HEDNESFORD TOWN v ALTRINCHAM: MATCHDAY COVERAGE

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The commentary team is Ian Wilkinson amd Brian Flynn, with match summaries from Joe Barry. Coverage starts at 7.35pm with the game kicking off at 7.45pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

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.

 

PITMEN'S BOSS TRIES TO PUT PRESSURE ON ALTY

Mike Garnett gives us the details of previous encounters between Altrincham and Hednesford Town

• At Altrincham P4-W1-D1-L2-F4-A6
• At Hednesford P5-W1-D2-L2-F6-A11
• All P8-W2-D3-L4-F10-A17

Hednesford Town report that "the Skrill North Play Off Semi Final against Altrincham feels like a zenith of the three years, 215 game reign of Rob Smith, his players and his backroom staff. The Pitmen stand just three games away from a place in the Skrill Conference for the first time since 2001 and, as managers have come and gone since then, Smith has moulded a team spirit and winning ethos unlike any other since the halcyon days of John Baldwin.

The fact that Hednesford were such long odds to mount a promotion charge at the start of the season is something which the manager has been very keen to stress in recent weeks and, speaking in the build up to Wednesday’s clash, again made it clear that it is Altrincham who are under pressure to win. ‘Without doubt everyone outside and inside Altrincham would have been expecting to reach the play-offs as a minimum this season and they have not let anyone down. As a club they will desperately want promotion. On the other hand, we would quite happily have accepted mid-table this season, all of which means the players have a pressure-free shot at the play-offs which can be dangerous for any opposition as we have absolutely nothing to lose...

We have talked about the game at training on Monday and I have to say we look as prepared as we ever have been. The players are ready and totally pressure-free, we are just delighted to be competing in the play-offs and the camp has never been so relaxed. It’s hard to predict how it will go. I don’t think any scoreline would surprise me. Altrincham are a free flowing team and we like to have a go too so on paper it makes for an entertaining battle.’

Hednesford will go into the fixture with a clean bill of health after resting several key players during Saturday’s defeat against Barrow and the manager called upon the usually vociferous supporters to once again make Keys Park a difficult place to go.

'I think the fans are equally aware as me that we have a squad who are a very tight unit and I hope they enjoy the occasion as much as we intend to. I’m sure they will make Keys Park as intimidating and noisy a place as possible. Our players will thrive off that.’"

ALTY YOUTHS END CHESTER'S RECORD

MODEL SEMI-PROFESSIONAL

EVOSTIK PLAY-OFFS

Premier Division play-offs:

• FC United of Manchester 1 Ashton United 2 aet. Dale Johnson scored one of the Ashton goals, which came in the 90th and 120th minutes.
• AFC Fylde 3 Worksop Town 1

• Warrington T. 0 Bamber Bridge 1

• Coalville Town 2 Mickleover Sports 3

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP FINAL

• Northwich Vics 2 Tranmere Rovers 1. Ex-Alty man Brian Summerskill scored one of Vics' goals.

HISTON REPRISE

SKRILL NORTH PLAY-OFF REFS

In the Play-Offs, away goals do NOT count double and if the aggregate score is level at the end of Saturday's match, there will be 30 minutes of extra time, followed, if required, by a penalty shoot-out.

DANCING DATES

The events are great fun, as is the demonstration by Chris and Bethany from which there any many simple sequence dances that can be learnt. You will even see Alty Fan Noel Shields and myself take to the dance floor so it cannot be that difficult! Tickets are just £8 and include a hot supper; for tickets, please contact the club.

Before that on 2nd May there is a Strictly Social and Dance Demo when there will be a demo by open competitors Christopher Savage and Bethany Goddard. Tickets are just £7 in advance or £10 on the night. Further details can be found at the Topaz Dance website".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The club are in the throes of arranging a final clear down meeting with Paul James, the Leader of Gloucester City Council, and senior officers of the planning department, which we hope will take place over the next two weeks.

The club are also able to report that good progress has been made on the draft Flood Risk Assessment...The planning application will be in outline form because this allows Gloucester City Football Club to benefit from a ‘free go’ in terms of the planning application fee...

Once submitted, the club will display the plans for supporters to view, pass comment on and ask questions to club officials".

Reports from Boston United say that the Pilgrims' ex-Altrincham loanee "defender Carl Piergianni has put pen-to-paper on a new two-year deal at The Jakemans Stadium.

The 21-year-old centre-half, who excelled in his first campaign with the Pilgrims, scored five times in 47 appearances in 2013-2014 and helped United keep 13 clean sheets. Piergianni’s new contract ties him to the club until the summer of 2016.

Reflecting on the news, United boss Dennis Greene told bufc.co.uk, 'We are delighted to keep hold of "Pidge"... He was excellent throughout the season and it is fantastic news that he will be onboard for the next two years'.

United’s full retained and released list will be confirmed over the coming days".

"AFC Telford United are facing the likely loss of keeper Ryan Young, the newly-promoted Conference North club's long-serving player" reports the BBC. "Young, 34, has strong family ties with the Isle of Wight, over 200 miles away and his decision to move there recently must leave his future with the Shropshire club in doubt.

'I had the chance to leave last year and go to a league club. But I wanted to stay and get us back to where we belong', he told BBC Radio Shropshire. 'Now I feel I've done that, my contract runs out soon, I'm 34 years old, I'm not getting any younger and I have to think about my family.

I have to sit down and speak to the manager [Liam Watson]. Does he want me? And then we will work it out'".

North Ferriby United "travel to Guiseley on Wednesday for the first-leg of the play-off semi-final. There was obviously some disappointment... on Saturday after missing-out on automatic promotion. However, this was tempered by the fact that finishing as runners-up is a magnificent achievement in the club’s first season at this level. The side still has the chance of promotion through the play-offs.

The semi-final against Guiseley will be a tough challenge. Guiseley beat The Villagers in both the regular season league games but Ferriby could have won both with a bit more luck in the two games.

Ferriby’s initial aim this season was to ensure that they remained in the Skrill North for a second season. However, such as been their form that they have had to continually revise their targets..

Saturday’s draw at home to Brackley was a bit of an anti-climax. Ferriby played the more attractive football in a game of contrasting styles in which Brackley played a largely long-ball game...

Against Guiseley, Heath will definitely be without Gregg Anderson, Jon D’Laryea and Jamie Yates due to injuries. Danny Hone is suspended...

North Ferriby United have been shortlisted for the National Game Awards 'Team of the Year 2013/14'. The award is run through the Non-League Paper. It is voted for by supporters throughout the country... The club also been nominated for the Conference League 'Pitch of the Year' 2013/14".

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson admitted he will be having a clear-out of the players who won the club the Skrill Conference North title... Watson knows how difficult it will be to survive in non-league’s top flight and concedes a squad overhaul is needed to make sure they are competitive...

He said, 'We go up into the Premier with no excuses. You won’t hear me moaning about budgets or loan players or anything like that. We have got to make changes. You look at it in the cold light of day and some of the people who got Telford up have played their last game for the club – that’s football.

We can’t show loyalty, because we want to keep on improving. We didn’t romp this league, Chester did the previous season and they have still been relegated. “You have got to put that into perspective and then look at where you have got to go, with all the travelling and so on when you are going to the likes of Torquay United. If I don’t see them as good enough for the next level, I would only be telling them the truth'...

Watson’s legend in the Conference North was cemented with a third title at the weekend. No manager has won that title more than once. He laughed, 'It’s because I keep getting bombed out from the Premier without being relegated! The time I have spent in this division is probably been more down to circumstance. I left Southport when they went full-time and, by the time I went back, they had been relegated from the Premier and then it was time to move on again last summer.

The opportunity to come to Telford was too good to turn down, it’s a special football club, even if a lot of people told me I was taking a risk dropping down again..

The fans have got to stay behind you when you have tough times. I wouldn’t be surprised to come back home from a hiding down south, because it happens. It’s how you react'".

PLAY-OFF ARRANGEMENTS

Admission prices will be £12.00 Adults and £7.00 Concessions for all areas of the ground.

There will be the usual toilet amenities, fast food outlets and Altrincham FC supporters will have access to Strikers' Bar".

Wednesday's match officials will be Mr D Richardson, Mr M Connell, Mr G Hock, R Wootton. So, it seems we have a fourth official which is good news given Altrincham's experiences this season with injured officials! Mr Richardson was incharge when Alty lost to Leek Town in the FA trophy earlier this season.

Hednesford Town add that "With a good away contingent expected, it has been decided that there will be a ground segregation plan implemented, with the Altrincham FC supporters occupying the ‘Hednesford End’... This gives them the 300 seats behind that goal, as well as terracing either side...

We look forward to a big and vocal crowd for one of the biggest games in the club’s recent history, as the club strive to, once again, gain promotion to the highest tier of non-league football".

For the return match at Altrincham, Hednesford report that "With the Travel Club Coach now being full the Football Club, via the HTFCSA, will be running a second coach to Altrincham on Saturday 3rd May for the second leg of the Play Off Semi Final clash... All those travelling will have to be known to the Football Club though, as we look to keep the good reputation of our supporters intact, however we believe that this is a great opportunity for supporters to make it to the fixture."

UNDER-17s WIN CUP

The above photo shows the Altrincham FC Under-17s who won the North West Youth Alliance League's First Division (President's) Cup on Sunday. They beat Ashton Town, 2-1, at Daisy Hill FC.

The line up in the photo is as follows...

Back row, left to right:- Marc Bellingham, Adam Bond, Ben Reid, Jimi Folageade, Connor Hancock, James Farrington, Jake Foy, Sam Heathcote, Laurence Robinson, Will Foster, James Campion, Reece Dwyer

Front row, left to right:- Laurence Taylor, Aaron Goldman, Jamie Burrows, Luke Cousins, Luke Crompton, Shaun Arrowsmith. Absent from the photo is T'Rell Reilly.

After going behind to an early goal, Altrincham came back with goals from Ben Reid and Luke Crompton to lead 2-1 at half time. Following a tense last 15 minutes, the score remained 2-1.

Altrincham's under-18s Youth Team is at home to Chester FC tonight at Hale Country Club, Clay Lane (6.30pm).

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

And Lacey says he should be in a position to ink a contract over the next week once a few minor issues have been resolved and his deal has been drawn up.

'Me and the gaffer have spoken and there are just a few little creases that need to be ironed out and, as soon as they are, I’ll be signing', said Lacey. 'It’s nothing major, I’m more than happy to stay'. The Liverpudlian’s wonder strike in the New Year’s Day 2-0 win over Workington saw him pick up the Goal of the Season trophy...

But Andy Burns was the biggest winner at the post-match awards presentation as he was named as the Fans’ Player of the Season, one of five ‘best player’ gongs the committed full-back collected. Burns, Robbie Williams, Niall Cowperthwaite, Sam Sheridan and Tony McMillan have already signed one-year deals.

It was initially understood that midfielder Richard Davies was ready to do likewise but the club say that he, attacker Ted Cribley and centre-back Duran Reynolds are ‘mulling over their verbal offers’. Cribley appears keen to sign but a spanner has been thrown into the works as he is believed to have been offered the chance to go on trial at League Two high-fliers Chesterfield."

According to the Cambridge News "Histon look to the future after defeat to Altrincham in final match in Skrill North. Ever since he was a small boy playing on the Recreation Ground for Histon Hornets, Ryan Baxter’s dream has been to pull on the red and black striped shirt of the village’s senior club.

The full-back, who lives just a stone’s throw across Bridge Road from the Glass World Stadium, was handed his first start for Histon in their Skrill North finale against Altrincham, although he perhaps did not envisage a debut like this. Nor indeed the circumstances in which he and several of his fellow scholars have found themselves involved in the first team.

With the average age of Histon’s side getting lower and lower as the season reached its denouement, this clash with play-off bound Altrincham was always looked like being a case of men against boys. And so it came to pass. It was effectively over as a contest by the first quarter of an hour as the visitors ruthlessly punished defensive errors from the hosts.

'Schoolboy errors', as one of the Altrincham radio presenters termed it. 'They are schoolboys!', came the retort from one of the home faithful.

It is no wonder Stutes boss Brian Page’s priority over the summer is trying to bring in some experienced players to help his side out next season as they bid to bounce back from relegation. 'You look at the likes of Zak Mills, Jay (Dowie), Grant Roberts who are all youngsters who came into our first team, and look at how well they are doing at other clubs, because they’re not fighting against trying to develop as well as play because they are surrounded by quality players', said Page.

'We do want to bring in more experience to help our youngsters through because, as you’ve seen from this game, if you put them all in together it’s not going to help them develop. They need the experience on the pitch to talk to them and help them'...

The problem Page faces is not just uncertainty over finances for next season, it is also that Histon no longer have the selling point of playing at a higher level...

'It has been all mistakes which have cost us and you’re going to get that when you’ve got all youngsters in your side', said Page. 'We’re trying to get the information to them from the sidelines, but they’re too busy concentrating on their game to take that in... As long as I can go to bed every night knowing I have done my best every day for this club, I’ll sleep okay'".

CONGRATULATIONS!

The result left Alty assistant manager Neil Tolson as the holder of a record; the last man to score a winner for Hyde in a Manchester Premier Cup Final.

Trafford were deserved winners but, as one long-suffering Tigers' fan said to another as he left the ground, "Well, what did you expect?"

CUP FINAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Altrincham Ladies lost the Cheshire Women's & Youth League Challenge Cup Final by the narrowest of margins at Lostock Gralam this afternoon. Their opponents, Crewe Alexandra Ladies lifted the cup, winning 1-0, thanks to an extra-time goal in the 107th minute. Alty were without 41-goal leading scorer Tracey Blanchard-Webb, who had suffered concussion in her previous game.

Above: Alty Ladies take to the field, alongside several young mascots.

Despite the defeat, the Ladies have done very well to reach this Final within three years of the team's formation.

Match report here

TRIBUTE TO SCOTT

He continues, "The 21 year-old scooped three player of the year awards as Lee Sinnott's men qualified for the play-offs again...You don't get your club's young player, the fans' and, more importantly for a player, your team-mates' vote as the side's best player, without playing a stormer.

'In that play-off semi-final, Scott learned a harsh lesson' said ex-Watford defender, Sinnott. 'I say to the players, "There is always someone bigger, stronger and quicker, but it's how you play them. There are quick turners that you get too tight with and they roll you. There's the big,powerful types who will bully you. And there are the old timers who'll use their nous to out-do you. Scott got all three that day against Louis but he learnt from it, however painful it was.

He's had a superb season and he's a great kid. He listens, takes things on board and tries to better himself, and the great thing is, he's till only 21 so he's got plenty of time to move back up'".

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

MEMORABLE DATE

On 30 April, 2011, we played our last Conference National game to date, losing 3-4 at home to relegated Eastbourne Borough, whilst exactly a year ago, on 30 April 2013, we had better fortunes, beating Brackley Town 2-1 at Moss Lane in the play-off semi-final first leg.

DAN AND NIALL'S ACHIEVEMENT

So far they have raised more than £1,000 and will be pleased to receive any further donations by the means described below.

Histon FC generously saluted the two cyclists and, as seen in the adjacent image, they were applauded for their achievement on the pitch before the match on Saturday. The two lads deservedly returned to Altrincham in more leisurely fashion, joining the passengers on the supporters' coach for the journey home.

Afterwards Niall said, "We have broken the £1000 mark, which we are absolutely ecstatic with. The donations and support gave us a massive boost along the journey! We'd like to thank MNDA Merseyside for their great support in the build up and during the event; also, the welcome we received at Histon was brilliant. Other than that, just a massive thanks to everyone who has donated so far!"

They called in at various non-league football grounds en route and avoided the temptations of too many tarts in Bakewell and pork pies in Melton Mowbray as they passed through those towns. Their 152 mile journey was for the benefit of former Alty captain Mark Maddox's Motor Neurone Disease Association campaign and to raise funds for MND Association and Altrincham Football Club Community Sports Hall Project.

As Niall's father, Brian Flynn, wrote before the ride, "As most people are 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.

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.

Many people have already donated but, if you haven't an would like to, then there are two ways of donating:-

1. Online, via the Just Giving page here.
2. Sending a pledge by SMS to Dan (07817 477736) or Niall (07891 545379)... Motivate the lads as they tackle those Derbyshire hills!

The money raised 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!"

ADMISSION TO PLAY-OFFS

Admission prices at the J. Davidson Stadium are:

• Standing: Adults - £13, Concessionaries - £8, Aged 12-16 - £5, Aged Under 12 - £2
• Sitting: Adults - £15, Concessionaries - £9, Aged 12-16 - £5, Aged Under 12 - £2
• Disabled: Disabled - Free, Helpers - £13.

YOUTHS' SECOND-HALF REVERSE

The latest league table is here.

SKRILL LEAGUES' PROMOTION PLAY-OFFS

All Premier matches will be shown by BT Sport across their respective channels... All semi-finals will be broadcast exclusively live across BT Sport's channels, ahead of the broadcaster’s exclusively live broadcast of the Skrill Premier Promotion Final on Sunday May 18 from Wembley Stadium, kick off 4pm.

• FC Halifax Town vs Cambridge United - Semi Final 1st leg Wednesday 30 April KO 7:45pm BT Sport 1
• Grimsby Town vs Gateshead - Semi Final 1st leg Thursday 1 May, KO 7:45pm BT Sport 1
• Cambridge United vs FC Halifax Town - Semi Final 2nd leg Sunday 4 May, KO 1:30pm ESPN
• Gateshead vs Grimsby Town - Semi Final 2nd leg Sunday 4 May, KO 4:30pm, BT Sport 1

Skrill North

• Guiseley vs North Ferriby United - Semi Final 1st leg Wednesday 30 April KO 7:45pm
• Hednesford Town vs Altrincham - Semi Final 1st leg Wednesday 30 April KO 7:45pm
• North Ferriby United vs Guiseley - Semi Final 2nd leg Saturday 3 May, KO 3pm
• Altrincham vs Hednesford Town - Semi Final 2nd leg Saturday 3 May, KO 3pm

Skrill South

• Dover Athletic vs Sutton United - Semi Final 1st leg Wednesday 30 April KO 7:45pm
• Ebbsfleet United vs Bromley - Semi Final 1st leg Wednesday 30 April KO 7:45pm
• Sutton United vs Dover Athletic - Semi Final 2nd leg Saturday 3 May, KO 3pm
• Bromley vs Ebbsfleet United - Semi Final 2nd leg Saturday 3 May, KO 3pm

Each Promotion Final will be staged on the ground of the higher placed team in its respective division, from the two clubs competing in it. Each Promotion Final will be take place on Saturday, 10th May KO 3pm".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

It was the end of an era at Rivacre Park yesterday as we said farewell to the Skrill Conference North, as well as to the fantastic management and playing staff who have served the club incredibly well. Anthony Wright and Gary Martindale assisted by Reg McGuire have been managing the team since the announcement of the resignation from the Football Conference...

McGuire thanked the people at the club, 'I've had four years here, four good years with great people and great staff. That's from Tony Marley right down to the tea lady... they all work hard and it's them I feel sorry for. We'll all miss the coach trips away'.

Martindale admitted that the past few weeks had not been easy, 'It's been really tough the last two months since we took over, especially in trying to bring players in... But we've got to move on now. These last two months we've been in the shop window as much as the players have, so we'll just wait by the phone and see what comes through for us now'.

Wright has been at Vauxhalls for a decade and said, 'I've been at Vauxhalls on and off for 10 years. It's been a bit emotional today to see the club drop out of the non-league pyramid. We'll just see what's available over the summer and hopefully stay involved in football. I'd like to think the three of us can stay at this level. The longer you're out of the game, the harder it is to get back in'".

SUPPORT ALTY AT HEDNESFORD

LADIES' CUP FINAL TODAY!

Radio Robins will be providing a full commentary of Sunday's Cheshire Women's & Youth League Challenge Cup Final. Brian Flynn adds that "This is the first time that an Altrincham F.C. Ladies game has been covered on Radio Robins. You can hear the broadcast here".

HISTON 0-5 ALTRINCHAM

Above: Mission accomplished; Alty players take a deserved drink at the end of the game at Histon, which secured a third-placed league finish.

Altrincham cruised into a 4-0 lead inside 25 minutes. The win ensured they finished third in the league table. Altrincham now meet Hednesford Town in the Play-Off semi-finals, the away leg being on Wednesday (30th, 7.45pm) and the home second leg on Saturday (3rd May, 3pm).

Match report here.

SKRILL NORTH PLAY-OFFS

• Wed. 30 April, 7.45pm
• Hednesford T. v Altrincham
• Guiseley v North Ferriby U.

The second leg games are on Saturday 3 May, with the final on Saturday 10th May at the ground of the higher placed team.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Tom Corner and Gareth Arnison have been invited back to pre-season training in a bid to win contracts, while discussions with Alex-Ray Harvey look set to take place."

Guiseley report that "Two goals from Adam Boyes and one from Michael Potts saw Guiseley into the play-offs for the fourth successive season and complete a remarkable turnaround by rookie boss Mark Bower, who took over the reins in mid-September with the Lions third from bottom.

Since then the Lions have lost just nine league games to transform their fortunes and will go into the semi-final tie full of confidence having already completed the league double over the Villagers.

The home side got off to a tentative start and found themselves a goal behind after just four minutes when Billy Jones curled a sweet free kick round the wall and beyond Steve Drench from twenty yards out...

The home side found keeper Mike Green in outstanding form as he denied Boyes and Oli Johnson twice but even he was helpless as Boyes latched on to Drench’s long clearance to put a precision shot beyond Green into the far corner... Green parried Brooksby’s shot and Boyes nipped in to put the home side in the lead...

But the home side's persistence put the game beyond City’s reach with ten minutes remaining as substitute Michael Potts latched on to a through ball and kept his head before rounding Green to stroke the ball into the empty net".

The Hull Daily Mail reports that "North Ferriby United will have to win promotion through the play-offs... Ferriby's 1-1 draw with Brackley was not enough to catch Telford...

The Villagers will now face Guiseley in the play-offs... Guiseley won both league encounters this season against the Villagers... Should they make it through to the play-off final on May 10, Ferriby will play at home as reward for finishing second in the league.

Rather than be disappointed at missing out on the title, Ferriby manager Billy Heath says, 'I told them before the game and after the game how proud I was of them', said Heath. 'We started the season with the remit of staying in the league, so to finish second is a terrific achievement. We've struggled with injuries recently and not played well the last month or so, but we'll go into the play-offs confident'".

NFU add that "There was initial disappointment immediately after the game but this was soon tempered by the realisation that this has been a magnificent first season for Ferriby in the Skrill North. To some extent the game was a contrast in styles. Ferriby tried to play the ball on the ground down both wings and through the middle. Brackley played more of a long-ball game...

Ferriby manager Billy Heath commented, 'I couldn’t have asked for more from the players today. They put in a good performance. What is impressive is that they knew that Telford were winning but they had the character and professionalism to take the game to Brackley. To finish as runners-up is a magnificent achievement and we still have a chance of promotion through the play-offs. The games against Guiseley will be difficult but it is a challenge; we are relishing them'".

After winning the Skrill North title, AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson said, "The secret to our success this season has been honesty, integrity and hard work, really... We go up into the Premier with no excuses. You won't hear me moaning about budgets or loan players or anything like that... I always thought we could win it, from the moment I came here".

In the Shropshire Star it says that "The Bucks nudged home with goals from Mike Grogan, a penalty from Sean Clancy and a late third from Shaun Whalley for their first title party in 62 years... There was just the one change to their starting line-up, going for steel in the centre of midfield with player-coach Alan Moogan replacing Charlie Barnett...

Clancy, who was absolutely everywhere in the first-half, was unlucky not to finish the first-half without opening his goal account". Already leading, "They continued to harass Gainsborough defenders after the break and the pressure told on the away side, when they conceded a penalty just seven minutes into the second-half. Whalley had the complete beating of [ex-Alty man] Greg Young as the ball dropped in the box and was pulled down by the defender, referee Simon Barrow pointing to the spot.

Manager Liam Watson opted for his designated penalty taker from the start of the season rather than Farrell, who had missed spot kicks in his previous two games, to do the honours. Up stepped Clancy to go for the right of Barnes’ goal and the Gainsborough shot-stopper guessed right, but couldn’t get near enough to keep it out... Robbie Booth was threw on for Tony Gray in the 87th minute and made an immediate impact two minutes later, as a third goal sparked wild celebrations...

Supporters rushed onto the field to celebrate before the final whistle had even sounded, forcing a tannoy announcement for them to disperse in case they put the result in jeopardy. They could not be halted when full-time did come as they rejoiced with players and management. When they left the field the second time, the trophy was presented. A crowd of 3,724 were in attendance, some 46 people short of the highest Conference North attendance of the season for Stockport County’s home game against Altrincham".

Meanwhile, BOston United "served up a second half horror show to conclude the Skrill North campaign on a losing note against Worcester City... The result left United, backed by 306 travelling supporters, sixth in the table, but the result was academic given Guiseley's 3-1 win over Gloucester City.

United were unchanged from the side which had won convincingly on Easter Monday against North Ferriby United".

ATTENDANCES

• 3274 AFC Telford Utd v Gainsborough Trinity
• 799 Barrow v Hednesford Town
• 748 Guiseley v Gloucester City
• 433 Histon v Altrincham
• 570 Leamington v Colwyn Bay
• 673 North Ferriby United v Brackley Town
• 251 Oxford City v Bradford Park Avenue
• 472 Stalybridge Celtic v Workington
• 3604 Stockport County v Harrogate Town
• 215 Vauxhall Motors v Solihull Moors
• 894 Worcester City v Boston United

OLD BOYS

NORTH-WEST NEWS

Tuesday 29 April

Premier Division

• AFC Fylde v Worksop Town
• FC United of Manchester v Ashton United

First Division North

• Warrington Town v Bamber Bridge

First Division South

Wednesday 30 April

First Division North

• Darlington 1883 v Ramsbottom United

First Division South

• Leek Town v Belper Town

All ties to kick off at 7.45pm and are to be played to a conclusion, with extra time and penalties to decide a winner. The EvoStik Play Off Finals will be on Saturday 3rd May to be held at the ground of the higher placed team.

