with James himself', insisted Thomas. 'It's down on paper, I have spoken to their chief exec and he's faxed me back... That story came from an interview with Paul Simpson, last Friday, and probably before he was made aware of what had happened', Thomas said.

Some interesting stats comes from a Cambridge United supporter on the Conference Forum. The clubs who have used the most players in the BSP this season are the following, all of whom have had at least two managers this season...

More player movements are reported by the Northwich Guardian which says that "Port Vale have ended Kyle Perry’s temporary stay at Northwich Victoria. The League Two outfit refused caretaker manager Andy Preece’s request to keep the front runner until the end of April... 'We have to put the club first', Vale boss Dean Glover told the Sentinel... Perry has scored twice in seven starts for Vics since switching to the Marston’s Arena last month, forming a promising partnership with fan favourite Jonny Allan. His initial loan period ran out at full time following Saturday’s single-goal reverse at Ebbsfleet United, leaving Preece with only two forwards – Aaron Burns is the other – for tomorrow’s clash with Woking".

The Crawley Town "boss Steve Evans believes at least a couple of his fellow Blue Square Premier managers will lose their jobs when they fail to win promotion for their respective clubs this season. Evans explained; 'When you look at the size of the budgets a number of these managers have, then they are expected to win promotion. In all honesty if you get into the play-offs and fail to win them, some will pay the price as it will not be good enough for a few Conference Premier Clubs who have heavily invested. I had a chat with one particular Chairman last week and, when he told me the team budget, even I was astounded. That Chairman invests substantial sums, is a self-made man and makes it clear to anyone that will listen just what he expects. To be fair having spoken to his manager on numerous occasions this season he knows it’s promotion or the axe... When you get these type of budgets to put a team together then as a manager you must deliver the results and you accept the consequences if you fail... The Football Conference gets stronger every year. Yes as a body they make mistakes, don't we all, but overall under Chairman Brian Lees they deliver a great competition. I firmly believe Burton Albion will be the Champions. We opened the door wide open for others when we hammered Albion on Saturday but the nearest clubs had poor results and when you are chasing you cannot afford to let that happen. As the great Sir Alex Ferguson tells us all, it’s squeaky bum time and to some it is more important, it’s keep your job time!'".

"Following various unofficial comments in relation to Kettering Town FC’s right to a potential play-off place, the club is pleased to clarify the latest position through this official statement:

On 31st March 2009 the Conference Board wrote to Kettering Town FC stating that if they did not receive clarification from the Football League by 'no later than Wednesday 8th April, then reluctantly we will have to rule you out for this season'. The following day, the Football League wrote advising us of what they required to give them final comfort in relation to our security of tenure stating 'we imagine this could be achieved relatively quickly. No doubt you can consider this option'.

We have had no further correspondence from either the Conference or Football League following these two letters and have been working towards resolving the outstanding issue, although the Conference deadline is making it extremely difficult for us. The club believes the Football League’s 'relatively quickly' is more than five working days. It has therefore come as a surprise to be made aware of alleged comments from Conference Board members Gareth Baldwin (31st March - Histon programme notes) and Brian Lee (3rd April - Non League Paper) which appear to rule out any chance of Kettering Town playing in the play-offs.

Our manager Mark Cooper has also confirmed that he has privately been told by a journalist and Conference Board member that we would not be allowed to take part in the play-offs. Several of our players were also told this prior to yesterday’s defeat at Torquay by rival players, managers and journalists.

These comments have certainly misled our players, supporters and management at a crucial time and appear to contradict the official position of the Conference and Football League. Everyone at the club is very frustrated and confused, which was demonstrated by Mark Cooper’s comments to the media.

Our struggle to satisfy the Football League and Conference Board over our security of tenure may be academic as recent results have left us with a huge mountain to climb and games running out. However, the club is continuing to work towards providing the requested comfort to the Football League, in the event that the players and management achieve a playoff position."

News of last year's BSP champions comes from Bullsnews. "Aldershot have reorganised their boardroom into two levels ahead of their AGM, with many fans speculating the club is in dire financial straits."

ACcording to This is Nottingham "Jay Smith is the latest former Notts County player being given the chance to impress at Mansfield. The former Southend midfielder had his contract at Meadow Lane cancelled by mutual consent at the same time as Spencer Weir-Daley, who is now training with the Stags... 'Jay is not the biggest, which is a bit of a concern, but he is a very tidy player', said Mansfield manager David Holdsworth...

