BILL STEEPLES

BARGAIN REPLICA KITS

In last Saturday's "Crossbar Challenge", Ian lost 2-1 to Neil Tolson so now trails 13-17.

REDS AIM TO BEAT ALTY

Workington did the double over the Greater Manchester side last year and Heathcote sees no reason why Reds can’t beat the league’s seventh-placed side again when they clash on Saturday. He said, 'It’s going to be tough and I’m not going to get into team affairs because that is why we have a manager and coaches. They deal with the on-field issues and I sort out the rest.

But there is no reason why we can’t beat Altrincham. We’ve done it before. We beat them twice last season. There has to be a time when our results change and there’s no better time than now. The rise of the Reds starts on Saturday'.

Workington have not played a match since drawing 1-1 with Brackley on January 25. That six-week lay-off means new signings Alex Salmon, Ben Hoskin and John Jamieson have yet to play a match for their new side. Altrincham go into the game with just one win in their last five but, at home, have won five of the last eight matches.

Workington, on the other hand, have not won away from home since beating Droylsden almost 11 months ago".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Harris re-joins the Tigers from Newport County, where he has had a highly successful spell as Director of Football, and has previous managerial experience with Cinderford Town, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil and Forest Green Rovers.

In making the announcement, chairman Stuart Pike expressed his delight in capturing the services of Harris. 'I am delighted that Tim has agreed to come back to City. He, of course, knows the club inside out, having previously had spells here as a player, assistant-manager, manager and general manager, leaving the club shortly after promotion to the Conference North was achieved in 2010.

He was our first choice for the position, bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment that will be fully tested as we look to move on up the table to safety'.

Harris, meanwhile, explained his decision to return. 'I left the club in 2010 to finish a job I had started at Newport, and I have done that now, contributing to two promotions and two Wembley appearances in the space of three seasons. But I retain an absolute passion for Gloucester City and, having completed the job I set myself at Newport, I am keen to drive City forward now. I have come back with a burning desire to see the club successful on and off the field and look forward to working with all sections of the club, especially the youth and community arms, to achieve that'.

Harris will attend training this evening but will ask caretaker-manager Matt Rose and assistant Neil Mustoe to take the game at Solihull Moors so he can step back and assess the team. His first game in charge will, therefore, be the home game the following Tuesday when Histon are the visitors".

NEW FIXTURE DATE

LEE ON THE COLWYN BAY GAME

Walshaw was at his predatory best with two clinical early goals and a high-quality third in the second half, as Alty beat the elements and Colwyn Bay after nearly three weeks without a Skrill Conference North fixture.

But while it was inevitable such a decisive contribution would be recognised by the match sponsors, consideration may well have been given to an inspired performance by Stuart Coburn, another show of resolute defending by Scott Leather (left) and more dazzling wing play from Nicky Clee (below, right).

Veteran keeper Coburn capped a stunning display of shot-stopping with a crucial penalty save, with the score at 2-0, and, as he reflected on a hard-fought 3-1 victory, Alty boss Sinnott said, 'Colwyn Bay pushed us very hard and have a case for saying they deserved something out of the game. It could have been 2-2 before we scored our third, but that’s where Stuart came in with two excellent saves.

‘Fair play to our lads, we pulled out something special at both ends of the pitch when we needed to. You could rightly argue there were a few contenders for man of the match. You would have to say James was a worthy winner, but Stuart gave the sponsors something to think about, as did Scott, when you count up the number of balls he headed clear during the course of the afternoon. Also, there was more product from the flanks, and that was good to see.

‘You could tell we hadn’t played for two-and-a-half weeks. We were a bit leggy at times, and some of the decision making could have been better. But, after missing games while others played, it was absolutely paramount we took all three points.

‘I thought we were bright at the start and always looked dangerous when we got in behind them. That’s where the goals came from, and you have to give James credit for the way he finishes. It’s a combination of pace and placement, and it makes it so difficult for the keeper. It was a great turn for the first, and the second was almost a carbon copy.

‘The third was all about composure, and it came at just the right time, after their spell of pressure. It was a very tough game, but I think we just about edged it, and I’m delighted about that. It put a building block in place – now we have to add a few more.’"

DEFEAT AT MACCLESFIELD

'WALLY' EMULATES LE TISSIER!

Renowned as an after-dinner raconteur, Le Tissier is the star attraction at a Sportsman’s Dinner at the Cresta Court Hotel next Thursday evening, with a few tickets at £40 each still available from the club on 0161 928 1045.

One of the game’s great crowd pleasers, Le Tissier would have approved of the goal that gave James Walshaw (right) his hat-trick against Colwyn Bay on Saturday, as the Alty striker sprinted clear and brilliantly dinked the ball over the keeper as he dived at his feet.

It came seconds after an outstanding stop by evergreen keeper Stuart Coburn (left), who also saved a penalty, and as he reflected on a hard-fought 3-1 win, manager Lee Sinnott said, 'That was a crucial moment, because it could so easily have been 2-1. Instead, courtesy of Stuart’s excellent save and a great finish from James, we’re 3-0 up in a matter of seconds.

‘Colwyn Bay probably have a case for arguing they deserved something, but when you get quality keeping at one end and quality finishing at the other, you’ve got every chance of ending up with the points.

‘It was demanding for the players on a heavy pitch after a spell of inactivity, but we stuck to our task well and I was delighted with the outcome. James deserved his man-of-the-match award, but there were a few contenders, when you consider Stuart’s performance, count up the defensive headers Scott Leather made and factor in the product from the flanks.

‘You could tell we hadn’t played for two-and-a-half weeks. We were a bit leggy at times, and some of the decision making could have been better. But after missing games while others played, it was absolutely paramount we took all three points.

‘I thought we were bright at the start and always looked dangerous when we got in behind them. That’s where the goals came from, and you have to give James credit for the way he finishes. It’s a combination of pace and placement, and it makes it so difficult for the keeper.’

After Tuesday night’s game at Oxford City was postponed, Alty are at home again on Saturday, against Workington (3pm)".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The Oxford Mail tells us that "Oxford City have signed Birmingham City youngster Viv Solomon, 18, on youth loan until the end of the season".

From the Football Conference, we learn that "Kris Taylor from Hednesford Town is a very special recipient of the Skrill North ‘Player of the Month’ for February. On the final day of January Kris was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Despite that, the following day he took to the field for the Pitmen with the same passion and energy he has been noted for in his career, scoring a spectacular goal in the process [against Altrincham].

His treatment didn’t allow him to make any further appearances for the team during the month, but he has been attending matches and maintaining a presence in the dressing room as he faces his battle with great courage and dignity.

He is even looking to make a return to the Hednesford side before the end of the season. Along with Kris's award, league sponsors Skrill will also be donating £1,000 to the Everyman Appeal funding their research into male cancers...

Harrogate Town’s Simon Weaver is the Skrill North ‘Manager of the Month’ for February. Three wins out of three saw Harrogate climb up to sixth spot in the table, putting them right back into the play-off picture. Two of their wins came against sides above them in the table, Boston and Hednesford, they also won 1-0 away at Histon".

According to the Gloucester Citizen, "Tim Harris is Gloucester City’s preferred candidate to succeed Dave Mehew as manager. The Citizen understands that the former City boss is mulling over an offer from the Tigers to return to his ‘home’ club after six years at Newport County.

A former City goalkeeper, Dymock-born Harris managed the Tigers from 2005 until 2008, when he moved to the role of general manager. He handed responsibility for the team over to his then assistant Mehew and helped oversee City’s promotion out of the Southern League in May 2009.

In the weeks after promotion into Conference North, Harris was approached by Newport, a club he managed for five years between 1997 and 2002, to be their Director of Football... Working alongside rumoured City target Dean Holdsworth and then former Spurs defender Justin Edinburgh in South Wales, Harris has helped revitalise the Exiles. Two promotions in three seasons and a Wembley FA Trophy final victory have seen Newport leap from Conference South back to the Football League.

The Citizen understands that... Harris is genuinely torn over whether he is going to accept Gloucester’s offer... The lure of returning to Gloucester, to a club with which he has big emotional ties, will be strong for the former Newent School pupil. Manager when the club was flooded out of its Meadow Park home, Harris has remained in close contact with the club...

Mehew was then brought to the club as his assistant manager in June 2006. City have already confirmed that caretaker boss Matt Rose and first-team coach Neil Mustoe will take charge of Saturday’s game at Solihull Moors."

The Citizen also reports that "Gloucester City can now move forward with 'confidence' with plans for a new stadium at Meadow Park, after receiving the go-ahead from the Environment Agency... The current scheme have been scaled down from the original planned £4 million community stadium and associated business land that was submitted in 2012...

City chairman Stuart Pike said 'Officials from the club met with Environment Agency last Friday afternoon, as part of the on-going pre-application discussions relating to the new Stadium proposals for Meadow Park... Now that the Environment Agency have completed their technical review of the flood modelling evaluation work, they are satisfied that no further flood modelling is required. The club are now in a position to move forward with the preparation of the Flood Risk assessment which will form part of the formal submission to the council'".

NEXT OPPONENTS

The 30-year-old, who was forced to retire last season with a long-standing knee injury, said failure to replace proven players has cost Reds this time out... Hewson's retirement... was compounded as key players like Aaran Taylor, Gari Rowntree, Mark Boyd, Jonny Wright and Gareth Arnison also left.

Hewson admitted it was inevitable Workington, who are 13 points adrift from safety, would go down, but added, 'I really hope Workington stay up'.

Reds have just 15 points from 26 games, and have not won a game since November. New manager Ian McDonald has yet to lead his side to victory since replacing Darren Edmondson.

Hewson... said, 'I had 10 great years there, made a lot of friends, and hope Ian and his coaches can turn things around... The lack of experience could cost Workington in the end. You cannot lose the Conference North calibre of player, many of which played hundreds of games at this level, and not struggle'".

TUESDAY GAMES

• Brackley Town 1-2 Guiseley
• Colwyn Bay 1-1 Gloucester City
• Oxford City v Altrincham POSTPONED
• Thrrough the Years from Howard Watts

LADIES' 5-0 WIN

YANKEE JACKPOT GROWS

FROM THE OPPOSITION SIDE

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The Pilgrims had agreed to extend the 19-year-old’s loan until the end of the season, but a midfield injury crisis at Meadow Lane meant he was needed by Magpies boss Shaun Derry".

GAME OFF

BASHAM MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR OXFORD

Meanwhile, the Oxford Mail says that "Striker Steve Basham has set an example for his team-mates to follow, according to Oxford City manager Mike Ford. Basham, 36, has been sidelined for three months with a calf injury but scored the equaliser as City drew 1-1 with Barrow on his first start since returning to fitness.

'It’s no coincidence that Steve Basham comes into the team, gets a goal and we come away with a point', said Ford. 'I’m really pleased for Steve that he’s got himself fit, he’s worked so hard. I think one or two players in the group should look at what he does and how he tries to achieve, because he’s an absolute credit to himself and this football club'...

He added, 'When you're coming away to Barrow, who are unbeaten in three months and who beat the league leaders two weeks ago, it’s a difficult proposition for us. I thought my lads were excellent today and that’s just a continuation of the recent good form that we’ve shown'".

LADIES REACH SEMIS

BAY MATCH VIEWS

Brian Flynn interviewed Altrincham goalkeeper, Stuart Coburn, for Alty TV following the win over Colwyn Bay last Saturday. Click on the image, right, to hear what Stuart had to say.

And Michael Ripley has a gallery of images from Saturday's game against Colwyn Bay.

OLD BOYS

Much-travelled Timms, who only joined Avenue last week, made 17 appearances for league rivals Boston United before heading to the Horsfall Stadium. He numbers Manchester City, Altrincham, Atherton LR, Curzon Ashton, Mossley, Shrewsbury Town, Runcorn, Accrington Stanley, Bacup Borough, Barrow AFC, Cambridge City, Wakefield, Ilkeston FC, Worksop Town and Hemel Hempstead Town amongst his many former clubs". Unconfirmed reports say he has now joined King's Lynn.

Former Alty striker, Ryan Brooke, hit a hat-trick for Curzon Ashton as they won 5-1 away at league leaders Warrington Town last Saturday.

NL Pitchero informs us that "Alfreton Town have brought defender Andrai Jones in on a month's loan from Barnsley. A talented right-back who can also play in central defence, Liverpool-born Andrai joined the Reds on the eve of the home game against Gateshead on Saturday in which he made an impressive debut.

His early career was spent with the youth systems at both Everton and Preston North End before joining Bury's youth set-up. After a loan spell at Altrincham, Jones made his Football League debut for the Shakers in April 2011. He signed a new twelve-month contract with Bury in June 2011 but completed a free transfer to Barnsley on January 31, 2013, signing an eighteen-month contract and he also played first-team football for the Tykes before going out on loan to Tranmere Rovers."

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Wallace said the appointment showed the club were keen to look ahead, to build on the work done since Swann, now in charge at Scunthorpe United, left the Northolme.

'We’ve been searching for a new chairman since Peter Swann left and talked to many people', said the club secretary... 'This season has been about getting through, staying in the Football Conference and being solvent whilst we got to grips with the changes needed. Nick, owner of Elite Signs, is well know within Gainsborough. His business experience, local network and passion for the football club are some of the key reasons why the board are happy to appoint him'.

Tinker will take up his new role on 1st March... 'Having been a Gainsborough Trinity fan for most of my life, I am proud to be associated with the football club', he said. 'I hope my experience at running businesses, over more years than I care to remember, will be of benefit to the board and supporters'", he told the Gainsborough Standard.

The North Wales Weekly News says that "Colwyn Bay need to bounce back from Saturday's defeat at Altrincham when they take on relegation-threatened Gloucester City at Llanelian Road on Tuesday.

The second-bottom Tigers sacked their long-serving manager Dave Mehew on Saturday... The former Bristol Rovers striker had been Gloucester manager since 2008... Assistant Matt Rose and coach Neil Mustoe are taking charge of the team for Tuesday's game.

Bay boss Frank Sinclair admits you never quite know how a team are going to react when a manager has just been sacked, but he knows Gloucester are desperate for every point they can get and his team will need to be on their game to get a result. 'We know the pitch is not going to be the best because of the problems we've had with the weather, but it is a game we have to win if we are to get where we want to be and remount a challenge for the play-offs', he says.

Victory will lift the Seagulls back above Barrow into ninth place and within six points of fifth-placed Boston with a game in hand".

OLD FOES GO UNDER

TASC TRAVEL TO OXFORD ON TUESDAY

YOUTHS DEFEATED BY LEAGUE LEADERS

PONTOON UPDATE

ALTY 3 COLWYN BAY 1

• Match report here.
• Alty TV's excellent highlights of the game are available, here.
• The Radio Robins commentary from the game against Colwyn Bay is available here.

The home side dominated much of the first half after that, with Colwyn Bay's only shot on target coming on 33 minutes from Sean Williams, who forced a good save from the home keeper. Colwyn Bay did well not to concede again before half-time, but Walshaw completed his hat-trick on 56 minutes...

Bay missed a great chance to get back in the game with a penalty when Marc Williams was brought down in the box, but with usual penalty taker Jamie Ellison having just been substituted, Jonathan Royle saw his spot kick saved the keeper. Colwyn Bay did pull a goal back on 81 minutes with a shot from Sean Williams, but it was too late to make any difference...

Manager Frank Sinclair, however, said there were a lot of positives to take out of the game. 'Slack defending in the opening ten minutes cost us. With the quality of strikers they've got you can't afford that but, from then on, I thought we played really well and caused them problems. The big turning point was when Evo (Evans) should have scored to make it 2-1 when one-on-one with their keeper. That puts us right back in the game, but from the clearance they've gone straight up the other end and scored a killer third goal.

The score doesn't reflect the game and how well we played in the second half, particularly Marc and Sean Williams who I thought were outstanding. We never gave up and that pleased me, Credit the keeper for guessing right to save the penalty, but I think that just summed up our day; they've had three chances and got three goals with great finishes, while we've hit the post a couple of times, had a penalty saved and on another day it would have been a different outcome".

NEXT OPPONENTS: OXFORD CITY

Oxford rarely threatened even with around 50% of the ball. The Bluebirds had all the skill but found it difficult to firstly break down the defence and then get the better of a goalkeeper, who on this day, was outstanding and most definitely earned our visitors the point. Apart from saving a well-taken penalty, he thwarted the Bluebirds on at least six more occasions...

The second period saw ping-pong football with only one side threatening to win it. Oxford came for and got the draw.... We are now a very settled side but today, on show, was somewhat near the side of before Christmas. You cannot win them all, but the attendance of over 1000 shows the support is coming back.

A final note on, I think the only Oxford supporter in the ground sitting in the stand in yellow should be congratulated for his sterling support".

Meanwhile, You Tube has a four-minute clip, in which "Darren Edmondson and [ex-Alty] Alex Meechan reflect on Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Oxford City, which saw The Bluebirds take their unbeaten streak to 12 games".

The NW Evening Mail adds that "Barrow AFC AFC could not capitalise on their superior attacking play as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by relegation-threatened Oxford City... Barrow must consider this a wasted opportunity to collect another three points as they squandered some good opportunities, while Nick Rushton missed a first-half penalty...

The Bluebirds boss named the same 16-man squad that secured the 3-1 midweek victory at Gloucester City... Midfielder Paddy Lacey is still missing as he serves the second match of a three-game suspension, while left-back Paul Edwards remains sidelined with a back problem...