FINAL DAY'S FIXTURES

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

SUPPORT THE LADIES

HISTON v ALTRINCHAM: BEFORE THE GAME

Page was meeting last night with the members of the board who intend to stay on next season and, among the things, they were due to discuss was how to ensure the club’s viability... Page wants to stay on and take care of unfinished business.

'I’ve made no secret of the fact I do want to progress as a coach and a manager, but I’ve also said my time at Histon isn’t done yet', said Page. 'If there were offers out there, I’d be stupid not to look to them, but I do enjoy being at Histon. I believe that if certain situations get sorted then we can move forward. I’d like to be a part of that and if I ever move on I’d like to move on having helped this club get into a situation where they’re not fighting the odds all the time'...

Histon host play-off contenders Altrincham in their final game of the season tomorrow and Page wants to finish with a win. 'We need to get this club back to winning ways as quickly as possible', said Page. 'It would be nice for us to start a winning run as a football club with the last game of this season, then we can go into next season on a real positive note and saying "let’s kick on"'".

TURNSTILE COUNTS

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

He returned to Luton on loan in 2002/03, and was all set to return on a 'Bosman' transfer in the summer of 2003 but a take-over and dismissal of management at Luton saw Willmott join Northampton Town instead.

In the summer of 2005, he joined Oxford United on a free transfer from Northampton and a series of outstanding performances where he played 98 times scoring 4 goals made him a fan favourite... Willmott’s next destination was Northamptonshire side Brackley Town where he spent two seasons... and during the 2011/12 season Mike Ford pulled off a big coup raiding Brackley to bring Willmott to Oxford City...

Saturday promises to be an emotional occasion at Marsh Lane as all at City bid a fond farewell to both Chris Willmott and Steve Basham".

Meanwhile, Buckingham Today reports that "Brackley boss Jon Brady feels the club’s FA Cup run to the second round is the reason behind Town’s poor end of season form that has seen them miss out on promotion. A 1-1 draw with Worcester City on Saturday was Saints’ fourth in a row and ended all mathematical hope of a play-off spot...

He said, 'Last season’s performance certainly raised expectations for this season. If I look at the league table and the teams above us I feel sick, to be honest, because I know how many points we have dropped from drawing and winning positions. There is no getting away from the fact that the long cup run has ultimately taken its toll and it has been hard to lift the players after the euphoria of the cup success and the media attention it attracted'...

Brady said afterwards, 'Worcester are a big, physical side. We should have won this game. It was a very poor decision to award the penalty and send the defender off. The ball hit him on the chest, even their players were saying that. I am using these final games to assess one or two things, although mostly I have made up my mind about the squad for next season. I needed to look at Ryan Rowe as he is with us on loan'".

According to the Boston Target, "Loan star Liam Agnew is set to be available for Boston United’s must-win Skrill North clash at Worcester City on Saturday. The talented midfielder was called up to the first-team squad at parent club Sunderland last week and was an unused substitute in the Black Cats’ 2-2 draw at Manchester City...

He was back in the Boston side for Monday’s 2-0 victory over North Ferriby United, which kept the Pilgrims’ play-off hopes alive... 'I’ve not heard from Sunderland so I expect him to be available, which is great news', said Pilgrims' boss Dennis Greene. Striker Marc Newsham remains sidelined with a knee injury while Conor Marshall is also out as he recovers from a fractured cheekbone and eye socket. Greene’s side must win at Worcester and hope Gloucester beat Guiseley to clinch the final play-off spot".

From the Worcester News, we learn that "Worcester City are determined to finish the season on a high and put an end to Boston United's play-off hopes... City want to bounce back from East Monday's 4-0 defeat at Hednesford Town and put on a show for their fans in the final home match of the season.

Manager Carl Heeley said, 'It's the last game of the season... There's a bit of spice about it because Boston have to beat us and I am sure they will be bringing a decent away following.. It can be like a pre-season friendly but we want to finish on a high'...

For City, tomorrow's match, which will see the crowd segregated, marks the end of their first season at Aggborough... After a disappointing end to 2013, Heeley's side have been one of the form teams since the turn of the year...

Heeley said, 'I'm pleased that we haven't got relegated because, at the end of 2013, you would have struggled to find anybody supporting Worcester City who would have predicted what's happened'".

Over the Pennines the Hull Daily Mail reports that "North Ferriby United boss Billy Heath insists his side will resist the temptation to go gung-ho against Brackley Town in their final game of the season... If Telford are crowned champions, Heath is determined to go into the play-offs on a high...

'We will have the same approach that has got us where we are', he told the Mail. 'We will try and win the game but sticking with the same system and shape we have used. There's no point in changing things at this stage of the season with just one game left... We know we just have to beat Brackley and see what happens after that. We have a three-goal advantage going into the final day and that could be crucial'.

Heath will be without centre-half Danny Hone who was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Boston, but he's grateful to have a more-than-able replacement waiting to come in. 'Matt Wilson will start against Brackley tomorrow', Heath said... 'He should be fresh because he's hardly played in the last two months... However, Anthony Wilson is definitely out after pulling his hamstring in the Boston defeat. We have lost Jamie Yates for the rest of the season with what looks to be a bad ankle ligaments injury, but Lewis McMahon and Stevie Gardner will come back in'".

NEW SHIRT

Ian Senior's image (right) shows the new away shirt now with an integral sponsor's logo, instead of the adhesive panel previously used. Get yours now from the club (0161 928-1045)

EARLY START FOR DAN AND NIALL!

Dan and Niall are attempting to cycle from Altrincham to Histon to raise funds for The Motor Neurone Disease Association and Altrincham Football Club Community Sports Hall Project.

The journey to The Glass World Stadium, Cambridge, is 152 miles long. They are aiming to cycle 104 miles on Friday and the remaining 48 miles by 1pm on Saturday, prior to our final league game of the 2013/14 Skrill North season.

As most people are 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.

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.

Many people have already donated but, if you haven't an would like to, then there are two ways of donating:-

1. Online, via the Just Giving page here.
2. Sending a pledge by SMS to Dan (07817 477736) or Niall (07891 545379)... Motivate the lads as they tackle those Derbyshire hills!

The money raised 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!"

ITALIAN NIGHT

P.S. Richie's cooking is far better than his mastery of the Italian language!

SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT

The event on Tuesday, May 13, will provide a good opportunity for your company to back its the club and network with other businesses. The cost is £200 per squad (to arrive 4.30pm for 5pm kick-off), with trophy presentation and refreshments afterwards.

The Robins need the backing of Altrincham residents and businesses to achieve the goal of building a community facility the whole community can use.

The majority of the funding, from grants, donations and fundraisers, for the new sports hall has now been secured, but there’s a shortfall of £190,000 needed to complete the ambitious project.

If you’d like to enter a team contact Dominic McGuinness to request a registration form or ring him on 07968 326541".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

However, they will also be aware of the threat from Boston United, who sit three points behind with a superior goal difference...

[Manager] Bower will be keen for an improvement on the showing that earned a point away at Workington on Bank Holiday Monday with Adam Boyes continuing his goalscoring run as he put Guiseley back on terms.

The last time the Lions faced Gloucester was at the end of August when a Michael Potts strike in the first half was cancelled out by Darren Edwards’ penalty...

'We’ll know as much as we can do about Gloucester', Bower said. 'We have got to put in a real performance to finish off the season. It’s never easy and we will make sure the players know that and that we are all guns firing come 3 pm'".

Fellow promotion challengers, Hednesford Town report that "Manager Rob Smith has taken time to reflect on the achievement of reaching his fourth successive play-off campaign after Easter Monday’s comprehensive 4-0 victory over Worcester City ensured that his team will battle it out for a scarcely-believable second straight promotion.

The Pitmen boss couldn’t hide his pride at the amount of hard work his squad have put in and he commended the efforts of a squad who started the season as rank outsiders, having only won promotion back to the Skrill North under 12 months ago.

A run of seven wins in the last eight matches, alongside the blistering start to the season which saw the Pitmen lead the division just before Christmas, has meant Smith can now prepare for the long trip to Barrow on Saturday without the pressure of needing a result, although if permutations go their way, Hednesford could still finish third and secure a home second leg.

Smith however, looked to be erring on the side of caution in ensuring his key players are fit for the first leg of the semi-final on Wednesday 30th April...

‘Saturday is a difficult one because yes, we want to finish as high as possible but I also have an opportunity to rest key players so that must be the priority in my mind. We won’t get carried away because the goal was to reach the play-offs. The supporters must also realise that anything more is a bonus. The problem for the other teams is that, unlike our rivals, we have no expectations and sometimes that can make a team very dangerous'...

The Pitmen and their supporters will know that the drama of the end of season shake up means anything can happen and, with a team so closely knit and seemingly able to play far greater than the sum of their parts, who knows where Smith and his players can end up?"

At the other end of the table, Oxford City say that "We reach the end of a gruelling and nail-biting season on Saturday when Oxford City host Bradford Park Avenue... The game could see the final appearances of two fans' favourites as the close season will see Steve Basham and Jamie Cook hang up their boots. Though, to be strictly accurate, Jamie is actually swapping his for golf shoes!"

We learn from NL Daily that "Alan Bartlam says Vauxhall Motors final game of the season this Saturday at Rivacre Park will be an emotional one for him, as his club bids farewell to Conference North football...

Long serving Motors' chairman Bartlam and the club board took the difficult decision last month to resign from non-league football's second-tier owing to financial difficulties, with the club starting life in the West Cheshire League from the beginning of next season.

Motors, who avoided relegation against the odds, will play their final game in the league pyramid when they entertain Solihull Moors on Saturday, with Bartlam hoping that the community will come out and help bid the league a fond farewell...

He said 'This is a club I hold dear to my heart and the decision taken last month to resign from the league was one that was taken with the best interests of the club in mind. We have enjoyed 12 great years in the Conference North and I look back on those years with great fondness.

It would be wonderful if we could get a good crowd here on Saturday to help us sign off in some style. We have our regulars, who have been fantastic, but if some of the local community could come out and show their support for the fantastic effort done by the players and backroom staff, that would be great'...

Motors could finish as high as 16th with a win against The Moors this weekend, something Bartlam believes would be a fitting tribute to the 'extraordinary' job done by caretaker management duo Anthony Wright and Gary Martindale...

Bartlam added, 'Obviously, once we announced we would be resigning then it was inevitable that players and staff would be leaving to try and find new clubs, but Anthony and Gary have done an extraordinary job in keeping the team fighting on. We haven't been troubled by relegation all season and have matched some of the very best sides in this division. They have been superb'.

Bartlam revealed that, if all goes according to plan, it could be as little as 12 months until the Motors return to the pyramid. 'If we are right financially, are able to gain promotion and are offered a spot in the North West Counties League, it would be difficult to turn down', he said. 'This is not the end of the football club, it is a way of ensuring its long-term future'".

According to the NW Evening Mail "Coach Alex Meechan has backed Darren Edmondson’s mission to inject more quality into Barrow AFC’s ranks, placing an emphasis on extra firepower and consistency.

Bluebirds' boss Edmondson admitted that he needs to ensure his squad are better equipped... With Barrow sitting 12th – and 22 points adrift off the final play-off berth – they hold the division’s joint-fifth worst scoring record...

Meechan said, 'Have we scored enough goals? No... Rushy (Nick Rushton) has got 16 and then the closest player to that has 13, then six... We haven’t scored enough goals as a side – the defenders, midfielders and the forwards as a whole'...

On-loan Wrexham striker Rushton is Barrow’s leading scorer in all competitions with 16 goals, with fellow attacker Gareth Arnison second on the chart with 13. Midfielder Sam Sheridan is next in line with six...

AFC won just two of their first 18 league matches... But under the leadership of Edmondson – who succeeded Dave Bayliss as boss in December, they then embarked on a 14-match unbeaten run, including 10 wins, which saw them rise to mid-table safety...

But their season has largely fizzled out in collecting just one victory since their unbeaten run was halted... Meechan wants to witness less dramatic swings in form next season...

'If you look at the statistics in terms of winning games, we’ve been inconsistent too often', added Meechan. 'You do get inconsistency at this level performance-wise; that’s why players play at this level... You can’t go and have the record we had of winning two games up until Christmas and then going 14 unbeaten.

That tells you a little bit; is it a little bit more psychological? Yes, listen, we need a couple of good quality players, we know that... Said Meechan, 'It’s massively disappointing especially when myself and the gaffer wanted to do really well. We wanted to end it in eighth or ninth'".

Still in Cumbria, the News & Star says that "Tommy Cassidy believes he’s the man to replace Ian McDonald at Workington Reds. The-ex Northern Ireland international will officially apply once 69-year-old McDonald leaves after Saturday’s trip to Stalybridge.

Cassidy said he has the experience to replace McDonald and said, 'I want to be manager of Workington again. I have a lot of attributes Workington could do with. I’ll definitely be applying'. Cassidy ran Reds for six years before leaving in 2007...and led Workington for 289 matches.".

At the top, the Shropshire Star reports that "AFC Telford United’s title rivals North Ferriby United have angered the Bucks’ final day opponents Gainsborough Trinity by telling them to act 'professionally' on Saturday.

Already-safe Trinity are the only team that stand between hosts Telford, who are a point ahead of North Ferriby, and the league title as the season reaches a dramatic climax. North Ferriby... are at home to a Brackley Town side who have missed out on the play-offs.

And Villagers' manager Billy Heath has raised the ire of Trinity counterpart Steve Housham by saying,'It depends how professionally they go into the game'.

Housham soon retorted, 'I find it comical. All of a sudden it comes down to Gainsborough versus Telford for Ferriby to win the league. It’s their fault if they lose the league, it was in their hands and had nothing to do with us. We go out every game to try and win... That is what I demand. If Telford get crowned champions on the day and beat us, it won’t be a ‘gimme’. We will go there not to do anyone else favours, it will be to do Gainsborough Trinity proud'.

Telford manager Liam Watson backed up Housham’s claims... Watson said, 'We went to Gainsborough after they had lost every game so far this season and he’d had his playing budget slashed that summer to a pittance. Everyone was tipping them to get relegated and they have never really been that involved in a relegation battle, so he’s done a fantastic job to get to where he is.

For him to be coming Telford on the last day of the season comfortable, safe and sound, I think he’s done great. He would like nothing more than to spoil the party, but I know what I am going to get'".

NORTH WEST NEWS

Tuesday or Wednesday 29th/30th April; semi-finals:

Games to be played on the normal midweek night of the home club.

Saturday 3rd May: finals

• Highest League Placed S Final Winner v Lower League Placed SF Winner

To be played at the first named club".

The Cheshire Senior Cup Final is at Nantwich, on Tuesday 29 April, between Tranmere Rovers and Northwich Victoria.

KEEPING A WINNING MENTALITY

Alty are assured of a top-five finish in the Skrill North after demolishing Vauxhall Motors 5-1 and now face Histon away on Saturday before heading into a two-legged play-off semi-final.

Speaking prior to an awards evening at the J.Davidson Stadium that saw defender Scott Leather (right) sweep the board by winning all three main categories, Sinnott urged his players to keep a winning mentality throughout the season’s nerve-shredding finale.

'There are still boxes to be ticked, and the next one is winning at Histon to make sure we go one better than last season by finishing third', said the Alty manager. 'I’ve no preference about our opponents in the semi-final but we would like to be at home for the second leg, which we will be if we are third. It wouldn’t guarantee anything, but it would be preferable.

So, there can be no taking our foot off the pedal. It has to stay right down at Histon and the same in the play-offs. I said to the players, theoretically, you have four games left. Can you win them all? That is our focus. That is the target.

It was a good crowd against Vauxhall and I’m delighted we provided some goals for them. That’s 28 [in the league] for James Walshaw now, 17 for Damian Reeves and 12 for Kyle Perry, and with such important games coming up, it’s good to see them banging the goals in'.

Leather won Supporters’ Player of the Season (Nicky Clee second, Walshaw and Luca Havern joint-third), Players’ Player and Young Player, while George Heslop was Tom Earley Clubman of the Season and Karen Rowley was Club Person of the Season.

The Players’ Award went to kitmen John Skelhorn and Luke Pickering while Goal of the Season was won by Clee (versus Colwyn Bay), ahead of Reeves (v Bradford Park Avenue) and Walshaw (v Brackley)".

INTERVIEW WITH THE MANAGER

NEW KIT AVAILABLE

TASC EASTER DRAW

• Ladies Epilator: Ange Foster
• Prototype of 2014/15 Season Altrincham Shirt: Archie Murray
• Four Ball Round of Golf at Davyhulme Golf Club: Sharon Guest
• Matchday Hospitality for 4 at an Altrincham F.C. Home Game: S.Javed
• 2 Tickets to an England International Match at Wembley: Wardell
• LeapFrog LeapPad2: John Norbury
• 24” TV/DVD Combo: Mike Parsons
• Tesco Hudl Tablet Computer: Collette Millican
• Tesco Hudl Tablet Computer: J.Martin

Congratulations to all the winners!

OLD BOYS

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

'I feel really sorry for the boys', said Hands. 'Brian (Page, manager) has done a brilliant job, given the circumstances, and it’s just disappointing we’ve been relegated. It has been difficult, but we had to do what is best for the club and it looks like the end is in sight. I’ll apologise to the supporters for what has happened, but they’ve still got a club to support and we’ve got a strong base to build on'.

Hands expects most of Histon’s historic debts to be cleared by the end of the season and praised the other board members for the work done in averting the issues which threatened the club’s existence. A proposal to move the club forward will be presented at a shareholders meeting on May 22... Hands insists they cannot afford to rush anything, particularly if they are to make the club an attractive proposition for investors.

'We’ve been so close before and then had it snatched away from us, so we have to get everything in place', said Hands. 'What we have got with the scholarship and the academy is better than most outside of professional football. We’re giving young footballers in Cambridge and the surrounding area an opportunity, and investors will know their money is supporting development rather than anything else'".

In an article headed "John Deacey admits to disgraceful Bradford Park Avenue suspension record", the Telegraph & Argus reports that "Bradford Park Avenue boss John Deacey will be tightening up on discipline on the field after a season blighted by a glut of suspensions. Centre back Ryan Qualter was the latest player to sit out a game for an accumulation of yellow cards but Deacey had no control over that. The young defender has picked up just one booking since he signed for Avenue, with the rest collected while at former club Ossett Town.

Deacey said, 'The amount of suspensions we’ve had has been a disgrace and we have spoken about it in the dressing room and at training. I don’t mind a booking when it’s been a hard tackle; if the player feels it is a fair one when he goes into it but it just didn’t come off, or that the ref gives out a harsh card. But, to be honest, most of our bookings haven’t been like that.

We have had a go at the players and left them in no doubt as to how badly their conduct has hit us this year. When things are not going well, you have to look at yourself. I do that all the time and, if I don’t like what I see, I’m the first to judge myself. I expect the same from the players'.

There were some presentations to charities before last weekend’s home game against Histon following [a] pay-out from the Football Association of money earned by Avenue’s run in the FA Cup last season. Horsfall press officer Lewis Sale said, 'There was some confusion because a lot of people thought last season’s presentations to charity were from that campaign but they were actually for the previous season. When you reach the first-round proper, the club get the prize money round by round but also get a share of a pot once the FA Cup final has been played and the FA have done their sums. The clubs donate that to their chosen charities. We only reached the fourth qualifying round this season'...

Club historian Tim Clapham has marked the 25 years since Bradford Park Avenue reformed by producing another literary work. The booklet will be on sale for £5 at the club shop during Easter Monday’s final home game of the season against Stalybridge Celtic".

Still in Yorkshire, the Hull Daily Mail reports that "North Ferriby United chairman Les Hare believes his players have the heart to be crowned Conference North champions on Saturday. The odds are against Ferriby going into the final game, with AFC Telford one point clear of the second-placed Villagers...

Both challengers are at home for their final matches, with Ferriby hosting Brackley while Telford entertain Gainsborough...

'The players have hearts of lions', he told the Mail. 'They just don't stop. People might think the team isn't full of quality players, but Billy Heath has put together a team. It's the team ethic that has brought us this far in two years. It has been fantastic... This is living the dream', Hare said. 'It's unfolding in front of me. After 30 years in the non-league game, this is something I've always dreamed about. We've rewritten our development plan so many times but achieving that is something you never always feel is going to happen. The fact there is a reality to it now is so deeply rewarding'...

If Ferriby do miss out on the title this weekend, they will go into the play-offs as strong favourites. Altrincham and Hednesford have already guaranteed their places, with Guiseley and Boston United fighting for the last spot...

Hare wants to see the Eon Visual Media Stadium filled to capacity this weekend, especially with Hull City playing at Fulham on the same day". NFU's average gate is 386 in the league this season.

According to the Boston Standard, "Boston United manager Dennis Greene is challenging his Pilgrims to go out and complete their ‘unbelievable dream’ at Worcester City on Saturday...

Easter Monday’s spirited 2-0 victory against league leaders North Ferriby United, coupled with Guiseley’s shock 1-1 draw at relegated Workington, means the Pilgrim[s] still have a slim chance of a top-five finish. 'Anything can happen now can’t it? It’s one game of football', said Greene.

'They’re (Guiseley) playing Gloucester, who are a stronger side than Workington. All we can do is try to win a match of football. If we get the unbelievable dream, and they go and lose, we’re in it'...

If they win away against Worcester City... and Guiseley lose their home contest to Gloucester City then both sides will be locked on 75 points, but the Pilgrims’ superior goal difference will see them move up to fifth. Any other outcome and the Lions will finish in the play-off zone...

Despite living in hope, Greene still found time to compliment his rivals, adding: “We’re on an incredible run – nine unbeaten – and we’re still not in there. Hats off to Guiseley and Hednesford, they’ve had a phenomenal run".

NEXT OPPONENTS LOOK FOR A GOOD RESULT

Although those off-the-field problems now appear to have been sorted, Page is still none the wiser about where they go from here and is seeking clarification sooner rather than later to enable planning for next season to go ahead.

'I honestly don’t know where we go from here', said Page. 'I was made assurances that, once certain issues were sorted out, we would be able to move on. As far as I know they have been sorted but I still don’t know what is happening. I’ve been told there is a shareholders meeting on May 22, but that’s another month away and by then any (transfer) targets I want to go in for will have probably been snapped up by other clubs.

I need to know things like whether they want me to stay on and whether I can progress the scholarship in the way I want to. At the moment I’m having to wait, but how long can a person wait before it doesn’t become worth it?'.

Page also revealed the side had not trained for the past eight weeks, due to not being able to afford venue hire costs, and believes they could have stayed up had it not been for the latest money problems.

'We were five points and two places above the relegation zone, and had some winnable games coming up', said Page. 'I was made certain assurances at the start of the season, but those assurances disappeared eight weeks ago and it’s frustrating. But the loan signings, the players who have stayed and the lads who stepped up have been brilliant and I’m proud to be their manager'.

Had Histon managed to get a win at Gainsborough, they would have taken the fight for survival to the last game at home to Altrincham this Saturday,... Said Page, 'It’s the same story as it has been all season. They’ve punished us and we haven’t punished them. We’ve got one game to go, we started the season with a good result and we’ll look to at least finish it with one'".

Details of the supporters' travel arrangements to Histon are here.

THANK YOU

£4,200 JACKPOT

MONDAY'S GAME

Above: Mike Ripley's fine image captures a flying Shaun Densmore as his header just misses the target on Monday against Vauxhall Motors. For more of Mike's images, visit his website.

Vauxhall Motors report that "Altrincham guaranteed themselves a play-off position after they beat Vauxhalls 5-1 at Moss Lane... Motors started brightly with several chances in the first ten minutes. Tames escaped from his defender on the right-hand-side and fired the ball across the six yard box. The cross only needed a touch and it would have gone in.

Shortly afterwards, the Robins' defence gave Lloyd Ellams too much space as he skipped past two defenders only to see his shot tipped round the post from outside the area.

The match could have had a completely different outcome had Motors' scored one of those early chances. However, it was Altrincham who opened the scoring against the run of play... Tames's consolation goal came in the final minutes. The striker picked the ball up on the corner of the box, turned and fired the ball towards the substitute goalkeeper, Russell Saunders. The ball bounced right in-front of him and went straight through his hands."

OLD BOY

Chairman Frank Games was full of praise for Sullivan. 'I know how hard Tony has worked for this club during my time as chairman and he is an ambitious guy who is more than capable of continuing his managerial career at this level or higher, and all the Lairds family wish him well'. Sullivan took Lairds to league runners-up last season and also won three manager of the month awards, whilst this season he achieved a mid-table finish, despite limited resources".

LADIES' WIN

Above: Alty Ladies scored a 1-0 win over AFC Stockport Ladies on Sunday at the J. Davidson Stadium. Here Mike Ripley captures the competitiveness of the match.

BARRY'S ARTICLE

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Ian, who succeeded Darren Edmondson as boss in December, made his mind up after the recent home game v. Worcester City, opting to resign as team manager... In charge for twenty three Conference North games, Ian inherited problems on and off the pitch and was unable to prevent the slide towards the Evo-Stik League... He has guided the team to three wins and six draws, to date, but has been hampered by the unavailability of players on a regular basis".

The site adds that "Ian McDonald’s imminent departure overshadowed a stirring performance from relegated Reds" in securing a draw against Guiseley. "They came so close to obtaining a shock victory... Joe Jackson, had withdrawn from the game through illness and his absence presented Jonny Murray with an unexpected place in the line up. The seventeen year old had a debut to be proud of causing numerous problems to Guiseley’s established back four... He came within inches of scoring a last minute winner when a goal-bound shot span away and shaved the outside of the post. Had that gone in, Guiseley could not have complained at the outcome after experiencing an uncomfortable afternoon on a ground where they usually excel...

A dignified McDonald said, 'I apologised to the Chairman for taking the club down'”.

In the local News & Star reminds us that "When McDonald replaced Darren Edmondson in December, he said, 'I am aiming to make it impossible for the board not to offer me another contract'. That hasn’t happened as he has only managed a 12.5 per cent win rate, with Workington losing 15 times, and failing to score in 10.