Jake Speight is continuing to train with Mansfield while also playing for Conference North side Droylsden... The Stags' boss confirmed Daryl Clare will start his first game for Mansfield tomorrow night at home to Ebbsfleet. Ryan Williams (dead leg) and Adie Moses (groin) are doubts while Gary Silk (groin), Scott Gardner (hamstring) and Mark Stallard (illness) are definitely out. But loan signing Ollie Hotchkiss is back in the squad".

From the Daily Post we learn that "Wrexham striker Obi Anoruo marked the award of a professional contract next season with his second goal in successive outings as the Dragons returned to winning ways at the Racecourse on Saturday.... [a] 2-0 success against Mansfield Town... The confident youngster, who has scored 26 goals for Wrexham’s table-topping youth team this season, has been given the same 12-month deal also offered to fellow scholars, Kai Edwards and Chris Maxwell...

'I think I did well', he said. 'I didn’t think the referee was going to give it (a penalty) at first, but when he did I just said "give me the ball" and I put it away. I usually go to the keeper’s left, but this time I went to his right. I’ve missed more than I have scored for the youth team, but today I knew I was going to score. Everybody said "give it to Crofty" (Andrew Crofts), but he said it was down to me and he was happy for me when I put it away. It was a weight off my shoulders to get my first goal on Thursday, but to get another one today made me feel very happy. I’ve got some champagne which will go to my nan and grandad when I get home'".

MONDAY GAME

ANTHONY'S BAN

YOUTH TEAM WIN

LEWES VERDICT

The Argus says that "Caretaker boss Steve Ibbitson admitted his relief after Lewes finally ended their long losing run. The Rooks avoided a 19th successive league defeat as they won 2-0 at home to Altrincham. If they had lost it would have set a new English professional record of successive losses. Ibbitson said: 'I am absolutely delighted. I didn't want to be the manager to take Lewes to this record, albeit I have not been involved all the time... Our brief was just to get the club to the end of the season but we want to get there in the best shape we can. I have said to the lads our target is not to finish bottom. We may still finish bottom but we will be trying our best to hit that target. I am already looking forward to next week to playing against Weymouth'. First-half goals from David Wheeler and Joe Keehan gave Lewes a fully deserved victory... The manager said: 'In spells we have played well in every game. What was pleasing today was for most of the game we looked comfortable. The back four was immense, young Josh Jirbandey came in at right-back and did really well. The one I have got to single out was Luke Rooney in midfield. He is not the biggest player but his energy levels are unbelievable, he has no little skill and is very aggressive. He is exactly my type of midfield player'” .

JACKIE AT MOSS LANE

Goalscoring legend Jackie Swindells will be special guest of honour at Moss Lane on Saturday after accepting an invitation to share his 72nd birthday weekend with Altrincham supporters, players and officials. The most lethal finisher in the club's history will be 72 next Sunday and needed no persuading to launch the celebrations by travelling north to attend Saturday's Blue Square Conference game against Kidderminster.

There was an understandable air of excitement around the club at the prospect of playing host to a striker who once scored five goals in an FA Cup tie - a 6-0 first-round thrashing of Scarborough - and seven in a game against Chester Reserves. 'Once we realised we were at home on the same weekend as Jackie's birthday, we just thought it would be great to see him again,' said vice-chairman Grahame Rowley. 'I contacted Jean Prince, who is a friend of both the club and Jackie, and she came back with the great news that he would be honoured and delighted to attend. We are just as delighted, because, young or old, everyone knows about Jackie's phenomenal exploits back in the 60s. His record is the stuff of legends, it really is, yet you couldn't wish to meet a more unassuming character. It will be lovely to meet up again'.

The Manchester-born England Youth international scored goals for Blackburn, Accrington and Barnsley, among others, before joining Alty towards the end of the 1964-65 season. The 28-year old made an immediate impact, by scoring four times in 10 games, but no one was quite prepared for what happened in his first full season (1965-66), as he plundered an astonishing 82 goals in 63 appearances.

Strike partner Pat Connolly had every right to reflect with pride on his 34-goal return but found himself somewhat overshadowed as Swindells racked up an amazing six hat-tricks. A further 12 followed during a six-year reign that brought him silverware every season and an overall tally of 265 goals from 317 (+5) appearances. Look out for more details during the week of the club's plans for Jackie's special visit.

BOROUGH'S LAST GAME

WELCH'S WONDER GOALS

If you want to see some more of his spectacular goals, please visit his Michael Welch website.

STU, WARREN AND CHRIS SIGN FOR ABBEY HEY!

