COLWYN BAY 1 ALTRINCHAM 3

Match report here.

Right: Simon Richman contests the midfield at Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

Brian Flynn confirms that the Radio Robins commentary on Saturday's game at Colwyn Bay is now available here.

NIALL AND DAN'S FUNDRAISING RIDE

The journey to The Glass World Stadium, Cambridge, is 152 miles long. They are aiming to cycle 104 miles on Friday 25th April, and the remaining 48 miles before 1pm on Saturday 26th, prior to Altrincham FC's final league game of the 2013/14 Skrill North season.

As nearly everyone at The J. Davidson Stadium is aware, ex-Altrincham FC captain and club legend, Mark Maddox, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease in November 2010 and has shown incredible courage and kindness by battling through a range of staggering personal challenges to raise money and awareness. This April, "Mad Dog" will take part in his third marathon, becoming the first person ever to attempt the London Marathon twice with MND.

The Altrincham FC Community Sports Hall development is a major project that will benefit both the football club and the local community. It is expected to cost up to £750,000, with the club looking to raise around £200,000 from a series of fund-raising activities and sponsorship support from local businesses.

Donations can be made in 2 ways:

• 1 - Online, via the Just Giving page.
• 2 - By simply putting your name, contact details and donation amount on the sponsor forms that will be put up in the Noel White Suite and the Club Shop at The J. Davidson Stadium.

The money we raise will be split between The Motor Neurone Disease Association and Altrincham Football Club Community Sports Hall, although donations made online via JustGiving will all go directly to MNDA. Please let's all dig deep in support of two great causes!

Thanks very much,

Niall Flynn and Dan Martell".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

COLWYN BAY 1 ALTRINCHAM 3

Match report here.

After Saturday's game, the North Wales Weekly News tells us that "The first red card of Marc Williams's playing career ended Colwyn Bay's hopes of rescuing a point as they put in an excellent second half performance against Altrincham today.

The Robins made it seven wins in their last eight games to consolidate their top three spot in the table, but the Seagulls were very much in the game until Marc was sent off six minutes from the end for his challenge as he went in for a 50-50 ball with Alty's James Lawrie. Altrincham made the most of that by scoring a late third goal for a slightly flattering 3-1 victory.

They got the boost of an early goal after just five minutes when skipper Shaun Densmore's run and cross set up simple a tap in for Damian Reeves... [Alty] broke out to score a second goal on 26 minutes. Nicky Clee's clever pass opened up the Bay defence for James Walshaw to run clear and score.

Rob Hopley immediately got a goal back after good play by Marc Williams... Colwyn Bay played some excellent football in the second half as they pressed for an equaliser...

Bay's hopes of rescuing a point, however, were ended by the sending off with six minutes left. Altrincham immediately made the extra man count as they gained a free kick 25 yards from goal and Nicky Clee flighted it beyond the diving Chris Sanna to seal the points.

Manager Frank Sinclair said, 'The plan early on was to get men behind the ball to draw them onto us and hit them on the break but we sat too deep and showed them too much respect. When you do that against good players they can open you up. But, having said that, the first goal was because one of our players switched off and allowed the full back to get in and when (Altrincham) get free in the final third they make the right passes to hurt you.

We had a few words at half-time and were like a different team in the second half. We bossed it, played some great football and up to the sending off I thought we would not only get level but possibly go on and snatch a winner. So it is frustrating because the lads deserved something out of the game for they way they played in that second half.

I thought the sending off was harsh. Everyone could see it was an accident as both players went for the ball, but the referee has not given himself time to assess the situation and has gone straight for the red card which is disappointing. hat is the first time Marc has been sent off in his playing career, which shows he is not that type of footballer and it means we are going to miss him for three games now and that is a blow because he's been a big part of what we have achieved this season'.

More bad news is that defender Mike Lea could be out for the rest of the season after pulling a thigh muscle again in training during the week. 'We will have him assessed again on Tuesday, but it looks as though he could be out for four weeks which virtually ends his season', reported the manager.

But Sinclair insists he still has targets he wants to reach before the campaign ends. 'We won't be chucking in the towel. I want to finish in the top 10 and at least get the five points we need to record our highest points total in Conference North. That would make it a good season for us', he said".

NEIL ON BPA GAME

ALTY PONTOON WON

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

NEIL ON BPA GAME

• Barrow v Vauxhall Motors 808
• Boston United v Gloucester City 1,208
• Bradford Park Avenue v Brackley Town 352
• Colwyn Bay v Altrincham 497
• Harrogate Town v Gainsborough Trinity 516
• Leamington v AFC Telford United 843
• North Ferriby United v Stalybridge Celtic 366
• Oxford City v Guiseley 364
• Stockport County v Hednesford Town 2,669
• Worcester City v Histon 432
• Workington v Solihull Moors 384

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Telford failed to win for the first time in eight games but led twice at Leamington... Nathan Hicks levelled...from the spot right on the half-time whistle...

Three minutes into the second period Ferriby took the lead when a foul on Nathan Jarman was deemed a penalty and the striker got up to convert from the spot. But Celtic had the opportunity to get back into the game midway through the half when they were also awarded a spot-kick, but Sean McConville`s effort was saved by Adam Nicklin.

And Ferriby made sure of the points right at the end when sub Anthony Wilson made it 2-0.

Altrincham remain in third spot after a good 3-1 win at the Red Lion Foods Stadium against Colwyn Bay... Nicky Clee added a third for Altrincham to give them a seven-point cushion over sixth-placed Harrogate Town, who were held to a draw.

Hednesford Town are a point behind Alty in fourth after edging out Stockport County 1-0 at Edgeley Park. Another terrific crowd of 2,669 saw the Pitmen take a 12th minute lead when Marvin Johnson skipped clear on the left and found Charlie Anagho-Ntamark to slot home from close range...

Goals from Liam Agnew and Ricky Miller steered Boston United back into fifth spot against fifth-bottom Gloucester City at the Jakemans Stadium.... After a delay following a sickening clash of heads between team-mates Conor Marshall and Junior Konadu, which forced both players off, the former on a stretcher, Boston increased their lead in the final minute, top scorer Ricky Miller firing home from penalty spot after he had been held back in the box..

Harrogate were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Gainsborough Trinity at the CNG Stadium... Brackley Town recovered from two successive defeats, including a home defeat by today`s hosts Bradford Park Avenue last week, to move level on points with Harrogate. And Jon Brady`s side took revenge on Avenue in emphatic style – hitting them with five goals without reply at the Horsfall Stadium".

Curiously two Skrill North clubs were taken to the wrong ground by their coaches on Saturday. Histon arrived at Kidderminster via Worcester's old St George's Lane site, whilst Gloucester's coach went to Boston Town before finding the Jackman's Stadium of Boston United.

Boston are the next visitors to Altrincham and Boston United add that "Their afternoon was tainted by a serious injury... United lost Conor Marshall to a fractured cheekbone and eye socket after an accidental collision with own team-mate Junior Konadu. The result lifted the Pilgrims back into fifth place ahead of three massive away games which could help shape their destiny this season."

OLD BOYS

At Kendal Town it was Ryan Brooke of Curzon Ashton who scored rather than Kendal's Danny Mitchley. Former Alty Youth and Vauxhall Motors midfielder John Bennett netted for Mossley.

COLWYN BAY 1 ALTRINCHAM 3

Above: Alty defend a late threat to their goal at Colwyn Bay.

After taking a 2-0 lead, Altrincham allowed Colwyn Bay back into the game and the hosts enjoyed plenty of the ball before a superb Nicky Clee freekick secured the points.

Match report here.

SKRILL NORTH FIXTURES

• Barrow 1-1 Vauxhall Motors
• Boston United 2-0 Gloucester City
• Bradford Park Avenue 0-5 Brackley Town
• Colwyn Bay 1-3 Altrincham
• Harrogate Town 1-1 Gainsborough Trinity
• Leamington 2-2 AFC Telford United
• North Ferriby United 2-0 Stalybridge Celtic
• Oxford City 3-3 Guiseley
• Stockport County 0-1 Hednesford Town
• Worcester City 1-1 Histon
• Workington 0-0 Solihull Moors

COLWYN BAY v ALTY: BEFORE THE GAME

Manager Frank Sinclair sticks with the same 16-man squad that was on duty at Harrogate Town last weekend, but hinted their could be one or two changes as he looks to combat Altrincham's attacking threat.

He rates Altrincham as one of the best sides the Seagulls have faced this season, but is relishing the challenge against a side that moved into third place in the table with Wednesday's 4-1 victory over Bradford Park Avenue. They have been beaten only once in their last nine games (six wins and two draws), are the league's second top goal scorers with 72, and need only 14 more goals to top 100 in cup and league this season.

Sinclair commented, 'They and Telford are probably the two best sides we have played against this season. Altrincham were my favourites for promotion at the start of the season and they and are certainly coming good at the right time. They have the two best strikers in the league (Jamie Walshaw and Damian Reeves) and are always looking to attack you and score goals. I expect them to start bright and look for an early goal against us and we will have to combat that if we can. We will need to stay tight and certainly not give away easy early goals like we did at their place last month.

But I am confident after the way we played last weekend that we can create chances as well and it should be a good open game'.

Tickets for the Easter Monday all-ticket game against Stockport County (police orders) will be on sale at Saturday's game and to mark Mothers Day weekend all mums and up to two children under-16 will be allowed in FREE. Colwyn Bay: (from) Sanna, Taylor, Stephens, Royle, Smyth, Crowther, Evans, S Williams, Hopley, M Williams, Ellison, Darkwah, Tolley, Bailey-Jones, Pilliner, Clark."

BPA SOUND FILES

TASC GOAL RUSH

The lucky winners were No 48 - George Heslop and No 44 - Karen Rowley! Both winners can choose one of three prizes, namely match tickets for two for a future Skrill North home league match, or free away match travel for one on the TASC organised coach to any away fixture or a signed photograph taken with their favourite Altrincham player.

In addition, one of our previous winners Val Shaw, whose name was successfully drawn for a second time this season (in the previous draw for 50 goals) has kindly asked that we carry out a re-draw for her prize.

As a result, No 11, Bob and Claire Allan was drawn out and they are also able to claim one of the three prizes listed above".

OLD BOYS

'I'm just looking to get through six games and make sure Stafford Rangers are not embarrassed', Heathcote said. Rangers named a subs' bench crammed with teenagers for their midweek trip to Grantham Town, a match the hosts won 3-2 thanks to a goal five minutes from time. 'It was a very young side with six players not receiving a penny', Heathcote added. 'They have given their time to represent Stafford and have done themselves proud. If we had had more of that attitude over the season then the club might not be in the mess it is'.

Midfield pair Lewis Chalmers and Levi Reid were unavailable for the Grantham game, while defender Oliver Davies missed out due to injury. All three should be in contention to play tomorrow.

The NW Counties Football League reports that Kevin Street (left, now aged 36) has joined Alsager Town, whilst former Alty reserve Keith Wedge has joined Atherton Collieries.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

When asked whether he wants to complete the Skrill North campaign as United's top marksman, Miller said, 'Of course. Strikers are judged on goals, rightly or wrongly'... He continued, 'Newsh[am] has been doing the business week-in, week-out and he's one of the best players Boston have ever had. Hopefully, we can move forward and onwards together'...

Miller's previous hat-tricks this campaign both came in January, during victories against Workington (5-3) and Solihull Moors (4-1). He also netted a treble during a previous spell with the Pilgrims at the end of the 2008-09 campaign, when United beat Cammell Laird 5-0".

On deadline day, Warrington Town registered two players from AFC Telford, namely Robert Booth and Alan Moogan.

The Shropshire Star explains that "AFC Telford United player-coach Alan Moogan has ploughed a long road back to the Bucks’ starting line-up and remains a football man through and through. Few could have predicted when he came off in the fifth game of the season at Gainsborough Trinity that it would be six months before he would play again. The midfielder headed for the bench nursing his groin which, as it turned out, required an operation which was arranged by the Professional Footballers’ Association.

The 29-year-old didn’t have surgery straight away but kept his hand in through his coaching duties, only stepping away just after he went under the knife. Moogan made his playing return as a late substitute at Vauxhall Motors last month, then played the second half at home to Bradford Park Avenue and Stalybridge Celtic...

The former Everton trainee, last weekend... made his first start for the club in seven months... He said, 'I felt sound after the game, although I had an ice bath so that’s probably why I was all right! It will probably take a couple of starts to get my sharpness right'...

'We just need to go the way we are going by winning games. There are a lot of lads in this team who are experienced and have been there and done it at this level. It’s all about concentrating on ourselves; our performance levels are high and we are winning games. Whatever I can do to help on the field, in any way, is what I want...

It started in pre-season, I knew it wasn’t right... Being out for those six months was hard for me'... He said, 'I have been coaching now for about two or three years now at this level, alongside playing, but I have been involved on that side since I stopped playing full-time. I had a bad injury but I have been coaching ever since, whether that be at Everton or Liverpool in the academies... I would love to test myself as a manager'".

And the SHropshire Star adds that "AFC Telford United winger Mike Phenix should be ready to rejoin the Bucks’ table-topping squad for their Conference North trip to Leamington... The wide man missed last weekend’s 4-0 victory at home to Oxford City through illness...

He’s likely to be on the bench, with manager Liam Watson considering sticking with the same starting line-up and going with three centre-backs again... Watson has set down his marker. He said, 'We need to pick up 16 points from these last eight games, so we need to win at least four of them and draw the rest, or win five and draw one. The emphasis is purely on clean sheets and we want to keep five of those along the way. We have got eight steps left and we don’t want any more than that'".

Likewise, the Hull Daily Mail reports that "North Ferriby United manager Billy Heath has told his players to keep the pressure on Conference North leaders Telford and force them to slip-up....

'The pendulum has swung massively in Telford’s favour', Heath told the Mail. 'But we’ll do our very best to make sure we put Telford under as much pressure as we can... They have to go to Leamington at the weekend and then to Guiseley next Tuesday which won’t be easy. We need to keep believing and keep doing the things that have got us to second in the table. Telford are in pole position but it’s not a foregone conclusion because there will be further twists'...

His cause hasn’t been helped by an injury list that is increasing with every game. Anthony Wilson has been ruled out of tomorrow’s home game because of a hamstring injury, while Josh Wilde is rated doubtful. That takes the injured list to eight...

'Injuries are killing us at the moment', Heath said. 'A couple of weeks ago we had about 18 or 19 players to call on. But now we go into tomorrow’s game against Stalybridge with 14 senior players and Louis Bruce and Tim Taylor. We brought Josh Wilde and Danny Emerton in to bolster our squad for the run-in, but they are both injured. The injuries couldn’t have come at a worse time, but we have the spirit to cope... We’ve made things difficult for ourselves but we need to remain positive'".

Meanwhile, at the bottom, NL Pitchero confirms that "Strugglers Workington have signed young striker Aden Wainwright on `work experience` from Fleetwood Town for the remainder of the season. The 17-year-old has been out on 'work experience' loans with Clitheroe and, most recently, Radcliffe Borough.

Wainwright joins the Reds' earlier loan recruits, Godwin Abadaki and D'Arcy O`Connor, who both arrived from Rochdale in time to play against North Ferriby United on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Conor Tinnion has had his contract cancelled and will leave the Reds. He is expected to link up with Penrith... He made 13 starts this term with a further 15 appearances as a substitute".

The Boston Target tells us that "Scott Garner has opened the door to a permanent move to Boston United after confirming he will sever ties with parent club Cambridge United in the summer. The centre-back has been a colossus for the Pilgrims since arriving on loan from the Skrill Premier club last summer.

As well as helping to improve United’s defensive record... Garner has weighed in with eight goals".

According to NL Daily, "Stockport County can confirm that Sanchez Payne has signed for the club. Payne left Leeds United before joining up with Doncaster Rovers during the last pre-season but was then unfortunately injured for three months. Since then Sanchez has been training with different teams...

Payne said, 'I’m very attacking minded, I have been looking at County’s results recently and, despite the solid performances, the results haven’t gone their way and I hope I can bring that attacking threat with some nice football to watch. Alan has asked me where I feel my best position is. He has made me aware of how the team works and I feel that the formation of the team is something that suits the way I play really well, so I feel that I will be able to fit into multiple positions.

The decisive factor in my move to County was the natural vibe surrounding the place in particular I was impressed by the team cohesion amongst the players. I like the standard of play within the side. Also with Stockport County being a massive club it was somewhere I want to be'".

At Histon, "He may be just 20 years old but with all the drama that has unfolded at Histon in recent weeks, Charlie Day has had to be wise beyond his years" claims the Cambridge News. "The midfielder is still learning his craft and perfecting his game with the hope of making a full-time career out of football but, as the new captain of the team he is already having to stand up and act as one of the senior players that scholars and youth team players look up to...

It helps that he has been in and around the first team for a number of years now... 'I came through the scholarship system so I’ve been around for a few years', he said. 'I know how the league works and seeing the young scholars coming through, I really want to look after them on the pitch and help them get through games. I like playing with the extra responsibility, I enjoy it.

We’ve always had good players emerging here and there are more coming through which is good. It shows what a good job Brian Page, Jack Cassidy and Ricky Marheineke are doing. They’re bringing the players through with the right philosophy'".

NORTH-WEST NEWS

ALTY FUN WEEK

BPA WIN ON CAMERA

And Michael Ripley has made available his photos from the game, here.

SUPPORT ALTY AT COLWYN BAY

THANK YOU

IAN EXTENDS HIS LEAD

FIXTURE UPDATE

YOUTH NEWS

OLD BOY

In May 2012, he was released by Cheltenham after the expiry of his contract and linked up with Hereford United on non-contract terms before being released at the end of the 2012/13 season after struggling to establish himself with the Bulls. Following a brief trial with Tamworth last summer, Smikle signed for Altrincham and has more recently had a brief spell with Stafford Rangers".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Commenting about Hardy’s return, Weaver said, 'We welcome Liam back into the squad having had a successful loan spell at Buxton. Scoring seven goals in eight appearances is serious goalscoring form and he will add quality and sharpness to the squad'".

The EvoStik League reports that AFC Telford United's Michael Phenix has signed forms with Skelmersdale United.

NL Pitchero tells us that "Histon have signed 18-year-old defender Daniel Rumens on 'work experience' from Dagenham & Redbridge. Young central defender Rumens has seen service with Ryman League Division One North sides Thurrock, VCD Athletic and, most recently, Harlow Town already this season".

Rochdale sayus that "Joel Logan has moved out on loan to Stalybridge Celtic. The 19-year-old, who has already enjoyed a spell at Southport this season, will stay at the Conference North side until the end of the season."

Like Altrincham, our next visitors, Boston United "have registered additional goalkeeping cover... Sunderland goalkeeper Joel Dixon (20) has put pen-to-paper on a loan deal making him available for the remainder of the campaign... Dixon’s arrival means Dennis Greene has four goalkeepers signed on for the season’s finale, including Lewis King, Sam Vince and Andy Hewitt."

According to the Gloucester Citizen, "Five wins in six games have given Gloucester City some breathing space in the battle for Skrill North survival, but Tim Harris is determined that his team now don’t take their foot off the pedal...

The Tigers make the long trip to Lincolnshire to face play-off chasing Boston United looking to build on what boss Harris has called a 'phenomenal return' of points since taking charge....

'It could not have gone any better if I’m honest', Harris said. 'Five wins out of six is a phenomenal return and it’s pleasing to see the players working so hard for the cause... while we were fortunate on Saturday against Stalybridge, we certainly weren’t on Tuesday night.

'I have used words like critical about our position in the past and we’ve given ourselves a bit of breathing space now. We’ve taken 16 out of 18, but if we had only taken half of those we would have been still right down there in trouble. We have a bit of breathing space now, but football has a great habit of kicking you in the teeth and we just have to keep going now, starting with a difficult game at Boston.

I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be a tough game, they are an attack-minded side but we can go up there with some confidence and I’m sure it will be a great game'.

One route to matching the attacking threat of the Pilgrims will be to keep supplying the ammunition to in-form striker Charlie Griffin... netting in each of his last five games...

'I’ve known Charlie from my time at Forest Green and also from Newport and I’ve always known he has the ability to score goals, Harris said. 'But when I watched him the first time up at Solihull Moors he wasn’t a threat because he was playing too deep. We needed to get him higher up the pitch and give him some service and when we did that the chances and the goals have come his way'".

In the News & Star we learn that "Ian McDonald has challenged Scott Allison to prove he was wrong not to give him more minutes this season.

The forward scored twice in Workington’s 3-3 draw with North Ferriby on Tuesday, to the delight of McDonald. Allison was electric in pre-season, but fell out of favour under Darren Edmondson, and had failed to get a chance under McDonald.

That was, until, he shone against a high-flying Ferriby side with two excellent finishes either side of the break. McDonald admitted he had wanted to play Allison, but couldn’t with former Carlisle United youth product Ben McKenna in such fine form...

He said, 'It’s confidence with Scott. If I can give him a run of games, and he can continue to play as well as he did against North Ferriby then we have got a really good player at the club'. Allison’s game time is likely to increase with Conor Tinnion quitting the club after becoming frustrated with his limited opportunities. And Phil McLuckie is still a couple of weeks away from a return to action following an injury".

CSC

NORTH WEST NEWS

We have now learned that the deal is expected to be signed off shortly, with a target of Championship football within 15 years part of an astonishing masterplan. Scholes is already heavily involved in the project along with Phil Neville and Nicky Butt and will be part of talks next month aimed at staging first-team games at the AJ Bell stadium rather than at their Moor Lane home.

He is expected to take over as boss as they approach[?] league status. It is also understood that talks, to bring players from levels as high as the Conference North to the eighth-tier Evo Stik Division One North club, have taken place.

Players from Stockport County are among those thought to have been targeted as the group plan to steamroller their way through the non-league pyramid. A number of predominantly local businessmen have already been approached for backing and presented with a prospectus from the members of United’s famous Class of 92, which brought unprecedented success to the Reds.

It is understood Scholes will speak to Salford Council and Peel Holdings about a deal that would see the club play on the training pitch at the side of the stadium they own, which is currently home to Sale Sharks, Salford Red Devils and United Reserves. That potential agreement would also see a friendly played at the ground in which many of those involved could come out of retirement and put on their boots again.

The source said, 'They see this as a huge project and see no reason why a city the size of Salford should not have a football league club. They are already speaking to players from leagues as high up as the Conference North with a view to signing them next year. They are selling them a dream, telling them they want Championship football within 15 years and that Paul Scholes will become the manager when they go full-time.

They’re also saying that they will change the club’s name to Salford 92 – it’s staggering stuff'. It is thought many of the club’s current committee members will stay on in non-executive roles.

If Salford were to go full-time it is not likely to be before they reach either Conference North or Conference level... The source added, 'These lads do not fail at things and there is plenty of excitement surrounding this'. The proposal would be the latest joint venture between Neville, who was born in Bury and still lives in the area, and Giggs who lives in Worsley. Butt is a coach with United’s youth set-up and has been helped out by Salford-born, Middleton-raised Scholes, while Phil Neville coaches the first team after playing under David Moyes at Everton".

RUSS SAUNDERS SIGNS DUAL REGISTRATION FORMS

Born on 3 January 1989, at Bury, Russell was signed by Altrincham on 28 July 2009 after a very impressive string of performances in the pre-season games. However, he had been at Moss Lane earlier when, as a loan player from Wigan Athletic, he played as an emergency loan signing on 21 September 2007 following injuries to Stuart Coburn and Richard Acton. His debut on 22 September 2007 against Droylsden was eventful; his first action was to face a penalty after 9 minutes and then he was stretchered off after 60 minutes. As a result of his only being on a month's loan, that was the end of his Altrincham career until he rejoined in 2009. He made his second Alty debut at Ebbsfleet on 16 January 2010. Russell was released in early August 2010 and joined Hyde FC. He has made six appearances in all for Altrincham.