McDonald, who played for Reds in the 1970s, has led Workington to just three victories from his 24 games in charge. His recent comments regarding players’ loyalty and insisting Workington’s squad lacked quality has led to rifts within the dressing room. His lowest point was the 6-1 humiliation at the hands of Altrincham earlier this month, equalling a 19-year low. And many supporters are pleased he will be replaced when his short-term deal expires...

Heathcote said, 'We need to tap into the Cumbrian talent, and whoever takes over will ideally have good knowledge and experience of the Northern Premier League'... Director Keith Nelson, who played a big role in McDonald coming to the club, has also stood down... but would not say why he has quit".

We read in the Hull Daily Mail that "North Ferriby United boss Billy Heath admitted his side's 2-0 defeat at Boston United was 'disappointing'... They now sit second in the Conference North table and one point behind the leaders...

Heath isn't giving up on his side's promotion hopes just yet, even if it means doing it the hard way through the top-five play-offs. 'It was a massively disappointing result', he said. 'Up to Boston's second goal it always looked likely that we would get a point. However, we will re-group and go in to the game against Brackley knowing that a win will guarantee either the title or second place'...

Boston took the lead after 70 minutes when Junior Konadu's low cross caused confusion in the six-yard box before the ball fell to McGhee, who hammered home. Nine minutes later, things got worse for Ferriby as the referee brushed aside Boston's pleas for a penalty after a clash between Hone and Miller. With the ball still in play, Hone bent down to remonstrate with Miller and pushed him down as the striker attempted to get up. The referee was left with no choice but to award a penalty and send off Hone for violent conduct. Miller sent Nicklin the wrong way with the penalty".

From the other side, the Boston Standard adds that ex-Alty loanee defender "Carl Piergianni believes that the Skrill North’s promotion hopefuls are praying that Boston United don’t force their way in to the play-off spots, because they’re scared to face the Pilgrims...

The result gives Boston, who stretched their unbeaten run to a fantastic nine matches, an outside chance of squeezing into the top five at the expense of Guiseley...

'We can do nothing but win our game', admitted defender Piergianni, after helping his side to another clean sheet... 'It’s a tough ask for Guiseley to slip up but, if we get into the play-offs, then teams will be worrried. We’re nine unbeaten and nobody will want to play us... That was one of the most memorable games of my career so far... The crowd, I could hear them all game, and they literally spurred us on. They’ve made this place a fortress'".

As regards the league leaders, the Shropshire Star says that "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson vowed his players won’t blow it after their fate in the title race was again placed in their own hands... Victory at home to Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday will make them champions...

Watson said, 'We just wanted that one more chance and we can’t and won’t let it slip now, Easter Monday has always been a special day to me in title challenges and, hopefully, this is no different. The ideal scenario was that we were above our main rivals rival in the league, with a game to play, and that’s where we are. We have got all we wished for, now we need to see the job through...

If the fans can get behind us again on Saturday, it could make all the difference... We should be higher up the pyramid, we know that and everyone else does, and we have had some turnaround from what we went through with relegation from the Conference Premier last season... Whatever happens, I think we got some credibility back'".

CONFERENCE ON TV

All matches on the final day of the season kick-off at 5.30pm. BT Sport will, of course, be covering the Promotion Play-Off Final at Wembley on May 18th".

ALTRINCHAM 5 VAUXHALL MOTORS 1

Match report here.

Above, Gianluca Havern nets one of Alty's goals on Monday against Vauxhall Motors.

SCOTT SWEEPS THE BOARD

Right: After today's game, Scott Leather walked away with three awards at the Player of the Season event. Here he is seen with captain Shaun Densmore receiving one of his trophies.

• Young Player of the Season: Scott Leather
• Club Person of the Season: Karen Rowley
• Players' Award: John Skelhorn and Luke Pickering (kitmen)
• Players' Player of the Season: Scott Leather
• Goal of the Season 1st, Nicky Clee (v. Colwyn Bay), 2nd, Damian Reeves (v. BPA), 3rd, James Walshaw (v. Brackley)
• Supporters' Player of the Season 1st, Scott Leather, 2nd, Nicky Clee, 3rd Joint, James Walshaw amd Gianluca Havern
• Tom Earley Clubman of the Season George Heslop.

Scott thanked his team-mates for all their help during the season and expressed the hope that his development as a player would continue next season.

George, Alty's youth team manager and Matchday Secretary thanked the Earley family and described his award was "the most treasured possession he has gained in football".

TASC SUPPORTERS' COACH TRAVEL TO HISTON

"As it's the last league game of the season, we are going to get down to Histon earlier than normal to enjoy a drink at the Railway Vue pub, opposite to where the coach parks, as there is only a small social club at the ground. We aim to arrive around 12.45 to 1pm.

The coach departure times are as follows...

• The Vine, Sale, at 9am.
• The Hare & Hounds, Timperley, at 09.10am.
• Opposite Altrincham Leisure Centre at 9.15am.
• The J. Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane, at 9.20am.

Prices:

• Adults - £22
• Concessionaries - £20
• Full-time students - £13

For the benefit of anyone not used to travelling on the supporters' coach, Mark reminds us that...

• There is strictly NO alcohol permitted on TASC coaches.
• The coach is expected to arrive at 12.45 to 1pm at the Railway Vue Pub, opposite the ground.
• The coach stops for 30 minutes at Norton Caines services on the M6 Toll Road, roughly half-way into the journey.
• Please only book if you are 100% sure of taking up your seat, as you could prevent others from travelling.

Thank you for your support of the coaches this season".

Bookings must be made in advance. This can be done by ringing the Club on 0161 928-1045 during normal weekday office hours.

The above details are also to be found throughout the week on the Away Travel page.

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

MONDAY GATES

• Altrincham v Vauxhall Motors 831
• Boston United v North Ferriby United 1,567
• Brackley Town v Oxford City 430
• Bradford Park Avenue v Stalybridge Celtic 369
• Colwyn Bay v Stockport County 1,031
• Gainsborough Trinity v Histon 363
• Gloucester City v Leamington 527
• Harrogate Town v Barrow 582
• Hednesford Town v Worcester City 668
• Solihull Moors v AFC Telford United 834
• Workington v Guiseley 357

CONGRATULATIONS!

ALTRINCHAM 5-1 VAUXHALL MOTORS

Match report here.

UPS AND DOWNS

As previously reported, the play off semi finals are as follows.

• Semi-Final, 1st leg, Wednesday 30 April 2014: 5th v 2nd and 4th v 3rd
• Semi-Final, 2nd leg, Saturday 3 May 2014: 2nd v 5th and 3rd v 4th
• Final, Saturday 10 May 2014 at the home of the higher-placed finalist

Monday 21st April

• Through the Years by Howard Watts.
• Altrincham 5-1 Vauxhall Motors
• Boston United 2-0 North Ferriby United
• Brackley Town 2-1 Oxford City
• Bradford Park Avenue 1-1 Stalybridge Celtic
• Colwyn Bay 0-0 Stockport County
• Gainsborough Trinity 3-1 Histon
• Gloucester City 3-3 Leamington
• Harrogate Town 3-1 Barrow
• Hednesford Town 4-0 Worcester City
• Solihull Moors 2-2 AFC Telford United
• Workington 1-1 Guiseley

ALTRINCHAM v VAUXHALL MOTORS: BEFORE THE GAME

The opening goal of the game came on 32 minutes. A throughball split the Workington defence and Steven Tames broke clear and slid the ball past goalkeeper Daniel Nizic to net his 10th goal of the season for the Motormen. Workington fought their way back level just before the break...

On the hour mark, Vauxhall retook the lead. The ball was played in to Andy Nicholas who was brought down just outside the penalty area. Up stepped Karl Clair who struck the ball low and powerfully past Nizic into the bottom corner of the net".

MONDAY FIXTURES

Right, are the opening times for the Altrincham FC Beer Festival.

EASTER MONDAY'S BUCKET COLLECTION

Can I say, as a fan of Altrincham for over 14 years, that our support at Stockport County on Good Friday was one of the best that I have witnessed in all those years and a great credit to the Club. Thank you for your great support and I hope for a big crowd against Vauxhall Motors, who we sadly won't be playing next season due to their request to be playing football at a lower level. Thanks for your support, Neil Faulkner",

SUPPORT THE DISCO NIGHT!

We are also looking for a few raffle prizes, if anybody could kindly donate something. I would love to see more Alty fans and their partners at this night. This is particularly aimed at the poor, long-suffering partners of our great fans as this is a Strictly no Football event, with no auctions, and will be a night of dance and fun. Once again, the evening will be hosted by Pat and Tony Savage of the Topaz Dance School and there will be fantastic music from the 60s to the 80s and you can learn a few new dance moves as well!"

WORLD CUP PREDICTION COMPETITION

There will be one point each awarded for predicting the correct home team score, away team score and the correct match result.

The entry fee is £5 and the winner, with the most points scored, wins 20% of the total prize pot, the runner up wins 15% and third place wins 10% of the total prize pot, the remainder going to TASC/Altrincham Football Club.

Regular updates will be provided throughout the qualifying rounds on both the Fans' Forum and Club website.

The closing date for entries is 11th June before the first match kicks off on 12th June.

The entry form is here.

JOIN THE BUPA GREAT FUN RUN FOR ALTY

LADIES' WIN

COUNTY GAME REVIEWED

Vital County has a detailed match report on the game against Altrincham. ""County made it six games, last night, without so much as one goal to show for all the effort expended during the 540 + minutes. It therefore seems ridiculous to say it, but County were probably happy with last night's 0-0 draw, as indeed they may well be with the previous two. Both these had been against promotion contenders , and Altrincham were the latest ,and the third of that ilk to contest the points with the Hatters, so blue pleasure can perhaps be understood.

Eight months ago Altrincham, with Walshaw and Reeves running the show, had given County a thorough lesson , and indeed for long periods last night County were very much second best, against an Alty side that looked sharp, incisive, well drilled and full of ideas, in short promotion material!

There was however altogether more heart in County`s performance in response this time... but, apart from 2 saves that veteran keeper Stuart Coburn made before the break, there was little fire power up front from County.

Altrincham by way of contrast had Walshaw and Reeves and they were terrific; mobile and energetic all over the front line, and with Nicky Clee also in prime form, and Jake Moult attack prompter in chief, County were frequently stretched to near breaking point. Add a constant flow of dangerous crosses from ex-Hatter Adam Griffin into the mix, and it was plain to see why County's preoccupation was over-long concerned with matters defensive!...

When Reeves went down under pressure from Moses, I thought that we had trouble because it was in a decent position for a pot on goal. In the event the kick emphasised one weakness in Alty`s make up, namely the set pieces, and this one had Row R ducking hurriedly as it whistled past my left ear...

With Reeves, Walshaw and Clee on song and urged on by Moult, Altrincham looked every bit as useful as in August... Walshaw slipped clear bringing an excellent saving tackle from Lees that prevented County shipping that vital first goal! As before Alty wasted the corner...

Altrincham were getting loads of possession now with the last 5 minutes beckoning... Altrincham piled into the attack, and crosses fizzed across the face of the County goal with no takers still as the minutes ticked away".

GATES

• 2084 AFC Telford U. v Gloucester City
• 733 Barrow v Bradford Park Avenue
• 620 Guiseley v Colwyn Bay
• 307 Histon v Solihull Moors
• 792 Leamington v Boston United
• 663 North Ferriby United v Harrogate Town
• 335 Oxford City v Hednesford Town
• 446 Stalybridge Celtic v Gainsborough Trinity
• 166 Vauxhall Motors v Workington
• 568 Worcester City v Brackley Town

PROMOTION RUN-IN

1. NORTH FERRIBY UNITED P40 W24 D9 L7 F79 A48 GD+31 PTS81

• 19th Apr H Harrogate Town
• 21st Apr A Boston United
• 26th Apr H Brackley Town

2. AFC TELFORD UNITED P40 W24 D9 L7 F77 A51 GD+26 PTS81

• 19th Apr H Gloucester City
• 21st Apr A Solihull Moors
• 26th Apr H Gainsborough Trinity

3. ALTRINCHAM P40 W22 D9 L9 F85 A50 GD+35 PTS74

• 18th Apr A Stockport County
• 21st Apr H Vauxhall Motors
• 26th Apr A Histon

4. HEDNESFORD TOWN P40 W23 D6 L11 F83 A63 GD+19 PTS72

• 19th Apr A Oxford City
• 21st Apr H Worcester City
• 26th Apr A Barrow

5. GUISELEY P40 W22 D8 L10 F74 A54 GD+20 PTS74

• 19th Apr H Colwyn Bay
• 21st Apr A Workington
• 26th Apr H Gloucester City

6. BOSTON UNITED P40 W19 D12 L9 F83 A57 GD+26 PTS69

• 19th Apr A Leamington
• 21st Apr H North Ferriby United
• 26th Apr A Worcester City

OLD BOY'S "GAME OF THRONES"

In physio Rodger Wylde's lurid account of football dressing room toilet protocol, we almost got bogged down in the first few paragraphs, which detailed the varied habits of various County players' in the Club's smallest room. But worse was to come as Rodger went on to destroy, in just a few lines, the longstanding respect in which former Alty sub Richard Landon is held by the Moss Lane faithful, who recall his goalscoring feats for the Club in the 1999-2000 season.

"Dickie" Landon, no longer in the full flush of youth, is now the kitman in County's chain of command. According to Rodger, "Stockport County's little toilet idiosyncrasy is that kit-man, Richard Landon, never puts any toilet rolls in the loos until the opposition asks for them, usually when a player is in desperate need... What do you do in these situations? Richard usually shouts to them 'We've got none, use your hand'. Before handing them a few rolls".

Hopefully, for the benefit of Richard's reputation amongst Alty fans, Mr Wylde's story is just a tissue of lies.

On a more savoury note, Saturday's Trafford v Stafford Rangers match was a feast for spotters of ex-Alty players. Trafford included former Altrincham left-back Andrew Smart and ex-Moss Lane trialist, Tom Schofield. The programme notes added that former Alty Youth captain, Oliver Riley, is also now at Shawe View.

The visitors, Stafford Rangers, are now managed by two Alty legends in Graham Heathcote and Chirs Adams, whilst the squad deployed for the game included ex-youth keeper, Andrew Jones, former midfielder (now centre-back) Lewis Chalmers, midfielder Ian Craney (pictured right, on loan for Stockport County), former striker (now midfielder), James McCarthy, and ex-Alty striker, Matt Berkeley. Other Stafford players listed in the pen pictures included former youth players Ryan Barry and Sam Heathcote. Relegated Rangers won 2-1.

The NL Paper has an interview with Ian Craney. In it, Ian says, "Graham was my first-ever manager back at Altrincham and he's the one who got my career going".

He continued, "If they [the young players] all stick around and the team is strengthened in the summer, the club should be a force next season. Graham knows non-League like the back of his hand, which is a big positive. As a club, they've got to do everything in their power to keep hold of him... If Graham wanted me to stay at Stafford, I would like to".

WALKING TO STOCKPORT FOR ALTY

Pictured, above, are the gallant Altrincham supporters before and after they undertook the nine-mile walk to Edgeley Park in advance of Friday night's match. It's not too late to sponsor any of the particpants; please either contact them directly or contact the club here.

BEER FESTIVAL

The Altrincham FC Beer Festival continues over the weekend (Sunday and Monday) at the J. Davidson Stadium. Above we see a selection of the beers available to purchase, as well as the winner of the competition to taste all of the brews, pictured with Steve Foster. (The images, courtesy of Grahame Rowley, are enlargeable by clicking on them).

CIDER WITH FOZZY

• 5.5% ABV Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy. This Cider is a 'Golden medium cider with a refreshing apple aroma. Smooth balanced flavour that has a fresh, crisp sharpness'.
• 7.2% ABV Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon Cider. This Cider is 'Matured in oak barrels to produce a cider rich in colour, body and flavour with a fresh fruity aroma'.
• 4% ABV Snailsbank's Tumbledown Summer Fruit. This Cider is 'A smooth, flavoursome, easy drinking fruity cider'.
• 4% ABV Sandford Orchards' Bumbleberry Summer Fruit. Sandford Orchards describe this cider as follows, 'When our apple cart fell into Ma' Frobisher's fruit cage there was hell to pay. Pa' Frobisher took two weeks to repair the damage, the tipsy wagon driver got a lesson from the law and a serious quantity of apples had to be picked up for a second time. But as is the way here in Devon the story has a happy ending. The berries squashed in the accident ended up in bumbling farmer Butterfield's best cider ever. Apples, strawberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and blackberries - marvellous fruit cider'.
• 4% ABV Sandford Orchards' Fanny's Bramble - Blackberry. Sandford Orchards describe this cider as 'A gentle amble out of Sandford towards Shaky Bridge threads along Fanny’s Lane. In the autumn the blackberries from its hedges join local apples in many pies and crumbles. We pluck a few away to add to our own special recipe. We think this is a uniquely fruity and refreshing cider'".

OXFORD VIDEO

• Alty's first goal.
• Alty's second goal.
• Oxford's goal.

COUNTY VIEW

County started the game well with Kristian Dennis going down the left crossed across goal to Milligan who volley[ed] first time towards goal... At the other end, County keeper Ian Ormson was in electric form with some pivotal saves throughout the game...

The second half was a lot less entertaining than the first half most of possession being found in the middle of the park, however, the best chance of the game fell to County when the ever present Milligan took a low shot from 30 yards out, which skimmed past the post underneath Coburn's legs which on another day could have put County ahead.

County will be happy that they were able to dent Alty's promotion hopes. However, they will feel they did more than enough to get something out of the game".

From Brian Flynn we learn that the Radio Robins's commentary for the Stockport game is now available.

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

'The season is now definitely in our hands' said Page [before the 0-3 defeat on Saturday]... 'Hopefully by Monday evening we might be able to go into the last game a little more relaxed. It’s massively important. Mentally, for our players we can simply just focus on what we’re doing and not worry about anyone else. If we take three points on Saturday we can’t be caught. If we take another three points on Monday we still can’t be caught'...

Page admitted he is disappointed to be in a relegation dogfight again – Histon stayed up last year on goal difference at the expense of Corby Town thanks to a goalless draw at Bradford Park Avenue on the final day of the season but believes the experience last year will serve his team well.

'We’ve been in this position before, we know the pressures that are on us', he said... 'You don’t really want to experience it often but the elation of staying up last year was a heck of a feeling. We’ve got to try to recreate that and hopefully we can do it before the last game'...

And having seen his playing budget disappear last month, when the club revealed further financial difficulties, he has been pleased to see his team still in with a good chance of staying up. 'I’m a little disappointed we’re in this position', he said. 'A lot of performances prior to everything that happened were good and we should have taken more points and been safe anyway. It is a poor situation and we’ve dealt really well with it'".

NW NEWS

A letter from Wakefield FC requesting that they be relegated to Step 5 of the NLS at the end of season 2013-2014 season was also accepted. The League would treat both clubs as filling the two relegation places (21st and 22nd) in the NPL Division One North at the end of season 2013-2014 in accordance with FA regulations".

FRIDAY & SATURDAY GAMES

• Stockport County 0-0 Altrincham
• Through the Years from Howard Watts

Saturday 19th April

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

League table here. Barring two heavy defeats, Altrincham should be in the play offs, as they are now six points ahead of Boston with two games left and a nine-goal lead on goal difference.

STOCKPORT COUNTY 0 ALTRINCHAM 0

Altrincham had the better of an entertaining but goalless game at Edgeley Park.

Match report here

Above: Stuart Coburn organizes his defence before the lights came on at Edgeley Park.

SPORTS HALL FUNDRAISING

The Share Purchase scheme: 27 supporters have received shares which have generated £1,700 towards the fund.

Donations:

• 8 Giantkillers have pledged or donated £31,500 in total
• 2 Champions have pledged or donated £500 in total
• 7 Supporters have pledged or donated £500 in total

Sponsors : 6 Business Champions have pledged or donated £40,500

Supporters have contributed £4,343.08 via fund-raisers, including football cards, fundraising events, auctions, etc

How to contribute:

If you would like to add your support to the project, any contribution is worthwhile and will be gratefully received, whether it be £1 for a team on a football card or one of the options below. Please note that as the Community Company is a Registered Charity, we can claim Gift Aid. We are in the process of setting up a Just Giving page, and will let you know when that’s complete.

Share Purchase: The Share Purchase opportunity is still open as Geoff Goodwin and Grahame Rowley have kindly donated further shares in support of the project. Minimum purchase is 5 @ £5 each, but feel free to purchase more than that!

Donations: Every donation brings the project a little closer to reality and is really appreciated. Whether you are a supporter of the football club, a resident, local business or a sportsperson aware of the shortage of suitable facilities in the area, this is an opportunity to contribute to a lasting facility for the community and, from the Club’s perspective, one that will introduce many local people to the Football Club.

If you would like to donate, there are a number of ways you can do this:

• Donate £1,000 or more to the project and be recognised as a “GIANTKILLER’ on our glass honours board
• Donate £250 towards the project and be recognised as a ‘CHAMPION’ on our glass honours board.
• Donate £50 or more and be recognised as a ‘SUPPORTER’ on our glass honours board

Sponsorship: Whereas the Main Sponsorship has now been taken up by Sky Wheels, there is the opportunity for a business to become a 'Business Champion’ for £5,000 – second tier sponsors who will have significant internal exposure within the complex, or a 'Business Supporter’ for £250, who will have their logo displayed within the Community Sports Hall (30 x 15 inches per donation).

If you are interested in any of these options, e-mail.

Peter Foster".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

According to the Football Conference, "Gloucester City defender Jack Harris has signed a two year contract to remain at the club. The 24-year-old has been a standout performer since joining the Tigers in 2008 and recently notched up his 200th appearance for City...

'After sitting down with [manager] Tim {Harris] and having a long talk about various things I was excited to listen to what he had to say about the type of club Gloucester City can be and what it aspires to be', explained the centre-back. 'I’ve been at the club for six years and, personally, I haven’t really seen the real Gloucester due to us not having our own ground in the city.

I use the new ground as a positive factor and it is definitely something that I am looking forward to being part of in the future. On the pitch, I feel Tim has come in under extreme pressure and, along with the other staff, but they have done a great job in getting the lads together and securing our position in the league for next year.

The passion he shows for the club and the professionalism he brings with him is what you want to play under, he wants the team to be positive and most of all enjoy the game so as a player that’s all you can ask for'...

Harris said, 'He has been a tremendous asset on and off the field. Jack is a firm fan’s favourite and an integral part of the playing squad for my future plans'".

The NW Evening Mail says that "The prospect of rival teams tapping up Barrow AFC’s contract targets does not concern boss Darren Edmondson, who is also poised to turn predator in the transfer market...

'It always goes on, let’s not cloud ourselves with that, I’m sure that one or two have been talking to our players', said Edmondson. 'Ultimately, I think our players trust the dressing room.... If people choose to go elsewhere for money or whatever it might be, there’s nothing you can do about that...We’ve got other targets as well as the ones who are here, and we’ve been trying to quietly make some inroads into one or two of those'.

With the deadline for Bluebirds members to vote on Paul Casson’s takeover deal expiring at the end of this month, Edmondson reiterated his desire to discover what his players’ budget, for 2014/15, will be at the earliest opportunity. 'We need to find out what’s happening very quickly with the vote and get that sorted out, and then we can definitely see which board of directors we’ll be working with, etc, and we’ll know what we can do financially', added Edmondson...

Edmondson has already revealed that right-back Andy Burns is one of the players who could seal a new deal for next season at the weekend... Meanwhile, combative midfielder Paddy Lacey has indicated that he could secure his Holker Street future by the end of next week...

Edmondson said, 'They’re the types you want to build your squad around, but there are another 10 or 12 who have done exceptionally well since I came in, and right through the whole squad you can name names. But down the spine we’ve got to make sure that we’re really solid next year and that we can compete up front'. Edmondson has expressed his desire to keep hold of Sam Sheridan, while telling fellow midfielder Alex-Ray Harvey that he is on his wanted list...

'Our midfielders have been excellent', added Edmondson. 'Digger’s (Davies) had a dip in form, had a few injuries but he’s another excellent player. When our midfield is on their game I pretty much think there isn’t a better midfield in the league... We’ve got to make sure that we tie up the nucleus of the squad'".

North Ferriby United "entertain Harrogate Town on Saturday... Harrogate’s midweek defeat at Guiseley ended their play-off hopes. However, the pressure is now off them and they will be playing for pride as they play-out their season. It is certain to be a testing game for Ferriby who were beaten 5-0 at Harrogate at the beginning of the season...

Ferriby probably need to win their final three games if they are to take the Skrill North title but it will be far from easy. Monday’s opponents, Boston United, are still chasing a play-off spot and will be hard to beat on their own ground, Brackley Town will be Ferriby’s final opponents of the regular season. They have been chasing a play-off spot but will almost certainly be out of contention come a week on Saturday...

Ferriby will be hoping for a good crowd on Saturday with hull city’s game against Arsenal having been put back to Sunday. A lot of City fans follow Ferriby’s fortunes and quite a number regularly watch games at the Eon Visual Media Stadium.

Following Tuesday’s game, Manager Billy Heath commented, 'The players deserve credit for the character and determination they showed this evening. We responded well after going behind with just over 20 minutes to go... Harrogate now have no pressure on them and can come and enjoy the game on Saturday. They are a good footballing side and it is going to take a good performance to beat them. It is going to be a tense and tough eight days but we will take it one game at a time and see what happens'".

In the Shropshire Star we learn that "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson today told his players not to slip up if they are granted 'one last chance' of claiming the Skrill Conference North title...

Telford now welcome bottom-half visitors Gloucester City to the New Bucks Head tomorrow... on Easter Monday, Watson’s side travelling to Solihull Moors... Telford will be looking to win their seventh home game in a row tomorrow...

