From the other side, Bishop's Stortford report on their "Last-gasp point. Truly a game of two halves, with the Blues dominating a first half with plenty of attacking play and shots on target. Loan signing Freddie Lapado looked lively on the wing and hit the upright early on. But it was the visitors who took the lead after a Reece Prestedge foul, they took the free kick early catching the Blues off guard and James Lawrie struck the ball in to the left hand corner of the net.

In the second half Altincham were more dominant but the game turned as Simon Richman picked up his second yellow and made the long walk back to the dressing room; the visitors down to 10 men and the Blues looked to go two at the back! In the dying minutes a long throw into the box by Johnny Herd was headed on by Sean Francis and Ricky Sappleton smashed the ball in, all square."

OLD BOY

In Saturday's matches, Ramsbottom United beat Northwich Victoria 4-2, but one of Vics' goals was an own goal by former Alty left-back Barry Shuttleworth.

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

LEEK PROGRESS

BSBN NEWS

Gates at Saturday's BSBN games were poor, with two attendances of below 200.

The EvoStik League confirms four player moves from BSBN clubs:

BISHOP'S STORTFORD 1 ALTRINCHAM 1

In the second half, Alty dominated and had a goal from Reeves disallowed. But, once Alty were reduced to 10 men, Bishop's Stortford got forward, though they were fortunate to survive several threatening counter attacks in which Duncan Watmore played a prominent part, after joining the game as a substitute.

The Blues levelled when Sappleton scored from close range five minutes from time.

RE-ARRANGED GAME

SATURDAY'S GAME

The match commentators are Niall Finnegan and Laurence Howarth with match summaries from Ian Wilkinson. Commentary begins at 2.55pm. You can listen to Radio Robins here.

(This website can vouch for Techknowledgey's services having made recent use of their expertise to solve a problem caused by a botched software update by a major internet security company).

On the eve of the game between Bishoip's Stortford and ALtrincham, the Hertfordshire side announced that suspended goalkeeper "Luke Chambers has received a call up for the Welsh U19 UEFA tournament in Slovenia. He is due to report on Sunday 7th October and returns on 16th October". The club also announces that it has signed "Olayinka 'Freddie' Ladapo on loan from Colchester Utd until 29th December 2012. The 19 year old forward has previously been on loan at Chelmsford City and Thurrock, [and] 19 year-old Reece Ottley, a goalkeeper, formerly with Cardiff City, joins the Blues after international clearance. The Welsh teenager started his goalkeeping career at Colchester United".

Mike Garnett advises us of the previous record in matches between Alty and Bishop's Stortford:

For the third time this season Alty Mad makes a prediction that Alty will play a goalless draw this Saturday - a result not seen since February 2011. It says "Altrincham face a trip to Bishop's Stortford at Woodside Park on Saturday afternoon, looking to break their duck against the hosts. The Robins lost the only previous [league] game played between the two [at Bishop's Stortford]...

Bishop's Stortford have lost just once in their last six home games, winning four and drawing the other one. These high-scoring games have yielded a total of 14 goals for the Blues or Bishops, with 5 goals against.

The Robins have had a decent run of form away from home recently, coming away with three points on 3 occasions, but drawing 1 and losing 2. The games have constituted a decent return of 17 goals for the Robins, and 13 goals against.

Bishop's Stortford see themselves just below half way in the Blue Square (Conference) North, showing a record of 10 points from their 7 games played so far, Altrincham's 13 points from 8 games sees them lie inside the top half of the table, in 8th position...

FootyMad's prediction... A creditable return from recent away games for Robins could well see them head back from Woodside Park with a share of the spoils, think the FootyMad panel. No-score draw".

SATURDAY

LADIES' MATCH OFF

ATTENDANCES

OLD BOY

BSBN NEWS

Motors have also signed 23-year-old midfielder Roderick Owusu-Andrews, who has been playing in the USA for Missouri Valley, and 18-year-old former Manchester United starlet David Kocsis".

Elsewhere, "Hinckley United have signed left-sided midfielder Rory Coleman from Matlock Town. The former Scunthorpe United player had only joined the Gladiators at the beginning of the month from league rivals Stocksbridge Park Steels. He joined Steels last March from Gainsborough Trinity. Coleman also played for Harrogate Town and Boston United on loan from Scunthorpe".

In the Midlands, "Solihull Moors have announced that former club captain and long-serving defender Phil Midworth has returned to Damson Park. Midworth left Moors in the summer after his growing work and family commitments meant that he felt he was unable to fully commit. Although the club were happy to work round his schedule, he felt that it was in the best interest of the club and his team-mates that he left as demands on his time had increased due to his promotion at work as well as having become a father. However, his circumstances have now allowed him to return to playing".

The Conference also tells us that "Chester FC have signed defender Luke Denson from rivals Colwyn Bay. Denson is a Wirral-born right-back, who joined Colwyn Bay from Tranmere Rovers in the close season of 2009/10 and was an integral part of the squad that won promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division, followed by a second promotion to the Conference North."

Elsewhere, "Histon have signed former Chelsea youngster Omar Folkes from Bognor Regis Town. A commanding and powerful midfielder or forward, who is something of a free-kick specialist, [he] started out in the Chelsea Academy and has since had short stays at Southend United, Kingstonian, Mersham, Horsham, Croydon Athletic and Whyteleafe before signing for the Rocks at the beginning of this season.

Meanwhile, first-team coach Mark Kinsella has been appointed assistant-manager to Joe Dunne at Colchester United".

And "Gainsborough Trinity have signed striker Liam Henderson on a month's loan from York City. Henderson joined the Minstermen in the summer of 2011 having spent five years at Watford making several substitute appearances for the Hornets in the Championship. Whilst at Vicarage Road he had loan spells with Hartlepool United, Colchester United, Aldershot Town and Rotherham United. Born in Gateshead he was a product of the noted Redheugh Boys Club. Last season he had two loan spells with Forest Green Rovers".

Reports from Boston United say that "United striker Korey Dyer-Stewart is poised to start a loan spell with Sleaford Town. The 18-year-old, who has made four substitute appearances for the Pilgrims' first team to date, is likely to make his Sleaford debut... on Saturday".

An update on an Alty "old boy" comes from the Harrogate News, to the effect that "Following the news that skipper Paul Bolland may be out of action longer than originally anticipated, manager Simon Weaver has moved to bring in a familiar face to Town fans. Returning to the club on a three-month loan is York City midfielder Tom Platt. Tom, 19, originally joined us on loan towards the end of last season and he made an instant impact, scoring one and winning a penalty against Corby Town at the CNG Stadium.

His performances at Harrogate Town helped him to win his first professional contract at the Minstermen and we are very pleased that he has agreed to come back and play for us. Also coming back to the CNG is Dan Clayton. Dan, who also originally joined Town last season, has been in blistering form for Knaresborough Town scoring six goals already from his left-midfield position. It has been this that has prompted Simon to call him back up to Harrogate Town. Last campaign, Dan made two appearances in a Town shirt, both in the West Riding County Cup".

From the Cambridge News, we learn that manager "Dennis Greene says there is no end in sight to a revolving door recruitment policy which has seen him name 33 players in matchday squads already this season. The Histon boss has vowed to leave no stone unturned as he looks to resolve his side’s paucity of attacking options, with suitable replacements for striker Dan Holman and winger Daniel Sparkes high on his wish-list.

And, although new signing Saul Otobo scored a hat-trick on his debut against Eastwood Town last Saturday, Greene insists he will stay on the lookout for potential new recruits. He was due to look at more players in another practice match yesterday with a view to signing them in time for Halifax’s visit tomorrow.

'From pre-season until now we’ve pretty much signed three players a week', said Greene. 'We’ll keep making signings until we have 16 players who I feel can move us forwards. Once we’ve got that, we’ll have continuity with 16 who will be regulars week in, week out. We have a look at them because you can only find out how good they are in a league match. You take these risks and gambles because you never know if they’re going to be good enough'.

Greene even joked, 'There are two people stranded on a desert island; one says "Histon have made three new signings". The other asks "How do you know that?" - "It’s Friday"'.

While centre-backs Ian Gayle and Remy Clerima remain sidelined by injury, Greene hopes they will be back in time for the FA Cup tie against Corby, so he will not be looking to recruit in that area. 'If we can fill that gap of two wide players and forwards we could be a really decent side in this league', he added.

Fifth-placed Halifax will give Histon and a stern test tomorrow and with a trip to Brackley to follow on Tuesday, Greene believes Histon will do well to come away with many points. 'We’ve got to try not to give the ball away, defend well and ride our luck a bit because they’ll be a good side', he said".

Dorlsden list their new signings... "28/09/12 Louis Fielding, a young keeper from Bolton... Joe Yoffe ex-AFC Telford, a forward... Vinnie Mukendi has now been registered with the club and will be eligible for selection on Saturday. Chris Brown has been released from his contract by mutual consent".

THURSDAY TRAINING

UNITED AT MOSS LANE

BSBN NEWS

Yoffe's former clubs include Stockport County, Cheadle Town, FC United of Manchester, Crevillente Deportivo, Ottawa Fury, college team Embry-Riddle and Galway, from whom he joined Telford in early August".

And another move with an international angle is the subject of Conference reports that "Boston United have signed former FC New York defender Sam Craven. The left-sided defender, who turns 24 on today, has been training with the Pilgrims following recent spells with Mansfield Town and Worksop Town... He initially progressed through the youth system at Notts County before moving to study in America, where he played for New York and Long Island Rough Riders... He is cup-tied following previous involvement in the FA Cup with Worksop".

Meanwhile, "Gloucester City have re-signed experienced defender Chris Holland. Holland started his career as a trainee at AFC Bournemouth, and has had spells with Bristol City, Exeter City, Team Bath and loans at Weston-super-Mare and Gloucester. However, his career highlight so far is a five-season stint with Bath City starting in March 2005...

Holland joined local rivals Eastleigh in the summer of 2010... He then moved on to sign for Havant & Waterlooville in June 2011. He was released by the Hawks at the end of last season and signed for Gosport Borough in pre-season".

Closer to home, "Colwyn Bay have signed former Wigan Athletic defender or midfielder Jonathan Breeze. A cultured player whose composure and range of passing are key attributes to his game, he was released by Wigan at the end of the 2011/12 season. Capped by Northern Ireland at youth and under-21 level, he has been on trial with Brentford and Bay's league rivals Chester FC".

From the BSBN come reports that "Luton Town have announced the signing of defender Simon Ainge on a month's loan from Guiseley. The Lions skipper has been drafted in by Hatters boss Paul Buckle... The 24-year-old has joined the Blue Square Bet Premier promotion hopefuls on an initial loan agreement with a view to making the deal permanent at a later stage.

Ainge started his career as a trainee at Bradford City and went on to make 14 first-team appearances for the first team. He joined Bradford Park Avenue in the summer of 2009 following his release by the Football League outfit before signing for Guiseley in 2010... Lions' Club Secretary, Adrian Towers, told the club's official website, 'If all goes well for him down at Luton, and a fee can be agreed, then we feel that this will be a good outcome for both Guiseley AFC and Simon'".

Still with Guiseley, the Telegraph & Argus says that "Guiseley boss Steve Kittrick hopes his side will get fair treatment when they make the 362-mile round trip to Oxford City on Saturday. Kittrick, baffled as to why Oxford are even in the northern section, said, 'I think some people reckon the north starts at Watford'.

His real worry, however, is that the southern-based referees might show a bias towards the home side. 'All we are asking is for a fair crack of the whip but southern-referee bias is something that I have experienced myself and something that a lot of northern managers have mentioned to me'. It looks a mouth-watering encounter on paper, with the Lions in second place and their hosts in fourth.

Meanwhile, two former Bantams have left Guiseley. Centre half Simon Ainge has signed on loan for Luton Town for a month with a view to a permanent deal... Striker Danny Forrest has also left the club. Kittrick said, 'Danny wanted regular first-team football and we couldn’t offer him that'. The 27-year-old Keighley-born player came to Nethermoor in January 2011 on loan from Barrow and made 40 starts in two spells, plus 21 substitute appearances, scoring 12 goals.

Kittrick added, 'Danny only made 28 starts and came on 13 times as a substitute last season because of injury and that is why we didn’t offer him a contract. He also got injured this season'... Meanwhile, Chris Mason has also gone to Kendal Town on a three-month loan deal".

In the Southport Visiter, "Liam Watson says the sale of Tony Gray to Chester FC is testament to the strength in depth he now possesses... Gray completed a switch... on Tuesday evening, after The Blues agreed an undisclosed fee with Southport for the 28-year-old striker.

Having scored 24 league goals last season, firing 'Port agonisingly close to a play-off place in the process, his exit will come as something of a surprise to Sandgrounders fans...

'I'm not afraid to make big calls', said the Southport boss. 'Tony was having a few problems with committing to the training sessions we required, especially the key Monday morning session, and we've made the decision to let him go. We've made a conscious decision to go down the youth route. Tony is 28, we've got a decent fee for him, and we have got an abundance of riches in attacking areas at the moment.

When you think I've got Karl Ledsham, Chris Almond, Shaun Whalley, Steven Tames – this is a massive compliment to him, by the way – then we've got Michael Bakare in reserve, we've got Darren Stephenson and James Ellison doing great out on loan. Darren is back from Chorley next week. We have plenty of options'.

Gray had so far failed to fire this season, netting a solitary penalty in 'Port's opening 11 games... Watson said of Gray, 'He is up there with the all-time leading goalscorers, which says it all really. I've got massive respect for him. I've inherited him once, signed him once and sold him twice! Some of the goals he scored last season were out of this world, and I think Chester have got a great player there, one who could be the catalyst to get them promoted to the Conference'".

DAMIAN TO CONTINUE WITH SPOT KICKS

"Lee Sinnott saluted a ruthless demolition job on Northern League Shildon, as Altrincham smashed their FA Cup hoodoo in style and earned themselves a third qualifying round trip to Leek Town.

An early blitz from Damian Reeves (2) and James Lawrie ensured there would be no slip-ups this time, as Alty registered their first win in the competition since 2008 and were left savouring a reunion with their former midfielder Anthony Danylyk, at Leek a week on Saturday.

A second-half penalty miss by Reeves and fourth booking of the season for Danny Hall (left) were the only blemishes on a clinical display that dashed the hosts’ hopes of an upset.

‘My message to the players before kick-off was simply to get the job done, and I couldn’t have asked for more than three goals inside the first 12 minutes,’ said Alty boss Sinnott. ‘Shildon’s manager was quoted as saying they never gave themselves a chance, and that was pleasing.

‘It was a wonderful start, and it could have got even better, if Damian had stuck his spot-kick away. Funnily enough, when I walked on the pitch beforehand, I noticed the penalty spot at that end was lower than the goalline. So it’s perhaps not surprising the kick kept rising as it did.

‘Damian has his own criteria for penalties. If he misses one, or even two, he will still step up for the next one and put it away. He doesn’t exactly lack confidence, and as long as that remains the case, he will keep taking them. We have had a lot of penalties since I took over, and his conversion rate is good. His record speaks for itself.

‘With Danny, players go through phases like that, and, as a centre-half, you are more susceptible to bookings, because of the number of challenges you make. But he is getting a bit close to a ban now and will have to tread carefully. I remember, last season, Chris Lynch was in a similar position but managed to skirt round any further bookings until the cut-off point. Danny is an experienced defender, not at all hot-headed, and he will just have to try and do the same.

‘It will be good to meet up with Anthony again. He was a wholehearted player for us, whose attitude could never be faulted. He had his reasons for wanting to return to Leek, and I fully respected them, just as we will be fully respectful of Leek as opponents.’

Duncan Watmore is pushing for a return to the starting line-up at Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday after completing his recovery from an ankle injury.

‘I’m expecting everyone to be fit for Saturday, including Duncan, who just felt a slight twinge in his ankle last weekend,’ added Sinnott. ‘I was always going to start with Simon Richman at Shildon, after how well he played in the previous two games and, once we went 3-0 up so early on, there seemed no point sending Duncan on and taking an unnecessary risk.

‘It made far more sense to give him another seven days, to make sure he was 100 per cent. If you look at the results Bishop’s Stortford have had while Rod Stringer has been in charge, you can see the task we face.

‘We lost home and away to them last season but were not the only ones to encounter difficulties. The likes of Halifax and Guiseley also dropped points against them, and there’s no question they are a very awkward team to play against.

‘Ricky Sappleton plays as a lone striker and showed what he’s about at Moss Lane last season, when he muscled his way through to score. We can’t let that happen again, and with two central defenders to keep an eye on him, we should be able to handle that threat. We know how they will set up, but if we are on our mettle, we can cause them problems.’

FOLLOW THE ALTY!

MISSING BISHOPS

ALTY LADIES

MATCHDAY SPONSORS

BSBN NEWS

The fixture has been re-arranged for next Tuesday, 2nd October, with the home game against Bradford Park Avenue to be rescheduled for a future date."

Elsewhere, "Westfields gave Solihull Moors an almighty scare before finally bowing out of the FA Cup to a late winner in their Second Qualifying Round replay on Tuesday night. Despite a dominant first half performance from the Moors at allpay Park, they only turned round 1-0 up, courtesy of Michael Blackwood`s curling effort after 37 minutes. Westfields got back into the game on the hour-mark with a well taken finish from Jamie Cuss, but Solihull finally made one of their many chances tell in the very last minute of normal time when Omar Bogle turned in a corner".

Guiseley's striker Chris Mason has joined Kendal Town on loan for three months.

According to the Cambridge News, "Steve Fallon feels honoured to be having the Glass World Stadium’s main stand named after him in recognition of his memorable decade-long reign as Histon's manager. Fallon led the Stutes from the Eastern Counties League to the brink of the Football League, as well as famously masterminding the downfall of Leeds United in the FA Cup...

His tenure came to a sad end when former chairman Tony Roach suspended him, reinstated him and then sacked him in January 2010 following an alleged disagreement between the pair over the role of coach Alan Lewer, as well as Roach’s desire for Fallon to axe experienced players from the wage bill. Histon have struggled to move on following the handling of that situation, but Fallon is delighted to be having his achievements remembered by the club’s new board.

Fallon, now manager of Soham Town Rangers, said, 'II’m very pleased with it. It’s a nice gesture. The biggest thing was the way it ended, from lots of people’s point of view, so I’m honoured and very pleased that the people at the club now think this way... It was a magnificent achievement from everyone. I did feel that was almost pushed under the carpet and forgotten about. It was a financial ending, but it can’t take away from what was achieved'".

Stockport County say that "Cameron Darkwah is set to join Colwyn Bay on loan. The young forward, who last appeared for County in the 0-0 draw at Newport, will be with the Welsh side initially for one month. The Seagulls have former Hatter Stuart Barlow as assistant manager, and also have former County youngsters Paul Ennis, Sean Williams and Danny Meadowcroft on their books".

ALTY LADIES

Altrincham FC Ladies' manager Keith Edelston has kindly provided a report on his side's excellent win last Sunday...

