TRAFFORD'S "GREATEST VICTORY"

After a rather cautious opening period in which neither goalkeeper was tested, Trafford stormed ahead in the 11th minute when Michael Oates laid the ball back to Rory Fallon who rifled a magnificent drive into the top corner from 20 yards.

Three minutes later the visitors were back on level terms when Lewis Lacy mistimed a challenge on James Wilshaw and the Altrincham dangerman dusted himself down to fire the resultant penalty past Kieran O’Hara...

The second half started slowly with little goalmouth action... In the 64th minute Michael Oates atoned for his earlier miss when he pounced on a loose ball following a goalmouth scramble and blasted a great drive into the roof of the net past the helpless Stuart Coburn.

Altrincham manager Lee Sinnott reacted immediately by introducing substitutes Jake Moult and goal machine Damian Reeves and the vast majority of the 800 plus crowd expected an onslaught on the Trafford goal.

It was not to be as the home side continued to dictate the pace of the game with their neat inter-passing whilst the visitors appeared to be lethargic and lacklustre.

Trafford’s 17 year old goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara produced a tremendously confident and assured display and was relatively untroubled as his defenders, led by the magnificent Nia Bayunu, comfortably held Altrincham at bay...

The final whistle arrived to signal an historic victory for Trafford in this their first competitive fixture against their illustrious neighbours".

This website's match report is here.

YOUTH TEAM

LADIES' GAME OFF

SUNDAY CUP TIES

• Grays Athletic 3-0 Tilbury
• Hendon 0-5 Bishop's Stortford
• Horsham 2-0 Faversham Town +
• Hayes & Yeading United 0-0 Tonbridge Angels +
• Gloucester City 1-1 Havant & Waterlooville

TRAFFORD 2 ALTRINCHAM 1

Match report here

Right: Kyle Perry and Trafford's former Alty left-back, Andy Smart, contest possession at Shawe View

CUP CONSEQUENCES

Apart from Altrincham, the other Skrill North teams who lost on Saturday were Guiseley, AFC Telford United, Harrogate Town and Stalybridge Celtic. Either Solihull Moors or Leamington will also be out of the Cup this week as they have a replay. Brackley, too, have a replay on Tuesday.

FA YOUTH CUP DRAW

CUP GATES

• AFC Telford v Hednesford Town - gate 1,345.
• Barrow v Ramsbottom United 677, (Alex Meechan netted two penalties).
• Brackley Town v Gresley 312.
• Buxton v North Ferriby United 284, (Liam King scored one fo NFU's goals).
• Colwyn Bay v Harrogate Town 259.
• Gainsborough Trinity v Rushall Olympic 433.
• Guiseley v Bradford Park Avenue 595
• Leamington v Solihull M. 479
• Stafford Rangers v Boston United 519.
• Stalybridge Celtic v Worksop Town 328.
• Trafford v Altrincham 829.
• Vauxhall Motors v Chorley 366.
• Worcester City v Coventry Sphinx 514.
• Workington v Burscough 381.
• Royston Town v Histon 525.

SUNDAY FA CUP GAMES

• Gloucester City v Havant & Waterlooville
• Hayes & Yeading Utd v Tonbridge Angels
• Hendon v Bishops Stortford

TRAFFORD 2 ALTRINCHAM 1

Above: James Walshaw makes himself Alty's leading scorer this season with this penalty against Trafford.

Altrincham put up a poor show against their neighbours, Trafford FC, not once seriously testing O'Hara in the home goal. Rory Fallon fired Trafford ahead after 11 minutes but the lead lasted fewer than three minutes as Walshaw was upended in the box and got up to score from the spot (14 mins).

With Altrincham continuing to misfire in all departments, Michael Oates restored the Trafford lead after 64 minutes with a thumping shot after a couple of team mates' shots had been blocked. Alty never looked like equalizing and bowed out of the Cup with barely a whimper. Trafford may be 19th in the league below Alty but they were certainly the better side today.

Match report here

SATURDAY: FA CUP 2QR

1. Guiseley 1-2 Bradford (Park Avenue)
2. Workington 2-1 Burscough
3. Stockport County 1-0 Brighouse Town
4. Colwyn Bay 1-0 Harrogate Town
5. Vauxhall Motors 4-0 Chorley
6. Trafford 2-1 Altrincham
7. Stalybridge Celtic 3-5 Worksop
8. Buxton 1-4 North Ferriby United
9. Barrow 3-0 Ramsbottom
10. AFC Telford United 1-3 Hednesford Town
11. Solihull Moors 1-1 Leamington
12. Brackley Town 1-1 Gresley
13. Gainsborough Trinity 2-0 Rushall Olympic
14. Worcester City 4-0 Coventry Sphinx
15. Stafford R 0-4 Boston United
16. Oxford C. 1-0 Maidenhead Utd
17. Royston Town 0-4 Histon

Howard Watts's Through the Years data recalls previous Alty games on 28 September.

TRAFFORD v ALTRINCHAM: DURING THE GAME

Whether you are looking for a new driveway, beautiful patio, garden fencing, walls or gates, make Sale Fencing & Surfacing your first choice for exterior home improvements. Check out their website.

Coverage starts at 2.50pm, with the game kicking off at 3.00pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

The commentatory team is Ian Wilkinson and Brian Flynn with match summaries from Simon Ellis.

Leah & Simon Brotherton will be providing regular updates on Twitter (@altrinchamfc) as well as half-time & full time updates on facebook (Altrincham FC)".

Also, this website will be providing its usual matchday updates throughout the game, starting from as soon as the line-ups are available. The various alternatives can be found via the icons below and in the right sidebar.

 

TRAFFORD v ALTRINCHAM: BEFORE THE GAME

We already have 5 so require just 3 more... Any jobs to help out will NOT involve missing the game itself. Volunteers are asked to be at the ground for 1-1.30... If anyone is willing and can help on the Friday afternoon, putting up beer tent, tidying etc then that would also be appreciated".

FA YOUTH CUP

In the next round, Motors will travel to Altrincham. Details on when that tie will take place will be announced in due course."

LAST SATURDAY

OLD BOYS

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

He played thirty-nine times for Worcester before calling it a day at the end of last season",

At 16 years 71 days old, Thomas, who came on [in the] 86th minute... overtook Shane Nicholson [as record holder]... He spent December 2012 on loan with Sheffield FC."

Elsewhere, "Young first year professional James Fry has signed forms to link up with Leamington from Birmingham City for an initial one month loan period. The 18-year-old defender, who is comfortable in the right-back and centre-half positions... has been handed a first-team squad number by manager Lee Clark".

Meanwhile "Boston United have added midfielder Indy Aujla to their squad... The 25-year-old, who featured for the Pilgrims in pre-season... [is a] former Bradford City trainee has been training with Brentford over recent weeks. "

Alty's next league opponents, "Guiseley AFC have taken striker Louie Swain from neighbours Bradford City on a month's loan. Swain, who turned 19 earlier this month, has recently completed a similar spell with the league rivals Bradford Park Avenue".

Also "Oldham Athletic midfielder Danny Gossett has extended his loan spell with Stockport County for an extra month... Meanwhile, Lord has added former Nantwich Town and FC United midfielder Nicky Platt to his squad. The 25-year-old, who lists Liverpool and Burnley among his former clubs, made over 130 appearances for FC United before being released after a lengthy lay-off with injury" report Stockport County.

In the Telegraph & Argus, "New Guiseley manager Mark Bower is convinced that the labours of everyone at the club will bear fruit but he admits results need to start coming soon. The former Bradford City defender was confirmed as permanent boss ahead of last Saturday’s clash with Hednesford Town....

All three games ended in defeat for the Lions but Bower said, 'We certainly haven’t had the best of luck since I took over. But I think it is a temporary thing because we have been playing well. If we hadn’t been creating chances and making teams think it would have been more of a concern...

In the two home games we have done well, especially in the first half against Hednesford but they gave us a lesson in finishing. That underlined just why they are top of the league'.

Bower brought a deal over the line that predecessor Steve Kittrick started when Matt Clarke finally signed for the Lions but he is yet to make his debut. Ben Parker, the former Leeds United full back, and Alex Johnson, who is on loan from FC Halifax Town, have also been drafted in.

The new boss said, 'I am trying to introduce new players and a couple of them have settled in really well but, typically for us at the minute, we have had a bit of bad luck with other players... Danny Ellis (knee) picked up an injury in the Park Avenue game and is still out. It could be a while before he’s back... He is a leader at the back.

We are very disappointed that Craig Hobson has been handed a longer ban. He was sent off for a second yellow card at Colwyn Bay and he served his one-game suspension. But the FA looked at it and they deemed it was worthy of an extra two games for not leaving the field quickly enough. We were a bit stunned when we found out he would miss another two games because we didn’t think he'd done anything wrong'".

The Telegraph & Argus also says that "From the outside looking in it appears the Bradford Park Avenue team has been picking itself over the past few games as an unchanged side has banked ten points from four games...

However, Bradford boss Deacey said, 'When we went to Boston United on Tuesday we were down to the bare bones. I only have 14 fit players for this massive cup tie tomorrow. Adam Clayton, Martin Drury, Jordan (Deacey) and Nicky Boshell are all out and, as everyone knows, we don’t have a large squad'...

Drury is not too far away from a return to action. But Deacey junior, who had been sidelined since suffering a double break of his left arm in a pre-season friendly at Farsley, broke it again in the same two places during his comeback game at Guiseley earlier this month.

Clayton has not been able to return from his three-game suspension for a straight red card as he picked up a groin injury in training...

'Guiseley are in a false position in the league and it is a big ask for us to go there and get a result', said the Bradford boss... 'Mark (Bower) has got them playing some great football and he has made some very good signings. They are going to be a force again and sooner rather than later'".

POST-TRAINING

LEE ON THE GLOUCESTER GAME

"Lee Sinnott saluted a positive, vibrant team performance, and called for more of the same in the FA Cup on Saturday, after Altrincham put their promotion campaign back on track with a convincing 2-0 win over Gloucester City at the J.Davidson Stadium.

Normal service was resumed, as Alty bounced back from a first defeat of the season, at North Ferriby United on Saturday, and closed in on the Skrill North’s top two with a short-range finish by Simon Richman and long-range special from Brian ‘Junior’ Smikle.

The focus switches to the Cup on Saturday, and a short but potentially tricky trip to neighbours Trafford, and Sinnott is acutely aware of what will be required to avoid an upset.

‘The Cup is not just a great leveller, it’s a great raiser (of standards), so we will have to be on our guard,’ said the Alty manager. ‘We have had them watched twice, and now the Gloucester game is out of the way, they are going to get our full attention. We would love to have a good run, like last season, but, equally, we know we will have to give Trafford our utmost respect.

‘That will be reflected in our preparations, and the message to the players will be the same as before every tie last season: “Get the job done and put yourselves in the hat for the next round.”

‘Against Gloucester, our work-rate and application was such, we never allowed them to get a foothold in the game. That was very pleasing, as were the goals, in their different ways.

‘Simon seems to have the knack of being in the right place at the right time, and that is great credit to his ability to recognise what is developing and where he needs to be to get on the end of something. He arrives at the right time because he sees where an opportunity is going to arise.

‘I was delighted for Junior, getting his first goal for the club. The technique in executing it was spot-on, and no keeper was going to stop that. Even taking the goal out of the equation, it was a very accomplished performance from him. When he’s on his game, he’s very sharp, he turns quickly and he links up well with others. He gives us another dimension on the right.’

Jake Moult, who missed the Gloucester game with a calf injury, and Danny Boshell should be fit for the Trafford tie".

GLOUCESTER HIGHLIGHTS

Meanwhile, Alan Alger has selected his ten best goals in the Skrill Conference leagues this season. They include Junior Smikle's goal in the above match. Alan writes in his summary "The Gloucester keeper punches clear from an Alty corner and Smikle sends the ball back in stunning fashion, I just love the way this ball follows the shape of the back of the net as it smashes in off the bar! Incredible technique to put his side 2-0 up on the way to a win which keeps them in the hunt for promotion at this early stage of the season".

MONTHLY DRAWS

July Draw:

• 1st Prize -£100 - Mark Embury
• 2nd Prize £50 - Neil Faulkner
• 3rd Prize £35 - Mike Ford
• 4th Prize £15 - Paul Salt

The second draw was for August:

• 1st Prize -£100 - Ian Gordon
• 2nd Prize -£50 - Simon Ellis
• 3rd Prize -£35 - Alex Raynal
• 4th Prize - £15 - John Edwards

The draws were carried out in the bar with the independent adjudicator being Dave Johnson. Grahame Rowley adds, "Thanks to everyone who is in the monthly draw - if anyone would like to join just let us know - just £5 a month! We will do September's draw at the next home game".

Full details of the Monthly Draw scheme are here.

OLD BOYS

Meanwhile, departing Mossley...[is ex-Alty Youth] Charlie Weir, who has moved to live in London after securing employment there".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Manager Frank Sinclair commented, 'We are sad to lose Josh because he has been fantastic but it is a chance of full-time football again for him, which he had to take'..

As a result Frank has signed a replacement second keeper as back up to Chris Sanna in 20-year-old Danny East, who has been with Brighton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Telford, and by coincidence has also recently been at Fleetwood on trial".

News of Alty's next league opponents comes from the Wharfedale Observer, which reports that "New Guiseley manager Mark Bower reckons he must have walked under a few ladders recently or accidentally kicked a black cat. His team played sublime football in the first half of last Saturday’s Skrill North home match against leaders Hednesford Town and could have been leading 4-0 at the interval.

However, it was 0-0 and they went on to lose 2-1. Bower said, 'The way we played football in the first half is exactly how I want us to play. They couldn’t live with us. We had chance after chance, we hit the post, we hit the bar, their keeper has pulled off a couple of great saves and we missed other chances. But that is a lesson in football. If you are not clinical at both ends of the pitch, it doesn’t matter what happens in between...

The player we brought in, Ben Parker, looked good for us. “It is just a couple of moments in the game where they showed their experience and togetherness from being a winning side last year that has won them the game'...

However, Guiseley also had Gavin Rothery sent off for a comment made to an assistant referee – something Bower feels was a follow-on from some of the rough treatment his players had received in the first half. He said, 'The referee (Graham Fyvie) said that Gavin has said something to the linesman, which Gavin says he has done, so we will deal with that in the dressing room. That’s not something that we like to see players getting sent off for and we are likely to miss Gavin for several games, and he has to learn from that'.

But Bower added, 'The way we played in the first half, they tried everything they possibly could in terms of fouling, hacking us down, targeting some of our influential players on the ball such as Gavin, Wayne Brooksby and Burnsey, and I don’t think we received any help whatsoever. The refereee allowed things to go on which certainly shouldn’t have happened, and that contributed to the best team losing the game...

We knew they (Hednesford) would come out a different team for the second half because we had been so dominant. They changed their formation to almost match us up and try to get on the ball a little bit more'".

As for Hednesford, "Boss Rob Smith, returning to the New Buck's Head for the first time since being relieved of his duties at AFC Telford United, has led a rallying call to the droves of Pitmen supporters flocking to their local rivals on Saturday.

Both Hednesford and Telford undoubtedly wanted a somewhat more straightforward draw in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, but Smith admits that it will be a fantastic occasion and wants his team’s fans to add to the tinderbox atmosphere.

‘I haven’t been able to use my usual programme notes to ask, so I am personally requesting that as many Hednesford fans as are able congregate in the stand behind the goal where the away fans are designated at the New Buck's Head and make as much noise as possible. It can be an intimidating ground and a lonely place for the opposition so, if our fans turn up in their usual exceptional numbers, the players will revel in the atmosphere'.

A local clash between two clubs with a deep seated history and rivalry is an occasion to be savoured by both sets of supporters but, adding the personal back stories involving The Bucks, with Smith, his assistants Larry Chambers, Steve Wynn and Chris Brindley, first team players Kris Taylor and The Skrill North top scorer Elliott Durrell all returning to their former stomping ground, Saturday is a massive game.

'I think returning to your old club always adds a bit of spice and, including the fact I’m locking horns with Liam Watson again after so many occasions before as manager of Telford, it is one of those quirks that only the FA Cup can throw up. It will be a special game'...

Hednesford will be without Matt Regan, unable to play due to the conditions of his loan from Tamworth, so the solid centre half pairing of Ben Bailey and Francino Francis is likely to be reprised, with Wayne Riley still a doubt with a troublesome groin injury and Neil Harvey hoping to shrug off a hamstring niggle...

The Pitmen haven’t won at Telford in over 40 years and, after eight attempts during that time, the Hednesford faithful, travelling in huge numbers on Saturday, would love to break that duck".

Reports coming from This is Lincs include the news that "Gainsborough Trinity secretary Pete Wallace says the money which comes from Mark Jones's switch to Spalding will go straight back to Steve Housham to find a replacement. Wallace insists the club had no intention of selling the player and his move to the United Counties Premier Division high flyers has not come about for financial reasons.

However, Wallace did admit selling Jones does mean one of the club's highest earners is removed from the wage bill. 'We hadn't even thought about selling Mark Jones but then a concrete offer came in for him and after Mark had spoken with them (Spalding) it seemed a good move for him'," said Wallace. 'He was aware his chances were limited here because of the loan players we have at the club, plus he lives at Bourne, so the journey to Spalding will be so much easier... The fee Spalding pay, plus the money we save from his wages, will go to Steve Housham, so he can set about finding a replacement'".

According to the Halesowen News, "Fears have been expressed that a new Worcester City stadium at Perdiswell could worsen traffic chaos for residents and result in the loss of treasured green space.

A Conservative city politician... Mike Whitehouse... says he has been contacted by householders in recent months who are worried about the impact it could have on the environment. Worcester City Supporters’ Trust is preparing a planning application for a 4,100 capacity ground next to the existing leisure centre in Bilford Road...

Coun Whitehouse said, 'People are worried about traffic in the area already, there are issues in Bilford Road because of Perdiswell (Primary) School and this will add to that. And of course it’s just the loss of yet another bit of green space for the community, dog walkers use it. I am not anti-football club at all but, if it is the case that we are going to get this, we must make sure the right things are done to alleviate any potential issues'".

CONFERENCE FOOTBALL ON TV

• Kidderminster Harriers v Aldershot Town NOW Friday 27 September at 7.45pm
• Barnet v Wrexham ex-Saturday NOW Sunday 13 October at 2.00pm
• Macclesfield Town v Southport NOW Thursday 17 October at 7.45pm
• Salisbury City v Hereford United NOW Thursday 31 October at 7.45pm
• Barnet v Cambridge United Saturday 16 November NOW kicks-off at 5.30pm"

FA CUP OPPONENTS

Gate prices at Shawe View for Saturday's match against Altrincham are Adults £8, O.A.Ps and juniors £4, programme £2.

Trafford made several changes for this Manchester Cup match, their line-up being Hayden Buckley-Smith, Steve Mason, Jordan Jacobs, Lewis Lacy, Nia Bayunu, Chris Palmer, Bradley Anderson, Tom Schofield, Kamahl Whight, Cedric Krou, Omar McKenzie. Subs: Warren Collier for Anderson (55), Luke Heron for Schofield (67), Rory Fallon for McKenzie (87), Callum Silva, Bruno Silva

They reported that "Trafford followed their morale boosting victory over Rushall Olympic on Saturday, by defeating local rivals Salford City 3-2...with a much changed side, featuring many youthful debutants... An entertaining game between two good sides came to an end, but it was Trafford who progressed to the Manchester Premier Cup 2nd Round. More cup action follows this Saturday, as one of non-league's most famous clubs, Altrincham, visit Shawe View for an FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round tie, kicking off at 3pm".

GETTING TO TRAFFORD FC

Buses from Altrincham: 245 & 247 (every 30 mins) which stop near, rather than at, Shawe View; get off at the Curzon Cinema roundabout or at Trafford General Hospital

Nearest Train Station:

Chassen Road (come out of station, turn right down hill, left at the junction and ground is signposted on left on Pennybridge Lane at the side of Bird i'th Hand pub)

Next nearest station is Urmston; come out of station and walk for ten minutes down Flixton Road and directions the same from "ground is signposted on left" in previous paragraph

Another option is the Metro tram to Stretford then walk five minutes to Kingsway entrance of Stretford Arndale, from where many buses go to Urmston town centre and Flixton.

Taxi: Trafford cars 0161 928-1111, approx £15 from Moss Lane".

GLOUCESTER GAME

However, despite the home side pressing throughout, the Tigers had fantastic chances through Darren Mullings and Sam Turl either side of the break...