Watson said, 'What we have done is try to play them as if they are cup finals. We have put everything into it and the run of consecutive wins at home has been an amazing achievement. We have got to make sure we turn up tomorrow and I am sure we will. Gloucester City have got a few injuries but their manager Tim Harris is a good football man, so it could be difficult... I just want one last chance of having it in our hands and, if we do that, we can’t let it slip'.

Watson expects to shuffle his pack over the two games with Chris Lever back from injury and another full-back, James Smith, standing by. Midfielder Russell Benjamin and winger Robbie Booth didn’t make the squad for last weekend’s 1-0 success at Colwyn Bay, so are also fit and ready for selection".

STOCKPORT COUNTY v ALTRINCHAM: BEFORE THE GAME

'If we can get a positive result at Stockport we'll see if the teams above us slip up because they have two games in three days. The players have been applying themselves well lately and I'm sure they'll be up for this one.

It's a local derby, Stockport are an ex-League club and it's a wonderful ground. Maybe that works against them because teams raise their game here and, hopefully, that's what we can do, because we're all looking forward to it. Stockport don't want to be in this league, far from it', Sinnott added.

'They've had a season of acclimitisation but they put a decent run together earlier in the year and have forwards that can hurt you'.

Prolific striker Damian Reeves is fit again for Alty, while Sinnott hopes to welcome back Simon Richman (left) and Tom Marshall (right)".

Meanwhile, Non-League Review interviews County boss Alan Lord. "Alan was Ian Bogie’s number 2 when the two teams met earlier in the season and as we were talking, Alan recall’s how flat Stockport were that day and the supporters had every right to give them some grief. ‘We just didn’t turn up, the performance was flat‘ Walshaw and Reeves bagged the 3 goals between them that condemned County to a 3-0 defeat.

‘In them two they have one of the best strike forces in the league’ said Lord, but he also believes he’s seen enough of Altrincham in recent weeks to get something out of the game. Despite a run of 12 games without a win and 5 games without a goal there’s still positives to be taken. Clean sheets against Brackley, Worcester and North Ferriby proves the defence is more than capable, he just thinks his strike force is lacking that cutting edge and are low on confidence. Hopefully a few changes he has up his sleeve for tonight can change this around.

Planning for next season, Alan has been spotted out and about in recent weeks as he looks to recruit for the next campaign. He told us there’s a few deals ready to be done and he wants to get his business done early in the summer, he’s got players lined up with a physical presence, power, pace and a real cutting edge, something he thinks they’ve lacked slightly this season, ‘If these deals come off people’s heads will turn, these are players with real experience in this league, players who have won this league so they know what’s required’"

BEER FESTIVAL

Steve Foster writes, "We are pleased to announce the last two beers for this weekend's beer festival. The first is the 4.1% ABV Wainwrights' from Thwaites Brewery which is kindly sponsored by Paul Daine's Premium Collections. The beer is described as 'A refreshing straw-coloured beer with soft fruit flavours and a hint of sweetness from the fine malt'.

The second beer is the 4.4% ABV Contraband from Bootleg Brewery which is kindly sponsored by Phil Hoskins. The beer is described as "A crisp, dry pale ale, very hoppy with a hint of citrus'.

We have to announce one change to the previously announced beers; Cheshire IPA will be replacing Deer Beer (both from Dunham Brewery). Cheshire IPA is 4.7% and is described as 'A good old fashioned English Ale, light and hoppy'. The beer is sponsored by Gavin Rathbone's GR Photography. The ciders and lagers that will be available as part of the beer festival will be announced before the start of the festival".

LADIES' MATCH REPORT

NFU GAME REVISITED

Above: Gavin Rathbone's excellent image not only captures the delight of Greg Wilkinson on scoring the equalizer against North Ferriby United last Saturday but also the various expressions of despair of the opposition.

The Radio Robins commentary from the game is now available, here.

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Hindmarch joins Conor Tinnion, who he played with during a spell in New Zealand, in leaving Borough Park in the last month. Tinnion was frustrated with a lack of game time under the new regime but Hindmarch has played a pivotal role. Workington face a bumper Bank Holiday with a trip to Vauxhall Motors on Saturday before hosting play-off chasing Guiseley AFC on Easter Monday.

Wins could move them out of the relegation zone for the first time in months, but defeats would condemn Reds to life in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League. McDonald is expected to have captain Kyle May and Dan Wordsworth back for both matches... [They] missed Tuesday’s draw at Gloucester City due to work commitments."

The Halesowen News reports that "Proposals for a new football stadium in Worcester have been handed to the city council, bringing the supporters' dream one step closer. A formal planning application has now been submitted to build a new 4,100 capacity ground at Perdiswell.

The plans, by the Worcester City's Supporters' Trust, will now lead to a public consultation, kicking off over the summer. The application includes one main 500-seater stand, a standing terrace, 3G pitch, three full-size grass pitches, two nine-a-side fields, conference and classroom facilities. Rob Crean, from the Supporters'Trust said... 'If we don't get it right it will be chucked out'...

The Supporters' Trust is determined to bring the club home and says it aims to secure grants and fundraising donations towards the £2.1 million it is likely to need to build it. Nearby residents have already launched a petition calling for it to be rejected amid fears of congestion and a loss of green space".

SHAUN'S IMMINENT LANDMARK

• 2008-09: 40 starts
• 2009-10: 47(+1)
• 2010-11: 35(+2)
• 2011-12: 40(+1)
• 2012-13: 48
• 2013-14: 39(+2)
• Total: 249(+6)

Shaun has also scored 24 goals, a total only beaten in the current squad by attacking players, namely Damian Reeves (121), James Walshaw (29), Nicky Clee (27) and James Lawrie (25).

Right: Shaun, wearing the captain's armband, leads the team out on his 250th appearance for Alty, at Colwyn Bay.

WEDNESDAY GAME

• Stalybridge C. 2 North Ferriby Utd 3, att. 303

MARK'S BLOG

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Oxford City felt hard done by as they went down 2-1 to Altrincham at Marsh Lane last night... The home side made much of the early running before Altrincham began to get into the game, taking the lead on 16 minutes through James Walshaw.

There was little to choose between the two sides as City battled back before the break... Altrincham grabbed their second goal in the 82nd minute when a speculative effort from range by Moult left Scott with no chance.

Mike Ford’s men refused to throw in the towel and substitute Kayden Jackson saw his goalbound shot blocked by Adam Griffin at the expense of a corner. Their determination was rewarded in stoppage time. Jackson worked his way into the box before unleashing a powerful drive that the Altrincham keeper could only watch as it crashed into the back of the net, but it came too late as time ran out on City".

Alty's next opponents, Stockport County report that "Hatters' boss Alan Lord has announced a major review of the playing structure at Edgeley Park in order to give the club a better chance of promotion next season.

He will introduce a new development squad which will support the first team by providing competitive football for trialists, fringe players and younger players. Lord said, 'I am desperate for a radical overhaul of the substructure below the first team. At present, if a player is recommended to us we can only see them in training, so we don’t know how fit they are or how capable they are in a match situation.

Secondly, we have had players this season who have dropped out of the first team either through injury or loss of form but, when we bring them back, we are unrealistic in our expectations about how they will perform. And, thirdly, we have a number of young, developing players that we need to look at in a match environment. At present we’ve got the first team and nothing else, so players have been going for weeks on end without a competitive game'.

Lord plans to introduce a Development Squad that will be open age and therefore geared up for all three of these phases. He added, 'The secondary benefit is that it gives us the opportunity to play development games against pro clubs, perhaps behind closed doors, and we can then have a look at that club’s fringe players, which might open doors for us to exploit the loan market more effectively'.

Lord wants to bring a competitive edge to these games, so County will enter an appropriate league which is suitable for developing players. The cost implications are negligible and the plan does not require a larger permanent pool of players, as trialists will be able to sign on the day in order to take part in these games. Lord said, 'It will be a much more effective way of examining players during a trial as they can train with us on a Tuesday, play a game on Thursday, and then we can make a better value judgement based on their performance during competitive game time.

I believe the lack of a development side has hampered the club this season. We need a structure underneath the first team where we can look at players, develop players and prevent any costly mistakes being made'. Lord points to the examples of Matthew Todd and Sanchez Payne. Todd has been an unused substitute recently, whilst Payne made his debut off the bench at Brackley on Saturday. He said 'They have both been training with us for a few weeks now but they’ve had no games. Under the structure which I plan to introduce, they would’ve been able to get two of three competitive matches under their belts. It’s better for the player and better for the club'".

The Wetherby News reports that "The final nail in the coffin was hammered down for Harrogate Town’s play-off ambitions, as Guiseley won the Yorkshire derby 2-0 at Nethermoor Park on Tuesday evening. Two first-half headers ensured Guiseley maintained their late push for a top five Skrill North spot and more importantly, ended Town’s...

Simon Weaver’s men have picked up just [four] points out of a possibly [18] in their last [six] games, [since beating Altrincham!]... The Sulphurites are 11 points adrift of where they set their seasonal targets... Former Chelsea man Woods looked rusty in his link-up play with lone forward Ashley Worsfold, while Liam Hardy was often a forlorn figure cast out on the right wing.

Several niggly fouls were committed throughout the Town team and frustration etched across faces when passes went, too often, awry... Disgusted with his side’s half, Weaver made two tactical changes at the break, with Woods and Nelthorpe surrendered and replaced by Anton Brown and Dom Rowe... Young Alex Metcalfe was handed five minutes to shine. The talent, who has played most of the season with Harrogate Railway, gave a late positive for boss Weaver...

And afterwards, Weaver condemned the injuries that had ruined his end of season plans. He said, 'Two balls in the box and two headers that we didn’t deal with. It’s really disappointing not to come away with anything in that second-half. We changed it to 4-4-2 from 4-3-3 and we had a lot of possession but we couldn’t hurt them. We lack height. With the absentees, we got out-muscled in the box a few times and that was the difference between the two teams...

We beat Altrincham, Hednesford, Solihull and Ferriby. We know we can beat the top teams. I genuinely think we would be still up there if we hadn’t had the heart of it ripped out. I’m not naming the settled team that I was before. We are not at the same level as we were... We played three in the middle and we didn’t get anywhere near their two. We didn’t cause any problems, we didn’t drive at them. We were playing pretty artistic players but we were not hurting the opposition.. We were as good, if not better, than Guiseley in the second-half. It didn’t turn into many chances but I can’t remember them having many chances in the 90 minutes either.”

In the Hull Daily Mail, before Wednesday's game, Stalybridge Celtic v North Ferriby United, we read that "North Ferriby United manager Billy Heath has urged his players to go the extra mile at Stalybridge tonight and take pole position for the Conference North title.

This is the first of four games in 11 days for Heath's side who are three points behind leaders AFC Telford with a game in hand. Ferriby's goal difference is five better than Telford... Heath has told his players to leave nothing in the tank for the next four matches. 'To win anything you have to go the extra mile', Heath told the Mail. 'It's much harder to win a title than staying up. It's about how strong we are mentally but every game takes it out of you. We know we have the ability and we have to put everything into the final four games...

Stalybridge need to win to stay up. It promises to be an open but close game, just as it was when they played up here a couple of weeks' ago. We are in better shape now than we were that night when we won 2-0 and Adam Nicklin saved a penalty'.

Heath feels his side need to win all four of their remaining matches to win their second successive title. And he hopes the spirit of football is evident with teams who have nothing to play for in their remaining matches. 'Hopefully Telford will have three games of football to play, not just two', Heath said. 'In the spirit of the game, I hope all teams that have nothing to play for turn up for their final matches with the right attitude... We can't rely on anyone else to do us any favours between now and the end of the season. We just have to look after number one'.

Heath has Anthony Wilson back from suspension... Heath said, 'We can't chop and change our team too much because our next game is the most important... The players are disappointed after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Altrincham but we've no time to be disappointed'".

According to Buckingham Today, "Brackley Town’s season continues to peter out following a lacklustre goalless draw with Stockport County at St James’ Park on Saturday. In a season that promised so much, Saints now find themselves well adrift of the play-off places and stuck down in seventh in the Conference North...

The match was a lacklustre affair with an end-of-season feel as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. Dominic Langdon received a straight red card in the 39th minute after a clash with Iain Howard, reducing Brackley to ten men, but Stockport failed to make their advantage count with Billy Turley tested only once throughout the entire match... Brackley were the more poised after the break but lacked fluency".

BOOST FOR COMMUNITY SPORTS HALL

Altrincham-based Sky Wheels Group Ltd are paying a substantial amount to have their named associated with the exciting new development at the J.Davidson Stadium for an initial three-year period.

Alty chairman Grahame Rowley welcomed the significant breakthrough in the club’s fundraising efforts, saying, ‘I believe it is fantastic news that a local Altrincham company have agreed to sponsor our new project, and I hope it is the start of a long and profitable relationship between the two of us.’

Founded by former Dan-Air employees in 1991, aviation maintenance company Sky Wheels have flourished in recent years, and managing director Chris Jones is convinced their new partnership with Alty can benefit both parties.

‘Four or five years ago, we had a staff of 14, but the figure is now approaching 60,’ he said. ‘The business has grown and grown, and I would like to think that by working together, both Alty and ourselves can go from strength to strength.

‘We are a unique organisation in that, as specialists in the maintenance of aircraft wheels and brakes, we are not really a company that looks to advertise. But we do have a sports enterprise and community scheme, where we look to work at providing sponsorship for certain sports and community initiatives, and what the club are doing ticked all the boxes.

‘It is a fantastic project, and it’s going to be a fantastic facility for the local community, and we are delighted to join forces with the club’s community sports trust to help make it happen. We have been based here for close on 15 years and feel very much part of Altrincham and all that goes on in and around the town.’

Alty continue their push for promotion at Stockport County this Friday (7.45pm) and then at home to Vauxhall Motors on Monday (3pm)".

OXFORD CITY 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here.

Right: Alty defend a freekick from Oxford's no.4, Michael Pook.

Tuesday 15th April

• Gloucester City 1-1 Workington
• Guiseley 2-0 Harrogate Town
• Oxford City 1-2 Altrincham

SUSPENSIONS

"ROUGH GOD GOES EAST RIDING"

OXFORD CITY v ALTRINCHAM: MATCHDAY COVERAGE

The match commentary is sponsored by Techknowledgey Ltd. Techknowledgey Ltd provide IT support services to home and small business users. They offer services ranging from PC, Mac and Laptop repair to networking and servers and are your local provider of IT maintenance and support. With over 10 years' experience in IT operations, Techknowledgey Ltd are able to help you get the best out of your computer systems.

Need a hand? Call Dan Jones on 0161 883 1692 or e-mail him, or take a look at the website.

The commentators are Ian Wilkinson & Mike Reeves with match summaries from Laurence Howarth. Coverage starts at 7.35pm, with the game kicking off at 7.45pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

During the half time interval, there will be an interview with Jonathan Wall, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live & 5 Live Sports Extra and long-time Alty fan!

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.

 

OXFORD CITY v ALTRINCHAM: BEFORE THE GAME

'We looked devoid of anything today', he admitted. 'We lacked urgency, we lacked energy, we lacked a real purpose about what we were trying to do. I thought, mentally today, we looked absolutely shot to pieces. I think all the hard work we’ve put in over the last few weeks has taken its toll'.

But with the other relegation candidates, Histon and Stalybridge Celtic, also losing Ford emphasised that City’s fate is still in their own hands ahead of fourth-placed Altrincham’s visit to Marsh Lane tomorrow evening. 'Other scores have gone our way, so we’re in the same position we were before the game', he added. 'Our pride has been dented but, knowing the players as I do, they’ll want to put the record straight on Tuesday'" against Altrincham.

More news of Altrincham's opponents comes from Gainsborough Trinity who tell us that "Trinity ended their run of 8 games without a win and exacted revenge for their loss 9 days ago against Oxford with a comprehensive win at the Northolme... Ciaran Toner delivered a perfect ball for Greg Young to power a header home and the big Trinity centre back scored his first of the season. Minutes later, Jono Margetts chested down a long free kick from Phil Barnes and hit a stunning goal on the half volley...

Oxford made a double substitution at half time as Winters and McEchran replaced Benjamin and Solomon... With 53 minutes gone, Curtis Bateson once again was at the heart of the action as he had a neat one-two with Roberts allowing the Trinity man to burst through and slot the ball past Scott.

A minute later Curtis Bateson jinked his way into the box and laid the ball into the path of Margetts for him to have a simple tap in. Two minutes later Trinity’s lead had stretched to 5 as Margetts completed his hat-trick... Jamie Wootton had three chances to extend Trinity’s lead before Cairan Toner eventually did...

Oxford City: Mark Scott, Lee Henderson, Paul Stonehouse, Michael Pook, Adam Learoyd, Chris Wilmott, Declan Benjamin (Winters 46’), Darren Mullins, Mike Symons, Darren Pond (Basham 65’), Viv Solomon (McEachran 46’). Subs: Tom Winters, Zac McEachran, Andy Ballard, Steve Basham, Mark Preece."

ALTY EASTER FUN WEEK STARTS

Above: The Altrincham FC Easter Fun Week began on Monday, with local youngsters receiving football coaching on the pitch at the J. Davidson Stadium.

SHAUN'S PERSPECTIVE

Right: Alty TV has an interview of Altrincham FC captain, Shaun Densmore with Brian Flynn. Shaun recently played his 250th game for the club.

After the NFU game on Saturday, Altrincham assistant manager, Neil Tolson, told the Non-League Paper, "It was a fair result. The first 45 minutes were theirs but the lads focused on how big the game was in the second half. I felt as though we had to win today to get automatic promotion but you never know".

According to the Hull Daily Mail, "North Ferriby United boss Billy Heath insists his side are still in control of their own fate despite a 1-1 draw with Conference North title rivals Altrincham... The Villagers are now three points behind leaders AFC Telford, but will leapfrog the table-toppers if they win their game in hand at Stalybridge Celtic on Wednesday.

'It was a good point but it is always disappointing to concede close to the end', said Heath. 'The players put in a good team performance. The important thing is that we are still in control of our own fate'...

It was a deserved point for the Villagers in a game which saw Ferriby have the better of the first half and Altrincham exert the pressure in the second... The delay for the injury to the referee failed to disrupt Ferriby's rhythm and they still had the better of the [first] half".

ALTY BEER FESTIVAL

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Edmondson said, 'Andy Burns was one of the first players I spoke to and he’ll hopefully put pen-to-paper this weekend, we’ve just got to sort out a few figures. But he’s a lad who is not motivated by money, he’s motivated by being in a dressing room he enjoys being in and playing football at as high a level as possible. So, hopefully, he’s one of the ones who is already nailed on for us'.

Burns joined Barrow last summer after being released by Dagenham & Redbridge, and has arguably been the club’s most consistent performer this term. Edmondson... added, 'Generally, he’s been very good and I believe he was like that before I came here... Ultimately, he’s a winner. He goes into every tackle like it’s his last and he never wants to be beaten in them'.

Edmondson has already stated he wishes to retain the nucleus of his squad, while also setting an initial target of tying around eight to ten players to new contracts before the end of the campaign. 'More people will be spoken to this week and then, hopefully, we’ll try and get some things tied up this weekend with regards to actual contracts for people to put signatures on', the Holker Street boss said.

Edmondson hailed his side’s return to form at Solihull, where they earned a first win in eight Conference North games. 'We’ve spoken this week, myself, coach Alex Meechan and the players, and taken responsibility for the last couple of weeks. Not so much in terms of team selection, etc., but with how we’ve all motivated ourselves'...

The only significant negative to come out of Saturday’s win was combative [ex-Alty] midfielder Paddy Lacey picking up a tenth booking of the campaign for a late challenge, and also a two-match ban. Conference rules mean Lacey’s suspension will come into force a fortnight from Saturday. That means he should be banned from playing in the final-day home clash against Hednesford Town and the first game of next season, much to Edmondson’s frustration.

'I think it’s a ridiculous rule, you shouldn’t carry things on to next year', said Edmondson. 'I think the Conference have got to look at it and change it. The ten-bookings suspension should come into effect earlier on so that it doesn’t continue into next year, it makes it a farce then. But that’s the way it is and I’m not going to knock that out of Paddy Lacey’s game. That’s what he’s about; putting his foot in, being whole-hearted and playing with his heart on his sleeve, so to speak, and he wins his tackles and headers'".

Also from NL Pitchero we learn that "Tamworth manager Dale Belford says he is devastated by the club's relegation from the Skrill Premier... Belford told the Tamworth Herald, 'Relegation is not something I have experienced and it's not a nice feeling. We are all devastated, as staff, players and fans by what has happened... Ultimately, as manager, I take responsibility for results.

One thing I do feel is that the lads that have played for me over the last couple of months, shouldn't carry the can for this... In the last couple of months, we have found ourselves in a situation where we have had to play a young set of lads and they have been great for me... They have never chucked in the towel... I love this club and want the chance to stay and turn things around', he said. 'A lot has to be looked at and there's a massive rebuilding job ahead.... Hopefully, I will have the chance to be involved in that process'".

Pitchero also tells us that "Relegation-threatened Histon picked up three injuries on Saturday as they went down 3-0 at Bradford Park Avenue. Harry O’Malley was forced off with an ankle injury, substitute Peter Clark had to be replaced after a bad challenge left him with a hurt thigh and Ashley White has a groin problem...

'I think the better team won on the day', said Histon manager Brian Page. 'The effort, desire and hunger we’ve shown in recent weeks was there again, so I was happy with that. Up to 30 minutes we were certainly in the game and created a couple of chances for Matty Waters. On another day he would have finished one of them and then things might have been different'”.

In the Shropshire Star, we learn that "AFC Telford manager Liam Watson today told his players a hat-trick of shutouts will net them the Skrill North title. The Bucks recorded their first clean sheet in four games with a hard-earned 1-0 victory at Colwyn Bay on Saturday, to put them three points clear at the top.

Watson’s side now host Gloucester City and Gainsborough Trinity on successive Saturdays, with a Bank Holiday Monday trip to Solihull Moors sandwiched in-between. And the Telford boss reckons if they can keep the opposition out, they have the firepower at the other end to record the three wins he believes will make them champions.

He said, 'Clean sheets are what will win you the league, nothing else. Saturday was a massive result for us, there’s three big games left now and we need to win them all. In this league, so many times the team who scores the first goal goes on to win the game. We have learned that to our cost in some instances this season. These are difficult days and we just need to carry on trying to grind out wins. I don’t think you get calm heads at this stage of the season, anybody who tells you otherwise is lying'".

YOUTHS WIN

Right: Louis Brown (no.11) receives his team-mates' congratulations after scoring the game's only goal.

Manager George Heslop was well enough after his recent bout of ill-health to watch the Altrincham FC Youth team, in the charge of his assistant manager Paul Jones, beat Morecambe 1-0 at Clay Lane on Sunday afternoon. Louis Brown scored the only goal, which keeps Altrincham third in the table. A match report is here>

The next Youth team fixtures, as listed on the FA website, are:

• Tue. 22/04/14 home to Hyde FC
• Sun. 27/04/14 away to Abbey Hey.

The latest league table is here.

ALTRINCHAM 1-1 NORTH FERRIBY UNITED

Match report here

Alty TV has highlights of Alty v North Ferriby...

The Radio Robins Commentary on Saturday's game is here.

Michael Ripley has posted his photos of Altrincham v North Ferriby on his website.

MARK'S MARATHON

I know it's going to be harder [this time]. I'm not under any illusions that I've got to finish it if it gets too much. I'll try my best. I'm hoping for about seven hours... I've got "Sky Go" on my phone to keep up with the Liverpool v Man City match".

LADIES HIT THIRTEEN!

IAN OPENS UP A GAP

ALTRINCHAM 1-1 NORTH FERRIBY UNITED

Above: Lee Sinnott takes advantage of the break for referee Scott Oldham's injury to convey his tactics to his team.

Match report here

After Saturday's game, North Ferriby Unted reported that "This was a deserved point for The Villagers in a game which saw Ferriby have the better of the first half and Altrincham the second...

Ferriby were the more dominant and threatening team in the first half and a short spell of pressure finally resulted in a goal. Nathan Jarman hd a shot turned for a corner by home keeper Stuart Coburn who then was fortunate to see his punch off the line hit one of his own defenders and bounce clear. A Ferriby free-kick was cleared as far as Liam King who played the ball in to Jarman. His lay-off saw Ryan Kendall cheekily place the ball over Coburn for the opening goal after 15 minutes...

The delay for the injury to the referee failed to disrupt Ferriby’s rhythm and they still had the better of the half.

Altrincham presented little serious threat in the first-half. They tended to play long balls for Jamie Walshaw and Kyle Perry but they were well-shackled by Ferriby’s defence. Altrincham managed only one goal attempt in the half with a 20-yard shot that went straight to Adam Nicklin.

The second-half was a rather different story.... Altrincham enjoyed the greater possession but still struggled to actually get shots on target... Kyle Perry headed over when well-placed before the equaliser arrived. It came after 79 minutes. A free-kick was partially cleared to substitute Greg Wilkinson whose low shot from took a cruel deflection to leave Adam Nicklin helpless.

The game closed with neither side seriously offering a goal threat.

A draw was probably a fair result and just adds another twist to the title race. Ferriby manager Billy Heath commented, 'It was a good point but it is always disappointing to concede close to the end. The players put in a good team performance. The important thing is that we are still in control of our own fate. If we can win at Stalybridge on Wednesday we will go back to the top of the table'".

SATURDAY GATES

• Altrincham v North Ferriby United 1,160
• Boston United v Stalybridge Celtic 1,133
• Brackley Town v Stockport County 390
• Bradford Park Avenue v Histon 312
• Colwyn Bay v AFC Telford United 629
• Gainsborough Trinity v Oxford City 321
• Gloucester City v Vauxhall Motors 297
• Harrogate Town v Leamington 545
• Hednesford Town v Guiseley 574
• Solihull Moors v Barrow 343
• Workington v Worcester City 241

NEXT OPPONENTS

However, City remain clear of the drop-zone... City now have two home fixtures: Altrincham (Tuesday) and Hednesford Town (Saturday)."