Ladies pick up three points in derby game.

On Sunday we welcomed AFC Stockport to Manor Farm for our first home game of the season and, as well as being a local derby, the bragging rights were definitely on the table for the winner.

We started the game like a train and for the first 20 mins our keeper Rosie was a virtual spectator, such was the passing and movement on show, with the midfield four of Nat, Heather, Hannah K. and Brogan causing AFC no end of trouble. In this 20 minute period we hit the side netting three times, had one effort kicked off the line and a thunderbolt of a shot from Hannah Shufflebothom that hit the crossbar, which is probably still vibrating as we speak.

We just couldn't score. Just when I thought it wasn't going to be our day, there was a lovely run down the wing by Brogan, who put in a peach of a cross which the goalkeeper could only parry. This meant that Sam J. had the easiest of tap-ins to make it 1-0. For the next ten minutes or so we controlled the game but, credit to AFC, they kept plugging away.

They started to get a bit of a foothold back into the game and, on 35 minutes, with their first attack of the game, scored! We couldn't believe it and the rest of the half was very even with end to end football.

Half Time 1-1.

We started the second half at pace and tried to get an early goal to settle us down but things just wouldn't quite happen, or the final ball wasn't there, but we carried on playing the football we know we can play. On 74 mins we were rewarded when, from a quality through pass from midfield, Nat rounded the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

Well, our tails were well and truly up now and we went for it. There wwre a few near misses, firstly from Hayley, then Sarah, which meant we still had to be wary of the AFC attacks. The game ebbed and flowed both ways but, on 88 minutes, a hard working Hannah Shufflebothom got the goal her play deserved when she chased a lost cause ball out of defence. She bore down on the AFC goal and, when the AFC keeper hesitated, she nipped in to finish the game, 3-1.

Full Time 3-1

All in all, a good game of football between two good teams.

Squad: Rosie Emerson, Louise Edleston, Sam Briggs, Rachel Bullock, Brogan Walsh, Hannah Kibble, Heather Scott, Nat Thornley, Hannah Shufflebotham, Kate Rawthore, Sam Jones, Hayley Macardy, Sarah McManus, Lauren Thorneycroft, Tasha Nolan, Gail Simpson

Scorers:

TRIP TO LEEK

"Buses and cars from the Macclesfield direction will arrive at Harrison Park before going anywhere near the town itself - and it would be a shame if visitors with time on their hands were to restrict themselves to the pub adjacent to the ground.

The Town:

Situated on the edge of the Peak District, within the backdrop of the spectacular Staffordshire Moorlands, Leek is off the beaten track, but remains a vibrant market town...

The Ground

Harrison Park has a capacity of 3,000 – including 650 seats and cover on all four sides of the ground. Both ends behind the goal are fully covered terraces, making them ideal for generating noise and atmopshere.

The Blues Bar can only be accessed from inside the ground before kick-off but is fully stocked for all of your drinking requirements. There’s no Sky Sports I’m afraid. We tried pressing the red button, but it just turned the telly off.

A snack bar is also available inside the ground, selling hot drinks and your usual pies and burgers. The ‘Town Crier’ matchday programme is value for money at £1.20, and is easily one of the best in the league. Leek Town is proud to be a family-friendly club, and the matchday atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable".

SHILDON HIGHLIGHTS

BSBN NEWS

NL Daily says that "Oxford City have signed North Leigh striker Jacob Walcott. The 20-year-old, a distant cousin of Arsenal’s Theo, was released by Reading last year and had a trial at Stevenage before joining North Leigh in the summer.

'He can provide width and has a lot of pace and, by all accounts, he played very well against Havant', said manager Mike Ford. 'He can play off a striker and has a good pedigree. I’m not looking to sign him as a substitute but to push for a place in the side'. Meanwhile, Kynan Isaac will no longer be part of his plans" reports the Oxford Mail.

And BSBN says that "Chester FC have confirmed the signing of striker Tony Gray from Southport. The 28-year-old joins Neil Young's men following a six-year association with the Yellows, having scored 24 goals last season. Gray has made the switch to Deva Stadium due to his desire to remain in part-time football, and has been signed by Young for an undisclosed fee.

Commenting on the signing of Gray, Young told Chester FC's official website, 'Tony is just the type of player that will fit in well at the club, and ticks the boxes that we were looking for. Tony has seen how ambitious we are at Chester FC and was delighted to join the Club'. The frontman made just under 160 appearances for the Sandgrounders, producing an impressive return of 76 goals in the process".

GAME OFF

Depending on the outcomes in the next round of the FA Cup, this could leave Altrincham without a home game till 30 October, a gap of more than six weeks since we beat Bradford PA at Moss Lane on 15 September.

FA CUP OPPONENTS

Ross Davidson helped settle nerves when he rounded the keeper to stroke home a second just before half-time. And [former Vauxhall Motors' player] Matt Haddrell made it safe when he combined with Davidson to slot home number three in the 70th minute.

The result means Leek have already earned more than £11,000 in prize money in the two FA competitions this season.

'It is much-needed finance for the club and the chairman is delighted', said manager Casswell. 'And speaking on behalf of the coaches and players, we love it. We'll be dead excited waiting for a text or call as we wait to find out who we face in the next round hoping for a favourable draw. The fans are the same, and we had 350-odd in Harrison Park on Saturday creating a great atmosphere. (Assistant manager) Matt Beeby said before kick-off that there's always one team who just keeps going. We would love it to be us'".

Though Alty have not met Leek Town competitively since 2000-1 season, the teams met in a so-called "friendly" at Harrison Park on Tuesday, 6 August, 2002 which ended 2-2. This website's report at the time said "'Friendly' was not the right word for tonight's game in which four players (two from each side) were either dismissed or substituted at the request of the referee... [Alty's] Danny Murphy was sent off moments before the end of a first half which had earlier seen several robust challenges from Leek. However... both sides remained with eleven players apiece due to substitutions of the offenders. Simon Woodford hammered in a fine equaliser from a Young cross just before the hour but after 64 minutes Sucharewycz headed home a corner for Leek, unchallenged. Seven minutes later Rod Thornley headed in a corner at the far post to make it 2-2".

Back to the present day and Pitchero Non-League tells us that "Lee Casswell, manager of Leek Town, has strengthened his squad further with the signing of former Crewe Alexandra midfielder Dan Shelley. Shelley, 22, was released by the League One club in the summer after spending seven seasons at Gresty Road. He started out in the youth set-up and then graduated to the first-team in 2008, making thirty-nine starts and a further thirty-four substitute appearances, scoring eight goals.

The six-footer was released during the summer and, despite a number of trials since his release, he failed to find a club and trained with the Blues prior to signing on non-contract terms...

Meanwhile, the Blues` injury list is improving with goalkeeper Danny Roberts reporting a vast improvement to his broken finger, whilst Dan Cope’s surgeon had some good news for the young striker who has been out of action since Blues’ last pre-season friendly at Buxton in August. Cope was relieved to learn he doesn’t need further surgery and will return to training after undergoing physio treatment over the next couple of weeks.

Anthony Danylyk’s ankle injury is causing some concern and therefore the midfielder will seek a second opinion this week".

Leek town centre area is blighted by major roadworks with several sets of temporary traffic lights causing delays, so do ensure that you allow additional time if you are driving to the match. TASC will be organizing coach travel which will save you the frustration of driving yourself to the game. Details to follow...

RELIVE THE LAST ROUND

Meanwhile, Shildon report that they "entertained Altrincham FC from Cheshire in the F.A. Cup 2nd Qualifying Round on Saturday 22nd September 2012 and went down 3 - 0. Altrincham play in the Blue Square Bet North League which is the highest regional level of non-league football. The Railwaymen started very badly conceding 3 goals within the first 11 minutes...

Shildon needed a quick 2nd half goal to get back into the game, but it never happened. Early on Sam Garvie beat his man but keeper Coburn made a great save tipping his effort over the bar. On 68 minutes Shildon were down to 10 men when Lee Chapman, who had only been on the field 15 minutes was stretchered off with a leg injury and the 3 subs. were already on the field. On 76 minutes Altrincham were awarded a penalty when Richard Flynn brought down James Lawrie. Up stepped Damian Reeves for his hat trick but he blasted high with the ball skimming the bar and bounced over...

Man-of-the-Match: Billy Gruelich-Smith who never stopped running. If the defence hadn't conceded those early goals things may have been a lot different".

YOUTH NEWS

Other results in Neil Thomason Cup 1st Round were:

LADIES NEWS

After a great run down the left wing by Brogan, she crossed the ball only for the keeper to parry it out to Sam Jones who tapped it into the net. Credit AFC they lifted their game and forced an error from our defence to equalize, 1-1.

The second half was more positive and a goal by Nat Thornley and a third scored by Hannah Shufflebotham put the seal on a super performance. Oonwards to next week and a trip up to the Wirral".

BSBN NEWS

"I would like to bring to your attention that Corby Town, the Club and its Supporters' Trust are organising a charity event on the day of your visit to Steel Park. The event is in aid of Breakthrough, which is a national charity for breast cancer. We have a lot of 'off the pitch' activities on the day. October is 'THINK PINK' month for Breakthrough and we are going to turn Steel Park PINK for the day!

We have been given permission by the league to wear our away kit which is pink shirts and black shorts...

The idea is to encourage our home supporters to wear something pink on the day, and I would like to invite your travelling supporters and officials to embrace the occasion and join in, and wear something pink to the game. The whole afternoon will be geared towards raising awareness for Breakthrough and the tremendous work it does.

I have attached an e-flyer (adjacent) for your information which we will be advertising on our website, Facebook and Twitter pages. We are trying to reach as many non-footballing fans in the local community to come along and support the event...

I look forward to meeting you and your fellow officials in the Board room for a glass of Pink Lemonade and a Pink Cup Cake!!"

Replays involving BSBN clubs in the FA Cup this week are:

Tue. 25 Sept.

Wed. 26 Sept.

The Worcester News reports that "Manager Carl Heeley is happy with the size of the Worcester City squad despite the departure of Jay Denny. The defensive midfielder, one of the summer recruits at St George’s Lane, has signed for rivals Solihull Moors... Denny, who missed the first three games of the season through suspension, only made one start for Worcester ...

His departure leaves Heeley with 20 players but Matt Birley has a knee injury and fellow midfielder Josh Smith and striker Dan Polan are on loan at Bridgnorth and Evesham respectively. The City boss, however, is not about to rush into replacing Denny... He said, 'We’re fine on numbers. If we were to get a couple of injuries we may need to reassess it but, at the moment, we’re OK. We’ve got a squad of 18 plus Dan and Josh. It’s workable but, if anybody becomes available that we feel improves the balance of the squad, then, we may consider it. It’s caught us a little bit on the hop. I didn’t expect Jay to be leaving before last weekend but we’ll see. There’s nothing in the pipeline'".

FA CUP DRAW

Leek Town beat Bridgnorth 3-0 at Leek in the previous round last Saturday. They currently lie 16th in the EvoStik Division One South. Former Alty captain Anthony Danylyk (currently injured), striker Peter Wright and defender George Melling are all at the Staffordshire club.

Current Alty loanee Jake Moult is a former Leek Town skipper (2008); for more on this, see here.

The clubs have not previously met in the FA Cup and were last in the same league in 2000-01 at the end of which Leek Town were relegated from the UniBond Premier division. In that season, Alty visited Leek on 16 December 2000, when the Robins' line up in a goalless draw was 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Adam FARLEY, 3. Gary SCOTT, 4. James GLENDENNING, 5. Mark MADDOX (capt.), 6. Steve HAWES, 7. Stuart SCHEUBER, 8. Ian CRANEY, 9. Alex HAY, 10. Steve FINNEY, 11. Danny MURPHY, 12. Barry CROWE, 14. Eric SEEKIE, 15. Leroy CHAMBERS.

Player-manager Mark Ward and defender Steve Morgan were suspended for that match. Mark was banned after accumulating five bookings whilst Steve was sidelined after he was sent off against Bishop Auckland.

The clubs have met before in the FA Trophy:

Right: Danny Hall tracks Shildon's Ben Wood in last Saturday's game.

Full draw, for the Third QR, for which the prize money is £7,500 is:

SHILDON VIEW

Alty have knocked out more higher division clubs than any other in the history of the tournament but, for the past five [actually three] seasons before this tie, they hadn’t scored a single goal, let alone advanced in the competition. They made up for that famine today with a gluttonous eight minute feast. It was devastating for Shildon, who saw their dreams of giant-killing the giant-killers all but erased before the match was properly underway.

While Altrincham may have feasted, the real truth was that Shildon committed footballing suicide. They left their focus in the dressing [room], they were like rabbits in the headlights, and all the other cliches written to describe a total lack of concentration. The goals emanated from the kind of defending that would have required an entire episode of Match of the Day for Alan Hansen to sufficiently denounce...

Glancing at the watch, eleven minutes had passed. It already felt like an eternity, but with so much time remaining, it looked like we were heading for a cricket score.

Somehow the lads picked themselves up and carried on. As has already been repeated often enough, this management team’s mantra is, ‘pass the ball’. They continued to do that and got themselves into the game enough to threaten the opposition goal... The second half passed without any real goalmouth incident. Alty were through and they knew it. Shildon matched the Cheshire side for the rest of the game, but one always felt the visitors could have stepped up a gear had they needed to.

The remaining talking points included a penalty that Reeves, on his hat-trick, blazed yards over the bar. He even missed the mobile snack bar parked ten yards behind the goal, but he had already had his fill today.

To add injury to insult, Lee Chapman, who had come on just minutes earlier as a second-half sub, was crudely felled and, after several minutes of on-field treatment, had to be stretchered off... Chapman hobbled back to the dugout on crutches some time later, so it was a bonus of sorts to see that the damage wasn’t more serious..

Shildon had to see out the final twenty minutes with just ten men and, while continuing to play positive football, never looked like getting back into the tie. Altrincham coasted into the next round while Shildon exited their second cup in a week. So it’s good luck to Alty, the Robins, who were most definitely bobbing their way back home".

YOUTH TEAM BOWS OUT

DAMIAN'S BRACES!

Prompted by an enquiry from fellow supporter Malcolm Riley as to whether the legendary Jack Swindells had ever achieved such a feat for Alty, Mike has checked the records and found that although Jack did score in seven successive matches from August 28th to September 18th 1965, he did not match Damian's sequence of two or more goals in six successive matches.

Last season, Damian created a new Alty record of scoring in ten successive league matches but his next test is against Bishop's Stortford, against whom neither he, nor any other Alty player, scored last season!

FROM ANFIELD TO SHILDON

The Northern Echo whose photo is seen, right, published an interesting article about Terry in 2010. And, now, Brian Flynn, Alty's joint Press & Media Officer, has recorded an interview with Mr Farley, made after the game at Shildon.

SHILDON GAME

Altrincham's trip to Shildon yesterday was enjoyable not only because of the result, (it was Alty's first FA Cup win since 2008), but also because it allowed us to visit a new ground with plenty of character. The original club, Shildon Town, was formed in 1890 and the Dean Road ground still boasts a characterful main stand erected in 1923 (see adjacent picture).

The matchday programme, at just £1.50, was a very good, mostly colour, production which provided plenty of information for Altrincham fans, including the names and photos of all the home team squad. There were a couple of minor lapses; the cover had the wrong date on it and the Alty manager's name was given as that of the manager of the Railwaymen's last opponents but, that aside, the programme included a feature on Stuart Coburn and a specially written article on Altrincham which made a nice contrast to many of the clubs which we visit where all we get is reproduction of our team's unedited pen pictures.

As our previous experiences, at the likes of Blyth and Spennymoor, have taught us, the football supporters in the North East are a passionate group and, just as on our last visit to Croft Park, Blyth, the match officials came in for quite a bit of stick yesterday!

Saturday's game was marred by what looked to be a bad injury to Shildon substitute Lee Chapman and all at Moss Lane hope that the injury was not as bad as it first appeared and that he will make a rapid and full recovery.

We also wish the Railwaymen good luck for the remainder of the season and thank them for their hospitality.

And the Northern League is also to be congratulated on its informative "Northern Ventures, Northern Gains" magazine, which was available yesterday at Dean Street. This is a 22 page full colour publication, sold for just 30 pence, and providing news on features on clubs in the League. Also worthy of praise is the Northern League Football website which had video highlights of Saturday's game available soon after the match ended.

ALTY GRADUATES

YOUTHS AT HOME

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

SHILDON 0 ALTRINCHAM 3

Highlights are on the Northern League Football website tonight.

Right: Damian Reeves again left defenders scratching their heads, as seen here in today's match.

FA CUP 2QR

PREMIER LEAGUE TROPHY AT MOSS LANE

FA CUP 2QR

Brian Flynn writes, "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, will be broadcasting live coverage of the game.The match commentary is sponsored by Andrew Shaw on behalf of 'Level Playing Field'. 'Level Playing Field' is the new trading name for The National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS). You can find out more about 'Level Playing Field' by visiting their website here.

The match commentators are Ian Wilkinson and Brian Flynn with match summaries from Tim Ainsworth. Commentary begins at 2.55pm. You can listen to Radio Robins here.

DAMIAN'S LEATHER BOOTS

The Yorkshire-based hotshot, pictured, had got halfway to Moss Lane last Saturday when he realised he’d forgotten his boots. It was too late to turn back so Reeves sent out an SOS on Twitter.

Right: Scott Leather

Thankfully, defender Scott Leather [not Nicky Clee as I was previously informed], had a spare pair and they must have been a good fit as Reeves scored twice in a 3-1 win against Bradford Park Avenue.

But the 26-year-old won’t make the same mistake for their second qualifying round tie at Shildon of the Northern League, which will be his 100th game for Alty.

'I’m not sure how it happened', he said. 'I just walked out the house and didn’t give it any thought. Then, when I picked up Nicky Clee, I opened the boot and thought "where’s my bag?" When I got to the ground I had to root through the black bag for some shinpads so I got some stick. Even the gaffer had a chuckle but I still got a fine! It would have been worse if I had had a poor game and we'd got a bad result.

But all’s well that ends well. Maybe if I had had my own boots I would have got three!'"

OLD BOYS

The Conference confirms that "Chester FC have signed much-travelled striker Mark Redshaw. Redshaw began his career with Manchester United and has since played for a further fifteen clubs in eight different countries. In this country, after leaving Old Trafford in 2001, Redshaw had spells with Wrexham, Manchester City, Radcliffe Borough, Rossendale United and Caernarfon Town. The 27-year-old's first excursion abroad was in 2005 with Italian side Triestina and has since played for Los Angeles Galaxy, In Australia with Stirling Lions, in Cyprus for Ethnikos Achna, in Greece with Ethnikos Piraeus, in Spain for Real Murcia and in Iceland with Fram Reykjavic. Since 2011 he has been plying his trade in the Dutch Eerste Divisie wth FC Oss. Mark is the son of another striker who enjoyed travelling around the world, Ray Redshaw" and the brother of former Alty man, Jack Redshaw.

