WEDNESDAY SCORE

• Bradford Park Avenue 1 Darlington 1883 2

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Elsewhere "Bradford Park Avenue`s head coach Alex Meechan has added experienced forward Emile Sinclair to his squad ahead of Wednesday's match with Darlington 1883. The pacey, powerful frontman, 28, has a rich history in the Football League, playing for clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Peterborough United and Macclesfield Town. He leaves league rivals Altrincham, where he has scored one goal in four appearances this season.

Starting his career in the Bradford City youth academy, Sinclair earned himself a move to Forest... However, after loan spells at Brentford, Mansfield and Macclesfield, Sinclair was released, and joined the Silkmen permanently in the summer of 2009. Thirteen goals in seventy-eight league appearances at Moss Rose attracted Peterborough’s attention, and they paid an undisclosed fee for the forward on transfer deadline day in August 2011.

He grabbed 13 goals in his 47 appearances at London Road, but spent the majority of the 2012/13 campaign on loan at Barnsley and Donacaster Rovers, before moving to Crawley for £100,000 in 2013. Stints at Northampton and York City followed, and Sinclair ended last season on loan at Avenue’s near neighbours Guiseley AFC.

Meechan’s side has failed to score in any of their last three outings, and are still chasing their first win of the season, ten games in".

The National League tells us that "Hemel Hempstead Town have signed 21-year-old goalkeeper Dean Snedker from Nuneaton Town. Snedker had only signed for Nuneaton in August following a successful pre-season with the club. The 21-year-old shot stopper spent last season at Kidderminster Harriers, but had been training at the Coombe Abbey Arena for most of the summer. Snedker was originally on the books at Northampton Town.

He made three first-team appearances in three-and-a-half years with the Cobblers before being released in February 2015."

The National League has Tuesday`s Vanarama National League North Round-Up....

A "freak storm... saw the game at Edgeley Park between Stockport County and leaders AFC Fylde being called off ahead of kick-off. It also allowed Harrogate Town to pull level on points with the Coasters after a 3-1 win at the CNG Stadium against Stalybridge Celtic... Town had found themselves behind at the break to Andy Owens’s 23rd minute close range header...

Kidderminster Harriers are finding their feet after suffering the drop last season, and Tuesday night saw the 1,333 crowd at Aggborough witness the hosts hitting Tamworth for six...

A crowd of 2,022 at Victory Park saw Chorley move into fourth spot and visiting Salford City slip from second after the Magpies won 2-1. And Matt Jansen`s men had to come back from being a 26th minute Michael Nottingham goal down to win, the former Solihull Moors player firing in from the edge of the six-yard box...

Gloucester City`s good form continued at Whaddon Road as they followed last Saturday`s 5-0 walloping of Altrincham by beating AFC Telford United 3-0....

Worcester City picked up another three points on the road by beating high-flying Brackley Town at St James's Park....

Gainsborough Trinity followed up last Saturday`s home win against AFC Telford United by another against FC Halifax Town at the Northolme. Alex Simmons, signed earlier in the day on loan from Lincoln City, gave the Shaymen a 13th minute lead. James Reid’s free-kick was glanced in by Jordan Thewlis for an equaliser 15 minutes later.

And on 32 minutes, Liam King was sent clear and rounded keeper Jonathan Hedge to put the Shaymen back in front. Gainsborough equalised almost immediately when Thewlis latched onto a superb pass by Reid inside the area before blasting the ball past Steve Drench and in off the near post.

The only goal of a slightly disappointing second half came 7 minutes in and it was Ashley Worsfold who made it 3-2 to the hosts – a lead they held on to.

Gregg Smith scored a last-gasp winner as Boston United overturned a losing deficit to snatch victory over Alfreton Town".

More on Saturday's visitors to Altrincham comes from the Halifax Courier which tells us that "A debut goal for Alex Simmons wasn’t enough to prevent FC Halifax Town slumping to a surprise 3-2 defeat at Gainsborough. Town should have been comfortably ahead at half-time instead of drawing 2-2, but didn’t produce anywhere near the same level of performance after the interval and mustered barely a response to Gainsborough’s third goal...

Simmons started on the left of a 4-3-3 for Town, and was receiving instructions from the off from Billy Heath yards away on the touchline having already been given the nickname ‘Simmo’... The one-way traffic was suddenly diverted as James Reid’s free-kick was glanced in by Thewlis, who was inexplicably left unmarked slap bang in the centre of the box.

To say that was against the run of play would have been putting it mildly, but Town regained the lead soon afterwards... But Gainsborough refused to let go of Halifax’s coat tails, and again equalised when Thewlis latched onto a superb pass by Reid inside the area before blasting the ball past Steve Drench...

Not for the first time this season, Town were not the same side after the break, and Worsfold got a decisive touch to Reid’s free-kick a few minutes after half-time to hand the hosts the lead, the prospect of which would have been fanciful 25 minutes in...

Gainsborough: Hedge, Lacey, Quinn, Evans (Picton 34), Beatson, Bailey-King, Wiles, Thornhill, Reid, Worsfold (Jarman 72), Thewlis (Morrison 63). Subs not used: Davis, Hands".

JIM HARVEY'S VIEWS ON TUESDAY'S MATCH

There are likely to be other departures in the next week or so. Alan Goodall and Sam Heathcote were laid low by a stomach bug on Tuesday but should be fit for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Gainsborough Trinity. Here is the interview with Jim in full.

Q: We are finding it difficult enough with 11 players at the moment, so we could have done without Charlie Joyce picking up a red card within 10 minutes, couldn't we?

A:It was crazy, honestly. Joyce (left) has come in and held his hands up and said, 'I have messed up there, boys.' Well, that's fine, but equally the goalkeeper (Andrew Dawber) should never have rolled the ball out to the edge of the area in that situation. It was inexperience from both players which has cost us, and, as you say, with where we are at the moment, it's going to be tough with 11 players, all the more so when we are down to 10 and have got two centre-forwards playing at centre-half. It's not easy at all for us at the moment.

We are going through a really tough period. I think we have five defenders out, and a keeper, so we are up against it. Nevertheless, it just wasn't good enough in the first half. The shape and everything was poor, boys were struggling to understand what the game was and basically didn't have the ability to carry out the objective of consolidating, getting solid in our half of the field and working hard at defending. There were too many runners going free into our box, and too many crosses coming in without players being marked, and goals came as a consequence.

Pride was all we had to play for in the second half, and I said to them, 'The game has gone. We are not going to win it. But we don't want it to get any more embarrassing, so you have to play for your pride and at least get a clean sheet over the next 45 minutes.' To be fair, the work-rate, understanding and organisation did get an awful lot better. It visibly improved, which was encouraging. But, having said all that, it's still not good enough for what I would be looking for from an Altrincham team. We have got serious problems at the moment.

A lot of those problems will be solved when all our missing defenders come back. I hope so, anyway, but it still has to be said the level of performance from the team at the moment is way below what I would expect, so when I can, and I am quite happy to say this, I will be looking to change things and bring people in to try and improve the situation as much as we can.

Q: You will presumably be looking to the senior players to try and pull things round, but their morale must be at a low ebb as well?

A: Yes, everyone's is. It affects everyone when results go against you every week. But there are reasons why we are conceding on such a regular basis, not least the number of injuries we've had. There can be no doubt that when the likes of Tom Hannigan (right), John Cyrus, Danny Hall and Shaun Densmore come back, we will benefit. They are all first-choice boys. The goalkeeper Tim Deasy as well. It's got to have an adverse effect, missing that many. Having them back should help us defensively, help us get into games and give us the opportunity to play some football and create chances at the other end.

At the moment, we are just sort of firefighting, which is the situation we have been left in. It will take a wee while to turn things round, because it's not easy manoeuvring players out when they are on contract. Obviously, quite a few are, so it will be a slow process. There is not a lot of room to manoeuvre, but OK, that's fine. All I would say to supporters is look, please understand we are in a difficult position. This is what we have got, but I will work as hard as I can to get this turned round as quickly as possible, so you can start looking forward to games, instead of going into them with some dread.

Q: What can you tell us about Josh Doherty?

A:: He is a boy from Northern Ireland. He comes with a decent pedigree, well recommended. He looks athletic and has a nice left foot. It was a tough baptism for him. When the goals were flying in, he was probably thinking 'what the hell have I come to here?' He has had a look at us now. He's here for a month, and I hope he enjoys his stay. It was a friend of mine from back home who recommended him.

Q: You mentioned the unorthodox centre-back pairing, and injuries forced it to a large degree. Jon Moran was available but has had a tough time of late, so was it game experience that tilted it Craig Hobson's way, even though he hasn't played there before?

A:: You're right, Hobby has never played centre-half before. It was his first time, but it was at the back of my mind that we had not yet got permission from Forest Green Rovers to play Jon in the FA Cup on Saturday. There's a chance he might not be allowed to and, if that is the case, and we don't get injured defenders back, I didn't want to throw Hobby into a game like that without any experience of playing there. With the rewards for going through on Saturday, that is a more important game, so I wanted to give him an opportunity to get a feel for the position and see how he fared, and I thought in the second half he did really well.

He was a bit shaky and unsure for the first 20 minutes, but he warmed to his task in the second half. I thought he looked more comfortable as the game wore on but, as for Saturday, we are still waiting for word from Forest Green.

Q: Could you give us an injury and illness update, please, Jim?

A: John Cyrus (left), all being well, should be available for selection for Saturday after having a problem with his heel. He has been to see an osteopath, and they have given him some insoles to cushion his heels when he walks. He has also been laid up with a stomach bug, and wasn't strong enough for tonight, but he feels he should be ready to go again on Saturday. The Cup-tie is going to come just too soon for Tom Hannigan, in his recovery from a knee injury, but he has a decent chance of being back a week on Saturday.

Danny Hall has been moving OK and is not far away at all after his hamstring problem, so we'll take a look at him towards the end of the week. It's difficult to say, at the moment, about this Saturday, but if he's not quite right, he should be fine for the one after.

Tim Deasy should be available for Saturday, but Shaun Densmore is maybe another month away. There are no alarms there. All the feedback has been positive, it's just that it's a gradual process strengthening the muscles to the required level and then building up his fitness.

Q: There are a couple of departures, too, aren't there?

A: Emile Sinclair (right) has been released and Adam Sumner has said he wants to go, which is fine with me. It means they are off the wage bill, which can only help with bringing others in. We were over budget, really, so that just brings it back down to where we should be, but I am trying to free up more room. We've just agreed everything for Billy Hasler-Cregg to go out on loan to Droylsden.

As I've said, when we've got all the injured defenders back, we'll have a better idea of where we are and what they have to offer, but at the moment, it's clear we are below par and there are serious question marks about us right across the board.

Q: Any other injuries tonight?

A: Simon Richman stayed off at half-time, because he had a stomach upset and wasn't fit to continue, but that shouldn't be a problem for the weekend. Sam Heathcote and Alan Goodall were missing with a stomach bug, and you do wonder what next? It seems to be one thing after another.

Q: On a positive note, Andrew Dawber took his chance well, with Tim out injured, and that was some goal by Sean Miller.

A: Andrew made some really good saves, to be fair, but he still has moments, like most young keepers, where he makes rash decisions, like rolling the ball out for the penalty, which was wrong. But he did make some really good saves to keep us in it.

Sean certainly has a dig on him. He scored a great goal against Chorley, and that was another tremendous finish to give everyone a lift tonight. It was to no avail ultimately, but it was some strike".

NUNEATON TOWN 4 ALTRINCHAM 1

Above, left, Mike Ripley of Michael Ripley Photography captures Harry Cain in action in the second half, whilst (right) we see goalscorer Sean Miller during the game at Nuneaton, pictured by Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

With manager Jim Harvey's selection and tactics severely constrained by numerous injuries and illness, it was always going to be a difficult task to take anything from this game. The opening stages were traumatic.

In the eighth minute, a cross from the left was miskicked by Doherty. Dawber blocked the resulting shot but could not hold it and Whitehouse netted the loose ball. A minute later, Joyce dwelt on the ball on the front edge of the box, in a central position. He lost the ball, then fouled his opponent to concede a penalty. To compound his offence, he was sent off (9 mins).

Dawber did very well to save Whitehouse's spot kick and then Altrincham grabbed an equalizer as Miller received Reeves's lay-off and hit an impressive shot into Dibble's top left-hand corner (17 mins). Nuneaton regained the lead after 34 minutes when Ironside volleyed home from eight yards.

Two goals on the approach to half time settled the outcome. First an O'Hanlon cross led to Williams hitting the bar and Whitehouse netting the loose ball to make it 3-1 (43 mins). Having announced a minimum of one added minute, Mr Tankard played three and, in the last one, following a corner, a Langmead effort was blocked and Williams scored to leave Alty 4-1 down and with ten men to play the second half.

Alty battled hard in the second half and, though Boro enjoyed the lion's share of the ball, they could not score a fifth.

Match report here.

NEW LOAN SIGNING

Leyton Orient announced that "defender Josh Doherty has joined National League North side Altrincham on a one-month loan deal. The 20-year-old joined the O’s in the summer following his release from Premier League side Watford, but is yet to feature in the first-team squad this season". When he joined the East London club Orient reported that "The 20-year-old has signed an initial one year deal with an option of a second with the O’s... Doherty is a youth international for his native Northern Ireland, and moved over to England when he signed for the Hornets in 2012 after coming through the Academy at Ards. The youngster made one appearance for the Vicarage Road outfit as an 80th minute substitute at Huddersfield Town on May 3, 2014".