James Walshaw had a stinging shot parried by Green to the only man free in the box, Richman, who couldn’t miss from three yards out... The second half couldn’t have started worse for Dave Mehew’s men with Smikle scoring an absolute corker from outside the area which clattered the crossbar and in; it was a goal that no keeper in the world could’ve saved.

The second Altrincham goal seemed to stunt City’s performance...However, the team spirit that the Tigers have in abundance shone through and Weir made Stuart Coburn work with a smart save... Substitute Turl then forced an excellent save out of Coburn after he swivelled and shot in the area, but the Altrincham custodian reached it with his fingertips.

A late effort from James Lawrie was saved by Green as the game petered out to a comfortable victory for the Robins".

YANKEE

TASC BUCKET COLLECTION

OLD BOYS

SKRILL NEWS

Unacceptable. Compounded by results that have not gone our way recently, when with a modicum of balanced fortune, we could have still been in a challenging position, albeit it is very early days in the fixture programme. It is when the path doesn’t run smooth that the true character of a club or a business, is revealed. Demonstration of grit and hardened resolve when needed can be fulfilling, it also exposes fragile, insincere support. One in – all in, is such an important adage. Irving Weaver – Chairman Harrogate Town AFC".

According to the NW Evening Mail, "Mystery bidders have pulled out of a Barrow AFC takeover attempt. A solicitor acting for the interested party that they no longer wished to pursue their interest in buying the football club and its assets. AFC directors have advised the interested party that they are willing to restart negotiations if at any point they wish to reconsider their position.

It was announced at the club’s AGM in September that a mystery party has made an approach to directors over the ‘future ownership of the club’. AFC chairman Brian Keen told the meeting, 'You’ve been told professionally and legally the situation and, I’m saying to you people that I hope you still trust us and leave it in our hands. And if anything ever happens you will be the first to know, you will be told the truth and you will have everything that is necessary. That’s a clear message from the board – trust us'".

In the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United could be facing a transfer raid from Saturday’s FA Cup opponents Hednesford Town after defender Dan Preston requested to leave the New Buck's Head. Preston was an unused substitute in last night’s goalless draw at home to Worcester City, which Hednesford manager Rob Smith and his assistant Chris Brindley watched from the stands...

The ex-Birmingham City centre-back, 21, is one of only two surviving members from last season’s Conference Premier relegation and the club took up a one-year option on his deal in the summer. But Preston has made just one start this term and has asked to go, initially on loan...

Watson said, 'Basically, Dan has said to me he’s not enjoying his football or being at the club. We have tried to bend over backwards and we gave him a new contract. If he doesn’t want to be here, we will do something to make sure he is not. If he’s not happy, at least he’s being honest. He’s asked to go out on loan but we will see what happens, maybe he will be sold. I think Hednesford have shown an interest, but most of this stuff is driven by agents'.

Watson handed Sean Cooke his competitive debut last night, the winger playing 27 minutes as a substitute after recovering from a fractured leg he sustained at last club AFC Flyde. The Bucks' boss said, 'Sean wanted the ball and, when he got it, he tried to do something positive but it will take him a bit of time to find his feet'...

A first clean sheet of the league season was Watson’s only cause for cheer last night... He said, 'Of course, you want clean sheets but I wouldn’t say anything last night was a positive, we should have won the game comfortably'".

From the Manchester Evening News, we learn that "County have announced they are in talks with shareholders and investors as they seek to secure the club’s immediate and long-term future. The third ‘Stronger Together’ fans meeting, held last week, ended with an open letter addressed to the club’s board and shareholders. It asks for a statement about the club’s current position...

The club has now responded, saying that former vice-chairman Spencer Fearn’s proposal that all shareholders write off their loans to safeguard County’s future may well bear fruit. A club statement said... 'It is impossible to inform supporters about every single development behind the scenes, due to commercial sensitivities, but we are actively working to secure a commitment from shareholders to write off their loans... In the meantime, the Club must undergo a period of austerity, in order to work towards an outcome where County can be self-sustaining, having spent money well beyond its means under previous regimes. Having said that, the new Board gave the manager a highly competitive budget at the start of the season – amongst the top six in the division'...

As the Express went to print, County were in talks with Oldham Athletic as to the availability of on-loan midfielder Danny Gosset. [for the FA Cup]... Gosset’s potential unavailability could see either Jamie Hand, Ian Craney or Bobby Lofthouse handed a starting spot".

ALTRINCHAM 2 GLOUCESTER CITY 0

Three minutes after the break Smikle scored a fine goal off the crossbar following an Alty corner, to make it 2-0.

Match report here

TUESDAY GAMES

• Through the Years by Howard Watts
• AFC Telford United 0-0 Worcester City (att 1326)
• Altrincham 2-0 Gloucester City (att 626)
• Boston United 2-3 Bradford Park Avenue (att 929)

YOUTH GATE

DISCO NIGHT AT MOSS LANE

See the poster, right, for more details.

PUTTING MATTERS RIGHT

A spirited late rally, in which striker James Walshaw reduced the arrears, fell just short, as North Ferriby United hung on for a 2-1 win that cost Alty their place in the top five.

As he prepared for Tuesday night’s home game with Gloucester City, Sinnott rued the bounce of the ball going the home side’s way for both their goals but insisted his team had nothing to reproach themselves over.

‘From a defensive point of view, there was a lot that pleased me, because North Ferriby’s home record must give them some momentum, yet we restricted them to two or three efforts on goal,’ said the Alty manager. ‘The disappointment was that we didn’t catch fire as an attacking unit until the last 20 minutes, when we changed our system and personnel and produced a concerted spell of pressure.

‘Before that, it was bitty from both teams. We didn’t get our passing game going, and the service to the front boys left a bit to be desired. The difference was they had two opportunities that fell to their main striker, and he stuck both away. It literally did just fall into his path both times.

‘I told the players they just need to stay strong and be ready to put matters right at the first opportunity. It’s all about how you react when you suffer a setback, and we have to be ready to seize the opportunity when it arises.’

Sinnott felt his side’s cause was not helped by refereeing decisions, notably when Walshaw was denied a penalty after being pushed to the ground by the North Ferriby keeper at a corner.

‘I don’t like to get involved with referees, but I did go in to see him at the end,’ he said. ‘He made some good decisions, but it was parity that concerned me most. Kyle Perry was pulled up for backing into a defender in the first half, and, fair enough, it was a foul. But their centre-forward did exactly the same 20 minutes from the end without anything being given.

‘For the penalty appeal, he said James just fell to the ground, rather than being pushed. That was his interpretation, and while he strongly put his point of view across, I strongly put mine across. I don’t mind him being strong with his opinion, because it shows he believes it, but I just happen to feel it was wrong.’"

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

May we also take this opportunity to advise that the Club Secretary has resigned as a consequence? With this points deduction taken into account, we have dropped down two places into 12th position."

A contradictory version comes from the Football Conference which says that "Upon the club’s own admission Harrogate Town FC has been charged with, and found guilty of, a breach of Membership Rule 6.9, taking three offences into account, for fielding three unregistered players in the above match.

The club’s plea, and its response to the charge, was taken into account by the Directors of the Football Conference when the breach was considered at the Competition’s last Board meeting. Whilst the Board was obliged to deduct the three points gained in the match, the Directors took into account the club’s mitigating circumstances and ameliorated the financial penalty to £100 for each offence.

The club has advised the Football Conference the decision will not be appealed, so the league table can be adjusted with immediate effect".

According to the Football Conference, "Colwyn Bay have completed a new loan signing from USA Professional League club Wilmington Hammerheads; the 6'1" Wrexham-born Gareth Evans, who started his playing career at Cefn Druids but signed professional forms for Wrexham in 2007 and made twenty-five appearances for the Dragons before leaving in 2009...

Although currently at Wilmington, the 26-year-old central defender has had spells with Austin Aztecs, Real Maryland Monarchs, Los Angeles Blues and Carolina RailHawks during his time in the States, interrupted by two very brief stints back in England with Chester FC and Vauxhall Motors. He is coming to the Bay initially on loan until January and player-manager Frank Sinclair is hoping international clearance comes through in time for him to be involved in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Harrogate Town."

In the NW Evening Mail, we learn that "Barrow AFC have disciplined manager Dave Bayliss following his foul-mouthed radio outburst in a post-match interview. The punishment comes nine days after the Bluebirds' boss shocked BBC Radio Cumbria listeners by using three offensive swear words to reveal what a fan allegedly called him following the 2-1 defeat at Gainsborough.

Holker Street director Tony Keen said yesterday, 'We have formally disciplined him this afternoon. He will be getting a letter confirming everything over the next day or so'. The nature of the disciplinary punishment has not been revealed...

Bayliss said the fan had banded him several offensive names in a confrontation in the players’ tunnel following the full-time whistle, and then repeated them live on air. The supporter subsequently complained to the club and, separately, broadcasting regulator Offcom has received an official complaint from a listener to the broadcast.

'Basically we have done him under the discipline procedures of the football club and I hope we will probably be talking tomorrow to get apologies right across the board', added Keen yesterday. 'We have written to him to confirm all the conversations that have taken place and basically we have disciplined him to a level that we believe is in line with what he has done. But what we’re saying in the letter is it holds over to any future conduct issues'.

Director Keen said they were treating the incident very seriously, adding, 'It’s not acceptable, you don’t go on the radio swearing'...

Bayliss made his peace with the fan he exchanged words with... three days later".

ALTRINCHAM v GLOUCESTER CITY: BEFORE THE GAME

Another tough test awaits the Tigers this evening as they head to Greater Manchester to face much-fancied Altrincham (7.45pm)... He said, 'We looked tired on Saturday and that disappointed me to honest. It was such a good start to the game and, when you get yourself an early goal at home, you expect the team to click into gear. But, as soon as Boston got the equaliser, our level dropped, and there was a bit of doom and gloom about afterwards because it was a Jekyll and Hyde performance compared to the Brackley game in midweek.

It's not the end of the world and, as we saw at the weekend, even Manchester United can have a bad day at the office and concede sloppy goals from set pieces. But we can't afford too many performances like that... We've had a really tough run of fixtures to start the season, and a few other managers have noticed that and mentioned it to me'...

Mehew is unlikely to tinker too greatly with his selection at Moss Lane, although Darren Edwards is a major doubt after picking up an adductor muscle injury on Saturday. Tonight's clash is followed by an enticing home tie against Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Cup second qualifying round this Sunday...

He said, 'Darren will be touch and go for Altrincham but we're hopeful he will be fit for the Cup game. Otherwise there won't be too many changes (tonight), and we want go into the Cup with a bit of momentum and in a positive frame of mind. People are playing for places so I'll be looking for the right reaction'....

'We've won at Altrincham before and it's always a good surface because Manchester United reserves play there', he added. 'It's a hotbed of football up there and their fans will expect a win so, if we can keep them quiet and express ourselves, we've got every chance of getting a result'".

ALTRINCHAM v GLOUCESTER CITY: DURING THE GAME

Coverage starts at 7.35pm with the game kicking off at 7.45pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com. The commentatory team is Niall Finnegan and Mike Reeves with match summaries from Paul Salt.

Leah & Simon Brotherton will be providing regular updates on Twitter (@altrinchamfc) as well as half-time & full time updates on facebook (Altrincham FC)".

Also, this website will be providing its usual matchday updates throughout the game, starting from as soon as the line-ups are available. The various alternatives can be found via the icons below and in the right sidebar.

 

ALTY YOUTH LEAVE IT LATE

Right: Alty celebrate Matt Todd's goal.

In a see-saw match at The Pavilions, Altrincham won their FA Youth Cup Qualifying Round match against Runcorn Town 5-4, with a strike in the sixth minute of added time, one of eight second half goals!

Match report here.

SKRILL NORTH

However, the 37-year-old has decided to step down from his position after holding discussions with the club's hierarchy over the past few days. A statement on the club's official website read...'The club, in conjunction with Mark, have been considering options... This process includes reviewing management structures and, as a result, Chris has stepped down as assistant manager. Senior players will assist Mark and Martin Stringfellow with match preparation and training until a permanent replacement is appointed'".

Leamington report that "Midfielder Elliot Sandy has today advised Leamington manager Paul Holleran that he has decided to return to our neighbours Brackley Town, citing the demands of increased travelling from his Northamptonshire home. 'The original agreement with both the player and Brackley was that Elliot would join us for an initial 4 week period, which would be assessed before the forthcoming FA Cup tie, but the travelling turned out to be greater than he expected and he has decided to return to Brackley,' said Holleran. 'I am disappointed that things haven't worked out'...

The Brakes' manager also stressed that in light of several injuries along with the recent departures he is working hard to try and bring in one or two additions to the squad".

OLD BOY

According to Pitchero Non-League, "Cavell Coo had a debut to forget for Ashton United as he was sent-off after just 20 minutes against Stamford AFC... The pacey left-sided defender or midfielder brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having come through the ranks of the famous football academy at Dario Gradi’s Crewe Alexandra... After being released from Gresty Road Coo had spells with Altrincham, Witton Albion, Droylsden, Halifax Town, Curzon Ashton, Mossley AFC and FC United of Manchester".

OLD FOES

The council has also confirmed that it is yet to decide how the decision will eventually be made. Although 'all elected members' will have the opportunity to have their say although they couldn’t confirm if that will be at a full council meeting. Mr Bosomworth said, 'What we want is just some clarity. We have asked for an explanation from the council whether the ground is actually up for sale and secondly we would like a pack that would give us an insight into the proposals... Surely six people in Cabinet can’t make the decision to sell one of the most iconic buildings in Calderdale?...

Chairman of the Halifax Town Supporters’ Trust Kit Walton said, 'Even at this time, the council will not tell the club if the ground is for sale. We heard at the meeting that the bid is around £1.9 million and sales under £2 million can be done without ratification from the full council'.

Mr Bosomworth said, 'If the council do need to sell, then you go to the open market and find the best price you can. There may be other bidders out there waiting to get in'.

Leader of Calderdale Council Tim Swift said, 'In August we received an offer to purchase the Shay and I would like to stress that the council has not put the stadium on the open market. We are carefully considering the offer and whether it represents a good way to secure future investment in the stadium. Our priority is to guarantee the Shay’s community status and to ensure that any offer will guarantee the continued use of the stadium by both professional clubs'".

YOUTH CUP

Meanwhile, Alty Youth, unbeaten this season, have league games in hand in the NWYA Premier League.

LADIES WIN AGAIN

Next up, the Ladies are away to Nantwich Town Ladies on Sunday 29 September at The Weaver Stadium (2pm).

FA CUP OPPONENTS

Payne turned provider on 43 minutes after more neat work on the right. He beat his man and his low cross was turned in by Oates... On 49 minutes the lively Rory Fallon sent Payne clear on the right. After checking back on to his left foot, he curled a shot on to the foot of the post and Paul Ashton was on hand to slot the rebound into the net... Victory duly came on 61 minutes. Fallon again fed Payne who crossed behind the backtracking defence and the onrushing Ashton finished coolly.

The final 20 minutes saw the Trafford defence stand resolute against the Olympic attack with man of the match Nia Bayunu keeping former million pound striker Adebola quiet".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

"Tyler Weir gave the home side the lead after just three minutes from the penalty spot after keeper Ashley Timms was adjudged to have brought down Tom Webb. But after a sluggish start, Boston regained their composure and bossed the remainder of the match...

'The performance was a mixed bag' said [manager] Greene. 'For the first half an hour Gloucester caused us a lot of problems. I was praying for half-time so I could make some changes. But Rossy got a goal out nothing which knocked the stuffing out of them. We then finished the first half really strongly... I thought the second half performance was very good. We got a couple of goals and could have got a few more'".

From their viewpoint, Gloucester City add that "The visitors dominated throughout and showed their potential promotion credentials. The Tigers had ended the game with 10 men after City talisman Darren Edwards was hauled off with a potential groin injury... The first half an hour was dominated by City, but Dave Mehew’s troops couldn’t break past the Boston defence and succumbed to wild shots from afar...

The Tigers offered very little in reply as the Lincolnshire outfit controlled the tempo and continued to have glimpses of the City goal, however the contest died soon after. To compound Gloucester’s performance, they played the final echelons of the game with 10 men after Darren Edwards went off with a suspected groin injury, and that effectively sealed the defeat.

The Tigers next league games won’t get any easier, with trips to Altrincham and Hednesford Town, both among the early pacesetters. Gloucester City: M. Green, M. Green, T. Weir, M. Coupe, J. Harris, T. Webb, L. Hogg. D. Mullings, W. Morford (Edge 60), S. Wilson (Turl 75) , M. Groves (Edwards 45). Subs not used: N. Mustoe, S. Rawlings".

NORTH FERRIBY UNITED 2 ALTRINCHAM 1

Jarman added a second four minutes after the interval as NFU exchanged passes effectively. After finally bringing on Lawrie and Walshaw, Alty got a goal back through a Havern header which Walshaw knocked over the line (77 mins). Alty pressed in the final stages but had left it too late.

Match report here.

Right: Stuart Coburn collects the ball at North Ferriby.

After Saturday's game, North Ferriby United reported that "Ferriby maintained their 100% home record and inflicted Altrincham’s first league defeat of the season... Altrincham had the better of the very early exchanges. Kyle Perry deflected a header to home keeper Adam Nicklin then shot over the bar. Jake Moult almost gave Altrincham the lead but his shot bounced back off the bar...

The Villagers gradually began to take a degree of control as the half progressed but, even so, Coburn was not really threatened... Jarman gave the home side the lead after 29 minutes when he placed the ball beyond Stuart Coburn from 15 yards following good work by Ryan Kendall and Liam King...

In all honesty, the first-half was rather scrappy with neither keeper having to make a save but Ferriby were the better team and deserved their lead. Ferriby opened the second-half in blistering fashion with Jarman doubling the lead on 49 minutes. Once again, good work by King and Kendall provided Jarman with the opportunity to fire past Coburn from 18 yards.

Ferriby exerted their authority on the game after this and closed-down Altrincham in midfield. Both sides were hitting long balls and chances were few and far between. The Villagers’ defence was magnificent in dealing with Altrincham’s long balls and crosses...

Altrincham managed to pull a goal back after 77 minutes. Shaun Densnore’s cross was headed on by Luca Havern to Walshaw who scored from close-range. The goal was somewhat against the run of play and it boosted Altrincham’s spirits... Ferriby closed-out the game for a deserved win in what was an entertaining, if rather scrappy, game...

Manager Billy Heath was delighted, 'It was a bit scrappy today but we battled well and the defence was outstanding. We could have won a bit more comfortably but, at the end of the day, we got the three points we thoroughly deserved'".

OLD BOYS

OPPONENTS' SIGNING

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

• AFC Telford United - Colwyn Bay 1,677
• Barrow - Histon 593
• Bradford Park Avenue - Solihull Moors 305
• Gloucester City - Boston United 337
• Guiseley - Hednesford Town 469
• Harrogate Town - Brackley Town 410
• Leamington - Gainsborough Trinity 561
• North Ferriby United - Altrincham 420
• Stalybridge Celtic - Stockport County 1,560
• Vauxhall Motors - Oxford City 131
• Worcester City - Workington 559

Barrow's Holker Street Newsletter reports that "The Mail has a chat with central-defender Robbie Williams before the Histon game, and he offers his thoughts on the midweek draw with Colwyn Bay. 'We've had a bit of an inconsistent start. Ideally, we would have some more points on the board and we just need to try and get an unbeaten run going really, whether that be a combination of draws and wins, or ideally a few wins on the bounce. Once you get those few results your confidence goes up and you get a winning or undefeated habit and that's the sort of run you need to kick on, to climb up the table, get in among it'".

SATURDAY RESULTS

• Telford United 4-1 Colwyn Bay
• Barrow 2-1 Histon
• Bradford Park Avenue 2-2 Solihull Moors
• Gloucester City 1-3 Boston United
• Guiseley 1-2 Hednesford Town
• Harrogate Town 0-1 Brackley Town
• Leamington 0-1 Gainsborough Trinity
• North Ferriby United 2-1 Altrincham
• Stalybridge Celtic 0-0 Stockport County
• Vauxhall Motors 1-0 Oxford City
• Worcester City 4-0 Workington

BEFORE THE GAME

North Ferriby United "welcome Altrincham to the Eon Visual Media Stadium on Tuesday on Saturday...

The visitors are unbeaten with 5 wins and two draws in their seven league games... Ferriby will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent home record which has seen them score 12 goals and concede only two. Ferriby have made a good start to the season and average two points per game. It is all the more impressive when you consider that most of their opponents so far have been in the current top nine.

Ferriby outplayed Workington on Tuesday to gain a 3-1 win. Workington only got in to the game when Ferriby took the foot of the pedal and tried to over-complicate moves once they were 3-0 up...