ALTRINCHAM 4 BRADFORD PA 1

Match report.

Wednesday 26th March 2014:

• Altrincham 4-1 Bradford Park Avenue
• Stalybridge Celtic 2-3 Guiseley

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

It is quite simple for every fan of a Conference club to get involved. You can do it on your own but each club can be the pivot around which the idea gathers pace, by promoting with your local press in programmes and through social networking sites. Known community links can be a vital avenue to pursue too.

Give just £2 and wear your football shirt with pride. Show your passion for your team or country, unleash that vintage classic, brave the challenge of wearing a rival shirt or represent your local side!

Join the Bobby Moore Fund on 'Football Shirt FridayT' as they raise money to kick bowel cancer for good. Visit the website".

According to Bradford's Telegraph & Argus, "Marc Green was today confirmed as the new owner of Bradford Bulls after his offer for the club was chosen ahead of four rival bids. The Leeds-based businessman, the owner Safeguard Security Group Ltd, saw his bid accepted by administrator David Wilson ahead of offers from Richard Lamb, Mandy Koukash as well as consortiums from Bradford Park Avenue and Bradford City".

AFC Telford United report that they "have signed three players ahead of the transfer deadline in order to add squad cover. Goalkeeper Zac Hibbert and Forward Chris Simm have signed non-contract forms but will remain at their parent club (Skelmersdale United) unless required. The club have also secured defender James Smith [ex-Altrincham] on loan from Southport. Smith can also play right wing-back.

Manager Liam Watson said, 'We needed to make these additions so that, with what else we have in the squad, we have cover for pretty much every position in the team'".

Reports from NL Daily say that Histon "Defender Zak Mills has returned to Boston United. The 21-year-old has agreed to rejoin the York Street club ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline. Mills was a member of Boston United’s Centre of Excellence in the mid-2000s, part of the same age group which included current central defender Carl Piergianni, reserve team keeper Andy Hewitt and former defender Simon Ashton.

Mills, who can play anywhere along the back line, joined from cash-strapped Histon. He is the second player to join from Dennis Greene’s former side, following on from midfielder Jay Dowie who made the switch earlier this month after the club announced players were free to look for employment elsewhere.

Mills, who also possesses a long throw-in, made more than 100 appearances for the Stutes and will be eligible to play from a week on Saturday. He is currently serving a suspension... Bizarrely, the defender is the third player called Mills to be signed by Greene within the past 12 months, following on from Greg and Gary".

ALTRINCHAM'S NEW KIT

Altrincham FC have unveiled their new home and away kits for 2014-15 season, pictured above. Produced by Ian Senior's SKkits, the shirts should be available for purchase by the end of April. The most striking change on the home shirt is the introduction of black sections on the neck and side of the shirt, under the arms.

The yellow and blue away kit marks a return to the colour combination used in the shirt worn in 2009-10, as seen, right, at Ebbsfleet in January 2010.

BEFORE THE GAME

Mike Garnett's reveals the record in all matches between Alty and Bradford Park Avenue to be as follows.

• At Altrincham p9-w6-d3-l0-f13-a4
• Away p11-w4-d4-l3-f17-a19
• Total p20-w10-d7-l3-f30-a23

ALTY LADIES' BIG WIN

TUESDAY GAMES

• Histon 1-3 Gloucester City
• Leamington 4-0 Oxford City
• Worcester City 0-0 Stockport County
• Workington 3-3 North Ferriby United

SATURDAY YANKEE

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Lee Carter, Chairman of the club for the first nine years and Managing Director for the last year, commented... 'We want to get the whole town behind our push for promotion and encourage people to get down to the Buck's Head for the last 3 home games of the season'...

. Ian Dosser, Finance Director for nine years and Chairman for the last year, commented ‘The next few weeks are going to be crucial for the Club and will determine whether 10 years on we can get back to where we were in the national Conference and remain successful'...

Telford United's last three home games, all at 3 o'clock at the New Buck's Head are Altrincham on 5th April, Gloucester on 19th April and the final match of the season against Gainsborough on 26th April."

On the field NL Pitchero we learn that "Shaun Whalley has extended his loan spell from Luton Town to AFC Telford United until the end of the season".

The Football Conference says that "Gloucester City have looked to ground landlords Cheltenham Town for loan recruits again by bringing in young wide-midfielder Ed Williams from the Sky Bet League Two outfit. Cheltenham-born Williams signed his first professional contract with the Robins in May 2013 with a one-year duration.

The youngster, who can play on either flank, scored plenty of goals for the Cheltenham youth team... He has yet to make his Cheltenham senior debut but he has spent time on loan... with both Bishop's Cleeve and Evesham United."

Elsewhere, "Oxford City have signed highly-rated young striker Josh O'Hanlon on loan from AFC Bournemouth until the end of the season. Cherries' manager Eddie Howe described O'Hanlon as 'one for the future with real potential' when he signed the 18-year-old Dubliner from League of Ireland side Longford Town in January... O’Hanlon, who also had a trial with Manchester United... [went to] AFC Bournemouth paying around £50,000 to sign him".

According to the Worcester News, "News that Worcester City have agreed a second season at Aggborough is welcome as the club continues in its enforced exile... Officials have already announced admission prices and the first season ticket was sold at the weekend, and there are still eight games left this season.

It also makes player recruitment easier for manager Carl Heeley, with the attraction of playing at a Football League standard facility a major draw... City pay the Skrill Premier outfit around £1,000 a game to play at Aggborough...

Despite the club's supporters' trust having plans for a new ground at Perdiswell, nothing has yet been submitted to Worcester City Council. Assuming they were able to do that and get planning permission by the start of next season, which is a big ask, we're still looking at a year to 18 months before a new stadium is up and running. Whatever happens, City are going to need a ground-share arrangement for the 2015-16 campaign...

Although it has generally been a success, with crowds remaining at a good level, this season has not been without its teething troubles, not least the state of the pitch. The only other realistic long-term option would be Evesham United, which is much harder to get to when compared with the convenient transport links at Kidderminster".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

GOOD CAUSE

VIEWS ON THE TRINITY GAME

The Lincolnshire Echo reports that "A patched-up Gainsborough Trinity side suffered a 3-0 defeat at promotion-chasing Altrincham on Saturday. The home side showed their intent from the start, but an unfamiliar looking Trinity rear guard did well to repel their attacks. But the opening goal did arrive and it came from the penalty spot, James Walshaw sending Trinity keeper Phil Barnes the wrong way".

The Gainsborough Standard adds that "Gainsborough Trinity were well beaten by promotion hopefuls Altrincham at a blustery Moss Lane on Saturday, with the game eventually settled by two quick-fire late goals. The home side started the brighter and went close to scoring on a number of occasions before opening the scoring from the penalty spot...

Gainsborough started the second half with more intent, pressing the home side and enjoying their best spell of the game albeit without creating any clear cut chances... Scott Leather capitalised by scoring a header from close range in a crowded six yard box. The game was settled just two minutes later when James Lawrie scored the home side’s third goal".

LADIES' BIG WIN

ALTY PONTOON UPDATE

Geoff writes, "Derek Wilshaw (Telford) crashed out of the AFC Pontoon competition this weekend with 23 goals, leaving the way open for Dana Laidlar (Boston) on 19, Mike Harding (Chelsea) and Ian Rosendaal (Rotherham) on 18, and Sheila Crompton (Crewe), Colin Mitchell (Wigan) and Phil Jordan (Wolves) on 17. Perhaps there'll be a winner this weekend. Should Alty score 5 against Colwyn Bay on Saturday, Richie Bentley will have a share of the Pontoon championship".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Yet this was a team that proved more than a match for their opponents, who had ex-Histon man Nathan Hicks on the bench following his move last week... Histon’s side made up of the few remaining recognised first team players, scholars and loan signings had their efforts rewarded when Eugene Libertucci bundled home in the 86th minute, securing a deserved point.

Said Page, 'I felt the boys were absolutely brilliant from back to front. We’ve got more to come from this young side and if we can continue to battle and compete, we know we have got the ability to hurt people'...

Page hopes to see more of that never-say-die attitude. 'They tend to have no fear and sometimes that can work in your favour', he said. 'Hopefully we can carry that no fear thing into tomorrow and the rest of the season. It’s not going to be easy because with inexperience, you are going to get mistakes'".

Worcester City have now brought in seven keepers this season as they signed Leigh Bedwell. Despite this the club has kept 16 clean sheets in league and cup games this season. Another Skrill North club, Workington, have apparently used eight keepers this season.

NL Pitchero says that "Workington have taken defender D`Arcy O`Connor and striker Godwin Abadaki on loan from Rochdale. O’Connor has joined on a month's loan from Rochdale, having recently returned from a three-month loan stint with Hyde FC. The 19-year-old defender has joined the Reds until the end of the season...

Abadaki is a young forward... The 20-year-old spent much of last season out on loan with Hyde FC and then at Huddersfield Town's Development Squad and had a temporary spell with Southport and Workington`s league rivals Stalybridge Celtic earlier this season."

The Holker Street Newsletter confirms that "Barrow's game at Solihull Moors on Saturday 12 April will kick-off seven minutes later than scheduled (at 3.07pm) as a mark of respect for the 96 people killed at Hillsborough, as this is the 25th anniversary of the disaster. It won't be just Barrow's game kicking off at this time, each Premier League, Football League , FA Cup and Conference game being played over the weekend of 11 - 14 April will be affected as part of a nationwide mark of remembrance for the Hillsborough. The FA Cup Semi-Final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15 1989 was ended six minutes after kick-off, at 3.06pm".

3G PITCHES APPROVED FOR FA CUP

'Clubs are increasingly seeing the benefits of using 3G surfaces across the football pyramid and clubs who play on those surfaces can now retain home advantage in the competition', FA general secretary Alex Horne said. 'These pitches are a very useful asset and capable of delivering 50-plus hours per week as compared to a natural turf pitch,which can deliver perhaps five hours per week'...

Their reintroduction in England has been raised recently by reformed Maidstone United's success on a 3G pitch in the Ryman League Premier. Maidstone are third in the division, but their pitch would be banned if they win promotion after Conference clubs voted against the reintroduction of artificial surfaces.

Sport minister Helen Grant, member of parliament for Maidstone and The Weald... said... 'I have held initial discussions with the football authorities to consider a change of the rules and will have further meetings over the coming weeks'".

RADIO ROBINS REPEAT

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Since his return, McLuckie has been to see physios about the leg problem, and has been told he won’t be fit for a while. The news is a huge blow to manager Ian McDonald, who has already lost Conor Tinnion, after he announced he was quitting.

McDonald... said, 'Not having Phil is obviously a huge blow for us. When he went away I thought he’d come back fit and ready to play, but that’s not the case. It’s just another blow to our preparation... It could be another month, which at this time in the season, is not great news'".

Another player has left troubled Histon as the BBC confirms that "Tamworth have added two further players to their squad with [one of them] Romanian winger Claudio Hoban leaving Histon for The Lamb".

There are also departures from Stalybridge Celtic, where "Midfielder Lewis Hatch and defender Jeremy Thierry have both left the club. Lewis has left to allow him to seek first team football elsewhere after discussions between manager Keith Briggs and the player, and Jeremy has returned to his native France."

News of Alty's next opponents comes from Bradford's Telegraph & Argus, which says that "A late goal by Paul Walker worthy of winning any game earned Bradford Park Avenue an unlikely three points at promotion-chasing Brackley Town... It was a largely forgettable game as the home side struggled to break down Avenue’s resilient defence.

Bradford have been tight, especially since the return of James Knowles from a four-game suspension, and they earned their fourth clean sheet on the trot... Brackley had the strong wind at their backs in the first half and used it to their advantage... There was a worrying moment for the visitors when Martin Drury, only recently back from a knee injury that kept him out for most of the season, received lengthy treatment following a foul but he recovered.

The second half was very even, if a little mundane, but St James Park was lit up by the quality of Walker’s late winner. Substitute Nicky Boshell did well to set Walker away on the left flank and he drifted in before unleashing a powerful right-foot strike that found the bottom corner from 25 yards.

A delighted Deacey said. 'I thought it was a thoroughly deserved victory. There were some outstanding performances. The front two were great and the back three held it together'".

The Boston Target reports that "Winger Ryan Semple’s second spell at Boston United could be over already, just two months after he rejoined the club. The popular winger, who was on non-contract terms, has been released as manager Dennis Greene tries to balance the books following the arrival of midfielders Jay Dowie and Junior Konadu.

Greene revealed Semple could be on way to King’s Lynn Town, but insists he could still play again for Boston, who have retained the player’s registration. 'We’re in a position where it has to be one in, one out or two in, two out', said Greene."

Their next opponents are Altrincham, next Saturday, and the North Wales Weekly reports that "Colwyn Bay were denied victory by a goal in added time at the end of the game in a 2-2 draw at Harrogate Town. The Seagulls twice took the lead and looked set to complete a treble over the Yorkshire side, but they couldn't hold out.

Sean Williams put Colwyn Bay in front on 16 minutes direct from a free kick which went through the hands and legs of keeper Craig MacGillivray as it skidded off the wet surface... Bay regained the lead on 78 minutes when Sean Williams played a low ball into the box for Rob Hopley to score...

In the first minute of added time they failed to clear the ball from a free kick and Anton Brown forced the ball in from close range for the late equaliser".

Manager Frank Sinclair commented, 'It feels almost like a loss. We changed our shape at half-time to try and get us to keep and pass the ball more and it worked. I thought we passed them off the park in the second half and deserved to win. If we had taken our chances and a bit more care with the final ball we would have finished them off comfortably. The lads were in the dressing room afterwards having a go at each other over conceding that late goal which I like because it shows they are passionate and want to win'...

There was some surprise at the decision to take off the influential Sean Williams in the last 10 minutes, but the manager said, 'Willo has played almost every minute of every match and we have to be careful with him. He, JC (Jamie Crowther) and Jay Ellison had worked their socks off and I just thought they needed a rest with another big game coming up next week [v Altrincham] and that fresh legs might help us get over the line.

JC has come back in after I felt he needed a rest and he has put in a mammoth performance in front of the back four'...

The result means the Bay... now need only five more points to record their highest points total since winning promotion to the Conference North in 2011. 'We've now equalled last season's total with eight games still to go, which shows how far we have come', said Sinclair. 'Now we want to get as many points as we can in the final run in'.

Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Taylor, Stephens, Royle, Smyth, Crowther (Bailey-Jones 62mins), Evans, S Williams (Tolley 84mins), Hopley. M Williams, Ellison (Darkwah 70mins). Subs not used: Clark, Pilliner".

NW NEWS

Ten miles separate Droylsden FC and Hyde FC, two of English football's poorest teams. Both suffered relegation before spring officially arrived and, until yesterday, Droylsden had not won a league match. By beating Witton Albion 4-3 they doubled their points tally from three to six. Even so, David Pace has a nice line in gallows humour considering the club he owns and manages went down from the Evo-Stik Premier in February and has a £250,000 VAT bill plus a further £350,000 debt he is struggling to pay off.

'It would make a great TV series, right from the days from when I had my floodlights pinched. That was when I said to my dad, "I'm going to pack it in" and he said, "You've never jacked in anything in your life". Pace can only laugh at a club that is located three miles east of the Premier League billionaires of Manchester City. 'It's just soul-destroying, like getting tortured week-in week-out'.

Pace, a builder by trade, constructed the William Pace stand at Droylsden's 3,500-capacity Butchers Arms ground in his father's honour. It was through William that the 53-year-old, who is from nearby Openshaw, began a near-lifelong association with the club. 'I played for the youth team against Manchester United and City and my dad used to watch', Pace said. 'My dad was a supporter, he wasn't involved, I just took it from there'.

After playing abroad, including a stint at Dallas Tornado in the 1980s, Pace returned to Droylsden in 1992. 'The club was advertising in the paper that they needed players. But there was no stands, nothing. I tried to do the club up a bit but it burnt down and I didn't get any insurance. I managed to soldier through. I built it from the bottom up, became chairman, then took over as manager in 1996, took the club all the way to the Conference Premier'.

The single season in the top division of the non-league game came in 2007‑08 and was a shining achievement from Pace, whose secret has been to unearth gems and draw performances from them before bigger clubs get wise. 'Fans are great [though] the newer ones have only known success. We were live on telly about three or four times, playing against Chesterfield, Leyton Orient [in the FA Cup], but the older people realise what I've done. They know I'm not a multi-millionaire, I'm just a working chap that basically earns £100 and spends £99, but at the moment I'm earning £100 and spending £150'...

Another tale in the compelling Drolysden story involved Pace's partner, Stella, replacing him as manager before going on to to claim the Manchester Senior Cup. 'I fell out with the Manchester FA and Stella ran the team and won the Cup in 2000; she picked her own side all the way through', he says.

When a large VAT bill initiated Droyslden's financial free-fall, Pace decided against putting the club into administration. 'It's like being punished from both sides. You don't get help from the FA, from anywhere. You're getting punished week in week out [on the pitch]. Whereas if you go into admin, you'd start again in a lower division but start from day one. I thought long and hard about it. I didn't want to start up as an FC Droylsden, starting a new football club means losing its history.

I kept on as manager this year because it would have been terrible for someone to take over. I knew the situation we were in, I can't afford to pay the bills and pay for a team that can compete at this level. That's the story behind why we're getting beat each week. I've signed over 100 players this year, anyone who shows any potential has gone to other clubs. This year has just been a nightmare, I've just got to get on with it'.

At Hyde, finances are not the problem, but form is as dire. There has been one win in 39 league outings for Scott McNiven's team and a goal difference of minus 68... Hyde were saved from bankruptcy due to investment from Manchester City three years ago...

Pete Ainger, the chief executive, said, 'The relationship with Manchester City is very good. The contract is that they pay rent for the ground. We're not bankrolled by them, even though we'd like players from them, that hasn't materialised. This myth perpetuated that when we won the Conference North championship [in 2011-12] we were bankrolled by City. I can categorically say that's not true.

We've found going into this league is that there is a bit of a tiered system with the monies.... Results haven't been there even though the form has'".

FA TROPHY

SKRILL CONFERENCE ON TV

SUNDAY RESULT

MATCH OFF

ALTRINCHAM 3 GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 0

Above: Man of the Match Scott Leather keeps his eye on the ball as Jake Moult receives a helping hand.

Match report here

GATES

• AFC Telford United v Oxford City 1,531
• Altrincham v Gainsborough Trinity 709
• Barrow v Boston United 808
• Brackley Town v Bradford Park Avenue 266
• Gloucester City v Stalybridge Celtic 339
• Guiseley v North Ferriby United 554
• Harrogate Town v Colwyn Bay 547
• Hednesford Town v Workington 490
• Histon v Leamington 301
• Solihull Moors v Stockport County 525

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

North Ferriby United dropped to second after going down to a 1-0 defeat at Nethermoor to play-off chasing Guiseley AFC – but it could have been a lot different! The home side grabbed a deserved 10th minute lead... In the 65th minute Ferriby were offered a way back into the game as they were awarded a penalty after Ben Parker brought down Nathan Jarman. But Jarman's spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Steven Drench...

Hednesford Town remain third... after a comfortable 4-0 win against bottom-markers Workington at Keys Park... which leaves the Cumbrians ten points adrift of the safety-mark. However, up until the last 5 minutes Workington were still in the game as the Pitmen only led 1-0...

Harrogate Town`s top five hopes took a blow when they were held to a 2-2 draw at the CNG Stadium by mid-table Colwyn Bay... However, Boston United missed the opportunity to slip above Harrogate into the top five when they were involved in an amazing 4-4 draw at Holker Street against Barrow AFC. Boston trailed 4-2 heading into stoppage time... Solihull Moors pulled level on points with Boston in seventh after a 1-0 win against mid-table Stockport County at Damson Park...

Brackley Town dropped to eighth after a 1-0 defeat at home by another relaxed mid-table outfit in Bradford Park Avenue. A stunning last minute goal from Paul Walker saw Park Avenue win at St James's Park".

Alty's next opponents, Bradford PA report that "After the 1-0 victory against Brackley Town, John Deacey spoke to the official website...

'It was a thoroughly deserved victory. There were some outstanding performances. The front two were great and the back three held it together. In the first half, we looked shaky down the left. But, we had a word at half-time to try and stop the nine (Stefan Moore) and ten (Steve Diggin). In the second half, they threatened us down the right but they didn’t have any clear cut chances, but neither did we'...

Paul Walker, the Avenue goalscorer received praise from his manager. 'I call him Mr Consistent. He is seven out of ten, at least every game. And, he thoroughly deserved the goal, it was a great strike'. Now, the Avenue have impressed in the defensive area of the pitch, keeping four consecutive clean sheets, and Deacey admitted he is pleased with his back three. 'We have only conceded four goals in seven games. (James) Knowles and (Ryan) Qualter have put together a good partnership and having Dru (Martin Drury) back is a bonus, so it’s been decent'...

Bradford PA: Lamb, Black (Howarth 90), Drury, Marshall, Knowles, Qualter, Deacey, Hotte, Chilaka, Beesley (Boshell 78), Walker. Subs unused: Maxfield, Clayton, Price."

NL Pitchero reports that "Marine have announced the signing of three players ahead of the deadline day on Thursday... Neil Harvey, former strike partner with Aaron Rey who returned to Marine last week, rejoins the Mariners following the cancellation of his contract with league rivals Hednesford Town".

Also "Sam Sheridan wants to earn a contract offer from Darren Edmondson, manager of Barrow AFC, after becoming a better all-round midfielder under the manager’s tutelage. The talented 24-year-old recently penned a short-term deal until the end of the campaign after arriving on non-contract terms last summer...

Sheridan said, 'With the way the team are playing, then I’d love to stay. But it’s one of those; it doesn’t just depend on me it’s about whether the manager wants me to stay as well... It’s up to me to prove to the gaffer why I should stay, if he wants me to stay... The gaffer has got me enjoying playing football again... If we can keep this group of players together then who knows where we can be next season?' said Sheridan...

There was a time I was out of the team and I was wondering why, and the gaffer came to me and told me the reasons', explained Sheridan who has previously played in the Conference Premier for Stockport. 'Since then I’ve tried to put into place what he’s wanted from me... “I’m obviously a midfielder who likes to get on the ball and dictate play, whereas the gaffer also wanted me to get into people’s faces to make them aware that I’m there, to start putting my foot in and to get up and down the pitch more...

In the Conference North, if you can win the battle first then normally you will come out on top'".

According to the Oxford Mail, "Oxford City keeper Victor Francoz, who was injured after falling out of a tree rescuing a cat, has used up his nine lives. Francoz, 24, has not played in the league since January after gashing his calf. He tried to make a comeback in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup ties against Banbury last week, but Ford felt he wasn’t up to scratch.

The Frenchman was replaced by on-loan Forest Green keeper, Matt Bulman...

'Victor has gone', said Ford. 'He told me he was fit, but wasn’t. I’ve seen the injury and it was horrific. He had a fair crack of the whip and he’s a good lad. When he first got himself injured, a lot of managers would have let him go, but we kept a spot for him. It took too long for him to get fit and with Mark (Scott) being injured, we had to make a decision'".

Brackley Town report that "Brackley’s poor run of form continued as play-off hopes receded while Bradford Park Avenue enhanced their recent record... Neither team got into gear, both keepers being rarely tested... there was little excitement for a meagre crowd on a chill, grey afternoon. Overall Brackley enjoyed the greater possession and chances but lacked the energy and invention to make them tell...