FIXTURES

• Gloucester City v Workington
• Guiseley v Harrogate Town
• Oxford City v Altrincham

Wednesday 16th April

• Stalybridge Celtic v North Ferriby United

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

In the 28th minute Farrell went down under a challenge from Gareth Evans and the referee pointed to the spot, to the anger of the home crowd and Bay manager Frank Sinclair. With Sinclair marching up to the other end of the pitch to remonstrate, Farrell dusted himself off to send Chris Sanna the wrong way...

Two teams in the play-off mix, Hednesford Town and Guiseley AFC, met at Keys Park and the Pitmen edged a five-goal thriller...Alex Johnson gave the Lions a 12th minute lead that Adam Boyes doubled just 4 minutes later...

Three goals in the space of 6 minutes transformed Boston United’s season from also-rans to promotion hopefuls. With 74 minutes gone on the clock, relegation-threatened Stalybridge Celtic held a 1-0 lead, courtesy of a 20th minute Joel Bembo-Leta effort, and the Pilgrims’ hopes of a top five finish appeared to be in tatters.

But a quickfire treble from Junior Konadu on 73 minutes, Spencer Weir-Daley 4 minutes later and Ben Milnes on 79 proved just that, turning the contest on its head. Milnes added his second and Boston`s fourth for good measure in time added on".

According to the Banbury Guardian, "Brackley Town’s lingering Skrill North play-off hopes were extinguished in a dour stalemate with Stockport County at St James Park. In a lacklustre affair with an end-of-season feel to it, both sides struggled to create clear cut chances with defences on top for most of the contest. A red card for Dominic Langdon added to Jon Brady’s woes and his side’s disappointing second half to the campaign...

Langdon received a straight red card in the 39th minute after a clash with Iain Howard but Stockport failed to make their advantage count with Billy Turley tested only once throughout the entire match, tipping away Phil Jevons’ second half free-kick. In the Hatters’ goal, Ian Ormson was only the slightly busier of the two keepers as players on both sides laboured...

The game drew to a stalemate, extinguishing any lingering hopes for Saints of a play-off spot."

From the other side, the Manchester Evening News added that "Stockport County's winless run extended to 12 games, and five without a goal, as they recorded a second consecutive goalless draw. Alan Lord’s men claimed another point on the road despite a numerical advantage for 50 minutes.

The home side was reduced to 10 men five minutes before the break... The second half descended into something of a non-event with County unable to break down their hosts and Brackley happy to protect their clean sheet... with the final whistle a relief for the 390 fans inside St James’ Park."

The Wetherby News tells us that "Ashley Worsfold’s second half effort rescued a point but Harrogate Town’s play-off ambitions faded against Leamington on Saturday. Leamington took the lead in the opening period through James Mace before Worsfold levelled with 23 minutes left to play. Town now have not won in their last five league matches, and their hopes of a top five finish have been left in tatters...

Simon Weaver’s side also lost the West Riding County Cup final 1-0 to minnows Eccleshill United on Wednesday night... Town’s attention will now focus on Tuesday night’s Yorkshire derby at Guiseley".

SATURDAY RESULTS

• Altrincham 1-1 North Ferriby United
• Boston United 4-1 Stalybridge Celtic
• Brackley Town 0-0 Stockport County
• Bradford Park Avenue 3-0 Histon
• Colwyn Bay 0-1 AFC Telford United
• Gainsborough Trinity 6-0 Oxford City
• Gloucester City 2-2 Vauxhall Motors
• Harrogate Town 1-1 Leamington
• Hednesford Town 3-2 Guiseley
• Solihull Moors 0-2 Barrow
• Workington 1-0 Worcester City

ALTRINCHAM v NORTH FERRIBY UNITED: MATCHDAY COVERAGE

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

The commentators are Tim Ainsworth and Niall Finnegan with match summaries from Ryan Daly. Coverage starts at 2.55pm with the game kicking off at 3.07pm and you can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

Leah & 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.

 

ALTRINCHAM v NORTH FERRIBY UNITED: BEFORE THE GAME

Ferriby’s midweek game at Stalybridge was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch... It may have been a bit of a blessing given The Villagers’ injury list as it will have allowed for a little more recovery time for the players.

Ferriby now face a testing four games in ten days... Whatever happens in respect of promotion, we must not lose sight that this has been a highly successful season for The Villagers. They have shown that they are more than capable of competing in Conference football. The on-field exploits have been matched off the field with the Club gaining the necessary B grade that ensures Conference football next season.

Manager Billy Heath is now down to the bare bones of a squad at a crucial part of the season. He will be hoping that some players will be able to return at weekend... However, Steve Gardner has been brought back from Frickley Athletic. He is eligible to play as he was signed on Conference forms earlier in the season. The title/promotion run-in will be a big challenge for Ferriby’s small squad.

Heath commented, 'It is a massive game for both clubs on Saturday but it will not decide the title race. There will be plenty of twists and turns over the last fortnight of the season. We have a difficult run-in but we are now back in control of our own fate'. Heath will definitely be without Matt Wilson, Gregg Anderson and Jon D’Laryea and Dean Lisles due to injuries. Danny Emerton remains doubtful. Anthony Wilson will sit-out the second of his two-game suspension.

NFU from: Adam Nicklin, Antoni Pecora, Josh Wilde, Steve Gardner, Paul Robson, Nathan Peat, Mark Gray, Danny Hone, Liam King, Danny Clarke, Russell Fry, Nathan Jarman, Ryan Kendall, Jamie Yates, Lewis McMahon, Tim Taylor, Louis Bruce".

Footnote: Taking the 17 names from NFU's last game and adding the injured and suspended names above, makes a squad of 23.

180

"Fancy yourself as a darts champion? Altrincham Football Club Darts competition, Sunday 20th April 2014.

As part of the Beer festival, on the Sunday evening, Altrincham FC is holding an open darts tournament. The football club would like to extend our thanks to Martin Howe and Claire Arksey, who have kindly agreed to organise the tournament.

Entry to the competition will be £5 and players must pre-register via email to Martin Howe. There will be a maximum of 64 places in the competition.

The winner will take home 50% of the entry money (a possible £160), the runner-up 30% (up to £96) and third place 20% (up to £64).

The tournament is open to players of all levels and will be played over the best of three legs, 501, nearest to bull to start. Registration closes at 4.30pm on the Sunday afternoon, with games to start at 5pm. Why not enjoy a few pints of real ale, show your friends how good/bad you are and possibly go home with money in your pocket? Thanks!"

TASC UPDATE

We would also like to wish the lads all the best for the last few games- Wouldn’t it be great if we could be opening the sports hall as a Conference National club?

2014 Easter Draw:

Tickets for the Easter draw should be on sale at Saturday's game. Please support the draw as best you can. Any tickets you have taken away to sell need to be returned before the day of the Vauxhall Motors game, to allow us time to put them into the draw.

Membership:

As you should be aware, TASC membership runs on an annual basis, from the start of one season to the start of the next. This means that all members, if they are not life members, or have not joined, or renewed since the start of the season, will need to renew their membership as soon as possible. Membership for this season can be arranged, or renewed in the club shop at the TASC desk.

End of Season Race Night:

As you may already be aware, the end of season Race Night and presentations will be held after Easter Monday’s game against Vauxhall Motors. This will also be the conclusion of the club’s beer festival, and will also see the TASC Easter draw take place. We have now sold out of horses and races. Please can all horse owners, and race sponsors contact me with horse and race names, and pay any outstanding money before Wednesday? Please email me here or see me at either Saturday’s game or the Oxford away game game.

Player of the Year Voting:

Player of the Year forms will be handed out at the turnstiles for today’s game. Votes can be cast online, or using these forms. Online votes can be cast by e-mail. If you wish to vote using the forms, please can you complete the forms with your choices for the Player of the Year and return them to any of the TASC committee at Saturday’s game. On-line votes must be sent in by Monday night. As previously announced, the awards will be presented at the Race Night after the Vauxhall game.

Steve Foster, Vice Chairman, TASC".

LATEST BREW

MARK'S MARATHON

AWAY TRAVEL

Balancing the books is always hard but this season it has been much harder with weather-related cancellation fees on coach trips with no income. We'll post a travel thread on [the Fans' Forum] on Monday with help with alternative modes of transport for anyone who may need some details and for people to advertise spare car seats".

However, this Tuesday, TASC is running its customary excellent supporters' away travel by coach to Oxford City next Tuesday. Prices and times are here. As usual, bookings should be made by ringing the Club on (0161) 928-1045 or by signing the list in the Robins' Shop on Saturday at the match against North Ferriby United.

PULL YOUR SOCKS UP

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

to NL Daily, "Hednesford Town midfielder Kris Taylor [is] ready to return to action tomorrow, just over two months after he was diagnosed with cancer. The former Walsall player and Wolves and Manchester United trainee has declared himself fit for the Pitmen's clash with Guiseley just two weeks after completing his treatment for testicular cancer.

Father-of-one Taylor, aged 30, had surgery to remove a tumour in early February after being diagnosed on January 31. He is now ready to rejoin Hednesford's promotion campaign after completing a course of chemotherapy.

'I'm feeling good', said Cannock-based Taylor, who has also played for Hereford, Port Vale and AFC Telford. My prognosis was as good as it could have been and, over the last two or three weeks, I've been working hard on my fitness to get myself back and available for selection, which is where I am now. I had the operation in the first week of February and then in the first week of March I had a course of chemotherapy, which meant four days in hospital. Then I had a booster the following week and another one the week after through injections.

Now I just have to have regular checks and I have to go every couple of months for the first year. The tumour was removed and the CT scan showed nothing but, obviously, if there are any stray cells they have hopefully been killed by the chemo'...

That "C-word" was scary, but these things sometimes happen and you've got to get on with it', he said."

The Cambridge News reports that "Brian Page hopes the financial structure at Histon can be resolved as soon as possible so he can start planning for next season. The club revealed in March that the board had agreed a deal with majority shareholder Angelo Dama which would involve him relinquishing his shares along with the club’s other big shareholders. But nothing has been signed yet and until then boss Page cannot start planning for the 2014/15 campaign...

'It just seems the situation is slightly dragging at the moment', he said. 'We heard certain people were willing to sign and that it could be done soon but that was a few weeks ago... We need to get it done so people who have said they’ll bring money in will be able to do that and I’ll know where we are for next season. The aim is to be able to talk to the players we’ve got and even some of those who left and see what their situation is. Hopefully we can start doing that soon...

The lads we’ve got here have definitely got ability, fighting spirit, desire and heart', he continued. 'If we continue to show that I’m confident we can get enough points to really put the pressure on (relegation rivals) Stalybridge. We can go there [Bradford PA] knowing we’ve had success there in the past. I’m under no illusions that the test is going to be harder. They have a lot of experience in their side with only two players under the age of 27 that played last week. We know it’s going to be tough, but I’m confident we can go there and get the result we need'

Ben Clappison is expected to be back in the squad after recovering from injury but Salim Relizani is suspended."

From the News & Star, we learn that "Workington Reds will be relegated from Conference North if they fail to win at home to Worcester City tomorrow...

Chairman Glenn Heathcote, his board of directors, and the club’s major shareholders have been battling hard behind the scenes to ensure when relegation is confirmed, Workington are in a position to continue. Following a cash-flow projection, undertaken in January, Heathcote has managed to secure the £35,000 needed to keep the struggling football club afloat.

The chairman will be deeply hurt when Reds are finally put out of their misery, and said, 'It now looks as though it’s a case of when we go down now, not if, and I will be devastated when it happens because I am the man in charge'".

The Oxford Mail says that "Oxford City boss Mike Ford expects his side to be back to full strength for their trip to fellow strugglers Gainsborough Trinity. Ford named a youthful side for last night’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup clash with Ardley United, which was almost unrecognisable from the team which beat league leaders Telford United 2-0 on Tuesday evening.

But he plans to restore most of those players to the squad as City bid to make it six league games unbeaten and move further away from the drop zone. 'We’ve certainly got confidence now and I’ll be telling my players that what they’ve done over the last five games has given them a better chance to secure their safety', said Ford. 'We just have to keep that going now, because it’s all in our own hands and if we keep winning, they’re not going to catch us. We’ve just got to make sure we go to Gainsborough and keep doing what we’ve been doing'".

YOUTH TEAM WINS

IAN CONFIDENT OF "CROSSBAR" VICTORY

WORKINGTON COMMENTARY

BEER FESTIVAL

The beer is described as 'Highly quaffable and just the right strength to stick with all night. Brewer Erin Guy describes it as 'a refreshing blonde beer with floral flavour and a long dry finish'".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Peake has been involved with the club since July 2012, and has helped stabilise the Tigers off the pitch, but will remain connected with the planning and progression of the new stadium project.

Chairman Stuart Pike believes that Peake as been instrumental in his leadership since coming to the club and has left the club in a much better state.

'Colin was brought into the club some 20 months ago to oversee and plan a restructure of the club along with the task of securing new funding streams', Pike said. 'At that time the Club was facing an uncertain future yet, despite some who may not have agreed with his strict stance on certain issues, he never once stepped back from facing crucial decisions and called it how it was; he has been instrumental in strong leadership being re-established throughout all areas of club operations.

His resolve to tackle the way the club was operating when he arrived and bring about fundamental change has been fully vindicated and the restructure he designed is unique in football at our level and it is now in place with a fully functioning management team. We have new ‘brand sponsors’ on board and, more importantly, the club is in a solvent position with no debt.

Colin has informed us he feels it is time he transfers his valuable experience and contacts into other areas to benefit us and my fellow board members, in unison with the directors of the Limited Company, are extremely pleased Colin will stay connected with the plans and progression of the new stadium project. Our planned move back to the City is critical to our long term aspirations and, already, he has been able to lend his knowledge to those plans and identify new personnel recruited to assist completion...

Peake has been juggling all this with an increased workload in his capacity of being a director of the Football Conference which, over the next 12 months, will increase even more due to unexpected changes within the competition.

Colin during his time advising me and before me my predecessor Nigel Hughes has remained neutral in his consultant role, ensuring he never compromised his duty to the other member clubs in the Conference'".

Although the above statement also appears on the Football Conference website, it omits there the reference to "unexpected changes within the competition".

According to the Football Conference, "BT Sport has selected to cover an extra live Skrill Premier fixture and this will take place on Easter Monday April 21st with a 5.15pm kick-off: Barnet v Braintree Town. Another game is yet to be selected and announced for the final Saturday of the season on 26th April".

According to the Tamworth Herald, "Tamworth chairman Bob Andrews says the Lambs will start planning for the future in the coming days. Mr Andrews revealed the Lambs are set to go part-time again next season as they prepare for the Conference North, after results left Tamworth preparing for relegation; 12 points off safety with four games to go.

'It's been a difficult season for us', said Andrews. 'We are all disappointed with how the season has panned out in terms of results. As a board, we have run the club within our means. We set a budget and we have stuck to that, with the support also of the Team Builder. It's difficult when there are other teams in the division who have broken the bank just to try and stay where they are. But they may see the repercussions of that later on. Some are already suffering as a result.

We have always kept within our means and, as a board, that's important we feel. We need to look at things now and rebuild and that more than likely means we will go back to being part-time. Full-time football has proved too costly for a club like us to sustain. Once the outcome of our season is final, we will start planning for the future'...

Andrews, though, says manager Dale Belford has worked hard with the squad at his disposal... Andrews said 'He has had a lot of bad luck... A lack of experience in some quarters has cost us and we have made some silly mistakes... The effort has deserved more'".

NL Daily reports that "Workington Reds' boss Ian McDonald's position is in the balance after failing in a bid for an automatic renewal to his contract... Chairman Glenn Heathcote...said, '"The board have still got to make a decision but that won't happen until the end of the season... I wanted Ian and Ashley Hoskin to make it impossible for me not to give them a new contract but that hasn't happened'.

McDonald and assistant manager Hoskin replaced Darren Edmondson in December, but have won only two of 20 league games. It took the duo 11 games to register their first victory, and have lost 14 of times since, including six of the last eight, which has left Workington one defeat from relegation... The pair are only contracted until May but McDonald does want to stay.

He said, 'I don't like the uncertainty, because it also effects the players. It would be nice to know as soon as possible because I want to get players signed on for next season'".

At the other end of the table, the Shropshire Star tells us that "Manager Liam Watson must decide whether to keep on-loan Southport defender James Smith for Saturday’s trip to Colwyn Bay. Smith impressed on his debut in Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at Oxford City after being drafted in because of a right-back shortage. Wes Baynes missed last weekend’s 3-1 win at home to Altrincham after picking up a knee injury, but could be back by the weekend.

Chris Lever filled in against Alty but hurt his ankle... Smith went straight into the starting-line up after getting the call from Watson, who he played under at the Sandgrounders last season. The 28-year-old signed on last month’s loan deadline day under the proviso he would only link up with Telford if needed, otherwise remain with his parent club.

And Watson said, 'I know what I am going to get from Smithy. He’s been a steady player for me over the last few years and he never looked out of place on Tuesday night. The simple fact is that he knows the game and he’s a good performer'. Smith won’t be required to train with the rest of the players tonight, as the squad regroup under Watson’s tutelage after their midweek setback.

The pitch at Marsh Lane that night was cited as a major factor towards a tepid display and the Telford boss believes they will have it far better at Llanelian Road. The Bucks chief has challenged his players to respond like they did against Alty, days after suffering a club record 6-1 loss at Guiseley. He said, 'The players need to pick themselves up. We are in a position where we have got four games to go and it’s down to them to do what they can do'".

The Oxford Mail reports that "Oxford City boss Mike Ford says he has no choice but to name a mixture of squad players and youngsters for tonight’s [county cup] semi-final against Ardley United at Thame United. It comes amid a congested league schedule, prompting Ford to suggest the tournament could be moved.

'I’m wondering if the format should be changed to possibly a pre-season competition', said Ford whose side are battling relegation from Skrill North. 'Staying in this division is the priority, so we have to concentrate on that. This is the second time in the last three years that I have had to field a below-strength side in the latter stages of the cup. It would benefit us as a football club if we didn’t have to cram in all these fixtures. We will try and win it, but Ardley have got to be favourites'".

The Lincolnshire Echo reports that "Darryn Stamp declared Gainsborough do not deserve to be in Skrill North next season if they fail to beat fellow strugglers Oxford and Histon. The Blues [like Altrincham] face the two sides in their remaining games of the season with Oxford heading to the Northolme on Saturday.

And while veteran striker Stamp believes Trinity will avoid the drop, he said that defeat to two sides also battling for survival is not an option. 'We are still confident of staying up, it is still in our hands', said Stamp. 'The other teams in the mix have tough matches and we still have to play two teams below us in Oxford and Histon. If we cannot get points against them then we don't deserve to be in the league. We can look at it and think we are safe. However, that is not the approach we can take. We need to keep pushing on and win our remaining games'...

While the towering forward admitted he has enjoyed his new coaching role, he still believes he has plenty more games in him... Said Stamp, 'I'm confident I've got another season in me... This season has seen my chances limited, but I think there are games and goals in me. That said, I have really enjoyed working with Steve Housham. I am taking more training sessions now and I'm also getting involved with team selections and the other work that goes on'...

He said that next season will be another challenge for Gainsborough... without the financial muscle provided by former chairman Peter Swann...

'I think we've been clever in our recruitment this season and we are going to have to do the same next time round', said Stamp.... 'Gone are the days when the club could just go and pick up an experienced team. That costs and it is not something that the club can afford. There is a good mix. We have experienced players like Greg Young, Ciaran Toner, Phil Barnes and myself.

We hope that the young lads are able to develop and work off our experience and gain something from us. I think the young players we have brought in on loan from the professional clubs have done a great job'".

ALTRINCHAM FC COMMUNITY SPORTS HALL GOES AHEAD

With planning permission received, a firm tender from McGoff and Byrne (a local contractor) in place, and 75% (approx £560,000) of the total required funding now secured, the Board felt it was right to proceed with this strategic investment.

Of course, the Club still needs to raise the final 25% (approx £190,000) of project funding over the summer in order to complete the job in the autumn. This will require a strong fundraising effort involving the wider community.

To keep unnecessary costs to a minimum, some help from volunteers will be needed from time to time to help clear parts of the site and move items to and from temporary storage. More details on this in due course.

The core construction project will commence when the season closes on 12 May. If all goes to plan from there, it will be fully completed by Christmas 2014, with significant parts open well before then.

See the Community Sports Hall website for more information and how to donate".

REDS' VERDICT

Relegation is now just a formality waiting to be confirmed as Workington are effectively 14 points from safety... Reds haven’t won away from Borough Park in 12 months, have scored the fewest goals in Conference North, conceded the most, and lost 65 per cent of their league games.

But last night was a new, devastating low as Altrincham waltzed to victory with little to no resistance. McDonald, who opted to start Gavin Skelton in the middle of defence, despite having Lee Andrews, Bruno Fernandes and Dan Wordsworth all available, said... 'Dan has just for back from two-and-a-half weeks away, and wasn’t in a position to play. I heard the shouts about having two centre backs on the bench but my best defender (Kyle May) was at work, and that is what I’m up against at the football club. It wouldn’t have mattered if I’d played Dan and Lee alongside what was already out there, Altrincham would have still put three or four past us'.

McDonald didn’t rip into his players after the final whistle like he had after Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Bradford, and added, 'We’ve been destroyed and I didn’t see the point of destroying them even more. It was a very quiet dressing room, and the players’ chins were on the floor. Everyone was very disappointed. We know what went wrong. We conceded some really poor goals. I’m now looking for pride in our remaining performances'".

LATEST BEER ANNOUNCEMENT

TUESDAY GATES

• 257 Colwyn Bay v Boston United
• 506 Guiseley v Gainsborough Trinity
• TBA Oxford City v AFC Telford Utd
• 314 Worcester City v Barrow
• 270 Workington v Altrincham

GOAL OF THE SEASON

YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME TEAM DEFEATED

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

He said, 'A combination of the hard yards now being completed in respect to healing the business and my personal confidence in the new people willing to assist the club moving forward mean that I feel that it would be contradictory of me to allow the club to continue to service a full-time CEO at the level the club is currently at. For me the ends have justified the means and in spite of some of the difficulties and unpopular decisions we have gone through over the fifteen months, the business has gone from being one that lost well over £400k the year I arrived, with a poor balance sheet, to one which, if the measures I have introduced are continued, has every chance to break-even next year with the reality of a vastly improved balance sheet to match as well.

Clearly, County are not in a division befitting the club but, at least ,the club remains in a division and in existence; that reality should not be taken for-granted. The business is now unrecognisable financially, culturally and structurally from the one I took over and a continuation of that stability will eventually yield the on-field results everyone is yearning for and the financial certainty off it.

This, like 99% of clubs, still needs the support of its biggest asset, the supporters. I really do hope as many of you as possible come out and buy season tickets this month and also positively back the remaining shareholders and board who have nothing but the best interests of the club at heart. Austerity is never nice but sometimes necessary. I'm positive that this period will be looked back upon as the time the groundwork required for the club to reignite itself as a business and as a football force was done'...

Following Ryan's decision, Stockport County can announce that Steve Bellis and George Hudson have offered to help the club behind the scenes over the coming months, and they will liaise with Ryan for the next four weeks during a 'handover' period. However, the position of Chief Executive Officer will not be replaced on a full-time basis.

Steve Bellis was Commercial Director with Stockport County during the 1990s and, through his innovative approach to grassroots initiatives, he engaged the players with the local community and consequently grew County's youth membership by 600%. He also took County into China in 2001 and 2004 and, across vast swathes of that country, he created a profile for the Hatters which was bigger than the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona... Steve's company, Kickworldwide, aims to build support and service grassroots football in countries without a sophisticated football development infrastructure.

Steve said, 'My own business is still expanding, which means I am unable to commit to any long-term, full-time position at Edgeley Park but I hope to do all I can, in my own time, to help the club get back on its feet after several years in the doldrums and leave it in safe hands for future generations... We look to take this club back where it belongs. I have been coming to games regularly this season and I hope other fans, like me, will also get the 'buzz' back and return to watch County next season'.

George Hudson has worked at the cutting edge of IT for the past 25 years. His expertise lies in Project Management and Business Analysis".

NL Daily reports that "Guiseley AFC are delighted to announce that manager Mark Bower and assistant Danny Boshell have committed their futures to the club. Mark Bower and Danny Boshell have worked wonders at Guiseley since joining in 2013 Mark Bower and Danny Boshell have worked wonders at Guiseley since joining in 2013

Mark, handed the reins in September after a disappointing start to the season, has turned the Lions' fortunes around, with his side now firmly in the play-off chase. Midfielder Danny, who rejoined the club from Altrincham in October, has also played a key role in aiding the turnaround... Both will remain in their respective positions next term alongside physiotherapist Martin Stringfellow...

Secretary Adie Towers said, 'The pair have helped improve results to the point where we are now in the race for a play-off spot. This step will help us plan in areas such as player recruitment and gives the club a boost ahead of an exciting run-in to our season'".

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson today admitted there’s no room left for error in their charge for the Skrill Conference North title after losing at Oxford City. The Bucks remain at the top by a point despite a lifeless 2-0 defeat at Marsh Lane last night, with four games left to play...

And Bucks boss Watson...said, 'We have just got to roll our sleeves up and we are in the last chance saloon, in terms of slip ups. For me, we need 12 points from our last four games. It’s crunch time'. It was another terrible Tuesday for Telford, seven days after they recorded a new club-record 6-1 defeat at Guiseley.

But Watson argued last night’s pitch stopped his side from playing, as they failed to score away from home for the first time in 19 games, with defender Dan Preston sent off in the second-half. He said, 'When we got there, I knew it was going to be a game of percentages and was really going to come down to who got the best bobble. I am not making excuses but the pitch was dreadful. People were saying we should get the ball down and pass but I don’t know how we would have on that surface. It was nigh on impossible.

Even with the sending off, Dan has been caught by a bounce slightly but the referee was probably right, as he was the last man. For us, we lost every bit of shape. They have scored and the second was always going to come if we didn’t get the equaliser. It was our 19th away game this season and we haven’t scored, but we didn’t have a proper attempt on goal.