The only downside to the game was defender Danny Hone being stretchered-off with an ankle ligament injury. Manager Billy Heath was pleased with his team’s performance against Workington... 'Altrincham will obviously provide another tough game but we will be looking to maintain our good start'" he said

"Striker Anthony Wilson serves the final game of his three match suspension. Danny Hone’s injury means he will not play. Apart from these two, Heath should have a full squad to chooses from. NFU from: Adam Nicklin, Antoni Pecora, Dean Lisles, Paul Robson, Nathan Peat, Gregg Anderson, Matt Wilson, Jonathan D’Laryea, Liam King, Russell Fry, Danny Clarke, Ben Hunter, Jamie Yates, Ryan Kendall, Nathan Jarman, Sam Belcher, Louis Bruce".

According to This is Hull "North Ferriby will hope to continue their unbeaten home form when they entertain high-flying Altrincham tomorrow. Since gaining promotion to the Conference North, the Villagers have won all three home games and scored three goals in each one..

It promises to be a game full of chances between two of the division's goal-hungry sides. With Anthony Wilson sitting out the final match of his three-game suspension, Ferriby should again field Jarman and Kendall in attack".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Carlisle United have sent Lewis Brass on a work experience package, and the 17-year-old did well against North Ferriby United on Tuesday night. But Edmondson is furious, waiting to be given the green light to play Wimmer. He said,' How can it take so long to register a player? I just don’t understand what the hold-up is. We’ve done all we can but are again left waiting for the governing body, which is supposed to work with us, to do their job. It’s a ridiculous situation, but one we’re now used to'. Workington had the same issue with defender Dom Kennedy last month".

The Football Conference says that "Workington have signed Shrewsbury Town's England under-17 international goalkeeper Callum Burton on loan. Young Lewis Brass, who did so well in goal on Tuesday, has returned to youth team duty for Carlisle United as the Reds continue the search for a permanent recognised number one.

Burton has returned from Market Drayton where he had been on 'work experience'".

Elsewhere, "Following a seven-day approach from former club Barwell, Jamie Towers has left Leamington by mutual consent... Leamington manager Paul Holleran was disappointed that the players' third spell at the New Windmill Ground hadn't worked out, saying, 'Jamie's work commitments have made it difficult to commit to playing at this level'...

Meanwhile, striker Will Green has agreed to sign for the Brakes... Green is a highly-rated young player who made one appearance for Brakes early last season against Hitchin Town, but his loan spell from league rivals Brackley Town was cut short by injury and once recovered he spent the rest of the season at Bedford Town.

Green joined Oxford City in the summer but having not featured regularly for another Conference North rival he has opted to join up with Brakes. In light of the growing injury list within the squad, Holleran has also called upon James Husband, who will be involved at the weekend".

And "Guiseley AFC have announced the signing of Ben Parker. The 25-year-old is a product of the Leeds United youth system, with the left-sided defender going on to make a number of appearances for the Elland Road outfit between 2005 and 2012. He then enjoyed spells on loan at Bradford City, Darlington and Carlisle United, but since his contract ended with Leeds in 2012 he has been without a club".

The Conference also confirms that "Oxford City have signed experienced striker Marvin Robinson from rivals and neighbours Brackley Town. Robinson signed for the Northamptonshire side from Hednesford Town in early February 2012".

Off the field, Guiseley "are pleased to announce that Mark Bower has been appointed as permanent first team manager at Nethermoor. Following discussions with Mark, the board of directors have been impressed with his plans to move the playing side of the club forward and Mark will now take on the position on a substantive basis.

The club feels this appointment provides a clear statement of intent and ensures certainty for both players and fans on how the club will progress in the immediate future".

OLD BOY

NORTH FERRIBY UNITED v ALTRINCHAM

Following training on Thursday night, the Alty boss hopes to have a "clean bill of health", with the obvious exception being long-term injury case, Mike Williams.

DON'T MISS THE BUS

OXFORD GAME RE-WOUND

• First Half
• Second Half

OLLIE SEEKS A CONTRACT

The former prolific Altrincham front-man said, 'I turned them down because it was getting too much. I have regretted that decision every day since'. Riley has been released by Altrincham but has had offers from a number of clubs including Curzon Ashton. Riley added, 'My grandfather, who has just passed away, played for Macclesfield Town and so, doing it for him is a huge motivation'".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

However, Housham's dealings in the loan market initially brought in young strikers Conner Robinson from Lincoln City and Rhys Oates from Barnsley... 'The loan period of both of those players is almost coming to an end', said Housham. 'But they have been a breath of fresh air. They have given us a lift and I want to extend their stays with us if I can'...

The Trinity boss also appears to have unveiled another gem, this time to boost his defensive options. A series of disappointing mistakes at the back led Housham to dip back into the loan market where he discovered Sheffield Wednesday youngster Taylor McKenzie... 'Taylor McKenzie was excellent for us again at Worcester City', said Housham... 'He is another one I would like to keep here for a bit longer'.

Housham insists his side were unlucky not to return from the midweek clash with Worcester with all three points. 'I came home from that game feeling we were robbed of another three points', Housham added. 'They were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time which was never a penalty; even their bench couldn't believe it... We worked so hard and were moments away from a second successive win. Dom Roma defended the situation perfectly, he was strong and did everything right. I have no idea how the referee could award a penalty. I was fuming. It was an atrocious decision...

It is better now and confidence is flooding back', said the Blues boss. 'We lost six on the bounce and that gets to you no matter who you are. We were down in the dumps, but we go to Leamington unbeaten in two matches and we intend to extend that little run'".

From the opposition, we read in the Worcester News that "Manager Carl Heeley believes Worcester City are stronger now than they were when the season began despite being winless in eight games. The Blue and Whites would be propping up Skrill North but for Ethan Moore’s penalty five minutes into injury time which rescued a 2-2 draw against fellow strugglers Gainsborough Trinity.

City remain in the bottom three but have demonstrated plenty of potential this term, including in the first-half on Tuesday. Heeley has also added experience to the ranks with midfielders Phil Trainer and Richard Taundry joining centre-half Exodus Geohaghon and keeper Jose Veiga in recent days...

'Players are becoming available now, as they often do a month or so into the season', the Worcester boss explained... 'I think we’re stronger than we were at the start of the season. We would have liked to get more balance into the squad earlier in the season but the bottom line was we were always going to get outbid and we needed to be patient and wait for players to become available'".

ALTY SHOWS ITS HEART

Altrincham FC shows its heart with life saving defibrillator.

Altrincham FC and its community have been equipped with a life-saving new defibrillator, with the help of The Football Association (FA) and British Heart Foundation (BHF). In a unique partnership between the BHF and The FA, more than 900 defibrillators have been made available to clubs at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System to help save the lives of cardiac arrest casualties.

Altrincham FC is the latest club to install a defibrillator, giving players, staff and fans access to the equipment needed to save lives in their community. The club was also given information about hands-only CPR, which was made famous for the BHF by footballer Vinnie Jones.

Two thirds of the cost of the defibrillator was provided to the Club by The FA and BHF, the other third was raised by the sale of special defibrillator shirts donated by Ian Senior’s SK Kits.

Altrincham FC Chairman, Grahame Rowley, said 'This vital piece of equipment could prove to be the difference between life and death and it’s a welcome addition to the club and its community. The FA and BHF have made it possible for Altrincham FC to be part of the drive to improve the UK’s poor cardiac arrest survival rates. Along with CPR, a defibrillator is a vital link in the chain of survival and we’re lucky that we now have the skills and equipment at the club to save a life'.

Awareness around sudden cardiac arrests was heightened when former England U21 star Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest in the Spurs vs Bolton FA Cup tie on March 17th last year. Muamba’s story is even more remarkable as only around 1 in 5 people normally survive a witnessed, out of hospital cardiac arrest in the UK.

A defibrillator, also known as an Automated External Defibrillator or AED, gives the heart a controlled electrical shock during cardiac arrest.

For every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation, chances of survival decrease by about 10%. Research shows giving CPR and a controlled shock within 5 minutes of collapse provide the best possible chance of survival, if CPR has been carried out as well.

The BHF has already helped place 11,000 defibrillators in the community since 1996. Since the charity launched Hands-only CPR last year, more than 30 lives have been saved by the technique".

SPORTS HALL PROJECT

Councillors unanimously voted in favour of plans to build a community sports hall, repair the club’s existing car park and erect a new toilet block, at a committee meeting on September 12.

The sports hall, which is to be located in the south-west corner of the Moss Lane site, will house a club shop and first aid room, as well as accommodating sporting activities such as bowls, martial arts and table tennis.

The council received 58 letters in support of the application, including one from Graham Brady MP, and 38 letters in opposition of the scheme. Speaking before the committee, applicant Ian Watmore said the scheme represents a £1.3million investment in the club and will enable both men and women to have better changing facilities. He added, 'It’s hardly replacing a place of existing natural beauty'.

Ward councillor Chris Candish also spoke in favour of the scheme, arguing that, while he sympathises with neighbours who have experienced problems with noise and parking, 'Sadly, there can always be some inconvenience to someone living next to a large venue. This improvement can only be beneficial to the whole community, Altrincham Football Club has a rich past and is an asset to the community', he added.

However, resident Norman Herringshore told the committee that ‘"Enough is enough" and that an "entertainment centre" would deny neighbours "the peace between matches that we very much deserve". But Cllr Lawrence Walsh disputed that the sports hall could be likened to an entertainment centre or a night club, as it will be only used for sporting activities.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Ferriby keeper Adam Nicklin did not have a save to make during the half... The second goal that Ferriby deserved arrived after 33 minutes. Another spell of pressure saw Jarman, Yates Kendall and King all involved with the ball finally reaching Kendall again on the ground. The striker managed to fire the ball past Brass.

The half finished with Danny Hone being stretchered–off with an ankle ligament injury. Ferriby got off to a storming start in the second-half. Kendall chased down a defender and took the ball off him before sliding it home past Brass on 50 minutes... Ferriby eased-off somewhat and paid the price. A quick break by Ross Wilson ended with his pass giving Joe Jackson an open goal after 62 minutes...

The Villagers have now won all three home games, scoring three times in each. Manager Billy Heath and Assistant Manager, Mark Carroll, were delighted with their side’s performance. Carroll said... 'We eased off after the third goal. We didn’t always choose the easy option and this allowed Workington more possession than we would have liked. However, it was a good all-round team performance'.

North Ferriby United: Adam Nicklin, Paul Robson, Nathan Peat, Liam King (Jon D’Laryea 75), Matt Wilson, Danny Hone (Gregg Anderson 44), Danny Clarke, Russell Fry, Nathan Jarman, Ryan Kendall, Jamie Yates. Subs not used:, Ben White, Dean Lisles, Ben Hunter.

From the other side, the News and Star tells us that "Despite a fourth straight defeat on the road at North Ferriby, Workington manager Darren Edmondson could not fault his young side...

'I cannot come down on them too hard after our display against the best team we have met so far. We were overrun in the first half but our response after the break was excellent', said the manager.

The Workington boss drafted in two new faces for the trip to East Yorkshire; the experienced striker, Danny Forrest and Carlisle United youth goalkeeper Lewis Brass... Said Edmondson, 'The young goalkeeper, 17, was actually named Workington’s man-of-the match and I’m sure he’ll enjoy the champagne, when he is old enough to consume it!'. On the goalkeeping situation, Reds hope the protracted saga to register American Alex Wimmer will be resolved this week".

According to Pitchero Non-League, "Goalkeeper Jon Worsnop has re-joined Guiseley AFC as James Montgomery leaves to take up a scholarship at the Nike Academy based in Loughborough. Worsnop was the Lions' keeper during the season the club won promotion from the Northern Premier League into the Conference North. He has since played for Worksop Town and, most recently, FC United of Manchester. The much-travelled 30-year-old signed last night and will take Montgomery’s place in the squad".

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson today revealed winger Sean Cooke will be in the squad for Saturday’s visit of Colwyn Bay. Cooke will be in a competitive match-day 16 for the first time since joining the club in the summer, arriving at the New Buck's Head with a fractured leg.

The 20-year-old was hurt playing for his previous club, AFC Flyde, last season... The wide man, the son of former Shrewsbury Town assistant boss Dave Cooke, has been earmarked for a key role by Telford manager Liam Watson. Watson said, 'He’s not match sharp but he is over his injury. We need to get him ready for the team. He’s got that bit of quality that can open teams up'".

Further north, the NW Evening Mail says that "Dave Bayliss has made his peace with the couple of fans he exchanged angry words with following Saturday’s agonising stoppage-time defeat at Gainsborough. Barrow AFC launched an investigation into the unsavoury incident after which Bayliss claimed he had been verbally abused by one fan, while he was also annoyed when he suspected another supporter was filming him on a mobile phone.

A fan claiming to be at the centre of the controversy explained his actions on an internet fans’ forum, alleging such things that Bayliss 'offered him outside into the car park' and that he was 'swinging at people'. Bayliss categorically denied any intention to strike anybody, a claim backed by club director John Mackay, and that he only wanted to move the mobile phone away from him.

Now the probe appears to have come to an amicable conclusion after the fans involved appear to have back-tracked on at least parts of their version of events. The latest development was revealed by AFC player coach Alex Meechan following last night’s 1-1 home draw with Colwyn Bay.

'The fans came in last night and they’ve seen the gaffer, met with a couple of the board of directors and basically retracted what had happened which, to be honest, was blown totally out of proportion', said Meechan. 'I’m backing the gaffer and he wears his heart on his sleeve and anyone who knows that, knows not to really say what they said (to him) after that final minute. It was verbal abuse and a few of us witnessed it. Although we just want to get the on-field matters sorted, because we do believe that most of these lads can really get us success this season, whether that comes in the FA Cup or coming in the top 10 or eight in the league, we really want to do that for the football club'.

It is not clear whether the board will take any action against Bayliss or if they have issued a warning to him after the manager used foul language in his post-match interview ...

Bayliss watched last night’s game from the stand, through his own choice. Meechan, who was not part of the pre-match meeting says the club are keen to move on from Saturday’s incidents. 'All I know is everyone has shaken hands, they (the fans) have apologised. But we need those two or three fans on board with us'.

Barrow fought back from a goal down at Holker Street last night as Gareth Arnison’s 68th-minute strike cancelled out Ed Moss’s opener just before half-time. And Bayliss's men offered plenty of promise and deserved more rewards after dominating for long periods against Colwyn Bay whose own player-coach is former Stoke City striker Ade Akinbiyi.

'I honestly don’t know how we haven’t won', said Meechan. 'I played with Ade Akinbiyi at Bristol City and his face basically said it all when he shook my hand. But that’s the way it is at the minute. And that group of lads still believe that we can turn it around and, with a performance like last night’s, added to another couple this season, there’s no reason why we can’t'".

TUESDAY GAMES

• Barrow 1-1 Colwyn Bay
• Gloucester City 2-2 Brackley Town
• Guiseley 0-2 Bradford Park Avenue
• Histon 0-1 Hednesford Town
• Leamington 0-1 Solihull Moors
• North Ferriby United 3-1 Workington
• Oxford City 1-1 Boston United
• Stalybridge Celtic 3-2 Harrogate Town
• Vauxhall Motors 2-1 Stockport County
• Worcester City 2-2 Gainsborough Trinity
• League table

"WE PETERED OUT" SAYS LEE

"Lee Sinnott insisted there was still room for improvement after seeing Altrincham extend their unbeaten start to the season to seven games against Oxford City at the J.Davidson Stadium.

Alty are level on points with Brackley at the top of the Skrill North table, but there will be no resting on laurels after they allowed a two-goal lead to slip away and had to settle for a second successive 2-2 home draw.

Saturday’s trip to North Ferriby United is followed by a home game with Gloucester City on Tuesday (7.45) and an intriguing FA Cup second qualifying round derby tie at Trafford on September 28.

The games are coming thick and fast, and Sinnott is determined to ensure his players are on their mettle, as they strive to maintain their flying start to the campaign.

‘To be honest, the players are annoyed at letting two points escape against Oxford,’ said the Alty manager. ‘We started the game very brightly and positively. It was similar to how we started against Leamington, only better.

‘But we let them back in it, just minutes after going 2-0 up, and the plain fact is, we didn’t ask them questions or work their keeper anything like enough in the second half. We were dangerous and productive approaching their box in the first half, but not the second. It all tended to be a bit too sideways and backwards.

‘We petered out a bit, but if there are one or two issues to be ironed out in our approach play, they will be. We will work to put that right and try and ensure we keep progressing. There were positives. James Walshaw added another goal to the overall strikers’ tally, and, given we need players behind them contributing, it was good to see Simon Richman on the scoresheet.

‘And, of course, we shouldn’t forget we have dropped just four points out of 21. The players aren’t particularly happy that it’s as many as four. There is a sense of annoyance that they didn’t take all three against Oxford, but that’s no bad thing if it puts them on their guard for it happening again.’".

"WE SHOULDN'T HAVE DROPPED POINTS" SAYS LEE

"Altrincham’s unbeaten start to the season is still intact after seven games, but Lee Sinnott admitted his players were angry with themselves at letting two points slip through their fingers against Oxford City at the J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

Alty, who travel to neighbours Trafford in the FA Cup second qualifying round on September 28, looked on course for a win that would have safeguarded top place after cruising into a 2-0 lead.

But a Scott Leather own goal and second-half penalty pegged them back and allowed Brackley to overtake them as early Skrill North pacesetters.

‘We started really positively and were moving their defence and midfield around really well,’ said Alty boss Sinnott, after the 2-2 draw. ‘That was an important part of the game, when we went 2-0 up, because they were back in it within a couple of minutes. We gave away a cheap free-kick on the halfway line, but it was a great delivery that had Scott stretching to get a head on it.

‘Unfortunately, he did connect, and you probably won’t see a better headed goal than that all season! It was disappointing that, after being so productive and dangerous with our approach play, everything seemed to peter out in the second half. The mood afterwards was one of annoyance that we had let two points escape us.

‘We have dropped four points out of 21 so far, but the attitude of the players was we shouldn’t have dropped any today. They are annoyed with themselves over the way we didn’t make best use of all our possession in the second half and didn’t work their keeper enough.

‘But we will iron out the couple of issues in our build-up play that need addressing and then move on to next Saturday’s game at North Ferriby. There are one or two things to work on, but let’s not forget we have started the season in really positive fashion.’

Trafford are a division below Alty but will provide a stern test in what will be the Robins’ fifth successive away draw in the FA Cup".

OLD BOYS

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Heath is confident his men are still creating the chances to put sides to bed. He told the Mail... 'Obviously, you do miss the presence of a physical player like Anthony, but we've got three great strikers at this club and any of them is capable of scoring goals at this level.

Ryan Kendall is an experienced player who was our top goal scorer last season so I know he can come in and do a good job for us... We're finding out quickly that if you make mistakes at this level, you get punished for them"...

Heath has been relatively pleased with the start his newcomers have made, but expects them to face a very different threat from tonight's visitors. 'We know Workington are a young side made up of a lot of players who have been released by professional clubs so they like to play football the right way', he said. 'Whilst they may not be very physical, they love to pass the ball and that's their biggest asset'...

Other than the suspended Wilson, Ferriby have a near fully-fit squad to choose from, although Dean Lisles (ankle) is only rated as having a 50-50 chance".

In Yorkshire, "Guiseley AFC`s caretaker-management have taken striker Alex Johnson on a month's loan from neighbours FC Halifax Town. Johnson joined the Shaymen in October 2012 from Clitheroe. He had to wait patiently for first-team opportunities but he grasped these with both hands with a number of impressive displays towards the end of last season".

Pitchero Non-League says that "Worcester City have signed Phil Trainer on a month`s loan from Nuneaton Town. The 32-year-old attacking midfielder... left Telford after they were relegated from the Conference Premier last season. He has also played for the likes of Crewe Alexandra, Hyde United, Hednesford Town, Stalybridge Celtic, Northwich Victoria, Tamworth and Oxford United."

According to the Football Conference, "Dave Bayliss, manager of Barrow AFC, has signed 27-year-old former Harrogate Town defender Craig Radcliffe on non-contract terms in time for today's visit of Colwyn Bay.

With Paul Edwards's illness likely to rule him out of the game, Barrow are grateful to Harrogate Railway Athletic for allowing Radcliffe to sign without the need for seven days' notice. Radcliffe has had spells at Cambridge City and Durham City earlier in his career which began at Middlesbrough."

Meanwhile, in the NW Evening Mail, "Beleaguered Bluebirds' boss Dave Bayliss issued a defiant message ahead of tonight’s home clash with Colwyn Bay by insisting, 'I’m not quitting'... after collecting just five points in seven games...