Oxford City: Mark Scott, Andy Ballard, Paul Stonehouse, Michael Pook, Adam Learoyd, Chris Willmott, Declan Benjamin (Lee Henderson 83), Callum McNish, Steve Basham (Mike Symonds 58), Darren Pond (Kayden Jackson 46), Tom Winters. Substitutes not used: Jamie Cook, Daniel Akubuine."

SKRILL NORTH

United had both defender Carl Piergianni and keeper Lewis King sent off within 15 minutes of the match, forcing them into two early tactical substitutions. And after Ben Milnes had replaced Ian Ross in midfield, and with Boston unable to make any further changes, both Jamie McGhee and Rene Steer picked up injuries and were unable to continue, leaving the Pilgrims with just seven outfield players.

Things went from bad to worse as defender Stefan Galinski then pulled his hamstring. Had he been unable to play on then referee Mark Ackerman would have had no option but to abandon the match. But after receiving treatment on the sidelines, Galinski returned to the field, breaking down two further times.

'It was unbelievable, it was just an absolute farce', said manager Greene. 'It was only when we went down to seven that they started panicking that the game wouldn’t finish. Right at the end with Galinski, he’s tweeked his hamstring. The ref said "I’ll give you two minutes to treat him" but, as soon as he’s off the pitch, the game should be abandoned'.

Greene believes that with Galinski receiving treatment on the sidelines the match should have been all over. But instead, both dug-outs agreed that if the player returned then the hosts would see the contest out by playing keep ball.

'Their manager and players come round and say "Just get him onto the pitch and we won’t come into your half", Greene added. 'We put him on the pitch and their lad’s trying to run in round the back and score. Stef’s trying to get back and cover and that’s making his hamstring worse. It was just an absolute joke. We put him on and did the right thing and I thought the game was an absolute farce. When you go down to six men the game has to be abandoned. But we’ve done the right thing by seeing that game out. I hope everybody sees that.

I hope the ref sees that. He’s done us no favours today and we’ve played on and saved his bacon'...

Afterwards, Town boss Simon Weaver, a former Pilgrims' defender, said, 'We needed to finish the game, bag the points and go home. I think the credibility of the game was at stake today. People are going to get emotional and Boston will be disappointed to lose the game. Boston are a fine club with a fantastic fanbase and they shouldn’t be probably at this level'".

On the same topic, the Boston Standard also reports that "Boston United defender Stefan Galinski has hit out at claims that he faked an injury in an attempt to get yesterday’s clash at Harrogate Town abandoned. With the Pilgrims down to seven men, the defender received treatment for a hamstring tweak. Had he been unable to continue, referee Mark Ackerman would have been forced to scrap the contest at the death, with the hosts leading 4-0.

And, as Galinski received treatment, he was greeted by a round of boos and catcalls of "cheat" from the home fans. 'I’m never one to fake an injury', Galinski responded. 'I’ve turned and just felt it at the top of my hamstring. I’ve always been taught if you’re ever injured then go down. But it just happened at that certain time, where the game could be abandoned. I wouldn’t do that. It’s not me; I’d be embarrassed if I went down and I wasn’t injured. It’s just one of those days and it just happened'".

According to the Gloucester Citizen, "Dave Mehew carried on his duties as Gloucester City manager in the early hours of Sunday morning, despite being sacked by the club hours earlier. Unable to sleep, as he came to terms with what had happened the previous evening, Mehew knew there was still one final task to perform as manager.

So, when he took a phone call from his assistant manager Matt Rose, the man who will step into the breach in the short term, Mehew was only too happy to help. 'I spoke to Rosey on Saturday night and helped him out with some phone numbers and he was also worrying about how to sort out the players’ wages', Mehew said.

'I told him that I would sort that out for this week. So, at 3am on Sunday morning, I was sat up working out the players’ wages, making sure that they get their money on time this week. I wanted to ensure that I did my job professionally until the end, so that was what I did'...

Relieved of his duties immediately after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with North Ferriby United, Mehew’s first thought was not of his own misfortune but of sorting his team out. So rather than stew on what had happened, he marched into a team meeting for one last time and roused the rabble with one final teamtalk.

'I went into the dressing room after the decision was made and gave the players a rallying call', Mehew said. 'I told them that the point we had just earned that afternoon could be the point that keeps us in the league. I also told them that as a group I believe 100 per cent that they are good enough to stay up this season. I said that I didn’t want to have a relegation on my record. With the number of games we have in hand on others and with who were are playing, we’re good enough to stay up. I asked the lads if they could do one more thing for me, that it would be to get out of trouble'...

Having brought in seven new players as well as assistant manager Rose back to the club, Mehew was convinced that his side had what it took to avoid the drop...

'The timing of what has happened is what is perplexing me. I was told that the decision was made before the game', Mehew added. 'You perhaps get a sign that it might happen if the players aren’t playing for you, but they were. The performance on Saturday showed that the players were all behind what I was trying to do. I am frustrated that they’ve done it when we’ve lost seven games to postponements. Many of those games were against teams around us in the league and, had we got results in those games, the position would be much healthier.

We have shaken the team up because we needed to do that and there were signs that we were getting there. Staying up was still very much in our own hands and perhaps I deserved to be given the chance to play those games as I am certain that we would have stayed up. We had six home games against teams around us in the league. If we had won three of those games, the ones in hand over the rest of the division, we were out of it.

I made the changes and we’ve had two games, against the team at the top of the form table and then the league leaders. Nobody gave us a prayer on Saturday and we performed well'...

He held a remarkable statistic in his five full seasons at the helm in that City improved their league position in every successive season despite not having a home ground...

'I always challenged myself and after earning promotion a few years ago, the burning ambition was to get the club back in the first round of the FA Cup after so many years', he said. 'We did that last year and followed up on that this season as well... I also wanted to bring on a player and then see him move to a Football League club and that’s what we’ve done with Joe Parker this year...

I will have some time out now, have a break because I’ve been in football from the age of 16 right through to now and I’m 46 now'"

ALTRINCHAM 3 COLWYN BAY 1

Report here.

Right: Scott Leather heads clear.

MEET THE NEW RECRUITS

There were supposed to be three players as guests, but Greg Wilkinson was ill, so it was Tom Marshall and Adam Griffin who were the duo representing the "new recruits" to Altrincham FC this season.

Tom had a later engagement on Saturday night, on the stage in Coventry as his band, Stubblemelt, performed a gig. As Alty fans are aware, Tom's fellow band member is Kyle Perry and, whilst Kyle is lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Tom is a bass player and backing vocalist. Speaking about his musical prowess, Adam Griffin said that the only instrument he could play was the triangle!

Asked about their tips for the championship, North Ferriby United and AFC Telford United were the players' choices, assuming Altrincham could not be their choice. Adam felt this season's Alty side was as good as the Hyde team which won the league and in which he had been a player. Both players explained how they enjoy playing at Alty. Tom said that having to drive for training from the West Midlands to Altrincham for two hours on a Tuesday and Thursday night after a day's work meant that he had to really enjoy what he was doing. In his day job Tom works for a firm which refurbishes luxury properties. Adam currently has no job outside his football.

The players also felt that Altrincham was professional in the way it treated its players and that the club did not make promises that it could not deliver, unlike some of the other clubs at which both players had played.

For Adam, Shaun Wright-Phillips was the best player he had come up against whilst Tom had found Jason Lee the most awkward opponent he had had to mark. Both players and Alan Ainsley, Alty's physio, were united in saying that of Alty's current players, James Walshaw was the one they would least like to play against - in some cases for reasons which cannot be stated here!

Tom and Adam both said that going part-time meant that players had to be self-motivated about training more than when playing full-time. As for influences, both men named their parents as important elements in their football development. Tom's father had been a centre-half for Chasetown. As for managers, excluding their present boss, Tom was impressed by Paul Cox (Mansfield) and Steve Burr (Kidderminster) whilst Adam nominated Ian Dowie (Oldham).

So, once again, an enjoyable and entertaining evening was had by all. An excellent meal provided by Richie Bentley ensured that all the guests were well fed as well.

In conclusion, chairman Grahame Rowley thanked all the contributors including those who had bought tickets for the event. He stressed how importamt it is that supporters support such off-field activities, especially when revenue is affected by postponed games.

SHILDON VISITORS

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Chairman Stuart Pike said, 'It was one of the most difficult conversations I have ever had, because Dave has been a stalwart for the club over a lot of years, has shown a huge commitment to the cause and has produced some good teams on a shoe-string budget. But we need to ensure that we drive the club forward and, following discussions, we have taken a hard decision but one we feel is in the best interests of the club.

'Dave was typically an absolute gentleman. Whilst obviously disappointed, he took the decision with fantastic grace, as he did when we informed the players shortly after our meeting. He is a skilful manager and a thoroughly decent human being and we wish him every success in the future'.

The club will now look to make an appointment as quickly as possible. In the interim assistant-manager Matt Rose and coach Neil Mustoe will take charge of all team affairs"

Attendances on Saturday were:

• 790 Altrincham v Colwyn Bay
• 1011 Barrow v Oxford City
• 298 Gainsborough Trinity v Worcester City
• 252 Gloucester City v North Ferriby United
• 632 Harrogate Town v Boston United
• 552 Hednesford Town v Histon
• 332 Stalybridge Celtic v Brackley Town
• 2396 Stockport County v Solihull Moors
• 340 Vauxhall Motors v AFC Telford Utd

OLD BOY

But the 19-year-old will be plying his trade north of the border during this weekend’s fifth round encounters after joining SPL outfit Hibernian on loan until the end of the season on transfer deadline day.

After only arriving at Sunderland from non-league Altrincham during the summer, Watmore realises he needs to continue his development before attempting to make an impact in the Premier League. 'I don’t think I’m ready for the Sunderland first team', he said. 'For my development, the next stage was definitely to come and get first-team experience. Hibs is a really good club to get experience at and I’m very grateful for the chance. Everything I learn here will make me a better player'...

Watmore was one of the few bright spots for Hibs' boss and ex-Sunderland manager Terry Butcher last weekend after the forward made his debut in the cup defeat to second tier Raith Rovers. And he admits the physicality of the encounter was a culture shock after being predominantly limited to games with Sunderland Under-21s this season.

'I was aching all over on Saturday night, with ice packs everywhere', added Watmore. 'I took a sore one on my foot in particular. I was kicked about a bit, but I’m getting used to it. I was at Altrincham before and, believe me, I got kicked a lot more when I was there. It’s a good thing to experience the physicality up here and the fact that people are always willing to put a tackle in. It’s something I enjoy. I actually don’t mind getting kicked about the park as a winger.

It’s part and parcel of how you play, especially a winger who tries to beat people. If you’re doing that successfully it’s almost a satisfaction if you get kicked about. It’s a compliment. I know I’m doing my job for the team if players bring me down and get booked for it'".

ALTRINCHAM 3-1 COLWYN BAY

With Bay attacking, Alty broke away and Walshaw smartly completed his hat trick in the 56th minute. Altrincham took their foot off the pedal and midway through the half Bay saw Royle's penalty saved by Coburn. However, Sean Williams did beat the keeper from 25 yards to make it 3-1 in the 81st minute.

Report here.

Right: James Walshaw celebrates his hat-trick.

SATURDAY'S MATCHES

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

MEET THE NEW RECRUITS ON SATURDAY NIGHT

ALTRINCHAM v COLWYN BAY: COVERAGE

The match commentary sponsor is 'E-Cignature' a locally based company supplying a full range of high quality e-cigarettes and e-liquids. 'E-Cignature' have a fantastic offer just for Alty fans. Get the NEW 'Radio Robins' offer pack which includes:- Ego T 900mAh battery, 1 x clear GSH2 Clearomiser, 1 x USB cable, 1 x 10ml bottle of tobacco flavour ID e-liquid, 1 x 10ml bottle of any Flavour ID e-liquid, 1 x 10ml bottle of non-tobacco flavour ID e-liquid, 3 x £5 gift vouchers. This is normally priced at £49.96 (excluding the gift vouchers) but Alty fans can get it now for just £20 by using the Promo Code "ROBINS". It's a cracking deal!

To take advantage of this fantastic offer go to the 'E-Cignature' website. Click on the 'Offers' page from the main menu, look for the new 'Radio Robins' offer amd submit your order, using the promo code "ROBINS".

The commentators are Ian Wilkinson and Brian Flynn with match summaries from Joe Barry. Coverage starts at 2.50pm with the game kicking off at 3pm, you can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

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

As usual, this website will also be providing its live matchday updates throughout the game, starting from as soon as the line-ups are available before kick-off.

 

FRANK'S SIX-POINTER AT ALTY

Altrincham are one place and four points ahead of ninth-placed Colwyn Bay in the table and, although Sinclair admits his side will start as underdogs, he will be picking a team to go there to try and get a win.

'It is certainly a six pointer, as far as where we want to be, and if we can get a result there it will set us up for the number of home games we've got coming up'.

Sinclair has a full strength squad to choose from and will gain some encouragement from the fact that the Moss Lane side have dropped out of the top five after failing to win any of their last four games (two defeats and two draws), two of which were at home. Altrincham, of course, did knock Colwyn Bay out of the FA Trophy in a controversial tie in November.

The number of postponements means the Seagulls have played only once in the last four weeks but Sinclair added, 'A lot of clubs are in the same boat and we just have to deal with it. I'll be picking a team which I believe can get us a result'. It's a big day for skipper Rob Hopley who will be making his 200th appearance for the club. Colwyn Bay (from) Sanna, Taylor, Lea, Stephens, Smyth, Royle, Crowther, Evans, S Williams, Hopley, M Williams, Ellison, Darkwah, Tolley, Moss, Clarke."

CHANGE OF DATE

MATCHDAY SPONSORS

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Twenty-one-year-old Yussuf came through the ranks at Leicester City and enjoyed a successful loan spell with Tamworth in 2011, scoring twice in six games for the Lambs. Following his release from Leicester he joined Burton Albion but injury curtailed his progress and he joined Lincoln in the summer of 2013. This season he has experienced Conference North football with loan spells at Gainsborough Trinity and Harrogate Town.

Grainger has been drafted in as Calum Kitscha has picked up an injury and is a doubt for tomorrow’s game at Hednesford. The youngster has impressed at Orient and was a regular on the first-team bench last season before being called up into the England under-18 squad".

Elsewhere, "Gloucester City have signed former Oldham Athletic and Morecambe defender Ruairidh (Rory) Winters. Winters, 24, who is comfortable at either right full-back or at centre-half, is studying at nearby Hartbury College. After initially arriving at Kendal Town on loan from Morecambe, he made the switch to the club a permanent one in the summer of 2010. Originally with Oldham Athletic, he had a spell with Vauxhall Motors after leaving the Shrimps.

Winters originally joined Kendal's league rivals Lancaster City in November 2012 and has been back to the Giant Axe in between stints in the United States with AFC Cleveland in Ohio. He returned to the Royals for the 2013 campaign after a stellar 2012 season when he was a finalist for the league all-around 'most valuable player' award and was the National Premier Soccer League's player of the week once and runner-up twice."

The Shropshire Star reports that "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson is considering bringing player-coach Alan Moogan into a match-day squad for the first time in six months. The midfielder is now fully fit after groin surgery but has undertaken a watching brief on the sidelines for the past month, as part of the back-room team.

However, the 29-year-old has come back into Watson’s thoughts when considering the lush Rivacre Park surface at tomorrow’s hosts Vauxhall Motors. Moogan’s ball-playing skills may suit the pitch and he’s ready to be included, along with fellow midfielder Russell Benjamin and striker Tony Gray.

Telford could extend their Skrill Conference North unbeaten run to six games but Watson expects a test. Watson said, 'If you look at the two games we have just had, Stockport had won seven on the bounce and Worcester five out of six, yet we still beat both. It’s been a tough run and this won’t be an easy game, either. It’s a lovely pitch up there and Carl Macauley has done a brilliant job, as he loses a lot of players year-on-year. Every year he keeps them up. I am surprised he hasn’t got a bigger job'”.

At the northern extent of the Skrill North, "Ian McDonald has revealed his desire to stay on at Workington Reds, even if they are relegated" reports the News & Star. "The 60-year-old is currently concentrating on the task at hand but said he would be speaking with chairman Glenn Heathcote and the board of the directors at the end of the season.

McDonald, whose contract runs until the end of the season, is enjoying his time in the Borough Park hot-seat, despite results not going to plan. He took over the struggling Conference North side in December after Darren Edmondson quit for rivals Barrow, and said, 'I will be speaking with the directors because I want to stay. Win or lose, I want to be part of the rebuilding process. I want to be given a year to prove myself because this is a football club that means something to me.

But those talks are a few months off. Between now and then I will keep giving my all to try and make sure I keep Workington in this division'....

Workington haven’t played since drawing with Brackley on January 25... McDonald said, 'It’s been farcical not playing for so long. I’ve got John Jamieson, Alex Salmon and Ben Hoskin desperate to make their debuts, and Gavin Skelton and Daniel Nizic wanting to get their suspension out of the way. We’re all frustrated because our last game was a great performance against a good side. We had some momentum, and now we’re back to square one'".

At the other end of the table, "North Ferriby United manager Billy Heath is determined to prove success in football can be achieved with small budgets and squads... Remarkably, Heath has steered his team to the top of the table by using just 18 players in the 28 league games played so far...

'Using only 18 players is an astonishing stat," Heath told the Hull Daily Mail, 'I bet if you checked the other teams in the league, they will have used 25 or more players. My players have done an unbelievable job this season. I keep hearing we have a huge financial budget and a huge squad. Nothing could be further from the truth. Opposition managers have said that about us which is their way of detracting the attention away from their teams.