The dressing room was down and flat and it’s not like it was a freaky one, like at Guiseley. But no one can turn around and say that the players didn’t give me everything'.

On-loan Southport defender [ex-Alty] James Smith came into the starting line-up for his debut last night, as Chris Lever was out with an ankle injury. Regular right-back [ex-Alty] Wes Baynes has a knee problem".

Next Tuesday, it is Altrincham who visit Oxford City.

From the other side, the Oxford Mail tells us that "Oxford City extended their unbeaten run to five games with an impressive 2-0 victory over leaders AFC Telford... The win increased their lead over relegation rivals Histon to four points with a game in hand, and with only two clubs going down this season, they also have a four-point advantage over second-from-bottom Stalybridge.

Although no classic, this was a key result for City who coped well with what little Telford had to offer... Telford were reduced to ten men when Kayden Jackson was brought down by Preston when clean through. Preston was given his marching orders.

City continued to hold the upper hand and went ahead on 57 minutes. A corner found Adam Learoyd at the far post and he made no mistake with a powerful header...

Oxford City: Scott, Henderson, Learoyd, Ballard, Willmott, Mullings, Benjamin, Pond, Jackson (Winters 75), O’Hanlon (Solomon-Otabor 60), Stonehouse".

The North Wales Pioneer tells us that "Colwyn Bay Football Club is urging supporters to become club stakeholders with the launch of 75,000 new shares. Last week, Bay’s directors decided to increase the Skrill Conference North club's share capital in a bid to raise much-needed funds. Shares are priced at £1 apiece, with a minimum purchase of 20 required.

The launch has attracted interest from as far afield as Norway and the USA, but local interest is said to be 'very poor' so far.

Club director Grant McIndoe, said, 'The reason for the sale is to try to raise much needed funds for the football club. Attendances at home matches have been very poor, especially midweek games. Last Tuesday night, only 158 attended the game against Workington and the club cannot survive on gates like that. At the moment the share issue sale is very poor. Apart from the existing board, only six Colwyn Bay people have purchased shares. We have had interest from the USA and Norway but not a lot locally.

The question has to be asked: do the people of Colwyn Bay want a football team playing in the English FA pyramid or should we drop out and play in the Welsh FA local league? The present team is playing good football in a very competitive league and doing very well, we only wish we could get the local support we deserve'".

WORKINGTON 1-6 ALTRINCHAM

Above: Alty line up at Workington.

Altrincham cruised to a 4-0 half time lead...

Match report here.

CHOCOLATE WANTED!

PLAYER AND GOAL OF THE SEASON

Player of The Season

Submit your top three players in 1/2/3 order.

Goal of The Season

Submit your top three goals in 1/2/3 order from the following short list of 8:-

• Brian Smikle v Gloucester City (H) on 24/9/13
• James Walshaw v Brackley Town (H) on 19/10/13
• James Walshaw v Hednesford Town (H) on 2/11/13
• Damian Reeves (2nd goal) v Bradford Park Avenue (A) on 11/11/13
• James Walshaw v Leamington (H) on 4/1/14
• James Walshaw (2nd goal) v Colwyn Bay (H) on 22/2/14
• Kyle Perry v Bradford Park Avenue (H) on 26/3/14
• Nicky Clee v Colwyn Bay (A) on 29/3/14

Please email votes for both competitions to Geoff Morris here by Monday April 14th.

Paper voting forms will also be available at Saturday's home game against North Ferriby United.

Both awards will be made during the End of Season Race Night, following the final home league game of the season against Vauxhall Motors on Easter Monday (April 21st)".

BEER FESTIVAL

WORKINGTON v ALTRINCHAM: MATCHDAY COVERAGE

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Need a hand? Call Dan Jones on 0161 883 1692, e-mail him, or take a look on the web here.

The commentators are Paul Salt and Niall Flynn, with match summaries from Ian Wilkinson. Coverage starts at 7.35pm with the game kicking off at 7.45pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

Leah & 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.

 

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

• At Altrincham P6-W4-D1-L1-F16-A6
• At Workington P6-W2-D2-L2-F8-A5
• All P12-W6-D3-L3-F24-A11

WORKINGTON v ALTRINCHAM: BEFORE THE GAME

Lacking in ability, cohesion and, above all, passion the team gifted the three points to Avenue who won’t have had an easier ninety minutes all season.

The threat of relegation hurts and we are all hurting - management, players, directors and supporters alike – but feeling sorry for ourselves won’t help. Pride has got to be restored in the handful of remaining games if only to rid some of the negativity engulfing the club.

Admittedly, that is difficult when so much needs rectifying but the political issues are hampering any likelihood of a modicum of success where it matters – on the pitch!

Bradford dominated this one-sided encounter from start to finish, and there was never any doubt that they would rack up an eighth consecutive win in the series.

It was still goalless at the break thanks entirely to [goalkeeper] Jonny Jamieson...

'An embarrassing performance', was Ian McDonald’s honest take on Reds’ twenty-third defeat of a soul-destroying season adding, 'That was a killer blow for us and we have not performed at all'. He now faces the difficult task of restoring morale in a squad sadly lacking in self belief.

Workington: Jamieson, Hoskin, Smith S, May, O’Connor, Hindmarch (Wainwright), Abadaki (Skelton), Lynch, Jackson, Wright (McLuckie), McKenna. Substitutes – Street, Andrews (Not Used)".

In NL Daily, "Ian McDonald accused his side of shirking responsibility and lacking effort during the 'embarrassing' defeat to Bradford Park Avenue. Workington were outplayed and outclassed against a mid-table team with nothing to play for...

Workington are now 11 points from safety... Avenue play-maker Jordan Deacey wreaked havoc, and McDonald, who branded the pathetic performance as a killer blow to Reds’ slim survival chances, said, 'Bradford caused us problems, and none of my team wanted to take responsibility to deal with Deacey. Our two central midfielders couldn’t deal with him, and our defence was loathed to deal with him. One of our main problems was not taking responsibility out on the pitch'" he told the News & Star.

TUESDAY GAMES

• Colwyn Bay v Boston United
• Guiseley v Gainsborough Trinity
• Oxford City v AFC Telford United
• Stalybridge Celtic v North Ferriby United POSTPONED - waterlogged pitch; rearranged for 16 April.
• Worcester City v Barrow
• Workington v Altrincham

TELFORD HIGHLIGHTS

SUPPORT YOUR CLUB, JOIN THE PATRONS!

He says, "Altrincham FC is a family-friendly club whose aim is to encourage youngsters, girls and boys, to participate, watch and get involved in football.

The Patrons’ Scheme was created to assist the club to continue to fulfil its community activities through the summer months when there are no league games and thus no gate income.

For the bargain sum of £50, your name will appear throughout the season 2014-15 in the matchday programme for every home game and on the club’s official website as a Patron of the Football Club.

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

If you are interested in becoming a Patron or rejoining for the coming season please forward a cheque payable to “Altrincham FC” for £50 for my attention.

If you require further information, please speak to me on 07720-606897 or email me. We need your support; please help!

WALKING TO STOCKPORT

If you wish to take part, please e-mail Grahame Rowley to register your interest and to obtain a sponsorship form. Likewise, if you cannot participate but want to sponsor a walker, please also contact Grahame. At Stockport, County will be holding a bucket collection for the Hospice at the match.

ALTY BEER FESTIVAL, 19-21 APRIL

The brewery describes the beer in the following way; 'We at Coach House Brewery would like to express our sincere regret at the recent death of a great actor Pete Postlethwaite. We brewed a beer with his name. The beer has an ABV of 4.6% and is pale ale, dry and fruity and does not compromise, just like the man himself. It is dry-hopped in the traditional manner which gives the beer a fine hop aroma'".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

The title race looks as if it will be between Ferriby, Telford and Altrincham. Behind the top three are another six clubs who could claim a play-off-spot. Anything less than a win against Stalybridge could be a big blow to Ferriby’s title hopes but, despite the injury list, there is a tremendous spirit within the club.

Whatever happens in respect of promotion, we must not lose sight that this has been a highly successful season for The Villagers. They have shown that they are more than capable of competing in Conference football. The on-field exploits have been matched off the field with the Club gaining the necessary B grade that ensures Conference football next season.

The Villagers slipped to second on Saturday following their home draw with Stockport County. It was a frustrating afternoon for Ferriby who created plenty of goal-scoring opportunities but could just not find the net. Ryan Kendall had a goal disallowed and saw a shot hit the inside of the post and roll across the line before being cleared.

Ferriby’s injury list lengthened on Saturday with Danny Clarke picking-up a knock. Manager Billy Heath is now down to the bare bones of a squad at a crucial part of the season. He will be hoping that some players will be able to return at weekend. Clubs cannot sign any new players at the signing deadline has passed. The title/promotion run-in will be a big challenge for Ferriby’s small squad.

Following Saturday’s game, Heath commented, 'We have a significant injury list and this obviously takes its toll. It was disappointing to drop back to second but there will be more twists and turns over the last three weeks of the season and we are still in with a chance of the title'. Heath will definitely be without Matt Wilson, Gregg Anderson and Jon D’Laryea, Danny Clarke and Dean Lisles due to injuries. Anthony Wilson will sit-out the second of his two game suspension.

NFU from: Adam Nicklin, Antoni Pecora, Josh Wilde, Paul Robson, Nathan Peat, Mark Gray, Danny Hone, Liam King, Russell Fry, Nathan Jarman, Ryan Kendall, Jamie Yates, Lewis McMahon, Tim Taylor, Louis Bruce".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP FINAL

LEARNING LESSONS?

When the current shareholders took over in 2009 Salisbury City was ten days away from being wound up by HM Revenue & Customs. The Board inherited debts of £750,000, which were satisfied though a CVA. The club went into administration, was fined ten points and began to rebuild in the Southern League.

Within three seasons the Whites had fought their way back to the Conference Premier League, and in 2012 reached the Third Round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history...

Despite all of this, Salisbury City continues to operate at a loss... The gates this season average below 1,000. These crowds are simply too low to sustain a club at this level... Last year the training pitches adjacent to the stadium were sold by the MOD to Persimmon, with the permission of Wiltshire Council. This meant both City`s first-team and around 400 children associated with the club – had to look for training facilities elsewhere.

Another issue arises due to the lease on the Ray McEnhill Stadium. In order to be promoted to League Two the club must provide the Football League with proof of a minimum ten year tenure on the stadium. Despite efforts to extend our current lease, it expires in 2022.

It is against this backdrop that the Board endeavours to keep this club at the level everyone associated with Salisbury City has fought so hard to reach. It is though, simply not sustainable, unless new investment is found".

SEEING, HEARING AND READING IS BELIEVING

The audio version of the game is available on the Radio Robins recording.

A textual match report is here.

Right: Adam Griffin clears the Alty lines at Telford.

LADIES' REPORT

Alty Ladies have no game this Sunday (April 6th) but are back in action, at Beech Avenue, Timperley, on Sunday, April 13th when Heswall are the visitors. Kick-off is at 2pm and spectators are welcome.

BEER FESTIVAL

"We are pleased to announce today's beer is the 4% ABV Bridgewater Blonde from Lymm Brewery Tap which is kindly sponsored by Sally Cooper, Trademark Attorney. The beer is described as 'A light, delicate, hoppy, subtle and refreshing blonde ale, from Dunham Massey's new sister brewery at the new Lymm Brewery Tap'".

ONE HAPPY MAN

SUNDAY SCORE

• Gloucester City 5-2 Harrogate Town. Att. 317

YOUTH POSTPONEMENT

AFC TELFORD UNITED 3-1 ALTRINCHAM

Above: A packed Altrincham box in the second half at Telford.

Match report here.

Meanwhile, the Shropshire Star adds that "Altrincham goalkeeper Stuart Coburn was called into serious action with just six minutes on the clock, as balls rained into their box... Luton Town loan winger Shaun Whalley picked the skipper out at the back post and he poised himself to meet the ball on the volley, Coburn parrying the ball wide.

But there was nothing the visiting shot-stopper could do when the Bucks broke the deadlock in the 18th minute through Grogan. Another great ball to the back post, this time from Farrell, was greatly received by the midfield enforcer for his 13th goal of the season, his low header giving Coburn no chance...

There was a huge penalty call on 36th minute when Coburn raced out of his area to close down Whalley, who went down under the flailing hands of the goalkeeper.

All eyes turned to referee Andy Scregg who raced over and harshly booked the attacker for diving, the second match in succession he’s picked up a yellow card for the same offence.

A former Telford striker replaced another for Alty in first-half stoppage time with the injured Damian Reeves going off, Kyle Perry coming on in his place... In the 51st minute when Byrne, up from the back, directed a header downwards and past Coburn from a choice Matthew McGinn free kick...

The club’s top scorer [Farrell] leathered a shot that deflected off Altrincham defender Scott Leather but didn’t change the ball’s direction, still beating Coburn all-ends-up. It could have been 4-0 a minute later had Coburn not again saved Alty’s bacon, pushing Whalley’s effort at the far post away after he raced onto McGinn’s ball over the top.

That proved the precursor to the visitors pulling one back in the 73rd minute, as Telford defensively shot themselves in the foot. A mix-up between Grand and Young, who both failed to boot into touch, allowed Walshaw to creep in past the two and stick the ball into an empty net. It proved to no avail".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Hednesford Town are third now after winning 2-1 at the Northolme against Gainsborough Trinity... Guiseley AFC occupy the final play-off spot and they earned a comprehensive 5-0 win against a youthful Vauxhall Motors side at Rivacre Road...

Two penalties from Ricky Miller earned Boston United a 2-1 win over Solihull Moors... Brackley Town maintained their top five hopes but were held to a late 2-2 draw by Colwyn Bay at St James`s Park. But Jon Brady`s side trailed for more than three-quarters of this contest... and then a minute from the end of normal time, Steve Diggin grabbed what looked like being the Northamptonshire side`s winner in the 89th minute. But 2 minutes into stoppage time, sub James Ellison popped up with a last-gasp Bay leveller"

ATTENDANCES

Right: Luca Havern leads the defence of Altrincham's goal at Telford.

• AFC Telford United v Altrincham 1,785
• Brackley Town v Colwyn Bay 235
• Gainsborough Trinity v Hednesford Town 343
• Histon v Barrow 311
• Leamington v Worcester City 657
• North Ferriby United v Stockport County 440
• Solihull Moors v Boston United 459
• Stalybridge Celtic v Oxford City 377
• Vauxhall Motors v Guiseley 176
• Workington v Bradford Park Avenue 303

BEER FESTIVAL

The beer is described as follows; 'This award-winning amber-coloured beer has proven consistently popular over the years. A mid-brown beer with malty, fruity aroma and creamy mouthfeel, strongly malty and fruity in flavour, with hops and a hint of herbs. Both sweetness and bitterness are evident throughout'".

OLD BOYS

Glossop North End's Kelvin Lugsden scored whilst Nelson's 4-2 win over Atherton Collieries included goals by Peter Wright, Joe O'Neill and Peter Wright.

SATURDAY FIXTURES

Saturday, 5 April

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

TELFORD: BEFORE THE GAME

'We’ve had such a good run and, from where we were at the end of January, if anyone had looked at the fixtures and said we would go into our last six games within a point of top, everyone would have taken it. We’ve just got to make sure we’re right on Saturday', Watson has said ahead of the game.

Reflecting on Tuesday’s disappointment, Liam is also quick to draw parallels with previous title chases he has been involved in. 'It happens. The pleasing thing is that the three players who had particularly poor games have probably been our three most consistent players this season, so from that point of view it was just one of those days. There was no ranting and raving. I felt strangely awkward about the fixture before the game which was very unusual, but things like that happen. During every run-in I’ve been involved in, things like this have happened.

When I first won the league with Southport, we were 2-0 up at Redditch with 20 minutes to go and we got beat 3-2 by a team who were dreadful. At Burscough, everyone was beating Ossett but we drew 0-0 and I thought we’d lost the league. In 2009/10, we beat Fleetwood 5-0 on Boxing Day then lost to them 4-0 on New Year’s Day. Then, in the run-in, we lost 3-1 to Alfreton who had nothing to play for in what was the only game we lost at home all season.”

In each of those examples, though, we bounced back... It’s all about how you deal with it. It’s done now and, as I’ve kept saying, a week is a long time in football'.

Watson has also insisted there will be no drastic decisions as he prepares his side for Saturday’s mouth-watering encounter. 'Since Tuesday I’ve had a phone call with two players who I felt needed it, but I will always show loyalty to players. Some people may not agree with the team I pick on Saturday, but I believe if you show loyalty to players they step up to the plate. Otherwise, you risk losing them altogether'.

Watson is also backing his 'big players' to make the difference on Saturday in a game which is certain to receive considerable hype. 'We need to bounce back on Saturday and it’s an ideal scenario because we can take three points off one of our rivals in the process. I always think big players handle big situations... I’d like to think that myself and Dominic (Morley, assistant boss) have been over the distance often enough'.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s visitors Altrincham arrive in Shropshire on the back of a superb run and Watson believes they are most definitely in the title race, especially as the Robins also host North Ferriby United next Saturday. 'I still think Altrincham are in it', Watson has said. 'They’ve thrown a mad result in every now and again, like when they lost at home to Harrogate just after Harrogate had lost at Colwyn Bay, but they were always going to be challenging this season'.

Dan Preston missed Tuesday’s defeat with a stiff back and Matty McGinn was left out as a precaution, but both will be available for selection on Saturday. 'Dan would have played on Tuesday if he’d been fit, but that’s life', Liam has admitted... 'Matty was left out with this Saturday and next Tuesday in mind. His position takes a lot out of the legs but he will be fine for Saturday'".

AFC Telford United say that "When segregation is in operation, away fans are housed [behind a goal] in the Frank Nagington (South) Stand, providing covered terraced accommodation for 1200. Seating is usually available for away fans in block A of the West Stand on request".

More comes from the Shropshire Star, which says that "AFC Telford United super-sub Mike Phenix has never been more despondent after scoring the sole reply during a heavy 6-1 defeat at Guiseley... A serious stomach illness and a recent bout of flu has seen him drift off boss Liam Watson’s team-sheet, but the 25-year-old reckons he’s back to his best.

He said, 'From a personal point of view, I am trying to get over the 10 mark for goals but, hopefully, it will be in better circumstances next time. I am feeling fit again and I felt all right coming on in midweek. I will see what happens tomorrow, but I would love to get the chance to start... I am having an all right season. I would like to play more but, with illness, it’s been hard'...

A hammering resulted in a club-record defeat. But Phenix believes it might have been a reality check for him and his team-mates after an 11-match unbeaten run, which leaves them still just a point off top spot. He said... 'In the changing room after the game, we talked about how it might be the kick up the backside we needed. It might do us some good as it was a bit of a reality check. Hopefully, we got all of our mistakes out in one game. We have regrouped now and we need to make sure we all stick together. I still feel our fate is in our hands. We still have the better run-in and, if we get a win tomorrow, it’s up to us to lose it'...

Phenix said, 'We looked frightening going forward at Alty. We should have had three goals in the first-half, had we played the right ball or applied decent finishes. Things like that cost you games and we had to settle for a point but we looked all right going forward and had a bit of pace in the team'".

The Star also says of Telford that "The thrill of a promotion-chasing run-in is in stark contrast to the lowest point for football in the town, when the old Telford United went out of existence almost exactly 10 years ago. A poster and leaflet campaign has also been launched reaching out to all those who have supported the team over the last 10 years to come back to the Bucks Head for the last three home matches of the season and fill the 6,300 capacity stadium.

Lee Carter, who was club chairman for the first nine years before becoming managing director, said... 'It is a time to recognise the great links that have been built between the club and the town itself and reaffirm the slogan the club’s community links are extensive', he said...

Meanwhile, "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson today insisted he was always going to make changes for tomorrow’s home game against Altrincham. The Bucks boss will wield the axe for tomorrow's Skrill Conference North fixture... But Watson is adamant there would have been tweaks to the team whatever happened on Tuesday night, so he won't be making wholesale changes.

Defender Dan Preston and super-sub Mike Phenix, who got his seventh goal of the season from the bench at Nethermoor Park, are pushing for starts... He said, 'I always had a team in my mind for the Altrincham game, but there won't be much difference. There would have been a couple of changes in any case. There was one or two that I had to ring and perk up a little bit after Guiseley, but everyone seems fine... Altrincham have us and then the top team, North Ferriby, next week. We will concentrate on ourselves and they are all big games now'".

ALTY LADIES' CELEBRITY SUPPORTERS!

Onwards and upwards to our next game on the 13th April at home (Beech Fields, Timperley) v Heswall LFC 2pm kick off. All support is welcome as we strive to get another 3 points on the board to consolidate our third position.

On a slightly funnier note as we called into The Blue Dog Bar (our jacket sponsor), two Manchester United players were in there and we had our picture taken (right) with David De Gea and Juan Mata, and now have their support for the team as well".

Phil Taylor's match report will follow.

ALTY'S COMMUNITY PROGRAMME SALUTED

The overall purpose is to encourage people of all ages to become involved in playing, volunteering and organising sports activities. This included encouraging girls and women to continue to play football.

The project started with initial support from the Cheshire FA and Trafford Leisure, who provided assistance with coaching and venues but, after 3 months, Altrincham took over the running the project. Numbers have increased and there are 5-a-side and league teams. The sessions are attended by a cross section of ages and abilities, but a number have developed and moved into the competitive team squad

Football Fun sessions for children from organised groups were also run. Working with groups such as Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts, sessions have been based at schools for these groups. Over 150 have attended mid-week sessions and a Saturday Morning Club for younger children has also been popular with over 80 participants each week.

As for football coaching in schools, throughout the year, Altrincham provides coaching at 12 different schools, with 3 new schools this year. Typically, they work with about 200 boys and girls in any week.

There are also activities for ‘at-risk’ children and youths during the school holiday periods. Four holiday camps were running during the year, with as many as 70 children being involved. Some places being given to disadvantaged children via Trafford Fostering services. Altrincham also ran drop in sessions for ‘at risk’ youths during the summer, aimed at attracting young people from one of the more deprived areas of the Borough and involving them in activities to prevent anti-social behaviour. These were arranged in conjunction with local Police Community liaison officers and Trafford Local Authority. The relationship with local police has continued to be fruitful.

Peter Foster, who manages the project, said, 'Each activity has resulted in an increase in involvement from the targeted section of the community. One conclusion that we have reached is that we need to take a step back and review activities as they are sometimes growing faster than our ability to support them. We may need to be prepared to consolidate and build upon what we are doing successfully'".

BEER FESTIVAL

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

In accordance with the Football Association's Regulations for the National League System, and Competition Rule, as the club's resignation has been received before the end of the season, a vacancy has been created in Conference North.

Consequently, if Vauxhall Motors finishes the season in the bottom three it will be relegated on its playing record, as normal. If it finishes above the bottom three, Vauxhall Motors will take the place of an otherwise relegated club in the division and only the bottom two will be relegated".

Also, "At meeting on 3rd April the Football Conference Board discussed a letter sent on 2nd April to its chairman Brian Lee by the chairman of the Football Association, Greg Dyke, concerning the use of artificial turf pitches.

The Conference Directors unanimously agreed to seek a joint meeting as soon as possible with representatives of the Football Association and the Football League to discuss matters of common interest relating to the use of artificial surfaces. The Conference will issue a further statement once that meeting has taken place."

Meanwhile the Conference reports that "It has been announced that the Board of Directors of Solihull Moors have accepted the resignation of Nigel Collins as chairman and director of the Skrill North club, with an effective date of the final day of the 2013/14 campaign. For some time the board, with Nigel Collins, have been planning to develop Solihull Moors FC Ltd into a community club under a new legal entity, to be a community interest company or CiC.

The conversion of Solihull Moors FC Ltd into a community interest company is aimed at putting the football club at the heart of the local sporting community thus giving a voice to all those that participate. With the CiC preparation work well underway and with many of the clubs debt holders pledging to convert their debts into equity with the new company, following seven years at the helm, Collins felt it was now the right time for him to hand over the baton in an orderly and planned way".

According to NL Daily, "Gloucester City is thrilled to announce a significant change to its pricing structure for the 2014/2015 season. The club will allow free entry for anyone under the age of 18, for any league fixture, and there will be exciting offers on season ticket prices for all, including the chance of getting one free.

Tigers' Vice-Chairman Mike Dunstan said... 'We have been planning for next season for some months and keep coming back to the simple question; how can we get the kids in our City to love and support their home town club?', explained Dunstan. 'We have knocked several ideas around but have decided on the radical approach and, from next season we are throwing our doors open to everyone under the age of 18, with entry completely free!'...

The club will be keeping its current match-day pricing structure with adults paying £12 and senior citizens £6. However, in keeping this, the club wants more fans will take advantage of the brilliant season ticket prices available...

Benefits will include:

• An actual price reduction on last season’s prices making early-bird tickets just £190 for adults and £95 for senior citizens
• A £10 voucher to spend on merchandise in the club shop
• The option of paying over three or (for early bird tickets) four months
• Two vouchers for £5 entry to pass on to friends or family to encourage new supporters
• At least six free prize draws throughout the season for significant prizes such as “director for the day”, pre-match meals and signed shirts.
• Existing season ticket holders can receive 20% off the cost of your ticket for every new adult season ticket holder they introduce to the club; and 10% for every senior citizen.

Five adult sales would result in the existing ticket holder getting next season’s ticket completely free!... Dunstan said, 'We have increased season ticket sales in each of the last four years, but we need a step-change in sales if we are to take the club to the next level... The fans get a great deal and the club gets an increased fan base and assured income so everyone wins!'"

According to the Northampton Chronicle, Jon Brady says Brackley will have to do the impossible if they are to make the Skrill North play-offs... Brady said, 'We’ve got to have the courage to keep going and not give in. There’s still hope but we’ll have to do the impossible and win the next five games. If we can do that, we’ve got a chance of getting in the top five. If we drop any points we’ll seal our own fate...