Matters got worse for Bayliss on Sunday when the club announced that they will investigate the boss’s fraught confrontation with a disgruntled supporter in the aftermath of the loss. In an initial statement, which was subsequently edited, the club also apologised for the ‘unacceptable’ language Bayliss used during his BBC Radio Cumbria post-match interview.

And the manager was dealt another heavy blow yesterday when he learned that influential midfielder Alex-Ray Harvey will be sidelined for around six weeks. A scan revealed that Harvey has suffered a small cartilage tear in his knee and requires surgery...

Speaking immediately after his controversial radio interview and before the club investigation was announced, Bayliss said,'Listen, we’ve got around 17 new players and there has been an overhaul (of the squad) and everything that’s happened is not my fault. We’ve had massive things going on behind the scenes in the past few months. But I know that I’m the manager. Listen, if they want to sack me they’ve only got to ring me and say I’m sacked.

I’ve got a lot of respect for the Keens and the directors so, if they want to do that, they can, by all means. I can go and get another job in football but I love this job, I love the supporters, I love managing this football club and I’m not a walk-away type of person – I never have been and I’ll fight.

And I said to some of the lads in there (in the dressing room post-match on Saturday) "Some of you look defeated and deflated". I’ll keep fighting to the very end until someone says they don’t want me. That’s fine by me, I understand football'.

Last week, club chairman Brian Keen, who leads a board of directors which also includes his son Tony, insisted that Bayliss’s job is not under threat while also indicating his dissatisfaction at AFC’s modest points total...

'All I can do is pick a team to win a game of football and, when players make individual mistakes, I don’t know what more I can do... I feel pressure because I put pressure on myself to do well. Even when I played I did that, if I had a bad game I’d go home and it would eat at me for days'...

Meanwhile, Harvey will undergo an operation to trim away his damaged cartilage in a fortnight’s time and then he is he likely to be sidelined for another four weeks. But AFC’s dedicated [ex-Alty] physio Sean Riley will ensure Harvey continues his strength and fitness work throughout the whole process.

Left-back Paul Edwards will again be missing tonight as he has failed to sufficiently recover from a virus".

Reports in the Shropshire Star say that "AFC Telford United midfielder Alan Moogan is set to undergo surgery on his injured groin as he faces up to the prospect of further weeks on the sidelines. The Bucks’ player-coach has already missed four games...

With Russell Benjamin about to start a three-match suspension, Mike Grogan is set to sign from Cammell Laird today with no prospect of a swift return for Moogan. The former Everton youngster has a condition called Gilmore’s Groin, which is only usually rectified by going under the knife and would mean a longer recovery process.

The 29-year-old is still actively a part of the club through his coaching duties, but Telford manager Liam Watson admitted it could be some time before he’s back on the pitch. Watson said, 'It’s a hernia for sports people, which is very difficult to diagnose. It will definitely require surgery. That’s why we are looking to bring Mike in'...

There could be further changes for Saturday’s visit of Colwyn Bay. Grogan is nailed on for a starting place if his move goes through, while strikers Tony Gray and Adam Farrell are under threat of the axe".

FA CUP - TRAFFORD v ALTY

Right: Pictured in October 2001 are Stuart Coburn, Mark Maddox and Steve Hawes.

For Stuart Coburn it will be a return to the club where he made his name, before joining Altrincham in 1997, whilst Trafford's left-back is likely to be Altrincham-born Andy Smart who had a spell at Moss Lane in 2011-12.

As this website's report stated "Before the game Bernard Taylor and Graham Heathcote received the UniBond Club of the Month award for September... There was plenty of enterprise but few direct shots at goal in this match and it took a penalty kick to separate the sides... Altrincham started with only five of the players who had begun the game at Accrington on Sunday and the new formation created several chances but failed to take them.

Coburn, Hulme and Locke were rested, whilst Craney, Thornley and Scott were relegated to the bench... Dale Newbrook, the current Altrincham Reserves' and last year's Youth Team goalkeeper, made his first-team debut between the posts in a competitive match".

Alty' squad was 1. Dale NEWBROOK, 2. Dave SWANNICK, 3. Chris ADAMS, 4. Mark MADDOX, 5. Mark SERTORI, 6. Steve HAWES (capt.), 7. Jeremy ILLINGWORTH, 8. Jason GALLAGHER, 9. Carl FURLONG, 10. Lee POLAND, 11. Danny MURPHY. Subs: 12. Rod THORNLEY, 14. Gary SCOTT, 15. Ian CRANEY.

Coincidentally, that was the same season in which Altrincham's only previous game with next Saturday's league opponents, North Ferriby United, took place.

ALTY AND SALE SPORT

Kevin was nominated for a Sony Radio Rising Star award in 2013 and now attends sporting events around the Altrincham and Sale area each week producing written match reports and conducting interviews, ranging from pre-match to post-match interviews. Kevin has felt that this is the chance for all the sports in the Altrincham and Sale area to get their reports and interviews broadcast on the weekly sport show podcast".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Despite Heeley and assistant Matt Gardiner attempting to change the 21-year-old’s mind, Hubbins felt he was not playing to his potential and wanted to leave. The Worcester boss explained, 'Luke Hubbins has decided to take a long break from the game. He just feels he’s not doing what he knows he’s capable of and I totally respect his honesty. He doesn’t want to be paid by the club when he knows that he’s not firing on all cylinders, which is unusual, but I do respect him and have admiration for him for that. He will always be welcome at the club.

He’s just become a little bit frustrated with the game and his own form. He was determined that he was going to take a break from the game'...

Meanwhile, right-back George Williams is a major doubt for tomorrow’s match against Gainsborough Trinity at Aggborough with an ankle injury".

According to Skrill Football, "Barrow AFC have extended the loan of striker Dale Johnson from FC Halifax Town by a further month. The Shaymen have agreed to extend Johnson's stay at Holker Street after bolstering their own striking options with the signing of former Doncaster Rovers striker Jordan Ball on non-contract terms.

However, FC Halifax boss Neil Aspin has included a 24-hour recall clause in Johnson's loan extension, while the striker will not be eligible to feature in the FA Cup. Johnson has made seven appearances for the Skrill North side thus far, scoring one goal".

NL Daily states that "Lee Elam became a Workington player on Friday, making his debut as a late substitute in Saturday's Skrill North victory over Gloucester City. Elam, 37 next week, has signed on a non-contract basis with Workington, making it his 16th different club in an illustrious career which began in the late nineties at Southport.

Since then, he has worn the colours of Morecambe, Halifax Town, Yeovil Town, Chester City, Hornchurch, Burton Albion, Crawley Town, Weymouth, Exeter City, Altrincham, Northwich Victoria, Bradford Park Avenue, Stalybridge Celtic and Harrogate Town... Capped four times by England C, Elam played for the final quarter of an hour of Saturday’s game, becoming the oldest player to represent the Reds in the Skrill North".

Another arrival in Cumbria is the subject of a report by "Craig Elliott, manager of Ossett Town, [who] has confirmed that recent signing Danny Forrest has left the club and joined Workington. Striker Forrest made two appearances in the red of Ossett Town without scoring a goal. Forrest arrived at Ingfield from Bradford Park Avenue a couple of weeks ago, but remains dual-registered with Town."

The Football Conference reports on another Merseyside to Telford move as "Cammell Laird have lost influential centre-back Michael Grogan to AFC Telford United. Laird saw Grogan captain the side on Saturday...

Formerly with Burscough, Skelmersdale United and Warrington Town, Grogan has been a tremendous player for Laird which is evident by his two accolades last season at the end of year awards - he was both the players' and the supporters' player of the year, and he also chipped in with an incredible sixteen goals in all comps last season".

FA CUP DRAW

Trafford beat Droylsden 5-1, away, in the previous round. They currently play in the EvoStik Premier Division, one step below Skrill North.

The full draw is

1. Runcorn Linnets v Cammell Laird
2. Guiseley v Bradford (Park Avenue)
3. Frickley Athletic v Marske United
4. Scarborough Athletic v Penrith AFC
5. Jarrow Roofing Boldon CA v Guisborough / Bishop Auck
6. Curzon Ashton v Lancaster City
7. Workington AFC v Burscough
8. Stockport County v Brighouse Town
9. Ossett Town v Warrington / New Mills
10. AFC Fylde v Ashton United
11. Colwyn Bay v Harrogate Town
12. Vauxhall Motors v Chorley
13. Trafford v Altrincham
14. Stalybridge Celtic v Worksop
15. Buxton v North Ferriby United
16. Whitby Town / West Auckland
17. Barrow AFC v Ramsbottom
18. AFC Telford United v Hednesford Town
19. Solihull Moors v Leamington
20. Atherstone / Redditch v Coalville Town
21. Stamford v AFC Wulf's / Walsall W
22. Stourbridge v S Coldfield T
23. Brackley Town v Gresley
24. Gainsborough Trinity v Rushall Olympic
25. Mickleover Sports v Corby Town
26. Worcester City v Coventry Sphinx
27. Belper Town v Daventry Town
28. Stafford R v Boston United
29. Dunkirk / Blaby & Whetstone Athletic v Rugby Town
30. Halesowen Town v Tipton Town
31. Carlton v Matlock Town
32. Grays Athletic v Tilbury
33. Spalding United v AFC H'church / E Thurrock U
34. Concord Rangers v St Ives Town
35. Royston Town v Histon
36. Brentwood / Clacton v Harrow B / N Greenford
37. Needham Market v Dunstable Town
38. St Albans City v Billericay Town
39. Hampton & Richmond Borough v Bedford Town
40. Hitchin T / Arlesey T v Thurrock
41. Cockfosters / AFC Rushden & Diamonds v Cambridge City
42. Hemel Hempstead Town v Witham Town / Mildenhall
43. Barton Rovers v Boreham Wood
44. Win Finch / Bigg'wade T v Chelmsford City
45. Harlow Town v Heybridge Swifts
46. Wealdstone v Haringey Borough
47. Hendon v Bishop's Stortford
48. Canvey Island v St Neots Town
49. Whitehawk v Sutton United
50. Thamesmead Town v Sittingbourne
51. Merstham v Maidstone United

ALTRINCHAM 2 OXFORD CITY 2

Alty TV also has highlights of the game against Oxford City.

Match report here.

The Wycombe Wanderer has an interesting account of his trip to Altrincham on the Oxford City team/supporters' coach last Saturday. He says that "Moss Lane is a wonderful traditional football ground, and there aren't many like this left". Those of a nervous disposition should be warned that his accompanying photos include the Radio Robins team in action!

BUCKET DONATIONS

THE LOST YEARS

Mike's article is reproduced below...

"Most of Altrincham FC’s history is pretty well documented. However, the story of the Robins in wartime is less easy to piece together. The declaration of war in early August 1914 did not stop the football season from happening, although the loss of many men to the Army undoubtedly had an effect. Altrincham were at the time members of the Lancashire Combination 1st Division, which duly completed its season with only Chester falling by the wayside; the Robins also reached the semi-final of the Cheshire Senior Cup and the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. As the war had not ended by Christmas, as had initially been hoped, and showed every sign of going on and on, football was scaled down after the 1914-15 season.

Left: A Lancaster bomber flies over the Popular Side at Moss Lane on Saturday.

Cup competitions were discontinued and the Combination reorganised into Northern and Southern sections, each of which played two series of matches in 1915-16, Alty actually completing a full programme of 36 games over the season. A much reduced number of clubs returned for the following season and not all fixtures were completed; the Robins’ 25 games compared well with Barrow’s 16, for example. 1917-18 saw Alty competing in the Manchester Amateur League but they returned to the Combination for the following season as members of the Manchester Section alongside the likes of Stalybridge Celtic, Mossley, Hurst, Witton, Northwich and Monk’s Hall (all of whom became founder members of the Cheshire County League in 1919) and reached the final of the Cheshire Senior Cup.

Although it has been possible to trace Cup-tie results and a handful of League scorelines from 1914-15, along with a few scores from 1917-19, this period is still very much a ‘grey area’ in my own researches. If anyone has access to further details from 1914-19 I’d be very interested to know. 1939-40.

The season which began for the Robins on Saturday August 26th 1939 with a trip to Crewe to take on the Alex’s second string in the Cheshire League was never likely to run its course; the touring West Indian cricket team was making its way home earlier than planned and it was very much a question of when, rather than if war with Germany would come. Alty lost that first match by the odd goal in nine (!) and went on to bow out of the League Cup at the first hurdle the following Monday evening, going down 6-1 to Wellington Town at the Buck’s Head. On Saturday September 2nd Chester Reserves were the visitors to Moss Lane and in another high-scoring encounter they took the spoils 4-3. The following morning Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced that “this country is at war with Germany” and of course the Cheshire League season was abandoned forthwith.

Within a fortnight, however, the Robins were back in action, playing a friendly at Mossley on September 16th which ended as a 2-2 draw, and by the end of the month, to quote from John Guilfoyle’s history of the League, “the Cheshire F.A. decided that it would be in the public interest to resume playing football, in a modified form”. Sixteen clubs took part in two regional divisions, Alty joining Chester Reserves, Macclesfield, Northwich, Runcorn, Wigan, Winsford and Witton in the Western Section and finishing second to Runcorn in the initial competition.

A second series of matches was played in the early months of 1940; Macclesfield did not take part this time and were replaced by South Liverpool. Runcorn headed the table again with the Robins coming third behind Witton. A two-legged play-off was arranged for the overall championship, Runcorn defeating Droylsden 5-3 on aggregate to claim the title, after which the Cheshire League was suspended for the duration of the war. Alty did not in fact resume membership until 1946.

Although the League tables for 1939-40 are extant and show that overall the Robins played 28 matches, winning 15, drawing 4 and losing 9, scoring a total of 80 goals and conceding 60, I have only been able to find details of the games with Witton and Macclesfield. Again, any further information would be gratefully received!

Sources:

• “Cheshire Senior Cup 1880-1915” by Keith Clayton;
• “The Cheshire County Football League 1919 to 1982” by John Guilfoyle;
• Chester FC Club History; Altrincham FC, FA, Macclesfield Town FC & Mossley AFC websites; Phil Chadwick; Phil Yelland".

OLD BOY

ALTRINCHAM 2 OXFORD CITY 2

Match report here.

Above: Alty press for a second-half winner.

GETTING TO NORTH FERRIBY

Alty's next opponents, North Ferriby United, lost 2-0 at Solihull Moors on Saturday. "Ferriby will look back on this game and see is at least one point lost. The Villagers were made to pay for a string of missed chances and were also punished for mistakes in defence...

Ferriby’s chances were limited as their passing game was not as sharp or clinical as it is often is. Too many passes went astray so promising moves came to nothing.

Solihull tended to aim the ball long using the strength and pace of Wint and Omar Bogle. Moors’ main threat came from set-pieces... The game changed in the 69th minute. Peat got in a tangle with Bogle and the referee awarded a penalty as the forward went down on the edge of the area. Bogle took the penalty himself and fired it beyond Nicklin’s despairing dive.

Five minutes later Solihull clinched the game. Gary Birch managed to evade Gregg Anderson’s challenge and his cross was headed in at the near post by Jay Denny... Moors were reduced to 10 men after 85 minutes when Ogle was sent-off for swinging his arm into Hone’s face whilst the ball was out of play...

Manager Billy Heath was disappointed with the result, 'We controlled much of the game and looked the likely winner for much of it. But you always think that missed chances will come back to haunt you and that is what happened today. We should have had something from the game but hopefully we will learn from today'.

NFU: Adam Nicklin, Paul Robson ( Matt Wilson 87), Nathan Peat, Liam King (Jon D’Laryea81), Gregg Anderson, Danny Hone, Danny Clarke (Ben Hunter 77), Russell Fry, Ryan Kendall, Nathan Jarman Jamie Yates Subs not used: Antoni Pecora, Louis Bruce".

LADIES' GAME OFF

A report on the Alty Ladies' victory last Thursday against AFC Stockport is here, courtesy of John McManus.

GATES

• 820 Altrincham v Oxford City
• 1022 Boston United v Guiseley
• 303 Brackley Town v Stalybridge Celtic
• 305 Bradford Park Avenue v AFC Telford Utd
• TBC Colwyn Bay v Worcester City
• 415 Gainsborough Trinity v Barrow
• 458 Harrogate Town v Histon
• 577 Hednesford Town v Vauxhall Motors
• 352 Solihull Moors v North Ferriby United
• 2925 Stockport County v Leamington
• 373 Workington v Gloucester City

FA YOUTH CUP

This means that next Sunday's NWYA league game against Morecambe has been postponed.

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

SATURDAY FIXTURES

Saturday 21 September

• AFC Telford Utd v Colwyn Bay
• Barrow v Histon
• Bradford Park Avenue v Solihull Moors
• Gloucester City v Boston United
• Guiseley v Hednesford Town
• Harrogate Town v Brackley Town
• Leamington v Gainsborough Trinity
• North Ferriby United v Altrincham
• Stalybridge Celtic v Stockport County
• Vauxhall Motors v Oxford City
• Worcester City v Workington

OLD BOYS

FA CUP

ALTRINCHAM 2 OXFORD CITY 2

Right: It was all smiles as Alty took a 2-0 lead...

Match report here.

Saturday's results were:

• Through the Years by Howard Watts.
• Altrincham 2-2 Oxford City
• Boston United 3-0 Guiseley
• Brackley Town 3-0 Stalybridge Celtic
• Bradford Park Avenue 3-1 AFC Telford United
• Colwyn Bay 0-0 Worcester City
• Gainsborough Trinity 2-1 Barrow
• Harrogate Town 0-1 Histon
• Hednesford Town 2-0 Vauxhall Motors
• Solihull Moors 2-0 North Ferriby United
• Stockport County 1-1 Leamington
• Workington 4-2 Gloucester City

ALTY v OXFORD CITY: DURING THE GAME

Coverage starts at 2.50pm, with the game kicking off at 3.00pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com. The commentatory team is Ian Wilkinson and Paul Salt with match summaries from Brian Flynn.

Dan Whitelegg will be providing regular updates on Twitter (@altrinchamfc) as well as half-time and full time updates on facebook (Altrincham FC).

Also, this website will be providing its usual matchday updates throughout the game, starting from as soon as the line-ups are available. The various alternatives can be found via the icons below and in the right sidebar.

 

Altrincham and Oxford City have met only twice previously, as Mike Garnett's statistics (below) remind us...

• At Moss Lane: p1-w1-d0-l0-f3-a1
• Away: p1-w0-d1-l0-f2-a2
• All: p2-w1-d1-l0-f5-a3

OXFORD CITY: ON AND OFF THE PITCH

He replaces former Salisbury keeper Mark Scott, who has played in City’s opening six games. 'Victor is a fantastic shot-stopper and kicks the ball well', said Ford. 'He came over on a trial from America which was organised by Thomas Guerriero and I picked him out, along with Adam Maabdi. Victor is a bright and bubbly character. He’s a decent keeper. Mark has been doing okay, but is looking a bit edgy. I think it’s time we took him out of the firing line. He needs to have a rest and then come back and try again. We’ve been conceding too many goals, so that has got to stop'.

Ford says he is relishing the trip to Altrincham... 'It’s a free game because we’re not expected to get anything and, if we do, then it’s a real bonus. We’re not fearful, we’re really looking forward to it. They’ll be 800 people there, 95 per cent will be supporting Altrincham, and they will expect them to beat us in third gear. I remember years ago as an Oxford United player going to Derby County, who were going well and we were expected to lose. But our keeper (Paul Reece) made about 25 saves and we scored from our only chance... and we won 1-0. So I want us to go and be positive'.

Meanwhile, Ford said French winger Maabdi had been released. He added, 'Adam has gone back to France. I was honest with him and told him I couldn’t see him featuring for us'. Frontman Jamie Cook is unavailable for the trip to the north west. Tomorrow’s squad Oxford C (v Altrincham, away): Francoz, Clifton, Stonehouse, Malone, Henderson, Willmott, Williams, McNish, Symons, Winters, Basham, Pond, Ballard, Learoyd, Benjamin, Scott".

Meanwhile, PT Web has a headline stating that "Oxford City Football Club, Inc. (OTCQB:OXFC), Names Former MLS New England Revolution Executive Craig Tornberg As Their New General Manager & Director of Global Business. Thomas Anthony Guerriero, CEO of Oxford City FC, gets the top man on his wish list to help lead Oxford City to a new era of expectations at Oxford City"...

"Thomas Anthony Guerriero, CEO of Oxford City Football Club (OTCQB:OXFC) announces that after months of pursuing and courting the services of one of the most extraordinary individuals in professional sports, he has agreed to terms with Oxford City’s new General Manager & Director of Global Business, Craig Tornberg.