I hear it around the city here too and it's a load of rubbish. If that was the case, I'd have gone out and bought more players. Medically, we have done well to get everyone right to play and we've made sure we do enough in training not to overdo it'".

For the record, Alty have used 21 players in the league this season.

NL Pitchero says that "Youngsters Ryan Croasdale and Jack Ryan have joined Stalybridge Celtic on loan from Preston... Croasdale has spent time out on loan with Tamworth already this season, whilst this will be Ryan’s first taste of first-team football, the striker currently being a second year scholar with the Lilywhites.

The young duo will be working under the tutorage of Keith Briggs, a former team-mate of Preston manager Simon Grayson, who he played with at Stockport County".

At Alty's midweek opponents, "Oxford City’s assistant-manager Stuart Peace is backing goalkeeper Mark Scott to face up to the challenge when they travel to Barrow AFC tomorrow. When the sides met earlier this month, the visitors snatched a 1-0 win at Marsh Lane after an error by the former Salisbury City number one... The stopper tried to get back, he slipped over and the ball went in...

'Mark’s been fine for us', said Peace. 'We’ve no qualms about picking him at all. He’s made so many stops for us this season. He saved two penalties in the 1-1 draw against Workington.'.

Barrow are unbeaten in eleven games and Peace...added, 'We’ve played leaders North Ferriby United twice in recent weeks and only lost by the odd goal. So we are more than capable of beating anyone on our day. We are four points from safety, but we’re not overly concerned because we have so many games to catch up on, if we pick up the points'...

Experienced striker Steve Basham could make his first start for several months. The substitute impressed when he replaced fellow frontman Mike Symons and could get the nod. Peace said, 'Steve made a difference when he came on, so it’s a close decision, but that will be down to the gaffer to decide whether he will be fit enough to be involved... We’re travelling up in the morning. It’s a club decision, probably to do with the money. We had an overnight stay in Workington and we’ve got to go back there again'.

Meanwhile, claims that Frome Town defender Josh Ford had rejected a move to City have been strongly denied. Boss Mike Ford said, 'He came up in general conversation and I was told he was a decent centre half. He had been on trial at Hereford United, so I spoke to their manager Martin Foyle about him. But that was as far as it went. Then I got a text message from his dad saying I heard we were interested in signing his son. We’re not looking for anyone in that position anyway'".

The Leamington Courier says that "Leamington boss Paul Holleran is on the brink of boosting his forward line with the signing of Aron Wint from Solihull Moors. The 21-year-old striker progressed through the youth ranks at Coventry City before going on to join Scunthorpe United where he remained until the end of the 2011/12 season.

He scored five times in 25 appearance for Hinckley United before walking out in a dispute over unpaid wages and made the switch to Damson Park in the summer. However, he has been predominantly used from the bench this season and Holleran believes a switch to the New Windmill will be in the best interest of both parties.

'He’s a local boy who lives ten minutes from the ground and he’s someone we’ve looked at before', said Holleran. 'He’s scored goals in this division, has a good pedigree and wants to come to the club, which is important'. There is still work to be done on the deal, with Moors' boss Marcus Bignot making a last-ditch attempt to persuade the striker to stay. However, Holleran is hopeful the signing will go through in time for Wint to feature at Guiseley tomorrow.

Brakes will not lack for firepower at Nethermoor with Danny Newton expected to return up front after injury. The postponement of last Saturday’s home clash with Vauxhall Motors has also allowed Joe Magunda and Craig Owen extended rehabilitation time...

Eight of Leamington’s final 12 fixtures are at the New Windmill and, although relegation is still a possibility, Holleran is looking up rather than down. 'A couple of wins and we’ll be right back in the middle of the table', he said. 'That’s got to be our aim for the last third of the season. We really want to finish as high as possible and cement ourselves in mid-table... It’s another difficult one tomorrow. After their runners-up spot last year, I expected them to go on and win the league this season. But they’ve given themselves too much to do and we’ll go there looking to get something out of the game'".

According to Buckingham Today, "Brackley Town boss Jon Brady used last weekend’s postponed fixture against Gloucester as a chance to recharge the batteries... Recent wins over promotion rivals Boston United and Solihull Moors have seen Saints shoot up to third ...

But Brady has warned his side against complacency and insists... 'We’re not looking at promotion or anything like that. We have a points tally in mind and that’s what we’ll aim for. It’s a cliche but we have to look at one game at a time... We now have to make sure that the teams in the lower half of the table aren’t our Achilles heel...

We trained really hard on Tuesday night. We have a few injury concerns in the shape of Curtis McDonald and Owen Story, so we need to get everyone back fit'. Story should be back within a week, but left-back McDonald will be sidelined for around three to four weeks. This weekend Brady’s men travel to struggling Stalybridge Celtic... a side who have failed to win any of their last 10 matches'...

Added Brady, 'Stalybridge have a new manager and they’ve been a bit up-and-down recently but we’ve found some consistency and we need go there and continue that... We had a blip after the FA Cup run, which was to be expected, but I feel we’ve got a lot of players playing at the top of their game now'”.

In the Lincolnshire Echo manager "Dennis Greene believes Boston United’s next three matches could define their season. The Pilgrims travel to Harrogate Town on Saturday, host Hednesford the following weekend and travel to Altrincham on Tuesday, March 4.

All three opponents, along with the Pilgrims, are in the thick of the promotion race and Greene calculates seven points from those games will help cement his side’s place in the play-offs. That would be a tall order, but Greene insists his side are up to the task."

ALL CLEAR

CSC

• Tranmere Rovers v Altrincham/Stalybridge Celtic
• Macclesfield Town FC v Northwich Victoria

NEXT UP

With the last seven matches at Llanelian Road falling foul of the weather, including last Saturday’s scheduled clash with Boston United, the club has been left with a financial shortfall over the last two months. The Seagulls are scheduled to play at Altrincham on Saturday but, with three home matches in the space of a week starting the following Tuesday evening against Gloucester City, the club is hoping for a big turnout to give the coffers a long-awaited boost.

Messom said, 'With the club only gaining income from home matches but having to pay the players every week, irrespective as to whether we play or not, it has put the club in a very serious financial position, shared by many other Conference North clubs. Even so, the directors cannot continue to bail out the club from their own pockets and we desperately need to get home games played, and ask supporters to give us their maximum help during these next two months by, at the very least, coming to games when they are on in greater numbers than have been seen so far'.

The club have introduced several initiatives to try and entice more fans to home matches... One up side to the endless cancellations is that manager Frank Sinclair now has a full-strength squad after players have been given time to recover from injuries. On-loan midfielder Jonathan Royle returns after a calf strain, while Jamie Tolley and Anthony Stephens will also be back in contention. Colwyn Bay will allow Daves and Dewis in for free on St David’s Day (Dydd Gwyl Dewi in Welsh) on March 1."

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Further to the statement issued on 4th February 2014 we can now provide an update on progress made in the negotiations between the representatives acting on behalf of Barrow AFC Ltd and Mr Paul Casson.

Offer to purchase the assets and club

We are pleased to advise that Paul Casson has now made an offer to purchase Barrow AFC the value of which is equivalent to the latest valuation of the Holker St ground.

This offer means that it should now be possible to meet one of the criteria required by the FA before the football membership can be transferred to a new entity. This condition requires that all creditors of the current company operating Barrow AFC are satisfactorily settled prior to any transfer.

Next Steps

The parties acting for Barrow AFC Ltd and Mr Paul Casson have now moved discussions onto the next phase of the possible sale which is to satisfy the legal and FA requirements of any sale.

The fact that the revised offer is sufficient to meet the FA criteria on creditors is only the first step towards any final proposal being approved by the members, FA and Football conference. This work is being conducted alongside the need to keep the Club� Directors, members and Fans aware of the future running of the club in the event of a successful sale.

Paul Casson is preparing a detailed proposal of how he sees the future of Barrow AFC and its ongoing operation should his takeover be successful. This will include details of how his plans will be funded.... He will present his ideas and answer questions from supporters about his plans. Following this meeting it is anticipated that Paul Casson will finalise his proposal into a document which will be circulated to members... including notice of an EGM at which a resolution regarding his potential purchase will be voted upon...

It has been decided that the AGM should be rescheduled for Friday 14th March 2014... Everyone involved recognises that the situation needs to be concluded as soon as possible within the requirements of Company Law and the relevant football rules. It is however anticipated that the EGM could be held before the end of April so that whatever the outcome of the vote, planning for next season is not disrupted

According to the Worcester News, "Striker Aaron Farrell will be given chance to prove himself at Worcester City after signing for the club. The former Kidderminster Harriers player has agreed non-contract terms at Aggborough... Now the 27-year-old, who has also played for Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield, could get more minutes in a bid to earn a permanent deal.

Manager Carl Heeley said, 'Aaron has been training with us and... I need to see a bit more of him before I make any long-term decisions'.

Farrell played the last six minutes of the Telford match... 'We have played worse than that and won games but we have got to put it into context',Heeley said. 'They went top of the league and the fact we are disappointed not to get a point shows how far we have come as a team... We dominated in the second-half and they we hanging on a bit. If it hadn't been for some questionable finishing, we would certainly have got a point out of the game'".

A story in the Lincolnshire Echo confirms that "Gainsborough Trinity's board of directors have mooted the possibility of dropping down to a lower tier of football. The startling revelation was made by commercial director John Myskiw as he outlined the financial difficulties the club has experienced since the departure of millionaire chairman Peter Swann last summer.

While Myskiw insisted the board had eventually decided against the dramatic move, it could be an issue they return to in the future. 'We have spoken about whether we can survive at this level with the investment that we currently have', admitted Myskiw. 'But you only have to look at the money teams like Worksop and Grantham are paying. If we dropped down we could be in the same position. So we hold our hands up and say 'Okay, it's going to be hard again, but would you rather be at this level?'...

'Peter Swann no longer has any involvement in this club whatsoever', stressed Myskiw. 'I am aware of the stories about myself and Pete Wallace effectively holding his shares. But I will guarantee to anyone that if someone came in for my shares tomorrow, they could have them. There is nothing whatsoever that would stop me. If it meant someone putting money into the football club then great, they can have my shares now'.

The Blues' director also admitted the board have discussed next season and revealed their playing budget is likely to be lower than the current campaign. The reason for that is down to the money the club received at the start of this season following the sale of Luke Waterfall and Terry Hawkridge to Scunthorpe. 'That money obviously gave us a good starting point, but next season we won't have that money', added Myskiw.

'We are hoping everything else will be the same. Hopefully there will be more sponsorship because a lot of people took the attitude, when Mr Swann was chairman, that "He's got the money, we don't need to help out. They now realise that is not the case any more"'".

Reports in the Gloucester Citizen say that "Will Morford has swapped Gloucester City’s relegation dog-fight for Cirencester Town’s promotion push. The long-serving striker has endured a stop-start season because of injury and Mehew hopes a spell of regular football will see him return to City as a better player.

Adam Mann left Gloucester for Shortwood at the end of last season and has improved with the move and Mehew says Morford must use that as motivation. City host high-flying North Ferriby United on Saturday for a game that Mehew is calling a 'shot to nothing' as the Tigers look to scrape clear of the Skrill North drop zone. 'We didn’t too badly against Barrow on Tuesday night. We gave a team that had won nine out of 11 a good game and we will still improve', Mehew said... 'We have a shot to nothing against North Ferriby and we’ve done well against the top teams in the league this year so we can do that again'".

According to the News & Star, "Bradford Park Avenue boss John Deacey has warned Workington Reds they face two battles on Saturday; the first against his free-flowing footballers, and the second, Avenue’s Horsfall pitch.

Deacey is frustrated with the state of the turf at his side’s home ground... He said, 'We can’t play at home, not on that pitch, and that’s not an excuse, it’s a fact because the surface is an absolute disgrace. It has always been a problem but, right now, taking all of the severe weather into account, it's worse than ever and I actually feel sorry for the lads. They have to go out on that and try to play the game the correct way and it’s impossible'.

Workington have not played since drawing 1-1 with Brackley on January 25. They have trained hard since then with four games being postponed... Deacey said rival managers have also been disappointed with the quality of the pitch, and added, 'I’m usually a very upbeat kind of guy but I have to admit that it’s getting to me. I love the game and I have a firm belief that it should be played in the correct manner and that we have a duty to entertain the crowd. Some of the guys who come here from opposing teams just laugh when they get on the pitch. It’s okay for them, because they only have to come once a season, but our lads have to deal with it every week'".

FIXTURE BACKLOG

Right: Alty's Simon Richman and Jake Moult in action at Hednesford on 1 February.

Travelling supporters, who had made a 280-mile round trip, were in angry mood as the match referee, Graham Fyvie, called Saturday’s game at Workington off an hour before kick off, despite the fact that the pitch seemed playable and both clubs were keen to get the match on.

Tuesday night saw the Cheshire Senior Cup Quarter Final at Stalybridge called off for a second time and that means that Altrincham have managed to play on just three occasions since the first week of 2014.

Many Robins fans are coming to the conclusion that the solution to the problem of ravaged winter fixture lists lies in the use of artificial pitches and the impressive surface at Partington Sports Village was in perfect condition on Tuesday afternoon as Altrincham Juniors hosted Continental opposition in the form of top Norwegian club, Lillestrøm SK, as part of their week long, pre-season tour in the north west.

Altrincham’s under-14 side just missed out in a thrilling see-saw contest that eventually finished 7-6 to the Scandinavians, while the under-16s also did the club proud by drawing 2-2 in a highly competitive game with their Norwegian counterparts, who included further games against Stockport County and Macclesfield Town during their visit.

It is hoped that Skrill North action will return to the J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday when Colwyn Bay are the visitors. The Welsh side lie ninth in the league but their impressive away form, which has seen them take more points on their travels than any other team in the league, means that they will provide very tough opposition for Lee Sinnott’s side. Kick-off is at 3pm".

NEW DATES

• Tuesday, 4 March: Cheshire Senior Cup, Altrincham v Stalybridge Celtic now to be played at the J. Davidson Stadium, 7.45pm, following two postponements of this tie at the Bower Fold.
• Tuesday, 1 April: Skrill North, Altrincham v Boston United, at the J. Davidson Stadium, 7.45pm. This fixture has been moved from 4 March.

JOE'S LOAN EXTENDED

NO NORWEGIAN BLUES FOR JUNIORS

"Altrincham Juniors did themselves and the name of Altrincham Football Club proud with two excellent performances against Lillestrøm SK, one of the top clubs in Norway, who boasted national squad players amongst their ranks and one youngster who has been to Italy for trials with AC Milan.

A superb afternoon of football entertainment kicked off with the Under-14 sides producing a thrill-a-minute encounter, with the hosts eventually losing out 7-6.The signs looked a little ominous, as Lillestrøm took an early two-goal lead, but the young Robins fought back magnificently to lead 3-2 and 4-3 before the visitors hit a purple patch midway through the second half and eventually triumphed by the odd goal in thirteen.

The Under-16s' match was also a tight affair as the Norwegians recovered from conceding an early goal to wrestle control of the midfield and deservedly lead 2-1 at the interval. After the break, it was a different story, as a successful tactical move saw Altrincham play five in midfield and dominate proceedings for long periods. A deserved equaliser came midway through the second period and, despite a couple of late scares, Altrincham deserved to finish level.

The games were played at Partington Sports Village on an excellent surface and everyone connected with both teams can feel very proud of what was achieved against skilful and technically gifted continental opposition".

CSC UPDATE

• Monday, 17 Feb Hyde FC 0 Northwich Victoria 2 att.140
• Tuesday, 18 Feb Chester FC 0 Macclesfield Town 2 att.415
• Tuesday, 18 Feb Stalybridge Celtic v Altrincham OFF
• Wednesday, 19 Feb Tranmere Rovers 1 1874 Northwich 0 (at Cammell Laird)

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Newton said, 'As you may be aware, first-team manager Dennis Greene has recently been found guilty of falsely claiming benefits. At most football clubs this would be a serious issue. However, with [i.e. in the context of] past events at Boston United prior to our tenure, this issue becomes very high profile and understandably fans wish to be informed of our position.

'Despite the club’s history, this matter has been dealt with in the same way that all other employment issues are dealt with at Boston United. Through a disciplinary process, we have been able to establish the facts surrounding the case.

'We have taken those facts into account, together with the fact Dennis pleaded guilty in an attempt to minimise the impact on Boston United. He is very upset by his actions and the potential impact on Boston United. He did offer his resignation. He will fully comply with the sentencing requirements and, very importantly, the false claims pre-dated his employment at Boston United.

'The Board of Boston United does not condone Dennis's actions,but he has been punished already. Therefore, it was felt that further sanctions by the club would be unwarranted. Dennis has accepted the outcome of the disciplinary procedure and he will remain first-team manager of Boston United Football Club".

The Boston Standard provides more detail. "Dennis Greene (47), of Fishtoft Road, Boston, falsely claimed £6,166.86 in housing and council tax benefit between September 2011 and January 2013 while living in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. He was sentenced at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court following an investigation by Huntingdonshire District Council’s Fraud Team.

The court was told that Greene had made claims for housing and council tax benefit between 2011 and 2012 from Stonehill, St Neots and, then, from 2012 to 2013 at Market Square, St Neots. On his claim forms, Greene, initially said that he was unemployed and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. He then claimed from March 2012 that he was in low paid employment and from July 2012 that he was unemployed again.