We’ve shown an inability to close out games from winning positions', he said. 'We’ve dropped 17 points in the final 15 minutes of matches this season...We’re not quite right at the moment'".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

TELFORD: BEFORE THE GAME

'We’ve had such a good run and, from where we were at the end of January, if anyone had looked at the fixtures and said we would go into our last six games within a point of top, everyone would have taken it. We’ve just got to make sure we’re right on Saturday', Watson has said ahead of the game.

Reflecting on Tuesday’s disappointment, Liam is also quick to draw parallels with previous title chases he has been involved in. 'It happens. The pleasing thing is that the three players who had particularly poor games have probably been our three most consistent players this season, so from that point of view it was just one of those days. There was no ranting and raving. I felt strangely awkward about the fixture before the game which was very unusual, but things like that happen. During every run-in I’ve been involved in, things like this have happened.

When I first won the league with Southport, we were 2-0 up at Redditch with 20 minutes to go and we got beat 3-2 by a team who were dreadful. At Burscough, everyone was beating Ossett but we drew 0-0 and I thought we’d lost the league. In 2009/10, we beat Fleetwood 5-0 on Boxing Day then lost to them 4-0 on New Year’s Day. Then, in the run-in, we lost 3-1 to Alfreton who had nothing to play for in what was the only game we lost at home all season.”

In each of those examples, though, we bounced back... It’s all about how you deal with it. It’s done now and, as I’ve kept saying, a week is a long time in football'.

Watson has also insisted there will be no drastic decisions as he prepares his side for Saturday’s mouth-watering encounter. 'Since Tuesday I’ve had a phone call with two players who I felt needed it, but I will always show loyalty to players. Some people may not agree with the team I pick on Saturday, but I believe if you show loyalty to players they step up to the plate. Otherwise, you risk losing them altogether'.

Watson is also backing his 'big players' to make the difference on Saturday in a game which is certain to receive considerable hype. 'We need to bounce back on Saturday and it’s an ideal scenario because we can take three points off one of our rivals in the process. I always think big players handle big situations... I’d like to think that myself and Dominic (Morley, assistant boss) have been over the distance often enough'.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s visitors Altrincham arrive in Shropshire on the back of a superb run and Watson believes they are most definitely in the title race, especially as the Robins also host North Ferriby United next Saturday. 'I still think Altrincham are in it', Watson has said. 'They’ve thrown a mad result in every now and again, like when they lost at home to Harrogate just after Harrogate had lost at Colwyn Bay, but they were always going to be challenging this season'.

Dan Preston missed Tuesday’s defeat with a stiff back and Matty McGinn was left out as a precaution, but both will be available for selection on Saturday. 'Dan would have played on Tuesday if he’d been fit, but that’s life', Liam has admitted... 'Matty was left out with this Saturday and next Tuesday in mind. His position takes a lot out of the legs but he will be fine for Saturday'".

AFC Telford United say that "When segregation is in operation, away fans are housed [behind a goal] in the Frank Nagington (South) Stand, providing covered terraced accommodation for 1200. Seating is usually available for away fans in block A of the West Stand on request".

More comes from the Shropshire Star, which says that "AFC Telford United super-sub Mike Phenix has never been more despondent after scoring the sole reply during a heavy 6-1 defeat at Guiseley... A serious stomach illness and a recent bout of flu has seen him drift off boss Liam Watson’s team-sheet, but the 25-year-old reckons he’s back to his best.

He said, 'From a personal point of view, I am trying to get over the 10 mark for goals but, hopefully, it will be in better circumstances next time. I am feeling fit again and I felt all right coming on in midweek. I will see what happens tomorrow, but I would love to get the chance to start... I am having an all right season. I would like to play more but, with illness, it’s been hard'...

A hammering resulted in a club-record defeat. But Phenix believes it might have been a reality check for him and his team-mates after an 11-match unbeaten run, which leaves them still just a point off top spot. He said... 'In the changing room after the game, we talked about how it might be the kick up the backside we needed. It might do us some good as it was a bit of a reality check. Hopefully, we got all of our mistakes out in one game. We have regrouped now and we need to make sure we all stick together. I still feel our fate is in our hands. We still have the better run-in and, if we get a win tomorrow, it’s up to us to lose it'...

Phenix said, 'We looked frightening going forward at Alty. We should have had three goals in the first-half, had we played the right ball or applied decent finishes. Things like that cost you games and we had to settle for a point but we looked all right going forward and had a bit of pace in the team'".

The Star also says of Telford that "The thrill of a promotion-chasing run-in is in stark contrast to the lowest point for football in the town, when the old Telford United went out of existence almost exactly 10 years ago. A poster and leaflet campaign has also been launched reaching out to all those who have supported the team over the last 10 years to come back to the Bucks Head for the last three home matches of the season and fill the 6,300 capacity stadium.

Lee Carter, who was club chairman for the first nine years before becoming managing director, said... 'It is a time to recognise the great links that have been built between the club and the town itself and reaffirm the slogan the club’s community links are extensive', he said...

Meanwhile, "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson today insisted he was always going to make changes for tomorrow’s home game against Altrincham. The Bucks boss will wield the axe for tomorrow's Skrill Conference North fixture... But Watson is adamant there would have been tweaks to the team whatever happened on Tuesday night, so he won't be making wholesale changes.

Defender Dan Preston and super-sub Mike Phenix, who got his seventh goal of the season from the bench at Nethermoor Park, are pushing for starts... He said, 'I always had a team in my mind for the Altrincham game, but there won't be much difference. There would have been a couple of changes in any case. There was one or two that I had to ring and perk up a little bit after Guiseley, but everyone seems fine... Altrincham have us and then the top team, North Ferriby, next week. We will concentrate on ourselves and they are all big games now'".

ALTY LADIES' CELEBRITY SUPPORTERS!

Keith says "The scoreline really doesn't reflect the game as two teams with very contrasting styles was on show, one team just played high and long while we kept the ball on the floor and passed round them. Wilmslow took the lead on 6 mins then Tracey equalized for us on 15 and, as the darkness drew in badly (83rd min), unfortunately we got done by a bomb over the top and their number 9 raced off and slotted it past Lizzie. I'm so proud as we had 6 players missing and the girls that stepped up last night really showed they could compete against a big physical side.

Onwards and upwards to our next game on the 13th April at home (Beech Fields, Timperley) v Heswall LFC 2pm kick off. All support is welcome as we strive to get another 3 points on the board to consolidate our third position.

On a slightly funnier note as we called into The Blue Dog Bar (our jacket sponsor), two Manchester United players were in there and we had our picture taken (right) with David De Gea and Juan Mata, and now have their support for the team as well".

Phil Taylor's match report will follow.

ALTY'S COMMUNITY PROGRAMME SALUTED

The overall purpose is to encourage people of all ages to become involved in playing, volunteering and organising sports activities. This included encouraging girls and women to continue to play football.

The project started with initial support from the Cheshire FA and Trafford Leisure, who provided assistance with coaching and venues but, after 3 months, Altrincham took over the running the project. Numbers have increased and there are 5-a-side and league teams. The sessions are attended by a cross section of ages and abilities, but a number have developed and moved into the competitive team squad

Football Fun sessions for children from organised groups were also run. Working with groups such as Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts, sessions have been based at schools for these groups. Over 150 have attended mid-week sessions and a Saturday Morning Club for younger children has also been popular with over 80 participants each week.

As for football coaching in schools, throughout the year, Altrincham provides coaching at 12 different schools, with 3 new schools this year. Typically, they work with about 200 boys and girls in any week.

There are also activities for ‘at-risk’ children and youths during the school holiday periods. Four holiday camps were running during the year, with as many as 70 children being involved. Some places being given to disadvantaged children via Trafford Fostering services. Altrincham also ran drop in sessions for ‘at risk’ youths during the summer, aimed at attracting young people from one of the more deprived areas of the Borough and involving them in activities to prevent anti-social behaviour. These were arranged in conjunction with local Police Community liaison officers and Trafford Local Authority. The relationship with local police has continued to be fruitful.

Peter Foster, who manages the project, said, 'Each activity has resulted in an increase in involvement from the targeted section of the community. One conclusion that we have reached is that we need to take a step back and review activities as they are sometimes growing faster than our ability to support them. We may need to be prepared to consolidate and build upon what we are doing successfully'".

BEER FESTIVAL

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

In accordance with the Football Association's Regulations for the National League System, and Competition Rule, as the club's resignation has been received before the end of the season, a vacancy has been created in Conference North.

Consequently, if Vauxhall Motors finishes the season in the bottom three it will be relegated on its playing record, as normal. If it finishes above the bottom three, Vauxhall Motors will take the place of an otherwise relegated club in the division and only the bottom two will be relegated".

Also, "At meeting on 3rd April the Football Conference Board discussed a letter sent on 2nd April to its chairman Brian Lee by the chairman of the Football Association, Greg Dyke, concerning the use of artificial turf pitches.

The Conference Directors unanimously agreed to seek a joint meeting as soon as possible with representatives of the Football Association and the Football League to discuss matters of common interest relating to the use of artificial surfaces. The Conference will issue a further statement once that meeting has taken place."

Meanwhile the Conference reports that "It has been announced that the Board of Directors of Solihull Moors have accepted the resignation of Nigel Collins as chairman and director of the Skrill North club, with an effective date of the final day of the 2013/14 campaign. For some time the board, with Nigel Collins, have been planning to develop Solihull Moors FC Ltd into a community club under a new legal entity, to be a community interest company or CiC.

The conversion of Solihull Moors FC Ltd into a community interest company is aimed at putting the football club at the heart of the local sporting community thus giving a voice to all those that participate. With the CiC preparation work well underway and with many of the clubs debt holders pledging to convert their debts into equity with the new company, following seven years at the helm, Collins felt it was now the right time for him to hand over the baton in an orderly and planned way".

According to NL Daily, "Gloucester City is thrilled to announce a significant change to its pricing structure for the 2014/2015 season. The club will allow free entry for anyone under the age of 18, for any league fixture, and there will be exciting offers on season ticket prices for all, including the chance of getting one free.

Tigers' Vice-Chairman Mike Dunstan said... 'We have been planning for next season for some months and keep coming back to the simple question; how can we get the kids in our City to love and support their home town club?', explained Dunstan. 'We have knocked several ideas around but have decided on the radical approach and, from next season we are throwing our doors open to everyone under the age of 18, with entry completely free!'...

The club will be keeping its current match-day pricing structure with adults paying £12 and senior citizens £6. However, in keeping this, the club wants more fans will take advantage of the brilliant season ticket prices available...

Benefits will include:

• An actual price reduction on last season’s prices making early-bird tickets just £190 for adults and £95 for senior citizens
• A £10 voucher to spend on merchandise in the club shop
• The option of paying over three or (for early bird tickets) four months
• Two vouchers for £5 entry to pass on to friends or family to encourage new supporters
• At least six free prize draws throughout the season for significant prizes such as “director for the day”, pre-match meals and signed shirts.
• Existing season ticket holders can receive 20% off the cost of your ticket for every new adult season ticket holder they introduce to the club; and 10% for every senior citizen.

Five adult sales would result in the existing ticket holder getting next season’s ticket completely free!... Dunstan said, 'We have increased season ticket sales in each of the last four years, but we need a step-change in sales if we are to take the club to the next level... The fans get a great deal and the club gets an increased fan base and assured income so everyone wins!'"

According to the Northampton Chronicle, Jon Brady says Brackley will have to do the impossible if they are to make the Skrill North play-offs... Brady said, 'We’ve got to have the courage to keep going and not give in. There’s still hope but we’ll have to do the impossible and win the next five games. If we can do that, we’ve got a chance of getting in the top five. If we drop any points we’ll seal our own fate...

We’ve shown an inability to close out games from winning positions', he said. 'We’ve dropped 17 points in the final 15 minutes of matches this season...We’re not quite right at the moment'".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

THURSDAY GAME

• Oxford C. 1-0 Gainsborough T.

NEXT GAME: TELFORD, AWAY

AFC Telford United tell us that the "AFC Telford United are expecting their biggest crowd of the season so far for the visit of Altrincham. It will be the first time that the two clubs have met at the Bucks Head for 15 years and the game couldn’t be any more important in terms of its potential impact on the outcome of the Skrill North title race. Kick off is 3pm. Admission to the game is £13 Adults, £10 Concessionaries, £5 16-19 year-olds and £2 Under 16s.

Alty's last visit to Telford's (Old) Buck's Head ground was on 9 October 1999, when a great display by Stuart Coburn, including the above penalty save, produced a 1-0 win thanks to a spot-kick conversion by Brendan Burke. Stuart is expected to be in goal again for Altrincham on Saturday.

Away fans will be segregated and will be housed in the Budget Gas Frank Nagington South Stand. There are limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis to elderly supporters or families with young children. Alty supporters should enter through the turnstiles I & J in the South Stand and report to the nearest steward.

Any supporters with disabilities should enter through the assisted gate in the North West Corner of the ground. AFC Telford has a Carers's Champion on duty who, along with our Safety Team, will be able to guide you to the correct area in the stadium and ensure that you enjoy your visit to the stadium.

Turnstiles Open at 13:30. Stadium Bars and snack bars will also open at 13:30. There is a licensed bar available in the Budget Gas Frank Nagington South Stand for away supporters. The Simmonds Transport Learning Centre Bar opens at 12 noon and is open to away supporters. The Simmonds Transport Learning Centre Bar will host the Carlsberg Man of the Match Presentation and Q&A after the game.

Saturday's sponsors are Jules Convenience, IJ Accountancy, Greenhous and Anytime Fitness. The game is also being sponsored by David Wright MP for Telford and Baron Grocott of Telford".

Telford's 6-1 reverse at Guiseley ws, according to the Bucks, their first defeat in 12 games". Altrincham arrive with a similar record of one defeat in their last eleven matches in Skrill North.

In the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson vowed to call on his experience to see there’s no hangover from their club-record defeat... The players will be back under Watson’s wing for training tonight [Thursday]...

He said, 'It’s my job now to pick them up for Saturday and this is where I have got to call on my experience of going through title run-ins. It’s a setback, that’s all. The last time we lost we went unbeaten for 11 games, we have done it before and we can do it again. We will have a good training session tonight, get them back at it and refocused. We will look to pick the right team for the Altrincham game and then we will go again'.

Watson doesn’t think there will be any added effect of a heavy drubbing at Guiseley, as he believes promotion will be decided on points and not goal difference. They have now scored one less and conceded four more than league leaders North Ferriby United, who they trail by a point on the same games played going into Saturday.

Alty are five points behind the Bucks and have a better goal difference and a game in hand, although they did lose some ground on Tuesday night with a goalless draw at home to Boston United. Watson said, 'I don’t ever see goal difference coming in the equation, I think there will be points in it. We have just got to turn up on Saturday and perform. It’s a massive game. Altrincham dropped two points on Tuesday while we got nothing and yet we are still five points ahead of them'".

FIRST BEER NAMED

We are pleased to announce the first beer is the 4.1% ABV Iceberg from Titanic brewery, which is kindly sponsored by Phil Jordan.

The beer is described as "A combination of Maris Otter pale malt and fine wheat malt, give this refreshing beer real zest. Add refreshing Yakima Galena and Cascade hops and what you get is a fantastic wheat beer that will hole any passing thirst."

In order for the event to be a success, we are also looking for help with the running of the festival, whether it be assistance in running events that are ongoing during the festival, or helping on the festival bar. If you are available and can spare some time to help, please e-mail me".

CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH

The event will be a great family fun-filled afternoon and all money raised will go directly to the beneficiaries of the charity. There will be activities and stalls throughout the event, a half-time raffle with some fabulous prizes, the chance to nominate your player of the match, get autographs from the players and we also have a half-time inter-school competition with the charity mascot, Little M!

Former professional footballers include:

• Lee Martin (former Manchester United and Patron of the charity)
• Arthur Albiston (former Manchester United) – managing the team
• Clayton Blackmore (former Manchester United)
• Danny Higginbotham (former Manchester United)
• Eric Nixon (former Manchester City)

And the celebrities include:

• Mike Sweeney (BBC Radio Manchester presenter)
• Neil Clough (from 'The Apprentice')
• Scott Wright (actor from 'Coronation Street')
• Leon Tennant (actor)
• Keith Rice (Finn O'Connor in 'Hollyoaks')
• Max Williams (actor from 'Eastenders')

We also have pop star Anthony Kavanagh (currently on the big Reunion) due to perform one of his songs at the beginning of the game, the very brilliant Alan Keegan is returning as match compere (stadium announcer at Manchester United) and Key 103 morning presenter Mike Toolan will hopefully be making an appearance too!

We are running an inter-school competition which is also open to children's football teams and charities. We are donating 10% of the ticket sales made by these establishments to their own cause.

Since the Moore Foundation was established in 2005 it has provided funding to smaller charitable organisations at a grass roots level across the North West, as well as providing many disadvantaged, disabled and terminally ill children and their families with much needed support, equipment, treatment and once in a lifetime wishes".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Maidstone won the right to enter the Premier Division play-offs should they finish high enough at an appeal hearing at Wembley Stadium... With the Football Conference’s current ban on artificial turf pitches still in place after the competition’s clubs voted against lifting it in January, the club had been set to be excluded from the Ryman Premier’s play-offs.

Following the removal of that obstacle, the club is now expected to lobby the Football Conference again to reconsider its stance, a move that will be supported by the Ryman League. Ryman League chairman Alan Turvey... said, 'We support the policy of the Football Association towards artificial turf pitches... We sincerely hope that the Football Conference will consider this decision by the FA and its publically stated support for artificial turf pitches and allow the club to play in the competition next season."

More on this comes from the Boston Target, which reports that "Boston United are not planning to install a 3G pitch inside their proposed new stadium. In a landmark decision, the Football Association will permit clubs to play on artificial pitches in every round of the FA Cup from next season...

'Fortunately, we don’t have that debate to have', said vice-chairman Neil Kempster. 'I was talking to Gloucester’s directors on Saturday and that is something they’re looking at (for their new stadium). But because we’re planning on having a separate 3G pitch as part of our development, then we can get the income stream from that. So it’s not something we’re looking at at the moment. The main reason clubs look at that is because it provides a good income stream.

I guess if you’ve only got one pitch, you’ve got to try and maximise that pitch during the week, as well as on a Saturday'".

Nicky Clee won't forget Indy Aujla after Tuesday's tackle on him by the Boston player. The Boston Standard reports that "Indy Aujla was full of praise for Boston United’s defence following the club’s goalless draw at Altrincham.. [In a video interview] the midfielder discusses communication, taking his chances and Saturday’s trek to Solihull."

And the Boston Standard adds that "Carl Piergianni has pledged his future to Boston United, stating that he wants to help lead the Pilgrims into the Skrill Premier. The central defender has put in two rock solid performances as United kept clean sheets against Gloucester and Altrincham this week.

And now Piergianni wants to build a bright future at York Street. 'There’s no doubt that I want to be here next year', Piergianni told The Standard. 'I’ve enjoyed this season thoroughly and there’s no place I’d rather be next year. We’ve got a great side here and, if we can keep the majority of the team together and make some additions, we can can become even better. That’s our goal, to get up this year. We’re looking to get into the play-offs, and if we can get in there then anything can happen. But even if we don’t go up this year, we’ll just be an even bigger threat next season'".

The NW Evening Mail tells us that "Barrow AFC's board of directors believe[s] that the majority of fans appear to be ‘broadly in favour’ Paul Casson’s takeover plan. But now it is down to the club’s members to decide on whether to approve the US-based Barrovian’s buy-out deal in a postal vote.

The 'Evening Mail' has obtained a copy of the voting pack sent out to members, who must return their completed voting forms by no later than Wednesday, April 30, with Casson needing to attract support from at least 75 per cent of the entire membership for his deal to be given the green light.

Included in the pack is a letter from AFC chairman Brian Keen, offering views on behalf of the AFC board, Casson’s proposal, plus that all-important voting form. Casson’s £600,000 proposed tie-up also includes a pledge to invest up to £600,000 in each of the next two years...

In his letter to members, Keen said... 'It seems that the majority of supporters are broadly in favour of his plans... You will have to decide whether you wish to continue on as a members’ club, with its many restrictions, or whether you wish the club to return to a single owner who has said he will invest in the club'.

Casson’s proposal document... outlines his ambition to progress AFC into a position where they can challenge for a return to the Football League after five years in charge. His proposal confirms that a new board will consist of eight members and only two of those slots have definitely been filled thus far, by Casson and his long-time friend Jamie Reid. Casson also encourages the formation and fans’ participation in a Supporters’ Trust and hopes a representative from such a group will be appointed to his board.

In his letter, Keen highlights... that the club are 'stable and can carry on as we are for the foreseeable future'... But he also points to the club’s recent financial struggles, highlighting the fact that recent losses, Barrow have just posted a hefty £122,151 loss for 2013, have been covered by directors’ loans. 'I am sure you will agree that this is not how a members’ company should ideally operate', said Keen in his letter.

Casson’s £600,000 proposed buy-out promises to pay off the vast majority of the club’s debt – e.g. the building society mortgage – but directors’ loans are ‘unlikely’ to be repaid in full. However, Keen’s letter states that the directors are 'willing to accept this to facilitate the takeover'...Keen’s letter added, 'Mr Casson’s offer is a stronger financial proposal for the club than can be offered under the current membership structure'...

A joint-statement issued by the board and Casson, said, 'After 15 years, this is the most important decision that members have had to take regarding the future of the club and therefore the directors of Barrow AFC Ltd and Mr Paul Casson would encourage every member to participate in this ballot'".

LEE CALLS FOR CONSISTENCY

The early signs are that Clee’s knee injury may not be as bad as initially feared and that he may even have a chance of recovering in time for Saturday’s trip to promotion rivals Telford United.

But the repercussions could have been serious for the Alty winger after Boston United’s Indy Aujla caught him with a reckless challenge that left him needing lengthy treatment and eventually forced him to hobble off in the 35th minute.

Aujla was only booked by referee Jonathan Hunt and was surprisingly spared a second yellow card after another foul, on James Lawrie, that angered Alty players and supporters.

‘Some of the decisions officials are making leave me wondering,’ said Alty boss Sinnott. ‘When I was asked after the game about the tackle on Nicky, I said I hadn’t had a great view of it from the dug-out, which was the case.

‘But looking at it on the video today (Wednesday), there is no doubt it was a dangerous challenge that merited a red card. We are hopeful it has not caused as much harm as it could have done, but that is not the point. The lad came in and caught Nicky’s standing leg, not the one he was kicking with, and that is highly dangerous, because it is planted on the floor.

‘I do wonder sometimes with referees where their thinking comes from. After getting away with a yellow for what was clearly a dangerous challenge, the same player is then pulled up for what he did to James but is allowed to stay on the pitch. You just wonder sometimes what a ref has seen and how he has interpreted the laws.

‘I find it disappointing. It has become a common theme for us this season, and I am struggling to understand exactly what they are seeing. Against Hednesford at home, we lost Simon Richman after nine minutes to a straight red, following a challenge that, on appeal, wasn’t even deemed a yellow.

‘I want to stress I am not having a go at Boston or trying to make out it had anything to do with the result. Boston acquitted themselves well, and we can’t quibble with a point after such a tight affair. Equally, I don’t mean it to sound like I’m knocking referees. In fact, I think last night’s ref probably got it right with another big decision, when he only produced yellow after Carl Piergianni pulled back James Walshaw on the edge of the area.

‘The ball was in the air, rather than at James’ feet, and it wasn’t as if he was about to pull the trigger. It’s a fine dividing line, but I’ve no problem with that ruling.

‘But I know from experience how dangerous the challenge on Nicky was. I was clattered in a similar way in my playing days, and I ended up with medial ligament damage and my right knee in a brace for weeks.

‘I would like to think the tackle was mistimed, rather than done with intent, and my gripe is with the officials and their interpretation of what they have seen. It seems to vary from week to week, alarmingly so at times.

‘Nicky’s knee is stiff and swollen, but it’s not as bad as it might have been. He could have been in a brace now, but we think he might have got away lightly. The hope is it’s just a bang on the side of the knee, but we will have to monitor it as the week goes by.

‘We will have to do the same with all the players, now the games are coming thick and fast. There are a lot of games coming up in a short space of time, and we will have to monitor everyone’s fitness and energy levels. We have to balance everything, and Alan the physio, Neil Tolson and I will keep an eye on what those levels are like, because if they are depleted, it can not only affect their contribution but lead to niggly injuries, which is the last thing we need right now.’"

DEADLINE DISAPPOINTMENTS

SUPPORTERS' AWAY TRANSPORT

TASC has arranged coach travel for supporters wishing to support Altrincham in their away games at AFC Telford United this Saturday (5 April) and Workington (Tuesday 8 April). Details of timings and fares are on the Away Travel page. As always, please place your bookings in advance by ringing the Club on 0161 928-1045 during normal office hours. Your support could be vital in encouraging the team to complete the season on a high note.

WIN AT WARRINGTON

BPA HIGHLIGHTS

CROSSBAR CHALLENGE

NARROW DEFEAT

TUESDAY GATES

• Altrincham v Boston United 650
• Colwyn Bay v Workington 158
• Gloucester City v Oxford City 303
• Guiseley v AFC Telford United 469
• Hednesford Town v Brackley Town 468

THROUGH THE YEARS

PLAYER OF MONTH

Nicky Clee, from Altrincham, is the The Skrill North ‘Player of the Month’ for March. Clee has been both provider and scorer during the period as Altrincham moved out of the chasing pack to challenge the top two in the table. The left-winger hit vital goals against Workington and Colwyn Bay at either end of the month but also contributed with a number of assists. The goal at Colwyn Bay [was] a highlight, his free-kick from 30 yards finding the net in spectacular fashion to secure all three points from Altrincham’s trip to north Wales".

Both Skrill North winners suffered misfortune on Tuesday night; Watson's team was beaten 6-1 at Guiseley and Nicky Clee was put out of Alty's game against Boston United by a crude challenge.

BOSTON COMMENTARIES

From the other side, Boston United report that the Pilgrims "secured an excellent away point at Altrincham on Tuesday night... Dennis Greene's side could have claimed all three points at Moss Lane after creating a number of presentable chances, with Lewis King only occasionally called into action.