'Craig is a remarkable person and is an expert at building organizations both on the pitch and in the community as he showed from his 17 years with the Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution. His success on the pitch, seeing the Revolution going to four MLS Championship matches as well as winning the US Open Cup and the Super Liga trophies during his tenure, is only surpassed by his work off the pitch where he is so highly regarded throughout the New England community. He is a tremendous addition to the Oxford City family and shows our commitment to succeeding both now and in the future'.

After launching his administrative career in football with the staging of very successful international matches from 1990 to 1993, and then participating in the highly successful 1994 World Cup and the 1995 US Cup in the United States, Tornberg set some of the highest ticket sales numbers with the launch of Major League Soccer in 1996. He was recognized nationally for several league awards including the 2000 Salesperson of the Year and 2001 Top Group Sales Executive.

Showing strong leadership skills, Tornberg was installed as Assistant General Manager and ultimately General Manager of the club in 2003... His passion of using the sport as a mechanism to empower youth is written throughout his career in football... With his many awards, Tornberg has been the only sports executive to be named to El Planeta newspaper's list of 100 most influential people in the New England Hispanic community for six straight years...

'I am honored to be chosen for this role at Oxford City Football Club', said Tornberg. 'Over the past month, I have been investing time to get to know our club’s committee members, staff, volunteers and fans and am overwhelmed by our club’s community commitment', Tornberg added, 'We will continue to honor the 131 years of history that Oxford City Football Club brings to the region as we position ourselves to grow our club in the modern era'...

Oxford City Football Club (OTCQB:OXFC) is a publicly traded company, which is an owner of a professional football club in the Conference North Division... The company also owns a University in the United States, which expects to have its first brick and mortar campus in South Florida in the near future and expects the strong ties in Oxford to strategically put the University in a tremendous position for the future...

This press release contains forward-looking statements... Readers are cautioned not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions... The Company is in a rapid growth sector that may or may not continue to grow in the future and therefore poses risks that may be different than other investment".

GET A PIZZA OF THE ACTION

LADIES' NEXT GAME

LADIES' LAST GAME

UNDER-15s' KEEPER NEEDED

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Utility man Burns was re-signed by Guiseley in the summer after spending last season at Vauxhall Motors. However, he did not feature in former boss Steve Kittrick’s plans and left the club last week".

Confirmation comes from the Football Conference, we learn that "Gainsborough Trinity have signed former Northern Ireland international midfielder Ciaran Toner. Toner, who has previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient, Lincoln City, Grimsby Town and Rochdale, totalling over 200 League appearances.

He is also a full Northern Ireland international having played twice for the full national team and seventeen times for the under-21s. He joined Guiseley AFC from league rivals Harrogate Town, where he made thirty-two appearances in the 2010/11 season, in July 2011. After making forty-four appearances for the Lions he was released at the end of the season".

Pitchero Non-League report that "Gainsborough Trinity have made their second signing of the day in bringing in young defender Taylor McKenzie on a month's loan from Sheffield Wednesday. Wednesday signed McKenzie on a one-year deal in October 2012 and was a regular for the Wednesday development squad where the centre back had been featuring on a trial basis.

The 18-year-old impressed... He moved to Hillsborough highly recommended by Norwich City. McKenzie joined Norwich from Tottenham in March 2010".

However, the Telegraph & Argus claims that "Steve Kittrick is still having an influence at Guiseley even after the club axed him as manager. The outgoing boss’s final signing has just been completed, with former Bantams defender Matt Clarke finally joining the Lions.

The 32-year-old centre back will not be making his debut tomorrow but the club hope he will be available for Tuesday... Guiseley chief executive officer Adrian Towers said, 'We are delighted to get Matt as we feel his experience could be essential, especially with Mark (Bower) not being sure if he will play himself over the next couple of games'...

They installed club captain Bower as caretaker but Towers says he is in the hot-seat for the foreseeable future...

Clarke’s debut could be against Avenue, whose own boss John Deacey is sorry to see his rival out of work... Deacey said, 'Nothing surprises in football any more. I think he has done a fantastic job and was very unlucky to lose his job. He put Guiseley on the map. He got the club up into the Conference League, led them on great cup runs and consistently got results in the league. Kitty was unlucky not to have got promotion to the Conference Premier. To finish with a record points total for the club and still not go up must have been heartbreaking for him. It’s Guiseley’s decision (to sack Kittrick), and that’s their prerogative, but good luck to him in the future. I hope he gets back on the bus very soon'...

Former Bantams' skipper Bower will be assisted by Kittrick’s number two Chris Holland and physio Martin Stringfellow. Bower will be given time to prove his own credentials for the post, should he want it, with Towers saying, 'Caretaker is not quite the right term. He hasn’t been put in for a week or two while we sift through applications. Mark is effectively in place. We have had a lot of interest already in the job but Mark is looking to get into management and at this time we are not looking at anyone else'".

COMMUNITY SPORTS HALL GETS GO AHEAD

Details of the scheme are on the Community Sports Hall website.

PREPARING FOR SATURDAY

The manager also expressed his delight that the Community Sports Hall had gained planning permission from Trafford MBC earlier in the evening.

FA CUP DRAW

PAT NEVIN MEASURES UP AT MOSS LANE

MIKE'S INJURY

The summer signing was carried off with a ruptured Achilles, in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Leamington, after a freak incident that took some of the shine off Alty’s return to the top of the Skrill North table.

There were initial fears he may be out for the rest of the season, but manager Lee Sinnott stressed his recovery period will only be known once a decision has been made on whether the injury needs operating on or placed in plaster.

‘There does seem to be serious damage, but Mike needs to see a specialist, first and foremost,’ said the Alty boss. ‘The sooner the better, so we know where we stand, and with that in mind, Mike has spoken to the PFA to see if they can hurry things along and perhaps wield some influence over fixing up an appointment.

‘Until then, there’s no point guessing. It’s clearly going to be months, because he has to complete his rehabilitation and then build up his match fitness, but it can vary between individuals.

‘I remember my brother-in-law, a centre-forward, had this injury and thought someone had kicked him from behind, when, in fact, there was no-one near him. It was the same with Mike. As he was carried off, he asked who had tackled him, but no-one had. There was no-one close enough, and I think he just stumbled, which is so unfortunate.

‘It’s such a shame, because he has already proved a great player and great person to have around the dressing room. He has brought something to the squad, with his steadiness and versatility, and I just hope we will see him back as soon as possible.

‘In the meantime, Scott Leather will slot back in. I have the utmost confidence in Scott as a young defender who puts his body on the line and is learning and improving all the time. We are putting feelers out about possibly reinforcing, if the need arises as we go along, but you have to take on board clubs don’t want to loan you players to sit on the bench.

‘We are keeping our powder dry but making sure we are ready to react, if our numbers are stretched any further.’ Alty hope to have James Walshaw and Jake Moult fit against Oxford City at the J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday (3pm)".

LAST GAME

The visitors looked good value for their lead as they had dominated the opening 20 minutes or so but Brakes began to turn the screw, particularly in the second half, but failed to extend visiting keeper Stuart Coburn until the game was into added on time... Nicky Clee was booked for manhandling Dodd to the turf on the right, and from the free kick Daly’s powerful header was helped behind for one of a succession of corners Brakes forced during the first half, but they counted for little. The pressure became more intense as the second half wore on...

Brakes’ next game is a trip to Stockport County tomorrow".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Elsewhere, "AFC Telford United boss Liam Watson insists [ex-Alty loanee] Mat Bailey remains a part of his plans as the defender prepares to go out on loan to Nantwich Town. The 27-year-old, who joined the Bucks in the summer from the Dabbers, is working his way back from a cruciate ligament injury sustained while at his former club. Bailey made his comeback last week when he managed 45 minutes of action in the friendly against Welsh Premier League side Airbus.

Watson has expressed the need to get the tall centre-back more game-time, and has contacted Nantwich manager Danny Johnson about a short-term spell. He told the Shropshire Star, 'Mat is looking to go and get some games for Nantwich. He's got a good relationship with the club and only left because he wanted to play at a higher level. He's made it clear he wants to play for Telford, now he just needs time on the pitch to get match fit'".

And "Gainsborough Trinity's manager Steve Housham's plans to rescue his ailing side have been boosted as he closes in on two new players... after six defeats from six games...

One of them, an experienced central midfielder, will train with the side tonight (Thursday) with a view to signing on a non-contract basis. The player, described by Housham as an experienced campaigner, is expected to slot straight into the Blues' starting line-up in the absence of captain Michael Leary, who has now been ruled out for eight weeks due to an ankle injury.

The Trinity boss is also closing in on a central defender and hopes to add both new faces to the squad list for this coming weekend.

'Negotiations are on-going, so I am not able to reveal their names until it is all signed and sealed', Housham said. 'The central midfielder, though, is a player I almost signed last season. I have been in regular touch with him and now he is a free agent we are hoping to get him in. He is an experienced campaigner, but as well as that, he is a character, a leader on the pitch and he would fit the bill for us. The defender, though, is a bit more complicated. The player is very capable of playing in the Football League and probably wants to do that. But if he is not able to get a club this week, we may be able to get him to Gainsborough'" he told This is Lincolnshire.

News of an ex-Altrincham player comes next, as we read that "Paddy Lacey is braced for a ferocious battle to nail down a first-team place at Barrow after making his full Bluebirds debut. The 20-year-old central midfielder earned his first start of the campaign, following his summer arrival,in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Gloucester City. And Lacey made quite an impression on manager Dave Bayliss who described the youngster’s performance as ‘outstanding’ while proclaiming him as his man-of-the-match.

With AFC continuing their Skrill North campaign at Gainsborough on Saturday it appears Lacey is in good shape to retain his place. Although his prospects will be hit if fellow midfielder Alex-Ray Harvey recovers from the knee injury that has kept him sidelined for the past two games.

Asked if he felt he did enough on Saturday to merit another start, Lacey said, 'Hopefully, but that’s down to the manager and he could change the system, or anything, and I could lose out'... Lacey also faces stiff first-team competition from fellow central midfielders [ex-Alty loanee] Sam Sheridan, who is currently operating in a more wide but flexible role, and Richard Davies...

And the selfless former Altrincham man is also mindful of putting the squad’s needs before his own as he continues to develop his game. 'We’re all part of the team or squad so we all have to do our little bit to help the side and, in whatever way I can, I’m more than willing to help. I’ve come here to help the squad first and foremost and I think in terms of competition, I feel we’re really strong in the centre of midfield... I’m not bad technically, I compete well and my all-round game is pretty steady so I think I can more than hold my own at this level. And I’m only young so, hopefully, I’ll get better with every game" he told the NW Evening Mail.

Barrow's Holker Street Newsletter reports that "Through the Mail, Dave Bayliss dispels the tale that Northwich Victoria have come sniffing around Holker Street for Gareth Arnison, but offers some reasons why the player has graced the subs bench for the last three games...

'Gareth's got to be more dominant in that box - two or three times on Saturday he came out of the area and tried to link-up play and that's not Gareth's game. Gareth's a box player but he's coming out to try and be a 'number 10' and a link-up player and he's not that good a player to do that. He's a penalty box player where he gets on the end of crosses, knock-downs and he's a bit of a poacher... Gareth hasn't come here and set the world on fire. He played the first three games and we gave Gareth the shirt and, in my opinion, he lost it... But we're confident that he will come good for us'".

Also, "Dave Bayliss is keen to extend Dale Johnson's one-month loan deal from Halifax Town, and talking to the Mail, and tells us, 'I haven't spoken to the Halifax manager and I know they are struggling for players, etc. But until we actually speak to Halifax then we don't know what will happen. Dale will be with us before Saturday and he's going to play at Gainsborough, so we'll deal with the situation after that".

The Boston Standard reports on a former Altrincham player as it states that "Boston United goalkeeper Ashley Timms, a former Manchester City trainee, has reported a ‘fake’ Twitter account to the police.

Mr Timms, who lives in Nottinghamshire, made a report to officers this afternoon. The account in question has used his picture and has made a number of imitation posts purporting to be from him. A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said, 'At 12.20pm today we received a call in relation to an online fraud. Inquiries are ongoing'. Mr Timms signed for the Pilgrims in the summer and is the Skrill North side’s first choice goalkeeper".

According to the Telegraph and Argus, "Sacked Guiseley boss Steve Kittrick last night revealed he turned down offers from two rival Conference clubs to stay loyal to the Nethermoor outfit during the summer. The 55-year-old was told yesterday that his six-year tenure was over following the Lions’ mixed start to the season...

Skipper Mark Bower has been handed the reins on a caretaker basis. Yet Kittrick believes that, if the club felt a change was necessary, they should have acted at the end of last season as he went on to snub opportunities at two rival clubs. Kittrick said, 'I was as disappointed as anybody after last season but why didn’t the club make this decision in the summer? I turned two jobs down in the summer to stay at Guiseley, both Conference clubs, and I’m disappointed with the way they have done it. There’s no easy way of doing it, though, and I want to thank everybody at Guiseley for all the support I’ve had during my time at the club.

They’ve looked at it and thought ‘You haven’t achieved what we want you to achieve’ but I lost players and a lot of firepower through no fault of my own after better offers from other clubs. I lost my captain (Simon Ainge), and he wanted to come back to Guiseley, but we couldn’t afford him because we’d had our budget cut. I think the signals were probably there without me seeing them.

It makes you wonder 'Have I been set up for a fall?' Kittrick said he would like to return to management, adding, 'Football has been a massive part of my life. I’ve been in management for 30-odd years and never been sacked'...

Bower admits he would be open to the prospect of taking the Guiseley post on a permanent basis. The former Bradford City defender will hold a meeting with his squad tonight ahead of this weekend’s trip to Boston... He said, 'I’m looking forward to the opportunity I’ve been given and we’ll see what comes of it. My mobile has been ringing non-stop all day and I’ve quickly come to realise that a lot of the job is done on the phone, speaking to players and contacts in the game. I have my own work commitments, with my business, but I’m office-based and can do a lot of what needs to be done when I’m at work'.

Bower has taken the reins with immediate effect alongside assistant manager Chris Holland and therapist Martin Stringfellow... Bower said, 'Steve [Kittrick] has done a lot for Guiseley over a long period and I thanked him for bringing me here. I wished him all the best and he did likewise with me'".

CONFERENCE PRESS RELEASE

On Me Head Son!

"Wash & Go returns to football with a competitive game of Head Tennis.

Shampoo brand uses its head in signing sponsorship deal, making it Official Shampoo Sponsor of the Football Conference

Football Conference sponsor Wash & Go brings the ritual of Head Tennis to Wrexham Football Club in a competitive and interactive session with the players, to celebrate announcing its position as ‘Official Shampoo sponsor’ to the league.

Building on Wash & Go’s heritage in grassroots football, the new official shampoo sponsor today announced its return to the beautiful game by hosting a game of the popular training technique, at Wrexham FC’s training ground.

Wrexham strikers Brett Ormerod and Andy Bishop get the ball rolling on the new deal ahead of Friday’s big televised home game against Luton Town. (see photograph, right)

The sponsorship marks a return to Wash & Go’s football roots which have seen iconic adverts as a regular fixture on TV. Three years ago the famous ads were spoofed by former Premier League star Jimmy Bullard in 2010 to celebrate the brand’s 21st anniversary.

Wash & Go has signed a commercial partnership to supply all 68 Football Conference Premier, North and South clubs with shampoo and support a host of grassroots initiatives.

Wash & Go Brand Manager, Helen Johnson, said, ;Wash & Go is committed to celebrating and supporting the Football Conference and grassroots football and it’s brilliant that we can now share our status as Official Shampoo Sponsor. We wanted a creative way to launch this new partnership so Head Tennis seemed the way to go. The brand has a rich heritage in football and we are very excited to see this revived with our new status as the official shampoo of the Football Conference.”

The partnership comes at an exciting time in the history of the Football Conference as BT Sport is set to televise 30 live matches this season. The Football Conference has also recently signed a new title sponsorship with online payment company Skrill.

Brian Lee, Chairman of the Football Conference said 'We are very pleased to welcome "Wash & Go" as the Official Shampoo Sponsor to the Football Conference. The brand has a strong heritage and a genuine interest in our game and we are positive our clubs, and especially their players, will be grateful for such practical involvement'”.

YANKEE

Vacancies exist for Yankee collectors, in areas which include Sale and Ashton on Mersey. If you would like to help the club and earn commission, please contact Jenny Heslop at the Club on 0161 928-1045.

MATCHDAY SPONSORS

SHANKLY AND ALTY

Details of the book can be found on the Waterstone's website.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

However, in the light of a disappointing end to last season and a difficult start to the current campaign, the club feels it has no choice but to move on. Mark Bower will step in as caretaker manager with immediate effect alongside assistant manager Chris Holland and therapist Martin Stringfellow. Mark will take charge of his first game away at Boston United on Saturday".

Pitchero Non-League says that "Former Walsall skipper Richard Taundry has signed for Worcester City. Taundry had been training with Midland Combination side Pelsall Villa as he looked for a return to the professional game.

The 24-year-old defender was released by the Saddlers at the end of last season and had been unable to find another club. He knew Pelsall Villa boss Craig Timmins from his youth team days... He totalled 152 first-team appearances for the Saddlers, scoring three times, but was released at the end of last season."

From the North Wales Pioneer comes news that "Colwyn Bay manager Frank Sinclair was overjoyed with his players after they rescued all three points at Oxford City last Saturday. Having gone one goal up through Danny Meadowcroft and dominated virtually the whole match, the Seagulls looked to be heading for a draw after the hosts equalised with just their second effort on target after 87 minutes...

Meadowcroft forced home a late winner to seal a 2-1 win... Sinclair said, 'We deserved the win and, to be honest, when Oxford scored at the death that is the worst I have ever felt over conceding a goal because they totally didn’t deserve it. But we have showed great spirit and after losing our first two games the boys have worked really hard in training and are showing some self belief'.

The Llanelian Road side were dealt a blow last week as influential midfielder Paul Ennis announced his departure to Guiseley, but Sinclair insists he will not rush into signing a replacement. He added, 'I don’t want to say too much about that at the moment. If it happens it happens but, if not, I am more than happy with the lads that are here now.

The main thing for me is the way the new boys have settled. I said it would take six or seven games to do that but they have settled now and I feel confident that I can pick anyone in the squad and they will come in and do a job'".

NEW RECRUITS

MIKE WILLIAMS

Alty’s elation at adding another three points to their unbeaten start, and returning to the top of the table, was marred by an injury setback that left manager Lee Sinnott exploring the possibility of bringing in a loan signing.

‘Mike has to see a specialist, first and foremost, to assess the damage and decide whether it needs a pot on it or an operation,’ said the Alty boss. ‘After that, we will know more about how long he will be out for, but it is clearly going to be months. He has been in contact with the PFA to see if they can wield some influence and hurry things along, in terms of fixing up an appointment, because the sooner he sees a specialist, the sooner we know where we stand.

‘I remember my brother-in-law suffering the same injury as a centre-forward and thinking he had been kicked from behind, when, in fact, there was no one near him. It was the same with Mike. As he was carried off, he wanted to know who had tackled him. No one had. There were a few players in the vicinity but no one close enough to make contact with him. He just seemed to stumble and go down. It is a real shame, because he is a great player and great person to have around the dressing room. He has really added something to the squad with his steadiness and versatility.

‘Scott Leather will come into the starting line-up now, and I’ve got every confidence in him as someone who puts his body on the line for the team and is learning and improving all the time. There are still options at the back, with Carl Rodgers able to step in if need be, but, equally, we don’t want to be caught out, if we lose someone else. We are putting feelers out, but I have to be mindful that clubs don’t want to loan players out just to sit on the bench. We may just keep our powder dry for now, but we are being active.’

Alty are home to Oxford City on Saturday (3pm) and are confident that James Walshaw (bruised rib), Jake Moult (thigh) and Stuart Coburn (bruised hand) will all be fit".

MALCOLM BURGESS: FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

It is understood he will go on to play for Scarborough Athletic on a pay as you play deal".

According to the Cambridge News, "Brian Page has welcomed Matty Waters back into the fold at Histon as the club launch a player sponsorship scheme to assist their scholars. Striker Waters originally left the club in the summer after a change in personal circumstances meant the expense of travelling from Norwich proved too great for him.

But the 18-year-old striker has returned... to continue his scholarship, with the Stutes launching a player sponsorship scheme to help him and the other Academy youngsters pay their expenses. 'Matt has decided to try and make it work, so he’s back with us doing his scholarship and hopefully getting back into contention for the first team', said boss Page. 'There was never any bad blood. Him and his family made the decision, we said okay, but he’s changed his mind and we are happy to have him back'".