However, a tip-off from a member of the public suggested that Greene was actually employed and working as the manager of St Neots Football Club. Enquiries made by council investigators revealed that Greene had worked as the manager for both St Neots and Histon football clubs when he had claimed benefit declaring that he was unemployed.

Greene pleaded guilty to all three charges put to him and on Wednesday, February 5, received a 12-month community order with a requirement to complete 100 hours' unpaid work. As well as repaying the £6,166.86 he falsely claimed, Greene was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation and £500 costs to the council.

Mr Greene told The Standard the claims relate almost entirely to his time at St Neots, when he was working limited hours and on a low wage. Claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance can work up to an average of 16 hours a week. When he joined Histon as a full-time employee, he signed off, though there was an overlapping period, he said, of about two or three weeks when he remained on benefits.

Of his time at St Neots, he said, 'I was probably working eight hours a week. The hours were very small, it was part-time and we were in the UCL so it wasn’t a lot of money I was getting by managing that football club. I get a full time job and signed off'.

Mr Greene said he could have challenged the allegations to him but was keen to resolve the matter sooner rather than later. He said, 'It would just have dragged on and it’s a weight on your shoulders when it could have just been put to bed... I’m perfectly happy at Boston United. If the chairman wants me to stay at the foootball club, hopefully this will not become too much of a problem'".

On the field, the Boston Standard adds that "It’s been a stop-start season for Boston United midfielder Indy Aujla. Injury and team selection have seen him involved in just 10 of the 24 matches the Pilgrims have played since he signed for Dennis Greene’s side in September, and five of those were appearances from the bench.

Now, having overcome a niggling hamstring injury, the 26-year-old is attempting to force his way back into the side after loanee Kyle Dixon and new signings Jamie McGhee and Ryan Semple have hit the ground running...

'We’re at the business end of the season now, and I believe everyone in the squad has their part to play', he said... 'If I’m not playing I can still do my bit by helping to encourage the other lads and get them going. I’ve been in dressing rooms where lads have been unhappy because they’re not playing', he continued. 'I understand their frustrations but, like everything in life, I think they need to look at the bigger picture. I don’t like negativity. I try to channel that into positivity'...

In a bid to understand more about the perfect winning mentality, Aujla loves to study football and reads biographies of people he admires such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Roy Keane and Brian Clough. 'I like to see how they think and look at situations', Aujla added... 'I’m doing my badges and reading the books because I want to be the best footballer I can be... I do yoga almost every day... It’s a good feeling to keep fit but also take your mind away from football for a bit. There’s a wider spectrum. There’s more to football than just training and playing'".

News of Shaun Whalley's loan comes from We Are Luton Town which says that "A verbal agreement has been made between Telford manager Liam Watson and Luton counterpart John Still and the paperwork should be completed by the weekend. Whalley was set to return to the Hatters after Saturday’s trip to Vauxhall Motors but he is still deemed surplus to requirements at Kenilworth Road.

Watson said, 'John is a mate and has agreed to let us keep Shaun. Shaun may end up with two title medals at the end of the season, all being well'".

TUESDAY FIXTURES

• Gloucester City 1-3 Barrow (att. 420)
• Guiseley v Gainsborough Trinity POSTPONED
• Worcester City 0-1 AFC Telford United (att. 534)
• Workington v North Ferriby United POSTPONED

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

On 15 February, the North Wales Weekly News reported after Saturday's postponed game that "Bay have now had to abandon seven attempts to play a home game in the last six weeks - leaving the club in a dire financial situation, with bills and wages still to be paid, but with no income coming in,"

NL Daily confirms that "Manager Alan Lord has today chosen to trim his squad by releasing forwards Liam Dickinson and Alex Meaney. Dickinson has scored one goal since returning to the club in early November but has found his opportunities limited thanks to the goal scoring form of Kristian Dennis and Phil Jevons who are both into double figures for the season.

Used largely from the bench in recent weeks, Liam has been unable to reignite his injury plagued career at County...

Meaney recently re-signed for County having initially been released at the end of last season but has been unable to settle back into the squad".

Workington report that "For the first time in living memory, Workington have had to call off a third successive home game because of a waterlogged pitch.

Tuesday’s scheduled Skrill North fixture v. league leaders, North Ferriby United, was postponed at 12:38 by local referee, Adam Pattison, and follows the cancellation of the Oxford City and Altrincham matches earlier this month.

North Ferriby delayed their departure time because the local referee wasn't able to get to Borough Park until 12:30 but he confirmed the inevitable within minutes of his arrival after liaising with match referee, Peter Wright".

From Stalybridge Celtic we learn that "Celtic Assistant Manager Andy Fearn called the website...to try and shed some light on recent events that have been the cause for some heated discussion on the forum.

'I know it's not always advisable for managers, staff and players to get involved with what's being posted on a club's website [i.e. forum] but I felt I should try to explain why there's been such a big turnover of players since we arrived at the club in November.

The goalkeeper position has been a source of much head scratching and gnashing of teeth. Matty Urwin made it clear to us that he could not motivate himself fully to play at this level and went back to Blackburn with our blessing. We didn't count on another club's interest scuppering our loan deal with Sheffield Wednesday for Arron Jameson, and Craig Ellison stepped in at a moment's notice. He looked really good in training but for obvious reasons that didn't work out.

Dave Stevenson was drafted in as cover until Danny East's International Clearance came through. Neither Craig nor Dave took a penny from the club. It's obviously not ideal that we've fielded eight keepers this season but hopefully Danny is here for the long haul.

It's blatantly obvious that our main problem has been the amount of goals we've conceded and the number of times individual errors have led directly to the other team scoring. It was clear the back four needed strengthening and freshening up and with that in mind we brought in James and Jordon Tunnicliffe, both of whom have unfortunately succumbed to hamstring injuries and are now back with their parent clubs.

With regard to last Saturday, it's clearly a gamble to field a side with three debutants, two making their second appearance and a goalie who's on his third appearance, each time with a different back four in front of him but our hands were tied to a certain extent with the current injury situation. Obi Anoruo, Lewis Hatch and Callum Warburton were on the treatment table and Tom Buckley was taken ill on the morning of the game which actually made the selection of the team quite simple. I thought after the first 16 minutes we settled down quite well and even with ten men in the second half we matched one of the form teams in the league...

We have faith that the players we've brought in and the ones we inherited can produce a winning team for you... It's been difficult with the contraints of the budget and the number of players we currently have on contract to make the changes that were needed to get us up the table".

We read in the Oxford Mail that "Oxford City could become one of the top names in American soccer... City president Thomas Guerriero revealed he aims to form his own franchise playing under the same name as the Skrill North league side.

He said, 'In the future I can definitely see the Oxford City brand expanding to the United States'. Mr Guerriero added the move would not be in the short-term and would rely on the establishment of his Oxford City University campus in Florida. 'The university will have the facilities that can support a professional team', he said.

Mr Guerriero claims that his plans are 'a couple of years ahead of schedule', with the launch of the company’s new broadcasting network which he says will move on to include a TV station by 2015. 'We want to raise awareness of what we are doing both in England and the United States'.

Mr Guerriero refers to his plans for parent company Oxford City Football Club Inc as a 'vertical integration model' based along the lines of United States conglomerate holding company Berkshire Hathaway headed up by renowned business magnate Warren Buffett. That company has a range of interests in famous names including Heinz, Mars, Coca-Cola and American Express.

Mr Guerriero said, 'We look at specific sectors that can build a solid foundation. Most football clubs are not fiscally successful because they are just football clubs. We want people to look at us as a financial powerhouse holding company. Football is just one aspect of what is successful'".

As for the university, Mr Guerriero said a site had been secured in Florida for it to be built... 'The university will be fuelling the talent of tomorrow on the pitch and in the boardroom. We want to build on that year after year', he said.

Mr Guerriero took over Oxford City last April... By August Mr Guerriero had changed the name of his financial business, WMX Group Holdings to Oxford City Football Club Inc. and floated it on the stock exchange... He then went on take over the Oxford Hoops basketball club in October and last month it was announced that the Oxford City Broadcasting Network had been set up with the first programme being The Oxford City Financial Report presented by Mick Da Mixter Bazsuly.

Asked whether he bought the club just to trade on the name, Mr Guerriero said, 'I have no time to care about what people think of me. I am passionate about doing this; I don’t feel there is anyone we are competing against'...

Oxford City FC are currently in the relegation zone... He said, 'A lot of the players were already established and obviously we want to do much better but it is not a concern and we think we will finish the year further up with the way we have restructured and re-defined how we work together. Every single person is on the same page.

We are confident about the coaching. It is the style of football (managing director) Colin Taylor and I want to see'...

Who is Thomas Guerriero?... Played in goal for Staten island Vipers before it was disbanded in 1998, the year he began his financial career on Wall Street. Became senior vice president of the securities division of First Union, one of the largest institutions in the world... Claims to have starred in the Oliver Stone film Any Given Sunday and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro...

May 2013 - 'I feel this could be a major legacy. People will look back on this and see one of the biggest impact stories of all time in English football'".

Gloucester City "are pleased to announce the signings of Reading goalkeeper Stuart Moore, Swindon Town striker Connor Waldon and Bristol Rovers playmaker Jordan Goddard, all on one-month loan deals.

The Tigers have now bolstered their squad by no fewer than eight names since they last played a competitive, with Matt Rose also rejoining the club as part of the backroom staff.

Stuart Moore has come in to increase Dave Mehew’s goalkeeping options, with only Nathan Phillips previously competing with Mike Green for a starting place.

Connor Waldon returns to the Tigers for his second loan spell following a successful first stint with the club, a period where he scored 7 goals in 10 games... Jordan Goddard extends his stay with the Tigers following a second loan spell in which Gloucester played no games due to the adverse weather conditions".

Bradford PA "would like to announce the signing of goalkeeper Ashley Timms. The 28 year old arrives at the Horsfall Stadium to compete with John Lamb...

'They are fighting for the number one shirt. John Lamb is a top goalkeeper and it’s great to have Ashley in who is also a top goalkeeper. It gives me and Mark Hume a headache'.

The new arrival is grateful to the Avenue management on his switch to the club. 'I’m thankful to John Deacey and Mark Hume for giving me a chance and the opportunity to play football again... I believe in myself and hopefully I can prove that. I can’t wait to get started!'”

BACKLOGS

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC v ALTRINCHAM: MATCH OFF

JUNIORS HOST NORWEGIANS

Lillestrøm SK play in the top tier of Norwegian football (The Eliteserien), finishing 10th in the season that concluded in November. They have been Norwegian champions & Cup winners on five occasions in each competition amd have had current Wigan Athletic supremo, Uwe Rosler, and former Blackburn Rovers manager, Henning Berg at the helm in recent years.

Lillestrøm SK's Under-14 and Under-16 sides will take on their Altrincham Juniors counterparts, as part of a week long pre-season trip as they prepare for the start of their new season in March. During their stay in the North West they are also playing games against Stockport County and Macclesfield Town.

Following the games, everyone involved is invited back to the The J.Davidson Stadium, where a buffet will be provided and the Manchester City v Barcelona Champions League encounter will be shown on TV in The Noel White Suite, which will also be open for all Altrincham supporters.

Spectators are welcome at the games and details are as follows:-

• 4pm: Altrincham Under-14' v Lillestrøm SK Under 14s
• 5pm: Altrincham Under 16s v Lillestrøm SK Under 16s

The full venue address is Partington Sports Village, Chapel Lane, Partington, M31 4ES. Phone:0161 777-4222. For General Information or any queries regarding this event, please call Brian Flynn on 07860 561011.

PONTOON UPDATE

• Boston: Dana Laidlar 9
• AFC Telford: Derek Wilshaw 8
• Vauxhall Motors: Nigel Bunce 8
• Chesterfield: Thomas Murray 7
• Crewe: Sheila Crompton 7
• Gillingham: Alan Ainsley 7

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Meanwhile, Barrow "have extended the loan of Southport defender, Liam Willis, for a further month. This means his temporary registration for Barrow, which initially ended at midnight on Saturday night, will now run until midnight on Saturday March 15th. Willis, 20, made five starts and one appearance in his first month at Barrow".

According to the Manchester Evening News, "Stockport County boss Alan Lord had no complaints after watching his side lose 2-0 at AFC Telford. Goals in each half from Andy Owens and Sean Clancy condemned the Hatters to only their second defeat in 11 matches.

Lord said, 'We definitely had the chances to go away with a draw but, if I’m being perfectly honest, they’d have won on points had it been a boxing match. Every game is a bit of a battle at the moment; it’s about who executes the best decisions. They did it better and deserved to win.... County began the second half on the front foot with debutant Mark Battersby’s cross pawed away by the Telford keeper with Rhys Oates lurking, before a Mark Lees shot was cleared off the line".

NEW DATE

PREDICTIONS AND THE PAST

Mike Garnett's records reveal the record in all matches between Alty and Celtic.

• At Altrincham P64-W35-D15-L14-F127-A79
• At Stalybridge P70-W19-D12-L39-F110-A148
• Neutral P5-W1-D1-L3-F5-A7
• All P139-W55-D28-L56-F242-A234

ADAM GOES DOWN UNDER

OFF THE FIELD SUPPORT

• Saturday, 22 February 2014: MEET THE NEW RECRUITS- PART 2

  The panel will comprise Tom Marshall, Adam Griffin and Greg Wilkinson. They will talk about their careers and answer questions from the audience, so don't miss the chance to get to know some of Alty's most recent recruits. Tickets are just £15 and include a two-course meal provided by club caterer Richie Bentley

• Friday 28 February 2014: HARBINGERS plus support, 7.30pm

  Indie rock from Harbingers (and support) who include Alty gateman Nigel Hennerley. FREE admission.

• Thursday, 6 March 2014: MATT LE TISSIER - SPORTSMAN'S DINNER

  To be held at the Cresta Court Hotel, Altrincham. Tickets £40 per head or £350 plus VAT for a table of ten.

• Saturday 19 - Monday 21 April 2014: ALTRINCHAM FC BEER FESTIVAL

  The annual Altrincham FC beer festival takes place at the J. Davidson Stadium from Saturday, 19th April till Monday, 21st. More details to follow.

• Monday, 21 April 2014: END OF SEASON RACE NIGHT

  The annual event which includes the Player of the Season awards presentation.

ONGOING SCHEMES

Please click on the links below for details of each fundraising scheme:

Monthly Draw

MONTHLY DRAW

Full details of the Monthly Draw scheme are here. Members are entered into a monthly draw in which you can win £100.

HELPING ALTY

How You can Help

• Join The Altrincham Supporters' Club (TASC)
  Call Brian Flynn on 07860-561011 or e-mail him at brianflynn59@hotmail.com
• Volunteer to help on match days
  Call Grahame Rowley on 07720-606897 or or e-mail him at altrinchamprog@yahoo.co.uk
  See instructions underneath the main TV in the bar.
• Join the Friends of Altrincham Football Club (five pounds per month)
  Call Steve Foster on 07876-767284 or e-mail him at friendsofaltyfc@hotmail.co.uk.
• Become a Patron (fifty pounds per year)
  Call Grahame Rowley on 07720-606897 or e-mail him at altrinchamprog@yahoo.co.uk
• All Change for Alty- get a collecting tin for your small change from the Club
  Call Grahame Rowley on 07720-606897 or e-mail him at altrinchamprog@yahoo.co.uk
• Volunteer to help with commercial or fundraising initiatives
  Call Barry Pond on 07957-456375 or e-mail him at office@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk
• Sponsor a game, or match ball
  Call Barry Pond on 07957-456375 or e-mail him at office@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk
• Take out Company advertising in the programme, or a ground board
  Call Barry Pond on 07957-456375 or e-mail him at office@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk

SATURDAY YANKEE

The Saturday Yankee is a vital all-year-round raising scheme in which participants can win big prizes. For details, click here.

ALL CHANGE FOR ALTY

Grahame Rowley writes:

"We have available for collection 'All Change for Alty' money boxes. This scheme was started last year for fans to collect small change and was a great success raising in excess of £1000. Seventy five boxes were distributed last year and this year we aim to distribute in excess of 100. Please consider taking one home – it’s a great way to help fundraising with very little effort. Your support would be much appreciated".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Workington confirm that "The loan spells of Burnley duo, 'keeper Danijel Nizic and left back Kyle Brownhill, have been extended until the end of the season".

Referring to Worcester City, whom they meet on Tuesday, AFC Telford United say that "This will be the fourth meeting between the teams so far this campaign but Telford are yet to even score a goal against City in their three previous meetings, let alone secure a victory.

The first clash, back in September, saw struggling Worcester hold Telford to a 0-0 draw at the New Bucks Head in the Skrill North...The clubs were then paired together in the FA Trophy First Round Proper and... despite the Bucks being billed as favourites for the replay back in Shropshire, three Worcester goals in the space of just ten first-half minutes dumped Liam Watson’s side out of the Trophy in emphatic fashion...

'You look at how solid and strong Worcester looked against us in the two Trophy games and then they got walloped by Oxford who hadn’t won for ages, so you’d question whether they raised their game to play us' Liam Watson has said ahead of the game. 'The answer to that would be that they do, because any team that comes to Telford seems to get a lift because of the ground...