The Holker Street Newsletter reports that boss Dave Bayliss is "weighing up the options of having Matt Flynn back in the Barrow side for the trip to Ebbsfleet after recovering from his broken cheekbone... After due consideration, after being asked if 'he would have any worries about putting Flynn straight into the side', the Barrow boss said, 'Not at all. He is one of the most determined lads I've met. He's desperate to play and that is infectious. I love watching him train. He is rash at times but you can't knock his enthusiasm, and you want that in a footballer'".

BSBN NEWS

The knock-on effect of this is that the first football payroll had to be deferred by three days whilst funds were cleared into the account. Hinckley United Football Club now has sufficient cleared funds to pay all staff today.

Moving forward, cash-flow will be tight but the situation is much better than at the end of last season, having paid off over £70,000 to aged creditors throughout the summer.

The statement continues, 'We are at a very critical phase in the new direction the club is taking and should another demand take precedence again in favour of current creditors then a similar impact could occur and a similar work around will need to be implemented'".

"Bishop's Stortford have strengthened their squad... Manager Rod Stringer, who earlier this week brought in ex-Histon goalkeeper Jorg Stadelmann, has added another keeper in young Reece Ottley as well as striker Nathan Livings. Originally on the books at Colchester United, Ottley was spotted by a Cardiff City scout while playing for the English Independent Schools against Wales at Rhyl", reports the Football Conference.

"In 2010/11 Ottley went on loan to Dinas Powys in the Macwhirter League Division Two and after being released by the Bluebirds at the end of last season, has been turning out for Cambridge Regional College (CRC) in the Thurlow Nunn League. Livings, who turned 21 on Tuesday, started his career with Chelsea. He has recently been on trial with Woking."

He signed for Gloucester for the first time in May 2007, leaving exactly three years later. He had stints with Almondsbury Town and Mangotsfield again before re-singing for Winterbourne in December 2011 after leaving Chippenham Town".

And "Histon have signed well-travelled striker Saul Otobo. Otobo, 25, has spent time of varying length with the likes of Cirencester Town, Basingstoke Town, Farnborough, AFC Hornchurch, Dorchester Town, Stafford Rangers, Eastleigh, Witton Albion, Vauxhall Motors, Maldon Town and Hayes & Yeading United. He joined Staines Town in September 2011, having split his pre-season between Evesham and Kettering Town. After returning south for spells with Kingstonian and Walton & Hersham, Otobo signed for NPL Premier Division side Marine in March 2012 and trialled with Hinckley United earlier this season". The Chester Chronicle adds that "Chester FC manager Neil Young has revealed he wants to follow the capture of Mark Redshaw by signing a striker who is a ‘proven goalscorer at a higher level’... Young said, 'Mark will come in on a short-term deal and we will have a look at him but we are still hoping to sign a permanent replacement for Adam Proudlock next week. We have identified who we would like and, after both clubs have played over the weekend, we will speak with his club. A proven goalscorer at a higher level is a must and that’s the remit we will be following'”

From Guiseley comes news that "striker Danny Forrest has left the club after discussions with manager Steve Kittrick at midweek training... It was agreed that it is in both parties’ best interests for Danny to find a new club in order to play regular football...

Danny told the club’s website, 'I’m gutted to be leaving... I just want to play football every Saturday and hopefully this will help me to do that'".

"Heybridge Swifts' striker Michael Cheek has rejected a seven-day approach from Bishop’s Stortford... Cheek, a summer signing from Stanway Rovers, has caught the attention of other teams after scoring in Swifts’ last five games...

'Michael spoke to Bishop’s Stortford last weekend and told them he was happy at Heybridge', said boss Mark Hawkes" to the Maldon & Burnham Standard.

According to the NL Paper, "AFC Telford United boss Andy Sinton has confirmed an unnamed [BSBN] club has made a seven-day approach for striker Joe Yoffe.

Yoffe, 25, joined the Bucks on non-contract terms in the summer and is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit... Speaking about the former Galway United man's future, Sinton told BBC Radio Shropshire, 'He was going to be involved in the squad for Cambridge last weekend but someone has enquired about him'".

"Striker Jack Pitcher last night signed forms for Gloucester City. But the 29-year-old... who left the club in 2010 has simply signed as cover. He will continue to play for Winterbourne Utd but is available to the Tigers if needed.

Manager Dave Mehew said, 'With a small squad such as ours I need to be able to fill gaps if we get players injured. Jack has played in the Blue Square North before and although he’s playing several leagues below with Winterbourne he would still be able to do a job for us if he’s needed'".

Further north, Harrogate Town "can confirm that left-sided defender/midfielder Craig Radcliffe has been allowed to join Bradford Park Avenue on a three-month loan. Craig, who joined Town at the beginning of last season has made just 1 start against Gainsborough Trinity this campaign".

SHILDON GAME

The admission prices at Shildon on Saturday, for our FA Cup tie, will be £7 for adults and £5 for concessionaries.

TRAINING REPORT

OLD BOYS

Worse was to come when Ashton keeper Terry Smith saw a straight red after he clashed with Lugsden right in front of the referee. Ashton forward Ben Deegan was called upon to take on the role of keeper but he could do little to stop Lugsden making it 2-0 on 40 minutes.

The Buxton striker put Ashton under further pressure and when he was felled in the box by last man Phil Bolland the referee had no option but to send him off. Morris made no mistake from the resulting penalty on the stroke of half-time... Just before the end of the match Grant Black also got on the score sheet with Buxton’s sixth which slipped through the grasp of Deegan".

BSBN NEWS

One area that the board have been looking at is the Manager's position, as we know that to ensure that the structure of the club is positioned correctly in readiness for full time football, the Manager's job is a critical one, with the commitment to the club needed more than ever.

The Club have been working together with Neil Young and his employer MerseyRail to allow Neil the chance to have an 18-month sabbatical from his position at MerseyRail and to assume the full time manager position with Chester FC, this being part of the overall plan for the Club to have a successful transition from part time to full time. Neil's job will not be just to manage the team, but also to oversee other essential components of the football club's development.

Chester FC have an agreement in principle with MerseyRail and Neil Young, which will see Neil start his role in the near future".

According to the Football Conference, "Rod Stringer, manager of Bishop's Stortford, has secured the services of former Histon goalkeeper Jorg Stadelmann. With Luke Chambers suspended and Ross Kitteridge still injured, Stringer needed experienced cover initially for the three games coming up against Enfield Town, Harrogate Town and Altrincham.

Austrian Stadelmann, 32, arrived in July 2011 from regional league side FC Hard in his home country, where he played more than 400 games. Stadelmann, who came to England to live with his fiancée, initially sent his CV to Histon and impressed then boss David Livermore when he went to watch him play in the summer of 2011".

From BSBN, we learn that "Workington have extended the loan of midfielder Will Vaulks from Tranmere Rovers. The 19-year-old joined the Reds on a month's loan in August, and will now stay at Borough Park for a further month... Workington manager Darren Edmondson told the Times & Star, 'Will is enjoying playing regularly in a competitive league, and was happy to stay with us'".

And FC Halifax Town "have confirmed that midfielder Liam Needham has joined Bradford Park Avenue on a month’s loan. Needham is the second player to leave the Shay on loan this week, following Jamie Rainford’s move to Marine... Meanwhile Town have confirmed that Phil Bolland has signed dual registration forms and will be playing for Ashton United", for whom he was sent off on his debut this week.

NL Daily say that "Eastwood Town have announced two signings... [one of them,] Travis Munn joins on loan from Boston United".

Pitchero Non-League reports that "Club captain Dan Bragoli has left Hinckley United after his local side, Rushall Olympic, submitted a seven-day request last week... He began his career with Shrewsbury Town and also had international call-ups from Wales at under-14, under-15 and under-16 level... before switching to the Knitters in December 2011. With a new addition to the Bragoli family imminent, he felt that a move closer to home would be beneficial for personal reasons."

LEE, ON DUNCAN

The 18-year old remains a Cup doubt, with an ankle injury, but there can be no questioning his commitment to the Alty cause after he responded positively to an invitation to tie himself to Moss Lane for a further 12 months.

‘We are trying to bring Duncan along the right way, and it was always the intention, when he signed a one-year contract in the summer, that we would review it at Christmas,’ said manager Lee Sinnott, ahead of Saturday’s second qualifying round tie at Northern League Shildon. ‘But, rather than wait that long, I went to see the chairman, Grahame Rowley, and suggested we do it now.

‘We met Duncan and his dad and had a good chat, and, happily, the outcome is that Duncan is now under contract for the rest of this season and all next season.

‘It’s positive news, because Duncan is a great lad, and he has shown in more than just glimpses that he’s got something. He has done it in spells, and it is clear there is something there. His dad has been involved in football with the FA, and knows how things work, and Duncan himself is a level-headed lad whose feet are planted firmly on the ground. He is about to start his studies at Manchester University, so it has all worked out well.’

After making it three wins and a draw in their last four games, with a 3-1 victory over Bradford Park Avenue at Moss Lane, Alty turn their attention to a competition that has brought them many a famous triumph over the years.

‘Everyone knows Altrincham’s tradition in the Cup was built on claiming some big scalps, but all our focus on Saturday has to be on guarding against any repeat of last season,’ added Sinnott. ‘I remember how we beat Nuneaton 2-0 one week, then didn’t turn up against Witton Albion the next. If you do that in the Cup, you go out, and that’s what happened. There are no reprieves, and we have to be mindful of that'".

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OUR NEXT OPPONENTS

Half- time 2 – 0... Shildon introduced their substitutes to put in fresh legs... Full Time 4 – 1

Dunston deserved their victory against a very good Shildon team...

Shildon: Finch, Buzzeo, Brackstone, Clarkson (Chapman 60), Hunter (Flynn 23), Gardner, Kane (Johnson 60), Richmond, Gruelich- Smith, Briggs, Wood Subs not used: Christensen, Garvie"

The Shildon line up in their last league game included four players who did not start at Dunston. The squad last Saturday comprised:1. Keith Finch, 2. Ross Gardner, 3. Ben Christensen, 4. Robert James Clarkson, 5. Richard Flynn, 6. Chris Hunter, 7. Sam Garvie, 8. Danny Richmond, 9. Billy Greulich-Smith, 10. Robert Briggs, 11. Lee Chapman. Subs: 12. Adam Johnston, 13. Ben Wood, 14. Chris McCabe, 15. Chris Hughes, 16. Philip Naisbett.

RADIO ROBINS CATCH UP

BSBN NEWS

Guiseley report that "The past week has seen a number of ins and outs at Nethermoor, with one player coming in, two leaving and one signing contract terms. Kevin Holsgrove, the much-travelled striker from Colwyn Bay, has joined the Lions to add further presence up front.

Conor Branson has left Nethermoor for a football scholarship in the US while Stephen Brogan has joined Forest Green Rovers. Ending on a bright note, hot prospect Zack Dale has signed contract terms with the Lions after impressing in his first few appearances both for the first team and the Youth Academy".

According to the Times and Star "Last season’s loan star Paul Johnson agreed personal terms on a return to Workington Reds only to snap ankle ligaments hours before signing. The Hartlepool defender did the damage during training yesterday, to the despair of boss Darren Edmondson. Johnson was seen as the perfect cover for Lee Andrews, who went under the knife on a hernia problem.

And with Dan Wordsworth still missing, Edmondson moved to bring the popular centre half back to Borough Park. However, Johnson now requires a month on the sidelines himself, and Edmondson said, 'Paul is a quality footballer, and someone who stood out every time he wore the red shirt. He’s been on the radar all season, and just when Hartlepool allow him to come back, this happens. Paul went over in an innocuous challenge during training, and damaged the ligaments again. After that session he was going to sign for us for three months. It’s sod’s law, but we still have James Bolton, who has impressed. The defence is a position we want to strengthen and I’ll be changing my line of enquiries in a bid to bring another centre half into the squad'".

BSBN reports that "Gloucester City midfielder Darren Mullings is expected to be sidelined 'for a few weeks' at least with the shoulder injury he sustained at FC Halifax on Saturday. The 25-year-old was grounded by a challenge late on in the 5-0 defeat at The Shay Stadium and was taken to hospital with a dislocated shoulder.

Tigers' boss Dave Mehew believes that Mullings... may need to go under the knife as he has succumbed to the injury before. 'It popped back in quite quickly, but it's a painful one and he'll definitely be out for a few weeks', Mehew told Weston-super-Mare People... '(Halifax boss) Neil Aspin said that he used to suffer from that as well and he had to have it pinned, so we'll have to look at doing that in the future'".

Harrogate Town report that "Our goalkeeper, Jose da Veiga, suffered a nasty injury last night in the final minute against Guiseley AFC. Coming out to bravely dive at a player's feet, he was caught, accidentally, by a boot and was knocked unconscious for a couple of minutes. After treatment was given on the pitch, Jose was carried off and taken to hospital as a precaution so the doctors could look at his eye socket."

From Chester FC, we learn that "Chester FC played a friendly, arranged at short notice with the Blues running out 3-1 winners over Airbus UK Broughton. Wes Baynes, trialist Fola Onibuje, and Nathan Jarman scored the three goals whilst former Chester starlet Mark Cadwallader grabbed the goal for the home side. Robbie Booth also made an appearance as he continues his road to recovery following a back injury. Starting line up: Fearon, Baynes, Collins, Linwood, Clancy, Booth, Sarcevic, Powell, Howard, Jarman, Onibuje". Onibuje, a giant striker, played and scored against Alty in 2005 for Cambridge United.

UNITED IN EUROPE

FA CUP OPPONENTS

The Northern Echo reports that " Dunston beat Shildon 4-1 at the UTS Stadium to maintain their recent improvement. Ben Cattanach gave Dunston an early lead, with Andy Bulford scoring twice to make it 3-0. Danny Richmond pulled a goal back for Shildon, with Stephen Craggs adding the fourth.

Dunston manager Billy Irwin said, 'It was a good win against a good team'. Shildon boss Gary Forrest said, 'I thought we did OK in the first half. We missed two great chances and gifted them two goals. In the second half, they wanted it more than we did'".

TRAFFORD'S TWO HOT SHOTS

YANKEE JACKPOT

TUESDAY

FLYNNZINE

Brian wrote, "The last time that I saw Bradford Park Avenue play was on the first day of May in 2010, when they lost a Play-Off Final in extra time to Boston United, who were promoted to Conference North in front of about 1500 travelling Pilgrims fans in a crowd of 2,208 at The Horsfall Stadium.

The opening goal in that game was the last goal scored by a striker before he became an Altrincham player two months later. Damian Reeves's clinical 35th minute strike put Avenue ahead and the Doncaster based goal machine had further chances to put the game out of Boston’s reach early in the second half, but he hit the bar with the first opportunity and missed the target, just minutes later, with the second. Boston equalised, against the run of play, just after the hour mark and eventually scrambled a winner in extra-time….thus delaying Bradford’s promotion, which was eventually gained four months ago, with a Play-Off Final victory over F.C. United of Manchester. Tom Greaves scored the only goal, from three yards, with just two minutes of extra-time left.

The first time that I saw a game in the fair city of Bradford was almost forty years ago on January 6th 1973. The day stands out in my memory for many reasons but, most notably, as it was my first ever league away trip. My coach fare was a princely 55 pence, which means that the total amount collected that day from the coach travelling fans was probably less than one adult fare to Oxford City last Saturday, when we took over £600!

Arriving at the ground, the match was clearly in doubt as the stadium was shrouded in fog. Park Avenue was both a football stadium and cricket ground, indeed Yorkshire played there until 1996. The turnstiles remained closed, whilst we awaited the referee’s decision on whether the game would take place.

It must have been after 2.30pm when we heard, rather surprisingly, that the game was on. I’m fairly sure that we kicked off around 3.15pm. Park Avenue was a marvellous old stadium that was on its last legs. Four magnificent floodlight pylons, a creaky old wooden main stand and a large covered end... it was huge by Northern Premier League standards. You could only see about 25 yards that day, so I spent a good proportion of the game wandering up and down the front of the covered terrace opposite the main stand.

The match should never have been played but Alty, playing in sky blue shirts and dark blue shorts, went 2-0 up courtesy of Bobby Todd, before Avenue, who had been a Football League Club until 1970 and played in the same kit as Arsenal, got back on terms with goals that none of the Alty fans saw - we just heard the cheers. It was Bobby Todd’s day though, as the diminutive midfielder scored his hat-trick goal to give the Robins all...two points!!!

The Manchester Evening News carried a story, on the Monday, that Todd was in tears in the dressing room, because hardly anyone saw his goals. This story is probably journalistic bunkum, although it was strange that he scored a hat-trick that day in a season when he probably only scored a handful of goals in total.

Getting back on the coach I remember one or two results coming through on the radio... Arsenal 3 Manchester United 1 - marvellous, what a day!! Also Darlington 0 Southport 7 in Division Four. Southport went on to become Champions!"

BSBN NEWS

Meanwhile, "Vauxhall Motors have signed former Liverpool youngster Karl Clair. In May 2011 tricky forward Clair left Liverpool`s academy to join the Nike Academy at Loughborough University for a year. Clair was seen as one of the Reds' brightest prospects until injury curtailed his development following an appearance in the 2009 FA Youth Cup final. Since then the 19-year-old has battled to overcome a serious knee problem.. He has recently been trialling with Football League clubs but has now signed for Motors".

A player leaving the BSBN is the subject of a report from FC Halifax Town "that striker Jamie Rainford has joined Marine on a month's loan. Rainford rejoins Marine, the club he left to join Chester FC prior to his move to the Shay, which was initially on loan".

And a player-move out of the BSBN in an upward direction is reported by Forest Green Rovers, who say they "have signed former Rotherham and current England ‘C’ midfielder Steve Brogan until the end of the season. The 24 year-old has been plying his trade at Stalybridge Celtic and Guiseley in the Blue Square Bet North division over the past 12 months...

An attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, Brogan scored 11 times in 36 games for Stalybridge in 2011/12, before trialling at Southend over the summer and moving to Guiseley this term... He moved to Alfreton Town in the Conference National on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2011 before shifting to Stalybridge after he failed to settle...

Brogan said, 'I’d describe myself as a goal-scoring midfielder, good on the ball and at set-pieces. I’m quietly confident I can get into the team and hold down a regular place and then hopefully play well for Forest Green and help us earn promotion'".

The NL Daily says that "Danny Johnson, manager of Ashton United, has announced the signings of ex-Droylsden goalkeeper Paul Phillips and defender Phil Bolland on dual registration from Halifax Town".

On Tuesday, in the Oxford Mail "Oxford City boss Mike Ford says his side face their most important game of the season when they entertain Corby Town... tonight...