OLD BOYS

Jody Banim (Droylsden) and Jake Sedgemore (Solihull Moors) were in opposition last Saturday, whilst Alex Meechan was fouled in an incident which saw Farsley's keeper sent off at Stalybridge. Carlos Roca gave what the NL Paper termed a "sublime display" for FCUM as they beat North Ferriby 4-0.

WALKING TO WREXHAM

FA CUP

BSP NEWS

From the BBC we learn that "Dean Saunders has hinted he will stay on as Wrexham boss next season despite fading hopes of an instant return to the Football League... 'Yeah, I'm up for the challenge', Saunders told BBC Wales. 'In the summer I'll have to make some decisions... a lot of contracts are up. A lot of them have signed until the end of the season so it's going to be a big job replacing 15 or so players if some of them leave and where I get them from… because... I've not seen many at this level I'd like to take and get in our team. So I'm going to have to have a think in the summer how we're going to go about it and have a chat with the chairman and see where we are and how we're going to go forward... I've put everything I've got into trying to get the club out of the league', said Saunders. 'We got ourselves in a great position and we didn't lose a game for four months. I've kept improving the team. I know the team out on the pitch is better than the team that went 20-odd games without losing and we've just kept making mistakes after mistakes, unbelievable mistakes… from players who you don't expect to do it'".

EASTER FARE

FLY THE FLAG FOR ALTY

Above: There was a fine display of our away colours in the blue and yellow flags brought by Altrincham supporters to Lewes on Saturday, as seen in the photo.

It has been a long week for Altrincham FC with two away trips in four days racking up almost 1,000 miles on the road. That is quite a workload for a squad of part-timers - and their supporters. And, when you consider that the management has had only 13 fit players at its disposal - to bring in reinforcements would jeopardise the club's financial position - you can see why form has dipped recently. Five subs have been named at both Ebbsfleet, last Tuesday, and Lewes, last Saturday, but only two of those named on the bench were actually fit to play. Though James Smith returns from suspension this week, the player availability does not improve as Anthony Danylyk will soon be sidelined after he was dismissed for the second time this season, at Lewes.

But whilst the elusive handful of points needed to ensure we remain in the BSP for next season is proving hard to gather, there are positives as well. Not least is the fact that we are still seven points above the relegation places so survival is firmly in our own hands. And, although we have only taken 12 points from our last 15 games, a haul at even that disappointing ratio for the remaining six matches should be enough to keep us out of the bottom four.

Altrincham face their third Sussex club in a period of ten days when Eastbourne Borough visit Moss Lane on Tuesday night (7.45pm). This follows a 2-2 draw with Crawley and the loss at Lewes. So, come along and fly the flag for the Alty in their final games of the season and help them get to the finishing line successfully!

BSP NEWS

LEWES 2 ALTRINCHAM 0

Right: Dale Johnson (in yellow) competes for the ball at The Dripping Pan.

A poor performance from Altrincham thrust them back into the relegation mix as their run extended to just three wins in their last 15 games. A very bobbly pitch did not help but Altrincham resorted far too much to aimless balls forward. However, in the opening twenty minutes Altrincham created and missed several half chances whilst Lewes started nervously as was to be expected after 18 straight defeats. But once Wheeler had taken advantage of a slip by McGregor to score from the Rooks' first real chance, Alty were second best for the rest of the half. Slack marking allowed Keehan to make it 2-0 from a corner just before the interval. Wilkinson replaced McGregor at the break and Alty enjoyed plenty of possession but apart from a couple of good saves from shots by Little, the visitors were kept at bay by the Lewes defence. How a penalty was not awarded when Johnson was almost throttled by the keeper in the box in the closing minutes was a mystery, but Altrincham could not complain at the result. To make matters wose, Danylyk was sent off in added time for a second yellow card offence. Losing to an already relegated side which had lost all of its previous 18 games is not an easy pill to swallow.

MATCH REPORT HERE.

LEWES OPTIMISTIC

The Argus reports that "Steve Ibbitson is desperate to give Lewes fans something to sing about by avoiding an unwanted record. The Rooks entertain Altrincham tomorrow having lost 18 Blue Square premier games on the trot. That matches the record in English professional football set by Darwen during a catastrophic Football League campaign in 1898-99. Although Lewes are a part-time club, they play in a predominantly professional league and will not want to pass Darwen’s Football League record. Victory would also lift Lewes above Leigh’s record low points total for the Conference which stands at 18 in 2004-05. The Rooks currently have 17 points. Ibbitson believes Lewes are getting closer to ending their losing run and would love to do so in front of their home fans, who have shown patience with his young side.