I think they’ve got some players who like to raise their game against the better teams', continues Watson, who also watched City’s impressive 2-1 win at Altrincham last month. 'It’s odd that they’ve beaten the likes of us and Altrincham, yet lost at home to Oxford and Gloucester... There’s no chance of Worcester going down', Watson continues. 'I actually think Worcester have got really good players and I can’t quite grasp where they are in the league. I like the two centre-halves, Graham Hutchison and Jamie Grimes, and George Williams at full-back is a good player. Richard Taundry, who’s just gone (to Solihull), did really well against us and Aaron Brown played great against Altrincham. Ethan Moore, Daniel Nti and Aaron Williams are a threat...

Having said that, both in the Trophy game at their place and the home game in the league we should have been out of sight...

In general, my teams tend to be extremely fit and I think our fitness levels stand out more when we’re playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday because other teams don’t recover as quickly and we respond better to playing regularly. Alan Moogan and Chris Lever are both fit now too which is great because we will need to use everyone between now and the end of the season, especially this time of year when the pitches are heavy and players pick up little tweaks and pulls'".

---

16 February 2014

WORKINGTON POSTPONEMENT

Workington report that the "Reds’ Skrill North fixture v. Altrincham was dramatically postponed less than an hour before kick-off to the annoyance of supporters and players alike.

Above: Alty players and supporters await the decision at Borough Park as, in the background, the Workington ground staff strive to get the game on

Match referee, Graeme Fyvie, wasn't happy with the state of the pitch following torrential rain in the three hours before his arrival.

He agreed to have a second check of the playing surface and confirmed the postponement just after 2pm.

The club had followed all procedures and arranged for a pitch inspection at 8.30am, even though it wasn't necessary at that point. Then the rains came and, exactly like the situation two weeks ago, the referee postponed the game after the visiting team and supporters’ coaches had arrived. A frustrating day all round."

Earlier Workington had reported that "Top Cumbrian official, Anthony Backhouse, made a precautionary visit to Borough Park this morning, en route to refereeing at Southport, and declared the pitch playable."

This will be the second time this season that Altrincham have to return to an opponent's ground to play a fixture. Earlier this season our match at Colwyn Bay was abandoned eight minutes from time when the referee went lame, with Alty leading 2-0. Altrincham had to return to replay the fixture and now face a similar situation once more, with an almost 300-mile round trip on a Tuesday night.

OLD BOYS

Andy Owens and Sean Clancy, who have both worn the Altrincham shirt, both scored for AFC Telford on Saturday.

SATURDAY CROWDS

• AFC Telford United v Stockport County 1,819
• Hednesford Town v Solihull Moors 602
• Histon v Harrogate Town 291
• North Ferriby United v Oxford City 402

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Players leaving Skrill North clubs this week include Stalybridge Celtic duo Oliver Townsley (to Droylsden) and Dominic Welsby (to New Mills). Also leaving the division is Nathan Dwyer who has joined Harrogate Railway Athletic from Guiseley.

---

15 February 2014

GAME CALLED OFF

At 9am Workington confirmed that today's game against Altrincham was expected to go ahead as planned. So supporters travelled the 145 miles or so to Cumbria, arriving before the matchday referee. When he arrived at Borough Park, he called the game off at 1.40pm. However, he was persuaded to wait twenty minutes to see if the ground could be made fit. The pitch looked OK from a distance but was apparently very wet down the middle at one end. He then confirmed the postponement, condemning Altrincham supporters to a wasted and expensive afternoon and another 145 mile trip home.

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

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Stockport County report that "County defender James Tunnicliffe has today left the club by mutual agreement. Tunnicliffe made his first team debut as a substitute for County at the age of 16 in 2005. The defender went on to make 92 appearances...

James departed County for the first time in 2009 for Brighton and Hove Albion and then re-joined the Hatters three years later...

Tunnicliffe said, 'I feel now is the right time to move on in my life into new exciting challenges, which I’m really looking forward to'. Tunnicliffe faced Alty for Stalybridge over the Christmas period.

County also say their "Loan move for Latics' forward, Kirk Millar has been delayed due to injury. Millar was set to join County for a month but unfortunately picked up a knock in training yesterday, disrupting his move. Latics manager, Lee Johnson was keen for the forward to gain some game time".

According to the Express & Star, "Hednesford Town footballer Kris Taylor told today of 'positive news' after he had a cancerous tumour removed. The 30-year-old father of one from Cannock was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery last Thursday.

Today he took to Twitter to reassure fans, 'The tumour has been removed but I'm still unclear as to treatment I require'. Mr Taylor was a schoolboy footballer at Wolves before being poached by Manchester United where he emerged through their youth system before spells with Walsall, Burton Albion, Hereford Utd, Port Vale, Darlington and AFC Telford Utd before joining the Pitmen last March."

Colwyn Bay say that "If the Boston United game goes ahead tomorrow, Chairman David Messom has issued a rallying to all supporters, 'With the club only gaining income from home matches, but having to pay the players every week, irrespective as to whether we play or not, it has put the club in a very serious financial position, shared by many other Conference North clubs but, even so, the directors cannot continue to bail out the club from their own pockets, and we desperately need to get home games played, and ask supporters to give us their maximum help during these next 2 months, by at the very least coming to games when they are on in greater numbers than have been seen so far'.

The club have introduced several initiatives to try and entice more fans to the home matches including, 'With every paying adult – 1 child gains free entry and any student providing a valid Student/NUS card can gain entrance to the club for just £3!'

Bar will be open showing the live scores and BT Sport coverage. with a pre-match deal of pie, chips, peas and a pint for £5!

The Club are on the verge of the playoffs of the Conference North and, with one of the strongest squads Llanelian Road has seen, we have been playing superb football. We are only two divisions from The Football League 2, which is full-time, professional football. The Club are seriously onto something of a serious achievement, to go from surviving relegation to chasing a spot down in the playoffs, all just over a year underneath Frank Sinclair's leadership.

In addition to this there is to be a Colwyn Bay FC Fundraising Casino Event at night, irrespective if the game is played or not. Fantastic prizes to be won and only £10 per ticket".

The Football Conference says that "After much discussion, both positive and negative, Guiseley AFC have issued the following statement to further explain why the developments are necessary to expand Nethermoor and who they could benefit if realised.

The application forms part of the club’s ambitious plans to bring its facilities into the 21st century as it believes the level of them is holding it back across the board and particularly in the following areas:

First Team Football

Some 20 to 25 first-team home games are currently played at Nethermoor each season in the Conference North, along with local and national FA competitions. The current average attendance is around 700*, with very occasional peaks where the ground accommodates a near capacity crowd of 2,000 plus.

[*The highest league gate at Nethermoor so far this season was 613 for Altrincham's visit].

The club recognises that spectator facilities are not the best and has sought to improve them over recent years with the building of stands that accommodate some 500 seats.

The current planning application seeks to replace one of the existing covered areas with a new stand of 300 seats to an identical design as one of the existing stands. The club is also looking to cover the existing terrace behind the goal and eventually behind the dugouts to a design that will match the existing stands and give Nethermoor the look and feel of a club that is going places.

The other areas of concern to be addressed in relation to the spectator match day experience [are] the lack of toilets and refreshment facilities at the railway end of the ground, a particular concern in early and late season when the ‘shared’ facilities in the social club are not available.

Community Hub

The past couple of years has seen the club make great strides in becoming involved in the local community... The activities of the Foundation are severely curtailed by the lack of basic facilities such as accessible rooms and toilets for the disabled. These shortcomings are to be addressed in the second phase of the club’s plans...

Football Academy

The last two years has seen this go from strength to strength both on the field in terms of player development and in terms of using football as a hook to keep 16-19 year olds in school and obtaining University entry-level qualifications. The multi-purpose community building will be used to bring some of the education in-house and further expand the number of boys and girls who participate.

The club needs to achieve a capacity of 4,000 in order to meet the requirements of the Conference National League but the building of the facilities described is not going to add more than 10 or 20 percent to the existing crowds".

According to NL Pitchero, Former Alty "Midfielder Sam Sheridan and right-back Andy Burns have agreed to sign contracts which will keep them tied to Barrow AFC until the end of the campaign. And combative [former Alty] midfielder Paddy Lacey could soon follow suit as he is in talks with Barrow boss Darren Edmondson over securing a similar deal.

Sheridan, 24, and 20-year-old Burns only sealed non-contract terms when they arrived in the summer. But they are set to pen deals on Saturday when Barrow will attempt to stretch their unbeaten run to eleven games at Aggborough against Worcester City...

'They have both been excellent for me', said Edmondson, who was appointed Barrow boss in December. 'It obviously took Sheridan longer to get into the starting eleven after I took over, but he’s been exceptional in midfield when he’s been used. He’s got drive and I think he’s totally transformed his game, we’re now seeing what he’s about. He’s put a bit more of a combative edge into his game, rather than just being a ball-player. He’s been a good all-round midfielder'.

And commenting on the consistent Burns, Edmondson added, 'Burns has been excellent this season anyway, so that was really a no-brainer. He’s consistently been one of the better performers'...

Lacey, who is also operating on non-contract terms but misses the Worcester trip as he serves the first match of a three-game suspension, has also been offered a deal until the end of the season. It is understood the 20-year-old wants to remain in Furness, and Edmondson said, 'He took a lot of stick when I first came here but he’s improved his game, although I’m sure that’s down to confidence. For his age, he’s a real asset in this league and he’s been very dominant in a lot of games... He’s been an excellent engine and driving force for us'.

Fellow midfielder Alex-Ray Harvey also had the chance to sign a deal until the end of the campaign but while he is committed to remaining at Holker Street over that period, he has opted to remain on non-contract terms over the coming months. Loan striker Tom Corner is close to making a full recovery from a hamstring injury, which has kept him out since January 28th.

Edmondson still intends to try and extend the loan deal of defender Liam Willis from Southport. Fellow left-back Paul Edwards is close to returning from a back problem and the versatile Niall Cowperthwaite can also do a defensive job on the left-hand side. So if the Willis loan extension deal does not come off, although it is still mostly likely that the youngster will remain at Barrow, Edmondson could use those allocated funds to bring in a different player with the manager also looking down ‘other avenues’."

---

14 February 2014

ALL FIT

Following training on Thursday evening, Altrincham FC manager Lee Sinnott reported that he expected to have all of his squad available for selection on Saturday at Workington.

OPPONENTS' EIGHTH CUSTODIAN

Right: Almost a year to the day from this year's fixture, Alty were at Workington on 16 February 2013. Here we see Duncan Watmore in action in that game, which Alty lost 2-1.

In the News and Star, we read that "John Jamieson will become the eighth goalkeeper Workington Reds have used this season when he takes to the pitch on Saturday. But the former Penrith shot stopper has been warned it will be for one game only.

Boss Ian McDonald has been impressed with Jamieson in training, but insisted loan Daniel Nizic will return to first team action once he serves the remainder of his three-game suspension. Jamieson knows he has no chance of keeping his place, even with a heroic performance against high-flying Altrincham. But McDonald said the 23-year-old could feature more heavily next season.

He added, 'John just wants a chance to prove himself, but Daniel is our No.1. He will come straight back in when he’s served his ban, and John knows the situation. He must be patient, keep impressing in training and, next season, he will have the chance to become our regular goalkeeper. John is a big, tall goalkeeper, who is doing the right things on the training pitch. He’s clearly got something about him, but Daniel is an Australia youth international and a great asset for us'.

Workington started the season with Jonathan Mitchell between the sticks after Aaran Taylor quit to join Celtic Nation. The Newcastle youth product was followed by a succession of goalkeepers including Carlisle’s Lewis Brass as then manager Darren Edmondson failed to secure a regular custodian. McDonald has had the same problem since taking over in December, and brought Nizic in on the advice of assistant boss Ashley Hoskin, who knew him from his time at Burnley.

Jamieson will have to deal with one of the league’s most prolific teams when Altrincham, who have scored 56 goals in just 26 games, visit Borough Park."

Saturday 15 February 2014: VALENTINE'S NIGHT CELEBRATION

Altrincham FC's Neil Faulkner writes...

"Following our very successful 60s 70s and 80s event in October, with more than 70 supporting the event in our Noel White Suite, we are pleased to be organising our second event on Saturday, 15th of February - a Valentine's Night celebration, for £8 per ticket. This will be another night of great music and dancing with Tony and Pat Savage once more providing the entertainment for free, to support our fundraising event for the Community Hall. Tony and Pat have just set up their new dance school in Bowdon, called Topaz, and it is fantastic for them to be supporting the Community scheme again. Their website is here.

The tickets include a hotpot supper provided by our very own Richie Bentley, who is supporting the event by providing the food at a reduced cost, again for the Community. These events are only made possible by the great support provided by Tony, Pat and Richie.

Please order your tickets soon to avoid disappointment, as numbers are limited. They can be had either from the club (contact Jenny Heslop or Karen Rowley on 0161 928-1045 or by e-mail), or e-mail me Neil Faulkner.

Thanks for your support".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Stockport made a seven-day approach to sign him last week and he decided to join them this week".

Curious reports in the Shropshire Star assert that "AFC Telford managing director Lee Carter hailed his club as one of the most sustainable operations in the Skrill North. The Bucks are the second-best attended outfit in the league behind Saturday’s visitors Stockport County.

On the pitch, Telford are thought to be well down the table for the league’s highest wage bill, too, despite assembling a squad challenging for promotion. And Carter believes the club’s model of living within their means will ensure a long-term future, with manager Liam Watson prudent with their cash.

Carter said, 'You can never predict football, as a business and as a sport it’s full of surprises. The one constant is the football and maintaining that year on year. Liam has a decent budget for this league and we have to work very hard to provide that but, at this level, I knew a few sides are spending two and three pounds on players to every one of ours.

I thought Stockport would be one-season wonders at this level but, although they have struggled, they will come back. Outside of them, we are probably the most sustainable club in this league'"

NL Pitchero says that "Hartlepool United manager Colin Cooper is still running the rule over triallist Jordan Deacey but admits the teenager has impressed during his time at the club. Bradford Park Avenue's 19-year-old attacking midfielder has been training with the League Two outfit in recent weeks.

Deacey has twice appeared for the reserves at Pools, including scoring the opening goal in the 5-2 thrashing of Scunthorpe United. Cooper has been impressed with Deacey and plans on having further talks with the teenager and his manager, his dad, John. The Avenue manager is the man who recommended Pools’ right-back Michael Duckworth to Cooper in the summer and the defender has been an immediate hit at The Vic.

German-born Duckworth has made a seamless transition from non-League football to playing regularly at Pools and Cooper will continue to assess Deacey to see whether he thinks he too would make the grade...

Cooper said, 'I have had conversations with Jordan and his father and I like what Jordan can do. The two reserve games that Jordan has played were against younger opposition but he has really sparkled and he is only 19. Jordan is non-contract so we could bring him in until the end of the season and have a look but I will have a chat with him. He is a nice lad, I have a lot of time for him and his dad and, as I have said to his dad, he has a lot of attributes which I like. Jordan likes taking the ball and is quite creative and in the two reserves games he has shown he can score a goal as well. At 19, I think there is definitely some potential there'.

Deacey arrived at Park Avenue in the summer of 2011 and his debut season saw the teenager go from strength to strength, firmly cementing his place in the side following some solid performances in the second half of the season."

WEATHER IMPACT

There had been 528 postponements as of last weekend and around 200 of 350 games in the league's three divisions were called off during January, causing a fixture pile-up, although the majority of games have either been rescheduled or played since... Ryman Division North play-off hopefuls Needham have not played a home game since 14 December.

Their manager Morsley has called for the season to be extended beyond its current completion date of the first week of May. 'Frankly I'm amazed [that the season has not been extended]. I think the people who run our league may be the only people in the country who don't watch the news', said Morsley. 'They have a responsibility to non-league clubs. The clubs are reliant on home games to fund their business model. As far as I'm concerned the people who run our league are not doing their job'.

The Isthmian League has said a season extension could not be granted without the permission of the Football Association. And prolonging the season would cause problems with allocating relegated and promoted teams to new divisions throughout the pyramid... Said Turvey, 'As a league we can't extend the season. There is an end date and we have to abide by that'".

WORKINGTON GAME

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

It’s been a major cause of frustration for the usually reliable centre half. The 31-year-old said: “I have only had a couple of injuries during all the years I’ve been here, but this year has been terrible. 'I haven’t been fit all year with various injuries. I probably shouldn’t have played, taken some time out, and recovered properly, but we’ve needed all the bodies we could get at times. I haven’t tried to be a martyr, but Workington have struggled and, as captain, I wanted to be on the pitch to help my team-mates. It’s been a horrible season. It’s not nice knowing where we are in the league, but we are all working together'”.

According to the Telegraph & Argus "Guiseley’s derby clash with Harrogate Town was postponed yesterday following a 3.30pm pitch inspection at Nethermoor and the Lions could be thwarted by the weather again tonight.

Mark Bower’s men are scheduled for another neighbourhood battle with a short trip to Eccleshill United in the West Riding County Cup semi-finals.

Bower said, 'Last night’s postponement was unavoidable and I don’t think it came as a great surprise to anyone. The way the pitch was after Saturday’s game and with the rain since, it was unplayable. There would have been plenty of changes for tonight’s match in any case because we want to give some players game time and get some of the lads from the Academy involved. But looking at the forecast and from what we’ve heard from the people up at Eccleshill, it’s unlikely that the cup tie will go ahead'".

OLD BOY

He said, 'This is a promise I made to Gibraltar that I would play these last two games and help out the younger players'".

CLUB AND SOCIAL EVENTS

• Saturday 15 February 2014: VALENTINE'S NIGHT CELEBRATION

  Altrincham FC's Neil Faulkner writes...