TUESDAY GAMES

• Boston United 3-2 Alfreton Town
• Brackley Town 0-2 Worcester City
• Chorley 2-1 Salford City
• Gainsborough Trinity 3-2 FC Halifax Town
• Gloucester City 3-0 AFC Telford Utd
• Harrogate Town 3-1 Stalybridge Celtic (Fixture reversed owing to floodlight problems at Bower Fold)
• Kidderminster Harriers 6-0 Tamworth
• Nuneaton Town 4-1 Altrincham
• Stockport County P-P AFC Fylde

FA YOUTH CUP DATE

RESERVES' FIXTURE AT THE J. DAVIDSON STADIUM

LADIES' IMPRESSIVE AWAY WIN

"Great result today from the girls in what could've been a tricky 'derby' away game v Stockport County Blues. On a very small pitch it made the game really tight and scrappy but we opened the game up as much and as often as possible and, when we did, we scored the goals, a superb hat-trick from Kate Bryan, two goals from Megan Wright and a full debut goal from Jade Hesketh made the final score 6-3 to the 'Red Girls'.

Player of the game could have gone to a fair few players but, in the end, a commanding performance at the back from Louise Edleston swung it. On another positive note, I have to say a big thanks to the growing band of supporters that are now travelling to our games and cheering the girls on. I know the girls really appreciate it, THANK YOU. Also to our number one photographer who came out (in his own time) and took some wonderful photos as usual; cheers, Mike Ripley.

On to our next game, which is this coming Sunday v Egerton LFC down at Mersey Valley Sports Club k.o. 2pm. See you all on Sunday".

YOUTH CUP IMAGES

Mike Ripley has excellent images from last Friday's FA Youth Cup win over Stockport County. Above, we see Ricardo Pembele neting the winning goal. More of Mike's images from the match can be viewed here.

MORE WALKING FOOTBALL - AND COMEDY AT THE CSH

Judy Henson, Community Co-ordinator at Altrincham FC announces that "Our walking football session on Wednesday mornings has been running for nine months now. The weekly sessions are a friendly, social activity, open to all. With recent demand to add another Walking Football session, for those who work during the day, we have decided to give it a go.

As of Wednesday 12th October, we will be launching a SECOND weekly session on Wednesday evenings from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. These new Wednesday evening sessions will be FREE throughout October and November.

AFC volunteer and lifelong AFC fan, Colin Mitchell, has attended Walking Football from day one and says, 'I have a great time at the walking football sessions as some of my Alty friends go, so it gives us the chance to catch up. It's a good opportunity to meet new people too. When the hour is over you know you've had a good workout. No running allowed, obviously, but it is still a great way to help keep fit, I usually do about three miles walking every session.

It's suitable for all, so I would advise anyone to give it a go."

And Judy also confirms that "We have a comedy night in November, in association with Jason Manford’s Comedy Club. This is a fund-raiser for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, who we support every year at their annual open days. This year, it is being held on Sunday 25th October from 1-5pm". Details below...

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Saturday’s trip to Nuneaton was a bit of a learning experience both on and off the pitch. Off the pitch, we saw first-hand what a rugby ground redeveloped for shared purposes looked like. Whilst the locals probably aren’t too fond of their edge of the town surroundings, for a visitor looking in, it appears they did a pretty decent job. Hopefully, in a few years time, Blackwell Meadows will feel a bit more complete with similar development.

On the pitch, the game was crazy. After four years of generally pulverising the cannon fodder in the league, Nuneaton Town proved that you can’t take your foot off the gas against anyone in this division. Whilst being a full-time outfit will raise eyebrows, Nuneaton aren’t a Kidderminster or a Fylde. They are more Ilkeston. If you didn’t know they were full-time, you certainly wouldn’t have guessed it. For the first thirty minutes, it looked like a typical Darlo game against a poor side. Nuneaton struggled to get any respite as we dominated possession and created a number good chances. That we didn’t take those chances would come back to ultimately cost us two points although nobody would have guessed how the game would change. Even the locals stood next to us during the first half told of how they were expecting Nuneaton to capitulate. Oh, how they were wrong.

Phil Turnbull’s departure to injury, yet another soft tissue injury, robbed the side of its chief organiser. During the last ten minutes or so of the first half the all of the second, the lack of leadership began to tell, as did the lack of someone who could put his foot on the ball and just calm things down.

The second half felt like something akin to the Alamo. Wave after wave of home attacks. Fortunately, despite a number of excellent balls going in to the box, nothing came from it. However, eventually, the pressure told and the equaliser came. The pressure continued. All things considered, it ended up being a good point when at times, defeat seemed the only foreseeable outcome.

Martin Gray seemed pretty happy with a point. However, the disarray throughout the team will not have pleased the Darlo boss. You could see him getting cross at half time as he urged his players to hurry back in to the dressing room. That we didn’t lose the game was almost exclusively down to Nuneaton’s lack of a cutting edge. Our defence was disorganised, the midfield was too porous and the forwards just couldn’t keep the ball long enough to ease the pressure.

Anyhow, we get to go again. Wednesday night provides us with the perfect way to bounce back from our struggles against the then-third bottom team with a trip to bottom-placed Bradford Park Avenue. Like Nuneaton, they haven’t won at home yet this season. More worryingly for them, they are conceding on average three goals per game at their Horsfall Stadium and playing in front of the smallest crowds in the division. A paltry 230 turned up to see them concede a regulation three goals to no reply against Worcester City on Saturday".

On Monday, Stalybridge Celtic confirmed that "On Tuesday, Celtic travel to Harrogate Town in a fixture rearranged to the away match due to a floodlight failure at Bower Fold". The National League adds that Stalybridge Celtic v Harrogate Town was 13 September 2016 NOW 21 March 2017".

Meanwhile "Ashton United have revealed that Gary Gee and Adam Mather have both signed for neighbours Stalybridge Celtic. Formerly with Stockport County, Woodley Sports and Mossley AFC, Gee is a busy midfielder who has made well over 100 appearances in the Robins’ midfield since joining the club in 2013... Mather is a left-sided defender or midfielder who gave sterling service to New Mills, where he made over 250 appearances. He helped Chorley win promotion from the Northern Premier League in 2014 before joining Bradford Park Avenue, then switching to Hurst Cross in the summer of 2016".

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United assistant boss Larry Chambers has confirmed the club are looking to tie up a loan deal for a new forward in time for the trip to Gloucester City. The Bucks fell to a 3-1 defeat at Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday and goalscorer Josh Wilson limped off late in the second half with a hamstring injury.

Dave Hibbert took a knock to his knee but the striker believes he will be okay for the trip to Gloucester... Telford have the second-worst attack in National League North, having scored only eight goals in their opening 10 matches. Stalybridge Celtic... have managed just seven.

On their lack of a cutting edge, Chambers said, 'We have been offered players, but we are not going to bring someone in for the sake of it... I would like to think we will have somebody else in the squad, a striker or a winger, for the game against Gloucester. We probably need more than just the one. It will be a loan deal. Of all the players we have been offered recently, we think this will be the right fit but time will tell... We need a goalscorer. This season we have created chances... and we didn’t take them', added Chambers...

Bucks were punished at Trinity when keeper James Montgomery saved an Ashley Worsfold spot-kick and a Jordan Thewlis follow-up before Thewlis finally scored. 'I am disappointed', added Chambers. 'When your keeper saves the first one and the second one and we are nowhere near either of them that shows a lack of desire.'"

JIM HARVEY "SHELL-SHOCKED" AFTER SATURDAY'S GAME

Right, Jim's concern at what he is seeing is only too evident in this image of him in the dugout at Whaddon Road on Saturday.

SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL TO NUNEATON

TUESDAY'S GAME AT NUNEATON

And Mike Garnett reminds us of our record against Nuneaton Town.

• At home: P2-W1-D0-L1-F2-A1
• Away: P2-W0-D0-L2-F2-A4
• All: P4-W1-D0-L3-F4-A5

Altrincham have currently gone ten league games from the start of the season without a win. As Mike Garnett reminds us, the last time this happened was as recently as 2007-08, when only three points had been accrued by the same stage of the campaign, in the following sequence of results, LDLLDLDLLL (P.10 W.0 D.3 L.7)". Alty then won the next two matches to halt the sequence.

And, coincidentally, Saturday's defeat by Gloucester was the 56th anniversary of 10 September 1960 when, Mike writes, "Earlestown defeated Altrincham 4-3 in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round. That season, of course, we ended up next to bottom of the Cheshire League with 8 wins and 6 draws (22 pts.) from 42 games, and were only saved from the ultimate ignominy by the ineptitude of Wigan Rovers (17 pts.). It’s worth noting that three of our wins (including a double over the hapless Rovers!) and two draws had been registered in the six games preceding the Earlestown debacle".

Ten games without a win from the start of a season would appear to be the record for the Club.

RESERVES' WIN

TASC MEETING RESCHEDULED

All Altrincham fans are welcome to attend. The venue is The Roebuck Inn, Altrincham".

GLOUCESTER CITY 5 ALTRINCHAM 0

Match report here

Above: Alty line up before kick off.

ALTY'S PROGRESS IN YOUTH CUP

Match report here.

GLOUCESTER FEEDBACK

Tigers' fans still have to travel to Cheltenham for home games but those that made the trip on Saturday were rewarded as they witnessed the club... equal their previous best at National League North level... A win in their game in hand would take them up to fourth and they are entertaining the fans too, scoring 23 in just nine games...

Luke Hopper is still in red hot form... Despite Gloucester's dominance Hopper was fairly quiet in the first half but he was at his clinical best after the break with three fine finishes for his second hat-trick of the campaign...

Chris Knowles is a... clever player capable of producing defence-splitting passes, while he isn't afraid to get stuck in either. His energy in midfield is key in the diamond formation and he showed how much of a threat he is in the opposition box, being in the right place at the right time to score the opening goal and only being denied a second goal by a superb save before Joe Parker put the ball in the net...

Yes, Altrincham provided weak opposition but the central defensive partnership of Sam Avery and Jack Deaman looked really solid...

It was former Forest Green manager Jim Harvey's first game in charge and on this evidence he has a lot of work to do. The Tigers completely controlled the game and Altrincham folded easily as their heads dropped. Harvey is vastly experienced and has overcome similar challenges in the past, most notably during his time at the New Lawn, but this could be his most difficult job yet."

Glocester manager "Tim Harris told Luke Hopper to shoot more often before he fired a quick-fire hat-trick in Gloucester's thumping win over Altrincham... to take his tally to nine goals in nine National League North games this season...

Said Gloucester City manager Harris...'He's got a lot of good upper body strength and he just needs to stay a little bit more central... I questioned his fitness in pre-season. He's worked really hard at that... We've got a lot of pace in the team and I think that helps Luke Hopper'...

Only league leaders AFC Fylde and Alfreton Town have scored more goals than Gloucester's total of 23 in nine games".

Before Saturday's game, the National League announced that "Gloucester City have signed Spanish striker Antonio Alcaraz Zamora on non-contract terms from league rivals Boston United. Zamora joined Boston in August 2016... [He is a] former Alhama and El Palmar frontman... but the 25-year-old but now lives in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Tigers' boss Tim Harris has decided to bolster his forward options as Bobbie Dale is still having issues with the knee injury that hampered him throughout the summer".

NEXT OPPONENTS: NUNEATON TOWN

But it was one-way traffic in the second half, third-bottom Nuneaton pinning Darlington back. The hosts will feel unfortunate to have scored only once, such were the number of their scoring opportunities and possession.

Greg Tempest’s leveller was just reward for Nuneaton, who are one of the few full-time clubs in the National League North but were second best in the early stages...

Nuneaton played plenty of high balls into the area and won a series of corners, leaving Darlington desperate for the half-time whistle... <> Having got their equaliser, Nuneaton relented somewhat...

Nuneaton Town (4-1-2-1-2): Dibble; Clifton, Langmead, Keane, O’Hanlon; Morgan; Daniels, Tempest; Whitehouse (Demkiv 81); Williams, Ironside (McDonald 86). Subs (not used): Penny, Euan Cartright, Warburton".

RADIO ROBINS

COUNTY VIEW

OLD BOYS

In Saturday's game whch ended Stafford Rangers 1-3 Ashton United, Ryan Crowther scored oe of Uited's goals. And in Leek Town 1-2 Shaw Lane AFC, Sam Grimshaw (Leek) and Kieran Lugsden (Shaw Lane) scored.

SATURDAY'S GATES

• Att: 430 Alfreton Town v Harrogate Town
• Att: 230 Bradford Park Avenue 0 vs 3 Worcester City
• Att: 1066 Chorley v Brackley Town
• Att: 212 Curzon Ashton v Tamworth
• Att: 1552 FC Halifax Town v Stalybridge Celtic
• Att: 2284 FC United Of Manchester v AFC Fylde
• Att: 452 Gainsborough Trinity v AFC Telford Utd
• Att: 406 Gloucester City v Altrincham
• Att: 2072 Kidderminster Harriers v Salford City
• Att: 655 Nuneaton Town v Darlington 1883
• Att: 2466 Stockport County v Boston United

FA CUP2QR ON SATURDAY

• Alfreton Town v AFC Fylde
• Altrincham v Gainsborough Trinity
• Ashton Athletic v FC Halifax Town
• Brackley Town v Rugby Team
• Bradford Park Avenue v Salford City
• Bridlington Town v Harrogate Town
• Curzon Ashton v Consett AFC
• Kidderminster Harriers v Tamworth
• Nuneaton Town v Lincoln United
• Salisbury v Gloucester City
• Ossett Town v FC United Of Manchester
• Kirby Muxloe v Boston United
• Dunston UTS v Chorley
• Witton Albion v Stalybridge Celtic
• Worcester City v AFC Telford United
• Lancaster City v Darlington 1883
• Stockport C. v Hyde

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Second-placed Salford City were beaten. Relegated Kidderminster Harriers got themselves back to winning ways against Salford... Salford`s hopes of getting back into the game in front of a crowd of over 2000 took a severe blow when, shortly after the start of the second half, a late challenge from Simon Grand on Mani Dieseruvwe resulted in a straight red card for the Ammies' skipper.