CONGRATULATIONS!

SUCCESSFUL "ACTIVE ALTY" FUN DAY

As always, there are so many people that the Club would like to thank, too many to mention everyone, but they include the TV All Stars team for giving up their time, ex-United player David May, and our own Legends - it is always great to see them return, the dancers from the Didsbury Theatre School and the Kennedy School of Irish Dancing (based at Bowdon Community Hall), Mark Davidson, boxing coach at Timperley Amateur Boxing Club, John Lee, chainsaw sculptor, who created and donated to the Club a fantastic Robin sculpture, Danny DJ, the children's entertainer, Josh and Emma from Unity Radio, Ben Haworth, who played for the Legends team and is from Warrior Sport, who also donated a pair of Vincent Kompany's boots and, finally, Dominic McGuiness from TheSportBusiness, who organised and co-ordinated the event so well.

As usual, such an event couldn't take place without the support of volunteers from the Club, and thank you to all who worked so hard to ensure that the event ran smoothly.

In addition to attracting so many visitors to the J Davidson Stadium, the day generated excellent publicity for the Club and its Community aspirations with features during the day on Granada Reports, GMR, and Talksport".

Below is a gallery of images from the day, courtesy of Gavin Rathbone and (for images 2 and 3), Ian Watmore.

Above: A non too serious football game took place...	... involving many familiar faces.
Above: Some of the boxing bouts were...	... more evenly matched than others!
Above: A robin wood sculpture was created.	Above: Guests of all ages joined in the fun.

The Fun Day was covered on television news bulletins by ITV. In the football match mentioned above, Altrincham FC caterer Richie Bentley tells us that he scored "two goals that inspired the side to an 8-1 win"!

A NIGHT OUT WITH WILLO Sadly, Mike Williams, Altrincham's defender, suffered a ruptured Achilles heel injury at Leamington on Saturday. After being treated on the pitch by Altrincham FC's Sports Therapist, Alan Ainsley, he was later taken to hospital by ambulance. Alan writes of the adjacent image, "Relaxing in his private cubicle 'Willo' (aka Mike Williams) receives some TLC from the nurse on duty, whilst explaining to his girlfriend on the phone... 'I might be late back tonight love I’m out getting plastered with Al the therapist!'. After his discharge from A&E Mike devoured fish, chips and peas - and l do mean 'devoured'! The fish came an impressive eighteen inches long with enough chips for three. After a can of coke (very sportsman-like) to wash down the first two sittings, Mike left only a handful of chips. If this is a sign for how he’ll eat whilst not training it won't be Will-of-the-Wisp who’ll return, more like Willo the Whale! This week Mike will be seeing the consultant in Wales who will advise whether he will undergo surgery to repair the ruptured Achilles. Mike and Alan also wish to say a huge thank you to Sarah Jones for driving back to the Warwickshire hospital to taxi us home". All at Moss Lane wish Mike a full and speedy recovery.

It has not been a good week for the Williamses. Mike's brother Marc was released by Wrexham at the weekend and has now joined Northwich Victoria.

NEXT GAME

Meanwhile, in the Oxford Mail, "Manager Mike Ford admitted spirits were low in the Oxford City camp after his side slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Colwyn Bay... City conceded the winner in the final minute, and Ford felt it was symptomatic of a side lacking confidence.

'I can’t fault anyone today, they gave me everything they can', he said. 'But other teams have won those games because they’re doing something to win it and we’re not currently doing that. I’m not going to pull the wool over anybody's eyes. I have a very disappointed group of players who are maybe not at their best... The season is based over 42 games', he added.

“'Last season we had a great start, a poor spell in the middle and an excellent finish. This year we’re having that poor spell at the start'”.

In the Mail's match report it says, "An 89th-minute winner from Colwyn Bay's Daniel Meadowcroft... came just minutes after Paul Stonehouse had cancelled out an earlier Meadowcroft strike and appeared to have snatched a point for City... in what was a scrappy and largely uneventful match...

Oxford City: Scott, Clifton, Stonehouse, Malone (Ballard 79), Henderson, Willmott, Williams, McNish (Pond 62), Symonds, Cook (Basham 55), Winters. Subs not used: Learoyd, Benjamin.".

LADIES KEEP THE CLUB'S RUN GOING

So far this season Altrincham's first team has gone unbeaten in six games, whilst the Youth team and its District FA counterpart have remained unbeaten in another six matches. And the Altrincham FC Ladies made it thirteen games unbeaten in total for the Club's sides when they won their opening league match of the season, 5-2 against Blacon Youth Ladies. More on the Ladies' game, including a report and photo, can be found here.

Pictured above are the two teams before Sunday's game. Image courtesy of Keith Edleston.

GEOFF'S SUCCESSFUL CHARITY FUNDRAISING EVENT

Richie says that Graham "captivated a HUGE audience compering a massive event and helped raised hundreds of pounds for the HATS charity at Christie's hospital in Manchester... Graham dealt with the hecklers and Craig Faulkner, the Aussie player, superbly. Craig called Graham "fat and unfashionable" so Graham responded by asking him to remind the crowd "who he was!".

DISTRICT CUP

League 1

• Mid Cheshire 3 Wirral 0

League 2

• Runcorn 4 Macclesfield 2

PREMIERSHIP ACTION IN THE BAR

OLD BOY

NORTH-WEST FOOTBALL AWARDS’ BIG KICK-OFF

Press release:

"The 2013 Northwest Football Awards are officially open for business.

And, for the first time, this prestigious event, now in its seventh season, will be broadcast live on three BBC regional radio stations.

The popular Awards, to be held this year on November 4 at Lancashire County Cricket Club, honour football folk across the game’s spectrum from the Premier League to Non-League, the fans to the financiers.

And a cross section of the North West football family mingled at the launch hosted by the National Football Museum in Manchester.

Fittingly, given the BBC’s agreement to cover the star-studded gathering across its stations in Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside, Radio Manchester’s Manchester City correspondent, Ian Cheeseman, presented the evening’s entertainment.

A winner himself last year of the Northwest Football Journalist of the Year, Ian also declared voting open in the Player of the Year and ‘Rising Star’ categories. Details of how fans can push the claims of their favourite players can be found here.

Already, nominations have caused a stir, especially in the Northwest Football Awards’ host city. Was Michael Carrick really more worthy of a nomination than Robin Van Persie? Why was David Silva overlooked for Pablo Zabaleta? Only the clubs who nominated their players of the season know the answers!

However, the choices have been made; now it’s time to vote. And we predict it will be more fun than choosing your local crime commissioner!

The latest edition of the Northwest Football Awards promise to be the most spectacular yet, taking place during the respective 125th and 150th year anniversaries of the Football League and Football Association. Over 500 guests will assemble at The Point for the presentation of trophies.

For the rest, they can listen to the live BBC coverage with a reach across its three platforms.

Laura Wolfe, Managing Director from Journey9 and the Northwest Football Awards, is delighted to see the event breaking new ground. “Having live broadcasting and presenting teams at the event brings many new challenges,” agrees Laura. “But it also takes the awards on to whole new level in terms of reach and support.”

A reminder again that voting in the Player of the Year and ‘Rising Star’ categories is now open. In addition to the website, www.northwestfootballawards.com fans can visit www.facebook.com/northwestfootballawards and Twitter @NWFAwards

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

From the News & Star, we learn that "Workington Reds' boss Darren Edmondson has missed-out on two experienced strikers,because they didn’t want to travel to west Cumbria. Free-scoring pair James Dean (ex-Halifax and Harrogate) and Steve Abbott (ex-Wrexham and Telford) both declined the chance to join Reds.

Edmondson wanted one of them to replace London-bound Jonny Wright in the squad and help the youngsters he has drafted in during the summer. 'Both of them said it was down to the travelling, and that’s something I have been getting used to in my six years in charge. I’ve been trying to get [ex-Alty loanee] James in for a few weeks now but he has chosen to stay in his own locality and has moved from Fylde to Chorley.

Steve has been playing for Airbus UK and is based in St. Helen's but I really thought I had persuaded him to join us. It was looking good when he had a change of heart', said the Reds' boss. It meant he had to use young Ross Wilson in the centre-forward’s role at Histon where Reds lost 3-1, their third successive away defeat.

There were pluses, though. 'I thought Ross did well and alongside him Joe Jackson had his best game for the club. It was another case of us playing some decent football but not being able to put the ball in the net until it was too late. The young lads that have come into the side have all got ability and they are learning all the time what this level is all about', said Edmondson".

Harrogate Town confirm that "It has been mutually agreed to release Tommy Wright from his contract with immediate effect in order for Tommy to become Joint Manager of an Eco [Evo] Stik side".

MALCOLM BURGESS

KYLE, THE WRESTLER

So far as football is concerned, the striker says that "I had Conference interest in the summer but now I've got to think of the little man [his one year-old son]... I've come to a club where I know the manager really well. Lee Sinnott took me to Port Vale from Chaestown and he's just a good, honest man".

Above: Kyle, far right in his red boots, looks on as Mike Williams (6) and Damian Reeves attack the goal at Leamington on Saturday.

"I haven't enjoyed it [playing] for a number of years because of politics dictating the game. I've been put in situations where, not based on talent or skill, it's been taken away from me. That was before I even went to Port Vale, too. Before I got my big break, I got released three times!

Some people at Altrincham say 'Oh, you've had a great career'. Well, no. I've played at nearly every level now. I've always been told I'm a s**t. There's no positivity, you're always frowned upon. It's like when I was at Walsall I was in the second year of my scholarship and we lost 4-1 away at West Brom. The youth team manager called me in and said, 'It's not going to work... You'll never play for Walsall again'...

Then I went to Telford and just kept scoring... Walsall rang me up and said... did I want to come back to try and get a pro contract? I've gone back and, at this point, Paul Merson is the gaffer. He's got rid of half the gym equipment to put a dart board and a table tennis table in there... On the last day of my contract I say, 'What's going on?'. He just shrugged his shoulders and said 'I don't know how long I'm going to be here'. That was me getting released as a kid and joining the real world".

Since joining Altrincham, Kyle said "I went out and bought a pair of red boots, just like the ones I had as a kid, when I scored something like 160 goals in a season. I thought 'You know what, I'm going to relive the memories and now I can't stop scoring"'"! (Kyle hit three goals in his first three games for Altrincham).

As for his music career with the band Stubblemelt, he says "You need an escape... I'm not getting p***ed every night, it's just a form to let go of tension... Whether it's playing a massive song and the fans are going crazy or scoring a goal for your team, there's no better feeling", he concluded.

YOUTH TEAM NEWS

Next Sunday's fixture for Altrincham FC Youth, away to Abbey Hey, has been postponed owing to manager George Heslop having eight of his squad called up for the Cheshire Under 18s' squad for their game against Herefordshire that day. The next scheduled game is now on Sunday, 22 September, at home to Morecambe.

LEAMINGTON'S VIEWS

The ball was played back into the penalty area, and although Stefan Moore did well to lift it over one defender it did not drop quickly enough for him to get a shot in on goal, and was cleared away. The visitors moved possession out to the left and when Doughty’s cross was missed by Josh Green, Reeves was onto it in a flash, steering the ball low past Breeden to open the scoring...

The Bloods' pressure became more intense as the second half wore on... Altrincham were well organised defensively and continued to work hard, restricting Leamington’s movement around their penalty area... As the game moved into injury time Brakes inevitably had one more chance to snatch something. Chilton emerged with the ball from a scramble on the edge of the box, turned inside a defender and fired a low shot across goal, only for Stuart Coburn to get a vital touch to the ball, just preventing Stefan Moore from being able to force it home at the far post".

After the game, Alty supporters witnessed some heated exchanges between supporters in their cars and the club's stewards. Afterwards the club issued a statement, saying "Leamington FC wishes to thank all fans for their support today. It was great to see lots of new faces at the NWG on Non League day... The club wishes to apologise to fans for delays in exiting the car park today and will review the operating procedures we have in place.

There were an unusually high number of incoming vehicles into the car park post the final whistle and this was exacerbated by the need to prioritise the exit of the ambulance taking the injured Altrincham player to hospital. Leamington FC wishes him a speedy recovery".

And Brakes' Reports adds that "We knew it wasn't going to be easy, but another 0-1 home defeat still hurts and this time in front of a crowd of 853 on Non-League Day. Altrincham are a promotion-chasing club, although I wouldn't think that the neutral coming on Non-League Day would be that impressed by the overall standard of football.

Nevertheless, Altrincham had the edge over [us]. They were better able to find their man, better at dispossessing us and better organised defensively. For example, in the second half their left back made a fast run up the wing to collect the ball and no one seemed to spot him. Fortunately, it came to nothing that time, but it was indicative of a problem. No wonder that there seem be to an exchange of views coming from the home dressing room at half time.

We did have chances, but once again we failed to take them. The referee added six minutes on to the second half, but if we had had extra time, we probably wouldn't have scored.

The officials didn't help us much. Unfortunately, because of the Australian general election, there were no Rules games this weekend, so we got a referee who specialises in them. Or that's the way it seemed to me because he was tolerant of shoves and grabs that would be permitted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (where Rules games are played) but are not usually allowed on a football pitch. Nevertheless, Altrincham had the edge on us...

Play was a bit more ragged in the second half from both sides, although we had more possession than in the first half. The Altrincham keeper went down in a collision, but made a miraculous recovery. Mike Williams for Altrincham had to be carried off the pitch after no stretcher was available... In time added on, there was a great chance with an open goal, but all that resulted was a corner after their keeper managed to get his fingers to the ball".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

He said, 'I think when you experience periods of a season when things are not quite going your way, it is really important that you have good senior players. Someone like Jamie can win a game on his own and I am looking to play him on Saturday. We need to be more creative in forward areas, and we need a bit more pace in there as well. He has fantastic ability and I am looking for him to link up with his strike partner and cause the opposition problems'.

Tom Winters played against Brackley after his hamstring injury turned out to be an irritating nerve problem. He is again included and French winger Adam Maabdi is added to the squad, Meanwhile, Ford is resigned to the likelihood that Felipe Barcelos will play no part this season. City’s boss said he understood the Brazilian striker had signed for Italian League Division 4 side Santhia, although they hadn’t seen him on the club’s players’ list and had yet to receive an application for international clearance.

'It is not clear what the situation is', said Ford. 'But we don’t expect him back and we have got to plan that he is not here this season'. Ford, who is looking to bolster his squad, added that City planned to pursue compensation for Barcelos".

City drew 3-3 with BPA but lost on Saturday against Colwyn Bay. Their squad against the Welshmen was: Mark Scott, James Clifton, Paul Stonehouse, Liam Malone, Lee Henderson, Chris Willmott, Saul Williams, Callum McNish, Michael Symons, Jamie Cook, Tom Winters, Adam Learoyd, Andy Ballard, Steve Basham, Declan Benjamin, Darren McNish".

ALTRINCHAM & DISTRICT YOUTH WIN 4-0

So today's team was drawn from the Club's under-17s squad and was captained by Sam Heathcote, son of former Alty player and manager, Graham Heathcote. The District FA overcame a lacklustre first-half performance to win comfortably in the game played at Trafford FC on Sunday afternoon. Match report to follow.

Right: Laurence Taylor had a good game in central midfield for Altrincham & District FA.

The next game for Altrincham FC Youth is away to Abbey Hey on Sunday, 15 September (k.o. 2.30pm) at the Egerton Youth Centre, Knutsford, in the NWYA Premier League.

LEAMINGTON 0 ALTRINCHAM 1

• Match report here
• Radio Robins commentary.

TODAY AND FREE! ACTIVE ALTY FAMILY DAY

Peter adds that "The timings for the 'Active Alty' day are:

• Doors open at 12 noon
• Bar and food available from 12 noon until 4.30pm
• Match kicks off at 1.30pm
• Childrens entertainer from 2pm until 4pm
• Bouncy Castle from 12 noon until 4pm
• Other activities (Boxing, Martial Arts etc) from 12.30pm until 4.30pm

The Altrincham Legends team will include Gary Scott, Steve Aspinall, Colin Little, Chris Adams, Peter Band, Ged Kielty, Colin Potts and Neil Tolson. We will update th list as we get more names confirmed. The All Stars XI players will be communicated when filming commitments are finalised".

UNDER-15s' KEEPER NEEDED

CONGRATULATIONS TO SCOTT

Off the field Scott is looking for an engineering apprenticeship. If you personally, or anyone you know, could help him to achieve that ambition, please contact Scott via the club e-mail.

ANTHONY TAYLOR EVENT

With excellent food provided by the Club's official caterer, Richie Bentley Catering, and compered expertly by local sports broadcaster, Dominic McGuinness, the evening began with Peter Foster outlining the project to build a community sports hall inside the J. Davidson Stadium at Moss Lane. (See the Community Website for full information).

With the England v Moldova match providing the backdrop to the evening, Anthony answered questions posed by the audience, before the match, at the interval and after the final whistle. Amongst the topics covered were the comparison in discipline in rugby and football, the way in which referees are scrutinised by their masters, player-referee relations, the use of technology in football and many other areas of interest.

Whilst referees are often the victims of strong abuse form the terraces, it is clear that at the highest level they are a dedicated group who have their every decision scrutinised. As well as being assessed at the match in which they officiate, the officials are also subject to post-match video reviews. The average 280 decisions that they take in each game are marked and the officials are given a percentage score - something which few if any spectators have to suffer at work. If they consistently appear at the bottom of the officials' points table, they are likely to be removed from the list for the league in question.

Anthony, who worked his way up via the UniBond (Northern Premier) League liked the atmosphere at non-League games, whereas at the top level it is generally impossible to hear the often amusing comments of supporters. Anthony also revealed that match officials are not allowed to have social networking accounts or to have their own websites.

Personally, he is not averse to the use of industrial language by players, having worked originally in the prison service.

Anthony accepts that referees are now not allowed to discuss contentious decsisions with clubs or the media. However, in his early refereeing days, he was not averse to ringing a club after a match to apologize if he had made an error. Refereeing is "one of the best jobs you can have", said Anthony.

He also explained how some officials elect to remain as assistant referees rather than progress to be a match referee at a higher level. Darren McCann is a case in point; if he had elected to stay as Football League referee rather than dedicating himself to being an Assistant, he might have been officiating at League Two matches rather than being involved in the World Cup with Howard Webb.

Above all, the evening revealed that referees are dedicated and hard working people who, contrary to popular belief, do not all need to visit Specsavers!

NOVEMBER REFEREES' EVENING

SATURDAY GATES

• Barrow v Gloucester City 751
• Guiseley v Brackley Town 607
• Histon v Workington 405
• Leamington v Altrincham 853
• North Ferriby United v Hednesford Town 523
• Oxford City v Colwyn Bay 252
• Stalybridge Celtic v Solihull Moors 398
• Stockport County v Gainsborough Trinity 2,802
• Vauxhall Motors v Boston United 214
• Worcester v Bradford Park Avenue 636

LEAMINGTON 0 ALTRINCHAM 1

Leamington were on top for much of the second half, in which Alty lost Williams to injury. Despite intense pressure on them, Altrincham hung on, despite six minutes of injury time. Sadly, Williams has a suspected rupture of his Achilles and left the ground in an ambulance.

Right: Danny Boshell hits the deck with a Leamington opponent but referee Mr. Radford waves play on and Carl Rodgers makes away with the ball.

The win restored Altrincham to the top of the league table and left them unbeaten after six matxches.

Worcester City 1-2 Bradford Park Avenue

ANTHONY TAYLOR AT THE J. DAVIDSON STADIUM

Premiership and international referee Anthony Taylor, who hails from Altrincham, was the guest at Friday evening's gathering in the Bar at the J. Davidson Stadium. The event, to help raise funds for the proposed Community Sports Hall at Moss Lane, combined a question and answer session addressed to Anthony, with the televised England v Moldova match.

Pictured right is Anthony with Alty chairman Grahame Rowley. There will be more detail of this event on the website over the weekend. All those who attended learned a lot about the life of a football referee and the Club is very grateful to Anthony for giving his time to attend the evening.

LEAMINGTON v ALTY: DURING THE GAME

Brian Flynn writes that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Saturday's game at Leamington. The match commentary is sponsored by Gemma Immobiliare.

Gemma Immobiliare are specialists in selling and renting apartments and villas in Italy on the shores of Lake Como and Lake Lugano. You can find out more at their website. The match commentators are Simon Ellis and Laurence Howarth, with match summaries from Ian Wilkinson. Commentary begins at 2.55pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com (link below).