  "Following our very successful 60s 70s and 80s event in October, with more than 70 supporting the event in our Noel White Suite, we are pleased to be organising our second event on Saturday, 15th of February - a Valentine's Night celebration, for £8 per ticket. This will be another night of great music and dancing with Tony and Pat Savage once more providing the entertainment for free, to support our fundraising event for the Community Hall. Tony and Pat have just set up their new dance school in Bowdon, called Topaz, and it is fantastic for them to be supporting the Community scheme again. Their website is here.

  The tickets include a hotpot supper provided by our very own Richie Bentley, who is supporting the event by providing the food at a reduced cost, again for the Community. These events are only made possible by the great support provided by Tony, Pat and Richie.

  Please order your tickets soon to avoid disappointment, as numbers are limited. They can be had either from the club (contact Jenny Heslop or Karen Rowley on 0161 928-1045 or by e-mail), or e-mail me Neil Faulkner.

  Thanks for your support".

• Saturday, 22 February 2014: MEET THE NEW RECRUITS- PART 2

  The panel will comprise Tom Marshall, Adam Griffin and Greg Wilkinson. They will talk about their careers and answer questions from the audience, so don't miss the chance to get to know some of Alty's most recent recruits. Tickets are just £15 and include a two-course meal provided by club caterer Richie Bentley

• Friday 28 February 2014: HARBINGERS plus support, 7.30pm

  Indie rock from Harbingers (and support) who include Alty gateman Nigel Hennerley. FREE admission.

• Thursday, 6 March 2014: MATT LE TISSIER - SPORTSMAN'S DINNER

  To be held at the Cresta Court Hotel, Altrincham. Tickets £40 per head or £350 plus VAT for a table of ten.

• Monday, 21 April 2014: END OF SEASON RACE NIGHT

  The annual event which includes the Player of the Season awards presentation.

PONTOON UPDATE

• Boston - Dana Laidlar 7
• AFC Telford - Derek Wilshaw 6
• Crewe - Sheila Crompton 6
• Vauxhall Motors - Nigel Bunce 6
• Gillingham - Alan Ainsley 5
• Harrogate - Neil Dawson 5
• Southampton - Steve Foster 5

TUESDAY FIXTURE OFF

• Guiseley v Harrogate Town. Postponed

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

'We are fully aware and understand our fans concerns relating to this issue, particularly in light of the club's historical absence from the field of play between 1988 and 2000. The unexpected rapid development of the club since its re-birth in the year 2000, both on the field of play and within the community, has highlighted the constraints of the existing site and led the Board of Directors to explore potential opportunities for a relocation nearer to the heart of the community, in a facility that would be more accessible and meet the expanding needs of the club.

We have stated clearly in previous meetings with fans and shareholders that any such relocation will only be considered by us, providing it makes sound financial and operational sense and we retain control of our own destiny. Discussions have been ongoing with Warwick District Council for a number of years on potential opportunities to place the club at the heart of the community and discussions continue with both WDC and potential landowners. Warwick District Council accept that any such relocation of the club is conditional upon the club's agreement, acknowledging its increased standing and role within the community.

We are unable to comment further at this stage but can assure fans that we will not pursue any course of action that would endanger the longevity, stability and ownership of the club".

The Leamington Observer says that "The home of Leamington Football Club is one of five preferred sites to permanently accommodate gypsies in the district...

Harbury Lane/Fosse Way (Leamington Football Club). Maximum ten pitches proposed. The club could be willing to sell if it is able to relocate as part of the Local Plan".

The News & Star reports that "Anthony Wright today lamented the weather hold-up in Workington Reds’ fixtures, insisting they have lost momentum. The experienced winger-turned-defender refuses to look at the Conference North table, reasoning there’s no point in dwelling on the position Reds are in.

Workington have not kicked a ball in anger since picking up an impressive point at Brackley. They should have hosted relegation rivals Oxford, before travelling to second-bottom Gloucester, but the horrific weather has forced both six pointers to be postponed.

'It’s annoying', said Wright. 'We had a bit of momentum coming from the Brackley game and points against Oxford and Gloucester would have instilled more hope. Instead, we’ve had two weeks off and been forced to train instead of playing proper games. All the momentum from Brackley has gone and we will have to start afresh when Altrincham come on Saturday'.

He says the entire dressing room should be concentrating on turning the club’s ailing fortunes around, and working hard on the training ground to achieve it. Workington are rock bottom, with just 15 points from 26 games, but Wright said... 'If we lose hope, we may as well pack up and take our ball home now', he added. 'I don’t look at the league table, I know how bad it is, I don’t need reminding'.

Altrincham’s visit starts a horrendous run of games that sees Reds take the majority of the league’s top clubs in successive games.

He said, 'Throughout my time at the club we have always performed better against the top sides. There’s no reason why we can’t take something from Altrincham and then go to North Ferriby with renewed confidence. I know it’s a cliche, but there’s no point looking past the next game. We know how much work there is to do to get out of the relegation zone, and we’ll be doing our best to make it happen'".

According to the Oxford Mail, "Oxford City striker Steve Basham could return from three months on the sidelines in the quarter-final against Banbury United at Marsh Lane tonight (Tuesday). The 36-year-old hasn’t played since November 2 when City lost 3-2 at Harrogate Town in Skrill North, but is raring to go after recovering from a calf problem.

'He’s had an injury, but he could well play some part in the game', said Ford. 'Steve’s been back training for the past week or so and, if he’s ready, then we’ll chuck him in'. Ford is optimistic that the pitch will not need an inspection ahead of the clash. 'I’m more hopeful than I was ahead of the Telford game (which was called off on Friday)', he said".

News of an ex-Alty man comes from Guiseley who "are pleased to confirm that Kevin Holsgrove has returned to the club on loan [from Halifax] for the remainder of the season".

We learn from the Football Conference that "Striker Joe Ironside has joined Harrogate Town on a month's loan from Sheffield United. The 20-year-old will continue his development with Harrogate, having already been out on-loan at FC Halifax Town earlier this season. Ironside will link up with a familiar face, with Blades' team-mate, Jahmal Smith, already on-loan at the CNG Stadium".

In the Lincolnshire Echo, it is stated that Boston United "planned for the new ground, to the south of the town off the A16, to house 4,300 fans. However, following a thorough review of the plans, which also feature 500 new homes, a supermarket and a new link road, the club have decided to increase the size of one of the stands behind the goal.

Chairman David Newton believes the move will go down well with supporters and give the stadium more character".

NEW DATES

• Skrill North: Altrincham v Bradford Park Avenue, Tuesday, 25th March, 2014.
• Cheshire Senior Cup 2: Stalybridge Celtic v Altrincham, Tuesday, 18 February, 2014.

Both are 7.45pm kick-offs.

MATCH OFF

TASC TRAVEL TO WORKINGTON

GROUND WORK

SKRILL NORTH MATCH

• Bradford Park Avenue 0-2 Stockport County

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

If the damaged knee turns out to be just cartilage damage, it is hoped he may well be able to return to action after about five weeks. But at worst he may be out of action until the summer. Marrs has made 13 appearances for United this term".

FA CUP LOSES SPONSOR

The brand also agreed to invest £1m in grassroots football across the UK between 2012 and 2014... Stuart Turner, the Football Association’s commercial director, added, '"Budweiser has embraced the FA Cup and we're grateful for their support... Next year, the FA Cup will move to the BBC's platforms and we are very excited about its future".

NEXT GAME

Admission prices will be as follows -

• Adults £8
• Concessionaries £5
• Under-14s if accompanied by an adult £1

MEET THE NEW RECRUITS- PART 2

YOUTH GAME OFF

In Saturday's game Celtic's line up was Danny East; Kelvin Bleau; Jeremy Thierry ; Kristian Platt; Matt Regan; Josh Green; Adam Pepper (Joel Bembo-Leta 63 mins); Keith Briggs; Godwin Abadaki (Conal Platt 72 mins); Sean McConville; Paul Ennis (Adam Parkhouse 76 mins). Unused Subs:Jack Cookson; Andy McWilliams.

OLD BOY

VALENTINE'S NIGHT CELEBRATION

Tickets are just £8 each, with music from Tony and Pat Savage to support our fundraising event for the Community Hall. Neil adds, "Tony and Pat have just set up their new dance school in Bowdon, called Topaz, and it is fantastic for them to be supporting the Community scheme again. The tickets include a hotpot supper provided by our very own Richie Bentley, who is supporting the event by providing the food at a reduced cost, again for the Community scheme".

Please order your tickets soon to avoid disappointment, as numbers are limited. They can be had either from the club (contact Jenny Heslop or Karen Rowley on 0161 928-1045 or by e-mail), or e-mail me Neil Faulkner.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

According to the Banbury Guardian, "Brackley Town made it back-to-back wins for the first time since October to end Boston United’s ten game unbeaten run and leap-frog the Pilgrims into third place in Skrill North... Saturday’s excellent win at in-form fellow play-off contenders sends a message loud and clear that Saints are in the mix and ready for the run-in."

Boston United have highlights of the game with Brackley.

Stockport County have "re-signed two ex-players in Alex Meaney and Dane Smith on non-contract terms until the end of the season. Alan Lord feels that the two players will add extra depth to the squad, during what will be a congested period with a rash of rearranged games leading to a busy fixture list.

Alex Meaney will most likely not be in contention immediately, as he regains match fitness, but the attacking midfielder will add a new depth and more options to the County midfield. Dane Smith will help provide competition for our two keepers Ormson and Dibble."

Vauxhall Motors said on Saturday that "Goalkeeper Jon Ritchie makes his return to the Vauxhall Motors first team... After suffering a double leg break back in September 2011, goalkeeper Jon Ritchie has put the gloves on again this season having 2 years out of the game.

He started the season playing for the reserves in the West Cheshire League but has recently signed forms with the first team. This will be Jon's 3rd stint at the club after previously playing in 2008 before a second spell during the 2010-2011 season".

FORTY YEARS OF NON-LEAGUE

Graham recalled how Freddie Pye had signed him at Altrincham on £8 a week, only for Pye to leave the club the next day.

Right: Graham Heathcote and Chris Adams, with Rod Thornley, celebrate Altrincham reaching the promotion play-off final in May 2005.

Tales were told of Altrincham's FA Trophy and Cup exploits and the inimitable way in which captain John King would defuse pre-match tension. King's memorable exploits included arriving at the Droylsden ground for a vital FA Cup tie as one half of a pantomime cow, with striker John Rodgers being the other half. The Alty captain also startled his team-mates by wearing women's underwear as he got ready for another key match. John's laying out of Ossie Ardiles in the FA Cup tie with Spurs was another of the stories Graham recounted.

Graham also remembered how Bill Shankly was, bizarrely, in the Alty dressing room as Alty took on Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup, because he was a friend of the Alty manager. Indeed, there was praise for several former managers of Altrincham, including Tony Sanders and Ronnie Rees.

On a more sombre note, Graham recalled how unpaid bills build up as the Club lived beyond its means, after chairman John Maunders had departed, leaving the club with no debts. The dark days of being at Moss Lane as the bailiffs arrived were the low point of Graham's time at Altrincham but he explained how the installation of a new board under Geoff Goodwin had turned the club around so that it was, now, a model of financial common sense, living within its means.

Graham also recalled how his days as Alty manager were a constant struggle aginst the financial odds. with six years spent surviving back in the national division of the Conference as a part-time club in a well-resourced full-time pool. His proudest achievement, Graham concluded, was not in winning trophies for Altrincham but in helping to ensure its very survival as a football club.

OLD BOY

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Saturday's gates were as follows,

• Barrow 2-0 North Ferriby att 963
• Boston 1-2 Brackley att 1207
• Gainsborough 1-1 Leamington att 358
• Guiseley 0-1 Worcester att 399
• Harrogate 3-1 Hednesford att 477
• Solihull 2-2 Colwyn Bay att 363
• Stockport 2-0 Stalybridge att 3107
• Vauxhall 4-0 Histon att 131

ALTY v BPA - POSTPONED

SATURDAY FIXTURES

Both the top clubs lost; Altrincham remain sixth.

• Altrincham v Bradford Park Avenue POSTPONED
• Barrow 2-0 North Ferriby United
• Boston United 1-2 Brackley Town (Boston's ex-Alty defender Carl Piergianni scored an own goal).
• Gainsborough Trinity 1-1 Leamington
• Gloucester City v Workington POSTPONED
• Guiseley 0-1 Worcester City
• Harrogate Town 3-1 Hednesford Town
• Oxford City v AFC Telford Utd POSTPONED
• Solihull Moors 2-2 Colwyn Bay
• Stockport County 2-0 Stalybridge Celtic
• Vauxhall Motors 4-0 Histon

ALTRINCHAM v BRADFORD PARK AVENUE: BEFORE THE GAME

Meanwhile, the Telegraph & Argus reports that "Bradford Park Avenue have three tough games in eight days, and manager John Deacey is lamenting the two players who will miss all three.

Bradford are... in a bid to make a late dash for the play-offs. Deacey knows his side have a lot of ground to make up but no one at the club has abandoned hope.

Deacey said, 'Altrincham tomorrow, Stockport County on Monday and Gainsborough Trinity next Saturday will all be very tough games, and we’ll know more about where we are in the league once we’ve played them. Nathan Hotte is the only recent injury but he could play in one or two of the games, but Martin Drury and James Knowles will not be available for any of them'.

Drury has been sidelined since the start of the season with an ankle injury and Knowles is serving a four-match suspension after picking up a second red card this season.

Deacey feels both players make a big difference to Avenue when he can name them in the starting 11...

The Bradford boss said, 'Martin has been a massive loss to us. We have missed his quality and attacking threat. He does a great job at left back but it’s the way he and Paul (Walker) link up down the left side that really gives opposing teams problems; that, and his excellent dead-ball delivery at set-pieces.

He has been making good progress and we think he is about ten days away. If we got him back for the run-in, it would be a massive boost to us. It would be like getting a new signing; one who had already settled in.

The same goes for James really. It frustrates me when players pick up cards but, what’s done is done, and we will not be as strong without James in the squad. I just hope we get the three games played this week and then the suspension is over quickly.

It’s a pity when we have anyone sidelined but two players as big for us as Martin and James is almost a disaster because we are working with a minute squad as it is'"".

THANK YOU

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

It will feature as part of their 'Sport On Saturday' programme this weekend. The show runs from 11.15am to 12 noon this Saturday and will highlight the best sports betting opportunities. The Conference slot is expected to start just before 11.30am and will feature Skrill spokesman Alan Alger previewing the key games from each division. The show is presented by Tony Ennis.

ATR has agreed terms for the non-exclusive right to use archive coverage of Football Conference matches in the programme. The channel is distributed via Sky, Virgin and UPC to over 13 million homes and registers a monthly reach of around two million individuals (BARB and Nielsen).

The Football Conference has also granted ATR the exclusive right to produce and distribute an audio/visual service of live coverage from 30 top matches broadcast on BT Sport, archive match coverage and data to licencees in territories worldwide, excluding the UK and Ireland.

Be sure to tune in via Sky channel 415 or Virgin channel 534".

Brackley Town "are pleased to announce the signing of Dominic Langdon from Solihull Moors. The left-sided player returns to St James' Park after spending 3 years with Solihull. Previously he was at Tamworth and R&D youth player". He also spent time at Histon, where Histon announce that "Peter Grant has today completed a return to Bridge Road on a Youth Loan from Peterborough United. The 19 year old defender has played 19 games for the club already this season in a similar deal but was recalled by his parent club on New Year’s Eve".

We learn from Buckingham Today that "Brackley Town manager Jon Brady feels his side need to put a winning run together ahead of this weekend’s trip to fellow promotion chasers Boston United.... Brady’s side have managed to record back-to-back victories on only three occasions this season...

Brady said, 'Boston are play-off rivals. It’s an important game. They have a fantastic strike-force, full of goals, as we saw in their big win (against Gainsborough). It will be tough, we expect that. We expect to have to work very hard to get something from the game. But we need to put a run together. We’ve had very few back-to-back wins so far and need to start doing this'.

Brackley returned to winning ways last weekend... against another team chasing the play-offs, Solihull Moors... Brady said afterwards, 'I thought we defended like men and we won ugly today'...

Brady added to his squad last week with the signing of highly-rated defender Remy Clerima, who joined the club from rivals Histon. The Saints boss added, 'I was very pleased with Remy on his first appearance. He will be an important player for us, no doubt'".

According to NL Pitchero, "Goalkeeper Matt Bulman has joined Worcester City to provide competition for the number one jersey with Jose Veiga. Twenty-seven-year-old Bulman has recently left Forest Green Rovers having mutually agreed to terminate the remainder of his contract.

Formerly with Cirencester Town, Bulman joined Forest Green on a two-year contract in the summer of 2011 before penning an extension until June 2014. The former Swindon Town and Salisbury City keeper made the switch to full-time football at the New Lawn...

Meanwhile, midfielder Richard Taundry has decided to leave the club and join Solihull Moors. Solihull are the second club to issue a seven-day notice of approach within the last month as the player made it known he was not happy being out of the starting eleven after City`s good run of form.

Taundry advised the management team after last night`s training session that Solihull had made him a more lucrative offer and given him the assurance that he would be playing each week."

" News of our CSC opponents comes from NL Pitchero to the effect that "Stalybridge Celtic have signed Frenchman Jeremy Thierry. Defender Thierry, 21, joins Celtic from French Championnat National (third level) side Uzes Pont du Gard. He came through the ranks at Ligue 1 club Nimes, where he enjoyed a good 2012/13 season, playing twenty-two times in the first-team."