Caretaker boss Ibbitson said: 'The crowd were really good (in the last home game) against Kidderminster and we want to win as much for them as we do for ourselves... The first people we saw when the coach arrived at Barrow a fortnight ago were ten supporters who had travelled up that morning. That gave everybody a lift. Hopefully they will get behind us tomorrow but we know the onus is on us to give them something to cheer. We are going into every game with a positive frame of mind and I think in every game since I took over we have been competitive, the least one being against Kidderminster'...

Lewes had two players sent off at Forest Green and both miss the visit of Altrincham. Anthony Barness serves a one-match ban while Stefan Cox begins the first of three. However, those losses are off-set by the return of four players to the squad including skipper Danny Cullip, who missed last Saturday’s match with tonsillitis. Cullip has trained this week and is joined in the squad by fellow defenders Chris Breach, who has served a one-match ban following his dismissal at Barrow, and a fit-again Sam Fisk. Winger David Wheeler is also available after winning his second English School under-18s cap against Northern Ireland last weekend and Ibbitson has the option of new striker Geoff Banks-Smith, who has joined on work experience from League Two side Brentford.

Banks-Smith, who celebrates his 18th birthday on Sunday, is the third player to join on work experience but Lewes can only field two at any one time which means Ibbitson will rotate the Brentford forward, Luke Rooney and Josh Jirbandey for the remaining six games. Ibbitson is still checking the rules to see whether they permit a third work experience player to come on as substitute in a game for one of the others... Ibbitson has also registered teenage striker Medi Koroma on Conference forms and challenged him to show he is sharp enough to force his way into the squad".

"Lewes FC legend Terry Parris is appealing to Rooks supporters for financial help and fund-raising ideas" reports the Sussex Express. "Terry's 'Save Our Club Fund' was announced at a meeting at the Dripping Pan last Monday evening and his initiative has the full support of the Members' Club... He said. 'We have to pay money to the football authorities very soon just to ensure we are able to participate in various competitions next season. We also need to pay money to the external contractor that maintains the club's training area on the Convent Field and we owe money for the use of other training facilities... The youth side – along with the Ladies Team – have been shining beacons in what has been a very poor year for the first team. We need funds to sustain all the excellent work and development that has been achieved so far... The cost of coaches alone for the last three away games came to over £4,000 because of the distances we've had to travel. The club is doing everything it can to pay its way but it is clear to me that financial help by the fans is desperately needed. The money we raise will not be going into a black hole – there will be evidence of payments and the process will be transparent'. Leaflets highlighting the appeal will be distributed at the game tomorrow...

Brian 'Badgeman' Ashton is backing Terry's initiative with a special "Save Our Club Fund" badge. The badge will cost a minimum of £3.50 but any fan who makes a reasonable pledge to the fund will receive one of the badges as a gift. If you want to order one then make a beeline for Brian tomorrow – he'll be mounting his usual display of badges just inside the main entrance to the Dripping Pan".

The BBC says that "Teenage striker Geoff Banks-Smith is set to play in an effort to improve Lewes's poor goal-scoring record. Winger Stefan Cox is suspended, but Chris Breach returns from his ban with fellow defender Danny Cullip facing a late fitness test (tonsilitis). Altrincham have a few injury problems with midfielder Robbie Lawton (back) and striker Chris Senior (hamstring) both major doubts. Defender James Smith is banned while Michael Welch has an ankle problem".

HISTORIC GROUND

In 2003 the Philcox Stand was opened behind the west goal and three years later, the 500 seat Rookery Stand replaced the old wooden South Stand which ran virtually the length of the pitch on top of the grass bank. Last season the Terry Parris open terrace was built at the Ham Lane end, despite the protests of some local residents who opposed the destruction of a section of historic flint wall to make way for emergency access and a turnstile".

SHORT MEMORIES..

"Thank the Lord for teams like Altrincham. You know, the sort of side that even if camped in your half for 45 minutes will no more score a goal than the man on the moon. Not because they're short on talent (well, they are, but that's another discussion) but because, like Crawley, their record against the Fleet is just so abysmal. [It only is "abysmal" if you conveniently forget that Altrincham regularly tonked Gravesend a.k.a. Ebbsfleet when the teams first met in the Alliance, when Alty won the title twice - which is twice more than the Fleet have - though they did win the Isthmian League once. Oh, and Ebbsfleet also lost at Moss Lane this season, didn't they? And I believe they failed to score and weren't camped in our half for more than five minutes in the entire 90]. With four consecutive defeats at Stonebridge Road now, Alty should be afforded the red-carpet treatment every time they travel south with our three points...