'It’s the first game this season that there is expectation on us to win', said Ford. 'And that’s because we have started reasonably well... I’m under no illusions that there will be times when we don’t pick up points, so it’s important, when you are in-form, that you make the most of it. When a new manager comes in there is always a resurgence because players want their place in the team... So it’s probably the worst ever time to play them (Corby)'..

Meanwhile, defender Wayne Blossom has left City as he felt his first-team chances were limited. Ford said, 'He got injured at the wrong time and at the moment the best he can hope for is a place on the bench. We spoke on Saturday and he said he didn’t want to be travelling with the team just to sit on the bench. If any manager asked about Wayne, I would say "sign him" because he is outstanding. He came to the club and helped save us from relegation and then he captained us to promotion to the Blue Square Bet North'".

According to the Boston Standard, "Sam Craven is training with Boston United’s first team this week. The former Worksop Town defender turned out for the table-topping Pilgrims’ reserves... on Saturday. And he is hoping to be offered the place in the United squad left vacant following the release of Kern Miller.

Manager Jason Lee said, 'SSomebody played for the reserves and he’ll train with us on Tuesday (tonight) and Thursday. He could be another option for us going forward'".

News of Altrincham's next league opponents comes from the Herts & Essex Observer, which reports that "Blues' boss Rod Stringer has pulled off a coup with a swoop for former Arsenal youngster Callum Webb. He made more than 20 appearances for the Gunners U-18s. The defensive-minded midfielder, a Republic of Ireland Youth international, was at Queens Park Rangers last season.

He was released by Rangers at the end of last season and recently had an unsuccessful trial with Norwich City. His arrival raises question marks over the Blues' future of the likes of Alli Abdullahi and Max Lette Jallow".

Chester First states that "Macclesfield Town chief executive Jon Harris believes that Chester’s interest in prolific marksman Ben Mills is 'not dead in the water'. Harris... confirmed that Chester had been close with their revised bid for the 23-year-old striker who scored nine goals in eight games in his loan spell with the Blues.

Harris also stated that Chester were one of three clubs who had tabled bids for Mills who made his final loan appearance for the Blues in a 3-2 weekend defeat at Boston United. 'Ben Mills has done exceptionally well during his loan spell at Chester and we realise he is a better player now than when he joined Macclesfield', Harris said. 'We have received a revised bid for Ben from Chester but they fell short of our valuation for the player. Their original bid would have meant splitting payments. If Chester do come back to us we would consider it because they were very close with their last offer for the player and there could be a little bit of leeway. I would say that it’s not dead in the water as far as I am concerned because Ben is not very high up the pecking order at Macclesfield after all of our new signings... but I have to do whatever is best for Macclesfield Town and I don’t want to see the player move for less than our valuation'.

Harris added, 'Extending Ben’s loan at Chester is not something we would consider but I would be disappointed if I didn’t receive contact again soon from one of the three clubs who have so far tabled bids for Ben and I would be happy to talk'...

Chester boss Neil Young has voiced his reasons on the official Chester FC website for not proceeding any further with the Ben Mills transfer saga..

Young explained, 'After Ben scored his hat-trick last week Macclesfield informed us that other clubs had entered the race for Ben and, as is their perogative, the transfer fee had now risen by a further 30 per cent. I have also been speaking to Ben this week, but he was keen to stay full-time and the total financial package of both the transfer fee coupled with the player’s contract was in my opinion considerably more than I was prepared to pay'...

'We know that in the future we’ll have to look at players on full time wages, and look at the possibility of ourselves going full time, but we are not in a position to do that right now'... Young is now continuing his efforts to bring in a striker who will be eligible to play against Gainsborough in this Saturday’s FA Cup tie".

LEE ON RADIO WFM

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BSBN NEWS

BSBN says that "Jon Brady, manager of Brackley Town, has signed former team-mate Sam Gwynne from Baker Joiner Midland Alliance side Westfields. Originally with Hereford United, his League debut came in the 2005/06 season... He signed a new contract with the Bulls in June 2006... In August 2007 he finally made his full League debut... He was then handed a more regular chance in the first-team and made sixteen appearances. Originally allowed to leave the club at the end of the 2009/10 season, he was eventually offered a new one-year deal to remain at Edgar Street.

He joined AFC Telford United on loan until the end of the season in February 2011 and, the following May, he left Hereford and joined Westfields for the first time and then switched to Welsh Premier outfit Neath on the August deadline day in 2011... before returning to Westfields in January 2012."

Meanwhile, "FC Halifax Town manager Neil Aspin admits Jamie Rainford could leave the club on a short-term loan deal. The striker has seen his game time at the Shay Stadium this season limited to the substitutes' bench, having been brought on as a replacement in six of the club's opening eight league encounters... Aspin has confirmed the player's desire to seek game time elsewhere.

'I've had a chat with Jamie and he expressed that he wants to play games and wants to go on loan, which I have no problem with', Aspin told the Halifax Courier. 'I think he would like to be a bit nearer to where he lives and there are a few other reasons too and I can understand that'".

DAMIAN TO JOIN THE CENTENARIANS

When he reaches his 100th appearance, Damian will become the fourth current centenarian on Alty's books in terms of club appearances, following Stuart Coburn (555), Shaun Densmore (173) and Nicky Clee (130).

MONTHLY DRAW

New members are always welcome for the Monthly Draw, whose arrangements are:

An entry form can be found here.

YOUTHS WIN

NEW RECRUITS

Before the event proper, it was good to hear from Alty's best-known fan, Kenny Palin, that he had recently been given the all clear for his cancer and a round of applause greeted this good news.

Left: Courtesy of Sarah Rowley is this picture of the "New Recruits" at Saturday evening's event at Moss Lane. Seen here from left to right are Matt Doughty, Gianluca Havern, Danny Hall and Ryan Brooke.

The four guests for the evening included Matt Doughty who has returned to Altrincham this season, a club he graced previously for 18 months (2008-10) before suffering a cruciate ligament injury. Alongside Matt were his defensive colleagues Gianluca Havern and Danny Hall, along with striker Ryan Brooke.

First of all, the players outlined their playing careers and ambitions for the benefit of the audience. Following his bad injury, for Matt the goal now was "to retire healthy", whilst both Luca and Ryan aimed to play at as high a level as possible. Danny jokingly added that he did not realistically expect to play at a higher level now in his career so he aimed "to drag it out as long as I can".

Danny and Luca explained why they had left Hyde which stemmed chiefly from the change of managership at the Tameside club. Other topics discussed include the reasons why Alty have tended to play better football in the first half of recent games than in the second 45 minutes.

The players' tips for the BSBN championship - excluding Altrincham of course - were fairly limited being confined to Chester or Brackley or Guiseley.

Luca was asked a question by Sarah Rowley which had been supplied to her by an anonymous member of the Alty squad; "Which hair products do you you use that manage to keep your hair in place even when you head the ball?" The Alty defender replied that his family includes a number of hairdressers and that he uses a "matt paste".

All four players found Altrincham FC a very well run club, with Matt saying he was "delighted to be back here". Kitman John Skelhorn was even singled out by Luca as "an absolute gentleman". The players also talked about their experiences at other clubs. Matt had praise for Halifax Town under its then manager Chris Wilder, whilst Gianluca Havern enjoyed working under Gary Ablett's managership at Stockport County. Danny had enjoyed his spell with Shrewsbury Town as well as winning the title last season at Hyde under Gary Lowe's charge. Ryan had good memories of Oldham and Telford. What the players said about the worst clubs they had been at will remain within the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge's four walls!

Discussion moved to the FA Cup and Alty's poor recent form in the competition. The players revealed that manager Lee Sinnott has already spoken to them about that so, hopefully, there will be a better showing this season.

Amongst the players' career highlights were Matt Doughty's scoring the first ever goal at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium and Ryan Brooke's goal within three minutes of coming onto the pitch in his first Football League match.

The topic of referees was also aired before the players were asked who they felt was the best player at Altrincham FC. Luca said that "Duncan Watmore is the player with the greatest potential", whilst for Matt Doughty James Lawrie was the "best technical player beyond a shadow of doubt". Danny agreed that Duncan had great potential and said he would not be surprised to see him move on to a higher level soon. As for Ryan, he picked Damian Reeves, for whom "his feet are like a magnet for the ball".

George Heslop was then asked about Duncan Watmore and said that he was the "best prospect I've had in 16 years managing the youth team". He recalled how Duncan had been a central midfielder for Alty Juniors before being converted by George into a forward.

Matt Doughty added that young Sam Grimshaw was another very good player, and that goalkeeper Adam Reid is also a "very good talent". George expressed his concern that after responding to Lee Sinnott's request for five youth players to evaluate last season (Reid, Watmore, Grimshaw, Fearon and Coombs who all played for the first team), the Alty boss had now asked him for five more for this campaign!

Outside the game Ryan and Luca have not currently got jobs though Luca does some coaching of Tameside under-15s. He already has coaching badges and is working for his UEFA "B" grade next. Danny has recently gained employment in a steelwork/engineering company and enjoys that. Likewise, Matt likes his job at Warrington Hospital where he works as a medical clerk in the orthopedic section.

When asked with which famous footballer they would most like to be associated, Ryan revealed that he had bought a pair of boots like those worn by Fernando Torres - but that his own success (and wages) had not yet matched the Spaniard's.

There was much more of interest revealed during the evening so next time there is a New Recruits, why not come along and hear everything for yourself and put your own questions to the players?

Thanks from the Club go to all the players for giving their time, as well as to chef, Richie Bentley, and the food and drink servers, as well as to the evening's organizers and everyone who attended.

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Thereafter, the visitors were struggling to deal with the dominance of Altrincham... Altrincham doubled their advantage. After 25 minutes, the referee awarded a foul against James Riley on the edge of the box, and Nicky Clee struck a stunning left footed shot, from 25 yards, into the top corner...

The away side fought their way back into the game, thanks to Richard Marshall. A free kick was awarded, 20 yards from goal, and instead of striking a powerful shot, the midfielder was clever enough, to place the ball into the top corner. Afterwards, Bradford looked brighter, and were searching for an equaliser... The home dugout celebrated into five minutes of added time, watching Damian Reeves score his second of the afternoon. With many of the Bradford players in the opposition half, substitute Ryan Brooke picked out Reeves, and the striker delicately chipped Deasy from 12 yards".

"After the defeat to Altrincham, Bradford (Park Avenue) manager John Deacey spoke to the club’s official website. The Avenue manager was critical of the goals that were conceded, but, was pleased with the second half performance, 'We played reasonably well. In the first half, they had two break-aways and we didn’t work hard enough to get back. It was a great strike from the free kick, and then, we were chasing the game. The third goal was a non-event. But, the attitude in the second half was superb... I thought Jordan (Deacey) put me on the back foot in the first half with his yellow card. I didn’t want to substitute him as he was influential in the second half'...

‘I’m not disappointed, it’s a bit like last week, I’m just frustrated. It’s early days, but, we have people coming back into contention, and we will look stronger'...

Following his introduction as a substitute, Alex Davidson spoke to the club’s official website... 'If we'd got a second, we could’ve kicked on but people will think nearly, but nearly is not good enough, we don’t want to be a ‘nearly’ team'".

FA CUP OPPONENTS

Liversedge... went further behind when man of the match Sam Garvie scored on 55 minutes with a cracker from outside the box. With a 3 goal advantage it should have been game over, but the visitors stepped up their game and controlled the play... In the end the home supporters were happy to hear the final whistle. Shildon are away to South Shields in the next round

Man-of-the-Match: Sam Garvie. Starting line-up: 1 Keith Finch, 2 Ross Gardner, 3 Ben Christensen, 4 Robert James Clarkson, 5 Richard Flynn, 6 Chris Hunter, 7 Sam Garvie, 8 Danny Richmond, 9 Billy Greulich-Smith, 10 Robert Briggs, 11 Lee Chapman. Subs - 12 Adam Johnston, 13 Ben Wood, 14 Chris McCabe, 15 Chris Hughes, 16 Philip Naisbett.

Alty will be wearing their away kit for this match as Shildon play in red.

TASC is running a supporters' coach to the match; full details are on the Away Travel page.

For those travelling under their own steam, Shildon have provided the following instructions for travelling from the South:

Come from Darlington A68, turn right at roundabout onto the A6072. keep on until reaching outskirts of Shildon carry on until 2nd roundabout (at bottom of bank) turn right travel 200 yards turn left at the mini roundabout onto B6282 into Byerley Road, travel half a mile until meet roundabout turn right into church street, travel up to the Old Shildon Workman's Club (CIU) and turn left onto Dean Street, travel 50 yards and turn right into the car park then walk back out and carry on along Dean Street past Primative Street and the ground is on the left.

Address: Dean Street Shildon, Co. Durham DL4 1EZ".

BSBN GAMES

Right: Simon Richman was Brian Flynn's Man of the Match in his report on the win over BPA in the NL Paper. Here, Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography captures Simon in action during that game.

GATES

BSBN NEWS

But Chester's attempts to keep the hitman have been scuppered. The Blues initially thought they had agreed a five-figure fee with Macclesfield last weekend. It came as a surprise, then, when the Silkmen upped the price. Chester increased their offer only to be told it still fell short.

But, even if the clubs had been able to agree on a fee, it is highly unlikely the Blues would have been able to meet Mills's personal terms. Mills, who has been watched by a host of Football League scouts while playing for Chester, is currently on a full-time contract with Macclesfield which means he gets paid 52 weeks a year.

Neil Young's part-time squad are paid for the 38 weeks of the year while the season is in progress. Blues boss Young admitted after yesterday's Boston game that he was ‘fed up to the back teeth’ with the transfer saga. And today he confirmed to The Chronicle that he has pulled the plug on the deal.

Young, who wants to sign a new striker in time for next weekend's FA Cup tie, said, 'The deal, financially, was not in the best interests of the football club. I had to look at the deal from a business point of view and from a playing squad point of view and I have decided to pull out of it. Without going into details we did everything, financially, to make it happen'".

Another transfer is the subject of a report from the North Wales Weekly News to the effect that "Colwyn Bay have suffered a major blow with their top [ex-Alty] striker Kevin Holsgrove on the verge of joining likely title challengers Guiseley.

Holsgrove, who [missed] Bay's game at Corby Town on Saturday because of suspension, is expected to sign for the Yorkshire side on Monday when their seven days notice to approach him has expired. Gutted player-boss Jon Newby commented, 'It is a massive blow but, to be honest, it is something that we had feared with Kevin starting the season in such good form. We tried to get him to sign a contract some weeks ago but he declined because he wanted to keep his options open. Now Guiseley have come in for him and, although we have tried our best this week to persuade him to stay, he has decided he wants to go'.

Colwyn Bay, of course, have also this week lost squad member Lee Davey who has joined Conwy Borough in search for more games but Allan Collins is still with the club".

ALTRINCHAM 3 BRADFORD PA 1

Above: Nicky Clee is pursued by his team-mates after his freekick had put Alty 2-0 up against Bradford PA on Saturday.

SUNDAY UPDATE

DUNCAN EXTENDS HIS CONTRACT

SATURDAY

BOOK YOUR SEATS!

ALTY v BPA, SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

Brian Flynn writes, "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, will be broadcasting live coverage of the game. The match commentary is sponsored by Barry Pond and the match commentators are Paul Salt & Simon Ellis with match summaries from Lewis Woods. Commentary begins at 2.55pm. You can listen to Radio Robins here.

BEFORE THE GAME

Despite suffering a heavy defeat on the opening day of the season to Brackley Town, Altrincham are unbeaten in their previous three games. During this time, Altrincham picked up six points from victories against Histon and Gainsborough Trinity. However, last Saturday, Oxford City were denied a win, after former Avenue striker Damian Reeves levelled the scores before the hour mark. At the same time, Reeves, who was the highest goalscorer in the Blue Square Bet North last season, is currently top of the chart with 11 goals in seven games.

The Avenue will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat. Having remained unbeaten after five games, Bradford slipped out of the top ten at the weekend. So far, the newcomers to the division, avoided defeat to Worcester City, Harrogate Town and FC Halifax Town. Also, the away side have won on the road, at Vauxhall Motors and Corby Town. But, in their previous two matches, Bradford were unable to record a point, losing to Stalybridge Celtic and Brackley Town. However, John Deacey will be checking the fitness of his players, due to the lengthy injury list at the Horsfall Stadium".

Meanwhile, the Telegraph and Argus says "Lee Sinnott and John Deacey will be in opposition on Saturday. Master and pupil come face to face on Saturday when Bradford Park Avenue boss John Deacey takes his side to Lee Sinnott’s Altrincham.

Former Bantam 'Sinbad' inherited Deacey as his assistant when he moved into management with Farsley Celtic. The pair worked well together and the Celts rocketed from UnBond Division One North to the full Conference League before Sinnott was head-hunted by Port Vale. Deacey proved he also had the Midas touch and had a good record at Throstle Nest when he took over from Sinnott, until Celtic went into administration.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then and they find themselves at different clubs in the same division.

Altrincham also have Damian Reeves, who is currently their leading scorer. Reeves is well known to both managers and to the locals after spells with Farsley, Guiseley and Avenue. Deacey joked, 'I think Reevsie still lives around the Doncaster area so we are going to build a wall around it tomorrow night, either that or sneak in and let his tyres down. He has still got it, has the lad. Seven goals in as many games this season I think it is. I don’t think I have ever played against a team that Lee has managed so that is going to be an interesting one as well. It should be good though. We are all looking forward to it.”

The Avenue manager must be wishing he could go into the game with a full complement of players as he had half a dozen out for last weekend’s clash with leaders Brackley Town. It has been one in and one out in terms of the treatment room with Matty James recovering but James Knowles picking up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat to Brackley. That means Nathan Hotte, Adam Clayton, Jamie Jackson, Alex Davidson and Ross Daly will all be ruled out for the trip to Altrincham.

Deacey added, 'Knowlesy will be out as well; another couple of weeks probably. It is frustrating because they would all have been starters and, when you are playing a very good side, the last thing you want is players missing'".

Mike Garnett's statistics summarise the historical balance in games between the two clubs:

As for BPA's last match, Hemel Today says that "Brackley Town made it seven wins from seven with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Bradford Park Avenue to stay top of the Blue Square North... but were fortunate after a very even contest.

The key moment in a hard-fought but absorbing encounter came immediately after the break when Gary Mulligan headed home Owen Story’s pin-point cross from a left-sided free-kick... Saints boss Jon Brady named an unchanged team from the one that beat Gloucester 4-1 as he looked for a seventh straight win.

For large parts of the game, Bradford were on top and made the visitors work hard for possession with chances limited for both sides in the first half... The Avenue were shaken by Mulligan’s goal, receiving yellow cards for fouls by Richard Marshall and James Riley on 53 and 54 minutes, but rallied to put Brackley under increasing pressure".

Not for the first time, Altrincham Mad's preview uses the word "never" to mean "recently" as it says that "Altrincham play host to Bradford Park Avenue at Moss Lane on Saturday afternoon, aiming to preserve their record of never having lost at home to the visitors. Of the 4 previous meetings, 2 have been drawn, and 2 won by the Robins.