Walker’s intervention at the death was a cruel blow for Saints but summed up the current spell of form as the promise of a top five finish has melted away to leave Saints still in with a shout of a play-off place but needing an urgent recovery in confidence and form if this remarkable season is not to end in disappointment"

ALTRINCHAM 3-0 GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY

Match report here

Right: Shaun Densmore shows his delight after James Lawrie (behind him) had headed home Alty's third goal against Gainsborough

WEEKEND GAMES

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

Sunday 23rd March

• Worcester City v Vauxhall Motors

ATTENDANCES

WEEKEND GAMES

Saturday 22nd March

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

Sunday 23rd March

• Worcester City v Vauxhall Motors

OLD BOYS

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

On Friday, the Cambridge News reported that "Brian Page hopes to have defender Ben Clappison signed for Histon’s game with Leamington tomorrow. The 19-year-old is set to join on loan from Hull City and will partner fellow loanee Will de Havilland in central defence.

Clappison fills the space left by Omar Beckles’ departure and the Stutes' boss is excited by his potential.

'I spoke to Ben and he was really keen on getting out and playing some first-team football', said Page. 'We’ve been working hard on trying to get someone in because we are a little bit short in the centre-half department... We’re going to have a good side and it will be nice to know we’ve got a good pairing at centre-half'.

Grant Roberts is the latest player to leave after agreeing terms with Gainsborough Trinity... while Kaine Sheppard and Zak Mills are talking to other clubs.

But Page has no worries over playing some of Histon’s scholars, saying, 'It doesn’t matter how many players leave, we’ll always be able to fill the team with good players. Yes, some of them might not be quite ready for the jump but, when tough challenges are put in front of you, sometimes big successes come from that'.”

Another departure from Histon is also noted by the Cambridge News. "Kaine Sheppard has been released from Histon in order to take up an offer to play in Australia for Heidelberg United...

The striker, 20, had been expected to leave as the ongoing financial problems at the club have resulted in more departures such as Nathan Hicks and Grant Roberts. Sheppard was originally a part of the Histon Academy but left to take up a scholarship with Leyton Orient at the age of 16.

After a spell at Braintree Town, he returned to Bridge Road permanently last summer. Sheppard had previously returned to the club a number of times on loan deals and in total made 52 appearances for the Stutes".

However, "Brian Page has been left frustrated by attempts to tap up Histon’s players since the club stopped paying their squad. Although the transfers of those players who have left recently have all been conducted above board, the Stutes' boss alleges at least one had been contacted by a lower division club before an official approach was made.

Ultimately, the player decided not to join that club, but it left Page annoyed...

'What it does is start to distract players and it’s just unprofessional', said Page.... 'When you’ve got people trying to talk to your players and making offers behind their back, you just lose all respect for them and if they want a favour off me in the future, it isn’t going to happen'.

Grant Roberts and Nathan Hicks have left this week, and Kaine Sheppard and Zak Mills are also expected to leave. That means Calum Kitscha, Harry O’Malley, Charlie Day, Michael Built, Eugene Libertucci, Nick Freeman and Michael Clunan, plus the loan signings, are the only recognised first-team players left for the visit of Leamington tomorrow.

Scholars such as Ash White, Matty Waters, both of whom have been on loan at St Ives, and Salim Relizani are likely to supplement the side, with Page set to give some of the youngsters their debut. Nevertheless, he is confident the side can still compete as they battle to avoid relegation from Skrill North, particularly as many of their remaining eight games are against teams around them.

'If we get a positive result on Saturday, we’ll be out of the relegation zone and looking upwards, then you never know what might happen', said Page".

Meanwhile, Hednesford Town say that "It is with some regret that we have to announce the departure of striker, Neil Harvey, who last night terminated his contract with the club by mutual agreement. Neil has been a fine player for the Pitmen in his two seasons at the club...

Changes in personal circumstances have made it difficult for ‘Harvs’ to commit to travelling to train etc. and it was felt that this was the most amicable solution for both parties...

As one player moves on, Rob Smith has moved quickly to secure a replacement and we have registered former Port Vale striker, Danny Glover as a Pitman. Danny started the season at Worcester City FC and then moved to Bradford Park Avenue but was recently released as a result of budget restrictions".

The Conference adds that "Play-off chasers Hednesford Town have signed striker Danny Glover, who was released by league rivals Bradford Park Avenue last week... The son of former Port Vale player and manager Dean Glover, Danny started his career with the Valiants, going on to make 41 first-team appearances as well as have loan spells with Salisbury City, Rochdale and Stafford Rangers whilst at Vale Park.

He had a spell on loan with FC Halifax Town last season."

According to the Football Conference, "Paul Holleran, manager of Leamington, has benefitted from his good relations with Walsall boss Dean Smith by securing an agreement for the services of a third player on loan from the Sky Bet League One side this season in highly-rated youngster Reece Flanagan.

The 19-year-old, who Saddlers' boss Smith describes as 'A ball-playing midfielder who can see a pass and gets around the pitch well', stood out in the Walsall youth team after joining the club and was handed a professional deal in January last year.

He follows Jake Heath and Kieron Morris, who both impressed Brakes' fans in their loan spells at the New Windmill Ground earlier this season... [He will] remain at the club until the end of the season."

Elsewhere, "Gloucester City have signed goalkeeper Conor Thompson from Newport County. Newport signed Thompson in early February to provide back up to Jamie Stephens and Lenny Pidgeley, who suffered ankle ligament damage.

Thompson, 19, left Torquay United by mutual consent in January and subsequently signed for Justin Edinburgh’s side on non-contract terms. Thompson had joined Torquay from Chippenham Town in October 2012. Formerly with Swindon Town, he has also played for England Schools.

Thompson has three caps for the Northern Ireland under-17 side to date... He had a loan spell with Southern Division One South & West side Swindon Supermarine before leaving Torquay". "

Pitchero Non-League says that "Conor Tinnion has dealt Workington a blow as they battle to avoid the drop after quitting the Skrill North club. The winger blamed a lack of game time for his decision to walk away from Borough Park, having started just two of Ian McDonald’s thirteen games in charge.

Cockermouth-born Tinnion, who started his career with Carlisle United... plans to sign for neighbours Penrith...

He said, 'I need to be playing football at the minute, and didn’t think I was going to get that under Ian... I felt I was just starting to find form before I was injured, and then I haven’t really played since...

McDonald insisted... 'I’ve told Conor if he wants to come back in pre-season, then he can'”.

EVERYONE FIT

YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME: GUISELEY 6 ALTRINCHAM 3

The next fixture is at home to Gateshead (26 March 2014, Clay Lane, 2pm).

LADIES' REPORTS

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Trinity had their fair share of opportunities in the opening half, with Curtis Bateson and Jonathan Margetts both bringing out the best in home `keeper John Lamb. However, a minute before half-time, the home side were awarded a penalty for a foul on Richard Marshall, who dusted himself down before beating Barnes from the spot. Five minutes after the break, Avenue added further misery on Trinity as Paul Beesley netted number three from a difficult angle.

And then on 57 minutes it was 4-0 when a rebound from a blocked effort fell to Chib Chilaka on the edge of the box, and he hammered the loose ball home".

In the Lincolnshire Echo, following their defeat, we learn that "Gainsborough Trinity boss Steve Housham sees defensive woes continue. Steve Housham says his squad need to put their 4-0 defeat at Bradford Park Avenue behind them and lift themselves for their remaining Skrill North games.

The Gainsborough Trinity boss, returned from the Horsfall Stadium with nothing but a cold as his side succumbed to their third defeat in five games on Wednesday evening... Trinity had their fair share of opportunities in the opening half...

'We started well, but the difference was they took their chances better', said Housham. 'In a lot of ways, it was like men against boys; we had such a young squad out there. But we can’t dwell on this, we have to move on and look forward. We have two very tough games coming up (Altrincham and Harrogate) and, really, anything we get out of them will be a bonus.

But we need to remember that on our day, when we are playing well, we can beat anyone. I genuinely believe we will be okay. I will not be looking over my shoulder, I will be focusing on my team'.

Housham’s defensive woes continued on Wednesday as central defender Callum Howe sustained a knee injury and was forced to leave the action just before the hour mark. Howe is now doubtful for Saturday, which is a huge blow to the Trinity boss, who is preparing for a trip to promotion-chasing Altrincham with question marks already over the fitness of experienced defenders Dom Roma and [ex-Alty defender] Greg Young.

'We have got what we have got and we will go to Altrincham and do the best we can', said Housham. 'We have a tough run-in now but, as we have seen so many times, it is down to who performs on the day'”.

Elsewhere we read in the Echo that "Steve Housham wants his players to force his hand when it comes to new contracts. The Gainsborough Trinity boss... says he wants to see players dazzle him and give him no choice but to sign them for next season.

Housham says the trip to Altrincham on Saturday in Skrill North could provide the perfect opportunity for his players to make an impression. 'I have asked the players to go out there and force me to sign them next season', said the Blues' boss... 'I have seen a lot of Altrincham, both in person and on DVD, and I fully expected them to be up there this season. With the firepower they have, I thought they might run away with the league. But they are still fighting for points to make sure they are in the play-offs, so we are in for a tough game'.

Housham though has huge concerns over his side's defensive strengths against a potent Altrincham forward line. The Blues have the second worst defensive record in Skrill North and, with question marks over the fitness of experienced defenders Greg Young and Dom Roma on Saturday, Housham may see his problems intensify.

'Over my time here at Gainsborough, I have usually had good resources defensively but, this season, I think it's clear it has been a weakness', added Housham. 'On Saturday we could have to play a very inexperienced back four. We are hoping people like Youngy and Dom will be fit, but it will be touch and go. It might mean that our forwards have to go out and score five or six if we are going to win the game', joked Housham.

However, the Trinity boss is working behind the scenes to increase his side's firepower and still hopes to extend the loan spell of Hull City man Jonathon Margetts. The 20-year-old striker has exploded onto the Skrill North scene, hitting five goals in four Skrill North games.

'We have the firepower in our forward line to score goals, but we are leaking too many at the other end', said Housham. 'The situation with Jonno (Margetts) is ongoing. He is loving his football here and scoring goals and I believe he wants to stay for the rest of the season. He has settled in well and his confidence is right up there'".

According to Worcester City, "Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City are pleased to be able to confirm that the groundshare agreement between the two clubs at Aggborough Stadium has been extended to next Season... City have chosen to take up their option of a second season at Aggborough for 2014/15.

City Company Secretary John Jordan said of the news, 'From our point of view we have found the Aggborough experience to be a very positive one and are delighted to have extended the arrangement for a further season... We have received many positive comments from our supporters about the first-class match-day experience offered at Aggborough and very much hope that they will continue to support the Club through next season'.

Harriers' Chairman Ken Rae added... 'The ground staff have worked tremendously hard and, approaching the business end of the season for both teams, I think it’s fair to say that hard work is bearing fruit because the pitch is in good condition, all things considered'”.

The Oxford Mail reports that "Oxford City City FC president Thomas Guerriero is looking to bring other local sports teams under his business umbrella. The American businessman, who co-owns the club with the Oxford City Charitable Company as well as local basketball and futsal football teams, said he would be 'interested' in holding talks with other organisations, including Oxford United.

In the city as part of a five-day trip to England, Mr Guerriero said he was looking to strengthen City by building a larger sporting institution of multiple disciplines. Oxford City Stars ice hockey team confirmed there had already been a meeting, and Mr Guerriero said, 'We’re always open to having discussions with any team that sees the opportunity in being a part of what we’re doing here. Our goal ultimately is to be the dominant sports club in this part of England and the way to do that is to have more than one sport, which is what we’re hoping to do'.

Mr Guerriero, who attended Oxford City’s Skrill North matches against Boston United and Histon, took over the club last April and now owns the former Oxford Hoops basketball team and ex-Oxford Lions futsal team.

He suggested he would like to speak to Oxford United... as well as London Welsh and ice hockey team Oxford City Stars.

The Wall Street financier said, 'We’re looking to see what would be a wise addition to our portfolio and we have a few targets in sight. There’s three teams in Oxford that we don’t control – Oxford United and the rugby and ice hockey clubs – and we would have an interest in speaking with those teams if it made business sense'...

He said, 'The only way sports teams succeed is if they have their own facility. We have 450 kids playing in our basketball programme and it’s growing. We’re looking for the ground to be as close to the football facility as possible and are looking at sites'.

He would also like to replace the pitch with a 3G artificial surface at the football club’s Marsh Lane ground if the Football Conference League approves artificial pitches...

Mr Guerriero said, 'If you are looking to play a certain style of football we would aspire to have some improvements done to allow that. With wear and tear we would be very interested in having a 3G surface. That would give us an avenue to help us develop our youth programme and have more people play on the pitch'...

London Welsh and Oxford United both declined to comment. Oxford City is on a sound financial footing and Thomas Guerriero’s long-term plans for the club won’t be affected if they are relegated from the Skrill North league. Mr Guerriero would eventually like to expand his operation and build more facilities in the rest of Oxfordshire. The financier bought the club because it has always been his dream to become a part of English football and he believes Oxford would benefit from a stronger sporting reputation".

"The latest Board meeting at Stockport County was held on Tuesday evening, and the following items were discussed:

The Board reinstated [?re-stated] its commitment to Alan Lord for the forthcoming season and the manager is looking forward to a period of sustained stability, including a full pre-season to prepare for the new campaign in 2014/15.

The manager reported that he has already drawn up a preliminary retained list, with a nucleus of up to a dozen of the club’s existing players to be given the opportunity to stay with the Hatters next season... He is aiming to operate with a squad of 20 or 21 players next season, including two goalkeepers.

Roughly half of the players on the club’s books next season will be offered contracts, with the remainder beginning next season on non-contract terms.

Meanwhile defender James Washburn has agreed dual registration with Squires Gate FC in order to enable him to get some game time, as he has so far been unable to force his way into Alan Lord’s first team plans.

The Board of Directors is due to meet with County’s Shareholders in the next seven days to discuss the current situation at Stockport County regarding future investment, direction and the structural requirements of the club. The meeting will be an opportunity for those Shareholders who are no longer directly involved in financing the football club to assist the Football Club Board in tidying up the balance sheet, and a detailed report to supporters will follow that meeting."

According to Buckingham Today, "Brackley Town manager Jon Brady was left hugely frustrated and disappointed as he slammed his side’s performance after their dismal 3-1 home defeat to Gloucester City on Tuesday.

Former Saints' man Charlie Griffin created one and scored another to help the visitors earn a deserved victory against a Brackley side sorely lacking any fluency or creativity, with Izak Reid’s goal the only bright moment.

Brady said, 'I think the hardest thing for me to take is that Gloucester looked like they wanted it more than us tonight... It’s pretty disappointing to see that... We played too many long balls tonight and we never try to play long balls. The attitude to be brave, get on the ball, pass it, to have people showing for the ball, wanting to be first to the ball, I felt we were second best all over and I hate to say that about my Brackley team because that’s what we’ve built our reputation on. Fair credit to Gloucester though, they were excellent in all departments and worked well as a team'.

Brady also rued his team’s naivety after pulling level at 1-1, adding, 'We get back into the game at 1-1 and we absolutely go gung-ho straight from the off, thinking we’re going to score within 30 seconds. I expect with the experience we’ve got out there that we play it sensibly and win the game 2-1 and see it out, but I couldn’t believe what I saw. Straight from kick-off we literally committed nearly every man forward bar three at the back and it’s just not us. It wasn’t good enough tonight'.

Brackley’s inability to find any consistency since the turn of the year has been their undoing in recent weeks, with Saints picking up just six wins in their previous 21 league matches, much to the frustration of Brady. '“Up until the Hednesford game, when we went top, we were the best team in the league, but the latter part of the season has been highly frustrating because I feel at the moment that our performances are so indifferent from week-to-week, game-to-game. One thing I would say is that on the whole we have been playing well, but we’ve lost that ruthless edge that we’ve always had where we saw games out and at least drew or won. But tonight was, from a few, just unacceptable'...

He added, 'Always believe. We’re one point off the top five but, with every game that passes by that we’re unsuccessful in, our chances start to fall by the wayside, but there’s still eight games and 24 points to play for. We have to find our consistency as quickly as possible.”

On signing 25-year-old striker Ryan Rowe on loan from Kidderminster Harries, Brady said, 'Gary (Mulligan) is playing half-fit at the moment, he has tendonitis on his knee and Ben Mills has been released because his work commitments were too much, so we’ve just switched it around a bit'".

Boston United report that they "have been handed a home tie against Gainsborough Trinity in next season’s Lincolnshire Senior Cup. The winners will entertain Grimsby Town at the semi-final stage. Scunthorpe United meet Lincoln City in the other semi-final, with fixtures expected to be played during pre-season."

LOCAL NEWS

TO HONOUR KEITH

A team from the south, where I now live, will pit its wits against a team of ex-Altrincham players and fans and, hopefully, raise enough money for a lasting memorial to go up in Keith's honour. Grahame has mentioned the possibility of fitting the kitchen of the new Community Hall, once built, and [placing in it] a plaque, depending on how much is raised.

All the southern team have contributed to play and will be making the journey up at their own expense. Depending on how many Altrincham players confirm, [we] will determine how many places are available for Altrincham fans to play. Places are available on a first-come first-served basis and a contribution will be asked for, to go in the fundraising pot.

If you would like the chance to play, then please email me and I will add your name to the list and keep you informed. If playing is not for you, then please spread the word and do come down on the day and show your support for a man who was Altrincham through and through.

If any of you know any former players who may like to take part, please let me know or pass on my details. The charity match kick-off time will be confirmed when we know the FA Cup Final kick-off time, as we will play either before or after so the two matches do not clash. So why not come down and make a day of it and watch it with us in the Club bar and share your memories of Keith and the club with everyone?

Thanks, Gareth".

WEDNESDAY GAME

Wednesday 19th March

• Bradford Park Avenue 4-0 Gainsborough Trinity... attendance 237.

TRANMERE VIEWS

From their side, Tranmere Rovers report that "Goals from Antonie Boland and Cole Stockton earned Tranmere a 2-0 win over Altrincham and a place in the Cheshire Senior Cup Final. After a goalless first half in which Boland went closest with a back post volley, the defender headed in the opener from James Rowe's corner on 75 minutes.

Stockton missed a chance to double the lead on 87 minutes but he completed the scoring three minutes later, tackling the goalkeeper before shooting into an empty net. Rovers will face either Northwich Victoria or Macclesfield Town in the final and have also reached the Liverpool Senior Cup Final".

Brian Flynn has provided the Radio Robins commentary files from the game.

ALTY PONTOON

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

According to the NW Evening Mail, "Darren Edmondson’s budget for next season will not be cut – regardless of whether Paul Casson’s Barrow AFC takeover deal is ratified or not. Barrow AFC boss Darren Edmondson has been assured he will have at least the same budget as this year next season.

At the start of the week, US-based businessman Casson pledged to increase Edmondson’s recruitment cash pot if he gains control of the club over the coming months. Last summer, Barrow’s existing board of directors were forced to slash the players’ budget by 40 per cent, one of the inevitable consequences of AFC’s relegation from the Conference Premier and the harsh economic climate...

A boosted Edmondson positively responded... 'What you don’t want to hear as a manager is ‘budget cuts’. There have been guarantees from the current board that there are no budget cuts in place for next year... And if Mr Casson comes in, then he’s promising things. Either way, it’s exciting for the football club. The current board, with myself, are pushing along in the right direction...

It doesn’t always mean that because you have got more money to spend, that it takes the club in the right direction. The money that is given has got to be spent in the right way...

The players are producing the action at the moment and we’ve just got to make sure that the club is run in the right way and for the good of the football club'.

Edmondson says it is ‘paramount’ he keeps the nucleus of his squad together in light of their recent exploits... And, along with his assistant Alex Meechan, he looks set to compile his retained list before the end of the campaign with a view to getting players tied to contracts sooner rather than later".

At Leamington "Paul Holleran has added to his squad for the run-in with the signing of Nathan Hicks from Histon. The 22 year-old midfielder, who began his career at Leicester City and has had spells at Evesham United, Daventry Town and Kettering Town, scored the last of his seven goals this season for the Stutes in their 2-1 defeat at Oxford City on Tuesday evening, and will now join up with the Brakes' squad as they travel to face his former side this Saturday.

Hicks is no stranger to the New Windmill Ground having scored in Kettering's 2-1 defeat there last season. He also skippered the Poppies for a spell before joining Histon in the summer, and despite being tracked by several clubs, has opted to join Leamington".

LOCAL NEWS

Each then went into a Facebook vote for a further £100,000 and officials at the Hollyhedge Park outfit drew up a battle plan that involved enlisting the help of some famous faces. United’s website urged fans to vote for the 68-year-old club while Blues' midfielder Fernandinho did likewise along with 'The Wanted' lead singer, Max George, whose brother played for Wythenshawe.

The windfall is a boost to plans to build a new facility in Hollyhedge Park, which will include a state-of-the-art clubhouse and changing rooms. It marks an incredible upturn in fortunes for Wythenshawe, who have three senior teams, 20 junior sides, two girls teams and a ladies team.

On the morning of the same day they learned they had won £50,000, joyriders stole a car and drove it across their pitch but, after pondering their own future, the Manchester Premier outfit has now set its sights on rising to the higher levels of the non-league pyramid.

Vice-Chairman Carl Barratt said, 'Winning the £100,000 is not only another huge financial boost for us but the whole process has brought the club and region together, in what has been a massive team effort. I cannot quantify the impact £100,000 will have on everyone involved at our great club; it will change our whole future and I can’t wait to see the club build and grow.

It was incredible to gain the support of so many in the local Manchester area. We were overwhelmed by the number of celebrities who backed us on Twitter and were delighted that professional teams took so much interest in what we were doing'".

PETER HENNERLEY

As well as supporting the football team from the terraces, Peter was very active in the supporters' associations at Moss Lane and he will be greatly missed. Peter's son, Nigel, is a gateman at the J. Davidson Stadium, as well as a member of the Harbingers group, which has played several gigs in the Noel White Suite. The club's condolences are extended to Nigel and his family and friends.

TRANMERE ROVERS 2-0 ALTRINCHAM

Alty's squad included five youth teamers in the starting line-up (six in the squad) but they put up a creditable performance, with the second Tranmere goal only arriving shortly before the final whistle.

Match report here.

Above: Gianluca Havern was late out for the pre-match formalities so we see only ten players in the Alty line-up!

Altrincham: 1. Josh Samberg, 2. David Brown 3. Matt Doughty (capt), 4. Jake Moult, 5. Gianluca Havern, 6. Tom Clarke, 7. Max Pouncey, 8. Jeff King, 9. Kyle Perry, 10. Greg Wilkinson, 11. James Lawrie. Subs: 12. Adam Griffin, 14. James Walshaw, 15. Damian Reeves, 16. Carl Rodgers, 17. Spencer Cunliffe

SKRILL NORTH RESULTS

• Brackley Town 1-3 Gloucester City att.197
• Guiseley 3-1 Stalybridge Celtic att.336
• Oxford City 2-1 Histon att.203

YOUTH WIN

YOUTH WIN

MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY OFFER

To book your places please either ring Barry Pond on 07957 456375 or e-mail Karen Rowley at the Club.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Kidderminster Harriers report that "Promotion chasing Brackley Town have taken striker Ryan Rowe on loan from Harriers until the end of the season. Ryan has made just a couple of appearances at Aggborough this term after a lengthy spell at Stourbridge... The hit-man will stay there until the end of their season".