It was also a bad day for Harrogate Town as they also suffered a first loss of 2016/17. Harrogate travelled to the Impact Arena to play an Alfreton Town side who had conceded a staggering 22 goals in their last five matches. However, the Reds kept only their second clean sheet of the season to date and that, in the end, proved good enough after Dan Bradley`s 32nd minute effort had given them the lead...

Nuneaton Town have made a disappointing start to the new season, but battled hard on Saturday to earn a point against high-flying Darlington 1883 at the Coombe Abbey Arena...

Last Tuesday, Curzon Ashton conceded four goals at leaders AFC Fylde, and on Saturday they were beaten 5-1 at their own Tameside Stadium by a Tamworth side who went nap for the third time this season... Brackley Town maintained their good start to the new season with a useful point against a Chorley side...

Liam King’s first half penalty was enough for FC Halifax Town to see off strugglers Stalybridge Celtic at The Shay... Stockport County had to settle for a point against another surprise struggler, Boston United, at Edgeley Park...

Gainsborough Trinity doubled their win tally after a 3-1 Northolme success against AFC Telford United...

Bradford Park Avenue are, like Altrincham, yet to taste victory in 2016/17 and suffered defeat number seven on Saturday at the Horsfall Stadium against Worcester City 0-3... City had to play the final 14 minutes with ten-men when Hutchison received a second yellow card".

GLOUCESTER CITY 5 ALTRINCHAM 0

Above: David Lynch, Jake Moult and Craig Hobson in action at Whaddon Road.

This was new manager Jim Harvey's first match in charge and hopes were high that Altrincham's performance would show an improvement on recent displays. But this match underlined the size of the problem confronting the new boss as Altrincham were comprehensively beaten by a Gloucester City which never had to rise above the level of competent to outclass their guests.

With Altrincham failing to trouble the City defence, they fell behind in the 26th minute when, following a corner, Deasy did well to beat out a Hopper shot but the ball fell to Knowles who scored from close range.

Altrincham almost got to half-time without further damage but Joe Parker doubled the Tigers' lead in the 44th minute. Hall's fine cross from the left was headed goalwards by Knowles. Deasy made another good stop but once more the ball ran loose and Parker swept it home.

Ironically, Alty's best spell of the game (when they at least enjoyed some possession for a while) presaged a three-goal salvo in a ten-minute spell from Luke Hopper for Gloucester. First, he outmuscled Moran and drove a shot past Deasy who was unable to take goalkicks after the interval and was clearly not as mobile as usual.

Three minutes later, in the 67th minute, Webb won the ball against Moran and Hopper volleyed home from eight yards to make it 4-0. And on 74 minutes, Webb outpaced Hattersley on the City left and his relatively tame shot beat the injured Deasy to complete the rout. Andy Dawber then came on to replace the stricken keeper.

Jim Harvey clearly has a major job on his hands to instil confidence in a side which week after week this season has seen changes in personnel in every game through either injury or selection. His record suggests he will succeed but he cannot do so overnight.

Match report here

ALTY PROGRESS IN YOUTH CUP

With County first-team manager Jim Gannon effectively taking charge of the Hatters' technical area for the second half, the visitors upped their game and equalised through substitute Robinson ten minutes after the break. When the same player netted again in the 77th minute it looked to be over for Altrincham.

But, in the 80th minute, Ricardo Pembele got the better of County keeper Gorst who had attempted to dribble clear outside his penalty area and the Alty sub netted with a fine shot from an acute angle. Alty were then reduced to ten men as they lost Milne to injury and two other players also went down with cramp before resuming.

Despite completing the last seven minutes of normal time, plus a similar period of added time, with ten men (only eight of whom were fully mobile), Alty snatched their dramatic winner to earn a trip to Vauxhall Motors in the First Round, which is to be played in the week commencing Monday, September 19th.

JIM INTERVIEWED

SATURDAY GAMES

• Alfreton Town 1-0 Harrogate Town
• Bradford Park Avenue 0-03 Worcester City
• Chorley 1-1 Brackley Town
• Curzon Ashton 1-5 Tamworth
• FC Halifax Town 1-0 Stalybridge Celtic
• FC United of Manchester 2-3 AFC Fylde
• Gainsborough Trinity 3-1 AFC Telford Utd
• Gloucester City 5-0 Altrincham
• Kidderminster Harriers 1-0 Salford City
• Nuneaton Town 1-1 Darlington 1883
• Stockport County 1-1 Boston United

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Also, "Central defender George Edmundson has joined Alfreton Town on a three-month youth loan from Oldham Athletic. The 19-year-old product of the Oldham youth system made his professional League debut for Latics at the end of last season against Southend United and was an impressive figure".

Elsewhere, "Goalkeeper Ryan Boot joined Worcester City on an initial month`s loan deal from Port Vale. The 21-year-old had a spell with Worcester during the 2014/15 season, before being recalled when then-first choice Vale ‘keeper Chris Neal injured his wrist. Boot also enjoyed loan spells at Norton United and Newcastle Town before his initial spell with Worcester in February 2015".

News of our FA Cup opponents is that "Darnelle Bailey-King has extended his loan from Rotherham United to Gainsborough Trinity until the end of the season. The Millers’ academy product has impressed at Northolme".

And our opponents on Tuesday "Nuneaton Town have sent Luke Shorthouse, Jordan Wheatley and Elliott Hodgett-Young out on loan to get some much-needed game time. Shorthouse and Wheatley have joined neighbours Barwell, while Hodgett-Young will spend time at Basford United. Shorthouse scored 44 goals in fifty-one games at Midland League side Nuneaton Griff last season before signing for neighbours Boro in the summer...

Wheatley is a highly-rated defender who linked back up with his former Ilkeston FC boss Kevin Wilson at Nuneaton ahead of the 2016/17 season... Hodgett-Young started his career on the books of Notts County before joining Ilkeston. He joined Boro following a successful trial during pre-season".

JIM HARVEY'S PLANS FOR ALTY

Q: After what you did at Halifax last season, were you surprised and disappointed not to be offered the job.

A: A little bit of both, because results speak for themselves. What I would have to say, though, is they were lovely people to work for and I have no problem with them wanting to go with someone else. I wish they had given me the job, because, for the first time in my managerial career, I felt these people had the budget and ability to back the manager and really push on. I would have loved that opportunity. I had a whale of a time there, and finishing off as winners at Wembley in the FA Trophy was fantastic. What a fantastic day that was. I went there as captain with Tranmere in the Leyland Daf trophy and went up and collected the cup, so to go up those steps and do the same as manager was special. A lot of football people never get the chance to set foot on the Wembley turf, so to go there twice as a winner will be an abiding memory for me.

Right: Jim Harvey. Image courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

Q: There must be some frustration at not being kept on, after you put such good foundations in place.

A: I suppose as you get older and more experienced, you realise it's no good looking back. The chairman made his mind up that he wanted to go with someone else. I can dwell on that, get down and depressed and angry and bitter, but no. I have gone past all that. I know what this job is all about and what it entails. I tried my best to convince the chairman with results that I was the man for the job, but it was not enough. OK, that's fine. You have to get on and look to tomorrow, and that's what I did.

Q: Can you explain how you managed to transform Halifax's fortunes so quickly and significantly.

A: Now you are asking about the crux of the job as manager. What do you do? Why were you able to do this, when others were not? What I would say is that when I was a player, I was captain of every team I played for. That happened for a reason. People managing those teams clearly saw leadership qualities in me, for one thing. Also, much as I was a talented midfield player with vision, if I'm allowed to say that, my biggest strength was having a tactical mind that allowed me to influence others around me. Every manager you talk to wants a manager out on the pitch, and that was me. I captained my team-mates, prompted them, talked to them, cajoled and encouraged them, all that stuff.

Doing that was right up my street. When you step into management, those are the attributes you try and put to good use. It's about looking at players, assessing their strengths and what they have to offer and working out how to put that to best use. At Halifax, there were one or two who could pass it and play, but generally their strengths lay elsewhere. They were also conceding 3.7 goals per game, so we had to work on the defensive side of things and concentrate on being effective going forward.

Shaun Tuton was a centre-forward who hadn't scored a goal in 20 games and had just lost his place when I took over. He then scored 12 times in 12 appearances because we started playing to his strengths. It was a case of what is he capable of? How does he score his goals? Right, that's the way we'll go. That's why I've had five Golden Boot winners during my time managing at this level. Justin Jackson did it a couple of times. Andy Mangan and Stuart Fleetwood as well. It went on and on, and that's because the onus was always on understanding what players had to offer if you used them properly.

Q: That will be of interest to Alty fans, who will be wondering, with keen anticipation, how many goals Damian Reeves might score this season, given the right service?

A: Quite right, too. I don't know an awful lot about Damian, except he scores a lot of goals, which isn't a bad starting point for a striker! I watched the Chorley game and was very impressed with his work-rate. His movement, looking to receive a pass, was good, and his goal demonstrated what he is about as a finisher. I was encouraged by what I saw. I just thought to myself 'OK, if that's your style and what you are about, I think I can add to that.' What he could do with is maybe an intelligent boy alongside or near him.

If you think back to the Arsenal side that had Ian Wright and Dennis Bergkamp. you had a runner with pace and an intelligent passer. That's some combination. I don't think Reeves is a flying machine, but he does make clever runs that invite a pass. If you look at someone like James Lawrie, who has an intelligent football brain and can pick his runs out and feed him possession, that's a combination that can work.

Q: From what you were saying a couple of minutes ago, it sounds like it was a natural progression to go into managementY

A: Very much so. I could have packed up playing quite early, maybe mid-20s, had a job in coaching or management come my way. I was too young, and no one was going to give me an opportunity, but that was how I felt. It appealed to me even at that age. I even thought that way back in my schooldays. At primary school, I got in the team at nine years old and was made captain at 10. It was taken off me the following year, and the teacher said, 'Jim, I want you to play your game. when you're captain, you just concentrate on organising everyone else.'

So I was thinking along those lines back then. When I worked with Dario Gradi at Crewe, he was by far the brightest manager around and deserved all the credit he got for producing player after player. He could identify what an individual player had to offer and integrate that into a team pattern. If that individual started doing things wrong, Dario had the ability to change tack and teach him something different and more suited to his talents. That is where improvement comes from. Very few around the country have that ability, but I believe I have. At Morecambe, we had a bottom-six budget, but just look at what we built there, and Forest Green Rovers were near the bottom when I took over but produced some terrific football from some terrific players. At Stalybridge, I left them with a good bunch. Paul Scholes took charge of training for a month or so after that and was quoted as saying the football possession in that squad was as good as at Oldham, where he trained every day.

Q: Do you feel there are players here who can play the way you favour.

A: When you consider where we are at the moment, the priority in the short term is to get us up into mid-table and out of here. The thing that stands out is goals conceded. It helps to have Tim Deasy back. That is a plus. But we have to defend better. We have to tighten up initially, then we can go from there. Am I going to change the whole structure of how we play? No. My philosophy generally is to go and dominate possession, so it was a bit of a reversal at Halifax, where, due to circumstances and personnel, we were winning games by defending well. We gradually grew in confidence and started playing some decent stuff on the strength of that. Here, on the evidence of Tuesday night, we have the ability to pass the ball, and there is something to work with. I just noticed we want to play the ball out from the back a bit. In fact, nearly all the time. That's fine if you are champions of the league and beating everyone out of sight, but we are still looking for our first win of the season. We are taking chances we shouldn't be. It's priorities. If the lads get a few wins under their belts and start feeling better about themselves and more comfortable, ok, maybe they can go back to that. For now, we have to concentrate, first and foremost, on being tighter at the back and harder to beat. Q:

Q: Do you know the market at this level, Jim

A: I know it well, and there are some players who have already expressed an interest in joining us. A few will have to go out on loan first. The budget has pretty much been used up, so I will have to make some room for anyone I want to bring in. But what I have always done is give everyone an opportunity to impress me, and that will be no different here. I do make my mind up quickly, though. It doesn't take me long to suss things out. If I think someone is not going to do a job for us, I will help them on their way to somewhere else. I think I counted 24 players in our squad list, which is a lot. It's too many. If we are bottom of the league, something has to give. You are down there for a reason, so something has to change.

Q: What will you be saying and doing at your first training session tonight

A: I'll be getting straight into it and outlining my thoughts on how we are going to go in the next few games and how we are going to try and get a win at Gloucester on Saturday. We will do some work to rehearse things for Saturday, and I'll make sure the preparation is the best it can be, so when the players turn up on Saturday, they will have a good idea of what I am looking for. I think there is enough experience in the side to take on board what is needed.