Brian Flynn will be providing match updates on Twitter (@altrinchamfc) as well as half-time and full time updates on facebook (Altrincham FC).

Also, this website will be providing matchday updates throughout the game, starting from as soon as the line-ups are available. The updates can be found by clicking on the icon below.

 

BUSY SUNDAY

It's a busy weekend for Altrincham FC. After Saturday's game at Leamington, Sunday sees the Youth team in action for Altrincham & District FA at Trafford FC v Stockport FA (2pm) and, at the same time the Alty Ladies host Blacon Youth at Beech Avenue, Timperley (2pm). Meanwhile, from noon, the Active Alty Sports Day will be in full swing from noon at the J. Davidson Stadium. Click on the adjacent poster for fuller details.

LEAMINGTON v ALTY: BEFORE THE GAME

Leamington have an excellent preview of today's game. It includes the following...

"There may not be any players that we know of who have appeared for both sides, but Altrincham striker James Walshaw might remember Leamington FC. The free scoring striker was playing for Ossett Town in 2005/2006 when we were drawn away against them in the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. He scored twice in that game but in between his goals, Josh Blake, Jon Adams and Richard Adams scored for Leamington to take us through. Hopefully James has since forgotten this, and won’t take it out on us this season!"

The Kenilworth Weekly News reports that "Leamington boss Paul Holleran has praised the contribution of Jamie Towers after seeing him score the goal which rescued a point at Colwyn Bay last Saturday. Brakes fell behind to Rob Hopley’s 12th-minute strike which Holleran admitted was 'put on a plate' for the Seagulls' skipper...

Towers, after rejoining Brakes in the summer, has had to bide his time on the bench while Lee Chilton and Matty Dodd impressed out wide. However, Holleran said that despite the midfielder’s versatility, it is in a supporting striker role that he feels his talents are best suited.

'We did it with him in pre-season, when he was in and around the striker, and we thought it would give us a bit more mobility at Colwyn', said Holleran. 'The pace of us breaking, with Lee Chilton, Towers and Matty Dodd supporting Stefan caused them problems all game. We all know what a good player Jamie is and it is an area he played in when he scored all his goals for Barwell; it is an area we think he can be effective for us'.

One casualty of Brakes' midfield riches is Sam Adkins... and, having failed to make the 16 for the games against Boston and Gloucester, Holleran has allowed him to make the move to Stratford Town. 'We had to make the decision as to how much he was going to play and is he going to be effective in the Conference North', said Holleran. 'Him moving on is the best for both parties'.

Leamington will face another stern test tomorrow with the visit of high-flying Altrincham. It will be the first time a fixture at The New Windmill has fallen on Non-League Day and season ticket holders of all Premier League and Championship sides, in addition to Sky Blues' Trust". members, will gain admittance for just £5."

More comes from the Warwick Courier, which says that "Brakes battled back from conceding a sloppy early goal to claim a deserved share of the spoils in sunny north Wales, writes Paul Edwards... The manager made three changes from the last-gasp defeat to Gloucester City; Josh Green replacing James Mace with Paul McCone slotting in at right-back, while Lee Chilton returned and Towers stepped into attack for his first start of the season...

Chilton was at the hub of all Brakes’ best play at this stage and had a shot blocked after Ollerenshaw punched a corner kick away. Minutes later, the diminutive midfielder very nearly capped a surging run from half-way with a goal, only to see his low drive saved..

BRAKES: Tony Breeden, Paul McCone, Stephan Morley, Joe Magunda, Liam Daly, Josh Green, Matt Dodd, Elliot Sandy (Alex Taylor, 84), Stefan Moore (Ricky Johnson, 86), Jamie Towers (Lee Moore, 81), Lee Chilton.Subs not used: James Mace, Lewis Fenney".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The Football Conference reports that "Worcester City have signed defender Exodus Geohaghon and Nathan Rooney. Giant centre back Geohaghon played for Rotherham, Shrewsbury, Port Vale and Barnet after beginning his career with Sutton Coldfield Town in 2000.

He then had spells with Bromsgrove Rovers and Redditch United before joining Mark Cooper for the first time with Kettering Town in 2008 and then [being taken] to Peterborough with him in 2010.

After a short spell with Barnet, Geoghaghon signed for Darlington, now managed by his former boss Mark Cooper, in October 2011 as a free agent... In November 2011, Geohaghon returned to League Two football, signing a three-month loan deal with Dagenham & Redbridge.

Meanwhile, his parent club Darlington were suffering financial difficulties and Geohaghon's contract was terminated... and he subsequently joined Kidderminster Harriers and then Mansfield...

Rooney joined AFC Telford United in August 2011 from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He enjoyed an impressive 2009/10 season for Wolves having previously suffered injury troubles in the previous campaign".

From NL Daily we learn that "Guiseley AFC have announced the signing of midfielder Paul Ennis from Colwyn Bay. Ennis, a lively left winger, was signed by Bay from Northwich Victoria just before the transfer deadline in the 2011/12 season. He missed much of the 2012/13 season following a serious knee injury that required surgery.

He started his playing career in Stockport County’s youth team and went on to make his first-team debut for County against Northampton Town in March 2009. He has also had spells at Stalybridge Celtic, Bala Town and Witton Albion".

---

6 September 2013

SATURDAY'S GAME

At the time of writing there were a few seats left on the TASC supporters' coach for Leamington this Saturday. Please ring the club today to book your place (0161) 928-1045. Times and fares are here.

Both Kyle Perry and Scott Leather, who missed last week's game with injury, came through training on Thursday evening and, subject to any delayed reaction, should be available for selection on Saturday at Leamington.

For manager Lee Sinnott as well as for virtually all Altrincham fans, this will be a first visit to the New Windmill Ground of Leamington FC, though some of our more mature fans will have seen Alty play at AP Leamington's former Windmill ground. Indeed, for anyone who has travelled with Altrincham over the past decade, Leamington will be one of only two new venues in the Skrill North for Alty this season, along with Edgeley Park, Stockport. We have, of course, met County there previously but not in a league match between our respective first teams.

Above, right, courtesy of Ian Senior, we see Altrincham training at Stretford Sports Village on Thursday evening.

Of the other clubs new to the division this season, Barrow have been frequent hosts in recent years whilst we visited North Ferriby in the FA Trophy in January 2002. Alty have also visited Hednesford Town, when both were in the national Conference and, although AFC Telford United's New Buck's Head stadium is technically a new ground to us, the old Buck's Head (on the same site) was the home of both Wellingon and Telford United, regular opponents of Alty in the past.

Leamington announce that "The club will be holding a bucket collection for long term injured midfielder and fans favourite Richard Batchelor at this Saturday's game against Altrincham. Batchelor has been out of employment since his injury in mid-July and is unlikely to be able to seek employment until early 2014. The club and Richard appreciate any support that can be given".

Meanwhile, Skrill Football says that "Leamington have confirmed the departure of Sam Adkins, who has subsequently signed for neighbouring club Stratford Town. The 21-year-old, who can play at left-back or on the left side of midfield, joined the Brakes in 2011 from Solihull Moors. He spent time on loan at Redditch and Evesham United before returning to Leamington towards the end of last season... Adkins represented Walsall as a youth player".

NEIL REFLECTS ON HISTON GAME

After the draw with Histon last Saturday, Brian Flynn recorded an interview with Altrincham FC assistant manager, Neil Tolson. It can be viewed by clicking on the adjacent Alty TV screen.

OLD BOYS

NL Daily reports that "Stockport Sports have confirmed that both Jimmy Holden and Adrian Bellamy have left the club. Midfielder Holden joined The Saxons in early 2013 and made an immediate impact with some impressive performances, soon becoming a fans favourite at Stockport Sports Village, however both the player and the club have decided that the time is right to part ways".

News of a former Alty loanee also comes form NL Daily which says that "Garry Flitcroft, manager of Chorley, has pulled off a major transfer coup by snapping up prolific striker James Dean.The former FC Halifax Town hitman has signed for the Magpies after leaving league rivals AFC Fylde...Dean started his career in Non-League with Clitheroe, Northwich Victoria and a brief spell at Chorley before joining Bury. He enjoyed loan spells at Altrincham, Stalybridge and Harrogate Town, before sealing a move to Halifax.

He went on to become a cult hero at The Shay, scoring 83 goals in 130 appearances... He then joined AFC Fylde last summer but found himself in and out of the side"

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

According to the Football Conference, "Vastly experienced defender Scott Maxfield has joined Bradford Park Avenue. Maxfield left Buxton as player/assistant-manager towards the end of last month. Formerly with Stalybridge Celtic, Gainsborough Trinity, Barrow AFC, Doncaster and Hull, defender Maxfield, 37... was player-manager [at Buxton] until February 2013 having originally joined as player-coach – a position he held at Stalybridge. However, despite losing his job, he stayed on as Martin McIntosh`s assistant".

Scunthorpe United report that "Gainsborough Trinity have enquired about the possibility of re-signing defender [and former Alty loanee] Luke Waterfall on loan. But their approach is likely to be rejected by United.

Gainsborough boss, and former Iron defender, Steve Housham told the Lincolnshire Echo, 'I have approached Scunthorpe and asked the question about Luke Waterfall, I would love to bring him back here on loan because he would be a massive help to this team at this moment. I know he was on the bench for Scunthorpe at the weekend, but I also know he is very highly thought of at Scunthorpe and, up to now, we haven't had any luck bringing him back on loan. But we will keep trying and I will keep asking the question'".

In the Worcester News, we learn that "Neither Worcester City [n]or Gloucester City will face further action over the mass brawl that marred their Skrill North derby last month.

The match at Whaddon Road on August 20, which Worcester lost 2-1, saw red cards shown to both City left-back Shabir Khan and Tigers' captain Matt Coupe following an off-the-ball incident in the second-half. Players and coaches from both sides also clashed in the aftermath, with several disappearing down the tunnel amid a lengthy stoppage.

Shabir and Coupe were given three-game bans for violent conduct but the Football Association have decide that is sufficient.

A Worcester club statement said, 'Further to the incidents which occurred during the 20th August 2013 game against Gloucester City, the Football Association has considered the matter and will not be taking any formal disciplinary action. The board consider the matter is now closed'".

Welsh Premier reports that "Airbus UK Broughton have denied persistent rumours that beleaguered Stockport County have made an approach for the club's director of football Andy Preece...

The Manchester Evening News speculated that, should the County board decide to look elsewhere for a replacement, former Edgeley Park favourite Preece would be among the leading contenders. But this morning, Airbus tweeted 'Despite rumours, Airbus can confirm that NO Approach been made by Stockport County re manager role;business as usual at Airfield'.

The former striker is still a legend at County, having scored 42 goals from 97 appearances after joining in a £10,000 move from Wrexham... Other names being bandied about include another former Hatter, ex-The New Saints' player and assistant boss Gary Brabin, who impressed in management during spells with Cambridge United and Luton Town in the Conference...

Preece and his assistant Andy Morrison recently signed contract extensions which would keep them at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium until June 2016".

---

5 September 2013

ACTIVE ALTY SPORTS DAY

Altrincham FC PR Officer, Peter Foster writes...

Stars turn out for Active Alty Sports Day

Soap stars and sports personalities are heading to J Davidson Stadium as part of Altrincham FC’s big community sports day out.

The ‘Active Alty Festival’ on Sunday, 8 September is part of the club’s Olympic Legacy and will raise awareness of its community work. The day will also showcase other sports and activities in the town in a bid to get people more involved in local sport.

The main event of the day is a match between the Allstars FC and an Alty Legends XI . Celebrities taking to the field include Coronation Street favourites Sam Aston (Chesney), Ryan Thomas (Jason) and Andy Whyment (Kirk). From Hollyoaks, Nick Pickard (Tony), Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren), Ayden Callaghan (Joe) and John Omole (Vincent). Others appearing include Will Rush from Waterloo Road, Jamie Lomas from Eastenders and sports personalities including boxing’s Jamie Moore and Rhodri Giggs.

Along with the showpiece match, a whole host of activities will be taking place including dancing, cheerleading, martial arts and boxing. Timperley ABC are staging exhibition bouts and everyone is invited to have a go on the bags and pads.

A children’s entertainer and bouncy castle will keep the little ones amused while a licensed bar should do the trick for the older crowd.

The fun starts at midday – admission is FREE".

THROUGH THE YEARS

Howard Watts has kindly supplied his Through the Years data for this Saturday, 7 September.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Skrill Football reports that "Ian Bogie has revealed the vitriol directed at him from a section of Stockport County fans was the main reason behind his surprise resignation...

The 45-year-old understands the frustration that the club's supporters have endured in recent years, but was shocked by the abuse he received this season after a poor start to life in the Skrill North... Bogie admits the contempt coming from the terraces and his reaction to it ultimately spelt the end of his brief reign.

He told the Manchester Evening News, 'Stockport County has a great fanbase and the supporters have been massively frustrated over the years. I'd have to say, though, that the venom that was spouted at myself and the players, which I've heard in a number of games, is not on.

I have a real passion for football but what came from the supporters knocked the stuffing out of me. I was disappointed because I reacted in terms of having a right go back, which isn't me. I should have been more professional because I've got higher standards than that.

This isn't a dig at the supporters because there are a few things which ultimately tipped me towards the edge. I was a manager travelling 1,000 miles a week from Newcastle to Stockport and back and I was taking my disappointment home with me; I was reliving things in my head while on the motorway. Under the circumstances I think Stockport County needs someone local to the area.

If we'd stayed up, I'd have been there every day because I'd have relocated to Stockport. Unfortunately, I'd say Ian Bogie isn't the man to take Stockport County forward and it disheartens me to say that'.

Bogie dismissed rumours suggesting he had fallen out with the club's hierarchy, although he admitted a lack of finances made his job increasingly difficult. He added, 'When you go from full-time to part-time it drastically affects your revenue streams and you have to cut your cloth accordingly. The bottom line is we couldn't compete with teams like Harrogate and Altrincham to sign players but we got on with it, never moaned about it and assembled a team.

They have huge outlays with the stadium and overheads that other teams don't have but, in terms of bringing in players, I knew I had a tight budget. A fifth of that was taken up with two players I inherited from someone else who were part of the structure last year. There was nothing I could do about that but I assembled a squad of players in a short space of time who I thought could do a job.

A lot of them have proven credentials in the Conference North or higher but, for whatever reason, it hasn't worked out - though not for the want of trying... I have to say I got on famously with the backroom staff, the directors and the shareholders'".

According to the Football Conference, "Boston United`s striker Jordan Nuttell has opted to switch to neighbours Boston Town. The 18-year-old, who is yet to feature competitively for the Pilgrims this season, has cited his pursuit of regular first-team football as his main reason for moving.

Nuttell, son of ex-United favourite Mickey, made four substitute appearances for United in 2013/14. The Pilgrims will retain Nuttell’s Skrill North registration".

NW NEWS

From the EvoStik League, we learn that "AFC Fylde have unveiled plans to build an £18m football stadium and sports and science park.

More than 200 new jobs could be created if the Premier Division's Coasters are given the green light by Fylde Borough Council's planning committee. Previously submitted plans for a sports village were rejected last year, prompting the club to revamp their plans and return to the local authority with a fresh application.

The proposed park at Mill Farm is on a 32-acre site close to the M55 at Kirkham. As well a new 6,000 capacity stadium with a main stand seating 2,000, executive boxes, function rooms and a supporters bar, the proposed development also includes community sports and education facilities as well as new retail, leisure and commercial development.

David Haythornthwaite, AFC Fylde's Chairman and head of the Lytham-based agricultural company Tangerine Group, unveiled the plans on Tuesday. Haythornthwaite said, 'The Fylde sports and science park is an ambitious investment in the local economy... This is a well thought out development plan that will create superb facilities and help fuel the economic growth of the area'.

The Coasters say a new company called Mill Farm Ventures has been created to develop the plan... land formerly used for commercial tree production.

The proposals include a large indoor sports science building providing a range of educational and sporting activities for local schoolchildren. There will also be all weather pitches for community use, a foodstore, distribution centre with associated office space, a 63-bed hotel, petrol station and a pub".

So far this season, AFC Fylde's home gates have been 588 v Chorley on Bank Holiday Monday, 361 v Stafford, for the opening game of the season and 277 v Droylsden this week.

---

4 September 2013

LEAMINGTON PAST AND PRESENT

Altrincham and Leamington, who meet at the New Windmill on Saturday, have not met previously though our host's forerunners, AP Leamington, have been opponents of The Robins in years gone by. Mike Garnett has kindly provided data on the clashes between AP Leamington and Alty...

• At Moss Lane: p3-w2-d0-l1-f9-a4
• Away: p3-w3-d0-l0-f9-a3
• All: p6-w5-d0-l1-f18-a7

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

According to the Leamington Courier, in their last game "Leamington emerged empty-handed from the bank holiday weekend after Gloucester made them pay the ultimate price for their wasteful finishing, writes Paul Okey...

With Paul Holleran’s side’s goalless streak now approaching four hours, the Brakes boss knows a ruthlessness in front of goal needs to be found to prevent many more smash and grab raids.. It was always Brakes who looked the likelier winners and they should have been on their way in the ninth minute... [but] both referee Martin Dexter and his assistant ignored home claims for a spot-kick to the incredulity of the Leamington bench...

With play into injury time, Green again denied Brakes, superbly clinging on to Daly’s free-kick after it had found its way through the defensive wall. Then came the sting in the tail. Substitute Wilson had twice tripped over the ball when advancing on goal, but presented with a third opportunity he found the composure that all around him had been lacking to control a flick-on and deftly slot the ball past the advancing Breeden.

Brakes: Tony Breeden, James Mace, Stephan Morley, Joe Magunda, Liam Daly, Paul McCone, Matt Dodd, Craig Owen (Alex Taylor, 54), Stefan Moore (Ricky Johnson, 80), Lee Moore, Elliot Sandy (Jamie Towers, 70). Subs not used: Josh Green, Martyn Naylor."

STARS TURN OUT FOR "ACTIVE ALTY" SPORTS DAY

Altrincham FC's joint Press & Media Officer, John Edwards, writes...

"Soap stars and sports personalities are heading to the J.Davidson Stadium this weekend as part of Altrincham FC’s big community sports day out.

The ‘Active Alty Family Day’ on Sunday is part of the club’s Olympic Legacy and will raise awareness of its community work. The day will also showcase other sports and activities in the town in a bid to get people more involved in local sport.

The main attraction is an Alty Legends XI taking on an All Stars team (ko 1.30pm) containing Coronation Street trio Sam Aston (Chesney), Ryan Thomas (Jason) and Andy Whyment (Kirk), as well as Hollyoaks favourites Nick Pickard (Tony), Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren), Ayden Callaghan (Joe) and John Omole (Vincent). Sports personalities including boxing’s Jamie Moore and Rhodri Giggs will also be playing and the match will be refereed by the Premier League’s Anthony Taylor.

Along with the showpiece match, a host of other activities will include dancing, cheerleading, martial arts and boxing. Timperley ABC are staging exhibition bouts and everyone is invited to have a go on the bags and pads.

A children’s entertainer and bouncy castle will keep the little ones amused all afternoon, while a licensed bar is available for the grown-ups. The fun starts at midday, and admission is free.

Alty fan Taylor will kick off the weekend’s celebrity theme by appearing at a special event in the stadium’s main bar on Friday (7.30pm). Tickets at £15 each include a two-course meal, England v Moldova on big-screen TV and the chance to fire questions at one of the country’s top referees before and after the match. Tickets are available from the club on 0161 928 1045.

Alty take their unbeaten record to Leamington on Saturday and are hopeful Kyle Perry and Scott Leather will be passed fit".

Sunday, 8 September, 2013:
FREE! ACTIVE ALTY FAMILY DAY

The 'Active Alty Family Day' (see poster, right; click on it to enlarge it) at the J. Davidson Stadium, features a TV All Stars v Alty Legends football match, as well as other sports activities and family entertainment. Entry to the Family Day is free".

Peter Foster adds that "The timings for the 'Active Alty' day are:

• Doors open at 12 noon
• Bar and food available from 12 noon until 4.30pm
• Match kicks off at 1.30pm
• Childrens entertainer from 2pm until 4pm
• Bouncy Castle from 12 noon until 4pm
• Other activities (Boxing, Martial Arts etc) from 12.30pm until 4.30pm

The Altrincham Legends team will include Gary Scott, Steve Aspinall, Colin Little, Chris Adams, Peter Band, Ged Kielty, Colin Potts and Neil Tolson. We will update th list as we get more names confirmed. The All Stars XI players will be communicated when filming commitments are finalised".