At the other end of the table, the News & Star tells us that "Workington Reds' boss Ian McDonald is struggling to find players to bolster his depleted ranks, saying clubs are not willing to play ball. Gavin Skelton, Anthony Wright, Sam Smith and Kyle Brownhill are all carrying knocks, and with Dan Wordsworth and Conor Tinnion on holiday, it has left McDonald with a skeleton staff.

McDonald said he was sick of being rejected by managers as he pushes to bring in reinforcements. He has the backing of the board to sign players in a bid to beat the drop, but so far the 60-year-old has not been successful.

Workington only have until the league’s March 27 deadline to make a move in the transfer market. Reds take on promotion-chasing Hednesford on Saturday.

McDonald said, 'It’s difficult. We have to sign people by March 27, and I’m sick of making phone calls and being knocked back. But we will keep trying. Clubs are in similar positions to us, and don’t want to let players go when they have to play two games per week between now and the end of the season'. Reds do have Phil McLuckie available again after he went on holiday".

In the Worcester News we learn that "Carl Heeley says he has no intention of jeopardising Worcester City's push for Skrill North survival by risking senior players in the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup.

City could barely fill the bench at North Ferriby United on Saturday due to injuries and Steven Leslie and Kristian Ramsey-Dickson having left the club. Aaron Farrell and Aaron Brown could be available for tonight's semi-final against Redditch United at the Valley Stadium (7.45pm) after a family bereavement but keeper Ryan Boot is still struggling with a knee injury.

But with three home league games coming up in six days against Vauxhall Motors, Stockport a County and Histon, all teams around Worcester in the table, ensuring they don't get pulled into another relegation battle is the priority.

Manager Heeley said, 'As much as we want to win a trophy, we have to be sensible and prioritise because we can't afford to take any more injuries because it could just ruin our season yet. We've got a massive week coming up with games on Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday'.

However, the cup is good chance to blood some of the players from the club's academy, run by Mark Owen, in a competitive senior environment. Striker James Lemon, a second-half substitute in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at North Ferriby, and midfielder Max Crisp, who was also on the bench, are both in line to start. On-loan Birmingham City keeper Callum Preston could again deputise for Boot but City do have academy youngster Sam Hawker available to them.

Right-back Josh Smith, currently on loan at Sutton Coldfield Town, is another likely to be involved. Heeley said, 'There's a few fringe players that will need minutes and some of Mark Owen's boys will get an opportunity'. City are aiming to reach the final for the first time since 2011 when they were beaten by current holders Stourbridge 2-0".

According to the Cambridge News, "Russell Hands hopes Histon can put their financial problems behind them once and for all after a verbal agreement was reached with majority shareholder Angelo Dama. The Stutes confirmed yesterday the board had negotiated terms with Dama which will see him transfer his 31 percent holding in the club and allow them to press ahead with restructuring plans...

Histon chairman Hands is optimistic their troubles are coming to an end... Said Hands, 'He (Dama) has agreed he will transfer his shares and once we get everything signed, that will be the end of it... With all of the work that has been done with the youth system and the scholarships over the past few years, we’ve got a good foundation to build on'.

The five other main shareholders had already agreed to gift their shares to the company, and the board will be able to present the options once the deal with Dama has been signed. Hands also confirmed the club are close to securing the £40,000 needed to see the Skrill North season out thanks to contributions from the supporters and sponsors...

His preference is for Histon to be converted to a community interest company, which would see the club run on a not-for-profit basis and have no one controlling interest. 'We can put something in place to stop this happening again', said Hands. 'I don’t want to be sitting and reading about the same problems in another 10 years’ time, and that’s how most clubs should be run at this level. We’re looking to do that and then we can start expanding for the benefit of the whole community'.

Hands admits he and most of the other board members unlikely to be part of the decision making process at Histon after the restructuring, but will stay on as a volunteers".

TRANMERE ROVERS v ALTRINCHAM: COVERAGE

 

For those attending the match, admission is £5 for adults and £3 for concessionaries.

Tranmere Rovers are expected to field their reserves in tonight's clash with Altrincham. Tranmere Reserves play in the Final Third Development League, run by the Football League, and are currently bottom of the eight-team division.

Mike Garnett's reveals the record in all matches between Alty and Tranmere Rovers' first team

• At Altrincham P4-W1-D2-L1-F11-A13
• Away P5-W1-D1-L3-F11-A16
• All P9-W2-D3-L4-F22-A29

Against Tranmere Reserves...

• At Altrincham P42-W25-D7-L10-F123-A66
• Away P41-W11-D4-L26-F69-A115 + one unknown
• Neutral P1-W1-D0-L0-F4-A1
• All P84-W37-D11-L36-F196-A182 + one unknown

PONTOON UPDATE

LEE'S LOOKING FOR REINFORCEMENTS

While Sinnott admitted his side had fallen short against Harrogate, he was full of praise for the way they followed up the previous Saturday’s 2-1 triumph at Brackley with a 1-0 win at Solihull Moors.

‘I always felt it was going to be a challenging week, facing teams of the calibre of Brackley, Harrogate and Solihull, one straight after the other,’ said the Alty manager. ‘We started well with a hard-fought win at Brackley, and while we let ourselves down against Harrogate, I couldn’t have asked any more than the way we bounced back at Solihull.

‘They are a big side, who came at us strongly early on, and there were times when we had to withstand a bit of a bombardment, the way they utilised long throws from distance.

‘But we stood up to it magnificently and asserted ourselves to such a degree that we hit the bar twice and had a couple of penalty shouts, as well as scoring the only goal. It was a really well-taken goal, too.

‘Some good forward play from James Walshaw on the left flank won us a free-kick, and it was a wonderful delivery by James Lawrie to set up Tom Marshall’s glancing header. The height and pace on James’ kick effectively took their keeper out of the equation, and after getting there first, Tom didn’t try to put too much on it. He just diverted it into the net. When they are on the money, like that, those sort of set-pieces are very difficult to defend against.

‘We needed an immediate response after the Harrogate defeat, and that’s what the players delivered. It’s one thing having games in hand, but you have to transform them into points, and it was vital we did that against another team in and around us.’

Sinnott is on the look-out for reinforcements after cutting short winger Joe Mwasile’s loan spell from Morecambe.

‘We had a think about things, and though Joe picked up an injury recently, it was purely a football decision to send him back,’ he added. ‘James Lawrie has come in and done well on the right, and whenever you’ve got players on loan, they expect minutes on the pitch. It wouldn’t have been fair on the player or his club to keep him on the bench.

‘We are monitoring the situation at the moment. The challenge is finding the right player and getting him in through the door, but with the deadline approaching, a week on Thursday, we are trying. There is a bit of plate spinning at times, with a small squad, but we are not the only ones in this division having to do that.’

Alty are home to Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday (3pm), with defender Scott Leather hoping to be fit again".

MORE MOORS' VIEWS

Solihull Moors report that "On a bright sunny day Moors took to the field knowing that anything but a win would realistically put their play off hopes in the hands of the other protagonists, whilst their visitors, smarting from an embarrassing mid week defeat by Harrogate still had games in hand over their rivals at the top of the table.

On eight minutes Junior English found himself one on one with keeper Coburn following a gift from Marshall but the Moorsman shot wide... On 22 minutes Dior Angus' free kick from 20 yards was tipped round the post following Moult’s yellow card for a foul on Taundry. Six minutes later Moult hacked down Darryl Knights for an even worse infringement but referee Johnson decided a stern telling off was more appropriate. His manager substituted him almost immediately..

Then suddenly it was Altrincham attacking in waves; Walshaw found Clee whose shot hit the cross bar. Clee then turned provider to Lawrie who just cleared the bar, and in the last minute of normal time it was Walshaw lobbing Singh only to see the ball hitting the bar and safely out of play. In the second minute of added time Walshaw was fouled from behind just outside the 18 yard box and Lawrie put in a superb free kick which met Marshall’s head for an unstoppable goal with the last touch of the half to send the visitors in at the break 1–0 up...

Exodus Geohaghon's long throws were causing problems for the visitors defence but the final touch in the box was eluding the Solihull attack... Altrincham frustrated Solihull with possession near the corner flags... Despite giving their everything in the four minutes of added time Moors could not break through".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Also any child under 16, accompanied by the mother, will be allowed in FREE OF CHARGE (maximum of 2 children). And every mother will be given 2 packets of CHEWITS FRUIT MINI WHIPS for their children.

The Seagulls are enjoying a good season under manager Frank Sinclair and are hoping to get plenty of support for their push for the play-offs.

The Mums for Free follows the success of the St David’s Day promotion for the home game against Barrow on March 1st in which David’s, Dewi’s and Dafydd’s were given free entry!"

In the Cambridge News we read that "Histon have confirmed they have reached a 'verbal agreement' with majority shareholder Angelo Dama which moves them a step closer to survival. Dama, who owns 31% of the club’s shares, had initially been unwilling to agree to the transfer of his holding which would allow the board to push ahead with restructuring plans.

However, the parties have now struck an agreement which would aid in helping secure the long-term future of Histon.

A statement posted on the club’s website said... 'With the agreement of the remaining majority shareholders, this will see the club’s ownership move closer to being back in the hands of its supporters. The Stadium Sponsor will remain with Glass World for the next five seasons but the task remains to secure funding for the remainder of this and future seasons.

“The Board would like to go on record to thank Mr Dama for his co-operation in making the future viability of Histon FC possible. The Board would similarly also like to thank all of the major shareholders for their co-operation and commitment in finding a suitable resolution for the future of the Club.”

The club still need to find £40,000 to see the season out and work is ongoing to source that funding".

At Boston United, "boss Dennis Greene has snapped up two midfield players... Histon's Jay Dowie (22) and free agent Junior Konadu (27), formerly of St Neots Town and Macclesfield Town, have put pen-to-paper... Dowie made 96 appearances for Histon after progressing through the ranks at the Glassworld Stadium while Konadu played under Greene at St Neots".

More comes from the Boston Target to the effect that "Devout Christian Junior Konadu says God gave him the confidence to join Boston United. The midfielder made his Pilgrims' debut as a second-half substitute during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Oxford City, and his introduction certainly helped United gain a foothold during what was a sub-standard performance.

Konadu played under United boss Dennis Greene at St Neots, helping the Cambridgeshire club to back-to-back promotions. The 27-year-old is based in east London, near Upton Park, the home of West Ham United, and he admitted he required some spiritual guidance before accepting Greene’s offer".

According to NL Pitchero, "Gloucester City have signed 24-year-old defender Matt Roome on dual registration forms with Gresley FC. Roome is a former Aston Villa trainee who joined Gresley from neighbours and league rivals Mickleover Sports. Capable of playing at full-back or in central defence, he made his debut for the Moatmen in August 2012".

Also from NL Pitchero, we learn that "Worcester City say they won’t be implementing any cost-cutting measures to plug the gap left by the Careys New Homes sponsorship deal. The Wembley-based property firm, which is redeveloping the club’s former St George’s Lane home for housing, pumped an annual £62,500 into the coffers for three years. But the final payment came in December, meaning City will have to find other ways of making the books balance in the future.

Although the state of the Blue & Whites’ finances have not been disclosed, with an annual general meeting planned before the end of the season, it is thought they are in decent shape.

Around £50,000 was generated through the £100 season-ticket offer last summer to help the transition to Aggborough and a similar scheme is being considered for the 2014/15 campaign.

A club statement said, 'The club does not underestimate the challenge posed by the loss of this major sponsorship money but is planning to move into next season without it. Although budgets have not yet been set, the club does not, at this stage, anticipate having to implement cost-cutting measures to compensate for this loss... If ultimately necessary, the club could accommodate any resultant losses in the short term, although it will be making every effort to ensure any such losses remain at a minimum'.

It continued, 'The club is currently looking at ways of increasing its revenue streams and this includes exploring additional sponsorship opportunities'...

City are also set to announce a fans’ forum in the near future to outline plans for next season, when they are expected to remain at Kidderminster Harriers, and progress with the Worcester City Supporters’ Trust proposal for a stadium off Bilford Road, Perdiswell".

PLAYER LANDMARKS

When Nicky Clee next plays for Altrincham, it will be his 200th appearance. He has started 171 games and been a used substitute on 28 occasions. Whilst with Altrincham he has scored 26 times. Only Stuart Coburn (632+1 appearances) and Shaun Densmore (241+6) have played more games for the Club than Nicky, who was signed from Hyde United on 17 July 2009.

As the above figures show, another landmark is due in three matches time, when Shaun Densmore should complete 250 appearances for Altrincham FC.

Right: Nicky puts everything into a long throw at Solihull, last Saturday.

BOOK NOW FOR TRANMERE

OLD BOY

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE

NEXT VISITORS

On the game, Gainsborough Trinity report that "In a end-to-end match, Trinity secured a point as they twice came from behind to ensure a share of the spoils. The game started at a blistering pace with Gloucester scoring after only 6 minutes...

Trinity weren’t behind for long as they forced a corner on 12 minutes, which Johno Williams floated in to Jono Margetts to head home and grab his fourth goal for the club....

The ball broke to Simon Russell just inside the Trinity half, he played a perfectly weighted ball into the channel for Margetts to run onto and easily... Trinity’s lead lasted only 6 minutes, as on 22 minutes, a slip by Callum Howe from a floating cross allowed Connor Waldon to knock the ball past a helpless Barnes.

The low point of the afternoon was on 37 minutes when Dom Roma went down and had to be replaced by Adam Martin. This left Callum Howe as the only recognised first choice defender in the Trinity back four.

The second half started well for Gloucester, who after a mixup in the Trinity box following a long throw once again took the lead after 48 minutes... As Trinity pressed, Jono Margetts earned the home side a penalty as he was tripped. Simon Russell calmly stepped up and slotted the ball home after 81 minutes...

The final 5 minutes of the match were all Trinity as Caine Winfarrah, Curtis Bateson and Jono Margetts all caused trouble for the Tigers. The best chance fell to Ash Burbeary as Caine Winfarrah jinked his way to the byline and found the Trinity man. He couldn’t direct his header and it went safely past the post in stoppage time.

Trinity: Phil Barnes, Dom Roma (Martin 37’), Michael Leary, Liam Davi (Winfarrah 62’), Callum Howe, Tom Davie, Simon Russell, Johno Williams, Jamie Wootton (Burbeary 59’), Jono Margetts, Curtis Bateson; Subs: Caine Winfarrah, Ash Burbeary, Josh Batty, Josh Lacey, Adam Martin".

From the other side, Gloucester City say that "City earned a hard-fought point in an enthralling game away to Gainsborough Trinity, with only a late penalty denying the Tigers a third win in a row. Simon Russell’s dubious late spot-kick nine minutes from time shared the spoils". Bulls' News reports that "Kidderminster have loaned out a second of Andy Thorn's four signings with midfielder Santiago Aloi joining Worcester".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The Avenue manager commented, 'It was a fair result. I thought both sides both had their best chances in injury time'..

For the game, Deacey admitted he changed the tactics of his team to cope with Town. 'They were good performances, (Jamie) Pricey was excellent and the two up front worked hard. We changed the system by putting three at the back and we packed the midfield and it seemed to work for us... Simon’s (Weaver) done a great job and they are building an excellent side. If they get in the playoffs they could do very well'.

Looking ahead, Deacey is hoping to welcome back the influential duo of Alex Davidson and Nicky Boshell from injury shortly. 'We only have about 15 players available, but Alex is about two weeks away and Nicky is a week away, which is good news". BPA visit Alty on 26 March.

The play-off dates for Skrill North this season are as follows:

• Semi Final 1st leg: Wednesday, 30 April 2014
• Semi Final 2nd leg: Saturday, 3 May 2014
• Final: Saturday, 10 May 2014

SOLIHULL MOORS 0-1 ALTRINCHAM

After the Moors had enjoyed some pressure midway through the first half, Altrincham twice hit the bar and then went ahead in the final moments of first-half added time.

Match report here

Above: Stuart Coburn puts (no.9) Dior Angus's freekick out for a corner.

TRANMERE LINE-UPS

Last Wednesday, Tranmere Rovers Reserves drew 2-2 with Southport and won 5-3 on penalties to reach the Liverpool Senior Cup Final, fielding a side comprising:

Mooney, Morris, Gumbs, Boland, Horwood, Kirby (Shaw 59), Power, Rowe, Jago, Riley, Stockton. Unused substitutes: Ramsbottom, Moynes".

OLD BOY

NEXT LEAGUE OPPONENTS

Two first half strikes by the Hull City loanee saw Trinity heading in at half time at 2-2. But a goal two minutes after the break for the visitors appeared to have given them all three points.

However, 10 minutes from time, the 20-year-old won a penalty after tempting Matt Coupe into a clumsy challenge in the area. Simon Russell stepped up to earn his side a deserved Skrill North point....

Trinity’s day became worse after 29 minutes when make-shift centre half Dom Roma pulled up and had to be replaced by Adam Martin. The second half brought a disastrous start for Steve Housham’s side. Just three minutes in Gloucester were in front again with Jordan Goddard firing the ball past Barnes from 10 yards, with Trinity looking fragile at the back...

Housham made two changes to his side with Bearbury coming on for Wootton and Winfarrah coming on for Davis... Trinity’s pressure paid off after 80 minutes when Margetts was brought down by Matt Coupe and the referee pointed at the spot. Simon Russell stepped up to give his side a deserved equaliser.

Gainsborough Trinity: Barnes, Roma (Martin 29) Davie, Howe, Leary, Williams, Wootton (Bearbury 58), Russell, Davis (Winfarrah 61), Bateson, Martgetts; subs: Batty, Lacey".

SATURDAY GATES

Right: Carl Rodgers goes up for an aerial ball at Solihull.

Attendances on Saturday were:

• AFC Telford United v Histon 1,607
• Boston United v Oxford City 1,023
• Bradford Park A v enue v Harrogate Town 371
• Colwyn Bay v Hednesford Town 322
• Gainsborough Trinity v Gloucester City 459
• Leamington v Barrow 548
• North Ferriby United v Worcester City 333
• Solihull Moors v Altrincham 438
• Stockport County v Guiseley 2,764
• Vauxhall Motors v Stalybridge Celtic 227
• Workington v Brackley Town 314

SKRILL NORTH SATURDAY FIXTURES

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

Sunday 23rd March

SATURDAY SCORES

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

JOE RETURNS TO MORECAMBE

IN MEMORY OF KEITH

By way of a tribute to Altrincham FC's former catering manager supporter, the late Keith Davey, the snack bar at the away end at the J. Davidson Stadium has been named the "Keith's Snack Bar", as is shown in the adjacent image.

LEE'S VIEW OF THE HARROGATE MATCH

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

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...

He was released by Forest Green in January and was quickly snapped up by Worcester to provide competition for Jose Veiga. Having also brought in midfielder Darren Mullings from league rivals Gloucester City, Ford revealed that both players will go straight into the squad for tomorrow's trip to Boston United".

Elsewhere, we read that "Darren Mullings has departed Gloucester City to sign with rivals Oxford City. The midfielder, who has played 136 times for the Tigers, scoring 28 goals, leaves the club after a four-year spell when he signed from Weston-super-Mare.

City manager Tim Harris is disappointed that Mullings has left the club but understands the reasoning why... Said Harris, 'I am disappointed he has left the club, especially to one of our relegation rivals but I fully understand that with a young family he couldn’t turn down the financial package they have offered. From our point of view we will continue to pay what we can afford and look at increasing the clubs revenues as we strive to progress'".

The Conference also reports that "Histon have extended the loan signing of Will de Havilland from Millwall until the end of the season. The 18-year-old defender originally joined the Stutes on a youth loan from the New Den at the beginning of February having previously been on similar terms with ground tenants Cambridge City... It was the recommendation of former Histon manager David Livermore, who is now coaching with Millwall’s youth team, which saw Stutes` boss Brian Page originally move for the centre-back".

Also, "Following the loan signing of Jake Gosling from Exeter City earlier this week Tim Harris, manager of Gloucester City, has now taken young midfielder Joe Hanks on a month's loan from landlords Cheltenham Town. Loacally-born Hanks is expected to make his Tigers debut at Gainsborough Trinity tomorrow alongside Gosling as a direct replacement for Darren Mullings, who has moved to league rivals Oxford City.

Hanks, 19, has made one substitute appearance for the Robins and has recently enjoyed a successful loan spell with neighbours Bishop's Cleeve."

At Boston United, "Boss Dennis Greene has snapped up two midfield players ahead of Saturday's Skrill North fixture against Oxford City. Histon's Jay Dowie (22) and free agent Junior Konadu (27), formerly of St Neot's Town and Macclesfield Town, have put pen-to-paper to become Greene's latest recruits.

Dowie made 96 appearances for Histon after progressing through the ranks at the Glassworld Stadium while Konadu played under Greene at St Neot's".

FIT SQUAD

ALTRINCHAM 1 HARROGATE TOWN 3

• Match report here.
• Radio Robins' commentary, including half-time interviews with Keith Edleston (manager) and Heather Scott (captain) of Altrincham F.C. Ladies are here.
• Alty TV has highlights of Tuesday's Altrincham v Harrogate Town game, here.
• Harrogate Town have a match report here.

DEASY SIGNS FORMS

Deasy, 28, started out with Macclesfield Town where he played three times in the senior side before being released in the summer of 2006. He joined neighbouring Stockport County but failed to make a first-team appearances for the Hatters and left at the end of the 2006/07 season.

He joined Barrow AFC in August 2007... He played a major part in Barrow's promotion-winning season from the Conference North and in the Bluebirds` two seasons in the Conference Premier, he was in and out of the team, but totalled 93 games for the club before leaving Holker Street at the end of the 2009/10 season.

He signed for Gateshead on an initial three-month deal in August 2010 and had that deal extended until the end of the season. After making 55 appearances for the Tynesiders, Deasy was released by in April 2012 and signed for Bradford Park Avenue.

He left the club in April 2013 and joined Vics".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

It follows the recent collapse of talks with a consortium of local business people who wanted to assist with the running of the football club, but felt they could not do so due to the complex governance of the organisation.

The meeting will be an opportunity for those shareholders who are no longer directly involved in financing the football club to assist the Board in tidying up the balance sheet. It would clearly be beneficial if a significant number of those shareholders would commit to relinquish their stakes, in order to clear the way for new investors.

The meeting is scheduled to take place within the next fortnight, and the club will inform supporters of any decisions taken".

Meanwhile, "Bradford Park Avenue have announced the departure of striker Danny Glover. The 24-year-old joined the Avenue in January 2014 and made six appearances plus one as a substitute, scoring two goals.

Avenue manager John Deacey praised the striker for his contribution and his character, 'I would like to thank him for all his efforts for the club... You couldn’t meet a nicer guy. I’d love to keep Danny Glover here, but I’ve got to make difficult decisions with the budget and help protect the club'".

The Conference also says that "Dennis Greene, manager of Boston United, has signed a new two-year contract at The Jakeman`s Stadium, extending until the end of the 2015/16 campaign...

Reflecting on the decision to award Greene a new deal, United vice-chairman Neil Kempster said, 'We have been thoroughly impressed by the work Dennis has done in turning the team into genuine promotion contenders from a side that finished near the bottom of the table last season...

With any manager it is all about ensuring we are progressing in the right direction. Dennis is fully committed to the job and has applied himself very well to the role so far... Whether or not we are successful in achieving promotion this season, we believe Dennis is the man to lead us forward and giving him this new contract will allow him to start planning for next season and beyond.'"

Pitchero Non-League tells us that "Gloucester City have taken winger Jake Gosling on loan from Exeter City until the end of the season. The 20-year-old midfielder has played three times in the Grecians’ first-team this season...