Q: There have been questions about fitness levels - how long will it take to put that right

A: There is no quick fix for building up fitness. They can do their own bits and bobs on top of training twice a week, but you can only flag it up and see who responds. It's also about game management and not burning yourself out in a game by going at it at 100mph throughout the first half, then finding you're flagging a bit after that. To be honest, I didn't think the fitness levels looked too bad overall, but I'll know more when I take a closer look at them. I don't think it is a massive issue, but it's something we will keep and eye on and assess better when we put some running sessions on.

Q: Any thoughts on a number two

A: It's a case of getting someone in who is suitable and within the budget. I've got a number of candidates who may well be interested in the job. At the moment, while I'm on my own, I have asked young Matt Doughty to come in and lend a hand. He will be at training tonight and hopefully at Gloucester on Saturday. He is very popular around the place and dead keen to get involved. He has been working at Witton Albion, so we will have a look and see how things go.

Q: There was mention of a long-term plan, wasn't there

A: Well, it's not so much long term as a management plan, looking at one or two key areas for how we should try and take the club forward. It's about ambitions and aspirations, and there is a list of things that need to work for them to be fulfilled. Whether we can reach the Football League or not remains to be seen, but we have to have a plan in place, so we can at least measure progress. We don't want to just meander along, or we will get into a malaise. That is why I have produced a plan and presented it to the club, so hopefully we can move forward.

It is early days for me, but my ambition for this club would be to get into the Football League. At the moment, when you consider finances at different clubs, it is going to take a lot. The first step is getting back into the National League, but then you are up against Tranmere, Eastleigh, Forest Green and others who are spending fortunes. Therefore, we would need a plan in place where eventually we could go full time.

Q: Do you think the Football League is feasible? Is it feasible even to go full time

A: It is feasible to have an ambition, and if you are talking about going full-time, yes that is feasible. We did it at Stalybridge. To start with there, it was a decent squad of players with an average age in the early 20s, but because we did really well, everyone comes in and pinches our best players by offering them twice as much money. We had to start again with another group of young players who were improving when I left the club. So, yes, I believe there would be potential for us to go full-time at some stage, if things went according to plan.

Q: Finally, Jim, to reiterate, after so much chopping and changing recently, you don't envisage doing the same?

A: No, it's not my style. I have always tried to give everyone first opportunity to prove themselves and show they understand the system I want to play and see how far we can take it. Eventually, the day may come when we have to say that's not good enough for the level we want to be at, but that's evolution and happens everywhere. There'll be no wholesale changes, though. I don't believe in that.

I work with players and get the best out of them, so any judgement will be reserved until I've instructed these boys on what I want and seen what they are about and what they can do together. Then I'll make an assessment. There won't be any hollering and bawling at them until we have worked together and they have had time to grasp what is expected. After that, if they go against what's been said and do something wrong, I'll be on their case. And there can be no complaints, either. That's a fair call".

CHORLEY GAME

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

In the National division. "Former England C assistant-manager Steve Burr has been appointed as the new manager of Southport... The highly=experienced ex-Kidderminster Harriers and Chester FC manager has stepped into the hot-seat following the departure of Andy Bishop. This follows after an unsatisfactory start to the season with the Port winning just one league fixture out of their first eight.

Fifty-five year-old Burr takes charge immediately... Chairman Charlie Clapham said, 'I have known Steve a long time and we are all really looking forward to his input taking us all forward. Steve offers so much in the way of experience, desire and previous success'. Burr will be working closely with new Board member Liam Watson and Mark Creighton as the squad is strengthened going forward".

The Boston Target reports that "A ray of light has broken through the stormy clouds which were hovering over Boston United. Pilgrims' boss Dennis Greene insists the mood has always been good within the camp but admits that Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Bradford Park Avenue was long overdue.

United's second three-point haul of the season came courtesy of a late header by striker Gregg Smith, who pounced on a glorious cross from Liam Agnew, who has returned to the club. And the victory will provide a timely lift to the squad with a trip to Stockport County in store this Saturday.

'The mood has not been bad, because the performances have not been bad', said Greene.'No one in the group has been too down-hearted, we have just been frustrated that the results were not what we wanted them to be. But it's always a relief to get the win you need and it was a deserved win. The lads will go to Stockport a lot more confident'...

Striker Waide Fairhurst and defender Kalern Thomas have been passed fit to re-join the squad for training this week and may be involved on Saturday... 'But that doesn't mean they will play immediately', said Greene.. 'It might be too soon for them. It is tempting as a manager to get them back playing as soon as you can, but I have also got to be sensible with them'...

Greene revealed there could also be another new face in his squad for the trip to Stockport. 'I am always talking to agents, people and players and it is possible,' said Greene... The United boss says the surface at Edgeley Park could help his team.. 'We should be able to play our football there', said the Boston boss."

The Worcester News reports that "There are 'no immediate plans' at Worcester City to replace Ian King following his sudden departure as first-team coach... due to personal reasons.

Heeley appointed King, who was on Leamington’s coaching team last season, in May... However, Heeley said he would not be looking for a replacement as he believed he and assistant manager John Snape would be able to carry the extra workload... He said, 'Snap and I are going to give it a go, just the two of us, and see how we get on... I don’t beat myself up when things like this happen and I don’t get over-excited when things go our way. You have got to keep a level head about things'...

Soon after his arrival at City, Heeley said he liked Daventry-based King’s 'ideas' and 'philosophies'. He said King would open up a 'network of contacts' at Football League clubs due to being League Football Education Regional Officer. However, during King’s eight games in the dug-out, City picked up just three points with no wins on the board. They beat Alfreton Town 5-3 on Tuesday in their first game without the coach".

OLD BOY

He left to join Stockport County and enjoyed a wide ranging playing career. He re-joined the club in 2011 and went on to become an important member of the team. He briefly left again to join AFC Telford United, but once again returned.

Bailey has been a great servant over the last decade in a number of spells with the club but felt he needed a fresh challenge. He departs with the club's blessing and gratitude. Dabbers boss Phil Parkinson said, 'Bails has been a great defender for Nantwich Town Football Club and a popular player around the club with team-mates and supporters alike. He came to chat to me about Stafford and then later informed me of his decision, which I accepted'".

GETTING TO KNOW JIM

By way of introduction here is some background information on our new manager.

Jim was born in Northern Ireland in 1958 and his background in non-League management is extensive.

He was appointed player-manager of Morecambe in summer 1994 and got them into the Conference; he also became assistant manager of Northern Ireland. Sadly he suffered a heart attack late in 2005 and, despite his success there, he was surprisingly sacked on his return to work at Morecambe after sick leave.

Next, Jim became the Forest Green Rovers boss and rescued them from likely relegation and subsequently took them to the Conference promotion final before leaving The Lawn in 2009.

Managership of Chester City followed in 2009–10 season but he resigned from the then troubled club in January 2010 and became manager of Stalybridge Celtic until October 2013.

He joined the coaching staff at Oldham Athletic in October 2015, before becoming assistant manager FC Halifax Town, assuming the manager's role at Christmas of 2015. Although Halifax won the FA Trophy and almost escaped relegation, Harvey was replaced at The Shay for 2016-17.

Jim's playing career began in his native Northern Ireland, at Glenavon (Lurgan). In 1977 he signed for Arsenal but played only three league games for The Gunners.

Next came a period with Hereford United (1980-) and he made 278 league appearances for The Bulls. After a short period with Bristol City and on loan at Wrexham, he signed for Tranmere Rovers in 1987, where he played 239 times and netted 19 goals.

PHOTOS OF CHORLEY GAME

Altrincham FC is fortunate to have two excellent photographers in the shape of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography and Mike Ripley of Michael Ripley Photography. Both were at Tuesday's game with Chorley and above we see Gavin's image of James Lawrie and Emile Sinclair in action. And below (right) we see Mike's image of Alty's two goalscorers as Sean Miller congratulates a beaming Damian Reeves after his goal.

TWO LOANEES RETURN TO PARENT CLUBS

Khius made one start but suffered an injury in that game and did not play for us again. Nyal made three appearances (2+1).

Altrincham FC would like to thank both players and their parent clubs for their services.

FA YOUTH CUP

Al said, 'It's many years since we were last in the FA Youth Cup so this is a significant moment for the football club and it's something we've been aiming at since I started the Academy three years ago'.

County are back in Youth Cup thanks to their successful application to play in the National Alliance League this season. Al explains, 'We were accepted into the League thanks to the success we've had in the last couple of years and obviously one of the benefits is that we're entered into this prestigious competition.

'The Alliance Under-19 League is a great standard and a huge step for us because there are lots of good quality clubs in there that are really dependent on their youth structure, so it'll be interesting to see how we do. We've got one or two players who are a bit special so we shouldn't be overawed.'

Meanwhile, in the FA Youth Cup, the team must consist of players who were under the age of 18 at the start of this month, which gives Al quite a pool of players to draw upon, including players from his own Academy. And he could be spoilt for choice as he is currently looking after no fewer than 91 players across six squads below the first team - we have teams at under-16, three squads at under-18, one at under-19 and an under-21 squad, so there are quite a few players for the experienced coach to keep an eye on.

Al is also excited about the prospect of his young charges playing in front of a big following with the Blue & White Army sure to turn out in large numbers for the Cup tie. Al said, 'I'm sure the County fans will be there on Friday night to make it a great occasion, they're so loyal to the club and give their support at all levels - we played our first under-16 game the other day and there were loads of supporters there just to cheer the lads on, and I'm sure they'll be there again on Friday, because there's a real interest in the younger teams at the club...

'It's our first time in the FA Youth Cup for many years... I want us to get through two or three rounds and play a Football League club. The winners of this first game will play Vauxhall Motors or Marine, but after three rounds you get the chance to face a Football League Academy side'...

Al has already decided on several key positions in the team, but he says there are still places up for grabs... I'll be going there with a squad strong enough to give Altrincham a good game and get the necessary result'".

NEXT OPPONENTS: GLOUCESTER CITY

The hosts had a deserved lead and it came through a wonderful strike from Daniel Newton, as he sidestepped the Tigers defence and fired a brilliant effort past the static Singh into the top corner... and it wasn't long before they were two goals down, through Newton again...

City were clinging on... Tim Harris rolled the dice at half time by bringing on Joe Parker and James Fitzgibbon... City were playing much of their game on the counter attack...

The Tigers were back in it though after Jack Deaman made a great run around to the back post and nodded home completely unmarked from a corner. Tamworth were down to 10 men... City were chasing the game but got caught on the breakaway as they pushed bodies forward, allowing Jed Davies an easy tap-in...

Gloucester City: Singh (capt), Thomas, Hall, Hamilton, Deaman, Knowles, Hanks, Dinsley (Parker 46), Hopper (Dale 90), Kotwica, Reid (Fitzgibbon 46) Subs not used: Avery, Webb."

Off the pitch, Gloucester had good news as we learn that "The Tigers are finally coming home after Gloucester City AFC was granted permission for a 4,000-seater stadium but fans are warned this may not now be next season.

Yesterday marked a turn in the fortunes of the luckless club, which has been exiled from its ground at Meadow Park since the pitch was submerged in 8ft of water in the 2007 floods. Ever since it has struggled to return and the team has been forced to play at Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers' grounds.

But this could all be at an end as the club's stadium proposals were granted approval by Gloucester's planning committee...

But owner Eamonn McGurk is cautious, saying 'The next stage for the club is to read through the details and work with the council's officers to get it going. It's incredibly hard work to get a football club back home. I personally can't see it starting next season but it's not for me to say'".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

Cheadle Town v Runcorn Town
• Stalybridge Celtic v Cammell Laird 1907
• Winsford United v Macclesfield Town
• Sandbach United v Witton Albion
• Stockport Town v Crewe Alexandra
• Congleton Town v 1874 Northwich
• Alsager Town v Nantwich Town

OLD BOY

Garner signed for the club ahead of Saturday's 5-2 Emirates FA Cup win over Cheadle Town after leaving Altrincham... The 34-year-old left his first managerial role at Shawbridge at the end of last season after moulding the Blues into promotion contenders".

MAGPIES' VIEW

The Robins netted following their first real attack, the first time the ball had threatened the Chorley goal. Damian Reeves was put clean through on goal with a defence splitting pass and the Robin’s hitman slotted beyond Sam Ashton...

The impressive Will Beesley drove an effort at goal following a free-kick, but Deasy saved well, but a minute later the former Bradford PA stopper couldn’t prevent Jason Walker from equalising. Beesley created the opportunity with a lung bursting run and cross which fell to Jake Cottrell inside the 6-yard box. However, with a tight angle and defenders and keeper in close attention, rather than hitting an impossible target the midfielder expertly picked out a pass [for] Walker who slotted home through a sea of legs from 8 yards.

Chorley pressed for a second and Marcus Carver eventually made the pressure count, side footing in from close range following a Walker cross on 33 minutes.

The lead didn’t last long, just 6 minutes as, where Blakeman and Beesley failed with efforts from [long] range, Sean Miller didn’t when he let rip from 20 yards, curling the ball into the top corner...

Walker rattled the bar [post] on 50 minutes with Deasy beaten... Chorley came within millimetres of winning the match deep in injury time when a shot hit both a post and cross bar before flying clear of the hosts' goal...