The last time the two teams met at Altrincham was back in August 2004, over five years ago, when they played out a goalless draw in a (Conference) North match... Altrincham's dreadful home form has resulted in just 1 victory and 1 draw from their last six played. While Robins have scored 12, a worringly large 15 have been leaked at the other end.

Bradford Park Avenue's away form is none too clever either, with two wins, two draws, and two defeats. A generous 11 goals have been both scored and conceded in this period... FootyMad's prediction ... Its been a distinctly poor show from Altrincham at home in recent games, and, though we cannot see a run starting here, we do think the Robins will at least gain a draw. No-score draw".

OLD BOY

INSIDE VIEW

BSBN NEWS

The Cambridge News reports that "Pearson Mwanyongo could make his Histon debut at Stalybridge Celtic. The forward has linked up with manager Dennis Greene, who he worked under at St Neot's last season, and was due to sign registration forms last night.

Stutes boss Greene is also keen to sign up two more attacking players, who have most recently played for Solihull and Bognor Regis respectively.

'We had a practice match on Tuesday and we’ve got Pearson here now', said Greene. 'I’ve been trying to get hold of him all summer. We’ve got a lad who was at Walsall and has been playing at Solihull, who’s a centre forward, and another lad who’s a winger and was at Bognor Regis. I’m hopeful if those three can sort us out we might be able to get our goals tally up... They’ll all be on non-contract terms at the moment', said Greene. 'If they prove they can do good things at this level then we can talk about contracts. To start with they have to try to cement their place in the team. I had Pearson all last year at St Neot's so I know he won’t be a problem. We will see how the other two get on'.

Mwanyongo was recruited by Greene for St Neots after the attacker helped Thurnby Nirvana knock them out of the FA Cup a year ago".

According to Pitchero Non-League, "FC Halifax Town have signed midfielder Simon Hackney. Manchester-born Hackney began his professional career at Carlisle United after being spotted playing for Woodley Sports. He played 117 times for the Cumbrians, scoring seventeen goals, before being transferred to Colchester United for a fee of around £120,000 in January 2009... and had loan spells with Morecambe and Oxford United before returning north with Rochdale in the summer of 2011...

The 28-year-old went on trial with Conference Premier side Wrexham in July after rejecting the deal he was offered by Rochdale". He played against Alty in pre-season for the Dragons.

From the Telegraph & Argus, we learn that "Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick has admitted that he tried to get Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash against Chester postponed.

The Lions manager explained, 'We had three players in last night’s England C match against Belgium, Forest Green also had three and fellow Conference team Grimsby had two players involved. All three of us asked the Blue Square Conference if we could postpone our matches and all three of us were told no. If three players from a Football League club are involved in an international weekend, they can have their matches postponed.

I was worried that the players might have their minds on England rather than the Chester match - one foot with us and one foot with England so to speak'.

England C manager Paul Fairclough named Simon Ainge and Stephen Brogan in his starting XI for the crucial International Challenge Trophy Group A clash at Zaventem, with Josh Wilson among the five substitutes...

The Lions travel to Bamber Bridge on Saturday, September 22 for an FA Cup second qualifying-round tie. The Guiseley boss, whose team are now third in the table, said, 'We are a scalp for opponents now, and Bamber Bridge will be a tough tie'".

TRAINING UPDATE

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OLD BOYS

NL Daily reports that "Mark Atkins, manager of Matlock Town, and his assistant Nick Buxton pulled no punches after watching the Gladiators being dumped out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle in Tuesday night's replay at Belper...

Buxton labelled the Gladiators performance as 'a disgrace'... The manager has promised changes... 'This group of players have had long enough and it's clear they're not up to scratch', Atkins rapped. 'They've let me, Bucko (Buxton) and the club plus the fans down, so we'll bring people in that want to play for this club'...

The first departure looks like being striker Lee Ellington who has been put on the transfer list. Ellington had been a prolific scorer during his career in the Blue Square Bet North with the likes of Gainsborough Trinity and Stalybridge Celtic before netting twelve goals for Guiseley last term. He was billed as Matlock's major summer signing, but has failed to find the net in eight competitive outings for Matlock. 'Lee's been a prolific scorer in his time but he's a different player to the one we knew', Buxton admitted".

BSBN NEWS

But as he is under the age of 24, his previous club were entitled to a fee, which has now been finalised allowing him to complete his move to the Moss Rose. Gnahoua came through the youth system at Bower Fold and made thirty-two appearances for Celtic last season".

Nearby, "Droylsden have released striker Tom Fisher, Michael Connor and goalkeeper Paul Phillips. Phillips, 33, has left the club following the arrival of Andy Robertson from Chorley earlier this week. Phillips, who was originally on the books at Manchester United, Bury, Buxton and Curzon Ashton, has been an excellent performer for the Bloods over the years after returning from Stalybridge Celtic in 2009 and has enjoyed a good deal of success with the club, including winning the Conference North title.

Fisher had only signed for the Bloods in the summer after spells with Stockport County and Macclesfield Town, while Connor is an ex-Manchester City junior who signed for Droylsden in December 2010 from Northwich Victoria".

At Gainsborough Trinity, the club "can now confirm the departure of midfielder Ryan Williams by mutual consent, Ryan wanted to play games and Steve Housham understood and released the experienced 34 year-old. Williams has enjoyed more than two years with the Lincolnshire club, joining on loan from neighbours Mansfield Town. He later joined the club permanently after being released by Mansfield.

Ryan was quickly snapped up by North Ferriby and has joined them until next May".

LEE'S ANALYSIS

"Altrincham were left counting the cost of a ‘mad minute’ after surrendering the lead and having to fight back for a 2-2 draw at Oxford City.

Resurgent Alty are still unbeaten in three games yet could easily have made it three straight wins, but for conceding two goals in quick succession early in the second half.

Damian Reeves’ second penalty of the game ensured a point was added to the six gained against Histon and Gainsborough, but there was still a hint of frustration from Lee Sinnott, as he reflected on what might have been.

‘It was a strange one, really, because there were positive points but one or two negatives, as well,’ said the Alty manager. ‘Looking at it overall, four points from two long away trips is not bad at all, yet we were never under any exerted pressure at Oxford and went ahead just as they went down to 10 men.

‘That should have been the platform for another win, but we were caught cold just after half-time. They scored twice in a mad minute, and instead of trying to add to our lead, we found ourselves chasing an equaliser.

‘There were three or four lapses for their first goal, let alone one, and it seemed to have a domino effect. Straight from the restart, we lost the ball, they pumped it upfield and whether their lad was trying a shot or cross, it ended up in our net again.

‘To our credit, we came back and forced a couple of wonderful saves from their keeper. There is a little bit of frustration at seeing two points slip away, but that is a couple of decent results on the road now.’

Alty hope to have a clean bill of health at home to Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday (3pm), though a cautionary word with Duncan Watmore was needed after youthful exuberance cost him his place at Oxford.

‘Duncan went out for a little run last Friday, which, apparently, is his normal pre-match routine,’ said Sinnott. ‘Unfortunately, he rolled his ankle and couldn’t play, so we just had a little chat and suggested swimming or a bike in the gym might be a better option next time.

‘You can’t knock him. He’s a young kid, and so enthusiastic. It’s just a case of taking sensible precautions. Duncan, Shaun Densmore, Carl Rodgers, Matt Doughty and Nicky Clee have all been on the treatment table, but all five should be ok for Saturday'".

MEET THE NEW RECRUITS

RELIVE THE OXFORD GAME

You can hear most of the first half here.

Most of the second half is here.

In the Oxford Mail, "Manager Mike Ford described Oxford City’s 2-2 draw at home to promotion candidates Altrincham as one of the best displays since he has been in charge.

'I’m really proud of my players', he said. 'They were magnificent and I’m hoping they get some plaudits from this because they were tremendous, absolutely as good a performance as they have given me since my time as manager here. They must be thinking they can perform at this level, they’ve been tremendous'.

Ford also revealed that he had no arguments against Willmott’s dismissal, but was a little disappointed with the referee’s attitude to the game, saying, 'I’ve got no qualms because it was a penalty and Chris (Willmott) is going to get a red card'. But he added, 'It was a laugh and a joke for the referee today, he didn’t care, he had no concept of winning, losing or drawing and I thought he was very poor'.

Striker Steve Basham feels City can continue to impress. 'It’s a tough league this year and we notice that there is a big difference but we apply ourselves in the right way and we can grind out results and that showed', he said".

OLD BOYS

MATCHDAY SPONSORS

BSBN NEWS

The new manager will be looking to build on their impressive win away at Workington last weekend... Plummer played professionally for QPR, Bristol Rovers, Barnet, Peterborough, Grays Athletic and Rushden & Diamonds. He made his QPR début in May 1996 against Nottingham Forest and played sixty-two League games and scored two goals before leaving Loftus Road for Barnet in 2003.

In December 2006, he retired aged 30 to work in financial services. He played semi-professional football for Peterborough Northern Star... [and] was announced as the new manager of Northern Star following Tommy Cooper's move from the dug-out to the board room. He joined Corby in May 2012 as Ian Sampson's assistant-manager".

The Falmouth Packet reports that "Truro City FC have issued an appeal for the fan who was given Tim Sandercombe's shirt at the end of the Maidenhead match to return it as they can't afford a new one... Tim Sandercombe, who is set to leave Truro City for Conference North side Oxford City this week, gave his shirt to one of the club's supporters at the end of their match on Saturday."

ALTY YOUTH 1 MACCLESFIELD TOWN YOUTH 2

Above: Alty line up before the game.

There was an element of controversy about both of Macclesfield Town's goals in this FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round match but the outcome was probably a fair one...

LADIES' GAME

Left: Courtesy of Keith Edleston, a picture of Alty Ladies in action against Stockport County Blues

Derby Day Delight...

The first game of the season is always a bit special. And, to start the season off with a short trip over to Stockport Sports Village (the old Woodley Sports Ground) to play our Cheshire rivals Stockport County Blues, who were relegated from the First Division (by default I may add), would be a tough ask. But, undaunted and buoyed with some new faces in the squad, off we went. As well as playing our first ever game on a 3G pitch, the sun was beating down, so I knew we would have to be at our best to cope with the Blues and their fast pitch.

Blues started off like a house on fire and, maybe, with a point to prove to the league, they pinned us back for long periods in the first half and our defence was made to work extremely hard to keep them at bay. Coupled with new players and a new 3-4-3 formation, we struggled to make any headway and the Blues seemed to be able to cut through us and score at will. Before we knew it we were 0-3 down.

A few heads dropped and we were sluggish to the ball but we were thrown a lifeline on 34 minutes when, from a long kick from Rosie, our keeper, our new signing Hannah Shufflebotham broke away from her marker and coolly slotted past the Blues' keeper. Just when I thought we might make it to half -time without conceding again, on 43 minutes, another Blues' attack made it 1-4.

HALFTIME 1-4

Well, I had to give the pep talk of a lifetime here, otherwise this game would have disappeared out of sight. So, I had to move fast. I made a couple of changes and sent them back out with a new outlook.

As the game went on, we seemed to grow in confidence and start to get a foothold and force Blues back into their own half. On 70 minutes, Sarah MacManus scored from outside the box... could a fightback be on?

Still we pressed and, within six minutes, Sam Jones scored again to make it 3-4. By this time, Blues looked really rattled. We penned them back and started to cause them to make mistakes.

Then, when on 84 minutes Nat picked up the ball and jinked her way past two defenders to slot the equaliser into the bottom corner of the net, the Alty sidelines erupted. The fightback was complete! There was still time for more excitement when, in the last minute of the game, Nat again picked up the ball from a great pass through their midfield and she was off, one v. one with their keeper, could this be the winner? She took it round the keeper and rolled the ball goalwards only to see it trickle past the wrong side of the post; mind you, it was on her wrong foot so I will let her off!

FINAL SCORE 4-4

Squad: Rosie Emerson, Louise Edleston, Tasha Nolan, Gail Simpson, Nat Thornley, Brogan Walsh, Hannah Kibble, Heather Scott, Sam Jones, Hannah Shufflebotham, Jacqui Farrar, Lauren Thorneycroft, Sarah MacManus, Hayley Macardy, Caroline Moran, Melissa Cain

Scorers

The next game for the Ladies is v AFC Stockport on the 23rd Sept at Manor Farm, Ridgway Road, Timperley kick off 2pm, all welcome to come along and support.

Keith, Manager of Altrincham FC Ladies".

YANKEE

OLD BOYS

He only played one game for Alty and now "Chorley have transfer listed striker Steve Foster. Last season's Evo-Stik League Premier Division Player of the Season was told by the Mapgies that they were making him available for a move...

Manager Garry Flitcroft said, 'I spoke to Fozzie [Foster] after Saturday's game and told him I was making him available for transfer... I just feel it's time to freshen things up, which is why I've decided to make him available'. Since joining the Magpies from Salford City in February 2011, Foster has scored 32 goals in 65 appearances".

And two ex-Robins are in the news as "Leek Town manager Lee Casswell... has heard positive news from one of his current long-term casualties, midfielder Anthony Danylyk. He is now back in light training this week after suffering ankle ligament damage on the opening day of the season at Romulus. Danylyk will now step up his fitness regime and could be fit within two weeks for Leek’s next FA Cup game at home to Bridgnorth Town later this month... Up front, Caswell must be delighted with the addition of prolific marksman Peter Wright... Wright has hit the ground running since arriving. On his debut at Belper the striker netted in the 1-1 draw and he scored a Cup hat-trick on Saturday to become the club’s leading scorer".

BSBN NEWS

Meanwhile, Corby Town announce that "Subway® are one the world’s most well known brands with over 30000 outlets around the globe. Yet each Subway® is a franchise owned by an individual from the community and staffed by local people...

Sport has always been an important part of any neighbourhood, so Subway® decided to work with local football clubs, but in a different way. This would not be about putting the Subway® name on a shirt or taking an executive box, but by creating a way to invest in the young or the disadvantaged. So, in the 2012/13 season, all Subway® in the Corby area will be joining forces with Corby Town Football Club to bring in much-needed additional funding for our young footballers.

To do this, local Subway® stores in 62 Corporation Street, 13 Charter Court, 1 Princewood Road and Rockingham Park will donate some of their takings towards the club. Every time anyone buys one of a number of specially selected Subs, Subway® will give 10p to the club. And they’ll be doing that every single day of the entire 2012/13 football season! Look out for more details in your local Subway® and around the ground..

Corby Town chairman Kevin Ingram is equally enthusiastic. 'We’re so pleased that the... Subway® Stores will be donating money to our club. We’ll be using the funds for our academy teams from Under 8s to Under 18s. It will help us to purchase much needed kits, equipment and provide the best possible coaching to Corby children'".

NW NEWS

FA YOUTH CUP TONIGHT

FA CUP OPPONENTS

This time, Altrincham's opponents will be Shildon, a team we have never met before, who won 3-1, away at Durham City in the last round "thanks to Lee Chapman on 13 minutes and ex-Durham player Billy Greulich-Smith on 22 minutes. City pulled one back through substitute Jack Pounder on 61 minutes only to see it wiped out when Chris McCabe made it 3-1 to Shildon on 65 minutes. City then went down to 10 men for the last 10 minutes as the injured Jack Pounder was taken off the field of play...

Shildon - Finch, Hunter, Christensen, Clarkson (McCabe 65 mins), Flynn, Keegan, Hughes, Richmond, Greulich-Smith, Briggs (Naisbett 60 mins), Chapman (Garvie 50 mins).

Shildon provide directions to their ground. The club also reported back in August that "Shildon have finally got compensation from Darlington. In early May 2012, Darlington 1883 Football Club, who were without a ground at the time, agreed to play at Shildon AFC for the 2012/13 season and signed a contract accordingly with both parties agreeing amicable terms and conditions.

After a month of speculation and rumour, Darlington announced that they would be playing their matches at Heritage Park, the home of Bishop Auckland, for the next two seasons. Following lengthy negotiations between Darlington 1883 and Shildon AFC, both clubs have arrived at an amicable financial settlement, which provides appropriate compensation to Shildon following the termination of the ground share agreement.

Gareth Howe, Secretary of Shildon AFC commented, 'We are aware that comments have been made concerning the safety standards of our ground and we would like to reiterate that Dean Street has successfully passed FA & League inspections, and that two seasons ago we successfully hosted an FA Vase Quarter Final game, at which the crowd was in excess of 2,000 and at which there were no safety issues...

We pride ourselves on being a club that is very competitive and at the same time extends a very warm welcome to our visiting supporters and guests within the league and from elsewhere".

As well as the Northern League itself, Pitchero Non_league carried general Northern League news.

Last week, Pitchero reported that "Shildon hit the season’s highest score so far when they thrashed a poor South Shields 11-0 in a superb display of finishing at Dean Street in the Ebac Northern League First Division... The Railwaymen were 7-0 up before half time. Danny Richmond, Billy Greulich-Smith (2), Richard Flynn and Robbie Briggs all got on the scoresheet with some well-worked goals. In the second half, Hughes quickly completed his hat-trick and then Briggs scored the goal of the game from 25 yards, with Greulich-Smith pouncing for two more".

LAST SATURDAY

BSBN NEWS

Elsewhere, "Chris Plummer has urged Corby Town's players to use their first win of the season as a 'springboard' for the future. The Steelmen produced an impressive display to claim a fine 3-2 success at Workington... It came after five successive defeats, four of which had been heavy – a run that ended with Ian Sampson resigning as manager.

Plummer has taken over as caretaker-boss and the Steelmen responded in Cumbria... Plummer said, 'If we can keep the same team shape we had at the weekend then we will be okay. We went up there without a couple of key players, with one of those being Leon McKenzie who has an injury, but the lads who went out there did everything that was asked of them... The lads can hopefully start believing in themselves now'" he told the Northants Telegraph.

FA CUP 2QR DRAW

Wikipedia tells us, "Established in 1890, Shildon joined the North Eastern League in 1907 and have won the Northern League title five times in their history. They had a very successful history in the 1930s. In November 2003, Shildon reached the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in 42 years. However, they were beaten 7–2 on the day by Notts County.

Shildon's nickname is The Railwaymen after the wagon works that was the major employer in the town for many years. They are sometimes called by the nickname The Shells. Shildon play at Dean Street. Bishop Auckland also played at Dean Street for a couple of years along with the Shells, whilst building their new stadium".

YOUTH NEWS

In Sunday's NWYA Premier League game Altrincham FC Youth won 4-0 at Nantwich Town.

The next league game is away to Northwich Victoria on Sunday, 16 September k.o. 2.30pm @ The Field of Dreams, Tarvin CH3 8BH.

DAMIAN ANSWERS TRINITY

Reeves seemed set for a Football League move after firing 44 goals last term, but also spoke to Blue Square Bet rivals Trinity.

All talk of a transfer went on hold in late June when the 26-year old's girlfriend Lauren miscarried their first baby almost 6 months into pregnancy...