Elsewhere, "North Ferriby United have signed former England C midfielder Lewis McMahon. McMahon, who has recently been on loan with one of his former clubs, Gainsborough Trinity, had just returned to his parent club, Matlock Town. McMahon was originally on loan to Matlock from Gainsborough towards the end of the 2011/12 campaign, where he netted five times.

Formerly with Sheffield Wednesday and Notts County, he joined the Gladiators permanently in the summer after his release by Trinity."

The BBC reports that "Colwyn Bay manager Frank Sinclair says the club can 'smell the play-offs' after an impressive recent run of seven wins from nine games. Bay are now in ninth place... However, they have games in hand on five of the teams above them.

'The main thing [this season] was progression, but we can smell the play-offs now. Are we getting greedy? Absolutely', Sinclair told BBC Sport. 'There are some really big games coming up in February and March; we play all the teams above us. By the end of March we will know what's what and if we are serious about the play-offs. No team has been outstanding. It's really tight at the top'...

They won six games in a row and were within three points of the play-off places until a couple of postponements halted their climb... Sinclair, 42, continued, 'I said the results will come and they have. We have been playing really well, scoring lots of goals and the only game lost in the league since December was against Worcester and you have to give them credit... Since then they have picked up a bit so there was no disgrace in losing to them'...

We have a strong squad of around 16 players who are all vying for places. I have no worries with the squad... I am not afraid to make changes. There was no depth last season. The players that stayed on have raised their game and they have had to'".

ALTY v BPA

CSC PRICES

• Adults £8
• Concessionaries £5
• Under-14s if accompanied by an adult £1

CSC NEWS

THROUGH THE YEARS

MATCHDAY SPONSORS

TELFORD GAME IN SOUND AND VISION

As well as the images from Gavin Rathbone and Michael Ripley, noted yesterday, AFc Telford United hae a gallery of photos from Tuesday's game at the J. Davidson Stadium.

NW NEWS

It’s believed that the duo are keen to complete a takeover at the Moor Lane club and intend on setting up an academy.

Salford City are a semi-professional outfit who compete in the Evo-Stik First Division North, but there’s a belief that, should Giggs and Neville successfully complete a takeover, the club's goal of being promoted to the Football League would become a realistic target.

As it stands Salford City, who currently compete in the eighth tier of English football, would need four promotions in order to secure promotion to League Two...

The MEN report that if Neville and Giggs agree a deal with Salford City, work would start on a new £560,000 stand and clubhouse that the club have already been granted planning permission for, but lack the finances to complete at this moment in time."

This season the Ammies lie 19th in Evostik North and their average gate is 125.

CLUB EVENTS

• Saturday, 8 February 2014: AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM HEATHCOTE

  Former Altrincham player and manager, Graham Heathcote, recalls the ups and downs of forty years in the non-League world.

• Saturday 15 February 2014: VALENTINE'S NIGHT CELEBRATION

  Altrincham FC's Neil Faulkner writes...

  "Following our very successful 60s 70s and 80s event in October, with more than 70 supporting the event in our Noel White Suite, we are pleased to be organising our second event on Saturday, 15th of February - a Valentine's Night celebration, for £8 per ticket. This will be another night of great music and dancing with Tony and Pat Savage once more providing the entertainment for free, to support our fundraising event for the Community Hall. Tony and Pat have just set up their new dance school in Bowdon, called Topaz, and it is fantastic for them to be supporting the Community scheme again. Their website is here.

  The tickets include a hotpot supper provided by our very own Richie Bentley, who is supporting the event by providing the food at a reduced cost, again for the Community. These events are only made possible by the great support provided by Tony, Pat and Richie.

  Please order your tickets soon to avoid disappointment, as numbers are limited. They can be had either from the club (contact Jenny Heslop or Karen Rowley on 0161 928-1045 or by e-mail), or e-mail me Neil Faulkner.

  Thanks for your support".

• Saturday, 22 February 2014: MEET THE NEW RECRUITS- PART 2

  Panel to be announced. Tickets are £15 and include a two-course meal provided by club caterer Richie Bentley

• Friday 28 February 2014: HARBINGERS plus support, 7.30pm

  Indie rock from Harbingers (and support) who include Alty gateman Nigel Hennerley. FREE admission.

• Thursday, 6 March 2014: MATT LE TISSIER - SPORTSMAN'S DINNER

  To be held at the Cresta Court Hotel, Altrincham. Tickets £40 per head or £350 plus VAT for a table of ten.

• Monday, 21 April 2014: END OF SEASON RACE NIGHT

  The annual event which includes the Player of the Season awards presentation.

BUCKS' VIEW

Shaun Whalley, the Luton loanee again impressive in his third outing for Telford, whipped in a corner from the left where the unmarked Grogan headed home off the underside of the crossbar...

The hosts netted their equaliser, their only real sight of goal in a Telford-dominated first half. Walshaw capitalised on a slip from Grogan, after Dan Preston missed a header away, to hare down on goal and finish to the left of goalkeeper Ryan Young’s net".

However, "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson believes his side have dropped 10 points at teams in the top five of the Skrill Conference North ... Watson’s men have travelled to all of the teams currently occupying a promotion place and avoided defeat on each occasion.

But the Bucks have not been able to take all three points either, only recording draws, and Watson believes a killer edge in those instances would have put them streets ahead at the top of the table...

Watson said,'That’s every team in the top five – North Ferriby, Hednesford, Brackley, Boston and now Altrincham – where we have gone away, taken the lead and not been able to see it through. You might say that, away from home against the top five, we are unbeaten and that’s good. But I honestly believe that, hand on heart, we have dropped 10 points in those games.

It’s a massive opportunity missed again last night, but I can’t fault the players. For effort, they were first class and played at a great tempo. We were, by far, the best team on the pitch and that’s not being disrespectful to Altrincham. I thought, especially in the first-half against the wind, we missed a great opportunity...

They got a touch of fortune when their lad has gone clean through and finished it well'. Watson made five changes to his starting line-up with Dan Preston, Chris Lever, Russell Benjamin, Mike Phenix and Andy Owens all coming in. The Bucks' boss substituted Preston for Neill Byrne in the second-half, admitting that the defender’s booking had left him walking a disciplinary tightrope.

He said, 'I had to take Dan off because he had been booked, then he brought someone down and I actually thought that he was going to go'".

AFC Telford United have a match report on Tuesday's game

Gavin Rathbone has images from Tuesday's game on Facebook and on his GR Photography website.

Michael Ripley also has photos of Altrincham v AFC Telford on his website.

HEDNESFORD HIGHLIGHTS

ALTY TEAMS

The Altrincham Youth Education Programme team lost 3-2 at home to Guiseley on Tuesday in a game which saw three players sent off, two from the visitors.

SKRILL NEWS

A County statement says, 'We have had a preliminary meeting with Sale Sharks as they consider a number of options, one of which is a possible return to Edgeley Park. Stockport County will consider the situation fully at the next board meeting, which takes place later this month'".

The Football Conference reports that "Re-joining Harrogate Town for the second time is left winger Dan Clayton. Clayton, 20, has signed until the end of next season from high-flying league rivals North Ferriby Unted...

Manager Simon Weaver said, ' am really pleased to get Dan back. He went to Gainsborough Trinity and North Ferriby to get some games and develop his skills and has certainly achieved both. He has come back to us a much more developed and focused player and will be a great asset to the squad'.

Clayton originally joined the club in December 2011 after spells with Northallerton Town, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough Town and Glasshoughton Welfare".

The Grimsby Telegraph reports that "Grimsby Town are victims of their own success – and there is no possibility of extending the season to help them. That's the message from Colin Peake, PR & Media Director for the Football Conference..

Seventeen matches in the final two months of the last campaign killed off hopes of a Football League return. And this season is following a similar trend as Town's fixtures pile up through no fault of their own...

Peake told the Telegraph, 'Some fans have said to me 'why don't you put the play-offs back? But we're part and parcel of the football structure, and have dates set on us by other competitions. The Football League want to know who the champions of the Conference are by a set date, and we try to raise the profile of the competition by having our play-off final at Wembley, so we can only have dates they offer us.

You can't book a stadium a week before you want it, and it's impossible to know which teams will make it to that final. We don't know which fixtures are going to get called off, due to cup commitments or the weather, and we certainly couldn't put into the fixture calendar a couple of extra weeks just in case some floodlights pack in at Forest Green'...

'The Trophy is run by the FA and out of our control', added Peake. 'I've said to some fans 'if you don't want these extra games then tell your club not to enter the cups. But clubs want to play in the cups because financially it's good for them if they have a good season'...

Peake insists that it's the clubs themselves that don't want more pre-Christmas action. He remarked, 'If you're a manager of a club, do you want to start the season playing two games a week right up until Christmas just in case the weather after Christmas might be dodgy?

If so, when do you rest your squad? Clubs at our level do not have masses of players. They want the break to deal with injuries and suspensions, and to prepare properly for the FA Cup. Fans don't always think about that'".

The Football Conference announces that "The following fixtures have been selected by BT Sport for screening as listed below.

• Friday, 7 March: Dartford v Chester FC, on air 7.00pm
• Monday, 17 March: Luton Town v Woking, on air 7.30pm
• Monday, 24 March: FC Halifax Town v Alfreton Town, on air 7.30pm
• Thursday, 27 March: Southport v Forest Green Rovers, on air 7.30pm

NORTH WEST NEWS

ALTRINCHAM 1 AFC TELFORD UTD 1

With wind and rain against them, Alty put in a better performance for much of the second half. Indeed, a Havern header almost gave them the lead but hit the post instead. Telford finished strongly but Alty held on for a deserved point.

Match report here

Other results:

• Altrincham 1-1 AFC Telford United
• Colwyn Bay P-P Gloucester City
• Histon 1-2 Boston United
• Oxford City 0-1 Barrow
• Stockport County 4-1 Vauxhall Motors

OLD BOYS

PONTOON PROGRESS REPORT

• Boston - Dana Laidlar 6 goals
• AFC Telford - Derek Wilshaw 4
• Chesterfield - Thomas Murray 3
• Crewe Sheila - Crompton 3
• Gillingham - Alan Ainsley 3
• QPR - Ian Senior 3
• Southampton - Steve Foster 3
• Sunderland - Phil Jordan 3

ALTRINCHAM FC YANKEE

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The 24-year-old netted his fifth goal from the bench, his seventh overall, in Saturday’s 4-2 Skrill Conference North win at home to Guiseley. Now Phenix has Altrincham in his sights at Moss Lane tonight, in what will be his first run-out against the fellow promotion contenders as a player.

It will likely again come as a replacement... It’s been a learning curve for the wide-man this season as he stepped up two divisions after serving Hindsford, Droylsden and Skelmersdale United.

He said, 'If you don’t start, you can’t sulk and need to get on with it. That’s what I have done and, luckily, it went my way on Saturday. In this league, games can be tight early on and you don’t get many opportunities. In the second half, games seem to open up a bit and, with my pace, it seems to work for me. That’s the way it seems to be, unfortunately for me. If you get the start, you have got to put it in from the off and win games in the first half to keep your place. That’s why we have had a few people playing out wide. I knew I wasn’t up to scratch in the last game that I started. I am still learning at this level, but I am enjoying it. It’s all experience.

I have never actually played Altrincham. I missed the game against them for Droylsden last season, but I have heard that they are a decent side. The pitch probably won’t be the best because of the weather but, hopefully, we can go up there and turn them over'...

Phenix said, 'I have set myself a target of going past the 10-goal mark and it seems more ‘do-able’ now. If I get past that, I will then be looking towards 15. It wasn’t going our way on Saturday. I was told to warm up just before the penalty. The gaffer asked if I was ready, I came on, and things turned into our favour. I knew that if we got that one goal, we would go on to get the others and win the game...

They had a man sent off, a few minutes later the ball was whipped in and I managed to get my head on it and direct it into the corner. I fed Shaun for his goal and then ‘Grandy’ popped one in to wrap up the win for us'...

Phenix continues to battle with the same stomach problem that sidelined Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher long-term, and admits it can still be a problem. He said, 'I am feeling miles better now, my diet is spot on and I have got more energy. You have just got to manage it, some days you wake up and you don’t feel good'".

The Football Conference says that "Following rumours regarding a possible purchase of Barrow AFC, discussions have taken place between representatives of Paul Casson and the advisors to Barrow AFC Limited.

It has been agreed that further negotiations will take place at which Barrow AFC Ltd will be represented by Geoff Smith and Stephen Leonard from the club's accountants JL Winder & Co and Casson will be represented by the owner of Furness Plastics Ltd and former Director of Barrow AFC Ltd, Mr RA Kett, who has a family association with Casson.

The aim of these negotiations will be to try and formulate a proposal to be put forward to the members of Barrow AFC Limited. Any proposal will, of course, need to be acceptable to not only the members of Barrow AFC Ltd but also any other parties whose approval is required, including the football authorities..

Any suitable proposal will be presented to the members to vote on at an Extraordinary General Meeting specifically convened for the purpose... The purchase could be completed shortly after the end of the current playing season.

Whilst both sides understand that members and supporters will have many questions to ask about any proposals, it has been agreed that at this stage any information should be given out as joint press statements and we would expect that a further statement updating the fans on the negotiations will be issued in around 7-10 days' time".

Elsewhere, the Conference confirms that "Jamie Grimes loan period with Worcester City from landlords Kidderminster Harriers has been extended for a further two months. City have won four out of the five games Grimes has played in since he arrived in January".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

As it currently stands Hyde are still in both the Manchester Premier Cup and the Cheshire Senior Cup. It has been several years since the Tigers clinched silverware in either tournament and any success would be a huge bonus to the season for the club.

McNiven explained his aims and aspirations for these competitions, 'It would definitely be great to win these cups. We want to win every game this year that we play and if we get a few trophies that would be great. The league is always the priority, how we’ve done so far has not been so good but any sort of joy we can bring the fans the better'.

Hyde travel to Runcorn Linnets tonight and then host Lincoln City on Saturday, followed by a visit to relegation-threatened Tamworth in another tough Skrill Premier match, but considering the Tigers have picked up four out of a possible six points recently on the road, there could well be a surprise for the travelling faithful on that Tuesday night".

TROPHY SEMIS

First Leg – Saturday, 15th February 2014

• Havant & Waterlooville or Aldershot Town v Gosport Borough
• Cambridge United v Grimsby Town

Second Leg – Saturday, 22nd February 2014

• Gosport Borough v Havant & Waterlooville or Aldershot Town
• Grimsby Town v Cambridge United

ALTRINCHAM v AFC TELFORD UNITED: COVERAGE

The match commentary sponsor is 'E-Cignature' a locally based company supplying a full range of high quality e-cigarettes and e-liquids. 'E-Cignature' have a fantastic offer just for Alty fans. Get the NEW 'Radio Robins' offer pack which includes:- Ego T 900mAh battery, 1 x clear GSH2 Clearomiser, 1 x USB cable, 1 x 10ml bottle of tobacco flavour ID e-liquid, 1 x 10ml bottle of any Flavour ID e-liquid, 1 x 10ml bottle of non-tobacco flavour ID e-liquid, 3 x £5 gift vouchers. This is normally priced at £49.96 (excluding the gift vouchers) but Alty fans can get it now for just £20 by using the Promo Code "ROBINS". It's a cracking deal!

To take advantage of this fantastic offer go to the 'E-Cignature' website. Click on the 'Offers' page from the main menu, look for the new 'Radio Robins' offer amd submit your order, using the promo code "ROBINS".

The commentary team is Niall Finnegan and Mike Reeves with match summaries from Lucy Laryea. Coverage starts at 7.40pm with the game kicking off at 7.45pm & you can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

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

As usual, this website will also be providing its live matchday updates throughout the game, starting from as soon as the line-ups are available before kick-off.

 

ALL ANGLES COVERED

OUR OPPONENTS

The 26-year-old has been borrowed from Luton Town and the Hatters’ success may leave him surplus to requirements. As it stands, the wide-man is due to spend another five games with the Bucks before heading back to Kenilworth Road.

Boss Liam Watson said, 'He will enjoy it being here. He’s a great lad and is so popular. He’s a special player, too. The goal on Saturday was just one of individual quality. I hope we can keep him until the end of the season. It’s probably been a tough time for him at Luton, just playing in the FA Trophy and so on. He knew that coming here would get the best out of him, as he’s someone who will always give his all. You get some loan players who come in and think they are doing you a favour.

He will go back to Luton in a good frame of mind and they will get a top player back. I just hope that, when he does go back, they are in the Football League'.

Watson took the hard-line approach with [ex-Alty man] Andy Owens on Saturday, leaving out the striker as he claimed he hadn’t trained hard enough last week. Winger Robbie Booth took his place on the bench while another substitute, Mike Phenix, scored one and made another...

Watson said, 'One got left out on Saturday because he didn’t train hard enough, he ended up not being in the 16. Then you have got the likes of Mike Phenix, who you know will always put a shift in'.

The Telford boss will assess the fitness of top scorer Adam Farrell today, with the forward replaced by Phenix in the second-half on Saturday picking up a knee injury.

Watson said, 'It was just a bang, it’s more like a dead leg than anything. It was a knock rather than a twist or pull'".

The Star also says that "It’s sometimes difficult to decipher whether AFC Telford United have the killer instinct needed to get themselves out of the Skrill Conference North this season. Take Saturday’s evidence, where they got their noses in front before conceding an equaliser at the completely wrong time, then going behind after the break. The natives don’t even get restless when that happens anymore, considering the Bucks have overturned a deficit to claim points seven times in the last eight games.