He also has previous experience of non-League football, having been on loan with Conference South side Dorchester Town for three months during the 2012/13 season".

The EvoStik League reports that "Hot-shot Aaron Rey has returned to Marine for the third time to bolster the club’s attacking options in the run-in to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League campaign. The 31-year-old signed for manager Phil Brazier on Thursday night following the recent demise of Vauxhall Motors...

Ray was at Hednesford, pictured, and Witton Albion after leaving the Arriva Stadium at the end of the 2011-12 campaign before signing for Vauxhall where he kicked off his career".

Another consequence of Vauxhall Motors' voluntary demotion is that "NPL promotion-chasers Warrington Town have signed prolific goalscorer Shaun Tuck from Vauxhall Motors. The 27-year-old former Skelmersdale United and Witton Albion marksmen, has been signed to strengthen Warrington's striking options".

Also, "Vauxhall Motors chairman Alan Bartlam has revealed that the club would have resigned from the Skrill North far sooner....had it not been for its famous 2002 FA Cup run...

Bartlam cited the financial difficulties in maintaining a semi-professional football club on meagre resources as the reason behind the decision, which has left all players and coaching staff needing to find pastures new for next season.

The Motors chairman said that... 'The money from the FA Cup run in 2002 kept us going for quite a few years and this decision would have been made some time ago if it hadn’t have happened', said Bartlam. 'This was a decision that wasn’t taken lightly. This is a club I hold dear and the reason for making the decision was to ensure that we keep the club going and are able to run all the other senior and junior sides in the community'.

Bartlam revealed that it costs the club around £800 to host a home game and that low crowds make it unfeasible to run a side at such a high level. 'The economic reality is that if we had 350 people coming through the gates then we would be okay', said Bartlam.

'The reality is that we have 150 to 200, and with all the costs that come with putting a game on, this is a decision that we have been heading towards for some time. It is the senior side that is the drain on income... When we get our financial situation straight, we wouldn’t rule out making a comeback in a few years'.

Bartlam took the time to hail departed Carl Macauley as ‘one in a million'... claiming that there is ‘nobody else in football’ who could have done what he has with such little resources. 'In my opinion, we have had the benefit of one of non-League football's greatest managers at this club', said Bartlam.

'Carl has done an unbelievable job on a shoestring budget. We will all be disappointed to see him go, but thoroughly understand his position... He worked miracles with such little money'.

Macauley, who played for Motors in the West Cheshire League in the mid-1990s, was appointed Vauxhall manager for the first time back in January 2006... After leaving Motors in June 2011 for a full-time post with Liverpool FC’s academy sides, Macauley returned in November of that year...

Added Bartlam, 'Every season he managed to put together a side that has been competitive in the Conference North against clubs who have much larger resources than ours'... Assistant-manager Anthony Wright and coach Gary Martindale will take charge of the first-team for the rest of the season".

In the the NW Evening Mail, "Paul Casson admits he still faces a ‘massive’ task to gain control of Barrow AFC and has urged all club members to vote on his buy-out proposal to aid his cause. Bluebirds fans gathered at The Forum to meet prospective club owner Paul Casson on Monday night

The former Barrow Grammar School pupil, who runs a telecommunications service provider firm in the US, was buoyed by the general positive response he received from fans... But a Barrow source confirmed to the Evening Mail that, in order for Casson’s takeover deal to go through, at least 75 per cent of club’s entire membership body, understood to consist of around 450 supporters, must vote in favour of approving it...

Casson responded 'I think 75 per cent of a vote in favour of anything is almost unheard of. In 25 per cent you can find people who are apathetic, never mind people who might actually be against it. It’s a big ask. But, actually, the good thing is it will require everybody to be for it, for it to go forward – in terms of the board, the fans, the members, public opinion, in terms of everything'...

It is understood that the voting arrangements, apparently shaped by Company Law and therefore out of the club’s control, mean that if less than 75 per cent of the total number of members take part in any future ballot then Casson’s takeover bid cannot succeed as the ‘yes’ vote will naturally fall under the high required approval threshold...

'It’s very important to vote – it would be a shame if 50 per cent of the members voted and they all voted ‘yes’ (in favour of the takeover)', added Casson. 'Or, even worse, if 70 per cent of the membership voted ‘yes’ and just 30 per cent didn’t bother to vote, it wouldn’t pass'...

Casson outlined his takeover deal and vision for the club at Monday’s meeting, which was attended by between 450 and 500 fans. During the two-hour session he discussed a range of issues, including the make-up of a newly-formed board of directors and his ambition to lead the club back into the Football League.

Reflecting on the well-attended event at The Forum, Casson said... 'It was very positive, it was exactly what we wanted... The fact that around 500 people showed up at The Forum on a Monday night just to listen to me, I think it’s incredible'".

ALTY PRESENCE IN TANZANIA

Many Altrincham FC regulars will know longstanding supporter and matchday programme seller, Terry Surridge. He has sent the website the accompanying photo of his eldest son (Rev. Jonathan Surridge), accompanied by two Tanzanian priests. They are (left) Rev Paul Mahiza and (right) Rev Martin Kadama, both resplendent in their Altrincham shirts. Terry writes that "They accompanied Jonathan during his visit to Tanzania to further the link between the dioceses of Leicester and Mount Kilimanjaro and Kiteto.

As Jonathan was taking a selection of football shirts with him, I couldn't miss the chance to introduce Alty to the schools and churches visited. The red/white shirt was Dale Johnson's, which turned out to be the prized shirt of the collection"!

OLD BOY

And the BBC adds that "Duncan Watmore's return from injury was the only positive Hibernian manager Terry Butcher could muster after a 0-0 draw away to Inverness Caley Thistle.

The on-loan Sunderland winger had missed Hibs' last four games. 'The only highlight for us was Duncan Watmore's performance', Butcher told BBC Scotland. 'He only lasted about 60-70 minutes, but he'll get better and stronger. He's just back from injury. So that's exciting'...

Hibs have slipped four points behind the Perth side in the race for sixth spot in the Premiership".

ALTRINCHAM 1 HARROGATE TOWN 3

WEDNESDAY GAME

SATURDAY FIXTURES

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

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The Bucks have made fantastic progress on the field this year amidst very challenging economic circumstances but, despite this, are making a strong challenge for promotion straight back to the Conference Premier under the superb guidance of Liam Watson.

Chairman Ian Dosser said, 'We are very pleased with on the field progress this season and delighted to be in the running for promotion to the Conference Premier. We are challenging at the top of the league and just ahead of our two points a game target. This is huge credit to Liam and team who have been supported superbly by our fans, sponsors and partners.

When we consider the mood around the club and the direction of travel this time last year, to have gone some way to re-igniting that special atmosphere around the club and to be so close to making amends for the relegation in 2013 is a huge credit to everyone'...

Dosser explained... 'There will need to be an increase in season ticket prices but.... last year we rolled back adult admission prices to 2010/11 levels and slashed admission for under-19s and under-8s. The club has cut operating costs to the bare minimum'...

Chairman of AFC Telford United Supporters' Trust, Michael Frater, commented, 'As the Trust Board of a wholly fans'-owned club, our first priority is to play fair by the fans. But if Liam and the lads pull off promotion at the first attempt no one wants a repeat of the last two seasons which affected the morale of everyone involved with the club. It affected morale so badly that nearly 500 fans have stayed away this season despite our growing success.

So... the Trust Board has worked very closely with the Board of Directors to try to strike that difficult balance that will allow us to compete in the Premier without the backing of a rich owner but is also fair to the fans...

In looking at the budget for next year we have recognised that most of our fans have been badly affected by the recession and the slow recovery. So we are looking at further cost reductions at the club, raising at least an extra £20,000 of commercial income and at some radical new ways of raising extra money for the playing budget. By doing all this we aim to be amongst the lowest prices in Conference Premier if we get promoted'".

NL Pitchero confirms that "Loanee Gary Mills’ spell with King’s Lynn Town looks set to be cut short due to a long-standing knee problem.

The Boston United midfielder has played through the pain since injuring himself on his debut against Grantham Town in September. But boss Gary Setchell admits it’s now time for the 32-year-old, who missed Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Blyth Spartans, to get the issue sorted in time to make a comeback next term.

Lynn’s manager said, 'Millsy has been trying to get himself fit but he’s been playing with a sore knee and taking anti-inflams to get through games. He did see a different specialist and he was told to give it four to five weeks, and the only way to get him fit was to play. But it looks like his season is probably over'...

Setchell said, 'He’ll go away, get what’s need[ed] to be done... and we’ll see where we are with him next season'".

ALTRINCHAM 1 HARROGATE TOWN 3

However, a fine Alty move ended with Reeves converting Clee's cross from the left for the equalizer after 41 minutes. That was to be as good as it got.

Six minutes after the break Richman, in attempting to block, saw the ball rebound to Hall who rounded Coburn to score from right of goal. It became 3-1 when a ball up the middle set Nelthorpe free to lob Coburn after 69 minutes.

Alty could have few complaints; they were beaten by the better side

Match report to follow...

ALTRINCHAM 1. Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (capt), 3. Adam Griffin, 4. Carl Rodgers 5. Gianluca Havern, 6. Scott Leather, 7. Simon Richman, 8. Jake Moult, 9. James Walshaw, 10. Damian Reeves, 11. Nicky Clee. Subs. 12. Tom Marshall, 14. Matt Doughty, 15. Joe Mwasile, 16. Kyle Perry, 17. James Lawrie

SUPPORTERS' TRANSPORT TO TRANMERE

MIDWEEK GAMES

• Altrincham 1-3 Harrogate Town
• Gainsborough Trinity 1-4 North Ferriby United
• Guiseley 2-0 Stockport County
• Leamington 0-1 Vauxhall Motors

Wednesday 12 March:

• Bradford Park Avenue v Workington

LADIES' MATCH REPORT

Above: Altrincham Ladies, pictured by Michael Ripley, after their semi-final win over Urmston Meadowside.

Following their excellent semi-final win over higher division opposition, Altrincham FC Ladies will meet Crewe in the final of the Cheshire Women's & Youth League, Challenge Cup, to be played at Lostock Gralam FC (behind the Slow & Easy) on Sunday April 27th. Kick-off is 2pm. All support will be very welcome!

Before that, the next fixture in the league is this coming Sunday (16/3/14) when the Ladies are away to Warrington Wolverines, a fixture which was abandoned earlier in the season. Kick-off is 2.00pm.

CHEERS!

Sat 19th - 12 noon till 11.45pm
• Sun 20th - 12.30pm - 10pm (Family Fun Day)
• Mon 21st - 12 noon - 11.45pm

There's loads going on over the weekend; Ladies' football, Youth football, a Family Fun Day, a Race Night and, of course, the End of Season player awards

We are looking for volunteers to help out in the Club Shop, where all the Guest Beers will be served, either helping with the pouring/distributing of beer or taking of the money/selling tokens.

We don't expect you to "man the pumps" for hours on end but, if you can spare a couple of hours on any of the three days, please let me know and I'll add your name to the rota.

Thanks, in advance - put the date in your diary!

Grahame".

BARGAIN BAGS

YANKEE JACKPOT NOW £2,400

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Deacey said, 'Ryan has grabbed his chance with both hands because of injuries and suspension and he has been fantastic. Last Monday was a poor game, a 0-0 draw at home to Vauxhall Motors, but Ryan was a massive plus. He defended really well and showed his leadership qualities. I’ve been delighted with him since we signed him and he has taken to Conference football like a duck to water. I think he has a great future because he will only get better. He’s a young lad and his positional sense is getting better all the time and his confidence is growing with every game he plays'", the manager told the Telegraph & Argus.

Cumbria's News & Star reports that "Sam Smith could lose his place in Workington’s starting line-up if Kyle Brownhill returns to action. As part of the Burnley loanee’s deal, he must play if available, which would leave left-back Smith on the bench.

The Seaton product, who has risen through the ranks at Borough Park, has excelled since making his first start under boss Ian McDonald in last Tuesday’s win over Oxford. Smith has come in for special praise as Reds have triumphed in their last two matches to give themselves hope of pulling off the great escape. Brownhill has missed the last two games, but could be available for tomorrow’s away match with Bradford Park Avenue.

[Goalkeeper] Dan Nizic, whose man-of-the-match performance ensured Reds beat Boston on Saturday, [is] also guaranteed to start under the same guidelines as Brownhill. That means Jonny Jamieson will also be sidelined, unless called on from the bench.

McDonald said, 'Big John didn’t deserve to be left out. He was excellent against Oxford, but as part of Dan and Kyle’s deals from Burnley, they have to play'".

According to the Hull Daily Mail "North Ferriby United boss Billy Heath has urged his players to control their destiny by beating Gainsborough Trinity tonight (Tuesday). A win will see the Villagers climb above AFC Telford to go top of the Skrill Conference North division with both sides on the same number of games. Having seen a floodlight failure cause the first meeting to be abandoned on Boxing Day, Ferriby's game in hand is now crucial with regards to the title race.

Heath knows how important the 'derby' clash is, but still expects 15th-placed Gainsborough to push them all the way... He told the Mail, 'Whatever the result tonight, there is still a lot of football left to be played... It won't be easy at Gainsborough because we have taken a few of their players recently. [Nine ex-Trinity players have moved to NFU]. They are pretty much safe and this will be like a cup final for them'.

With new signings Danny Emerton, Louis McMahon and Josh Wilde all making a useful contribution in the 2-0 win at Histon at the weekend, Ferriby have strengthened their squad in time for the title run-in. Emerton and McMahon both scored debut goals to secure all three points and Heath is pleased to have brought in fresh blood at such a key time.

'It gives us the competition we need for the remaining games', he said. 'They have all settled in really well in the short time they have been here. I knew they had enough experience to do so... Hopefully their arrival can get us over the finish line in first place'.

Striker Anthony Wilson is available for selection after serving his four-match ban while Danny Clarke is a doubt with a hamstring injury. Dean Lisles, Gregg Anderson and Jon D'Laryea are all still absent".

In the Shropshire Star, we learn that "AFC Telford United will be keeping a close eye on North Ferriby United's game in hand and the financial situation at Saturday's visitors Histon.

The Bucks will be knocked off the top, where they have spent 17 days, if North Ferriby take all three points away to Gainsborough Trinity tonight. The Villagers kept up the pace by winning 3-0 on Saturday at Histon, who are due at the New Bucks Head this weekend... The troubled visitors are in financial turmoil, taking away manager Brian Page's playing budget as the club need £40,000 to cover their remaining fixtures.

But Bucks' boss Liam Watson won't let his side show any sentiment to the Stutes, as they chase promotion and the chance to extend their unbeaten run to nine games. He said, 'They will be tough but we have to keep on grinding out results, one game at a time... There’s no point in us looking any further than Histon. What happens to them is their business, we just need to go out and win the game. I would have thought they would finish the season, at this stage. They have a youth team and so on, so I can’t see that being an issue.

It’s the economy, at the minute, so everyone is struggling. People can’t find the money to go and watch matches. The Premier League has killed football and not enough comes down to the lower levels'".

And from Cambridgeshire, the Cambridge News reports that "Histon shareholder Colin Pettit is at a loss to explain why Angelo Dama is putting the future of the club at risk by refusing to give up his shares in the limited that company that runs it.

Pettit, and fellow shareholders, former chairman Gareth Baldwin, John Webster, Paul Pleszko and Paul Brough, have agreed to give up their shares so the club can start afresh financially and attract new investment...

'I don’t know what his issue is', he said. 'The rest of us have agreed to give up our shares. For me, they are of no value. I realise that any money I’ve invested in the club is not going to come back. As far as I know, everyone has spoken to Angelo about this over the last year or so but the board eventually made the decision that they couldn’t go on any further'.

When the current directors leave their posts, it will be for the shareholders to vote on their replacements. Dama is the majority shareholder with 31 per cent, with John Webster 18, Pleszko 17, Baldwin 14, Brough 11 and Pettit six, but every shareholder’s vote will be of equal value.

'Who knows who will step forward to take over?' added Pettit. 'At the moment we really don’t know'. Dama has, so far, refused to comment on the issues at Histon."

SURVEY

CUT-PRICE DRINKS FOR HARROGATE SUPPORTERS

Each Harrogate fan travelling on their official supporters' coach, will be given a voucher, which can be redeemed at the bar for a £1 reduction off the price of a pint of bitter, lager, cider or Guinness or a half-price soft drink".

CHANGE OF DATE

TASC will be running a supporters' coach to this game. Details to follow.

FOLLOW ALTY TO SOLIHULL

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

ALTRINCHAM v HARROGATE: BEFORE THE GAME

Right: Simon Richman in the thick of the action against Workington recently. This excellent image comes courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

The visitors to the J. Davidson Stadium on Tuesday evening, Harrogate Town report that, "Following the hard earned win over fellow play-off chasing rivals Solihull Moors, the pressure doesn’t ease up for Simon Weaver’s men as they head off to the J.Davidson Stadium, home of Altrincham – who also have eyes on a play-off prize...

The first team and staff at Harrogate Town have all clubbed together and paid for a supporters' coach...

The only negative that occurred on Saturday was when we witnessed striker and goalscorer Ashley Worsfold being helped from the pitch by physio, Matt Hall-Naylor. Hopefully Ash will be fine for this game but it may be a start for Michael Woods if the striker can’t recover in time. Captain Shane Killock is also being closely monitored by the medical team at the club, but as we saw, Leigh Franks was a more than able deputy...

Simon has already intimated that it will be the same squad that goes down to Altrincham, but there could be a little bit of tinkering to the starting line-up...

On home soil... they have hit the net 33 times and have the second meanest home defence in the league having only conceded 15 times. Our last match saw us inflict a 3-2 defeat on them at the CNG Stadium... However, Altrincham’s ground hasn’t proved to be a very happy hunting ground for us recently and last season we witnessed the dismissal of goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray and a subsequent 3-0 defeat. This match will be officiated by Mr Steven Copeland, he will be assisted on the night by Mr Yousef Gargani and Ms Elizabeth Simms.

Our matchday computer has forecast that this game will end in a 1-1 draw".

Mike Garnett's reveals the record in all matches between Alty and Harrogate Town:

• At Altrincham P5-W3-D1-L1-F11-A6
• At Harrogate P6-W1-D1-L4-F7-A12
• All P11-W4-D2-L5-F18-A18

ALTY LADIES' GAME

BRACKLEY VIEW

Brackley appeared on course to record a crucial win after David Bridges's long range effort had given the home side an early lead, but late goals from from Damian Reeves and James Walshaw grabbed the points for the visitors and extended Saints’ winless run to four games.

Brady said afterwards, 'We played some fantastic football today and dominated for long spells. But we could not get the second goal and two lapses have cost us. Even at this level, such lapses are punished. We had chances still to draw back at the end but it is just not going our way at the moment. It is very disappointing because we played some brilliant football. We did not get what our play deserved today.

Our keeper has been excellent all season but has held up his hands for the second goal and it was another defensive lapse that cost us their first goal. We have 10 games remaining and have to take the drive and belief we showed today into those games'"

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

'Everyone is affected', he said. 'I definitely think the players will have been, no matter how much they try to block it from their minds. We had a players’ meeting at training on Thursday and I left it thinking we’re going to give this a real go. Then, at 10.30pm, I get the news that on Friday morning I’ve got to tell the players they’re not going to get paid'.

The drama unfolding at the club showed no signs of easing off at the weekend. The board are due to resign at the end of this month after former director and major shareholder Angelo Dama refused to forfeit his shares. He stands accused of blocking any potential investment but he was present in the stands on Saturday and the claims against him did not stop many supporters from greeting him amicably and shaking his hand.

Dama, accompanied by former Histon chairman Tony Roach, declined to make any comment but rumours were circulating around the Glass World that a potential investor is waiting to step in when the directors officially leave their posts in two and a half weeks’ time.

Chairman Russell Hands gave little credence to the rumours, saying it will be down to the club’s shareholders to appoint directors before any financial deals can be agreed. 'If there isn’t a new board, Companies' House can close the limited company (that runs the football club) down', he said. 'Nothing can be done about bringing money in until new directors are appointed and that will be done at a shareholders' meeting'.

The rumours of investment only add to the frustration for Page, who will find out in the coming days which of his players will stay at the club now that it has been revealed that none of them will be paid due to the £40,000 they need to get through the season.

'I will not hold it against anyone if they leave', he added. 'They’re good players that will be able to get more money than what they’re on here. We had the smallest budget in the league and now we have no budget. We’ve gone from £1,800 a week to zero; from a hard situation to what looks like an impossible one. But I certainly won’t stop give in, stop fighting or giving it my all. We’ll keeping going and trying to do our best. To anyone thinking teams will have easy points here, teams will have to work for their points, I can guarantee that'.

And, on the specualation on future investment, he added, 'It’s no reassurance to me because I’ve heard that a million times. In 21 days it doesn’t help us. By that point I might not have any players. So who are we going to give that money to? We might as well pay the scholars then, because they’re the only ones who will be left by that point. If they’re going to put the money in after 21 days, why not do it now?'".

Vauxhall Motors have issued a "Club statement" which says "It is with great regret that Vauxhall Motors Football Club announce the decision of long-serving manager Carl Macauley to tender his resignation from the club, in order to take up a position with Skrill Premier side Chester FC.

After recent developments at the club, Carl agreed to see things through to the end of the season, providing another offer did not materialise. But that offer has now arrived and we wish Carl every success in his new role.

Chairman Alan Bartlam said, 'In my opinion, we have had the benefit of one of non-league football's greatest manager at this club. Carl has done an unbelievable job on a shoestring budget. We will all be disappointed to see him go but thoroughly understand his position and wish him every success in the future. He will always be close to our hearts".

The Club adds that "Assistants Anthony Wright and Gary Martindale will take the club through to the end of the current Skrill North season".

According to the Boston Target, "Stunned Boston United boss Dennis Greene said his side had been 'sucker punched' after their 1-0 defeat at Skrill North’s bottom club Workington. After failing to convert a string of second half chances, the Pilgrims conceded the only goal of the game in the 85th minute after Ben McKenna took advantage of slack defending...

'I can’t believe we’ve come away with a 1-0 defeat', said Greene".

According to the Football Conference, "Gainsborough Trinity left-back Josh Wilde has left the Blues for promotion-chasing rivals North Ferriby United. Wilde had been one of the first names on manager Steve Housham’s team sheet after arriving at the Northolme from Buxton in the summer of 2012.

After an impressive first season with Trinity, the 21-year-old was wanted by county neighbours Boston United last summer, but eventually remained with Gainsborough. However, Wilde has been lured away by the prospect of Conference Premier football with Ferriby".

NL Pitchero says that "Saturday`s defeat to Worcester City not only marked the end of an incredible fourteen-game unbeaten run in the Skrill North but was also the final game in a Barrow AFC shirt for Danny O'Donnell. The 27-year-old centre-back, signed from Stockport County last January, has agreed to move to Australia`s Victorian State League side Ballarat Red Devils in time for the start of their new season on 15th March".

BT SPORT

Bulls' News adds that BT Sport "reports that the Conference games are getting higher viewing figures that their Italian Serie A coverage".

A NON-LEAGUE ODYSSEY

'It’s like I’m cursed', says Jefferson Louis... Louis is a striker, and has just signed for Margate in the Ryman Premier: his 29th different club.

'When I signed for Wrexham, Dean Saunders said, "I wish I had you when you was young. You’d be a Premiership player now". For them to say this makes me think, wow. Something went wrong for me, innit?” It is a number that ties the record of legendary goalkeeper John Burridge.