Chorleyfc.com Man of the Match: Will Beesley, ran the Robins' right flank ragged"

YOUTHS DRAW

WEDNESDAY RESULT

• Darlington 1883 2 Stockport County 1

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

One of them is Liam Watson. "Chairman Charlie Clapham stated, 'The appointment of Liam Watson is like the prodigal son returning home! Liam managed the club for almost 10 years in two spells at the club achieving two promotions by finishing as champions of the Conference North in 2005 and 2010 along with recruiting players like Carl Baker, Mark Duffy and Craig Noone, who have all gone on to have superb careers in the Football League.

'Liam is joining the Board as Operations Director. His role will be to work closely with the new manager in player recruitment and playing strategy. This will assist the manager enormously as Liam’s record of recruiting talented players is second to none. He is regarded in the non-League world as one of the best managers not to have managed in the Football League in the last 15 years... Liam has stated he has had his time as a manager and wants to move into the other side of football management...

'Liam will also work on the commercial and community side with our Commercial and Community Director Haydn Preece. We recognise to be competitive we need to raise additional income. Liam and Haydn will forge an impressive partnership they have been friends for many years. Haydn was responsible for Liam joining the club first time around so I know they will work well together'".

The National League reports that "Steve Halford and Paul Phillips, the new joint-managers of Stalybridge Celtic, have returned to former club Ashton United for their first signings.

Former skipper Jay Gorton and Danny Wilkins have switched... to Bower Fold. Gorton joined Ashton and was immediately made captain in 2013 from fellow Tamesiders, Mossley AFC... Wilkins is a young striker who has been scoring goals at every club he's played for...

Prior to Ashton, Wilkins played for Ramsbottom United, joining in 2015 from Kendal. He started his career playing for Bamber Bridge, moving to Clitheroe in 2014".

Nex Tuesday, Alty are at Nuneaton Town who "have signed former loanee goalkeeper Christian Dibble on non-contract terms. The ex-Barnsley keeper has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Boston United...

On the move, Dibble said, 'I am delighted to sign and come back to the club. Once I found out that Nuneaton we're interested in me, I wanted it to happen'... Current loanee goalkeeper, Callum Burton is injured."

The National League review says that on Tuesday "AFC Fylde returned to winning ways... after a comprehensive 4-1 success against Curzon Ashton. A crowd of 1,362 saw the Coasters take full advantage of overnight leaders Salford City only managing a home draw...

An injury-time equaliser by Kevin Roberts earned ten-man FC Halifax Town a dramatic 2-2 draw against Salford in front of 2,049 at Moor Lane... The visitors suffered a massive blow when Danny Hone was sent-off after two bookings midway through the second half...

Harrogate Town moved level on points with AFC Fylde and Salford after a 3-1 win at the CNG Stadium against FC United of Manchester... Brackley Town are now fourth after a 2-1 win against Nuneaton Town... The visitors had a great chance to take an 18th minute lead when they were awarded a penalty, but `keeper Laurie Walker saved Elliott Whitehouse`s spot-kick low to his left...

AFC Telford United earned a second win of the new campaign and kicked relegated Kidderminster Harriers out of the top five into the bargain... Bradford Park Avenue slumped to the foot of the fledgling table after they suffered a sixth defeat in nine games against a Boston United side who had only one [won] once ahead of the match...

Tamworth earned a 3-1 win over Gloucester City at The Lamb... But Jack Deaman cut the deficit to one with 16 minutes remaining. The Lambs` Steve Tomassen was then sent-off for bringing down Joe Parker, leading to a tense finale before Jed Davies scored a third in the 5th minute of stoppage time...

An eight-goal thriller at The Victoria Ground saw Worcester City pick up their first three points of the season against an Alfreton Town side who have now conceded 29 goals in nine games...

Stalybridge Celtic moved off the foot of the table after winning for only the second time to date and for the first time under new joint bosses Steve Halford and Paul Phillips. Celtic edged out a Gainsborough Trinity side who have won only once so far [v. Alty!] and have drawn three of their nine games... [Celtic] had to wait until the 94th minute to watch Andy Owens settle it from the spot".

NL Pitchero says that "First-team coach Ian King has left Worcester City due to personal reasons. The 41-year-old from Daventry joined the backroom staff in the summer...

But after just over three months in the role, King has advised manager Carl Heeley that he wished to leave the club".

Before Wednesday's match, Stockport County "will have a new face in their squad... following the signing of Jimmy Ball.

The midfielder has joined the Hatters after a brief spell at Stalybridge Celtic. Last season he played under James Gannon at Northwich Vics... James Gannon has moved quickly to be reunited with the 20-year-old following the news that Adam Thomas faces six months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury."

OPENING DAY WIN

ALTRINCHAM 2 CHORLEY 2

New boss Jim Harvey will have seen plenty of good things to build on but his team selection may be hampered by the wave of injuries.

Match report here.

TUESDAY FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde 4-1 Curzon Ashton
• AFC Telford Utd 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers
• Altrincham 2-2 Chorley
• Boston United 1-0 Bradford Park Avenue
• Brackley Town 2-1 Nuneaton Town
• Harrogate Town 3-1 FC United Of Manchester
• Salford City 2-2 FC Halifax Town
• Stalybridge Celtic 3-2 Gainsborough Trinity
• Tamworth 3-1 Gloucester City
• Worcester City 5-3 Alfreton Town

JIM'S MANAGED IN CHESHIRE BEFORE

Northern Irishman Harvey (58), who enjoyed successful spells at Hereford United and Tranmere Rovers as a player, was in charge at FC Halifax Town last season but couldn't prevent the Shaymen from falling through the National League trap door. Harvey was in charge at the Deva Stadium during the club's final season as Chester City when they began the season with a 25-point deduction. He took over from Mick Wadsworth two months into the campaign but left in January after Morrell Maison was brought in as director of football a month before the club would play their final game before going bust under the ownership of Stephen Vaughan.

Harvey returned to Chester in 2013 when he began working with the board to explore a potential scholarship scheme but this led to speculation he was being lined up to replace then manager Neil Young although the Northern Irishman dismissed that. Plans for a partnership with Mid Cheshire College did not materialise and Harvey moved back into coaching with Oldham Athletic before taking a role at Halifax."

NEXT SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS: GLOUCESTER CITY

Tim Harris was manager at that time and has been heavily involved in their efforts to return home ever since, returning for his second spell as boss in February 2014. He will be over 75 miles away when the decision is made as the Tigers visit Tamworth in a National League North clash...

Said Harris, 'We've got a game to focus on so we'll be as professional as we can. We'll all have one ear to find out what's happening in the city I'm personally very proud out. It's embarrassing it's taken nine years to get where we are but now we've got to look to the future and hopefully we will have a future.... My heart might be somewhere else but my head will be on the Tamworth game, nothing can cloud my judgement,' said Harris.

'We want to continue our good start to the season and we have an opportunity with the group of players we've got to continue to do something special. I might freshen it up a little but we'll give it our best shot'...

Ed Williams remains sidelined with a knee injury but Harris hopes he will return for Saturday's home game against Altrincham."

Also from Gloucestershire Live we learn that "Gloucester City striker Bobbie Dale has started training for a new career outside of football but still has hopes of returning to the full-time game within two years. The 20-year-old's contract at Cheltenham Town expired in the summer and his hopes of earning a new deal were dashed by a knee injury after he was invited to take part in pre-season training with the Robins.

Dale has since joined up with the Tigers' squad and signed, after Ethan Moore was ruled out for the season with a torn cruciate ligament, being named among the substitutes for the last three National League North games as he continues to regain his fitness... but is also preparing for life away from football by setting his sights on becoming a personal trainer.

'Ultimately I want to be back playing full-time professional football as soon as I can really,' said Dale...'Hopefully if I have a spell where I'm training part-time and it's recovering I'll be able to get back into it in the next couple of years... I picked up a couple of injuries here on loan and then whilst I was rehabbing my old knee injury came back but that seems to be starting to settle down now...

'I'm doing a bit of work outside of football and doing a few personal training courses and looking at possibly doing a uni course so it's a lot different to what I'm used to but I think I'm adapting to it quite well at the moment... Tim {Harris has] helped me out a lot in terms of what I've been doing... He took a chance with me with my injuries and they seem to be getting better so hopefully I'll be able to repay the faith he's had in me... I add a different dimension to what he's got here and I think that's why he brought me in and why he wants to get me fit and get me playing again'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL NEWS

The pacey front player was a member of the Mariners' squad that won the Vanarama National League Promotion Final... before being released by Wigan at the end of his contract in June".

The Shropshire Star says that "AFC Telford United have taken Southport midfielder Jonathan Royle on loan... The club has not yet announced the deal but it is believed he will be joining up with the Bucks from the National League side until December 12. Royle, who can also play as a centre-half, has had spells at the likes of Wrexham, Hednesford Town and Colwyn Bay."

From the National League we learn that "Goalkeeper Christian Dibble has cancelled his contract with Boston United by mutual consent. Dibble, 22, son of former Manchester City [and Altrincham] goalkeeper Andy Dibble, began his career at Bury before joining League One club Barnsley in July 2013. He has appeared for Wales at junior and under-19 level.

After a number of appearances in League One as an unused substitute, he joined Conference Premier side Nuneaton Town on loan in late November 2014... Christian performed well in 5 games for Nuneaton before Barnsley re-called him... He was out on loan again in August 2015, this time to Chelmsford City. In February 2016, Dibble left Barnsley by mutual consent... and signed a permanent contract until the end of the season back at Chelmsford. In all... he would play twenty-eight league games for the Clarets.

In late June 2016, he signed for Boston and appeared in the Pilgrims' opening seven matches of the new campaign, [but] has departed following Dion-Curtis Henry's arrival from League One side Peterborough United".

The Shropshire Star states that "AFC Telford United are hoping to beef up their midfield in time for tonight’s derby visit of Kidderminster Harriers,as hopes of signing a striker faded. With Jack Rea ruled out again this evening, manager Rob Smith has been in talks with a mystery ball-winner. He was hoping to secure a loan deal from a higher-ranked club...

Said Smith, 'It’s a loan deal from a club from a higher level so we’ll see whether something happens... We’ve been on the lookout because we haven’t really got another defensive tackling midfielder and without Jack we miss a physical presence', said Smith...

'We lost two midfielders (Lee Fowler and Michael Monaghan), so we were always going to replace them. I don’t think it’s a long-term thing with Jack and we’re hoping by Saturday he should be fairly close'.

As for the new striker he is keen to recruit... 'We’ve got absolutely nowhere,' he said. 'We need a striker, not in terms of numbers but someone to put the ball in the net but I don’t think Dave Hibbert is going to be out for long, in fact he may be able to play some part tonight. It’s clear to see we need a striker, but the names people are throwing at me wouldn’t make us any better. You need £500, £600, £700 (a week) to get a quality player up front at the moment. That’s the market, the bottom line and we haven’t got that'.

21 October 2016: SPORTSMAN'S DINNER WITH ALAN GREEN

Chairman Grahame Rowley announces that "Radio 5 Live Commentator Alan Green has agreed to be our guest at a Sportsman's Dinner on Friday 21st October in the Community Sports Hall at Altrincham Football Club. Alan has had a long career in radio commentary and has ruffled a few feathers in his time, including Sir Alex Ferguson and Sam Allardyce. His forthright commentary style has often divided opinion among radio listeners.

So why not come along, bring your friends, and ask those probing questions... What happened with Sir Alex, Why aren't you going to Russia for the World Cup in 2018, What are your memories of Hillsborough, and What are your thoughts on the Premier League? Ask these and many more questions to a man who has been involved in football for over 35 years.

Tickets are priced at £25 per head or £200 for a table of 8 (first drink free of charge) and include a three-course dinner, comedian and raffle. Dress code is smart casual".

You can use the attached booking form to reserve your place.

FOUR GREAT EVENTS AT THE CSH!

• SATURDAY 29th OCTOBER 4.00-6.00pm (4-7 y.o.), 6.00-8.00pm (7-11 y.o.): Our Spooky Spectacular Halloween Party for children, including DJ, party games and prizes. Tickets are £3.00, tuck shop will be available and parents are welcome to stay if they choose.
• FRIDAY 11th NOVEMBER 7.30pm: We bring to you 'Ladies' Night - Cocktail Masterclass'. Enjoy a three course meal, create three of your own cocktails to drink and spend the night on our dancefloor alongside our resident DJ. Get the girls together, get your dancing shoes on, this is one not to be missed! Tickets £40.00. (Tables upto 8)
• SATURDAY 10th DECEMBER 7.30pm: For the second year running, we are hosting a 'Christmas Party Night', with three course meal and a DJ. Whether you want to book with your friends, family or colleagues, this night is the perfect way to see in the festive season. Tickets £30.00.
• SUNDAY 18th DECEMBER 6.30pm: For the first time ever, we have the amazing Chaplins Pantomines showcasing 'Dick Whittington' in December, fun for all the family. Tickets are £10.00 adult/£5.00 children, tuck shop will be available.

DANNY HALL REJOINS ALTY

His previous clubs include Oldham Athletic, Scarborough, Shrewsbury Town, Gretna, Chesterfield, Darlington, Crawley Town, Forest Green Rovers and Stockport County. His Football League appearances include 57(+7) outings for Oldham, 28(+14) for Shrewsbury and 30(+2) for Chesterfield. Danny also made 14(+1) Scottish Premier League appearances for Gretna.