Expected as it was, it was still a shock to see the Fleet becoming so entrenched in the relegation zone and is a wake-up call to anybody such as myself who thought our games in hand were a satisfactory cushion. The generosity of Altrincham has eased the immediate situation, putting us within touching distance of the likes of Weymouth, who will surely struggle for many more points, while putting the necessary daylight between ourselves and Grays and Woking.

Back to the Fleet though and the news that the five grand for winning the Setanta Shield game at Crawley will be withheld following the discovery that our team didn't quite resemble that expected under the rules of the competition. Fair enough, I suppose. They are the rules after all. But, given the farce surrounding even getting the game played and the fact that our quarter-final kicked off two weeks after the final was supposed to have taken place, should allow for some mitigating circumstances given the Fleet's cup exploits, fixture backlog and injuries...

Given the Fleet's less-than-convincing away record (you have to go back to November and our good friends from Crawley to find the last time we won any points on the road), home games against Northwich and Lewes must net us maximum points. Then, anything we scrape together away from home is a bonus".

NEXT SATURDAY

BSP NEWS

The Northants Evening Telegraph says that "Rushden & Diamonds have opened talks with four key players over new contracts to stay next season. Caretaker-boss Justin Edinburgh is also getting closer to agreeing a permanent deal as Garry Hill's long-term successor at Nene Park. He revealed that discussions have already begun with player-coach Chris Hope, captain Andy Burgess, defender Simon Downer and midfielder Marcus Kelly to remain part of the first-team squad. On-loan left-back Kurt Robinson will be offered the opportunity to join Diamonds this summer from Ipswich Town. Edinburgh said: 'Chats are ongoing with the chairman (Keith Cousins) and myself. He has been delighted with the impact made and the way in which we've gone about our business. We are talking regularly, if not daily, about going forward next season. It looks positive and I'm confident that I can do the job here.. We've got a lot of good players who are out of contract at the end of this season. So he has given the go-ahead to start talks as I'm certainly looking to keep Downer, Burgess, Hope and Kelly. The club must also make a decision on a two-year option to extend Michael Rankine's stay – although he hasn't been offered a contract yet'... Meanwhile, Edinburgh confirmed that right-back Curtis Osano does not need an operation to cure his knee injury".

The Northwich Vics Forum reports "One good piece of news with regard to the ground purchase is that Jim Rushe has registered his new company Northwich Victoria Developments with Companies House so the deal for the ground should be completed soon".

Oxford United "have signalled their intent for the future with top scorer James Constable agreeing a new three year deal. Constable has hit 22 goals already this season after joining the U's on a season long loan from Shrewsbury... James will join permanently at the end of the season".

From the Dorset Echo we learn that "Weymouth manager Alan Lewer is expected to revert back to a four-man defence tomorrow after Callum Hart and Jordan Collins were declared fit and available for the trip to Eastbourne Borough... following a dire run of nine successive defeats... He said: 'Due to a lack of training facilities, we have been training on the main pitch this week but we will not get together as a full squad until later today as some of the loan players have been training with their parent clubs'. When asked what he expects from Eastbourne tomorrow, Lewer said: 'They like to smash it forward and get it into good areas early so it promises to be another very tough test'”.

Meanwhile, Bullsnews says that "Weymouth are to relaunch their share sale scheme to raise money to bail out the club. The new board have cleared immediate debts, but still have a £500,000 deficit to plug".

"Shaun Harrad could miss the final six games of Burton Albion’s title crusade" claims the Burton Mail, "after the England C star underwent a scan yesterday. And McFarland fears it could reveal bone damage to bring Harrad’s season to a premature end. He said: 'What concerns us is the possibility that Shaun may have have some sort of new fracture at the base of tibia where it goes into the ankle'".

Meanwhile, "Albion have agreed to cancel the contract of striker Jody Banim when his spell on loan to Droylsden ends in two weeks’ time. Banim [who had a loan spell at Alty this year] is hoping to clinch a deal to play during the summer months for American club Baltimore Blast".

As we reported yesterday Halesowen Town have had their fixtures suspended by the FA for failing to pay their players and The Cambridge News reports that "Halesowen's potential demise could prove costly in more ways than one for both Cambridge United and Cambridge City. The British Gas Business League side... [owes] fees to United... [who are] owed more than £8,000 by the Yeltz, following Gavin Hoyte's temporary move from the Abbey last November. Halesowen had agreed to pay the wages of Hoyte, now at Weymouth after being released by United last month, and other costs, but chairman George Rolls said the club had not yet seen a penny. Rolls said: 'We paid Gavin his wages and invoiced them on the understanding they were going to pay us them back, but they've obviously overstretched themselves. We've tried to come to a financial agreement with their chief executive, who promised money in our bank account on Tuesday which failed to turn up. We're quite happy to work through it with Halesowen because they're a club like ourselves and they've got their history and fans and we don't want to see them put out of business".