Louis is 35... The paradox of the footballing journeyman is that you have to be good enough for clubs to keep signing you... In essence, Louis’s train was set in motion by a series of unfortunate events at his first club Oxford. Things started well. He scored the winner in the FA Cup against Swindon, and was captured naked on live television celebrating the third round draw against Arsenal. Aston Villa had a bid of £350,000 turned down. “I didn’t know nothing about that,” he said. “I didn’t have an agent, no one to advise me.”

It was when manager Ian Atkins left for Bristol Rovers that things started going wrong. “Graham Rix came in, and he destroyed me. He said if I didn’t play centre-back, I wouldn’t play for the club again. I said no. There were other teams who wanted to take me, but he said the only place I could go was a team down the bottom of the Conference. So I went to Forest Green.”

The long trek had begun. “It turned out the manager at Forest Green and the manager at Oxford were good friends. He was trying to ruin my reputation... When I went to Woking. I done very well for them, then Atkins came in for me at Bristol Rovers... Then they got rid of the manager, and released all the players... We couldn’t sign for anyone because the window was closed. The only thing we could do was go to lower-league teams to keep fit. That’s why I ended up at Hemel Hempstead, Lewes, Worthing.

I wouldn’t have a lot of regrets in football, but one was working for Steve Evans at Crawley. It was the worst thing I ever did. His man-management is terrible. We’re playing AFC Wimbledon on the Tuesday. After the game he asked my opinion. I said we went a bit too negative. He went mental at me. He started effing and blinding, spitting everywhere. But he asked my opinion. On the back of that he went, "Right, we’ve got a reserve game tomorrow, you’re effing playing". Then he had me in for a week, every day at 7am. Eventually Rushden & Diamonds came in for me. We played against Crawley in a league match, and he was shouting from the touchline, "Kill the b-----d!”

Rushden was his 20th club. 'I enjoyed some good times there... but they had no money. I ended up signing for Brian Little at Gainsborough. This was a mistake. It was a bit of a s---hole. A lot of the players there were tossing it off. That’s when I went to Darlington'...

Louis resumed his career at Lincoln. 'David Holdsworth was a blessing in disguise. I love him. I scored loads of goals, and then come the end of the season the manager had no money. So I went to Newport... At the end of the season, I found a new job working as a teaching assistant in a school, so I wanted to play for a team closer to work. So I was at Hendon until Margate came in for me'...

His voice rises in pitch. Louis is holding back tears. 'I’m just happy with what I achieved. I played international football. I met my idol Thierry Henry. I’ve been back page in a newspaper. That’s what I try and drill into the kids at school. Don’t have no regrets'".

OLD BOYS

He moved on to AFC Fylde in July 2012 and joined Nantwich...in November 2012".

In the EvoStik League, "Leek Town’s dynamic midfielder Anthony Danylyk has been honoured for making more than three hundred appearances for the Blues.... The 31-year-old was presented with a special tankard to mark his recent 300th appearance".

LADIES REACH THE FINAL

YOUTHS COMPLETE TRIO OF WINS

BRACKLEY TOWN 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

Above: Altrincham line-up before the game at Brackley.

Match report here.

The Radio Robins commentary on Saturday's match at Brackley is available here.

Brackley Town report that "Brackley appeared on course to win this crucial clash after David Bridges’s long range effort had given the home side an early lead that they carried through until late on when goals from Damian Reeves and James Walshaw grabbed the points for the visitors.

Summing up the game, Saints’ manager Jon Brady said, 'We played some fantastic football today and dominated for long spells. But we could not get the second goal and two lapses have cost us. Even at this level, such lapses are punished. We had chances still to draw back at the end but it is just not going our way at the moment'.

Bridges gave Saints the lead with a 25 yard shot that deceived keeper Stuart Coburn, this his first goal for the club. The first half saw few chances but the home side was in charge until Altrincham enjoyed a better spell as the break approached with Simon Richman going close, firing his shot just wide.

The second half was fiercely competitive and saw 4 yellow cards handed out to add to a harshly awarded caution for Steve Diggin who went down in the penalty area after a driving run was ended by keeper Stuart Coburn. Brackley could not capitalise on two fine chances mid-way through the half as Stefan Moore’s header was directed wide from Izak Reid’s deep cross and the striker then inexplicably mis-fired from close range after excellent work by Steve Diggin.

The late goals came from substitute Reeves touching home Nicky Clee’s free-kick before Walshaw created space to fire into the top corner. In added time Saints were twice denied but it was just not their day. Deep into added time Diggin’s superbly executed effort crashed onto the under-side of the bar with many believing it had crossed the line before rebounding to two attackers who contrived to obstruct each other’s efforts to force the ball home.

In contrast to last week’s furious reaction from the manager, Brady was composed after the game. 'It is very disappointing because we played some brilliant football. We did not get what our play deserved today. Our keeper has been excellent all season but has held up his hands for the second goal and it was another defensive lapse that cost us their first goal. We have 10 games remaining and have to take the drive and belief we showed today into those games. We have to stay positive. I am the manager and it is my job to do this', said a reflective Brady rueing the run of games with lost points as Saints slip to eighth place".

PONTOON UPDATE

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

New notices will be issued on Monday with the new date and details of issues which need to be rectified.

The club, in place of the planned AGM, will be holding a fans Q&A session this friday at the Cross Bar starting at 7pm. This will be a chance for fans to quiz the board of directors following Paul Casson's open meeting".

BRACKLEY TOWN 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here.

After Saturday's game, Buckingham Today reports that "Brackley Town’s promotion hopes took another huge hit as they slipped down to eighth in the Conference North with a 2-1 home defeat against pre-season title favourites[?] Altrincham.

Saints appeared on course for a vital victory when David Bridges put the home side ahead with a long-range effort, but two late Altrincham goals extended Brackley’s winless run to four games.

Jon Brady’s side had chances to increase their lead, with Stefan Moore missing two glorious second half opportunities, and they almost grabbed a late equaliser but Steve Diggin’s thunderbolt struck the underside of the crossbar and was deemed not to [have] cross[ed] the line when it bounced away from danger.

Leading with seven minutes remaining, Brackley were on course to leap to third in the Conference North and get themselves right back into the mix for promotion, but Damian Reeves pulled Altrincham level before, two minutes later, James Walshaw completed a remarkable late turnaround".

GATES

• Barrow v Worcester City 901
• Brackley Town v Altrincham 390
• Bradford Park Avenue V Colwyn Bay 334
• Gloucester City v Stockport County 328
• Guiseley v Vauxhall Motors 437
• Harrogate Town v Solihull Moors 508
• Hednesford Town v Gainsborough Trinity 556
• Histon v North Ferriby United 304
• Oxford City v Leamington 349
• Stalybridge Celtic v AFC Telford United 517
• Workington v Boston United 397

FIXTURES

Saturday 15 March:

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

NEXT GAMES

Conor Sellars was preferred to Steve Mallory on the right wing whilst Anton Brown was called up in place of Craig Nelthorpe in the heart of midfield. Town were handed an unexpected boost with the news that Solihull hitman Omar Bogle wasn’t in the final 16 for the visitors, as he has been a thorn in our side on too many occasions...

Town hit their stride quickly and with just two minutes on the clock took the lead. A lovely ball fed Rowe and straight away the rapid winger made use of his pace to force a slip out of his marker Jordan Gough... A lovely sideways pass found the onrushing Hall and the big striker steered the ball past Singh from six yards out.

Solihull were finding the direct play of Town hard to handle but slowly managed to gain a footing into the game by closing down the midfield...

Solihull were awarded a way back into the game when Brown was adjudged to have fouled Knights just inside the area... Ryan Beswick sent MacGillivray the wrong way to level the score...

The game was being punctured by petty fouls by both sides and Solihull were perhaps the more guilty of the two sides of wasting them, however Town weren’t much better with their set pieces...

Town did get the second goal seven minutes before the break when Worsfold made a nuisance of himself on the left wing again... and [a] firm shot flew past Singh into the bottom right hand corner...

Brown was having a fine match and his strength was proving to be too much for his opposite numbers to handle. With Brown and Adam Nowakowski pulling strings in the midfield, Town were in control...

Despite controlling the game and seeing it out for all three points, the sight of Worsfold being helped off the pitch by physio Matt Hall-Naylor won’t have pleased Simon Weaver in the slightest. The striker was replaced by Adam Bolder...

Town now make the trip over to Altrincham on Tuesday night knowing that a win in this game could put them square in the middle of this close play-off chasing pack – it’s all to play for!".

The teams were:

Harrogate Town: Craig MacGillivray, Dwayne Samuels, Dave Merris, Anton Brown, Matt Heath (c), Leigh Franks, Connor Sellars (Craig Nelthorpe), Adam Nowakowski, Chris Hall (Joe Ironside), Ashley Worsfold (Adam Bolder), Dom Rowe. Subs not used: Steve Mallory, Michael Woods

Solihull Moors: Jasbir Singh, Michael Nottingham, Jordan Gough, Jay Denny (Alex Dean), Rob Elvins (c), Stuart Pierpoint, Junior English, Richard Taundry (Dior Angus), Darryl Knights (Reece Fleet), Ryan Beswick, Michael Blackwood. Subs not used: Exodus Geohaghon, Darren Acton.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

North Ferriby United already have eight ex-Gainsborough Trinity players on their books and unconfirmed reports suggest that Trinity's Josh Wilde is set to become the ninth such transfer.

OLD BOYS

At Marine, the only goal of the game came from Ashton United's former Alty triaist, Chris Baguley. In FCUM's 4-1 win at Stocksbridge Park Steels, Astley Mullholland was a goalscorer. Meanwhile Ryan Brooke netted for Curzon Ashton.

SATURDAY GAMES

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

BRACKLEY v ALTRINCHAM

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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 & submit your order using the Promo Code "ROBINS".

The commentators are Laurence Howarth and Ian Wilkinson, with match summaries from Brian Flynn. Coverage starts at 2.50pm with the game kicking off at 3.00pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

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.

 

CSC SEMI-FINAL

OLD BOYS

Beesley is vastly experienced, having kicked off his career at Preston North End in 1999 before spells at Chester, Hereford, Forest Green Rovers, AFC Telford, Fleetwood Town, Southport, Lancaster City, Cambridge United, York, Altrincham, Nantwich Town, Hednesford Town, Warrington Town and Sklemersdale United...

Goulding, who felt it was right to promote from within the First Division North club, said, 'Mark is a very experienced player at both Football League and Non-League level. The younger lads in the dressing room really look up to 'Bees' and I believe he can really add to the team in both training and on matchdays'".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

1. The day to day financial position is that Histon FC needs £40,000 to complete its fixtures this season, based on current costs.
2. We have approached major shareholders on a number of occasions to seek additional funding but with the exception of one shareholder, none have provided funds.
3. We have attempted to restructure the limited company in order to seek outside investment. With the exception of the major shareholder, the other shareholders have agreed to forfeit their shares and gift them to the company.
4. The major shareholder owns 31% of the shares in the company and a restructure cannot take place without that shareholder’s agreement.

The Cambridge News explains that "The future of Histon Football Club has been thrown into turmoil after the board announced their intention to resign at the end of the month. All five board members, including chairman Russell Hands, made it clear they were no longer prepared to continue running the club due to ongoing obstacles to further investment.

With a shortfall of £40,000 needed to get through the current season and long-term question marks over the club’s sustainability while competing at Skrill North level, the inability to attract further investment has proved to be too much to bear.

It was revealed during Thursday night’s public meeting, attended by just over 50 supporters, that the main difficulty in securing more funding is the structure of the club’s finances, which sees former chairman Gareth Baldwin, Angelo Dama, AWD Trustees and Primeteam Services Ltd, none of whom are involved in the running of the club anymore, holding 96 per cent of the shares. While Baldwin, Webster, AWD Trustees and Primeteam Services are happy to surrender their shares to help the club secure much needed investment, Dama, who owns 31 per cent, has refused to do so.

The result is a bitter stalemate that could threaten to bring the club to its knees.

'I’m sorry we’ve had to do what we’ve done', said Hands. 'It’s really hard. Every time we talk to any potential sponsors they look at who the major shareholders are and ask "What [do] they do at the club, what’s their input?’" They’re wary of putting any serious money in.

We’ve spoken to various corporations and companies and they’ve gone away and had a think about it and then declined. That’s the problem we have'...

The club’s shareholders have until the end of March to appoint new directors to run the club and failure to do so could result in the club being wound up by Companies' House, however the outgoing board vowed not to abandon the club.

Earlier in the meeting, company secretary Michael Tolond outlined the options facing Histon in the coming weeks. These included dropping down at least one division to a more sustainable level of football, going into administration and reforming as a community interest club with no major shareholders, or to continue trying to run within its financial means.

Tolond said it had become clear to the board that with average gates of 300 and no possibility of securing investment in the near future, to continue as at present would be unworkable.

To make matters worse for the club, members of Histon Independent Supporters Trust have made it clear they will not step in to take over as directors if the shareholding issue is not resolved. 'Members of the HIST board have said they’re not prepared to put themselves in the same position the current directors are in',” said secretary Richard Barlow...

Hands said that dropping down might be the best solution. 'If the club can continue at this level, great', he said. 'But the club has got to be realistic. There’s the cost of maintaining the grounds and the facilities around it and at this moment in time the income stream is not enough to maintain it'.

On a bad day for Histon, manager Brian Page earlier revealed that Lewis Taaffe could be on his way out of the club. 'We’ve had an offer in for Lewis', he said. 'He’s made it clear he would like to talk to the club about that. We’ll get nothing for him as he’s on non-contract terms. Unfortunately, we’ve got no resources so we can’t afford to keep him any more. It looks like if they make him a half-decent offer he’ll be gone'".

And, indeed, NL Pitchero later confirmed that "Skrill South club Concord Rangers have snapped up highly-rated Lewis Taaffe from Histon. Originally a striker, the midfielder-cum-forward progressed through the youth ranks with the Stutes and cemented his place in the senior side during the 2010/11 season... He has also trialled with Dagenham & Redbridge and spent time on loan with Molten Spartan South Midlands Leaguers Colney Heath whilst recovering from his broken foot".

By a curious coincidence, Altrincham's last two fixtures this season are against Vauxhall Motors and Histon.

News of the next visitors to the J. Davidson Stadium comes from the Harrogate Advertiser to the effect that "Harrogate Town’s players have dug deep to fund the supporters’ coach for this Tuesday’s trip to Altrincham. Town have been boosted by large travelling support in their last two Saturday away trips to Histon (gate 291) and Brackley Town (gate 293), after the team’s upsurge in form...

But one point from two games last week, following the 2-1 loss at Colwyn Bay on Tuesday night, dropped Simon Weaver’s side into eighth. General manager Garry Plant said... 'The support we are getting away from home is unbelievable and it just spurs the players on. All our first team players got their heads together and they are going to pay for the next away travel out of their own pockets'.

More than 50 fans travelled south to Brackley Town on Saturday and cheer Town onto a 2-2 draw. Plant said the group were told to be quiet by stewards at the game after complaints by local resident. 'For Harrogate Town fans to be told to be quiet is amusing', he said. 'They never stopped banging the drum. It’s nice that we are now getting that atmosphere on our travels'".

The Football Conference reports that "Gainsborough Trinity have signed winger Tom Davie from rivals North Ferriby United. Released by Hull City at the end of last season, Davie was given the chance to impress Ferriby boss Billy Heath in the summer, although they faced competition for the youngster's signature from Kilmarnock.

Davie, 19, is very adaptable in that he can play left-back or left midfield... Davie left Ferriby to join Scarborough Athletic in September 2013... His loan was extended until February when he returned to Church Road.

Meanwhile, defender Callum Howe has had his loan stay with Trinity extended by Scunthorpe until the end of the season".

The Conference also tells us that "Manager Frank Sinclair has committed his immediate future to Colwyn Bay... In a bid to stop continuing speculation linking him with the vacant Wrexham job, Sinclair has released a statement ruling himself out of the running. 'I'm very flattered to have my name associated with the Wrexham job, but I can now say I will NOT be leaving Colwyn Bay', he said...

Meanwhile, Sinclair has been trying to bring in another player on loan ahead of Saturday's game. The Seagulls` sixteen-man squad has been depleted this week by former Wrexham player Louis Moss deciding to leave".

Pitchero Non-League adds that "Frank Sinclair has agreed a deal to take Theo Bailey-Jones on loan until the end of the season. Sinclair... has signed Bailey-Thomas from Wrexham... Sinclair said, 'He is a lad with a bright future and if we can give him a few games that can only help his development. He has got bags of pace, is very direct and offers something a bit different to what we've got at the moment'".

The Worcester News reports that "Experienced wide midfielder Martin Devaney has joined Worcester City on a deal until the end of the season. The former Cheltenham Town star, 33, will add further experience to the City ranks following last week's capture of centre-half Wayne Thomas.

Devaney can also list Barnsley, Tranmere Rovers and Kidderminster Harriers among his former clubs in a playing career of more than 400 senior games. He started the season at struggling Hyde where he made 11 Skrill Premier appearances.

Worcester manager Carl Heeley said, 'We were made aware of Martin’s availability by recent signing Wayne and, knowing of his capabilities, we had little hesitation in adding him to our squad. He can play in a few positions and the quality he possesses will be of huge benefit to us during the run-in to the end of the season'".

He had a trial at Altrincham but now Stockport County report that "County have chosen to release central defender Adam Cowen and allowed him to look for another club. Manager Alan Lord revealed he spoke to Adam earlier this week and told us, 'I was quite honest with Adam and explained to him that it might be better if I look in a different area for a different type of centre back'".

PLAYER UPDATE

ALTY v STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

Michael Ripley's images of the game are here.

FROM MARACANÃ TO MOSS LANE?

"Troubled by injury and unconvincing form, Fred's stock has plummeted in recent months and worse, he has only games against uncompetitive opposition in the Rio de Janeiro state league (a little like Manchester City or United spending five months of the year playing against Stalybridge Celtic and Altrincham) to prove that he is ready to lead Brazil in the World Cup".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

But he has not played since Chris Wilder succeeded Boothroyd as manager at the end of January. Emerton failed to make a senior appearance for Hull, but had a short loan spell with Alfreton Town as well as Swedish side IK Frej before moving to the Cobblers".

Elsewhere, "Gloucester City have captured the signing of experienced defender Billy Jones. Jones, 30, who lives in Gloucester, has a wealth of Football League experience with Leyton Orient, Exeter City, Crewe Alexandra, Cheltenham Town and more recently Newport County, from where he was released in January... With Jack Harris due to start a three-match ban for his recent sending-off, the timing could not be more welcome.

New City manager Tim Harris said, 'I have known Billy for a while and he did extremely well at Newport County recently when he was there on a short-term contract to cover an injury crisis. Billy has played over 300 League games and, with us to lose the influential Jack Harris for his ban, he will add not only experience but good quality to the squad'".

Off the field, the BBC says that "Gloucester City have agreed a deal to remain at Cheltenham Town's Whaddon Road ground for next season... They have been based in Cheltenham since 2010, having previously shared with Forest Green and Cirencester.

Gloucester City have not played a competitive game at their own home since 28 April 2007... The Tigers are in the process of submitting a planning application to Gloucester City Council to rebuild their stadium on its original site.

'I am delighted to have agreed an extension for a further season'," said Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker. 'It makes very good business sense for the club to maximise its assets in this way and, despite the additional wear and tear, the extra revenue generated is very welcome indeed. The relationship between the two clubs has never been better'".

Gainsborough Trinity "face a mad March as the fixture pile-up caused by the recent bad weather begins to bite. Steve Housham’s men face six games in 21 days, as they look to eliminate the spectre of relegation and push for a top half finish, something that the Trinity boss is adamant the club can achieve.

'We’re going to keep going and look to compete in every game. There are plenty of points available and we’ll fight for every one'. With 13 games left of the season, Trinity are 13 points clear of the drop zone, but know that they face several teams in contention for the play-off spots in Skrill North... tough games against Hednesford Town, North Ferriby United, Altrincham and Harrogate Town...

Add into the mix the visit of Gloucester City, themselves fighting for their lives at the foot of the table, and a trip to Bradford Park Avenue, and March is shaping up to be a crucial month in Trinity’s season.

'It doesn’t get easier for us, does it? We have a run of tough games and we’ve seen against Solihull that sides at the top end of the table get the rub of the green in games', said the Blues' boss. 'It happened for us in previous years. When we were chasing the play-offs, we went to Altrincham and nicked a win when we didn’t really deserve it. You just have to take the rough with the smooth'.

Although the end of the season is in sight, the Trinity boss hasn’t set a points target... 'We’re trying to get as many points on the board and move up the table'. Housham admits that it has been a tough season for the Blues, who have been operating on a significantly reduced budget since the departure of financial backer Peter Swann.

'It has been tough, but we knew it was going to be. I’m proud of the way we’ve battled all season, and you can count on one hand the number of really bad performances we’ve had... You have to remember that we had six defeats in a row to start off with and gave everyone[?] an 18-point head start'.

One of the running themes of the season has been the club’s loan players, who have been needed to supplement the small squad of contracted players. Taking advantage of his contacts in the Football League and Conference Premier, Housham has brought in several players that have made a real impact on the club’s performances, such as Scunthorpe United youngster Jamie Wootton.

'We’ve had to bring these young lads in and they’ve done a job for us. There are times when they can get a bit overawed or physically beaten and, at times, I’ve had to tell them to man up because they’re playing a man’s game now'. The club has also been hit hard by injuries throughout the season, although Housham is pleased that his side are now largely back at full fitness.

'Callum Howe’s head injury isn’t as bad we feared it might be, we just had to take him off as a precaution'".

Solihull Moors announce that "Former Liverpool Goalkeeper Deale Chamberlain is the latest addition to the Moors' squad, the 21 year old shot-stopper joins the club after impressing boss Marcus Bignot, having trained with the first team for several weeks.

Deale, who hails from Tamworth, progressed through Liverpool's Academy and Reserve side before being released in the summer of 2011. He as also been on the books of Atherstone Town, the New York Red Bulls and most recently Worcester City at the start of this season. He will continue his development under Solihull's experienced goalkeeping coach Darren Acton and will provide immediate competition with current No.1 Jasbir Singh for the keeper's jersey."

On Thursday evening Histon were holding a "Shareholders' and supporters' meeting to update everyone on the current financial position".

Harrogate "Town are looking to put a week of disappointment behind them... A disallowed late goal against Colwyn Bay during the week and an annoying 2-2 draw against Brackley Town has seen a little hiccup in the play-off chasing plans...

With Michael Woods stepping up his level of training the management have high hopes that we will be seeing the striker return to action sooner rather than later and his re-emergence could come at just the right time for Simon Weaver’s troops. Unfortunately it looks like left winger Dan Clayton may miss this [Saturday's] match through the injury picked up several weeks ago. However, with Dominic Rowe in excellent form, it seems that the left wing will certainly be covered".

Referring to opponents Solihull Moors, they say "Omar Bogle continues to be their danger man, although he has been relegated to the bench on several occasions recently, but they also have Ryan Beswick, whose 90th minute winner against Gainsborough Trinity this week ensured that the Moors were back in the play-off places come the start of this game".

Colwyn Bay report that "Louis Moss last night left the club to find regular football elsewhere. Manager Frank Sinclair commented, 'It is a big disappointment because he is a top lad and good player. I hoped when we reduced the squad to 16 he would feel more involved, but I see him mainly as a left back and I have not been able to give him the number of games he wanted due to the consistency of Mike Lea'...

Frank is now looking to try and bring in another body to bring the senior squad back up to 16. Louis made 21 appearances for the Bay, mostly coming on as a substitute, but made only seven starts and scored two goals".