He was also at Crawley Town when they won the Conference in 2010/11, though he spent a part of that campaign on loan at Forest Green Rovers. He was released in summer 2013 and joined Carlisle-based Celtic Nation before moving on to Curzon Ashton.

ALTRINCHAM v CHORLEY: LIVE MATCH COVERAGE

Brian Flynn announces 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 commentators are Paul Salt and Alex Sarwar and the match summariser is John Edwards.

Coverage starts at 7.40pm and you can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at http://www.radiorobins.com/

NEW MANAGER APPOINTED

The 58-year old former Northern Ireland assistant-manager will leave team affairs to caretaker trio Jake Moult, Shaun Densmore and Alan Goodall against Chorley at The J.Davidson Stadium in Tuesday night before launching his reign in earnest at Gloucester on Saturday.

He has still to decide on appointing a number two but was the overwhelming choice of the Altrincham board to succeed Neil Young, who resigned as manager eight days ago.

'We had a high-calibre field of applicants for the job, which again shows the stature the club has in the eyes of a lot of people,' said chairman Grahame Rowley.

'In the end, after due diligence and a lot of discussion, the board felt that Jim was the number one candidate.

'With his experience in this league, we felt he was the ideal choice to steady the ship and take us forward. He presented a long-term plan, full of good, positive ideas for progressing the club, and we are looking forward to seeing them put into practice. I would like to thank everyone who applied for the job and wish them well in their future careers.'

After leading FC Halifax Town to a Wembley triumph in the FA Trophy and almost pulling off an unlikely escape from relegation, many felt Harvey was unlucky not to be kept on at The Shay at the end of last season.

Instead, Halifax went for North Ferriby boss Billy Heath, but the Northern Irishman was more interested in looking forward than reflecting on what might have been, as he said:

'I'm absolutely delighted to be taking the job at Altrincham. The team are at the wrong end of the table at the moment, but we will be aiming to remedy that as quickly as possible.

'There is a good job in hand here, and I am really looking forward to cracking on with it. A job needs doing, but that suits me fine. I'm up for it and ready for the challenge.

'I saw Altrincham at Halifax earlier this season, and I know a few of the players, but I will have a better idea of things when I have seen them again and worked with them close up.

'I've seen how results have gone in recent weeks. Confidence is a big factor in football. Clearly something is not right, so we will come in and have a look at that and see what can be done. We will try and resolve the problems and get the club going forward again.

'I thought there was a good shape about them against Stockport on Saturday, and they were a bit unlucky. So I will leave the three lads in charge against Chorley. I'll be at that game, of course, and take the reins after that.

'It attracted me straightaway, this job. Whoever you speak to or wherever you go, it's clear Altrincham are still a big name in non-League football. The club's history speaks for itself, renowned Cup fighters and giantkillers. I would like to get that good feeling back in the club again. That's what we will be trying to achieve.'

Harvey began his playing career as a midfielder with Glenavon before joining Arsenal in 1977 and making three League appearances and one in the UEFA Cup. He made nearly 300 appearances for Hereford and almost 200 for Tranmere, prior to a move into management with Morecambe in 1994, where his decade in charge included a spell as Northern Ireland assistant-manager.

His reputation for getting the best out of teams continued to flourish at Forest Green Rovers, who were bottom of the Conference with two points from six games when he became their seventh manager in nine seasons at the beginning of September, 2006.

After steering them to safety, he followed up by producing a team that took the eye with a free-flowing passing style that earned them an eighth-place finish, the club's highest-ever at the time. In his third season, he took them to the third round of the FA Cup, where they gave Championship side Derby County a scare before losing 4-3.

After Halifax made a disastrous start to last season under Darren Kelly, they promoted Harvey from assistant to manager and saw their fortunes transformed. They went all the way in the Trophy, beating Grimsby in the final at Wembley, and came agonisingly close to beating the drop from the Vanarama National League after a marked improvement in form and results".

BEFORE THE GAME: ALTRINCHAM v CHORLEY

• At home: P14-W10-D2-L2-F43-A16
• Away: P15-W3-D5-L7-A16-A19
• All: P29-W13-D7-L9-F59-A35

And Howard Watts has the record of all previous Alty matches on today's date. Coincidentally, the first game Alty ever played on 6 September was at home to... Chorley! Alty won that one 5-2 in 1913.

In their game last Saturday, the Lancashire Evening Post reported that "Ace marksman Jason Walker [ex-Barrow] produced a moment of magic to send Chorley into the play-off places thanks to a third successive 1-0 victory. Walker was the goalscoring hero in the Magpies’ last outing against Stalybridge on Bank Holiday Monday and he proved to be the matchwinner once again after conjuring a strike worthy of winning any game.

But it’s the Magpies’ new defensive resolve which has manager Matt Jansen believing his squad could be capable of mounting a serious promotion charge in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive National League North. Tamworth had scored 10 goals in their previous two games but they could find no way through an impenetrable Chorley backline as keeper Sam Ashton and his defenders recorded a sixth clean sheet in their last seven outings...

The all-important breakthrough came in the 20th minute, when the visitors were awarded a free kick 25 yards out after Stephen Tomassen had flattened Walker. Adam Blakeman’s initial attempt struck the wall but the ball rebounded to Walker whose stunning left-foot volley arrowed past keeper James Belshaw and into the top corner..

The Chorley backline were in no mood to cave in as the home side piled forwards in their quest for an equaliser. Ashton epitomised the visitors’ fighting spirit when he pulled off a remarkable triple save to deny Louis Briscoe and then Ross Dyer. The Magpies saw out the final minutes without further alarms to record their third win by a solitary goal in the space of eight days.

Chorley: Ashton, Challoner, Beesley, Charnock, Leather, Jordan, Blakeman (Roscoe, 67), O’Keefe, Carver (Azam, 75), Walker (Gonzales, 76), Cottrell. Subs not used: Teague, Jarvis".

FA YOUTH CUP

Admission prices are:

• Adults: £3
• Concessionaries: £2

The winners will be away at Warrington Town or Vauxhall Motors in the First Round, in the week commencing Monday September 19th.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Baillie made his Nash debut when coming off the bench in the 2-2 draw at Harrogate Town on Saturday.

Clark joins from league rivals Salford City. Clark is a central midfielder who played an instrumental role in Salford's promotion to the National League North last season, making thirty-seven appearances. His career began with his boyhood club, Everton, before he went on to Preston North End and Accrington Stanley. Before joining Salford, he was representing Witton Albion".

FA CUP 2QR

• Bridlington Town v Harrogate Town
• Handsworth Parramore v Burscough
• Witton Albion v Stalybridge Celtic
• Blyth Spartans AFC v Morpeth Town
• Bishop Auckland v Trafford
• Nantwich Town v Marine
• Ashton Athletic v FC Halifax Town
• Curzon Ashton v Consett AFC
• ALTRINCHAM v Gainsborough Trinity
• Kidsgrove Athletic v Matlock Town
• Lancaster City v Darlington 1883
• Alfreton Town v AFC Fylde
• Tadcaster Albion v Farsley Celtic
• Bradford (Park Avenue) v Salford City
• Workington AFC v Shildon
• Dunston UTS / Skelm Utd v Chorley
• Stockport County v Hyde United
• Bill'ham Syn / Ossett Town v FC United Of Manchester
• Spennymoor Town v Whitby Town / Winsford
• Rushall O / Soham Town v Kettering Town
• Leicester Road / Kirby Mux v Boston United
• Sutton Coldfield Town v Romulus / Hereford
• Brackley Town v Rugby Town
• Coalville Town v AFC Mansfield
• Mickleover Sports v Stourbridge
• Westfields v Highgate United
• Kidderminster Harriers v Tamworth
• Nuneaton Town v Lincoln United
• Halesowen Town v Belper Town
• Gresley v St Neots T / Stamford
• Evesham / Barwell v Ilkeston_
• Chasetown / Grantham T v Bedworth United
• Worcester City v AFC Telford United
• Lewes / Sevenoaks v Chesham United
• Concord Rangers v AFC Rushden & Diamonds
• Wantage T / Beaconsf'ld v Witham Town
• Egham Town v VCD Athletic
• Dulwich Hamlet v Hendon
• Hythe Town v Walton Casuals
• Dereham Town v St Albans City
• Wingate & Finchley v Ascot Utd / Tonbridge A
• Heybridge S / AFC D'stable v Hampton & Richmond Borough
• Wealdstone v Histon
• Chelmsford City v Dartford
• Staines Town v Maidenhead United
• Hayes & Yeading United v Worthing / Carshalton
• Hemel Hempstead Town v Herne Bay
• Eastbourne Borough v Metropolitan Police
• Kempston Rovers v Burgess Hill Town
• South Park v Leiston
• Hadley v Kings Langley
• Ebbsfleet United v AFC Sudbury
• Felixstowe & Walton United v Bishop's Stortford
• Cambridge City v Slough Town
• Folkestone Invicta v Waltham Forest
• Uxbridge v Harrow Borough
• East Thurrock United v Whitehawk
• Canvey Island v Potters Bar Town
• Whyteleafe v Welling United
• King's Lynn Town v Harlow Town
• Billericay Town v Bognor Regis Town
• Faversham Town v Hitchin Town
• Hanwell Town v Thamesmead Town
• Merstham v Colliers Wood United
• Margate v Biggleswade Town
• Barton Rovers v Hastings United
• Swindon Supermarine v Farnborough
• Winchester City v Truro City
• Havant & Waterlooville v Highworth Town
• Alresford / Fareham v Cadbury Heath
• Chippenham Town v Poole Town
• Salisbury v Gloucester City
• Cirencester Town v Banbury United
• Basingstoke Town v Hungerford Town
• Weymouth / Paulton R v Gosport Borough
• AFC Portchester v Merthyr Town
• Taunton Town v Fleet Town / Slimbridge
• Brislington v Brimscombe & Thrupp
• Bath City v Oxford City
• North Leigh v Weston Super Mare

FA CUP 2QR

NEIL YOUNG'S DEPARTURE

Sam Elliott writes that "The NLP can reveal that Young... has been subjected to vile abuse both on his phone and online, and his family has also been targeted".

Alty chairman Grahame Rowley (right) "says there is absolutely no truth in the suggestion Young jumped before he was pushed and [he adds] that the club was right behind their manager... Rowley is furious Young's mobile phone number had been obtained and vile messages were sent...

Respected Rowley, who along with other board members, works unpaid to keep the club going, says those responsible for the unacceptable abuse are not welcome at Moss Lane.

He said, 'To be absolutely clear, we had total confidence in Neil turning around what perhaps wasn't the best of starts to the season. We are all well aware the size of the task facing us to get back into the National League...

'We, as a board, were shocked and saddended to hear of Neil's decision on Sunday. What we weren't prepared for were the reasons behind his decision. They weren't all foootballing ones.

'It seems Neil has been subjected to disgusting and disgraceful abuse by people who describe themselves as supporters and fans of Altrincham. I don't call them that. Social media, twitter and so on has had a big part to play but also, worryingly, so had the fact that some of these people have obtained his telephone number. This is totally unacceptable and very much crosses a line.

No person should go through that and, when I was told his family had also received messages, then it became somewhat worse. I don't know what goes through some people's minds.

'If we don't lose this from the game, I fear for the future of football. I know of other people who have stepped back because of the insults hurled at them online and in person.

I, too, have had people come to me and demand that I go. I asked if they would like to take over, put money in like I do and work for free, and the answer was they were too busy...

'We are a good club with wondrous people. Our fan base is very well regarded but a few bad apples are tainting us. It has to stop. we won't stand back and allow people to be bullied and made to feel like they can no longer work in football'".

GEORGE HONOURED

"The Board would like to announce that George Heslop has been made Honorary President of the Youth Team in recognition of many years of service to the Club.

George first started watching Altrincham in 1948 and has been involved in many roles, including being a gateman in his early years, Matchday Secretary, Company Secretary and has been Altrincham's most successful manager of the Youth team for over twenty years, winning many trophies and titles in this time.

There have been many players who have progressed through the Altrincham Youth set-up and played for our first team, including Lewis Chalmers, Kieran and Kelvin Lusgden, Ben Deegan, Sam Heathcote and Duncan Watmore, who now plays in the Premier League for Sunderland. There are many other ex-Altrincham Youth team players, too many to name, playing non-League football.

Many thanks on behalf of the Board, Neil Faulkner".

COUNTY REPORT

The Hatters once again started with a 4-2-3-1 formation... as Courtney Meppen-Walters stepped in to replace Gary Stopforth who was ruled out with an ankle injury. Some 13 minutes of the contest were to pass without an attempt by either side, on or off target. But with the very first of the afternoon, Altrincham went ahead, courtesy of good work by Miller, leading to Lawrie's low drive from the edge of the box that skidded on the rain-soaked surface past Ben Hinchliffe.

The Hatters hit back after 25 minutes, when a Danny Lloyd free kick from the left found Clarke who rose to head home his inaugural County goal in a competitive fixture.

Lloyd then went close twice in as many minutes, only to be foiled on each occasion by home goalkeeper Tim Deasy, on County's books, without playing a First Team match, in 2006/07...

With ten minutes of the first half remaining, and by means of only their second shot since kick-off, the hosts took the lead again. A cross from the right by Damian Reeves found Miller at the far post, and the latter half-volleyed across the face of goal to restore Altrincham's advantage...