The result also helped banish the demons of United's two shattering defeats at Altrincham in each of the last two seasons. With head injury victims Conor Marshall and Junior Konadu ruled out, Rene Steer and Indy Aujla deputised although Aujla's night nearly only lasted five minutes. He flew in on Skrill North player of the month Nicky Clee but was handed only a yellow card for his troubles.

United had another let-off when Carl Piergianni hauled down James Walshaw and was booked, with the home crowd and players baying for red. Shaun Densmore crashed the free-kick a fraction too high...

Coburn made the save of the match to deny Miller following a barnstorming run down the left which culminated in a low driven shot from 18 yards. Altrincham enjoyed plenty of possession after the break, but United created the best chances".

Boston United also report that "Boston United boss Dennis Greene was pleased to glean a point from Tuesday's encounter at Altrincham". In a video interview we learn that "The United manager praised Boston's resilience against the third-placed Robins".

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

However, due to the scale of the plans, which also feature 500 new homes, a supermarket and other shops, the decision could be "called in" by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State has reserve powers to direct the local planning authority to refer an application to their office for a decision...

Said Pilgrims vice-chairman Neil Kempster... 'We would then hope for a decision around July time by the council'...

Earlier this year, chairman David Newton revealed the original stadium plans had been tweaked to include a new ‘Town End’, raising the capacity from around 4,300 to 5,000 and making it fit for the Football League. Kempster revealed other amendments are likely to be made. 'The original plans had a separate sports hall, but we’re now looking at incorporating that as part of the stadium', added Kempster".

Alty travel to Cumbria next Tuesday, from where the News & Star reports that "Workington Reds’ inability to see-out a game cost them dearly at Colwyn Bay and sent them tumbling nearer the Evo Stik Premier Division... It looked as though Reds could grab their first away win of the season.

But the North Wales side levelled with their second penalty of the night and won it four minutes from the end.

Reds' boss Ian McDonald, who had gone into the game with seven members of his squad unavailable, said, 'I’m frustrated and disappointed. We should have been able to take something home from that game. I wouldn’t have argued if we had turned round two or three goals behind. But the lads came out and did excellent, turning it round with two good goals.

There were a few home truths said at half-time and fingers were being pointed. The response was excellent, as it has been before, and when we got ahead I thought we could go on and win it.. We had generally defended corners very well all night but, four minutes from the end, we didn’t do it and paid the price.

Young D’Arcy O’Connor has done really well for us in the two previous games but he had one of those nights. He conceded both penalties and it was his man at the corner who got free to head the winner. But he’s young, a good prospect and he will learn from that I am sure... And then to come off and hear that Oxford had won! But we are not conceding anything and we will battle on trying to win every game, starting with Bradford on Saturday... I hope we can turn them over and get a run going until the end of the season'".

The Western Daily Press tells us that "Gloucester City slipped to a second consecutive defeat as Tom Winters and Viv Solomon-Otabor struck the goals in Oxford City's 2-0 victory at Whaddon Road.

Ex-Tigers Mike Symons and Darren Mullings went close for the visitors during the first half, while a Jack Harris effort somehow stayed out of the net at the other end. Oxford took the lead just before the hour mark when a ricochet fell kindly for Winters to convert... Gloucester goalkeeper Mike Green... was unable to prevent Solomon-Otabor adding the second in injury-time."

According to the Shropshire Star, a "Shell-shocked Liam Watson... defended his players after a calamitous display resulted in a club-record 6-1 defeat at Guiseley.

The second-placed Bucks were thrashed by the play-off chasing Lions last night, just hours after Watson had won the Manager of the Month award for March... Their 11-match unbeaten run was shot to pieces.

'Football is a team game, there shouldn’t be individual awards', said Watson. 'It’s a collective group and it’s the players who have done it. There’s a curse to it, allegedly. If that’s true, it well and truly struck! You can’t legislate for some of the individual performances but it’s a game of football in the run-in and these things happen. There’s always going to be twists and turns.

I actually feel better about the situation now than I did before the game, when I felt quite anxious. Sometimes you do go with your gut instinct and I knew something was around the corner. There were a lot of people with their heads in hands after the game, but it’s only the sixth game we have lost this season. We have just had seven wins and then a good point down at Leamington, then that happens. But the lads have given me everything all season.

If that means I have to defend them, I have every right to, because they have done fantastic'.

Telford collapsed after Gavin Rothery’s penalty made it 3-0, three minutes into the second-half, after goals from him and Danny Ellis before the break. Adam Boyes made it 4-0, before substitute Mike Phenix’s lone reply and Alex Johnson’s double.

Watson said, 'The first goal is a calamity between Ryan Young and Neill Byrne, then Wes Baynes has been done twice, either side of another error from ‘Byrney’. But there were errors all over the pitch. “We tried to set ourselves up in the second-half to get back in the game and it was always going to leave us open. But I can’t make excuses when we have been beaten 6-1'".

The Shropshire Star adds that "AFC Telford United were left red-faced on April Fools’ Day as their 11-match unbeaten run went up in smoke with a club-record defeat at Guiseley... The joke was on his players and Mike Grogan, in particular, when a dubious penalty turned an uphill struggle into a mountain to climb...

With nothing in the game just after the half-hour, Guiseley suddenly went ahead in the 32nd minute from a set-piece. The Bucks’ back-line stood static as Wayne Brooksby’s cross came into the box and centre-back Ellis rose highest to direct his header past goalkeeper Ryan Young. A setback became a real problem in the 38th minute when Rothery got away from Wes Baynes on his left-hand side, advanced into the box and fired a bullet shot past the leg of defender Neill Byrne and Young’s dive, the ball slamming into the top-left corner...

Controversy followed just three minutes after the re-start when referee Andrew Miller pointed to the spot, adjudging Grogan to have pulled Brooksby’s shirt inside the box. The assistant referee had originally flagged for a corner and was ignored despite Grogan’s furious protests, handing Rothery the chance of his second goal...

Things went from bad to worse in the 53rd minute when Boyes was set free on the edge of the box to go one-on-one with Young, who had left his area...taking his time to slot the ball past the goalkeeper... Half-time substitute Phenix, netting his sixth goal from the bench this season, put a shell-shocked Telford on the board in the 69th minute...

Any lingering hopes of adding some respectability to the scoreline vanished in the 74th minute when Johnson seized on a loose ball to fire home. His second goal with a minute to go rounded off Telford’s miserable evening as he finished at the far post after being picked out by substitute Kevin Holsgrove’s left-wing cross."

Meanwhile, Guiseley described the game as a "resounding 6-1 thrashing".

CONFERENCE BULLETIN

The purpose of PremierScene is part of a long-term strategy by the Football Conference’s Media Focus Group; to not only strengthen existing partnerships but to bring the brand, which is ‘The Football Conference’, to a greater audience and to attract other potential partners and sponsors to the competition.

Through the joint efforts of the Press Association and At The Races, PremierScene will now be available to over two million subscribers through a number of databases now accessible by the Media Focus Group.

Brian Lee, Chairman of the Football Conference, stated 'This is the first of several initiatives which our partners are becoming involved in via the newly structured Media Focus Group. True partnership working is about involving all those elements which lends [sic] itself to the overall image of the Football Conference, which in turn makes the competition attractive to potential partners and sponsors. Our portfolio is growing and we anticipate further additions in the next few months. PremierScene will therefore become part of a platform which promotes us to a wider audience”.

AFTER THE MATCH

Above, Lee Sinnott is interviewed by Brain Flynn for Alty TV after Tuesday's draw with Boston. The footage includes the early fouls on Nicky Clee and James Walshaw.

ALTRINCHAM 0 BOSTON UNITED 0

Match report here.

Right: Nicky Clee, who had just won the Skrill North Player of the Mponth award, receives treatment in Tuesday's game. He was unable to complete the first half after being fouled.

MIDWEEK GAMES

• Altrincham 0-0 Boston United
• Colwyn Bay 3-2 Workington
• Gloucester City 0-2 Oxford City
• Guiseley 6-1 AFC Telford Utd
• Hednesford Town 2-2 Brackley Town

Thursday, 3 April

• Oxford City v Gainsborough Trinity

LADIES' MATCH - REPORT

Above, Alty Ladies and Runcorn Linnets line up before their game last Sunday, which Altrincham won 4-3. Phil Taylor's match report is here.

ALTRINCHAM FC COMMUNITY SPORTS HALL: STATUS UPDATE

Peter Foster writes that "This is the latest position of the Community Sports Hall Project that will be put to the Club Board at its specially convened meeting on 8 April to decide whether or not to 'press the button” and go ahead with construction.

In summary, the Project is bang on plan, though there is a great deal to do to complete by the end of 2014, and everyone’s help and support from here will be essential.

Specifically, having secured planning permission last September, with help from the Engineering Design Partnership, we now have a firm tender from McGoff and Byrne (a local contractor) to build the Sports Hall within the Project budget.

All other cost and contingency items have also been confirmed, which means that the overall Project budget of £750,000 remains unaltered.

Working with The Sport Business, we are also now confident that we have reached our target of raising 75% (i.e. £560,000) of the total required funding of £750,000, to enable the construction phase to start. Special thanks to the many Alty fans who have already donated/pledged and organised fundraisers, as well as to the corporate and grant giving bodies who have also pledged funds.

And we have secured a private interest-free credit facility that enables us to finance the project cash-flow at no risk to the Club.

Provided the Club Board give the go ahead, this all enables us to start the core construction project, as planned, when the season closes on 12 May. If all goes to plan from there it will be fully completed by Christmas 2014, with significant parts open well before then.

However, we still need to raise the final 25% (Approx. £190,000) of project funding over the summer in order to complete the job in the autumn.

This will require a strong fundraising effort during the rest of 2014, but we remain of the belief that, with everyone’s help, we can achieve this.

To keep unnecessary costs to a minimum, we will also need some help from volunteers from time to time to help clear parts of the site and move items to and from temporary storage. More details on this in due course.

So the recommendation to the Club Board will be to go ahead with the project as planned, even though there is still a way to go on fundraising; and issue a “call to arms” to the Club fans and wider stakeholders to help with the volunteer activities and complete the final 25% of project funding.

In particular, any donations from individuals or companies between now and the 8 April that can further reduce the £190K will help the Club Board reach a positive decision. See the Community Sports Hall website for more details and information on how to donate".

21 OR BUST!

PETER'S FUNERAL

YANKEE JACKPOT GROWS

CHOCOLATE WANTED!

NEXT OPPONENTS

The 30-year-old couldn’t commit to the extended travelling that is part and parcel of life in the Conference Premier, as he’s a trainee electrician. He works on the set of Chester-based television series Hollyoaks and gets to rub shoulders with the stars of the small screen on a regular basis.

But all McGinn is focused on is playing a starring role in making the Bucks champions, on the other flank as [from] another ex-Chester man in Wes Baynes. McGinn is the most capable deliverer of a dead-ball in Liam Watson’s ranks and the way he whips them in over the next seven games could decide their fate.

He said, 'It’s always been hard for me with work commitments, as I am on shifts, but I will give it my all until the end of the season and then see what happens. If I can put the ball in the right area, we have got big lads in there and we have scored a few goals from set-pieces... I used to play on the wing, but I am older now. I am just happy to play, the gaffer has been using me as a wing-back and I am more of an attacking player.

It was Liam who put first put me at left-back for Southport, I had a few games there and it sort of stuck from there'.

McGinn will be part of Telford’s travelling party at Guiseley tonight and they need to win to reclaim top spot... He, along with boss Watson, is in line for his third Conference North title, this time as a Buck, and will take as much pride in that and he did at Southport and Chester. He knows it’s approaching crunch time for the contenders to the throne with another big game on Saturday, at home to an Altrincham side that can still catch them...

He said, 'It’s a lot closer this year than when I was at Chester, who ran away with it, but we have got a good bunch of lads who can do it. I love winning leagues... The gaffer will have had each team watched and if lads aren’t in the squad, it doesn’t mean they won’t be for the next game. A lot of teams have played less games than us, too, we are the ones that are actually not playing Tuesday-Saturday that much. We haven’t done that for a while.

The lads are looking fit... Guiseley have always been a good side and, as long as we don’t get beat[en], it’s a good result for us. Alty have always been there or thereabouts in the play-off mix and we will prepare right in training on Thursday to take them on. The lads will know what to do. We are good at home and we always seem to score goals'".

More comes from the Shropshire Star, to the effect that "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson may decide against making changes with his side bidding to return to the top of the Skrill Conference North. The Bucks go to play-off chasing Guiseley to play their game in hand on once-again league leaders North Ferriby United, where it's likely only a win will do...

They could go with an unchanged team, despite a number of players pushing for squad and starting positions. Wingers Mike Phenix and Robbie Booth, along with midfielder Russell Benjamin, didn't even make the squad for Saturday's hard-fought 2-2 draw at Leamington.

Another wide man, Sean Clancy, and striker Tony Gray were used as second-half substitutes and are battling to force their way into Watson's thoughts from the off.

He said, 'It’s always nice to freshen yourselves up but, at this stage of the season, it isn’t about fresh legs but more about mental strength. I don’t think many people are struggling, in terms of legs. Tony has got to fill me with confidence that’s he got to come on and score goals...but it just hasn’t rolled for him this season. What he does do is hold the ball up well and it’s important we get some game time into him'...

Telford will be looking to keep up their remarkable record of scoring in every away game this season, which stands at 17 games... Watson said, 'I think the way we play is encouraging, especially away from home. We press high, put the ball behind teams and apply pressure, asking questions of them'".

EASTER DRAW - HELP NEEDED

• Two Tesco Hudl seven-inch tablet computers,
• A 24-inch TV/DVD combo
• Two tickets to an England international match at Wembley
• A Leap Frog LeapPad 2,
• Matchday hospitality for four at an Altrincham FC home game
• A four-ball round of golf at Davyhulme Golf Club... and many more items.

Tickets are just 50p each or £2 for a book of four and may be had at all home games or from the Club during normal office hours.

The Club is appealing for volunteers to help to sell the tickets. So, if you are able to help either before, after or at half-time in any home game, or by taking books of tickets to sell to friends and work colleagues, please contact the club as soon as possible. You can either ring the club on (0161) 928-1045 or by e-mail.

Your help will be much appreciated. The annual Draw is a very important fundraiser for your football club.

URGENT: HELP NEEDED

Jack Jolly has produced the adjacent poster to advertise the three remaining home games at the J. Davidson Stadium.

PILGRIMS' PROGRESS

United boss Dennis Greene will be able to call upon the services of left-back Rene Steer following his own suspension, while Marc Newsham (knee) could return after missing Saturday’s win over Gloucester. Jamie McGhee could continue at right-back after his impressive performance in that position on Saturday."

The Boston Standard says that "Liam Agnew proved again on Saturday why he could be bound for Premier League stardom one day. The on-loan Sunderland midfielder set the Pilgrims on their way to a crucial victory against Gloucester City with a blockbuster of a strike from 25 yards in the 28th minute... Agnew was also named man of match. And in even better news for the youngster, he has just been awarded a two-year professional contract with the Black Cats."

Roker Report adds that "After starring for Sunderland's development squad, Liam Agnew was sent out on-loan to Boston United earlier in the season to gain valuable first team experience. Agnew has impressed at the Lincolnshire based side...

[Agnew said] 'It's been hard work. I'd like to think I've deserved it [the contract]... I've been working on my long-range shooting in training. It was particularly pleasing that it was on my left foot. Agnew has been joined at Boston United by Liam Marrs, David Ferguson and Joel Dixon as part of an unofficial link-up between the two sides, although Marrs has since been released and Ferguson has been ruled out for the season after picking up an injury".

According to the Boston Star ex-Alty loanee "Defender Carl Piergianni believes Boston United have nothing to fear as they travel to face Altrincham this evening... And although the Pilgrims’ away form hasn’t been their strong point this season, Piergianni says Boston don’t need any extra incentive to put in a top performance tonight.

'It’s important that we go and win against Altrincham. In a way that’s a six pointer with them being in the play-offs', he told The Standard. 'We’re more than capable of winning away from home. Every game, as we come up to it now, because of the stage of the season we’re in, is the biggest game of the season. At Altrincham we need to win again and it’s a massive game'.

Boston may have lost 6-1 and 7-1 at Alty over the past two seasons, but Piergianni is one of a number of players who joined the club in the summer. He doesn’t have those horror shows in the back of his mind. In fact, he just remembers United beating the Robins 3-2 at York Street...

'We’ve played well against them earlier this season and I think we’ve got enough in our locker to beat them', Piergianni added. 'If you look at the position we’re in in the league then there’s no doubt we’re a lot stronger this season. Altrincham will be worried about us. They’ve got the home advantage but they’ll be worried about our attacking threat...

If we just focus on ourselves and win the games we need to win we’ll be in the play-offs. It’s definitely still in our hands'".

ALTRINCHAM v BOSTON UNITED: MATCH COVERAGE

Above: Nicky Clee receives his team-mates' congratulations after scoring with a superb freekick at Colwyn Bay.

Brian Flynn advises us that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Tuesday night's game at The J.Davidson Stadium. The match commentary is sponsored by Barry Pond. The commentary team is Niall Finnegan and Simon Ellis, with match summaries from Joe Barry.

Coverage starts at 7.35pm with the game kicking off at 7.45pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

Niall Flynn 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.

 

DOUBLES

Curiously, one of the teams beaten by Alty home and away last season was FC Halifax Town, who are now well placed in the Conference Premier play-offs.

YOUTH TEAM'S AWAY VICTORY

LADIES WIN AFTER FALLING BEHIND

WALKING TO STOCKPORT

If you wish to take part, please e-mail Grahame Rowley to register your interest and to obtain a sponsorship form. Likewise, if you cannot participate but want to sponsor a walker, please also contact Grahame. At Stockport, County will be holding a bucket collection for the Hospice at the match.

OLD BOYS

Stafford Rangers, managed by Graham Heathcote, recently signed former Alty Youth products midfielder Ryan Barry and goalkeeper Andrew (AJ) Jones. Also playing for Rangers are Graham's son, Sam Heathcote and former Robins, James McCarthy, Matty Berkeley, Ian Craney and Lewis Chalmers. However, a 2-2 draw at Buxton last Saturday condemned Rangers to relegation.

TELFORD GAME

SKRILL NORTH NEWS

Telford boss Liam Watson thinks the Leeds club now have a wonderful opportunity of forcing their way into the end-of-season play-offs yet again. 'I think they’ll be disappointed now if they don’t make the play-offs', Liam has said ahead of the match. 'They’ve been thereabouts for several seasons and got 90 points last season without going up, so you feel for them. I watched them against Stalybridge and they were slightly fortunate to win the game', Liam continues, 'but they’re on a run and, when you’re on a run, you turn defeats into wins, which is something we’ve done ourselves of late. It will be a tough game'.

In the Shropshire Star "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson today re-assessed his target for the rest of the season but still aims to finish the campaign unbeaten. The title-chasing Bucks extended their Skrill Conference North unbeaten run to 11 games, but a seven-match winning streak ended at Leamington...

He said, 'Four wins and three draws would be enough, for me, you look at Saturday and remember we have three home games to make up some of that. Hopefully, we can get the New Buck's Head bouncing for them and that will be important for the players. Our fans were great again at Leamington'...

Telford did keep up their record of scoring in every away fixture this season, which stands at 17 games...

Watson said, 'We have just got to go to Guiseley now and stay unbeaten, that’s the challenge that we set ourselves for the last 15 games and we can still do it... Clean sheets are vital in the run in and we didn’t keep one on Saturday... If we can keep five clean sheets, we will get to where we need to be. It’s a big game on tomorrow and on Saturday against Altrincham at our place, so we need to regroup, see where we are and go again'".

Guiseley’s recent form has certainly helped to blow the play-off race wide open and the Lions are one of five clubs currently separated by just two points in the quest to occupy the final play-off berth. 'The play-offs are becoming really tight', Watson adds. 'Boston’s manager (Dennis Greene) has been saying they need 71 points for the play-offs and you’ve got to put that into perspective for us because we’re already at 72, so we’ve virtually cemented our place in the play-offs with seven games to go...

Obviously the play-offs aren’t where we want to be and what we want to do because I’ve said right from the start that the idea was to win the league. We’ve always set our standards high and we know what we’re aiming for'.

Meanwhile, assistant manager Dominic Morley has called on the players not to look too far ahead... 'Teams can take points off anyone at any level and if you have an off-day, you very rarely pick up the points. We need to take one game at a time and produce. There will be trips and falls along the way but, hopefully, we can minimise them'.

That’s a verdict echoed by Watson, 'We just need to keep our heads up, put our chests out and approach each and every game in the right vein', the boss concludes".

On Tuesday The Pilgrims visit Altrincham and Boston United report that "United are likely to be without the services of two players for the remainder of the season. Conor Marshall was stretchered off during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Gloucester City and has suffered a fractured cheekbone and eye socket. He was injured in a collision with team-mate Junior Konadu and kept in overnight at Pilgrim Hospital.

Sunderland defender David Ferguson, meanwhile, has returned to the Stadium of Light with a knee injury cutting short his loan spell with the Pilgrims".

According to NL Daily, "Dennis Greene feels Sam Vince has been 'badly advised by an agent' after revealing the young goalkeeper has turned down a new contract with Boston United. The teenager has been revelation when he has been called on this season and would be in contention for the number one jersey on a regular basis next season.

However, Vince has rejected the deal and may have played his last game for the club. The impasse is what led to Greene signing Sunderland keeper Joel Dixon on loan until the end of the season.

'Sam Vince has got himself an agent who has advised him not to sign a contract with us', said Greene. 'We’ve offered him a contract and he has turned that down. Consequently, Sam hasn’t trained particularly well for the last month or so. So I’m not sure, if Kingy (current number one Lewis King) got injured, whether I could count on Sam at this stage of the season. He seems to think his future is going to be elsewhere. It’s left me in a difficult situation and I’ve had to go out and get cover.

It looks like he wants to go on trial at different clubs. We’ll retain him at the end of the season. If someone wants to sign him then they’ll have to pay compensation. I think he's been badly advised and we'll see where it leaves him next season'", the manager told the Boston Target.

Meanwhile, the Boston Standard confirms that "Sunderland goalkeeper Joel Dixon has signed as cover for Boston United. The 20-year-old, who was named on the bench for the Premier League side when they faced Hull City in the Capital One Cup earlier this campaign, and who has also spent time on loan at Workington, became the Pilgrims’ final capture before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Although Dixon will remain with the Black Cats, he has registered for Boston and could be eligible to feature if called upon...

Because Vince is under the age of 23, United can demand compensation from any club wishing to prise the stopper away from York Street. Reserve team keeper Andy Hewitt was named on the bench ahead of Vince for Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Gloucester."

We learned from the Gloucester Citizen, before Tuesday's match, that "Tim Harris has called upon the armchair supporters of Gloucester to show their support for the city’s resurgent football club in a game that could define their season. Gloucester City welcome relegation rivals Oxford City to Whaddon Road...

Victory would see City open up a 10-point cushion on the bottom three and a 15-point gap on their opponents with six games of the season remaining. After claiming five wins from his first seven games since taking over in the City hotseat in February, Harris [said]... 'We’ve had some really fantastic support in our past two away games at Histon and Boston; two really difficult treks across country', Harris said.

'The dedication that the hardcore fans have shown is testament to their commitment to the club and we certainly want to see a few more armchair supporters tonight'..

Harris tasted defeat for the first time in his second stint as City boss on Saturday as Boston United overcame a rare flat performance to run out 2-0 winners... 'We’ve picked up 16 points from 21, which is a brilliant run given the position we were in, but we want to build on that', Harris said... 'Wwe have seven games remaining, five of which are at home but we won’t get ahead of ourselves'".

The Chester Chronicle reports on Joe Mwasile's debut for Barrow, against Vauxhall Motors, in which "Lloyd Ellams’ first-half penalty was enough to salvage a point for battling Vauxhall Motors in a tight affair at Barrow on Saturday... Despite being on the back foot for long periods, Gary Martindale and Anthony Wright’s charges held firm and claimed a deserved point for their endeavours as the Motors rearguard defended staunchly...

Barrow substitute Joe Mwasile, making his debut for the Bluebirds, caused problems for the Motors' backline with his pace and trickery, crossing for Corner, who headed straight at Jones on 62 minutes. The young Mwasile then saw his fierce drive beaten away by Jones, who was in inspired form for the Motormen".

According to the Warwick Courier, "Leamington inflicted further damage on Telford’s title challenge with a point at the New Windmill to add to the three they pocketed at New Bucks Head... In the second period it was Brakes who made all the running, with Telford persisting in long punts upfield to relieve the danger and showing little of the quality expected of prospective champions.

Brakes were to concede a goal that will have had Paul Holleran tearing what is left of his hair out. A long punt forward from visiting keeper Ryan Young was allowed to bounce by Liam Daly under pressure and as Breeden came out to mop up the danger, the ball was deflected away by Daly’s arm for the easiest of penalty awards...

[Telford keeper] Young was looking increasingly unsteady under the high ball but Brakes were unable to capitalise... AFC Telford United: Ryan Young, Wes Baynes, Matty McGinn, Neil Byrne, Dan Preston (Tony Gray), Simon Grand, Shaun Walley (Sean Clancy), Alan Moogan (Charlie Bennett), Andy Owens, Adam Farrell, Mike Grogan. Subs Not Used: Chris Lever, Andy Pryce".

Cumbria's News and Star reports that "Workington Reds responded well to the defensive demands of boss Ian McDonald but failed to find the back of the net against play-off chasing Solihull. A goalless draw was a fair result over the 90 minutes, and McDonald was pleased by his side’s shutout..

'We’d conceded 10 goals in our last three matches, and that isn't good enough', said McDonald. 'I demanded a vast improvement... and we stuck in there, against a side who are physically much bigger than us, and defended doggedly... The players were disappointed not to win. We huffed and puffed, but couldn’t find a way through. They were down in the dressing room, but we will bounce back', said McDonald".