YOUTHS IN DISTRICT CUP

The Cheshire FA confirms that Sunday's CCFA District Cup match between Altrincham and Stockport & District Youth teams at Shawe View, Trafford, will kick off at 2pm. Note that the CCFA website has the wrong date for the later tie with Mid-Cheshire. The correct dates for Altrincham's games are in the District Cup section of the Alty Youth team fixtures page. The Altrincham and District FA team comprises players from Altrincham FC, managed by George Heslop and Paul Jones.

YANKEE'S £5,000 JACKPOT

There is a jackpot of £5,000 to be won for a £1 stake in the Altrincham FC Saturday Yankee. Last week's winning code was 7786, which was unissued. Four members each won £18.75 for "Trebles".

The previous week, the winning code was 7736 and five people shared the Trebles prize, each netting £15.

There is a need for Yankee collectors to help with this important fundraising scheme for Altrincham FC. Please contact Jenny Heslop at the Club (0161 928-1045) if you can help.

"ALL WE NEED IS RADIO ROBINS"

In his latest "Flynnzine" article, entitled "All We Need is Radio Robins", TASC President and Joint Press and Media Officer at Altrincham FC, Brian Flynn, writes that "Radio Robins is Altrincham Football Club’s internet radio station and aims to bring full live coverage of all of Altrincham’s games. We broadcast on www.radiorobins.com.

It’s two and a half years since we started the service and we now have a commentary team of around ten people, including a teenager, a headmaster and a comedy writer and performer. We are all well chuffed that Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery have renewed their main sponsorship of the radio station and we’d like to think that we have helped raise the profile of this successful local company amongst Altrincham fans.

Right: The Ashley Mowers team; no squad rotovating here!

We are looking for match commentary sponsors for Radio Robins. Match commentary sponsorship offers the following benefits:-

• Pre-match publicity on the Altrincham F.C. website and Fans' Forum
• Regular mentions throughout the live full match commentary
• Website links to four high-ranking websites (www.altrinchamfc.com/ www.altyfans.co.uk/ www.t-a-s-c.com/ www.radiorobins.com). This is actually worth more than £25 to any business where search engine rankings are important i.e. getting to the top of Google and other major search engines on the internet.
• It helps Altrincham Football Club; all funds raised go straight to the club!

Prices are as follows:-

• For one game: Private Individuals £20, Businesses £25
• For two games: Private Individuals £35, Businesses £45
• Sponsorship of any further matches than this is just £15 per game!

If you would like to sponsor a match commentary, please contact me either by e-mail, or by mobile on 07860 561011, or speak to me at a game……I’m usually in the Press area at the top of the main stand".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The Football Conference says that "Barrow AFC have agreed a long loan deal until January 1st 2014 for Wrexham striker Nick Rushton. With FC Halifax Town striker Dale Johnson's loan expiring on September 14th, Barrow boss Dave Bayliss has moved to secure the 21-year-old forward.

However, because the deal was a long loan it had to be completed before the transfer window shut last night and because it was from a Welsh club, international clearance was also involved. The FA of Wales issued clearance before the window shut and Barrow can now confirm the deal."

Meanwhile, "Gloucester City has released the latest information with regards to their desire to return home to the City and also announce another open meeting... to discuss not only the latest position of those plans but to receive a full report on the restructure of the club, which has taken place during the past six months.

Paul Duncliffe, who is planning consultant for the Tigers stated, 'We continue to be interested in both Meadow Park and the Civil Service sites, though it is stressed the latter is land, which at this time, the club has no control of... “In relation to Meadow Park, the club's Hydrological Consultants are confident that the additional flood modelling and associated evaluation work will have been completed towards the end of week commencing 20th September...

Subject to a positive outcome, there will be a need to present the findings to the Environment Agency to ensure that there are no outstanding concerns... Our scaled down planning application can then be submitted to Gloucester City Council... The club has... also progressed positive discussions with the Highway Authority'...

City chairman, Nigel Hughes confirms the club will hold its next open meeting on Monday, 30th September 2013 at the Hallmark Hotel, Gloucester... 'When we undertook our restructuring one of our keys aims was to try and be as open, honest and transparent as we could', Hughes explained. 'Therefore, a further open meeting will allow all our supporters and, indeed anyone who wishes to attend, to be informed of what we have put in place over the past six months to take the club forward'".

At another club not able to play in its home city, "Former captain Stuart Whitehead could be brought out of semi-retirement to ease Worcester City’s defensive dilemma. City are potentially without four centre-halves for this Saturday’s match against Bradford Park Avenue at Aggborough. Graham Hutchison suffered a suspected broken nose in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Boston United and Richard Munday tweaked his hamstring.

Summer signing Sam Smith is still recovering from knee surgery and left-back Shabir Khan, who can also operate in the middle, is suspended for the next three matches. Hutchison is the most likely to be fit, while Ashley Walker slotted into the back line as a replacement against the Pilgrims. But with finances tight to recruit cover, Whitehead, who opted to curtail his playing duties at the end of last season, could get a call from manager Carl Heeley.

The Worcester boss said, 'The financial constraints are what they are, we can do our best but we’re not going to have a big squad'" reports the Worcester News.

At Stockport County, "Alan Lord met with his players on Monday evening for the first time since being appointed as caretaker manager... He has been asked to take charge of team affairs for the foreseeable future, starting with this weekend’s home game against Gainsborough Trinity.

Lord had a brief stint as caretaker manager last season following the departure of Jim Gannon in January 2013... He later worked as a consultant scout for the club before taking the role of Assistant Manager under Ian Bogie. Lord, who has worked under six different managers since first arriving at Edgeley Park in 2007, has built his reputation on spotting young players from college level and the lower leagues, and has successfully brought in players such as Josh Thompson, Anthony Pilkington, Alex Kenyon, Kristian Dennis and Rhys Turner, many through his links with Myerscough College.

Chairman Lord Peter Snape said, 'The Board has pledged to give him every available resource in order to improve the team'”.

The BBC adds that "Ian Bogie was 'under no pressure' from the board at Stockport County before his decision to resign as manager, director Jon Keighren has insisted... 'It was a shock to all of us. Nobody saw it coming,', said Keighren.

He told BBC Radio Manchester, 'Within five or 10 minutes of the final whistle [on Saturday] he announced that he was quitting. He was under no pressure to leave the football club. We were all aware that when you build a side from scratch, it's going to take time to gel. I spoke to him on Sunday on the phone. He's an emotional guy and he was still very upset about everything. He just felt that he wasn't getting the most out of the players and felt it was the honourable thing to do, to walk away.'".

In the Shropshire Star we read that "AFC Telford United will field [ex-Alty loanee] Mat Bailey in Tuesday’s friendly at Welsh Premier League side Airbus as the defender-cum-striker gets his first chance to win a deal at the New Bucks Head after injury.

The 27-year-old has been rehabbing with the Bucks after suffering a cruciate ligament injury at his last club Nantwich and, if he can prove his fitness, a contract is in the offing. The towering 6ft 7in former Crewe man [who is 6ft 5ins on Wikipedia] has made a faster-than-expected recovery...

Manager Liam Watson said, 'Mat Bailey, even if it’s just for half an hour, will benefit from some game-time. You have got to give Mat a lot of credit, he’s done a lot of work on his own. He’s not been at the forefront of my thoughts but he’s an effective player. Mat will probably need a run of games before he’s back to his best'...

Defender Dan Preston, midfielder Jake Bennett and second-choice goalkeeper Andy Pryce will also figure at the Airfield in Broughton tonight. First-team regulars not considered fully match-sharp from lay-offs will also get further game-time, such as left-back Matthew McGinn and midfielder Charlie Barnett.

Watson said, 'I am just trying to keep the players as sharp as possible. For instance, I said to Matthew McGinn on Saturday that he’s not as sharp as he should be. Charlie Barnett is a bit behind the other players after coming out of full-time football into the part-time game, which has made a big difference. He’s got to do more, in terms of sharpness. Some need this game more than others, some need to play their way into form. If opportunities like this come up and I feel we need it, that’s good...

I think a reserve team for us would be a waste of time, to be perfectly honest. With a small squad, it’s not feasible for us. It’s probably better for us to play friendlies as and when we need them'".

In Yorkshire, Guiseley, the club "can confirm that Michael Burns has left the club after returning in the summer. The 24-year-old was keen to play regular first-team football and leaves with the club’s best wishes. Recent acquisition Spencer Harris has signed dual registration forms with Buxton".

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3 September 2013

NEIL'S ADVICE TO STRIKERS

John Edwards, Altrincham FC's joint Press & Media Officer, has sent the following article to the "Sale & Altrincham Advertiser"...

"Neil Tolson backed Altrincham’s strike force to keep banging the goals in after missed chances cost the Robins their 100 per cent start to the season against Histon at the J.Davidson Stadium.

Early table-toppers Alty found themselves overtaken on goal difference by Hednesford after surrendering a first-minute breakthrough by James Walshaw and needing a second-half header from Damian Reeves to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Walshaw and Reeves both squandered opportunities to make it five wins in a row, but Tolson had an upbeat message for his two free-scoring frontrunners.

‘I have always said to Reevesie, and I’m saying the same now to Wally and Kyle Perry, that, as strikers, they are going to miss chances,’ said the Alty assistant-manager. ‘It is a fact of life for any centre-forward, but the key thing is how you react.

‘Once it has gone, it has gone, and there is nothing you can do about it. You have to make sure you are focused and ready to hit the target again next time. If that goes begging as well, be on your mettle for the one after. It’s about being positive and maintaining that self-belief that you are going to stick one away.

‘Reevesie has always had that mentality, and that is why he tends to hit the target 99 times out of a hundred. As a centre-forward myself, I was always told the time to start worrying was when the chances weren’t there. When they are, you are doing something right, and that’s what I told Wally at the final whistle against Histon.

‘He was a bit disappointed at only scoring the one, so I just pointed out that if he kept getting into those positions, he would be on the scoresheet more often than not.

‘They were two great headers for our goals, to be fair, and while there may be some disappointment at only drawing, if someone had offered us 13 points out of the first 15, we would have taken it all day long.’

Alty hope to have Perry and Scott Leather fit for Saturday’s trip to Leamington".

MANY THANKS

The half-time bucket collection last Saturday by TASC volunteers raised £55.62. As ever, the Club thanks the donors and collectors alike.

LEAMINGTON GAME

Although Alty have met Leamington's predecessors AP Leamington in the past, a new ground for Altrincham FC to play on this season is Leamington FC's New Windmill Ground, which we visit on Saturday, 7 September. TASC is running a coach for Alty supporters and details of the times and fares are on the Away Travel page. Bookings must be made in advance and this can be done by phone (0161 928-1045) during normal office hours.

Nick Hallworth, Secretary of Leamington FC's "Brakes' Trust" informs Alty supporters that "We're looking forward to our game next weekend, especially with it being on Non-League Day. Leamington FC's New Windmill Ground is out of town, so we run a minibus ferrying people from the town centre up to the ground. The times are here. I don't know how many travelling fans you have but, if any are coming by train, they'd be more than welcome to use our shuttle service".

The Football Conference says that "With the visit of Altrincham in the Skrill North this coming Saturday falling on 'Non-League Day', Leamington are pleased to be able to offer season ticket holders of all Premier League and Football League clubs reduced admission to the game.

On production of their season ticket the cost will be reduced from the usual £11 to less than 50%, £5.00 Given the fact that children under the age of 12 already get in for free we hope that this may be a good opportunity to have an enjoyable day for the family at affordable prices. With Altrincham expected to bring a significant following themselves, the day promises to be a good one with a lively atmosphere.

The club are offering the same promotion to members of the Sky Blues' Trust. As a club we experienced similar problems in the past to the ones that that Coventry City are facing, and sympathize with their supporters' plight. We hope that by making this offer with their Supporters' Trust we will give their members the opportunity to have an enjoyable day at the New Windmill Ground.

We are also grateful to our own Supporters' Trust, 'The Brakes' Trust' for taking the initiative on this in contacting the Sky Blues' Trust on our behalf with the offer. There is no need to pre-book, just bring your season ticket or Trust membership card on the day to one of the turnstiles to take advantage of the offer.

As part of the day's events Brakes' manager Paul Holleran and a number of players will host a free coaching session at the NWG for children Under 12 between 12noon and 1pm. Accompanying parents will receive half-price admission to the game.

Half-time will see a penalty shoot-out between the fans with a randomly selected fan from each club battling it out for a cash prize. The clubhouse and bar will be open from 12.30pm."

ANTHONY TAYLOR AT ALTY

Altrincham resident and supporter, Anthony Taylor, one of the elite band of English Premiership referees, is the guest at a special event in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge at the J. Davidson Stadium on Moss Lane. The event is combined with live transmission of England's game against Moldova. Full details are on the attached poster (click on it for enlargement).

LADIES' WARM-UP GAME

Manager Keith Edleston's report on his Altrincham FC Ladies pre-season game against AFC OLdham is on the Ladies' Team page. The Ladies' league season kicks off next Sunday (8 September), when Blacon Youth Ladies visit Beech Avenue, Timperley (2pm). Spectators are very welcome.

HISTON BOSS HAPPY

Following their visit to Altrincham, the Cambridge News says that "Brian Page hailed the character shown by his young Histon side as they overcame going behind early on to take a point with a 2-2 draw in their clash with table-topping Altrincham...

Histon boss Page was delighted with the attitude shown from his team as they became the first team to take points from the Skrill North leaders this season.

'What this result does is show the work ethic and strength of character we have got', said Page. 'We talked before about how we would set up and to go a goal behind so early on against the team who are top of the league and unbeaten, we could have easily crumbled. Watching the video of the game on the bus on the way home, we certainly created enough chances to win. But, if you had asked me before the game, I would have taken a point. That’s not me showing a lack of faith in the team because we go into every game believing we can win, but Altrincham are top of the table and haven’t lost a game'...

New signing Peter Grant also made his bow for the club at Altrincham. The 19-year-old defender joined on a youth loan from Peterborough United on Friday, lining up alongside Omar Beckles in the centre of defence. He was featuring there due to captain Remy Clerima being on the bench after suffering a slight knee injury, but has mainly been brought in to play at left back after Harri Hawkins left the club to begin a scholarship in America.

Page was delighted with Grant’s first outing, saying, 'Peter had an excellent game. He hadn’t even trained with the side because the deal was done so late and he didn’t get to meet all of the lads until he was on the bus. He’d received all the information about Altrincham beforehand though and I sat with him for a bit on the bus to explain things to him'".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The Skrill North announces that "Sean Clancy of AFC Telford United is the Skrill North ‘Player of the Month’ for August... Clancy has scored in the last four matches for his side and moves into next weekend’s fixture eyeing a club record for scoring in five consecutive games. He has also contributed a number of assists as well as having his work rate praised by his new clubs' fans".

Meanwhile, "Hednesford Town’s Rob Smith is the Skrill North ‘Manager of the Month’ for August. Smith’s side have made an unbeaten start to life in the division, following their promotion from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier last season. The Pitmen have taken thirteen points from a possible fifteen, with four wins and a draw... It was nearly a double for the club as Elliott Durrell’s incredible eight-goal start to the season was just beaten into second place in the player category! "

NL Daily states that "Simon Weaver, manager of Harrogate Town, has revealed that defender Alan White has gone on dual-registration to Evo-Stik League Division One North side Darlington. White, 37, has had two previous spells at Darlington...

Quakers manager Martin Gray said, 'He’s a Darlo lad, he jumped at the chance to come back and play for us'. Harrogate boss Weaver, meanwhile, insists White is still part of his plans. 'Alan has gone on a dual-reg with Darlington to keep him match fit', Weaver told his club's website. 'He is still very much a big player for us'".

OLD FOES WOUND UP

The Northants Telegraph confirms that "Kettering Town have been officially wound up at London’s High Court over a £58,000 debt. In June, the club’s management company fended off moves by the taxman to wind it up, only to face a similar claim from Rushden & Diamonds (2008) Ltd - the company left over after Kettering’s former fierce local rival, Rushden & Diamonds FC, went to the wall in 2011.

Following multiple court hearings, High Court official Registrar Jones, who disclosed that he once represented Kettering Town as a lawyer, today ruled that it was right to exercise his discretion to wind up the club. Lawyers for the club had sought one more adjournment of four or five weeks in order to settle the debt, which the Registrar said was recorded on papers before him as £58,000.

However, lawyers representing Rushden & Diamonds (2008) Ltd pushed for a 'usual compulsory order' winding up the club, claiming that repeated adjournments for settlement had not succeeded in the past. Kettering’s lawyers claimed that the creditor had not responded to correspondence since the last hearing, but the Registrar said that it was not in his power to force the creditor to settle for less than what it was owed.

As a result, he said, 'It is right in the exercise of my discretion to make the usual compulsory order'. The beleaguered club was in the Conference as recently as 2012 but two relegations had put it in the Southern League Division One Central. The ruling places the club’s affairs in the hands of an Official Receiver, whose job now will be to do his best to ensure that debts are paid off by selling any assets available and then bringing business to a close".

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2 September 2013

ALTRINCHAM 2 HISTON 2

Mark Bennett's Alty TV has excellent highlights of the draw with Histon, which can be found, right.

SATURDAY FIXTURES

Next Saturday's Skrill North games are:

• AFC Telford Utd v Harrogate Town
• Barrow v Gloucester City
• Guiseley v Brackley Town
• Histon v Workington
• Leamington v Altrincham
• North Ferriby United v Hednesford Town
• Oxford City v Colwyn Bay
• Stalybridge Celtic v Solihull Moors
• Stockport County v Gainsborough Trinity
• Vauxhall Motors v Boston United
• Worcester City v Bradford Park Avenue

YOUTH TEAM DRAWS AT PRESCOT

In Sunday's match, Altrincham FC Youth drew 1-1 at Prescot Cables so, like the first team, they remain unbeaten so far this season.

Other results were:

• Abbey Hey 2 - 1 Warrington Town
• Curzon Ashton 1 - 1 Ashton Ath.
• Morecambe 0 - 4 Chester FC
• Skelmersdale Utd 2 - 0 Hyde FC

Alty lie fifth in the league table, having won twice and drawn three times this campaign.

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1 September 2013

ALTRINCHAM 2 HISTON 2

Match report here

Gates on Saturday were:

• 825 Altrincham v Histon
• 919 Boston United v Worcester City
• 283 Brackley Town v North Ferriby United
• 302 Bradford Park Avenue v Oxford City
• 344 Colwyn Bay v Leamington
• 428 Gainsborough Trinity v AFC Telford Utd
• 284 Gloucester City v Guiseley
• 918 Harrogate Town v Stockport County
• 648 Hednesford Town v Barrow
• 315 Solihull Moors v Vauxhall Motors
• 424 Workington v Stalybridge Celtic

IAN MAKES A COMEBACK

Facing a nap hand of defeats, Altrincham FC goalkeeping coach Ian Senior rescued his Crossbar Challenge campaign with a 2-0 win over assistant manager Neil Tolson in this Saturday's edition of the Charity Ceossbar Challenge, before the Histon game. So Neil now leads 4-1 in games, after Ian won the latest contest 2-0.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Following their fourth defeat in five games, Stockport County manager Ian Bogie resigned on Saturday night.

OLD BOYS

According to Pitchero Non-League, "Cammell Laird have announced the arrival of 30-year-old John Miles to the club. The former Liverpool trainee, who also had spells at Stoke City, Crewe Alexandra and Macclesfield Town amongst others [inc. Altrincham], won a League Two winners` medal following a loan spell at MK Dons in 2008. Most recently Miles was with league rivals Warrington Town and will be a great addition to the squad.

Lairds boss [ex-Alty man] Tony Sullivan said, 'John is a terrific talent, and we were delighted to find he was available and even more so that he wanted to join us. John is another example of this club taking strides forward'". Meanwhile, just 88 people saw Kieran Lugsden score as his Northwich Victoria won at Formby. Ex-Youth striker Sam Madeley earned Mossley a draw against Worksop Parramore.

Former Alty trialist Gavin Salmon helped Runcorn Linnets to a win with his goal, whilst three of Warrington Town's goals in a 5-0 win against Winsford came from ex-Alty men, Scott Metcalfe and James McCarten (2). Neelson lost in the NW Counties League but Peter Wright scored for them, whilst Leonard Rico Richards scored for Northwich Flixton Villa as they drew 4-4 with Ashton Town.

IAN REACHES THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Altrincham FC's Phil Taylor, himself a qualified referee, advises us that "Ian Hussin, brother of former Alty captain Eddie, who has refereed Altrincham on a number of occasions will make his debut as a Select Group Assistant Referee in the Barclays Premier League fixture on Sunday (1 Sept) between West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City".

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