Spencer, just 13 minutes following his introduction around the hour-mark, got County back on level terms... With Altrincham threatening little, and the Hatters forcing a succession of corners, in the closing stages, there looked to be only one team in with a chance of converting one point into three. And when, after 86 minutes, Smalley rose at the far post to head in County's final corner, delivered by Lloyd from the right, a sizeable and vociferous... away following was ensured a happy short journey home".

NON-LEAGUE DAY

A smoke grenade was thrown onto the pitch following Stockport's winner. While fans across the country were being treated to high-scoring action, some decided to take it upon themselves to generate the headlines. Stockport brought an impressive support with them for their 3-2 National League North win at Altrincham, but the result was marred by a delay in play caused by a smoke-bomb being thrown onto the pitch at Moss Lane".

BIG WIN FOR RESERVES

NEXT OPPONENTS: CHORLEY

But a strike by Jason Walker, netting his second goal in as many games, was to seal all three points for the visitors.

Next up is a visit to Altrincham on Tuesday evening.

Matt Jansen made two changes to the starting line up which had beaten Stalybridge on Bank Holiday Monday. Matt Challoner began the game in place of Waqas Azam while Josh O’Keefe was promoted from the subs' bench, with Dale Whitham making way. Whitham was rested for the game with a tight hamstring... Stephen Jordan took the captain’s armband for this game...

Two substitutions were made by Jansen after the seventieth minute to ensure that Chorley held onto their lead, as Adam Blakeman made way for Adam Roscoe, shortly followed by Sefton Gonzales replacing Walker...

As the referee blew the final whistle, Chorley recorded their sixth clean sheet out of the first eight games, and leapfrogged Darlington into fifth spot in the league".

Starting XI: Sam Ashton, Matt Challoner, Will Beesley, Kieron Charnock, Scott Leather, Stephen Jordan (capt), Adam Blakeman, Josh O’Keefe, Marcus Carver, Jason Walker, Jake Cottrell. Subs: Andy Teague, Adam Roscoe (Blakeman, 67), Sefton Gonzales (Walker, 76) Paul Jarvis, Waqas Azam (Carver, 75).

Man of the Match: Sam Ashton – the superb blocking of a fast triple salvo keeping our clean sheet record intact"

ALTRINCHAM 2 STOCKPORT COUNTY 3

Right: Alty celebrate their first goal in the pouring rain.

Alty made four changes as Patterson, Goodall, Miller and Deasy came in for Sumner, Dawber, Lynch and Sinclair.

Match report here.

COUNTY'S VERDICT

Goals by Michael Clarke, by Scott Spencer and, four minutes from time, by Chris Smalley,in each case netting for County on the first occasion this term, cancelled out first-half strikes for the hosts from James Lawrie and Sean Miller.

Some 13 minutes of the contest were to pass without an attempt by either side, on or off target. But with the very first of the afternoon, Altrincham went ahead, courtesy of a low drive by Lawrie from the edge of the box that skidded on the wet surface past Ben Hinchliffe. The Hatters hit back after 25 minutes, when a Danny Lloyd free kick from the left found Clarke who rose to head home his inaugural County goal in a competitive fixture.

Lloyd then went close twice in as many minutes - only to be foiled on each occasion by home goalkeeper Tim Deasy, who blocked the first shot at close range and fingertipped behind the second which Lloyd had unleashed from the left.

County appeared to be in the ascendancy. But with ten minutes of the first half remaining, and only their second shot of the afternoon, the hosts took the lead again. A cross from the right by Damian Reeves found Miller at the far post, and the latter half-volleyed across the face of goal to restore Altrincham’s advantage...

Spencer, who had replaced Kay Odejayi just after the hour-mark, got County back on level terms 13 minutes following his introduction, after letting rip with a sweetly-struck shot from 25 yards out. And, with just four minutes of the game remaining, Smalley rose at the far post to head in a corner by Lloyd from the right and send a sizeable, vociferous County following home happy".

ALTRINCHAM ENTER FA CUP

FA YOUTH CUP

SATURDAY GATES

• Att: 1425 AFC Fylde v Gloucester City
• Att: 1324 AFC Telford Utd v FC Halifax Town
• Att: 2355 Altrincham v Stockport County
• Att: 1424 Boston United v FC United Of Manchester
• Att: 389 Brackley Town v Bradford Park Avenue
• Att: 760 Harrogate Town v Curzon Ashton
• Att: 1503 Salford City v Alfreton Town
• Att: 345 Stalybridge Celtic v Nuneaton Town
• Att: 737 Tamworth 0 v Chorley
• Att: 535 Worcester City v Gainsborough Trinity

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

He brought in Bantams youngster Joe Cracknell on a loan deal until January, which will give the keeper valuable experience and also time to establish himself in Avenue's squad. Meechan was also hoping to have completed the signing of Corbin Shires in time for the towering defender to feature in today's National League North fixture at Brackley Town.

Shires joins on a one-month deal from Mansfield Town and at 6ft 7in he will certainly add height and a presence to the side in both boxes. He will be cover for Killock and Meechan's assistant player-manager Matt Hill. Former Wolves and Sheffield United defender Hill has started most of Avenue's games this term but was not even on the bench last Monday when Avenue lost at home to leaders AFC Fylde. Joe Kearns, another loanee, partnered Harry Coates in the centre of defence.

Meechan said, 'We needed strengthening because our squad is carrying several injuries and the players that have come in are great additions. Matt is struggling with a calf injury and having Shane out has been a big loss. Ryan (Toulson) had to come off in the Fylde game and hasn't trained this week'".

According to the Boston Standard, "As they say, it’s the hope that kills you. There were new signings. Both offered plenty and both played well. But as the full-time whistle blew it was the same old story for Boston United. Midweek arrivals Liam Agnew and Dion-Curtis Henry, for parts of today’s contest, looked as if they could refresh the Pilgrims’ flagging fortunes, possibly help the team to just their second win of the season.

But as the full-time whistle blew FC United of Manchester left the Jakemans Stadium with the 3-2 win and the points, comdemning Dennis Greene’s side to defeat number six from eight games...

Frustrations are starting to boil over in Boston. As Greene left the pitch, flanked by a steward on each side, some supporters gathered to call for his head, others applauded...

Twice the hosts fought from a goal down to level... And if things felt like they couldn’t get any worse, Joe Burgess left the pitch on crutches, likely to add to long-enough injury list...

Agnew took just 28 minutes to find the net on his return to the Jakemans Stadium, confidently slotting his penalty kick down the middle and away from the dive of Jonathan Musangu. Agnew was a boy the last time he pulled on a United shirt, in the final game of the 2013-14 campaign. But the midfielder returned a man, those years spent with Sunderland’s first team bringing a greater swagger to his game".

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Fri 2 Sep:

• Darlington 1883 0-1 Kidderminster Harriers

Sat 3 Sep:

• AFC Fylde 2-2 Gloucester City
• AFC Telford Utd 1-2 FC Halifax Town
• Altrincham 2-3 Stockport County
• Boston United 2-3 FC United Of Manchester
• Brackley Town 2-0 Bradford Park Avenue
• Harrogate Town 2-2 Curzon Ashton
• Salford City 4-1 Alfreton Town
• Stalybridge Celtic 0-4 Nuneaton Town
• Tamworth 0-1 Chorley
• Worcester City 2-2 Gainsborough Trinity

PLEASE HELP ON SATURDAY!

AWAY SUPPORTERS' ARRANGEMENTS

'We have been made aware of the situation, and there will now be a paid gate available at the away end to maintain segregation,' said chairman Grahame Rowley. 'When we decided to make it all-ticket for Stockport supporters, we were not being awkward with them. Quite the opposite, in fact. The idea was, there would be no delays while people who didn't have the right money waited for change, and it should also give us a better idea of numbers, so we can make sure there is adequate room for them.

'It was supposed to streamline the whole operation of getting large numbers inside the ground and ensuring they weren't squashed once they were in. But if some are travelling without tickets, we've had to make contingency plans for that, because the safety and security of our supporters is paramount'".

NON-LEAGUE DAY

With internationals taking centre stage this weekend, and wiping out the domestic programme in the top two divisions, Alty are offering £5 admission to Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two club season-ticket holders. Entry at that bargain price is via gates five and six, near the main stand, and is available to anyone producing a season ticket and valid photo ID".

MANAGERIAL PROGRESS

'We have received a lot of applications for the post, which underlines the fact that we are still a big name in non-League football. I have met a couple of people to speak to them informally, and I hope the board will be able to meet early next week to go through the list and consider who we want to talk to on a formal basis. After that, it will be a case of interviewing candidates, and I would hope we will be able to start that by the end of the week. It is an important appointment, and we are determined to get it right and bring someone in who can take the club forward in a positive way. I'm also mindful of keeping supporters informed of developments as much as possible, and as soon as there is anything further to report, it will appear on the club's official website.'"

AUCTION SUCCESS

Dave, who would otherwise have been at The J.Davidson Stadium after agreeing to sponsor Alty's Vanarama National League North game against Stockport County, was a worthy winner after setting the ball rolling with an opening offer of £250 and then stealing in with the decisive bid just moments before the midnight deadline on Wednesday.

'We received a good few bids overall, starting with Dave's opening offer of £250,' said chairman Grahame Rowley. 'There was a bit of a lull, then, as the deadline approached, quite a few people came in and raised the bar a few times, before Dave made his final move with seconds to spare. Well done to him, and a big thank you to everyone who took part and contacted me with bids.'

The package, which includes a meal at the Hilton Hotel at Manchester Airport followed by transport to Old Trafford and two good seats in the home section, has now been auctioned twice. It was up for grabs at a function at the Hilton Hotel, before the season started, and Grahame won it with an offer of £200.

In a gesture that will further boost Alty's community activities, Grahame has written off the money he paid and insisted all of Dave's £360 winning bid goes to the Community Sports Hall. As a director of Odin Technology, Dave is sponsoring the Stockport game, along with Smart Storage, and would normally be taking his seat at The J.Davidson Stadium, rather than Old Trafford. The chance of two tickets for the derby, the first involving Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, was too good to turn down, however, and he explains, in the Meet The Match Sponsor in Saturday's Robins Review, how he has been dividing loyalties between United and Alty since he was a youngster".

OLD BOYS

Jonny Margetts, a loanee to Alty last season from Tranmere Rovers, has now moved from Lincoln City to join Scunthorpe United.

COLIN HARDING R.I.P.

Colin was for many years a regular at Moss Lane, occupying a seat in the centre of the main stand. He had continued to watch The Robins until illness prevented his attendance.

VOTE FOR TIM AND SAM!

• Tim Deasy in the category: Player of the Year – Conference
• Sam Heathcote (right) in the category: Rising Star of the Year

The closing date for voting is Friday 21st October 2016. The voting link here will be active and live from 2pm on Thursday, 1st September".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

TNS made a seven-day approach for the 24-year-old, signed by the Bucks from Hednesford in the summer. But the Scouser has decided to stay put. That... delighted Telford boss Rob Smith who has lost two midfielders since the start of the season in Lee Fowler and Michael Monaghan...

Said Smith, 'That’s been the good news we’ve had this week. It’s important because he’s been playing well, which is probably why they came in for him, but he’s enjoying his football here. With his coaching commitments as well, he’s decided to stay put'.

Smith meanwhile has drawn a blank on his attempts to sign a striker in time for tomorrow’s visit of FC Halifax. The Bucks are without knee casualty Dave Hibbert... 'We’ve been actively looking but without any success in terms of what we want; nothing really fits the bill', said the boss. Telford have been blocked from trying to re-sign Connor McCarthy, who was their eight-goal top scorer on loan from Southport last season.

'Connor’s back in their team now so Southport aren’t prepared to do anything with him', said Smith. Centre-back Dan Preston is very doubtful after a bout of food poisoning, so Ben Bailey is set to continue alongside captain Luca Havern at the heart of the defence.

Tomorrow’s opponents [are] Halifax... 'They’ve got the management team (Billy Heath and Mark Carroll) who got North Ferriby promoted and who we know very well from our battles with Hednesford and Telford,' said Smith. 'They’re now at a bigger club and have taken the best players from North Ferriby to Halifax, and they’ve got a guaranteed 20-goal a season striker in Tom Denton so they have to be right up there with the favourites to win the league'".

From the Telegraph & Argus we learn that "A poor bank holiday weekend has done nothing to help lift the mood within the ranks at Bradford Park Avenue. Alex Meechan's troops will be shell-shocked after conceding nine goals in heavy back-to-back defeats and they go into another tough away game still looking for their first National League North win of the season.

Avenue have just three points from their first seven games as they head to St James Park to take on Brackley Town, while the Saints, who were expected to struggle this season, have already banked a dozen.

Meechan pulled no punches after his side's 4-1 defeat at home to leaders AFC Fylde on Monday, saying, 'We would be just making excuses if we talked about the quality of the opposition on that day. The simple thing is that we are just conceding far too many goals... But we are only nine weeks in with a whole new set of players, so the side is still settling in. Either bad decision-making or individual errors are seeing us gift goals to the opposition, no matter who we're playing. There were set-piece goals where we just allowed players to attack the ball in our area and that can't continue.

'We have missed the big lad; Shane (Killock) is a leader and he makes such a difference to us but we just can't get him fit'. Meechan has also had injury problems with goalkeepers and moved to sign Joe Cracknell on loan from neighbours Bradford City until January. Meechan has also drafted in centre back Joe Kearns and midfielder Michael Monaghan...