OLD BOYS

The Manchester FA have stated that this year they will be implementing a 'kids for a quid' policy for all those under 16 who are accompanied by, and purchase their ticket with, an adult so our younger fans can see the final for just £1".

LEE IMPRESSED BY YOUNG PLAYERS

Above: Five of Alty Youth's team which did well this season in the FA Youth Cup also featured against Stalybridge in the CSC on Tuesday. They were Derek Ubah, Max Pouncey and Rob Gilroy (far left, nos. 5,9 and 11), David Brown (third from right, no.2) and goalkeeper Josh Samberg.

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

"Altrincham are anxiously waiting to discover whether Joe Mwasile will be able to play for them again after the on-loan Morecambe winger suffered a groin injury in the opening minutes of Tuesday night’s Cheshire Senior Cup quarter-final win over Stalybridge Celtic.

Mwasile returned to the Globe Arena on Wednesday to be examined by Morecambe’s medical staff, amid concerns he may struggle to regain fitness before his loan spell expires towards the end of this month.

The setback rules him out of Saturday’s trip to Brackley and comes just days after he underlined his matchwinning potential with a superbly-taken goal against Workington last Saturday.

‘He tweaked his groin, and though he thought it was innocuous to begin with, it has given him a problem,’ said manager Lee Sinnott, after a 2-1 win set up a last-four showdown with Macclesfield or Northwich. ‘It’s too early to say how long he might be out, but he has gone back to Morecambe to have the injury assessed.

‘We should know more after that, but it is a shame, because Joe is an instinctive player, and I thought he was showing signs of that on Saturday. I still felt there were a lot of plusses against Stalybridge. There were four or five young lads in the team who all pushed their claims, and the first-team squad members who played will all have benefitted from 90 minutes under their belts.

‘I thought Josh Samberg looked confident in goal; David Brown I hardly noticed at right-back, which is a compliment, because it shows how steady he was; Derek Ubah grew into the game and the same applied to Rob Gilroy and Max Pouncey.

‘Errors were made, as you would expect when tiredness creeps in, but I was pleased with what I saw overall.’

Alty face a test of their promotion credentials at Brackley but expect in-form winger Nicky Clee to be fit and are buoyed by three straight wins, in league and cup, since returning from a weather-enforced lay-off.

‘There are massive games coming up and this is certainly one,’ added Sinnott. ‘We had a bad day there in the play-off semi-final return leg last season but, don’t forget, we went there in the league and won 1-0. You have to be tough physically and mentally at Brackley, and we were that day. It will require more of the same on Saturday.’"

ALTRINCHAM 2 STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 1

Match report here

Michael Ripley's photos from the CSC match against Stalybridge Celtic are now available on his website.

For their part, Stalybridge Celtic say that "It was a mixture of teams for both sides, with welcome returns to Kristian Platt and Sean McConville for Celtic. Although a win would have been great for Celtic, the loss isn’t massive, as it would have added to fixture congestion at the important end of the season when we have much bigger fish to fry.

Truth be told, Celtic probably edged the possession and the chances but, with Kyle Perry gifted two open goals, there was only going to be one winner.

Alec Mudimu logged the first shot on target of the game trying to skim the ball to Josh Samburg’s right, whilst Obi Anorou should have done better firing tamely into Samburg’s midriff. Jamie Lawrie registered the first shot on target for the home side twenty minutes in, with an almost back pass to Danny East. Adam Parkhouse’s effort lacked power and precision and was fairly comfortable for the home side as the two teams traded chances.

The deadlock was broken when Lawrie’s fierce drive was superbly saved by Danny East, the ball spinning up to Lawrie’s striker partner Kyle Perry to knock into an empty net, but it could have been equal just seconds later when Obi Anorou raced past the ponderous Altrincham defence and unleashed a cannonball that curled away from Samburg and smacked against the post on the way out. He got another chance seconds later, again outpacing the defence, and trying to knock the ball past Samberg who got down well and tipped the ball just past the upright. Amazingly, with the assistant and referee well out of position and huffing and puffing they missed the very good save and gave a goal-kick.

Altrincham started the second half with an absolute gift of a goal. Danny East got down well to block the ball at Lawrie’s feet, but the loose ball was not cleared, but instead rolled to Perry who notched his second of the night.

Celtic were the better side after the goal went in, Tom Buckley’s cracking effort from outside the box bringing a superb save from Samburg, before it was Altrincham’s turn to make a mistake, former Celt, Greg Wilkinson’s lax pass latched onto by Sean McConville who raced towards goal and unleashed a curling, dipping shot that resulted in the goal of the night.

It looked for a moment that Altrincham would restore their two goal cushion when Louis Smith brought Kyle Perry down in the box. Perry took the spot kick himself and struck it well enough, but Danny East pulled out an incredible save to deny Perry his hattrick.

Extra time was avoided when Samberg first saved off a corner from Louis Smith’s low drive after Altrincham failed to clear a corner, and then saved superbly well from Adam Parkhouse. Truth be told, Altrincham could probably do without the fixture congestion the tie away at Tranmere will entail, but with Celtic battling at the other end of the table, leaving the competition is better news than a win. Additionally, it shows the improvement in the past two months as Altrincham probably expected another 5-0 win."

ALTRINCHAM YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Altrincham FC Youth Education Programme team lost 2-0 away to Hyde on an all-weather pitch on Wednesday. Next Wednesday they entertain Harrogate Town.

NEXT UP

At our next opponents, the Brackley Town chairman has issued his latest Chairman's Chatter.

IAN CLOSES GAP ON NEIL

Ian Senior won Tuesday night's pre-match Crossbar Challenge 1-0 to close the gap to 15-17 in his charity contest with Neil Tolson.

MARK'S CAMPAIGN IN THE NEWS

The Manchester Evening News carries an article on Mark Maddox's Motor Neurone Disease Association campaign. This informs us that Mark, despite his Liverpool allegiance, recently appeared on MUTV. Afterwards, the former Alty captain said, 'It's been a busy few weeks but I really enjoyed doing the interviews and the people at Manchester United were fantastic, even though I'm a Scouser', he laughed. 'Trying to raise awareness for a disease not many people know about can feel like banging your head against a brick wall at times. But this campaign has gone beyond all expectations and it is thanks to the whole football family joining together with the MND community.

But, at times, you think this isn't really happening', said Maddox, 'I'd been so fit all my life, playing football. Yet I have ended up with motor neurone disease, through no fault of my own. At the moment there is no cause and, unfortunately, no cure. I hope everyone will get behind the campaign to tackle motor neurone disease together''.

Any club wanting to include Mark's poster (right) in their match day programme can e-mail for more information".

Whilst the MEN is to be applauded for helping the campaign, unfortunately its article is accompanied by a photo, captioned "The left-back", which actually shows Rod Thornley and not centre/right-back Mark.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

As reported yesterday, Vauxhall Motors wish to regroup in the West Cheshire League, a drop from Step Two to Seven in the non-League pyramid. Vauxhall Motors have issued a "Club statement from chairman Alan Bartlam", which says:

"It is with great sadness that Vauxhall Motors FC have tende[re]d their resignation to the Football Conference to take effect from the end of the current playing season.

Vauxhall Motors, like many other football clubs, are confronted with the reality of low gates and ever-increasing costs. This. now unsustainable. position has been going on for several years. despite the tremendous efforts of a dedicated and active committee to try and balance the books.

It is anticipated this season will result in another sizeable financial loss, eating into a legacy of finances that we were fortunate to inherit over a decade ago. And to do nothing would be foolhardy.

As a responsible committee administering a club that was founded over fifty years ago and a club that we would wish to continue for another fifty, with responsibilities beyond the Football Conference, to some thirty teams, youth, junior and ladies, catering for over 400 children within Ellesmere Port and beyond, it has become necessary to withdraw the senior side from the established pyramid.

We have enjoyed nineteen fabulous seasons in that pyramid but now we must restructure, stabilise and rebuild again".

All at Altrincham FC wish the Motormen well and will miss our visits to Rivacre Park.

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

On Tuesday night, whilst Alty played a quarter-final of the Cheshire Senior Cup, Macclesfield Town and Northwich Victoria played a 1-1 draw at the semi-final stage. (Replays are nowrequired by the County FA at the stage, rather than playing to a result). Brian Summerskill, the former Alty midfielder scored an equaliser during the 28 minutes of added time necessitated by a bad injury to the Macc keeper.

John Edwards of the Daily Mail kindly sent us his report, along with an image from Peter Hilton Photography.

"A cup tie involving Macclesfield Town will go down as one of the longest on record after a serious injury led to 28 minutes of stoppage time being played. Macclesfield keeper Ritchie Branagan landed heavily after punching clear a free-kick and was treated on the pitch for nearly half-an-hour, amid fears he may have broken his neck.

After medical staff finally decided it was safe to move him, he was carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance and taken to Salford Hospital, where, after extensive tests, he was allowed home in the early hours of this morning (Weds).

Shaken Macclesfield and Northwich players were still adjusting their thoughts to the Cheshire Senior Cup quarter-final at Moss Rose, when the fourth official raised his board indicating there would be a minimum of 28 minutes added time.

Reflecting on his ordeal, the 22-year old son of former Bolton keeper Keith Branagan, capped at under-21 level by the Republic of Ireland, blamed an unlucky number 13 jersey, as he said: ‘I’m still a bit woozy, but I’m home and, though I need someone to keep an eye on me today, I’m not feeling too bad. Certainly not as bad as it could have been. I don’t remember anything about the incident or about the second half. I hadn’t had much to do in the first half, though, so it came as a surprise to hear the game finished 1-1!

‘I’m told I started to come round as I was being taken to the ambulance, and I started to communicate on the way to the hospital. The ambulance crew were fantastic, and I’m going to invite them to a game as a thank you. I had a couple of scans and x-rays at the hospital, to check there was nothing too seriously wrong, and when they were satisfied I was basically OK, I got to come home at two in the morning.

‘It was great to look on Twitter and Facebook and see so many people sending me their best wishes. It really put a smile on my face, and I’d like to thank every single one of them for their support. It gave me a real boost.

‘The concussion is already easing, and I have spoken to the physio about when I can play again. It’s more of a neck injury than head, like whiplash, and it is very stiff. I’ll probably have to leave it for a while, but I haven’t given up hope of being fit for the replay. I want to get out there again.

‘But I won’t be wearing 13. For some reason, the number one jersey, in the kit we were wearing last night, didn’t fit, so I ended up taking 13. It turns out someone picked up a bad leg injury wearing that same one, so I wasn’t too upset when they had to cut it off me in hospital. I couldn’t move much, so they had to take a pair of scissors to it. It’s in a bin somewhere in bits, so at least it can’t do any more damage!’"

---

5 March 2014

ALTRINCHAM 2 STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 1

Altrincham progressed to the semi-final of the Cheshire Senior Cup as two much-changed sides contested Tuesday night's tie at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Match report here

MIDWEEK SKRILL NORTH GAMES

Monday 3 March

• Bradford Park Avenue 0-0 Vauxhall Motors (att. 232)

Tuesday 4 March

• Colwyn Bay 2-1 Harrogate Town (gate 213)
• Gainsborough Trinity 2-3 Solihull Moors (265)
• Gloucester City 2-0 Histon
• Guiseley 2-1 Leamington (329)
• Stockport County 2-2 Barrow (2,457)
• Workington 1-0 Oxford City (336)

VAUXHALL MOTORS SHOCK

The LIverpool Echo reports that "Non-league side Vauxhall Motors will quit the Conference North at the end of the season in a bid to save the club, the Echo understands.

The Rivacre Park side can no longer afford to run a team in the second tier of non-league football and will resign from league at the end of the campaign. Vauxhall are 15th in the Conference North with 10 games remaining.

Management staff and players were left in shock after being informed of the decision on Tuesday night at an emergency meeting.

And the squad have been told they are free to start looking for other clubs.

The Vauxhall Board hope to save the club, formed in 1963, once their financial difficulties are sorted and then reform for next season in the West Cheshire League. But the move will see a major exodus of players and coaches at the end of the season.

Boss Carl Macauley, who has worked wonders at the club in recent years, will be looking for a new role. However, the highly-rated manager, distraught by the news, is determined to oversee a positive run of results before the season is out".

Altrincham are set to host Vauxhall Motors on Easter Monday.

ALTRINCHAM FC PONTOON

Geoff Morris's update of the Altrincham FC Pontoon Table is here.

---

4 March 2014

ALTRINCHAM v STALYBRIDGE CELTIC: COVERAGE

Brian Flynn advises us that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Tuesday night's Cheshire Senior Cup Quarter Final tie at the J.Davidson Stadium against Stalybridge Celtic.

The match commentary sponsor is Altrincham F.C. Community Sports Ltd, which is the umbrella organisation that manages the club's community activities. The main project for 2014 is the new Community Sports Hall & you can find out all about that at the Community Sports Hall website at www.altrinchamfccsh.com/

The commentary team is Ian Wilkinson and Mike Reeves, with match summaries from Ryan Daly. 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.

Leah and Simon Brotherton 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.

  .

Admission prices are:

• Adults £10
• Concessionaries £5
• Under-16s £2

BUCKET COLLECTION

The TASC Bucket Collection last Saturday raised £54.33, for which the Club is very grateful.

REDS' MANAGER ON ALTY GAME

The Workington manager, Ian McDonald, is the subject of a post-match interview after the game at Altrincham on the Workington site.

LADIES' BIG WIN

Altrincham FC Ladies beat Irby Ladies on Sunday, 9-2, with goals from Tracey Blanchard-Webb (4), Hannah Shufflebotham (2), Sam Briggs, Cloe Allsop and Chloe Brereton. Next up, is the League Challenge Cup Semi Final away at Urmston Meadowside.

Courtesy of Phil Taylor, there is a full report on the game against Irby here.

Manager Keith Edleston adds that he would like to thank Irby Ladies' manager, Rob and his girls, "because whenever we play them they are courteous, friendly and play the game the right way, despite numbers not being available at times. They are a great advert for women's football and how a club should be run and, if Rob leaves at the end of the season to pursue his university and job commitments, it will be a massive loss to the Cheshire Women's and Youth League and to women's football in general".

Right, the Blue Dog player of the match, selected by Ian Langford and Steve Foster was Sue Roberts.

BRACKLEY UPBRADED

Alty travel to Brackley on Saturday from where Buckingham Today reports that "A furious Jon Brady labelled some of his players as 'mentally weak' after their 2-2 home draw with Harrogate Town on Saturday afternoon.

Poor Brackley defending led to both the visitors' goals, with Saints twice failing to clear their lines, allowing Harrogate to take a 1-0 and 2-1 lead, and although Saints did earn themselves a point through Stefan Moore and Brett Solkhon, Brady was left fuming with his side’s poor defending.

He said, 'I thought we gave them the two goals, through our poor clearances and our decision-making in defensive areas, especially from our captain, who side-footed it straight to their central midfielder, then no one’s got out to him to press the ball and he’s allowed to run five yards and smash it into the top corner.

Our awareness of what’s around us, and when to put our foot through it and clear it, is not good enough at the moment. And also our attitude and awareness that, when there’s no pressure on the ball, to know when to get your foot on it and move the ball and play, I feel that we’ve gone a little bit soft. We’re not strong enough or tough enough mentally to deal with it in those situations and we’re giving the opposition the opportunities to score quite easily.

We have had the meanest defence in the league but it’s highly frustrating at the moment. Steve Diggin played really well today but we shouldn’t be in that position. At the moment, we only seem to show some fight when we’re 1-0 down, instead of having fight when it’s 0-0. My wide men, my strikers, my midfielders need to drive at players and be committing people and we only seem to do that when we go behind. That’s not good enough and I feel some of them have gone mentally weak and I’m really disappointed'

Brady also lamented his side’s bad luck having seen several decisions go against Saints in recent games, but he insisted his side must improve to get themselves back on track. He added, 'We are going through a tough spell with decisions at the moment but, ultimately, you have to look at yourself and I feel that we’re not tough enough with ourselves and that’s how we’re conceding our goals; through the poor clearances. We’re just not putting a foot through when we need to or being able to play when you have more time. I feel that all over we have to get stronger.

We’ll speak about it at training. We’ll go through it, we’ll work on it. We’ll work on our clearances and work on being under pressure and without pressure and we have to work on us in forward areas committing people. I think Steve did it quite well today but Izak Reid didn’t play today because, to be fair, he hasn’t crossed a bridge in two or three weeks and we have to get tough with ourselves and be honest with ourselves to get back into a position where I expect us to be, which is in the top three. I’m not happy at all'.

Brady also commented on his sending off on Saturday, adding, 'It’s right under the linesman’s nose, the ball goes out off their player and then he gives the decision their way. Decisions were constantly going against us today so I said it was an absolute disgrace, I shouted it out and the referee decided to come over and have a word and send me off'”.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

NL Pitchero The Oxford Mail adds that "Oxford City have been informed by the Conference they will be deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player. The club confirmed on their Facebook page it had come about due to 'an administration error'... Already in the drop zone, the deduction would see Mike Ford's side drop to second bottom, seven points from safety".

Seven points or nine points from safety? The answer is seven. This deduction would ease the pressure on Stalybridge Celtic and Histon, in particular, who are fourth and fifth from bottom.

And Oxford face a 570-mile Tuesday night trip as NL Daily reports that "Workington Reds will be trying desperately to get back to winning ways at home to Oxford City tomorrow night. The Cumbrians eased back into action after a five-week lay-off with a 2-0 defeat at Altrincham on Saturday". As with Altrincham last month, City arrived at Workington for the original Saturday fixture, only to have it postponed.

"But manager Ian McDonald believes that the way to make a proper fist of a survival battle is to win their remaining home games. 'We have enough matches left at Borough Park and I want us to win those. If we start winning we can run-up a sequence and that will also help us on the road. It’s all down to confidence and it’s remarkable what a couple of back to back wins can do for a team. That’s what we’ve got coming-up now against Oxford City and Boston United.

Obviously Oxford are down there with us but I watched them draw at Barrow recently and they played particularly well. Like ourselves they are fighting for every point'" he told the News & Star.

NL Pitchero tells us that "New Gloucester City boss Tim Harris is ready to bring in new players in his bid to steer the Tigers away from the Skrill North drop zone. The 54-year-old made notes from high up in the directors' box as play-off hopefuls Solihull Moors edged a narrow 2-1 victory, to leave the visitors with just one win from their last ten league games.

'The lads have worked extremely hard and looked very committed but the bottom line is that it’s not good enough', Harris said. 'We haven’t got a lot of time and we have to get results. For all the effort and the commitment shown, they really didn’t create a lot of chances and the goal came from a set-play. It was a great effort but I can see that there is a lot of work to be done'.

The former Newport County Director of Football, who has returned to his home club after a five-year spell in South Wales, saw the Tigers make the worst possible start, conceding an own goal inside 2 minutes. He said, 'It doesn’t really help when you go 1-0 down in the first couple of minutes and you are thinking "What’s going on here?" It’s difficult when you get into a habit; losing is a habit just like winning is, and it showed that they have not won enough games of late.

It is the first time I have seen them of late but I have seen them three or four times this season so it’s not as if I don’t know the characters or the players... We have to grow up, take it on the chin and move on very quickly. I said to the lads that the last thing I want to do is to make wholesale changes but, if I have to, then I will do. They are not a bad side but they need some belief in their own ability and that comes down to confidence and, if you don’t win games, you don’t gain in confidence, it’s a viscous circle'.

City face a crunch relegation "six-pointer" with Histon at the Abbey Business Stadium on Tuesday night."

Closer to home, Stalybridge Celtic "have announced the signing of striker Liam Dickinson. Dickinson (28) was released by rivals Stockport County in mid-February and joins the Celts on non-contract terms. He will not be eligible for tomorrow's Cheshire Senior Cup Quarter Final tie at Altrincham but goes straight into the squad for Saturday's home league game against Skrill North leaders AFC Telford United."

And Stockport County announce that "Founded in 1883, Stockport County has a long and proud tradition and a vast fan base which is the envy of many clubs in the Football League. Stockport County is a business with a £1m turnover, retaining six full-time staff, 22 players and three senior coaches, as well as a large number of part-time back-room staff and dedicated volunteers. We have a thriving Community Foundation, a Supporters’ Club, a Junior Supporters’ Club, a business networking club and a successful lottery operation. Despite playing in the Conference North, County regularly attracts [crowds] of around 3000 supporters.

The Board of Directors wish to deliver a transformational change, with the intention of returning the club to its place in the Football League under our manager Alan Lord, and we now seek a new Chair to drive Stockport County towards this goal. The post offers an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and committed leader with energy and vision. The role requires a mandatory commitment of one day per month to attend Board meetings, but we expect the successful candidate to be a frequent, visible presence working closely with our staff on a regular basis in order to deliver on our vision.

The successful candidate will also be expected to represent the football club on match days, both home and away, and entertain visiting directors and officials when we play our home games at Edgeley Park. This is a voluntary, unpaid position.

The Role:

• Lead the Board in setting the future strategic direction of the club, and support the club staff in delivering the mission;
• Ensure the club operates to the highest standards, maximising impact, managing risk and building better links with the community;
• Be a figurehead for the football club in liaison with our supporters, our staff, our sponsors and relevant external bodies
• Work closely with the team manager to ensure the club has the maximum opportunity to achieve its aims and objectives;
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The Candidate:

• Strong track record of successful strategic leadership and working constructively within a diverse organisation whether in sport, business, public sector or politics;
• Empathy with the mission and values of the football club and the hopes and expectations of our supporters;
• Experienced networker with first class communication, influencing and advocacy skills;
• Ability to bring sound judgement and commercially astute approach to bear on a football club with huge potential.
• A successful track record in business would be welcomed, particularly with regards to increasing commercial revenue and stakeholder engagement"

On the field, "Experienced midfield player Jamie Milligan has today signed for Stockport County as manager Alan Lord continues to reshape his squad. The 34 year old has signed until the end of the season... The former Everton man has played at a host of league and non-league clubs throughout his career including Everton, Blackpool, Macclesfield and Fleetwood, and will add another dimension to County’s midfield.

Jamie can’t wait to get his career at Edgeley Park underway. 'I've had about three weeks off after leaving Southport and I've been itching to get back into it. I've had a few offers and, when I spoke to Alan and Phil Jevons, they were both raving about the club so that was it. I know I've come to play football for a good club'".

We learn from the Boston Target that "Dennis Greene wants Boston United’s burgeoning relationship with Sunderland to continue into next season. The Pilgrims have taken youngsters Liam Marrs, Liam Agnew and David Ferguson on loan from the Premier League side this season, with all three making a positive impact.

Marrs made the right-back spot his own before being struck down by a knee injury which may have ended his season. Agnew has shone in midfield since arriving in January and scored his first goal for the club in Saturday’s 4-0 rout of promotion rivals Hednesford.

Meanwhile, the latest arrival, left-back Ferguson, impressed on debut against Hednesford after signing until the end of the season. United boss Greene has been delighted with the impact the trio have made and hopes to have at least two youngsters from the Black Cats in his squad at any one time next season.

'Next year, I’d like to have at least two Sunderland bodies with us all the time. Then they can travel and stay in the hotel together. We will keep developing them, so everyone feels the benefit', said Greene. 'Every player they (Sunderland) have given us, [has] been first class. Kevin Ball (senior professional development coach at Sunderland) wouldn’t send someone who he didn’t think would be up to standard.

'If you’re a 19-year-old at Sunderland looking to play in the Premier League, you’d like to think you can play in Conference North'.

The United manager’s connection with Sunderland began with former Stadium of Light boss Martin O’Neill, who managed Greene at Wycombe. The now Republic of Ireland manager also took a Black Cats team to play Histon when Greene was in charge of the Stutes. Despite O’Neill’s departure from Sunderland last season, Greene has retained strong links with the north-east club through Ball."