"Histon have been given the all-clear to participate in the Blue Square Premier play-offs and Steve Fallon now wants to make sure they reach them. The Glass World Stadium has passed a Football League inspection after being brought up to an approximate capacity of 4,200 before Tuesday's deadline" states The Cambridge News

FITNESS

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FIXTURES

Right: Alty's England "C" international midfielder, Shaun Densmore, in action against Crawley, as pictured by Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

Thursday 2 April

THE BIGGER PICTURE

TUESDAY'S GAME

BSP NEWS

"Woking chairman David Taylor says his decision to sack manager Phil Gilchrist was sealed at half-time during the 5-1 home defeat to Kidderminster... Taylor told BBC Surrey: 'The team weren't even sweating [at half time]. That's not what I want from a club, players who play for Woking will play with pride and give everything. I got my fellow directors together and asked them their opinion, and as a board we made the decision at the end of the game. I like Phil as a person, I think the way he came in and said goodbye to the players and everyone at Kingfield proves he is a man of great dignity and we will miss him', he added. 'However we are in the situation we are in, we have six games to go. I have been inundated with questions about my future, the club's future, but quite frankly at the moment we are away at Barrow and all our attention is focused on that... Decision one was Phil went, decision two was we asked Graham to take over', he said. 'We've put Graham in this situation before, he immediately said yes and I think that says a lot about the man'.

Taylor confirmed that former manager Geoff Chapple was never likely to take over the managerial reins but helps where he can. 'Geoff is not someone who wants to step on other people's toes. I think he's moved on', he said. 'It is good to have a legend around the ground, Geoff spoke to Phil regularly and I think Graham will speak to him regularly as well. But the idea of Geoff being involved in a more direct footballing capacity is not something Geoff wants'". Woking have now had seven managerships in just two years - Glenn Cockerill (left March 2007), Graham Baker & Neil Smith (caretakers), Frank Gray (2007-08), Colin Lippiatt & Justin Edinburgh (caretakers), Kim Grant (2008), Phil Gilchrist (2008-09) and now Baker again.

According to the Northwich Guardian "Northwich Victoria are facing a fight to find enough players to turn out for their remaining matches. Caretaker manager Andy Preece has been barred from swelling his dwindling pool of players after the Football Conference slapped another signings ban on the Blue Square Premier strugglers. It could leave him with as few as a dozen players from next week. 'It’s killing us', he said. 'After the weekend we could be struggling to put a team out for our last few matches, and I’m sure Barrow and Forest Green will have something to say if we go up against Woking with half a team next week. Everybody knows that the way we have been playing recently means we’re going to score more points between now and the end of the season, which could have a direct impact on who goes down. You saw what happened with Weymouth, we don’t want a repeat of that'.

League bosses are unhappy that the Wincham outfit has not paid bills for players – thought to be Wycombe Wanderers stopper Will Antwi and Charlton Athletic pair Scott Wagstaff and Rashid Yussuf – who have tuned out on loan for the club this season. The Guardian contacted the Football Conference for its view, but general manager Dennis Strudwick said he preferred not to comment. Vics' owner Jim Rushe hoped to beat the ban before a deadline to add non-contract players passed on Tuesday afternoon. 'There’s some doubt about the terms of one or two of the deals that were done, which I’m sure we can sort out', he said...Preece tried to register himself, plus one other, only to be knocked back. He has been forced to name only 15 players for the past two league games.

'The Football Conference are a law unto themselves right now, I’m not sure where we go from here', he fumed. On-loan front man Kyle Perry, on target twice in five appearances since switching from Port Vale last month, could be recalled by the League Two outfit to cover for injuries that have left them short on numbers in attack. Another temporary signing, Carlisle United utility man Luke Joyce, faces the same possibility. Midfielder Matty Crowell is one caution away from a two-match ban, while back-up midfielder Leo Richards is also due to be suspended after he was sent off while playing for Woodley in a Cheshire League game".

"Rushden & Diamonds have signed free agent Josh Ford, the former QPR youth player, to cover injuries in defence. The 18-year-old, who plays right-back or centre-half, started his career at Bristol City but he has recently been training with Salisbury. Curtis Osano is injured and probably out for the season and Michael Corcoran has to serve a two match suspension" reports the BBC.