The worrying statistic of handing teams a goal start seems to be off their backs, as they have avoided doing that in two games, bucking the trend of the previous six matches. The next thing boss Liam Watson will want to see is his team getting on top and staying there...

And so ended another up-and-down ride for the home fans. It turned out nice in the end, as it has more times than not of late. Is it title winning form? Probably not. Champions don’t concede as many goals or make such hard work of seeing the opposition off. But it could certainly make the play-offs entertaining".

OLD BOY

The Easter Road boss snapped up the trio, from Notts County, Sunderland and Arsenal respectively, on the final day of the transfer window until the end of the season and although he knows some will question the wisdom of such short-term deals, he insisted he wouldn’t have it any other way...

Butcher reckons all three will be ready to face Raith Rovers in next weekend’s home Scottish Cup tie. Haynes and Watmore have already trained with their new team-mates... Butcher said, 'What we have seen from Danny and Duncan so far has been very good, very sharp and with good pace as well... I’m very comfortable with the fact they are on loan. I don’t have any problem with their commitment and everything else. They are hungry boys and desperate to do well and we can easy turn these loans into permanent deals in the summer.

I didn’t want to get permanent deals at the moment if I could help it because I’m looking to do major work in the summer when there’s a lot more quality and a lot more players available, but these players are certainly going to add to the squad and, with the other boys, will take us through to the summer, when we’ll see what happens then about their moves turning into permanent deals... It would be nice if they did because we know a lot about them and they know a lot about us. I know these boys are committed and will give everything for Hibernian Football Club'”.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The Football Conference announces that "Barrow AFC’s Darren Edmondson is The Skrill North ‘Manager of the Month’ for January. The former Workington boss was handed the Holker Street hot seat in December and he took hardly any time to produce results. That was summed up by their phenomenal January record where a 100% record was achieved despite some tough away fixtures. Edmondson’s side conceded just two goals during the period and won away at promotion chasers Brackley Town and AFC Telford United...

Ricky Miller of Boston United is The Skrill North ‘Player of the Month’ for January. Miller hit an incredible nine goals for the Pilgrims as they kept up their outside chances of promotion. He scored hat-tricks in the wins over Solihull Moors and Workington, a brace in the defeat at Hednesford and started the month with a goal in the 5-2 win over Vauxhall Motors".

"Stockport County have returned to Barnsley for a second loan signing" reports the Football Conference. "Following striker Rhys Oates to Edgeley Park on a month's loan from Oakwell is 19-year-old goalkeeper Christian Dibble. Son of former Manchester City, [Altrincham] and Wales keeper Andy Dibble, Christian was a product of the Bury`s Centre of Excellence, and like his father, is already in the habit of collecting international caps for Wales after being capped at Schoolboy and under-19 levels.

A tall and determined goalkeeper, he suffered a horrific injury towards the end of the 2012/13 season that saw him rushed into hospital for emergency surgery to a badly damaged stomach and intestine. Dibble penned an initial one-year deal at Oakwell after departing Bury at the end of last season and is understudy to the vastly experienced Luke Steele as he seeks to continue his development."

Also, "Harrogate Town have announced that Jahmal Smith’s loan period has been extended to the end of the season. Smith came to the CNG Stadium in January 2014... Signed originally on loan a month`s loan from Sheffield United, Smith, 18, was only one of two scholars that were offered professional terms by the Blades at the beginning of this season... Despite not having made an appearance yet for the Blades` first-team, he has been in regular in the under-18 and under-21 squads and has found the back of the net on multiple occasions".

Pitchero Non-League tells us that "Chorley announced the signing of Chris Almond from Southport ahead of Saturday's 3-0 win at home against Stamford AFC. Almond joins the Magpies for an undisclosed fee... Negotiations between the clubs have been ongoing for a couple of weeks but finally came to a conclusion on Friday.

Almond, who can play as a centre forward or on the left wing, was leading scorer at Southport last season with thirteen goals in all competitions. Prior to joining the Sandgrounders, he had four very productive seasons at Skelmersdale United and with Ashton Athletic before that.

Meanwhile, the Magpies have also announced that striker [and ex-Alty loanee] James Dean has signed a contract that will ensure he will remain at the club until at least the end of the current season. His form in recent week has earned rave reviews and this has not gone unnoticed elsewhere with many clubs making enquires for the striker, including side from the football league".

From the Football Conference we learn that "Brian Page, manager of Histon, has added central defender Will De Havilland to his squad on loan from Millwall... following skipper Remy Clerima’s departure to league rivals Brackley Town last week and is pleased to have secured the services of the 18-year-old.

'We needed a centre half after Remy left and Will comes highly recommended', said Page... Huntingdon-born De Havilland spent a month with Cambridge City recently".

In the Lincolnshire Echo comes news that "Dennis Greene says on-loan midfielder Kyle Dixon is loving life at Boston United and is hopeful of keeping the Notts County youngster at the club until the end of the season. The 19-year-old has impressed since arriving from the Magpies via a loan spell at Grantham Town.

Dixon’s one-month loan at the Jakemans Stadium expires in mid-February, but Greene believes the player would benefit from more games in Skrill North rather than reserve team outings for Notts...

Said Greene, 'I hope they’ll see that his development is good here and we can extend his deal until the end of the season'. The loan deals of Sunderland pair Liam Marrs and Liam Agnew are poised to be extended until the end of the season. And, if Dixon remains too, Greene intends to move other players off the wage bill. 'The good thing with the loan players is that we’re not paying too much for them. We’re giving them games of football and experience', revealed Greene.

'So while we’re overloaded at the moment in terms of players, it’s not costing us so much. But it not nice to have people not only sitting on the bench but not even kitted up, and that’s what we’ve had for the last couple of games. As much as I want to keep this group together, I may have to move people on, that’s just the way it is'".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

SKRILL SPONSORSHIP TO END

"The Football Conference and Skrill have mutually decided that the current title sponsorship by Skrill will not continue beyond the end of this current season.

Skrill has undergone a number of changes since the agreement was entered into and will be aligning any future sponsorship activity to its global strategy.

The Football Conference has always enjoyed excellent relations with its previous title partners and, in the relatively short time it has worked with Skrill, has found the relationship to be a strong and beneficial one. It recognises that Skrill's long-term plans have changed and is grateful for the opportunity afforded to it to be associated with such an excellent brand.

Both parties wish each other every success for the future. The Football Conference, having established itself as a leading participant in the world of football and found a far wider audience for its matches on a major television network, is now commencing the process of seeking tenders for a new title sponsor to commence in 2014/15".

HEDNESFORD TOWN 1 ALTRINCHAM 1

Brian Flynn advises us that the Radio Robins commentary from Saturday at Hednesford is now here.

Meanwhile, Hednesford Town report that "A stoppage time strike from Altrincham’s Shaun Densmore denied Hednesford Town the chance to move to the top of the Skrill North, after a wonder goal from Kris Taylor had earlier given the home side the lead with just minutes remaining, writes Scott Smith.

On a heavy pitch and in horrible weather conditions a draw was probably a fair result, although Hednesford will be kicking themselves for giving up the opportunity on offer. The opening few minutes were a frantic affair with both sides having chances to take the lead. First Altrincham’s Damian Reeves [Shaun Densmore] saw his effort cleared off the line by John Disney after Dan Crane had made a good save from the front man, whilst at the other end Town’s Marvin Robinson blazed over from 12 yards out.

Hednesford were indebted to Crane for keeping the scores level in the 38th minute as he came out well to smother when Simon Richman suddenly found himself through one-on-one with the shot-stopper.

Although conditions weren’t ideal, both teams tried to play football to the best of their ability and two minutes before the half-time whistle... Neil Harvey should really have found the back of the net from just six yards out...

With 15 minutes remaining, Altrincham appealed for Paul McCone to be sent off when he hauled back James Walshaw, with the striker seemingly clear on goal, but the defender was only to receive a yellow card despite a free kick being awarded just a yard outside the box...

In the 85th minute Town grabbed the opening goal of the game though and one which they thought might have won it. After a corner had been cleared all the way back to Campion on the halfway line, his ball back in found Taylor on the edge of the box and his perfect left-footed volley found the bottom corner of the net.

However it wasn’t to be as Altrincham launched one last attack in the third minute of time added, and with Town not being able to clear their lines, Densmore was on hand to drill home from just inside the penalty area".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

YOUTH UPDATE

ALTY'S PERMANENT CUSHION

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Phenix headed Telford level minutes after Ellis’ departure, home debutant Shaun Whalley put them in the lead and skipper Simon Grand added their fourth in the last minute.

Lions' boss Mark Bower was unhappy with events and said, 'At the start we were rubbish,really poor; as bad as we have been. We made a change and switched to a different system. From then we finished the first half strongly and got our goal before half-time. The penalty was a blatant one and we took the lead. I think the referee decided that because of the penalty he had to give every decision to them from then on. Danny was particularly unlucky because he made two fouls in the entire game, got bookings for both and then we were down to ten men'".

In the Shropshire Star we read that "AFC Telford United came from behind to turn the tables on 10-man Guiseley with a late goal glut in a topsy-turvy ride for their home supporters...

A heavy New Bucks Head pitch made life difficult for both sides... Guiseley went a man down... when Ellis, who had already been booked for bringing down Adam Farrell in full flight, was dismissed. He cynically pulled down Phenix, who would make a massive impact on play as he so often does from the bench. While he would hate to admit it, he really is the Bucks’ super-sub.

His fifth goal as a substitute this season was the equaliser on 75 minutes, heading home McGinn’s cross in from the left. He had only arrived in the wake of Guiseley’s second goal. The game was turned on its head again four minutes later, Phenix turning provider with a ball to the left that found Whalley. The loanee still had a lot to do as he cut inside and took defenders on, commanding the centre of the penalty area before firing to Dickinson’s right.

Grand wrapped up the points in the last minute, poking the ball through Dickinson’s legs after the goalkeeper had spilled McGinn’s ball in".

HEDNESFORD TOWN 1 ALTRINCHAM 1

JOIN THE ALTY FOOTBALL PONTOON!

"With the Christmas period over our sights must be set on attaining promotion in 2014. With this in mind we are proposing to run a football pontoon, starting on Saturday 1st February 2014. To play it will cost you the princely sum of £10 and the winner will receive at least £100 cash. Rules:-

• You pick one random team out of a hat and that is your team for the duration of the competition. Premiership, Championship, League 1, 2 and Skrill teams are available.
• Your team has to be the first team to score EXACTLY 21 goals for you to win.
• If your team goes over 21 goals, you are bust!
• Only competitive games (League or FA Cup games), played on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, count towards the goal total.
• If more than one team reaches exactly 21 goals on the same day, the prize money will be shared, (there will be no Season Ticket option).
• If a particular weekend's matches are missing any teams, due to postponements or blank fixtures, those teams will be awarded 2 goals.
• International weekends do not count towards scoring.

An updated table showing each person's team and how they are doing will be posted on the website and in the programme as soon as possible. Let me know if you wish to join up for this exciting game of Pontoon. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to phone me 07720-606897 or contact me by e-mail".

Thank you very much, Grahame Rowley". A list of the entrants is here.

FA TROPHY

Boro made the long trip to Humberside and flew into a 2-0 first half lead. Sammy Igoe after 9 minutes and Tim Sills in the 31st minute were the Boro scorers in a half that Ferriby largely had the better of without creating too many opportunities. Ferriby replied just 3 minutes after the restart through Dean Lisles".

• Eastleigh 0-1 Cambridge Utd
• Grimsby 4-1 Tamworth
• Havant & Waterlooville v Aldershot T. POSTPONED
• North Ferriby U. 1-2 Gosport B.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Third-placed AFC Telford United came from behind to see off ten-man Guiseley AFC [4-2] with a late goal glut at the New Bucks Head.... [Leading 2-1], the visitors lost substitute Danny Ellis to a red card and collapsed in quick order after substitute Mike Phenix, levelled on 76 minutes. Strikes from home debutant Shaun Whalley 3 minutes later and skipper Simon Grand in time added on ensured the three points went to the hosts.

Brackley Town remain in fourth spot after a hard-fought [1-0] victory over seventh-placed Solihull Moors at St James`s Park...

Boston United served up a derby day demolition by hammering Gainsborough Trinity 6-0 at The Jakemans Stadium, with Marc Newsham bagging a hat-trick... Barrow AFC stretched their unbeaten run under new boss Darren Edmondson to eight matches, although their five-game winning run was halted by Leamington after a goalless draw".

OLD BOY

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• AFC Telford Utd 4-2 Guiseley
• Barrow 0-0 Leamington
• Boston United 6-0 Gainsborough Trinity
• Brackley Town 1-0 Solihull Moors
• Bradford Park Avenue v Vauxhall Motors POSTPONED
• Colwyn Bay v Harrogate Town POSTPONED
• Hednesford Town 1-1 Altrincham
• Histon v Gloucester City POSTPONED
• Worcester City v Stockport County POSTPONED
• Workington v Oxford City POSTPONED

LAST TIME AT KEYS PARK

Altrincham recovered from their trouncing at Keys Park to win three and draw one of the next five matches, in another good run which produced a total of seven more unbeaten games. However, from the security of tenth place in the table on 4 March 2000, they failed to win any of their final 12 fixtures and were relegated on the last day of the season.

BEFORE THE GAME

Pitmen boss Rob Smith has backed the players remaining in his squad to make up for their talisman’s departure...

‘We are not a one man team, we have a lot of talent in the squad and the togetherness they have shown in recent weeks will hold us in good stead. Obviously, we need goals to be scored from all areas of the team to make up for the loss of Elliott, but I’m really pleased with our current form. We had slipped to sixth in the league at one point but it just shows in this league that a few back-to-back wins can make all the difference.’

The Keys Park outfit ran out 3-1 winners in their previous meeting with the Robins earlier this season but Smith still believes the visitors on Saturday are a dangerous team with revenge a likely motivation.

'Altrincham have the most potent strike force in the division and I honestly feel they are one of the top sides in the league. They have quality all over the pitch and will obviously be looking for revenge, so we will have to be very strong tomorrow.’

A week off following last Saturday’s outstanding comeback win against Solihull Moors has eased the worries around injury news slightly for The Pitmen, with Smith admitting he may have struggled to reach 11 fit players had there been a game on Tuesday, but Darren Campion (ankle) has not trained all week and has a 50/50 chance and Jamey Osborne (hamstring) is also doubtful.

Neil Harvey and Marvin Robinson should be fit to be considered in attack with loanee Nathan Blissett recalled by his parent club and no longer available.

Hednesford’s opponents have lost their last two league matches... Despite Hednesford’s festive dip in form, they still have every chance to mount a fairy tale challenge for a second promotion on the spin".

YOUTH KICK OFF

OLD BOY

Butcher watched Watmore in action for Sunderland's under-21 side against Stoke City earlier on in the month and believes the inclusion of 19-year-old will add an extra attacking option to the team. He added, 'Duncan is a quick, direct winger with a good work-rate. He is a young player, who has impressed me with his intelligence on the pitch, eye for goal and quality deliveries into the box. Duncan has already made his first team debut at Sunderland and he is highly-rated by the coaching staff there. We're pleased to be able to add him to the squad'.

Formerly with English non-league side Altrincham, Watmore joined Sunderland in the summer and made his first team bow at the beginning of January in an FA Cup tie against Carlisle United".

An interview with Duncan is on Hibernian TV. And manager Terry Butcher has a lot of good things to say about Duncan here.

In Edinburgh, Duncan will join a squad which includes ex-Manchester United and Altrincham loanee goalkeeper, Ben Williams.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Turner joined the Hatters in the summer of 2013 after working with County manager Alan Lord and his assistant Phil Brown while the pair were at Myerscough College. On signing for the Hatters, Brown said, 'He is a superb striker with the potential to surpass any of the students we have provided to the club in the past. He has great pace, is a fantastic finisher and is deceptively strong'...

He has been played in a wide position for much of the season but has still managed six goals from fourteen starts for County".

Dorchester United report that "A decision was agreed by the Clubs at the Football Conference EGM, held at Telford on Wednesday 29th January 2013, [that] the 2014/2015 season will start for Premier, North and South clubs on Saturday 9th August 2014 and close on Saturday 25th April 2015. The dates of the Play-Off matches will be confirmed on the Fixture Calendar when this is published in April".

NL Pitchero says that "Marcus Bignot, manager of Solihull Moors, has added well-travelled 28-year old centre-back Exodus Geohaghon and brought back exciting winger Dior Angus. The 6'5" Geohaghon has played for a number of clubs, including Sutton Coldfield Town, Bromsgrove Rovers, Redditch United, Kettering Town, Peterborough United, Barnet, Darlington and Kidderminster Harriers and was part of last season's championship-winning Mansfield Town squad.

This season Geohaghon, who has possesses England `C` caps, made a number of appearances for Moors' league rivals Worcester City before moving to Braintree Town last November.

Angus is another success of the Solihull Moors youth system and the son of former Nuneaton Borough and Rugby Town player Terry Angus. After loan spells out to gain experience with Leamington and Banbury United in the Southern League, Angus established himself as a thrilling prospect at Moors with a strong season in the Conference North... His performances were enough to catch the eye of Kidderminster Harriers, who swooped to sign him on a one-year contract in June 2013. To date this season, Angus has made six first-team appearances for Harriers".