OLD BOY

NL PItchero reports that "Gibraltar lost their first UEFA match at the Victoria Stadium 4-1 to the Faroe Islands, and the stark truth is that it could have been worse. Former Chester FC and Altrincham defender Danny Higginbotham and Wycombe`s ex-Forest Green Rovers striker Reece Styche both started the game, while Wrexham`s Dave Artell and Farsley FC`s Adam Priestley both came off the bench.

Roy Chipolina had put Gibraltar ahead, but a double from Christian Holst, alongside goals from Joan Simun Edmundsson and Hallur Hansson ensured that Lars Olsen’s team recorded their largest ever official victory. Had it not been for a missed penalty by the Faroes, as well as a number of spurned opportunities in the first half, Gibraltar could have been at the end of a much more humiliating scoreline.

Gibraltar afforded the Faroes too much room in the first half especially, and although they could do little about the first two goals conceded, they will still undoubtedly be disappointed in their team performance... Wednesday night sees an even more difficult encounter, against Estonia".

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3 March 2014

SUPPORT ALTY ON SATURDAY!

Altrincham are away to Brackley Town next Saturday (8 March). TASC is running a supporters' coach so please book your place early to avoid disappointment. The times and fares are on the Away Travel page. Bookings can be made by ringing the Club on 0161 928-1045 during normal office hours or in the Robins' Shop on matchdays.

WORKINGTON MATCH VIEWS

Workington say that "Reds showed no obvious effects of the long lay-off until the later stages and by then the game was effectively over. It was a relief to get back on the grass, though, after the unforseen five week break. It was another frustrating performance with the many positives matched, unfortunately, by the negatives.

Yes, we played some good football and moved the ball about efficiently, kept possession, defended well and generally acquitted ourselves satisfactorily creating a few chances in the process. But, and this is where games are won, lacked confidence in the final third and Altrincham always looked capable of recording a rare clean sheet.

Right: Relive the game through Alty TV's excellent highlights (right) and Brian Flynn's post-match interview with Neil Tolson here.

Luck was against Reds when a thumping Kyle May header rattled the crossbar and a stinging Valter Fernandes shot thumped the post. However, we have to be more ruthless and able to deliver that knock-out punch instead of bemoaning our ill-fortune.

Good teams grind out a win when not at their best, Reds somehow manage to lose after putting in a half decent shift.

The break-through goal came after twenty eight minutes via a well rehearsed free-kick, harshly awarded against Anthony Wright. Nicky Clee made the decoy run over the ball but then received the pass from Shaun Densmore. Clee was then unmarked, got beyond the wall and finished superbly with a precision cross shot.

May then saw his header hit the bar and Conor Tinnion was thwarted when his header was pushed to safety by evergreen ‘keeper, Stuart Coburn.

Altrincham secured the points in the seventy fourth minute and guess who delivered the killer blow? Joe Mwasile, who scored for Reds in this fixture last season, netted his first Altrincham goal adding an interesting ‘stat' to his CV. James Lawrie’s cross from the right found Joe on the edge of the box and he finished with aplomb.

Game over.

Valter Fernandes’ shot was deserving of a consolation goal but it was not to be as his well struck effort rebounded to safety off the foot of the far upright...

Ian McDonald’s post match assessment sounded rather familiar. 'We played some great football but were punished by two more defensive errors. Once again, I cannot praise the players enough for their efforts', he said.

Despite keeping Alty’s potent strike force of James Walshaw and Damian Reeves at bay, Reds left Moss Lane empty handed as the winless sequence stretched to fourteen matches."

The Radio Robins commentary on the game is here.

JOAN TEMPERTON

The Sale & Altrincham Messenger reports the death of Joan Temperton, who was a regular supporter of Altrincham FC over several decades. She was also a very active member of the Altrincham FC Supporters' Association. The condolences of Altrincham FC are extended to her family and friends.

LADIES' BIG WIN

Altrincham FC Ladies beat Irby Ladies on Sunday, 9-2, with goals from Tracey Blanchard-Webb (4), Hannah Shufflebotham (2), Sam Briggs, Cloe Allsop and Chloe Brereton. Next up, is the League Challenge Cup Semi Final away at Urmston Meadowside.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

After our abortive trip to Workington recently, where the game was postponed less than an hour before kick off, Alty supporters will be pleased to hear that there is happily no danger of a reoccurrence this Saturday when we go to Brackley as Brackley Town tell us that on the eve of the match against Altrincham they are having a "Clairvoyancy Evening with Jennie Grayson".

Meanwhile, BTFC reports on the Saints' most recent game. "Four fine goals punctuated an excellent game between two strong play-off contenders at a gloriously sunny St James Park. Harrogate arrived as the form team and were immediately into their stride as Adam Nowakowski’s fierce strike gave the visitors a second minute lead only to be cancelled out by a well worked goal created by Steve Diggin crossing for Stefan Moore to head home...

Diggin was a constant threat on the right...

An injury to Harrogate’s Dan Clayton brought Dominic Rowe into the action and it was Rowe who fired in a low shot on 33 minutes beating Billy Turley through a crowd of players to restore the lead as Saints were punished for the second time for failing to clear their lines...

Brackley equalised on the hour as Brett Solkhon scored his third goal in three games firing home from ten yards...

Reflecting on the draw, frustrated manager Jon Brady was both encouraged by some exciting attacking play from his side but disappointed at poor defending that again conceded cheap goals... 'We showed resilience in coming back twice but we should not have put ourselves in that position in the first place'", he opined.

From Buckingham Today we learn that "Play-off rivals Brackley Town and Harrogate were forced to share the points... The visitors twice led - first through a stunning Adam Nowakowski strike and then Dominic Rowe’s fine finish - but were both times pegged back by Brackley...

In an end-to-end contest that swung one way and then the other, a third goal before half-time seemed certain... The goal allowed Harrogate to regain the upper hand...

Brackley: Turley, Clerima, Langdon (Nisevic 69), Sharpe, Austin (c), Bridges, Solkhon, Walker, Diggin, Mulligan (Mills 62), Moore. Subs not used: Towers, Reid, Sherratt... Attendance: 293"

According to Leamington, "The Brakes' Trust will be handing out leaflets asking for comments on WDC's inclusion of the NWG site as one of the potential options for a Gypsy/Traveller site that they are mandated by government to provide within the forthcoming local plan.

The board of directors of the club and Brakes Trust will be meeting in the next few weeks to discuss feedback of supporters' views. Leamington Football Club has been in meaningful consultation with WDC for the past two years and we have always made it clear that we would only consider relocation provided that such a move was beneficial for the club and community.

Those discussions with WDC and third parties have centered around the potential of a minimum 4,000 capacity stadium allied to greatly enhanced community facilities in a more central location".

Tuesday's visitors to Altrincham, Stalybridge Celtic have "announced that central defender Matt Regan has a signed a contract that will keep him at the club until April 2015. Regan joined the Celts from Tamworth earlier this month and has become the first player to commit to the club for the 2014-15 season".

---

2 March 2014

ALTRINCHAM 2-0 WORKINGTON

For Alty, it was a win but not an impressive one.

Match report here

SUPPORT ALTY ON SATURDAY!

Altrincham are away to Brackley Town next Saturday (8 March). TASC is running a supporters' coach so please book your place early to avoid disappointment. The times and fares are on the Away Travel page. Bookings can be made by ringing the Club on 0161 928-1045 during normal office hours or in the Robins' Shop on matchdays.

WELCOME FROM BRACKLEY

Brackley Town have notified Altrincham of their parking arrangements next Saturday. "Brackley Town FC has restricted parking at its ground and, following local residents complaints of inconsiderate parking resulting in police issuing tickets for illegal parking, has drawn up a guide...

Match day parking is set aside for players, officials and authorised visitors including disabled vehicles with remaining parking on a first-come, first-served basis... Brackley Town have introduced a car parking charge of £2 for cars and £5 for minibuses... Disabled vehicles and minibuses should ensure they have pre-booked their places at least 24 hours in advance with the club and arrive at least 45 mins before kick off ...

. Alternative car parking is available in the town centre by the Town Hall with a short five-minute walk down past the Red Lion PH and down Old Brewery Walk; or, in Hinton Road, being 1st left after passing the Tesco /Mercedes GP Roundabout as you enter Brackley off the A43 and pass the Fire Station

All Coaches should enter Brackley from the direction of Brackley South, off the A43/ A422 Banbury Roundabout, and cross over the 1st Roundabout (Tesco / Merecedes GP ) and travel up Oxford Road towards Town Hall... There is a reciprocal[?] charge of up to £20 for coach parking at the ground, save for the team coach, and coaches should arrive before 14.00 so as to minimise any health and safety issues. Supporters' coaches which arrive after 14.15 may be refused access or charged £25 to park.

We look forward to welcoming you to St James Park and hope you enjoy your visit. Postcode – NN13 7EJ St James Park Churchill Way Brackley".

JOSH EXCELS AT OSSETT

Altrincham Youth goalkeeper, Josh Samberg (right), who has been on the first-team bench for three league games this season, made his debut on Saturday for Ossett Town in the Evostik League North Division on Saturday. Josh was "outstanding", according to Town manager John Reed, in a 1-0 victory against Bamber Bridge. Josh was covering for the absence of Ossett Town's regular goalkeeper who was at a wedding.

NEXT GAME

On Tuesday night Altrincham entertain Stalybridge Celtic in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

Admission prices are:

• Adults £10
• Concessionaries £5
• Under-16s £2

SATURDAY FIXTURES

In the Skrill North, Saturday's fixtures are as follows.

Right: James Lawrie competes for an aerial ball on Saturday against Workington.

IAN CLOSES GAP

In Saturday's Crossbar Challenge, Ian Senior closed the gap to 14-17 in the season-long campaign against Neil Tolson for the Mark Maddox Motor Neurone Disease campaign. Ian won the latest instalment 2-1.

OLD BOYS

Old boys scoring on Saturday included a brace for Dale Johnson for Ashton United. Ex-Youth striker Sam Madeley netted Droylsden's goal in a 4-1 defeat at FCUM. Nantwich Town's two goals were scored by Aaron Burns (pen) and ex-trialist Steven Foster. At Burscough, Mark Beesley scored the game's only goal whilst Danny Mitchley's goal helped Kendal Town to win at Farsley.

Nelson "are delighted to announce the signing for former Preston North End striker Joe O'Neill from Ashton United. The 31 year-old former Chester, Altringham [sic] and Bury front man took part in his first training session tonight and goes into the squad to face Widnes at the weekend". Nelson won 8-1 in front of forty spectators with several ex-Robins scoring; Peter Wright (3), Joe O'Neill and George Melling (one apiece).

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

News of our next opponents comes from their last opponents, Harrogate Town, who say that "In a frustrating match at St James's Park, Brackley and Harrogate fought out an exciting draw... Harrogate had a dream start when, within two minutes, the ball was cleared to Adam Nowakowski and he lashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 30 yards.

This clearly rattled Brackley, who soon recovered their composure and levelled matters on 9 minutes; Stephen Diggin drifted out to the right and expertly crossed the ball along the penalty spot for Stefan Moore to head home from close range...

Brackley enjoyed a spell of pressure... but it was Harrogate who were next on the scoresheet... On 33 minutes, substitute Dominic Rowe who had replaced Clayton, shot through a crowded area to restore Town’s advantage... Town should’ve gone further ahead when Matt Heath turned onto Steve Mallory’s free-kick back across goal only for Nowakowski to hammer over the bar.

Brackley made Town pay dearly when two minutes later, MacGillivray parried Gary Mulligan’s cross into the path of midfielder Brett Solkhon who made no mistake from ten yards to equalise...

Attendance – 293"

Tom Fieldhouse has moved to Salford City from Stalybridge Celtic.

The Football Conference reports that "Whitehawk have signed defender Jason St Juste, who was previously on the books at Bradford Park Avenue. St Juste started his career under the guidance of Simon Clifford at Garforth Town and became a graduate of the Leeds Brazilian Soccer School's programme before being spotted by Darlington, joining them early in the 2004/05 season.

After making fifteen League appearances for the Quakers, St Juste went on to play for Southampton and Norwegian Division Two club Sandnes Ulf, returning each off-season to play for Garforth. In February 2011 he signed for Chester FC but left the following May without really making an impression at the Exacta Stadium. He trialled with former club Darlington and Park Avenue before signing for FC Halifax Town in September 2011. He joined Avenue on a permanent basis last summer.

Saturday's gates were...

• AFC Telford Utd 2-1 Bradford Park Avenue (att.1800)
• Altrincham 2-0 Workington (att. 859)
• Boston United 4-0 Hednesford Town (att. 1102)
• Brackley Town 2-2 Harrogate Town (reported as 2-4 in some sources) (att. 293)
• Colwyn Bay 1-2 Barrow (att. 493)
• Histon 1-1 Guiseley (att. 277)
• Leamington 2-1 Stockport County (att. 1038)
• North Ferriby United 2-0 Vauxhall Motors (att. 241)
• Oxford City v Gainsborough Trinity POSTPONED
• Solihull Moors 2-1 Gloucester City (att. 433)
• Worcester City 2-1 Stalybridge Celtic (att. 531)

The Football Conference reports that "Whitehawk have signed defender Jason St Juste, who was previously on the books at Bradford Park Avenue. St Juste started his career under the guidance of Simon Clifford at Garforth Town and became a graduate of the Leeds Brazilian Soccer School's programme before being spotted by Darlington, joining them early in the 2004/05 season.

After making fifteen League appearances for the Quakers, St Juste went on to play for Southampton and Norwegian Division Two club Sandnes Ulf, returning each off-season to play for Garforth. In February 2011 he signed for Chester FC but left the following May without really making an impression at the Exacta Stadium. He trialled with former club Darlington and Park Avenue before signing for FC Halifax Town in September 2011. He joined Avenue on a permanent basis last summer."

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1 March 2014

SATURDAY FIXTURES

Right: Joe Mwasile in action against Workington.

Games on Saturday, 1 March:

1,000 goals have now been scored this season in Skrill North.

ALTRINCHAM v WORKINGTON: COVERAGE

ALTRINCHAM v WORKINGTON: BEFORE THE GAME

Whilst we have been idle since 25 January, Altrincham have managed to play three times but have dropped out of the play-off zone and are currently in seventh position. They won last time out, a comfortable 3-1 home success over Colwyn Bay, with top scorer, James Walshaw, helping himself to a well taken hat-trick.

Walshaw and co-striker, Damian Reeves, have scored twenty seven league goals between them this term; the same number Reds have netted in total!

Ring-rusty Reds will name three debutants on the team sheet with Jonny Jamieson replacing the suspended Danijel Nizic in goal. It will be quite an experience for Jonny whose opposite number, Stuart Coburn, will be turning out for his 629th Altrincham appearance (if selected).

Alex Salmon and Ben Hoskin are also expected to feature but Gavin Skelton, like Nizic, will finally serve the one match suspension which, originally, would have seen them sit-out Reds’ game on 1st February.

Reds, who will wear their green and black outfit, have never lost a Conference North fixture at The J Davidson stadium (only two visits) but are well aware of the task ahead on this occasion."

BARGAIN REPLICA KITS

YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME TEAM

"The Silkmen youngster took on neighbours Altrincham in an entertaining encounter... The visitors took the lead against the run of play after the Silkmen defence stopped in naive fashion after an obvious handball fell to the feet of the Alty player to poke home from close range. 0-1 Alty...

2-1 Silkmen @ half time...

6-1 Silkmen... After some sloppy defending the visitors recorded two goals as the Silkmen defence took their eye off the ball. 6-3 Silkmen. But the hosts were not finished yet... Macclesfield Town 7- Altrincham 3 - Final Score.

Manager’s comments; Paul McGuire, 'I was not expecting 7 goals. Like the previous weeks, we’d talked about how important it is to represent themselves well against local sides, as these are the players from which our boys would be battling for places, contacts and clubs in the coming years. I don’t think in all my years in football I’ve seen two hat tricks in the same team, not even in my Centre of Excellence days... Today was a bit of a surprise result'".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Rob May, owner of Sitting Duck Music and Media, was commissioned to create the signature tune and immediately thought of his hometown Brackley Town fans. He said, 'If they sing as well as they did at the FA Cup match at Gillingham earlier this season they will be fantastic. I was at the match and they outsang the Gillingham fans. They are great singers and we are after people who are used to singing at a football match'.

The exact details of the tune, the melody and words are top secret. Any fans who take part in the recording will have to sign confidentiality agreements. Mr May could not tell the Advertiser which UEFA competition the theme would be used for but did say it is ‘a recognisable tune’. He said, 'We will record them quite a few times and layer up the recording so, in the end, they will sound like a crowd of 10,000'".

According to the Football Conference, "Worcester City have announced the signing of vastly experienced central defender Wayne Thomas on a deal until the end of the season. The 34-year-old veteran of 500 League games can include spells at Stoke City, Southampton and Burnley in English football and also a spell in the Greek top flight with Atromitos. Thomas who has made 22 appearances in captaining neighbours Tamworth during this current campaign, will bring a wealth of experience to the city ranks and fill the void left by Jamie Grimes's return to parent club and landlords Kidderminster Harriers".

Pitchero Non-League adds that "Worcester City...have re-signed goalkeeper Ryan Boot on loan from Port Vale for the rest of the season. Boot played three times for City in November but was re-called early from his loan spell by Vale.

Boot was handed a two-year contract by Valiants' manager Micky Adams having impressed during his time with the youth team. He had been brought to Vale Park after being released by Stoke City three years ago... and spent a month on loan at Craven Cottage prior to his first stint with City."

"Histon will go into tomorrow’s home clash with Guiseley with renewed belief, according to manager Brian Page", says the Cambridge News. "The Stutes are bidding to end a seven-game winless run, which has seen them slip to within four points of the relegation zone.

'We had a great meeting on Tuesday night',said Page. 'I think there’s a new belief, we’ve set ourselves some new targets and the players have got some things to think about. We’ll go into the game against Guiseley very, very positively because we know, against them, it’s not going to just be a complete and utter battle. They like to play, pass it, build up play through the thirds and they’ve got a variation in going long with some good passers of the football, so we’ve got to be aware of that.

I think it will be an entertaining game and I think, if we can show the right energy, spirit and discipline in our performance, we’ll have enough to cause them problems. Hopefully, we can get that winning feeling back'".

NL Pitchero reports that "Ossett Town have lost striker Jimmy Eyles to neighbours Bradford Park Avenue. Eyles re-joined Town in 2013/2014 from Nostell Miners Welfare, since when he has scored 37 goals in 68 games.

Twenty-two-year old Eyles is a product of the Ossett Town junior side".

Elsewhere "Goalkeeper, Shane Lewis has joined Stockport County on loan for the remainder of the season from Walsall after Christian Dibble returned to Barnsley to cover injuries at his parent club. Nineteen-year-old Lewis joined Walsall on the eve of the season having progressed through the youth ranks at West Bromwich Albion, during which time he earned International recognition from England at under-17 level...

County also secured the services of Barnsley`s Rhys Oates for a further month meaning the busy striker is available until the end of March."

The News & Star says that "Workington Reds face games every five days until end of season. Glenn Heathcote has issued an impassioned rallying call to Workington Reds supporters as the struggling football club aims to pull off the greatest escape. Stricken at the foot of the Conference North table with just 15 points from 26 games, Workington have just two months to save their season.

But it will be a hellish run to the final-day showdown with Stalybridge Celtic on April 26, with Reds being forced to cram 16 matches into that 86-day period. The hectic schedule follows a staggering six-week lay-off due to horrendous weather conditions... Workington have not played a home game since January 4...

Chairman Heathcote insisted... 'We have managed to keep the club going but players’ wages and bills have still had to be paid. The biggest expenses are wages and the electric bill, but we can’t go to the players and say "We want you to give your all for our football club, but would you mind taking a 50 per cent pay cut because we haven’t had any money coming into the club?" It has been hard, but the barren run cannot last forever.

We appreciate the efforts the players we have have put in and our fortunes have to change. We will start winning football matches, I’m sure of it. We have five home games in March so money should be coming back into the club. But are five games too much for our fans to deal with?'

Heathcote and the board of directors have worked out ways to entice fans to games... Heathcote said, '“Football is not a cheap sport, but we have got offers which we hope will make it more affordable for our supporters. We are doing our best to make football in west Cumbria accessible for all ages, and we, as a club, hope the fans will respond to that. If they do, then we will be able to get through to the end of the season without any problems. The other problem is a lot of those games will be played in mid-week, a time, which history dictates, sees fewer people at games. We cannot do it on our own'".

The Football Conference confirms that "Steve Housham, manager of Gainsborough Trinity, has helped ease his striker crisis at the Northolme. Housham has signed youngster Jonathon Margetts on a month's loan from Hull City, and he is likely to be handed a starting place against Oxford City tomorrow. Housham has been forced back into the loan market due to injuries to senior front man Darryn Stamp and leading scorer Bradley Barraclough".

In the Kenilworth Weekly News, a headline says "Stockport clash is reason you get into this division - Holleran". It continues, "Twelve years ago, Stockport were playing Wolves in Division One, while Leamington were losing 3-2 to Wilmcote in the Midland Combination Division One. However, tomorrow the two sides meet as equals...

'It doesn’t get much bigger than Stockport', said Holleran. 'We’ve got Boston and Telford coming up as well and these are the reasons you get into this division, to play teams like that. Stockport County are one of the biggest clubs in non-league, if not the biggest'...

The Hatters have won seven and drawn two of their last 12 to rise to 11th... 'They’re settling down after a poor start. Alan Lord has turned it around', he said. 'Leamington probably had the same problem as they came through the leagues. Because of who they are and how many travel it creates a great atmosphere'...

Recent signing Aron Wint also goes straight into the squad... Wint joins a long line of play ers with Solihull connections to make the move to the New Windmill, but Holleran says the close proximity of the sides means crossovers are inevitable... 'There are 15 miles between the two clubs. The difference is that Richard Batchelor, Liam Daly, Ricky Johnson and Josh Hawker have all been approached to go the other way but have chosen to stay'".

According to the Shropshire Star, "Winger Shaun Whalley is clear to play in AFC Telford United’s home game against Bradford Park Avenue tomorrow after his loan extension [from Luton] was confirmed... He’s likely to keep his starting place against Bradford Park Avenue at the New Bucks Head with another wide man, Robbie Booth, the only doubt through illness. Captain Simon Grand and midfielder Russell Benjamin are both fit again... with Watson planning more squad rotation.

He said, 'There will be changes from last weekend and there’s one or two in my mind that I need to look after, even if they won’t agree with me!'... Watson wants his Telford side to right the wrongs of September’s 3-1 at Avenue... He said, 'After the Bradford game, I was a touch worried because they were that much stronger than us, so I am surprised they are mid-table'"

North Ferriby United report that they "entertain Vauxhall Motors on Saturday. The Villagers will be looking to complete the double over the Wirral side...

The race for the Skrill North title and the promotion places is appears to be coming a race between eight sides. Many people seem to think the title will be between Ferriby and Telford, both of whom are seen as the best footballing sides in the division. However, the teams behind them will be battling to the end of the season and there will be no easy games as the season end approaches.

Ferriby reached the semi-final of the East Riding Senior Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Chalk Lane. The Villagers will play Hull City...

Manager Billy Heath commented, 'Striker Anthony Wilson starts a four match ban. Jon D’Laryea, who was substituted at half-time against Chalk Lane, has been diagnosed with a broken leg and will miss the rest of the season. Heath’s only injury doubt is Dean Lisles".