Weymouth say that "chairman Ian Ridley remains adamant that the club can support Blue Square Premier football following last Sunday’s increased attendance at the Wessex Stadium. A crowd of 1,264 turned out for the televised league clash against Barrow... It was also an encouraging response to the new regime’s decision to drop admission prices which will now be kept at the same level – £10 for adults and £5 for senior citizens and juniors – for the remainder of the season. Ridley said: 'The fans turned out to back us and I am very grateful. We are aware these are hard times for everyone so we are going to retain those prices for our last three home games. The way people came back to the club confirms my belief that we can support Blue Square Premier football here, if we can just manage the debt and get through the next few months. I thought the club and the town put on a good face for the cameras... Setanta Sports told me they did have a great day, though, as did we... Once manager Alan Lewer gets to work with them over the next week or two, they will gel and we will get the points we need to stay in this league... This club is still in big trouble and we cannot pretend otherwise. We are £500,000 in debt and have to pay that back gradually. We need to cut costs, and I have already said we will probably go part-time next season, and we need to increase revenue as we put in place a more realistic business plan than the club has recently had. In the immediate future, we have to get funds in to complete the season. Directors have put in some money but we will need help. To that end, we will be re-launching the share sale'".

"Following the announcement on Monday 23 March that Fleet Group Development (FGD), in light of Ebbsfleet United's financial status, has agreed to continue to work for free towards finding a new stadium for the football club - here are some details of progress made by FGD in 2008... A favoured site has been identified and... FGD is currently trying to put together a scheme with the enabling developer that would enable a planning application to be made. Like all sites, there are obstacles, but the land delivery for this new site has the potential to be delivered far more easily than the previous site... In addition to the above there has been research carried out about the cost of a stadium, the development around the stadium, possible users for this development and other potential stadium users. Stadium design drawings have also been commissioned and completed".

WALKING TO WREXHAM

Sarah Rowley has kindly supplied the above photo and writes...

"I have attached a photo of the walkers who set off at 9am this morning [Wednesday] on the first of a three-stage walk to Wrexham, raising money for Altrincham FC and the National Autistic Society. If anyone would like to join us for either of the two remaining parts, please feel free to contact the Club for further details. Don't forget that anyone raising in excess of £100 will be given a free entrance ticket to the Wrexham game and free transportation home. If you do not wish to walk but would like to sponsor the walkers, any support would be greatly appreciated. Special mention must be made for Julian, who is holding a plaque advertising the National Autistic Society in the photo. He himself is autistic and walked along with Alan Wright from the National Autistic Society today. All the walkers made it safely to the end of the 20 miles and then returned home for a warm welcoming bath!".

"WISE UP!"

'The players have got to wise up a bit, because they are not showing enough respect for some of the teams they are up against in this league', he said. 'Ebbsfleet were fourth from bottom, but I stressed before the game that they were a decent side with some very decent players. I just wonder whether some players who are new to this level of football are not clued up enough to the sort of battle they are in. There are two relevant points here that we need to take on board quickly. Firstly, someone down at the bottom always gets out of trouble, and, secondly, some mid-table team always gets dragged into it. We look like being the mid-table team in danger, unless we wise up. When we perform as we can, I don't fear anyone in the league, but you can't turn it on and off like a tap. If we are in the mix, going into the final week, it is going to be very difficult to suddenly turn it on. Despite warnings, we were complacent after going 3-0 up against Weymouth and complacent against Forest Green, when we got a hiding after being 2-0 in front. That has got to stop'...

Skipper Robbie Lawton injured his back at work earlier this week and spent the night in hospital. Heathcote was still trying to contact him today [Wednesday] to discover if he will be fit for Saturday."

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LEWES NEWS

On the pitch "Lewes are hoping their latest signing can help end their long losing run. Teenage striker Geoff Banks-Smith has joined the Rooks on work experience from Brentford. Caretaker boss Steve Ibbitson has been desperately short on striking options... He has been playing 16-year-old Tim Rivers as a lone striker for the last three games while Fred Foreman, 17, is the only other forward option. Both players can also play in midfield. Banks-Smith, who celebrates his 18th birthday on Sunday, is a second-year apprentice and comes highly recommended. Ibbitson approached Queens Park Rangers about taking a player on work experience from them. Rangers were unable to help but suggested Banks-Smith. Ibbitson said: 'He can play up front or out wide left. He is pacy, can hold the ball up and is a very good runner in the channels'. Banks-Smith will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s home game with Altrincham".