Reeves opted to re-sign for Alty on Tuesday night struck 4 goals in a 4-2 win at Gainsborough with Housham quoted saying, 'We went in for him in the summer and we though he kept us hanging on a bit. There were a couple of weeks we were waiting for him, which we could have spent talking to other players. It was only after that he put out a statement saying he would never leave Altrincham unless a League club came in'.

Reeves responded furiously on Twitter, then told The NLP 'I spoke with their assistant manager (Lee Warren) and chairman (Peter Swann) over the summer and they knew the situation.

I had more important things to worry about, and I’d also told them from the outset that I’d said to Altrincham I wouldn’t sign for another non-League club but would listen to what they had to say.

Financially I'd have been much better off, but in my situation it was much better for me to stay where people know me and once I'd made my decision, I phoned their chairman to tell him.

What's most disappointing is that the manager made his comments to the press but didn’t say anything to me when I was stood next to him on Tuesday'...

He added, 'I was three weeks behind in pre-season but I feel sharp again now and, hopefully, that's showing with my goals and the team’s last couple of results'".

NEXT GAME

Before that recent encounters had been:

Right: Alty's Gary Talbot receives his Man of the Match award from Neil Dawson after the goalless draw with BPA in August 2004.

So, in the last four matches at Moss Lane, there have been just two goals scored in total by the two sides!

Mike Garnett's statistics summarise the historical balance in games between the two clubs:

The Telegraph and Argus reports on BPA's last game, which ended Bradford Park Avenue 0, Brackley Town 1. It says, "Bradford Park Avenue suffered their second consecutive defeat but Blue Square Bet North leaders Brackley Town looked far from convincing yesterday. Avenue were left mightily frustrated as they bossed the game against the top side in their league but ended up with back-to-back home defeats.

Bradford boss John Deacey was left fuming as his side lost the game from a set-piece goal. Deacey said, 'I’m furious that we haven’t won the game, never mind anything else. We were on top for most of it and my keeper hasn’t had one save to make, apart from the goal. Once again it was from a set-piece and I’ve lost count of the number we have conceded that way this season. I wouldn’t mind but it was from a nothing free-kick. There was no foul, it was just a poor decision from the referee. But then we don’t react to the ball into box and allow their lad a free header.

They certainly didn’t look like a top-of-the-table side'...

Avenue had forced Billy Turley, Town’s keeper and skipper, into some good saves in that goalless first period... They began the second half in similar mode but were stunned by Town’s goal. Bradford continued to dominate possession and the corner count".

Bradford Park Avenue themselves report on "a narrow loss to fellow newcomers Brackley Town... John Deacey was able to recall Michael Duckworth from a virus, replacing Tom Greaves, who was joined by two players on the bench nearing full fitness; Matty James and Alex Davidson...

Bradford (Park Avenue): Deasy, Wakefield, Drury, Marshall, Knowles (Dempsey 81), Riley, Duckworth (James 64), O’Brien (Greaves 75), Holland, Deacey, Walker. Subs not used: Hume, Davidson".

The Argus also reports that "After the defeat to Brackley Town, Bradford (Park Avenue) manager John Deacey was angry... 'I’m a very cool man but not today. I’m a honest man and I think we should’ve won it. How many chances did we have? We had chances that you have to convert. That game should not have been lost'.

However, Deacey was frustrated with how the winning goal was conceded. 'We put them on the plate for people. That is six goals we have conceded from set plays. They didn’t create anything from open play, I can’t remember my goalkeeper making a save. I’m so annoyed, we have to learn quickly and grow up... We are doing well without key players. It’s a different story when we have Nathan Hotte, Adam Clayton, Jamie Jackson, Alex Davidson, Ross Daly and a fully fit Matty James. I don’t think there are many teams who are doing what we are doing'.

And "Bradford (Park Avenue) captain Rob O’Brien spoke to the club’s official website... 'It’s getting frustrating now, conceding from set pieces. As a team we are working hard, we have played good teams, but, we need to concentrate more at set pieces... and as an attacking force we need to score more goals'. Also, O’Brien is hopeful for several of the injured players to return to action next weekend, 'Hopefully we can get some players back. We have got influential players out of the team at the minute. The lads who have come in, have done a job, we are a strong squad'.

Ahead of their next game at Altrincham, the Avenue captain remains confident, despite suffering a second consecutive defeat. 'Altrincham will be a strong outfit. They have Reevesy (Damian Reeves) who used to be here and he is a force. We will approach it right and not fear anyone'".

BSBN NEWS

The Lions and Celtic were, however, unable to agree to a fee for the player, with the move now subject to a decision that will be made by the FA tribunal".

Meanwhile the Telegraph and Argus report is headed "Guiseley thumped after worst display of season: Chester FC 4, Guiseley 0...

No one could have predicted the outcome as Guiseley turned in their worst display of the season... Mills broke the deadlock in the fifth minute and doubled the home side’s lead midway through the half with a long-range effort. It was a well-struck shot but not one that should have troubled the normally safe hands of Guiseley keeper Steve Drench... Mills completed his hat-trick when he nodded home inside the area on the hour mark... Ian Howard wrapped up the scoring just over five minutes from time.

Guiseley spokesman Stuart Allen said, 'It was a bad day all round for us I’m afraid. We got what we deserved on the pitch and Rhys Meynell came off injured. Mills was a handful and we obviously couldn’t mark him - he is there on loan from Macclesfield Town. We gift-wrapped their goals for them... The players will have a week to stew on it. The lads would have preferred a game to try to get this out of their systems'".

Boston United inform us that they "have released defender Kern Miller. The 21-year-old centre-half, who started the Pilgrims’ first six league games of the season, was omitted from the travelling party to Colwyn Bay on Saturday and was officially released on Sunday morning. Speaking to bufc.co.uk, manager Jason Lee said, 'I need to free up some funds to manoeuvre in the transfer market'".

Still in Yorkshire, Harrogate Town report that "The home match against Bishop’s Stortford, that was supposed to be played in the 1st September has now been rearranged for the 25th September".

Alty's next away league game is at Bishop's Stortford. Their last opponents, Vauxhall Motors, report that "Influential midfielder Michael Burns scored a 76th penalty to earn Motors a much needed point at Bishop’s Stortford. The Motormen took the lead after just 9 minutes when a defensive mix-up forced Stortford keeper Luke Chambers into a parried save which landed at the feet of on-loan striker Dan Parkinson, who tapped the ball home from close range.

Stortford got themselves back into the game on 41 minutes when a corner into the box resulted in a goal mouth scramble however the ball eventually fell to on-loan right back Anthony Sinclair-Furlonge who forced the ball over the line from two yards out. The home side then took the lead 3 minutes later...

[Motors] went in search of the equaliser. They had to wait until the 76th minute when they were awarded a penalty... Immediately after the penalty kick, Stortford keeper Luke Chambers was shown a straight red card when his frustrations got the better of him and he hurled the ball at Craig Mahon. Stortford defender Phil Anderson had to take over in goal for the hosts as they defended for their lives in the final stages and clung on to claim a share of the spoils".

CHESHIRE NEWS

The chairman of Loughborough Dynamo, Frank Fall, said "No other clubs are responsible for this situation and it would be ideal if Northwich organised a repayment of all the money to the League themselves and didn't hide behind the law".

OXFORD CITY 2 ALTRINCHAM 2

Above: Alty fans celebrate as Damian Reeves nets the first of two penalties at Oxford City.

Alty played some good football in the first half but only took the lead shortly before the break when Reeves was brought down by Wilmott as he was about to shoot from close range. Reeves converted the penalty and Wilmott was sent off...

Oxford City say that "Oxford City battled to a 2-2 draw with Altrincham. A lively game in warm temperatures saw both sides start well... Altrincham forced City 'keeper Warren Carter into several good saves, Nicholas Clee in particular impressing for the visitors.

As the half wore on City were beginning to see more of the ball but on 40 minutes Chris Wilmott was adjudged to have brought down a player inside of the box and was shown a straight red card, Alty scored from the resulting penalty with hotshot Damien Reeves firing home from the spot.

City came out for the second half with Mike Ford's words still ringing in their ears and on 50 minutes they found themselves level when a through ball from Felipe Barcelos set up Declan Benjamin who finished well low and to the right of Stuart Coburn in the Altrincham goal.

City weren't finished and from the centre regained possession and the ball fell to Steve Basham whose precise shot from 20 yards beat the goalkeeper to give the 10 men of City a 2-1 lead.

Altrincham again found themselves back in the game at 2-2 and it was again Reeves from the penalty spot after Paul Stonehouse had given away the spot kick.

Altrincham went for it once again, Warren Carter pulled off a spectacular save at full stretch and Wayne Blossom had to be alert to clear off the goalline..."

STUART'S RECORD ABOUT TO GO

YESTERDAY'S GATES

OLD BOYS IN FA CUP

The draw for the FA Cup Second QR is on Monday with prize money of £4,500 at stake. Altrincham enter the competition at this stage.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

SATURDAY FIXTURES

ALTY AT OXFORD CITY

As usual, there are two ways to keep up to date with the match against Oxford City if you are unable to attend.

Brian Flynn writes, "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, will be broadcasting live coverage of the game. The match commentary is sponsored by Odin Technology who are industry experts in the delivery of test automation solutions through their Axe platform to clients in the US, Africa, Australia, Europe and India.

Odin won the 'Your Stand' draw made by goalkeeper Stuart Coburn after last Saturday's 5-0 defeat of Histon. This provides naming rights for the Golf Road End for the season and it will be known as 'The Odin Stand'. You can find out all about Odin on their website.

The match commentators are Laurence Howarth and Brian Flynn with match summaries from Ian Wilkinson. Commentary begins at 2.55pm. You can listen to Radio Robins here.

According to the Oxford Mail "Oxford City boss Mike Ford has no intention of letting his players rest on their laurels following their excellent start to the campaign, writes Michael Knox. City trounced Boston 4-2 at Court Place Farm on Tuesday night to move up to seventh.

'I’m absolutely delighted how we’ve started', said Ford. 'I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive before the season, especially with a difficult start. So to be in seventh and having reached double-figure points after six games is fantastic'.

But ahead of tomorrow’s game at home to a once-famous non-league club Altrincham, Ford warned, 'There can be no let-up. We’ve got to maintain our intensity and make the most of having two home games in a row'.

Altrincham, who sit a place below City, have a dangerous striker in Damian Reeves, who scored all four goals in their 4-2 win at Gainsborough. Ford said, 'Altrincham play entertaining football with plenty of goals, a bit like us'. Declan Benjamin returns to the squad following a two-week holiday, while there’s a slight injury doubt about Andy Ballard, who suffered a knock on an ankle against Boston.

'I won’t name the side until I get back from my regular Saturday morning run', said Ford...

Oxford City (v Altrincham, home): from Carter, Pond, Learoyd, Malone, Willmott, Mills, Ballard, Isaac, Sharif, Cook, Stonehouse, Skendi, Basham, Barcelos, Gunn, Blossom, Benjamin."

Altrincham Mad says that "Altrincham face a trip to Oxford City at Court Place Farm on Saturday afternoon, for the first time in their history, and will be hoping to give their new opponents the runaround... Oxford City have been playing quite well at home, winning 3, drawing 2, and losing just 1... Altrincham have an average recent record on the road, winning and losing 3 each of the last six games...

FootyMad's prediction: a creditable return from recent away games for Robins could well see them head back from Court Place Farm with a share of the spoils, thinks the FootyMad panel. No-score draw".

If they are right it would be quite remarkable as Alty have not played a goalless draw since February 2011.

OLD BOYS

WFM PODCAST

BSBN NEWS

Gloucester City have also issued a "Club statement following Tuesday’s planning meeting. Having reflected on the events of Tuesday evening’s Planning Committee the Club wishes to make the following statement:

Although it is frustrating that the Planning Committee did not feel able to resolve to grant Outline Planning Permission, they made clear that they remain very supportive of the Club’s efforts to bring the Tigers back to Meadow Park at the earliest possible time. In addition to the "minded to permit" resolution that was agreed, the Planning Committee resolved that a Technical Working Group be established whose remit is to address and finalise the outstanding issues at the earliest possible time.

The Club will be carefully considering the extent of work required to be undertaken and, once we have established what that involves, we will then be able to decide what the best course of action is to progress matters further. We will publish a further update at the end of September'".

The Conference reports that "Hinckley United have signed young defender Ashley Palmer, who was released by Scunthorpe United at the end of last season. Palmer originally progressed through the Barnsley youth ranks but was released in February 2009 and signed for Scunthorpe where he became youth team captain. He signed his first professional contract in June 2010 on a one-year deal and made his senior debut in August 2011... He had loan spells in the Conference Premier with Southport in January 2012 and then Hinckley`s league rivals Harrogate Town towards the end of last season".

Hinckley United themselves report that "Manager Deam Thomas has agreed to provide a weekly run down on events with the first team.

[He said,] 'Not for the first time this season there have been comings and goings on the player front this week. Obi Anoruo has joined us on a month's loan from Barrow FC. Obi's a 21 year old striker who I'm sure can help players like Danny and Aron in producing the goals that our second half performance at Stalybridge warranted. Another arrival is Ashley Palmer (19). He's a 6'2" centre half who has been on Scunthorpe's books...

Unfortunately, with arrivals come the inevitable departures, and I'd to thank both Mark Dudley and Danny Campbell for their efforts for the team... On the injury front I'm now aware that Phil Green will be out for the rest of the season. He's expecting an operation in the next three weeks to put things right but again... Ben Richards-Everton will also be out for 4-6 weeks after breaking his toe'".

Meanwhile, the NW Evening Mail confirms that "striker Obi Anoruo has joined Hinckley United on a one-month loan deal... until October 6 to gain match fitness. Anoruo, who was signed in the summer following his release by Wrexham, has yet to start a Blue Square Bet Premier game for Barrow and has made just two substitute appearances".

Pitchero Non-League informs us that "Gainsborough Trinity have signed former Burnley striker Dominic Knowles. Knowles has been battling for a contract with York City after being released by the Championship outfit at the end of last season, and impressed Minstermen boss Gary Mills. owever, Mills decided against offering Knowles a contract and instead he has signed for Trinity".

In Cumbria, the Times & Star reports that "Jake Simpson has quit Workington Reds for Kendal Town after the Northern Premier League side promised him first-team football. Town boss Lee Ashcroft put seven days' notice on Simpson last week and the winger agreed personal terms...

Simpson, the son of ex-Carlisle United manager Paul, who led the Cumbrians to back-to-back promotions, will continue to train with Workington, said boss Darren Edmondson. Simpson put pen to paper on a deal with Kendal on Wednesday, ending his year-long stint at Borough Park.

Edmondson, whose side welcome Corby Town tomorrow, said he understood Simpson’s decision to leave, and added, 'Jake made it perfectly clear that he wanted first-team football. I cannot guarantee that because we have a number of players who can play in the same position and, unfortunately for Jake, some of them are ahead of him at the minute. Jake was getting frustrated, and it will do him good to get out and show what he can do on a regular basis... Ties have not been completely cut'.

André da Costa will continue on the left wing as Edmondson aims to keep the Portuguese flier for at least another month. The 40-year-old was yesterday locked in talks with Macclesfield Town about the future of Costa and club-mate James Bolton. He was also speaking with Tranmere about Will Vaulks. All three are due to return to their parent clubs after next weekend’s trip to Brackley".

In the Burnley Express we read that "Clarets' teenager Alex Coleman has secured a loan move to Droylsden. Coleman has joined the Bloods on a month-long dea... The move to the Butchers Arms will give the 18-year-old central defender, who signed his first professional contract at Turf Moor at the end of last season, a first taste of competitive senior action".

OLD FOES

NEXT GAME

And for those wishing to see the ground and the last match on it, the Oxbox TV has video highlights of Oxford City's 4-2 win over Boston United on Tuesday night.

Right: Alty's loan signing, midfielder Jake Moult, gets to grips with a Histon opponent last Saturday.

Details of the TASC supporters' coach arrangements for the game at Oxford City are on the Away Travel page, where you will also find a link to a map of the stadium locality. To book your place on the coach, please ring the club on 0161 928-1045 as soon as possible.

"LIKE A BUNCH OF GIRLS"

Housham described the performance as 'rubbish' and likened it to 'watching a bunch of girls'.

They were harsh words for a team which reached the play-off final last season, but according to Housham, Tuesday's first half display deserved nothing less. 'I have never said it before, but we performed like a bunch of girls in the first half', said Housham.

'We were rubbish. There was no bite and no hunger. Managers all over the country take the blame for their team's poor displays and I will take the blame for this one, because I picked the team. But you just cannot control things once they cross that white line. We gave them their instructions, but what we saw was nothing like what we asked of them. I felt sorry for the fans. They had to wait for an hour because there was a floodlight failure but, when we did get under way, our players still appeared to be playing in the dark'.

The Altrincham player causing most of the damage was Trinity's summer transfer target Damian Reeves (left), who scored all four of his side's goals. And the frustrations of missing out on last season's Blue Square Bet North leading scorer was not lost on Housham.

'The difference between the two sides was they have a very good, confident strike force', he added. 'They started on fire. Reeves probably had a point to prove and he did it very well. We never got anywhere near him. We handed it to him on a plate. We went for him in the summer and we thought he kept us hanging on a bit. There were a couple of weeks we were waiting for him, which we could have spent talking to other players.

It was only after that he put out a statement saying he would never leave Atrincham unless a League club came in for him. But that is Altincham's gain and our loss'.

Housham's tough words brought about an improvement in the second half with goals from Darryn Stamp and Shane Clarke reducing the deficit. But with unbeaten Worcester City the visitors to the Northolme on Saturday (3pm) the improvement will have to continue...

Housham added, 'I thought they were the best team in the division last season and they have started well. I want a reaction from the players... but there are a few bruised egos and a few

However, This is Lincs adds that "One of the bright lights of an otherwise dismal start to the season for Gainsborough Trinity has been the form of new signing Josh Wilde. The former Sheffield Wednesday Academy full-back has started well... culminating in a man of the match performance against Altrincham on Tuesday evening...

Wilde's performance, in keeping quiet one of the division's hottest prospects in Duncan Watmore, has brought high praise from his new employers...

Said Trinity boss Steve Housham... 'Josh was the man of the match on Tuesday evening and we thought he did very well in what was obviously a difficult game'...

'The first half on Tuesday was a disgrace', said Wilde. 'We knew how bad we were in the first half and if we didn't, Housh (Steve Housham) told us so'... Wilde was brought in from Buxton during the summer and played a big part in the Blues' unbeaten pre-season campaign... It is early in the season and I am convinced this squad can still push for the play-offs... We have an awesome squad here and there is plenty more to come'". >

PLAN AHEAD

The Highways Agency plans to make it easier and safer for drivers to get on to the M56 from the southbound carriageway of the M6. Most of the work will take place around J20 on the M6, a mile north of the Lymm interchange".