Meechan said, 'Brackley have had a good start to the season and Kev (manager Kevin Wilkin) has made some good signings to improve his squad. Our players are low on confidence but you get the feeling that a first win would really make a huge difference and they are capable of going on a run once they get that victory under their belts'".

Next Tuesday, Chorley visit Altrincham. The Lancashire Evening Post tells us that "Assistant boss Jamie Vermiglio believes Chorley’s fine start to the new season is a result of some detailed forward planning over the summer. The Magpies have picked up four wins and just one defeat...

What has been noticeable about the opening handful of games is the five clean sheets, which amount to half of the total number they managed throughout the whole of last season in the league...

'We just wanted to be better than what we were the previous year and so to do that, we felt we needed to shore up defensively,' said Vermiglio. 'This season we have been looking to be a bit more solid at home and particularly away... We have kept five cleans sheets and if you can do that, you’re going to pick up a lot more points and if you can nick a goal or two, you’re going to pick up some wins'...

One of the key factors behind Chorley’s defensive solidity is the acquisition of former Premier League footballer Stephen Jordan from Fleetwood Town. 'Stephen Jordan has been fantastic,' he said. 'He’s got great composure at the back... He’s also a good communicator, not necessarily a shouter, but a strong character and talker. Keiran Charnock has been superb as well and Scott Leather too'...

'Tamworth is going to be tough on their 3G pitch,' Vermiglio said. 'They have scored lots of goals; 10 in their last two games'".

The National League reports that "Stalybridge Celtic have appointed the joint-managerial team of Steve Halford and Paul Phillips to replace Liam Watson at Bower Fold. The pair have resigned their position as managers of neighbours Ashton United to take the Stalybridge post.

The [ex-Droylsden] duo will leave Hurst Cross following tomorrow’s Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round against Nantwich Town to take up the management reign at Stalybridge Celtic".

Meanwhile, at NUneaton Town "20-year-old left back, Ben O'Hanlon, has joined the Boro on an initial one month loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers... O’Hanlon, who has represented England at under-16, under-17 and Under-18 level, played against Boro last season whilst he was out on loan to Corby Town".

Over in Lincolnshire, Boston United "have completed the signing of Sunderland midfielder Liam Agnew. The 21-year-old, who excelled during a loan spell with the Pilgrims in 2013-2014 and later made his first team debut for the Black Cats, has linked up with United following the conclusion of his contract at the Stadium of Light".

Closer to home, the National League confirms that "Salford City have signed vastly experienced midfielder Richie Wellens after his recent release by Shrewsbury Town. The 36-year-old joined Shrewsbury in January of this year. He made a dozen appearances last term... Wellens started his career with Manchester United, but made only one senior appearance as a substitute in a 3–0 League Cup defeat to Aston Villa in October 1999, before going on to enjoy an illustrious Football League career.

Wellens moved to Blackpool in 2000. Making over 200 appearances for The Seasiders... Moves to Oldham and Doncaster Rovers followed, as Wellens was voted in the PFA League One team of the year two years in a row. Wellens was then sold to Leicester City for £1 million pounds, where he made nearly 150 appearances... In 2013, Wellens joined his former club Doncaster, before being released in January 2016".

And "Goalkeeper Johny Diba has joined FC United of Manchester on a youth loan from Rochdale. The 18-year-old will spend a month with the Reds... Following the arrival of Conrad Logan last month, Manager Keith Hill says it's important for Diba to go out and get game time".

TIM DEASY RETURNS

The popular ex-Alty keeper asked to be released from his Guiseley contract, due to the amount of travelling involved and, once the West Yorkshire club gave their consent, he was welcomed back for a second stint at The J.Davidson.

One of many players released under cutback measures in the wake of relegation from the Vanarama National League last season, Deasy will be available for Saturday's home game with Stockport County, subject to FA registration going through in time.

'Tim lives in Manchester, and the travelling to Guiseley was becoming something of a problem,' said Alty chairman Grahame Rowley. 'He trained with us last night, and it took him six minutes to get there. Last Tuesday, it took him two-and-a-half hours to get to training at Guiseley.

'Fair play to Guiseley, they took on board the difficulties Tim was encountering and agreed to cancel his contract. He is delighted to be back with us, and we are delighted to have him.'"

SHAUN DENSMORE INTERVIEW

FIVE YEARS OF ALTY TV

In conjunction with Altrincham F.C. Supporters' Association (TASC), Alty TV is seeking to raise £5,000 to replace and upgrade its equipment.

Exciting additions could include live streaming within the stadium, more camera angles and quicker-to-air edited highlights. In order to help, TASC has launched the 'Alty TV 100' where individuals, businesses and groups of supporters are asked to contribute £50 in return for seeing their names in lights on the 'Alty TV 100 Wall of Fame' during the closing credits. To date, £1,800 has been raised and we would like to thank the 36 people who have already contributed.

For details of how to donate email Brian Flynn.

Alty TV is also inviting bids to become site sponsor. For details contact Mark Bennett here.

JIM GANNON DISAPPOINTED TO SEE NEIL GO

'I was disappointed to see Neil go, especially when he's added on the fact that he no longer wants to manage anymore. It just epitomises the demands that you have when you've got to balance your work life, your family life and your other job. This level is demanding and it shows how much toll it can take of your life'".

NEXT TASC MEETING

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

A run of seven matches without a victory has seen City slip to the bottom of Vanarama National League North on goal difference. Heeley said he needed to bring in 'quality' wingers who could give them more of an attacking threat. And he insisted he was 'not afraid of making tough decisions' as he revealed he would need to let go of members of his squad to make room for new recruits.

'I think we are lacking a bit of quality in the wide areas as we are not getting enough supply into the box,' said Heeley, whose side have netted five times so far this time, with Lee Hughes bagging three of them, but have failed to score in their last two games. 'A lot of the goals we have scored have been from individuals creating a situation for themselves rather than from superb balls into the box. When you look at the benefits of having good wide players, losing Tristian Dunkley and Daniel Nti was a major blow to us. So we have got to try and find some players who can give us that threat again.'

He added, 'For players to come in, some have got to go out the other way. That goes without saying and that’s difficult as we only had 17 players to pick from on Monday. The other player not involved was Joe Bates, who will be a good player, but is not ready yet and it would be unfair to throw him into situations like that.... It is no good making a decision to let a player go unless you are bringing in somebody who feel improves the team and that is the difficult thing. But we have got to try...

'Of course it is frustrating as I want to be at the other end of the table. Whether that’s realistic or not, that’s I want and I know that’s what some of the players who signed for us want as well', he said...

He added, 'We have got two points out of 21, so I have got to try and improve irrespective of whether it is not scoring goals since Hughesy (Lee Hughes) has been missing or conceding the odd goal, we have got to do something difference or else we are going to keep getting the same results'".

LADIES WIN THEIR LAST PRE-SEASON GAME

Manager of Altrincham FC, Keith Edleston, has provided the following brief report and accompanying image from last Sunday's 4-1 win over Curzon Ashton.

Pictured, right, is Jess Hartopp's headed goal.

"It was a great game today down at The Tameside Stadium as we took on Curzon Ashton in a hastily arranged last pre-season game. The game was played in some heat, and on astro, but we played some lovely football and created a fair few chances throughout the ninety minutes. Curzon also played their part in an entertaining game with some good performances especially from the no.9, Amy, who never gave up and caused us a few problems. And, I must thank Sam and Curzon Ashton for accommodating us at such short notice.

Special mention goes to our Elina "Nana" Parker who ably stood in in goal and played superbly. Next up is the start of our league campaign and it's an away trip across town to play Chorltonians LFC next Sunday, 4th September at 2pm. Let's carry on all the hard work in training and hopefully have a great season!

Sunday's goalscorers were Laura Dodds, Megan Wright, Laura Kelly and Jess Hartopp".

The season starts for the Ladies next Sunday with a trip to Chorltonians (2pm).

According to the FA, Altrincham FC Ladies' registered players for 2016-17 are as follows...

• Elizabeth Brereton
• Samantha Briggs
• Kyeshie Brown
• Kate Bryan
• Anna Dillon
• Laura Dodds
• Louise Edleston
• Jessica Hartopp
• Judy Henson
• Jade Hesketh
• Laura Kelly
• Bliss Molyneaux
• Paloma Ortiz-Lopez
• Elina Parker
• Georgia Plant
• Heather Scott
• Gail Simpson
• Lucy Smith
• Brogan Walsh
• Megan Wright

But Keith now reports an important new signing...

"I would like to take this opportunity to announce and welcome Anna Dillon (right) to our team. Anna who lives on the Isle of Man joins us from Corinthians LFC and is also the captain of the Island's Representative team. We first saw Anna when the Isle of Man representative team played us a couple of years ago and myself and Dave commented then how good she was and it would be nice to have her in our team. Little did we know that, after our tour this year, it would come to fruition.

After a few months of chats and texts over the phone, working out travel arrangements, etc. and with a couple of pre-season games under her belt, she has finally said yes and joins us in time for the new league season. Anna is a 100% tough-tackling ball winner with quality distibution and an eye for a pass out from midfield/defence. She will wear the number 19 shirt. Welcome Anna!"

RESERVES' DEFEAT AT GREENALLS

NUNEATON HOSPITALITY

"Here's a taste of what you will experience:

• Reserved car parking
• Private entrance open from 5.30pm
• A warm welcome at reception from NTFC President, Rex Spencer
• Three-course meal
• Pre-match introduction from your match day host
• Private cash bar
• Complimentary match day programme and team sheet
• Reserved seating in the main stand or watch the game from the VIP boardroom deck
• Exclusive pre- and post-match manager and player interviews
• All for just £35 per person.

Please add £5 per person if you would like the four-course meal option to include cheese and biscuits.

Terms and Conditions: Bookings cannot be taken, or changed, after midday on Friday 9th September. Credit card and cash payments only. A 50% deposit is required on all bookings. To book your place/s in the SFB Boro Boardroom for this excellent hospitality experience contact: Dave Sharpe, Commercial Manager on 02476 385738 or by e-mail.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

'Let's get one thing clear, I don't believe for a minute we will be relegated out of this league,' he said. 'Us making the play-offs for the last two seasons with a bottom-six budget is like West Ham or Stoke getting in the Champions' League. I am not concerned about relegation because I believe there are too many teams worse than us for us to be dragged into that. But we expect to compete at the other end of the table. Our fans have become accustomed to battling for promotion, so this is alarming to me for that reason'...

Greene says the atmosphere that will be generated by a big crowd who follow Saturday's opponents FC United of Manchester will provide the ideal platform for his side to turn around their season... Added Greene... 'We have two home games coming up and they are vital for us if we are to lift the doom and gloom. We have Manchester, who we beat twice last year and Bradford, who we also beat twice. Consecutive wins will get us back to mid-table and then we can build from there.'

The Boston boss says... 'There is a very small minority who are sending vile messages of abuse,' he added. 'But that's their mentality. They are the ones who shout the loudest. It's a very small group but I wish they would go and abuse someone else'".

Next Tuesday, former Alty defender Scott Leather and midfielder Josh O'Keefe will be visiting Alty with Chorley. The Chorley Citizen reports that "Corley FC boss Matt Jansen would not swap his dressing room for any team in the Vanarama Conference National North League after completing back-to-back 1-0 wins... The Magpies may have suffered their their first defeat of the season losing 2-0 to Darlington 1883 last Wednesday, but banished the result to history with good results over the weekend.

On Saturday, they travelled to Worcester City and came back with all three points... before Jason Walker earned a home win over Stalybridge Celtic on Bank Holiday Monday. Manager Jansen knew the challenge would be tough against a side just days after Celtic manager Liam Watson announced he was stepping down from his role. Jansen said, 'It is difficult when a manager leaves a club, it usually gives the team a knee-jerk reaction and they go on and win a couple of games... In the first half we should have been five, six or seven goals up. We were one [goal up]... but the result was very pleasing as in the second half they threw everything at us and yet again another clean sheet which shows how formidable we are... Five clean sheets out of seven games is outstanding'.

Jansen continues to make full use of his squad... 'I said at the start of the season that it is not the 11 that start each game, it is about the 20 or 21 in the dressing room and the development squad,' he said... 'The three I called upon (against Stalybridge) were great. Jason Walker has scored a goal for us, Blakes’ (Adam Blakeman), his distribution was excellent, Waqas (Azam) kept going down with cramp and I kept asking him was he all right but he kept soldiering on and was brilliant. He is only a young lad and is only going to go from strength to strength.

'Then I put Roscoe (Adam Roscoe) on, whose dad has not been so well which meant he has not had many minutes... and he did an outstanding job and cleans up in front of the back three... It is a great dressing room and I would not swap it for any other one in this league... Jason [Walker]’s a very clever player but he has not have many minutes and his match fitness is not going to be as strong as Sefton (Gonzales) or Marcus (Carver) who have played more games'".

From NL Pitchero we learn that "Bradford Park Avenue moved to strengthen their goalkeeping options with the signing of Joe Cracknell from neighbours Bradford City. The 22-year-old joins on loan until January 14th, and went straight into the team for the 4-1 home defeat to leaders AFC Fylde on Bank Holiday Monday.

Despite signing a new one-year contract in the summer, Cracknell is yet to feature for City’s first-team, playing the majority of his football so far in their reserve side. A graduate of the academy at Hull City, he has also spent time on loan at Scarborough Athletic... He joins fellow recent additions Jack Kearns, Joe Noblet and last Saturday’s goalscorer Michael Monaghan in the Avenue squad."