ALTY'S REINFORCEMENTS

In addition to Danny this week, Altrincham have also signed four Ashton United players on non-contract forms which allow them to play for Altrincham in the BSP whilst remaining Ashton players. Two of the four were previously established first-teamers at Moss Lane, namely Rod Thornley and Pat McFadden. The other two, Ben Deegan and Alex Frost were regular youth and reserve players for Altrincham. Ben, as reported yesterday, came through the youth and reserves at Altrincham. Likewise, Alex, also played for the youth and reserve teams. Alex is pictured right in a grainy picture from May 2004 where he and Lewis Chalmers made a presentation to youth team manager George Heslop. As well as being a team-mate of Lewis Chalmers (now with league Two club Aldershot Town), Alex also played alongside several players who graduated to the Alty first-team, including Steve Lunt and the Lugsden twins.

EBBSFLEET REFLECTIONS

The News Shopper reports that "Ebbsfleet ground out a hard-fought victory against Altrincham... The football was often secondary as both sides needed the points for salvation. Neither team controlled the game for any lengthy spell as play was often contained in midfield with long ball tactics throughout. Ebbsfleet looked promising from the kick-off and... the home side continued to pile on pressure after the goal but to no avail. Altrincham looked quiet and limited in attack but worked hard to negate any of Ebbsfleet’s early promise... Altrincham were reduced to a series of long shots... Altrincham pushed men into the box in droves from set pieces and Fleet sought to counter quickly".

Fleet boss Liam Daish said: 'It was a good result for us, we needed it'".

The Gravesend Messenger reports that "Altrincham began to threaten with increasing menace, being helped by the poor decision making of Leon Crooks. Twice in the remaining minutes of the half the defender’s weak headers put his side in trouble, but the visitors failed to profit... The Fleet managed to hang on though". Meanwhile "The location of Ebbsfleet United’s proposed new stadium has been revealed - on a site between the old and new A2... It could open as early as 2012... If planning for a new stadium was refused then it would effectively spell the end of any hopes of it being built in the borough of Gravesham".

BSP NEWS

Oxford United, who lost five points for a registration error, report that "Following the Conference Review Sub-Committee's report Oxford United's General Manager Mick Brown has resigned from the Board of the Football Conference. Mick has issued the following statement: 'I am very disappointed with the findings of the Conference review and after a telephone conversation yesterday with Chairman Brian Lee I have formally resigned my position... I would like to take the opportunity to apologise personally to all of the supporters of Oxford United for what has happened. I have been a life-long fan and have devoted many years to doing what I can to help the club, and this error has hurt me deeply... I was hoping that the review would highlight what changes have been made to the procedures at the Conference office and would clarify some of the previous problems along with any recommendations and improvements. The statement issued after the review does not communicate this. I am also disappointed that as a board member the findings of the committee were not circulated to everyone on the board, myself included. In light of this I feel that it is in the best interests of Oxford United to resign from the Conference Board'".

RESULT

Wednesday 1 April

THE SQUAD

Up until last weekend we had 19 players who had a squad number and had been named in a BSP match squad this season. On Saturday, Danny Heffernan of Abbey Hey was added to that list.

Alty went into the game at Ebbsfleet with eight of the above players missing...

In the 48 hours before the Ebbsfleet game, Alty signed four of their former players on non-contract forms, making them eligible for the BSP. All four are current Ashton United players in the UniBond Premier. They are strikers Pat McFadden, Ben Deegan and Rod Thornley, and defender Alex Frost. Alex is a former Alty youth captain and reserves player. Of these four, only Pat travelled to Ebbsfleet on Tuesday.

So Altrincham had a 16-man squad at Ebbsfleet which comprised the 11 starters (one of whom, Ben Wilkinson, was a debutant loan player) plus two fit subs (O'Neill and McFadden, the latter not having played in the Conference this season). The other three named subs (Lawton, Denham, Senior) were all, in varying degrees, unfit.

On the positive side, there is some hope that loan-player Michael Welch's injury may not be as bad as it first seemed and that he could be back fairly soon. Chris Senior is also recovering well and seemed to be running freely in the warm-up last night.

Given the above problems it is no surprise that form has dipped lately with three wins, three draws and eight defeats coming from the last 14 league matches. But there was still plenty of character in the side last night particularly in the second half and hopefully the necessary handful of points to ensure survival in the BSP can be gathered in the next few games.

EBBSFLEET UNITED 1 ALTRINCHAM 0

Right: The teams line-up at Ebbsfleet before kick-off.

Tuesday 31 March

NEXT GAMES

YOUTHS