BSBN NEWS

The Tigers have been using Cheltenham's Whaddon Road most recently, but they have also made use of Cirencester Town's Corinium Stadium and Forest Green Rovers' New Lawn Stadium. The Blue Square Bet North outfit were hoping for positive news in Tuesday's planning meeting, but there was sadly no cause for celebration at the close of the gathering at the North Warehouse in the Docks.

Councillor Mary Smith said, 'We would be completely irresponsible if we approved this. We have to take the emotion out of this and look at it in a planning way. I have a great deal of sympathy for the club but we don't have the right to give them the green light'. Councillor Andy Lewis said, 'This doesn't just affect the club, it affects the whole city. But there is still a long way to go, we can't accept this as it is. We need to know if we will be doing harm or not should we approve it'...

Club chairman Nigel Hughes...told The Citizen, 'It is very disappointing. We feel a bit let down by the council to be honest. They have helped us a lot in the past, but we have done everything they have asked and still it is not enough... This will kill us if it drags on'".

And Gloucester City add that they "are delighted to announce manager Dave Mehew has signed a two-year contract to stay at the club. The Gaffer, known to all at the club as Boris, agreed to the new deal earlier this week.

Chairman Nigel Hughes said...'We are lucky to have a manager who has improved our league position every year since he joined us. Along with his assistant manager Adie Harris and first team coach Neil Mustoe, Dave has steered our club on course, exceeding expectations at a time when we are playing outside the City'...

. 'I’m happy here at Gloucester' [the manager] said. 'We are in a false league position at the moment and I know I have put together my strongest squad, we have just been crippled by injuries. Hopefully now that is settling down we can kick on. I have only been manager while we’ve been playing outside of Gloucester and all credit to the club, it hasn’t been a great start to the season but they have shown commitment. It is now up to me and to the players to step up and start grinding out some results...

He said, 'We have some great youngsters coming through in Lidds (Matt Liddiard) and Joe (Joe Parker) but also with Adam Mann and Sam Rawlings, they are the future of the club'".

ALL ABOARD!

OXFORD CITY: SAME NAMES BUT DIFFERENT FACES - AND SOME FAMILIAR FACES, TOO

On the pitch, like Brackley Town, City include several well-known non-League faces. However, they have difficulty attracting large gates; just 203 watched their last home game. Some of the familiar names to Alty fans who are now at Oxford City are Paul Stonehouse, the ex-FGR, Bath City and Mansfield Town full-back; Steve Basham, a former Oxford United, Luton Town, Hayes & Yeading and Brackley Town striker; fellow striker Jamie Cook has played for Oxford United, Crawley Town, Boston United and Bath City, while Chris Willmott is an ex-Oxford Utd and Brackley player.

News of their last game comes from the Oxford Mail. "Oxford City secured their first home win of the season with a 4-2 triumph over Boston United at Court Place Farm on Tuesday night. Mike Ford’s men got off to a cracking start as they went ahead with the match just three minutes old. Jack Mills’s free-kick found Andy Gunn, who headed home... The visitors went 2-1 up in the 18th minute... City made sure of the points late on..."

Oxford City's squad at home for the above game comprised Warren Carter, Jack Mills, Paul Stonehouse, Andy Ballard, Andrew Gunn, Chris Willmott, Darren Pond, Liam Malone, Nabil Shariff, Steve Basham, Jamie Cook, Wayne Blossom, Adam Learoyd, Felipe Barcelos, Albi Skendi, Kynon Issac.

RESULTS

BSBN GATES

THROUGH THE YEARS

GAINSBOROUGH VIEWPOINT

The kick-off was delayed for an hour because of the failure of the floodlights on the Carlisle Street side of the ground... but an electrician was able to fix the problem before the stipulated deadline.

It took just three minutes for the visitors to take the lead, with Reeves running onto an intelligent through ball and shooting past Trinity keeper Jan Budtz, who got a touch but couldn’t prevent the goal. Alty’s second arrived on 23 minutes, when Nicky Clee played a short corner to James Lawrie on the edge of the area, he cheekily backheeled and Reeves was on hand to tap it in from two yards.

Lawrie was the creator of the third too. He twisted and turned in the Trinity area before feeding Reeves who once again scored from close range. And it got even worse for Housham in the 36th minute when the four goal arrived. A penalty was awarded for a handball by a Trinity defender, Reeves took the spot-kick and scored from the rebound after Budtz had blocked his first poorly struck effort.

Rather than sending his men out on a damage limitation exercise after the break, Housham brought on Darryn Stamp for Jamie Yates and Danny Hone, making his Trinity début, replaced Greg Young in defence as the Blues switched to a 4-3-3 formation...

Bradley Barraclough, on the right of the Altrincham area, seemed at first to step on the ball, but recovered well and crossed for Stamp to nod home. In the 74th minute, a cross-cum-shot by Dom Roma was punched by Stuart Coburn straight to Shane Clarke at the edge of the area, and the Trinity midfielder made no mistake as he rifled his shot into the roof of the net.

Throughout the match there were chances galore for both sides, as play swung constantly from end to end. Trinity produced some fairly neat approach work but were seriously disadvantaged by the lack of a poacher like Reeves. Lawrie and Clee both hit the post for Altrincham, and for Trinity a Hawkridge shot rebounded off the woodwork in injury time".

THE "SAFETY" IN SAFETY OFFICER

The ‘Safety’ in Safety Officer.

"I just wanted everyone to know that I went home both upset and disappointed from our last home game – against Chester. It goes without saying that I was disappointed with the score, I believe we lost 2-4, but I only saw about five minutes of the game at the most. I was also disappointed and upset that, despite all my efforts, two people ended up in hospital and some of the stewards were subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse from our own fans.

My work regarding the Chester game started as the fixture list came out in July, I met with the Chairman, discussing with him the games we thought we needed to prioritise – the match against Chester being one of those identified. I then contacted the police making them aware of our concerns. It also became apparent that quite a few of our regular stewards would be unavailable for this match due to work and family commitments so I made contact with Chester to ask them for assistance from their stewards. They agreed to send 10.

As part of my preparation I have to prepare a ‘risk assessment’ for each game, which reflects all aspects of safety round the ground, and the one prepared for our game against Chester was sent to their request to GM Police Special Events Team.

In the end all my planning could not have prepared me for what happened. A lot of Altrincham fans were asking why Chester fans were allowed in our end, the ones heard chanting were not wearing any club colours, they were not known to the turnstile operators or the stewards from either club, but as there were no other matches nearby they could have been just a group of fans looking for a match to go to, so we didn’t have any reason to stop them. We also have no way of stopping fans from either club coming from the stand to use the toilets and the snack bar at the Golf Road end of the ground.

As soon as word got to the stewards that a group of Chester fans were chanting, stewards were dispatched to remove them, unfortunately the situation escalated before they got there. The police were called immediately.

There have been questions about why the police weren’t there from the start, I did everything I could to make sure they were aware of the potential risks there were with regard to the game, I don’t know why they didn’t feel the need to attend, as they have done on other occasions recently.

I have always been very proud to be an Altrincham fan, proud to be part of a club that prides itself on the behaviour of its fans both home and away. The stewards do the job they do to help the club, so it is upsetting when our own fans turn their anger on us, and hinder us doing our job rather than helping.

As the club Safety Officer I take that key word ‘safety’ very seriously, I have to be conscious of the safety of everyone in the ground, that is both sets of fans, the players and officials, guests and the stewards. I hope we can work together so that what happened last week does not happen again. If anyone wants to talk to me or the Chief Steward about what the stewards do, please contact the club and we will meet you before or after a game.

Thank You

Allison Lewis (Safety Officer).

BSBN NEWS

Chester boss Neil Young rates the midfielder, 'He's a hard working lad, with plenty of skill, and can certainly play a key part in the Blue Square North'. Young also confirmed that centre half Michael Taylor has gone on loan to Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division side AFC Fylde for a six-week period. Taylor, who has featured occasionally so far this season, moves to the Lancashire club on loan with the Blues able to use the recall clause in the first 28 days if cover is needed.

On the move, Young said, 'Obviously Michael wants to play regular football, and competition is stiff at present, and it's not often that a centre half comes on from the bench, so the move will suit both parties as Michael can get games with Fylde and keep his match fitness up'".

BSBN tells us that "Corby Town have recruited centre-back Stefan Galinski on a one-month loan from Derby County. The 19-year-old, who has represented Poland at youth level... is a former Rams' youth-team captain".

Elsewhere, "Boston United duo Tom Ward and Joe French have come out in support for under-fire Pilgrims boss Jason Lee. Pressure is mounting on Lee following his team's fourth straight defeat on Tuesday night, a 4-2 reverse at Oxford City. Ward and French, however, maintain Lee is not the problem at York Street, with the pair defending the ex-Nottingham Forest striker on social networking site Twitter.

Defender Ward wrote, 'Gutted to see the gaffa getting agro. He's doing everything right! Players must deliever!!!... Winger French wrote, 'Jason Lee is the best manager I have ever had, and I have all the respect in the world for him. We all need to stick together'".

Meanwhile, the BSBN adds that "Gloucester City's hopes of returning to the city have been put on hold after planners deferred a decision on planning permission for a redevelopment of their old home, citing concerns over traffic and potential flooding to nearby homes".

The Worcester News reports that "There have been times when Worcester City's home form has been the subject of derision and criticism. Times not so long ago when they couldn’t buy a win on home soil and barely 500 people were prepared to show their faces inside St George’s Lane on a Saturday afternoon.

But not any more. Now the team is flying high in Blue Square Bet North and last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Colwyn Bay meant City had won their first three home games of a league campaign for the first time in 10 years. That’s not a bad statistic and should not be allowed to go unnoticed.

To coin a horrible cliche, the Lane is becoming something of a fortress. For now, at least, Carl Heeley’s team are difficult to beat on their own turf. The fans have also returned, with 832 turning up at the weekend and 783 and 768 for the previous league triumphs against Corby Town and Bishop’s Stortford.

But City want more through the turnstiles. Indeed, they expect more, especially as it is the last ever season at their century-old ground. They appear to have reached a stage where they have established a core support of around 750 but increasing that number is proving increasingly tricky...

Chairman Anthony Hampson [said]... 'I am very pleased with the overall performance of the team, it’s a considerable improvement on last season but I was slightly disappointed with the gate last Saturday', he said. '832 is almost an average game at the Lane and we have put a lot of work and effort into building the club back up. I sincerely hope that the people of Worcester understand that and will come out and support the club in our last season at St George’s Lane. We haven’t lost a game in the league at home, it’s the highest we’ve been on a consistent basis since I’ve been chairman and I’m hoping that more people will come and support the club'...

The City chief added, 'It’s a long way to come from Colwyn Bay and I understand that they don’t have a big fan base. I think when we play the more local derbies I am hoping for nearer 1,000 as a target for the club in our home games... Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner have done a tremendous job in mentoring the younger players and also providing the older players with the inspiration and support to play for Worcester City'".

NW NEWS

'It can't go on with gates of 700. I'll have to move (players on) because Barrow is a business, not just on the football park, and gates are down. The only way I can see us getting through it is if the fans will help us to get through this period, which I'm sure they will'. Barrow are by no means alone in suffering with small gates early in the season. The Bulls' total last night was substantially under the reported 2,400 break-even figure, while Lincoln's attendance was barely half the 3,000 their Directors are reported to be seeking.

Even leaders Forest Green haven't seen success bring the fans through the doors. Their average is down around 10% on last term, while big spending Mansfield have barely attracted 2,000 fans through the gates since their slow start".

GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 2 ALTRINCHAM 4

Right: As the players waited for the floodlights to be fixed at Gainsborough, Alty's James Lawrie amused his team mates with a new way of wearing his shorts.

ALTY TOP THE TABLE!

Damian Reeves's four goals last night take his tally to 9 for the season. He has now netted 72 times in 85(+12) games for the Robins. Assuming he plays in each game for Alty in the coming weeks, his 100th appearance for the club will be at Bishop's Stortford on 29 September.

TRIVIA

A few years back Altrincham were involved in a similar floodlight failure episode to that endured at Gainsborough last night. That was back in December 2006 on a Tuesday night trip to Essex to play Grays Athletic. That game was delayed by 45 minutes until the lights were restored. Although Mr Stretton's catalogue of games includes an Altrincham away match at Grays, that was in 2008.

TUESDAY SCORES

YANKEE WINNERS

BSBN NEWS

Restaurant boss Omar Khan and former Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe, who were unveiled to fans on the pitch before the side's Super League home clash against Hull FC on Saturday, spoke of their vision of transforming the stadium into a go-to 'destination' with concerts, a cafe and museum, and revealed plans for a possible groundshare with bidding rivals Bradford Park Avenue...

Bradford South Labour MP Mr Sutcliffe said he wanted Odsal to be used 'seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. We want it to be a place of inspiration. A place for people to go "wow"'. And Mr Khan, who is believed to have bought the club for £150,000, with a further £100,000 due in 2015, added, 'Our vision is for Odsal to become a proper sporting village, and I guarantee you, in the long-term, we will achieve it'.

Mr Sutcliffe, who is honorary chairman of Mr Khan’s OK Bulls Limited, said the pair would be working with partners to achieve their dream at Odsal, with a plan to invest between £5-6 million at the site over three years. He revealed how he and Mr Khan plan to hold talks Bradford University and Bradford College to discuss hosting sports academies, Bradford Council about using the ground’s classrooms – and say they hope to arrange a meeting with bosses at Bradford Park Avenue about sharing a ground at Odsal.

'Park Avenue was also bidding for the for club, so we know they have an interest in Odsal', Mr Sutcliffe said. 'At the moment, nothing’s ruled in and nothing’s ruled out. We’d like to see a cafe open there every day, we want it to be a place where people visit even when there’s no match on. There’s definitely potential for a museum. Odsal’s within an hour of eight million people. We want to turn it into a destination'.

But the MP admitted it could take around two years to get the club back to a position of financial stability... The Rugby Football League is expected to hold a mini-round of licensing in the next week, where it will consider bids from the leading Championship clubs and Bradford as to who is best suited to being the 14th Super League club next season".

The Football Conference confirms that "Daniel Johnson originally joined Harrogate Town on trial but has now signed until the end of the season, now that international clearance has been received following a spell in Spain. Originally a junior with Middlesbrough... [and] Hartleppol United, a spell over in Spain with Real Murcia then followed... Back in England, Johnson had a trial with Rochdale before linking up with Harrogate."

BSBN reports that "Ex-Corby Town manager Ian Sampson says his deteriorating relationship with club chairman Kevin Ingram prompted his exit at Steel Park...

'I never had any intention of resigning after the game', Sampson said in the Northamptonshire Telegraph. 'I was, like everyone else, very disappointed with the result and with the start we had made to the season in general. I had put plans in place to try to resolve some of the problems and I understand that one of those moves for a lad from Derby is still going ahead. But what I must say is the relationship with the chairman was slowly deteriorating from after the Brackley game (which the Steelmen lost 4-0).

I had a conversation with him after that game and there were disagreements over certain players. But we got on with it for the next game. After the Bradford game I would say there was more of a confrontation in the manager's office and I felt that he put me and some of my staff in a very awkward position when he started asking them for their opinion. That was something I took umbrage with. I would say that it was more of a relationship breakdown than anything else. It was nothing to do with results.

It is very frustrating because Corby is a good little club. There are lots of people in there who work tirelessly for nothing like so many do at non-League clubs. But I felt my relationship with the chairman was only going one way. He obviously has his own way of working and I just couldn't work for him'".

Elsewhere, "Workington AFC manager Darren Edmondson is wary of heaping undue pressure on loan sensation Andre da Costa. The midfielder has shone since arriving from Macclesfield last month, with his quick feet earning a penalty in a 3-1 defeat of Boston United on Saturday.

'Andre is still learning the game which, at this level, is really difficult', Edmondson said in the Times and Star... 'Andre has got stacks of ability, but he needs to learn when to pressure defenders, and when to drop off, but that's why he's with us. If he wasn't learning then he wouldn't be here'... Da Costa penned a one-month deal with the Reds."

"Bedford Town have signed Jamie Grimes on dual-registration with Brackley Town. Grimes was on the books at Swansea City for a two-year period. The centre-half has also played for Forest Green Rovers and Redditch United".

Alty travel to Oxford City on Saturday where "Captain Wayne Blossom is named in Oxford City’s squad for the first time this season for the clash with Boston United at Court Place Farm tonight [Tuesday]. The influential centre back has been sidelined with hamstring trouble. But in a bid to get back to match fitness, under a dual registration, he played for Witney Town on Saturday... And now he comes into City’s squad.

Manager Mike Ford said, 'I have had a chat with the Witney people and Bloss is an Oxford City player but, obviously, from the outside it might look as if he has signed for them. It was only a temporary thing to get him fit'... Chris Willmott and Adam Learoyd were at the centre of defence on Saturday, but Blossom and Andy Gunn provide him with alternatives. 'Chris Willmott was magnificent (against Halifax) and I want the person alongside him to raise their standards', he added" in the Oxford Mail.

Closer to home, Neil Young, manager of Chester FC, has confirmed that he is ready to send out-of-favour forward Adam Proudlock out on loan. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday frontman is attracting interest from clubs in the Blue Square Bet Premier. Young said, 'Adam is available for loan. I haven’t got the option to put lads who haven’t been playing straight into the team because we’ve got to win games of football. Now I’m not saying we wouldn’t win if they were playing but it wouldn’t be fair on them to thrust them into a game in front of 3,000 people when they’re not up to speed'", he told the Chester Chronicle.

MONDAY'S GAME

GAINSBOROUGH GAME

Brian Flynn writes, "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, will be broadcasting live coverage of Tuesday night's game at Gainsborough. The match commentary is sponsored by Terry Surridge and Team Manchester Weightlifting Club.

Team Manchester Weighlifting Club is based at Wright Robinson College in Gorton and welcomes newcomers of all ages. If you are interested in joining, or would like to find out more about the club, call Terry Surridge (Head Coach) on 07847 162726.

The match commentators are Tim Ainsworth and Brian Flynn with match summaries from Ian Wilkinson and the commentary begins at 7.40pm. You can listen to Radio Robins here.

Before Tuesday's trip to The Northolme, Mike Garnett's statistics detail the previous encounters between Altrincham and Gainsborough Trinity...

The Altrincham Mad site previews "Gainsborough Trinity v Altrincham, 4 Sep 2012... The most recent encounter between these two sides at The Northolme was less than a year ago, in January 2012, with Gainsborough Trinity running out comfortable 2 - 0 winners in a Conference North match.

Recent encounters between the teams:

Gainsborough Trinity need to improve on their recent home record of just 3 draws from the previous six... Altrincham's away form is none too clever either, winning and losing 3 each of the last six games... Gainsborough Trinity find themselves struggling down in 16th position... Altrincham's... lie inside the top half of the table, in 10th position... FootyMad's prediction ... Altrincham are not doing too bad[ly] on their travels, and we think they should continue by carving out a narrow victory at Gainsborough Trinity. Away win.

Sequence statistics... Gainsborough Trinity: Failed to win in previous 6 home matches. Altrincham: 7 games since last away draw".

News of Trinity comes from their last opponents, Vauxhall Motors, who lost 1-2 to Gainsborough Trinity. "Motors will be disappointed not to have got anything out of this game as Gainsborough Trinity recorded their first victory of the season at Rivacre Park. Trinity took an early lead when defender Luke Waterfall's header was deflected by the unfortunate Chris Noone and away from the diving Zac Jones to give the Blues a 1-0 lead after just 4 minutes.

Just 6 minutes later, Motors were back on level terms when James Ellison's shot towards goal was well saved by Jan Budtz however Tom Rutter, making his first start for Motors, followed up with a fine strike just inside the area which beat the Trinity keeper... The winning goal was scored on 63 minutes when winger Terry Hawkridge whipped in a free-kick and Paul Connor found the back of the net with a stooping header from close range".

MANY THANKS

AWAY SHIRTS AVAILABLE

SALFORD CITY RADIO

"NOT MUCH BETTER THAN US"

'It was one of those days', said Greene. 'For the first 25 minutes we were more than in the game. We conceded the first goal and it all fell apart from there... Then we gifted them a second goal and it ended up being like the Boston game. We’re struggling for consistency at the moment. Apart from Guiseley, none of the teams we’ve played have been that much better than us'...

But it was after the second and third goals when it all fell apart and Greene bemoaned the players' lack of fight in the second half as Altrincham continued to run riot... 'We can’t just go one or two goals down and stop doing the basics right and give away more goals', said Greene. 'When you’ve gone 3-0 down you’ve got to make sure it stays that way. We can’t keep losing 5-0 or 6-0. When there’s only 20 minutes to go sometimes you have to accept that you’ve lost the game but keep working hard to make sure you don’t concede any more goals'.

New signings Junior Konadu, who played for Greene at St Neots, and Harry Agombar both started the match, but the Macclesfield loanees had mixed fortunes. Greene was impressed with Konadu playing just behind Kaine Sheppard, but felt Agombar did not get the chance to impress given the paucity of service out wide".

BSBN NEWS

Oxford City: Carter, Pond, Learoyd, Malone, Willmott, Mills, Ballard, Isaac (Skendi 45), Sharif (Basham 65), Cook (Barcelos 52), Stonehouse. Sub not used: Gunn".

In the North Wales Weekly News, we learn that "Colwyn Bay will continue with 19-year-old Dominic Comrie in goal when they take on league leaders Guiseley... on Tuesday night. Although Comrie got a red card on his debut at Worcester last Saturday, his suspension doesn't come into force until a week on Saturday. With first choice keeper Chris Sanna still not fully recovered from the severe concussion he suffered at Chester over the bank holiday weekend, player-boss Jon Newby has little option but to stick with the ex-Preston youth team player.

It is hoped Sanna will be okay to return against Boston next Saturday. The Seagulls are also without striker Rob Hopley, who pulled a groin muscle at Worcester, and Newby will make a late decision on who comes in to replace him. After having to play for over an hour with 10 men at Worcester, Newby added, 'We have got a few tired legs and may look at one or two changes because of that and also to try and combat the way Guiseley play'.

Guiseley, who are Jon Newby's tip to finish the season as champions, have made a flying start to the campaign with five wins out of five".

From BSBN we learn that "Corby Town striker Leon McKenzie remains committed to the club despite manager Ian Sampson's departure... Assistant-manager Chris Plummer has the unenviable task of taking charge... McKenzie, who has a long-standing relationship with Sampson dating back to their time at Northampton Town, is sad to see his ex-boss leave...

'I am really disappointed,', McKenzie told the Northampshire Telegraph. 'I don't blame Sammo. It is individual mistakes that have really been affecting us and, from a defensive point of view, we have not been good enough. You can't conceded 18 goals in five games. We have scored four at home this time so effectively, at worse case, we should be drawing and if that happens he doesn't resign. Unfortunately, there were some differences behind closed doors between the chairman and Sammo. I know him and for him to do that, obviously he doesn't agree with something. But whatever has been said, has been said. That is their business.

He added, 'This is not about Leon McKenzie. My career is done in that respect... There are players here who have the ability to do well but it comes down to mind and matter and I think they are being effected confidence wise and we need to approach things a lot differently. I have a good relationship with Chris Plummer and I am not looking to walk out regardless of the situation. I have a lot of respect for Chris. We are at the bottom but we can only go upwards. We have to put these five awful games behind us and the boys have to start believing in themselves'".

BSBN also reports that "Dale Johnson is happy to continue playing behind FC Halifax Town's front two strikers if it helps him achieve his goal target for the season. Johnson bagged a brace in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Oxford City at The Shay Stadium, raising his goal tally to four in four matches...

'I thought the game against Oxford went well', Johnson told the Halifax Courier. 'Playing behind the front two is a new position for me and we're still getting to know each other. I think it will get better as we go. Sometimes we over do it but when we do play well we will score goals. I'll enjoy playing there if I keep scoring. I enjoyed it more against Oxford than in the Workington game because I didn't get as much space in that game. Against Oxford it seemed to open up for me, I don't know if that's because it's the second time I've played it and I'm getting to used to it. The position is a lot more defensive. I track back a lot which is new to me.

I'm renowned for being quite lazy but I tracked back against Oxford. But I don't care where I play as long as I'm scoring goals'. He added, 'I've set myself a target which I will keep to myself but there's no doubt, if we keep playing like we are and create chances, then I will break it."

LEE ON WFM

TRAFFIC ALERT For those travelling to Altrincham's match at Gainsborough on Tuesday, be aware that there are major delays on the Woodhead trans-Pennine route (A628); a landslip has resulted in a section of road being down to one-way traffic controlled by lights near the Holmfirth junction. An alternative is the A57 Snake Pass to Sheffield then M1, M18 and A631 to Gainsborough.

NEIL'S VIEW

YOUTH TEAM WIN

Alty Youth striker Adam Bezzina (right) netted the first goal for his side today.

NEXT OPPONENTS

Trinity got off to the best of starts when [ex-Alty loanee] Luke Waterfall's header was deflected by Chris Noone and away from Zac Jones in the Vauxhall goal to give the Blues a 1-0 lead after just four minutes. But the home side were back on level terms after 10 minutes...

Neither side were finding their best form, with both teams opting for long balls when all else failed. Striker Paul Connor sealed the three points for Gainsborough with a stooping header from a Terry Hawkridge free-kick on 63 minutes. The goal brought some of the swagger back to the Trinity side, who began to dominate possession in the later stages of the game.

That confidence was displayed by second half substitute Ryan Williams, who attempted a speculative shot from the half way line with Jones out of his goal. This was a vital first win for Trinity and comes ahead of a tough-looking home clash against Altrincham on Tuesday evening".

The Trinity squad was Jan Budtz, Dominic Roma, Josh Wilde, Luke Waterfall, Greg Young, Michael Leary, Jonathan D'Laryea, Shane Clarke, Bradley Barraclough, Paul Connor, Terry Hawkridge, Darryn Stamp, Daniel Hone, Jamie Yates, Craig Nelthorpe, Ryan Williams.

FLYNNZINE

"What a Team!!

Whilst Lee Sinnott and Neil Tolson have a squad at their disposal that are a mixture of old and new players, the Radio Robins team for 2012/13 season is similarly set up with a few of last season’s team members being joined by one or two new commentators.

Today, I thought that I would give you a brief introduction to the individuals that will be helping to bring you live internet match commentary of all Altrincham’s games this season:-

Left to right: Tim, Paul B., John, Simon, Niall, Laurence, Jack and Paul. Images supplied by Brian Flynn.

So there you have them in all their splendour! Enjoy the game... and the commentaries!

Brian Flynn".

ALTY 5 HISTON 0

TWO MORE YOUTH TEAM PLAYERS SIGN

They join three team-mates from last season's youth side who have already made their first-team debuts for Altrincham; Adam Reid, Sam Grimshaw and Duncan Watmore. This season's youth team take on Hyde today (Clay Lane, 2.30pm), under the care of management team George Heslop, Anthony Small and Joe Reid.

AWAY GAMES

OLD BOYS

MEET THE NEW RECRUITS

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

OLD BOYS

ATTENDANCES

BSBN NEWS

That was the Steelmen’s fifth successive defeat at the start of the campaign and the scoreline was given a somewhat flattering look as Corby were 4-1 down at the break and 5-1 down after 48 minutes before launching a late fightback. Sampson is yet to comment on the situation but Ingram has confirmed that assistant-manager Chris Plummer has taken charge ahead of next Saturday’s trip to Workington.

'After the game, we had a conversation in his office and he offered his resignation and I accepted it. I haven’t had a one-to-one with him since then', Ingram told the Northants Telegraph. 'Let’s be really honest, we have conceded eighteen goals and before today we had scored one goal. We scored four today and normally you would be happy but we are simply not playing well. Do I think we have the players? In the main, yes I think we do but I don’t think we are getting the most out of them and using them in the right way. But that’s only my opinion, I am only a club chairman and not a qualified football manager.

I gave my opinion to Ian today and after some of the earlier games and now he has resigned. 'I am sure Ian has been gutted with the performances. We have had five losses but it is the manner of those that has been concerning. We have had teams walking through us and let’s be honest, Bradford Park Avenue were not a great team. It was a game we should be winning. We shouldn’t be where we are.

Chris Plummer is now in charge. We will take stock over the weekend of what we want to do and will look at it next week'. Ingram, meanwhile, insists the club’s playing budget won’t be changed, despite it being well-documented that it remains low for the level. 'The budget it what it is and the management team have known what it is since they got here', the Steelmen chairman added. 'It is not going to be increased. We are all about sustainability and I said that when I arrived in May. We have to cut our cloth to suit but we have a good enough squad and one that can climb the league'".

The Football Conference reports that "Simon Weaver, manager ofHarrogate Town, has confirmed that he has taken two new players on tria... [One is] former Bradford City winger Leon Osborne. Osborne, 22, made thirty-six appearances during his time at Bradford. He has also been on loan at Southport as well.

Also joining Town is Daniel Johnson, 19, who has been a prolific scorer at youth level, scoring twenty-one goals in eighteen games with Hartlepool United. He has also been on the books of Middlesbrough and has recently trained with Rochdale. At present he is awaiting international clearance from a stint in Spain with Real Murcia".

FC Halifax Town report how they "beat Oxford City at The Shay yesterday in their ever competitive meeting, leaving Neil Aspin happy with both his team and an individual who has exceeded expectations. The manager saw a game that produced two goals in the opening five minutes, a goal-of-the-season-contending strike on the stroke of half time and a brace from Dale Johnson. In fact, it was Johnson for whom most praise was reserved when Aspin was speaking to the Shaymen Player after Town’s second successive home victory.

'When I signed him, I said he would get his share of goals', he said. 'He’s started off really well, probably better than I expected. Certainly if he keeps scoring goals I can’t leave him out. I thought he was our best forward today. I thought he did some really good work. Dale can only get better, he’s a good footballer and he’s finding the net which is great for his confidence'.

However it was not just the individual efforts of Johnson that caught the eye, with Paul Marshall’s stunning strike on the stroke of half time putting Town ahead in the match. 'Paul’s got a lovely left foot', Aspin said. 'His deliveries from set pieces are spot on and he has that ability to hit the target from distance... Anywhere when he’s in range we want him to have a go'...

I was really pleased with the way we played, especially with us getting off to a bad start... We got lots of balls in the box and were able to create lots of chances... We got the full backs forward, they worked hard up and down, so I think it was a good team display'”.

Lee Sinnott will see a familiar face when Bradford PA call at Moss Lane in a forntight as BPA "are delighted to announce the return of Amjad Iqbal. The experienced defender has suffered two leg breaks in recent years playing for Bradford (Park Avenue). The last game that Iqbal featured in, was the victory at Ashton United, in which he suffered a bad break. Nevertheless, nine months later, due to the growing injury list, John Deacey has persuaded Iqbal to return to the club, and the defender is pleased to be part of the team again:

'I am pleased to be back, (John) Deacey has been on the phone throughout pre-season, but, it has come as a surprise. I said to the manager, I would return to the club, if it was struggling with injuries. But, I am happy to be back at Bradford (Park Avenue) because of the people here. Regarding my fitness, I have been keeping fit, using the gym twice a week, so we will see how it goes!'".

Iqbal was very impressive player for Farsley Celtic when the current Alty boss managed the Yorkshire club to success.

ALTRINCHAM 5 HISTON 0

Right: Behind you! The ball is in the net after Duncan Watmore completed the scoring against Histon at Moss Lane.

SATURDAY'S MATCHES

STUTES STRENGTHEN SIDE

The Stutes also confirmed that "Harry Agombar has joined on loan from Macclesfield Town as manager Dennis Greene adds more forward options to the squad ahead of tomorrow's game at Altrincham. The attacking midfielder/forward joined the Silkmen in the summer from Grays Athletic, having had trials at West Ham and Partizan Belgrade and will be at Bridge Road initially for a month".

Macclesfield Town say that "'Junior' is seen of one of the rising stars of non-league football and was another to join the club in time for the start of pre-season training. Not afraid to take on his man, Junior was with St Neots Town last season and helped them to finish as Champions of the Southern League first division, with 93 points. This was his second season with the club and before this he had been in the non-League scene at Leyton and Ilford".

Apparently, Histon manager Dennis Greene is a good friend of Macc Town boss Steve King.

Meanwhile, the Cambridge News reports that "Dennis Greene hopes to complete the signing of Macclesfield Town’s Harry Agombar on a month’s loan in a bid to add more firepower to his Histon attack... The 19-year-old attacker could feature in Greene’s squad for tomorrow’s trip to Altrincham. But with Kaine Sheppard and Jack Eades impressing, and the Stutes victorious in their last two matches against Gloucester and Hinckley, it is most likely that he will start on the bench.

'Harry is meant to be a really decent player, quick feet, sees a pass, takes people on and scores goals, so he’s the sort of player we’re looking for', said Greene. 'He can play out wide, up front or behind the striker so, with the system we play, he can fill all three positions. We’re trying to play someone behind the striker at the moment as we only have one forward. It’s a decision I’ve got make whether to move Jack back to his rightful position out wide and play Harry behind the striker. But Jack did a great job away at Hinckley, so we might play Harry out wide – but then I’ve got the problem of changing a winning team. It’s not a foregone conclusion what way we’re going to go yet.

It’s a case of whether I change a winning team knowing that it will give us better shape and balance going forward or staying with what I’ve got for maybe an hour and introducing him later on'.

While Greene hopes Agombar will provide fresh impetus in attack, the long-term search for a replacement for Dan Holman continues. 'We’re still a couple of weeks away. We’ve got this lad in who isn’t his replacement but will certainly be someone who will help us going forward as we’re still lacking forward-thinking players'. Sheppard came off after 41 minutes of Monday’s match against Hinckley but the injury is not serious and Greene expects him to be fit for tomorrow.

Keeper Calum Kitscha remains sidelined with an injured finger, though, and will definitely miss out, with Joe Mellings continuing in goal. 'Joe has come in with his experience and has communicated well, organised the back four well and done himself no harm at all', said Greene".

MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS

June Draw

July Draw

If you are a winner, please see Steve Foster of TASC or contact the club on 0161 928-1045. The August draw is to take place after the Histon game in the Noel white Suite at Moss Lane. If you would like to join the Draw, which raises important funds for the club whilst giving entrants the chance to win a cash prize, please contact TASC's Steve Foster. It's just £5 per entry per month, so please do consider giving it a go!

YOUTH TEAM

A "Special Correspondent" has provided an excellent report on the youth team's opening league game, at Curzon Ashton, which can be read on the page.

OLD BOYS

Meanwhile, former Alty [and MK Dons, Macclesfield and Accrington Stanley] midfielder John Miles has joined Warrington Town. Manager Shaun Reid said, "This is a massive coup for this football club to get a player of this quality. This is exactly the type of player we want to bring to this club to help us improve".

BSBN NEWS

Cameroon under-21 international Noubissie joined Stocksbridge in October 2011. Noubissie who was a member of the Cameroon Olympic Team in 2004 has also been selected for the senior squad on numerous occasions between 2001 and 2006. He won the Cameroon league title as player with Bafang Unisport Football Club and also competed in African Champions League with the same club before moving on to FC Locarno in Switzerland, Ismaili Football Club in Egypt and Moroccan club Fath Union Sport. Noubissie was voted best African player in the league while playing for New York Lions".

From the Football Conference, we also learn that "Bishop`s Stortford have announced the signing of much-travelled forward Bertie Brayley. Striker Brayley, now 30, a product of the West Ham youth scheme, can also play on the left wing. He played along Hammers' stars Joe Cole and Michael Carrick whilst on the books at Upton Park and starred for them in their 1999 FA Youth Cup win over Coventry City...

Since leaving the Hammers Brayley has enjoyed a well-travelled career, taking in stops of vaying length at Queen's Park Rangers, Swindon, Canvey Island, Hornchurch, Farnborough Town, Billericay Town, Braintree Town, Aldershot Town, Chelmsford City, Bishop's Stortford, Concord Rangers, Margate, Eastleigh and Thurrock, joining Harlow in March 2012 after a second spell with Billericay".

At Harrogate Town, "There will be a pitch inspection tomorrow [Saturday] at the CNG Stadium at 8am".

Confirmation comes from This is Lincs that "Peter Swann will walk away from Gainsborough Trinity at the end of this season, bringing an end to his hopes of securing the club a permanent home. The departing Trinity chairman revealed that he had been rebuffed in his attempts to purchase the Northolme, Trinity's base for more than a century.

The ground is currently owned by the Blues' Club and Swann wanted to secure Trinity's tenure there ahead of a planned move to a new purpose-built stadium. However, Swann announced this week that health issues have forced him to call time on his tenure.

'With the delay in the new stadium now taking it to a two year project, I just cannot commit to two years', said Swann. 'I had one last go, at trying to secure tenure at the Northolme for the club and fans. This again has been rebuffed by the committee'.

After almost four years at the helm, Swann says he would have liked to have moved the club on to the next level. But he suffered 'Thunderclap Headaches' in May this year and medical tests done at the time discovered a 12mm lesion on the right side of his brain...

'I am struggling', Swann added. 'I am certainly not the person I was... I have to think about my family. But I have no regrets from my time at Trinity. There are many highlights. Bringing Brian Little here is one. He was one of the biggest names in football and we brought him to Gainsborough... I have been trying to attract another director, or an investor, but it is very hard when we don't own the ground..

Everything is in place to continue as normal for the rest of the season. I may even invest further in the playing staff if the right player comes along. We will be doubling our efforts to get a new chairman in before I stand down. But if that doesn't happen, then the club would have to operate within their means'".