JIM HARVEY "WE NEED SOME BETTER PLAYERS"

Q: Of all the frustrations today, Jim, was one of the biggest the fact that we began on the front foot for once, only to throw it all away with some glaring errors?

A: I thought we started lovely, then we make a mistake again and a goal goes in, you could say against the run of play. Shortly after that, Alan Goodall is sent off, and it's hard work from then on with 10 men. It's even more of an uphill battle after the second goal, which should have been saved. But, even with 10 men, I thought if we could pinch one in the second half, we could head into the last 10-15 minutes with a chance of salvaging something.

We had a couple of chances but couldn't score. Look, it's just not good enough for me. There are too many mistakes, defensively we are giving the ball away cheaply, and conceding, and some of the members (players) now are just not good enough. I think the work-rate of the team with 10 men in the second half was excellent. I can't fault that, but the footballing ability and know-how as a team and unit here is not what is required.

It's a hard one to assess today, but it's not just on today. It's what I have seen overall, and the fact is we need to change and need to improve, because it's just not good enough in general.

Q: What concerns you most? Is it the mistakes or the reaction to them, because they seem to sap confidence and morale completely?

A: They will do, because we are bottom of the league, and it kills you. Those sort of things just kill you. But it's not just today. The other night (against Bradford PA), we gave three goals away. These are unforced errors, and it's just ridiculous. Some of the stuff that's going on has to be addressed and sorted out. There's only one way to get out of it, and that's hard work. But on top of that we need some better players. That is blatantly obvious to me. It's just whether we can get the players in who can improve us

Q: How easy or otherwise is that going to be?

A: It's easier said than done. Obviously we have a budget to work to. I have cleared the decks a little bit, so there is a little bit of room there. Now it's a case of finding the right players who are good enough to come in and improve us. That won't be easy. But that's what the job is, and that's what we have to set about doing now. We will see what happens this week. Hopefully we will have one or two coming in that will go towards improving us.

We need to look at it because, at the moment, the way we are playing and things that are happening to us, whether individual mistakes or just not good enough players, the overall result is it's just not acceptable. We are losing matches, and we can't afford to be doing that. So something is going to have to change pretty drastically to get us kicked into gear and getting on with it again.

Q: Have you got specific targets in mind?

A: At the moment, yes. I'm talking to a few at the moment. We are just seeing how we can work it financially and whether we can get them in or not. We will see.

Q: On an otherwise disappointing afternoon, Wayne Thomas (right) showed up well on his debut, did you think?

A: I thought he did extremely well for us. He is an experienced lad, and it showed. He's 37, but he's really fit. Obviously he has played at a high standard, and you could see his quality when he was out there. He is a strong, commanding defender who knows the game. That was obvious with little simple things like the way he would bodycheck people at the right time and the way he read the game so well. These are things that perhaps we haven't been showing on a consistent basis in defence, so he was a plus.

It's just a shame he ended up having to try and cope with a man short and we couldn't come up with a more positive result on the day, but I was pleased with him.

Q: After just a couple of sub appearances for Kidderminster this season, there may have been some doubt about whether he could last 90 minutes, but he seemed to answer that. How was he at the end?

A: Absolutely fine, no problem at all. When you have played in the Premier League and had a career in the Football League, you are disciplined. You know how to look after yourself.You don't play at the level he has or sustain a long career if you are not looking after yourself physically, and he is in terrific shape. There are no problems at all with his fitness or ability to get through 90 minutes. Even though he is lacking in game time, he is better than what we've got at the moment.

Q: Any complaints about Alan's sending off? He looked to have got back, after a mistake by Sam Patterson, and caught up with Lee Hughes on the edge of the area but then ended up fouling the former West Brom striker. Is that how you saw it?

A: I suppose you've got to give the centre-forward some credit, because he was clever and used all his experience and know-how. He lent himself into Alan, which encouraged the foul. I think Alan was getting there, but you've got to give him credit for that. I wouldn't dispute the award, but if you want to argue about it a little bit, you might say he has bought that. He has bought the sending off, but there you go.

What concerned me most was how we allowed it to happen from a situation where we were attacking with good possession. We were threatening them, then, all of a sudden, one ball through and we are exposed. Bearing in mind we had five at the back, it was shocking. It was the same for the first goal. We've got possession, then Sam Patterson tries a stepover and loses it when we are on our way out and they are on the counter attack and punishing us for leaving Lee Hughes unmarked at the far post.

Those mistakes are killing us. It's really hopeless. We have got to eradicate that. Whether these boys can do that or it has to be new personnel is the question, and I think it has to be new personnel. I have seen too many mistakes too often, and the results will tell you something is amiss here. Anyone can make a mistake, but we are making them on a regular basis, and that is adding up to 'hang on, this is not good enough'.

Q: The other worry is, though we are still only at the end of October, we've played a fair chunk of our fixtures because of so many games in the opening two months.

A: Of course, yeah that's right. There's no doubt, make no mistake, this is a serious position we are in, and it needs some attention if we want to have a chance of fighting to get out of it.

Q: Will it be a three-game ban for Alan?

A: I think it will be just the one game. Violent conduct would be three games, but I think this challenge of his, for denying a goalscoring opportunity, is different. I thought it was an honest attempt to try and get the ball, but Hughes has lent into him and gone down. The referee has decided to send Alan off, fine, but my understanding is it carries only a one-game suspension.

Q: Talking of suspensions, we should have Tom Hannigan back for the FA Cup tie at Lincoln City next Saturday, shouldn't we?

A: Yes, he'll be back. I heard good reports of him at the start of the season, and I quite rate Tom from seeing him previously. But he's played maybe 90 minutes of football in the last six to eight weeks, so he's going to be short of match fitness. But it's good to have him available again, with all his experience and defensive qualities, and we will have a look at him and see what's what. John Cyrus was missing today with a slight ankle knock, but we'll monitor him during the week as well".

ALTRINCHAM LADIES' 3-0 WIN

Alty Ladies line up against Northwich Vixens, 30 October 2016

Three second-half goals gave Altrincham FC Ladies a deserved win over Northwich Vixens on Sunday afternoon. After Jade Hesketh had given them a 51st minute lead with a low shot from 20 yards, Laura Dodds made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute, following a corner. And another corner led to the third goal deep into added time when Laura Kelly got the final touch.

The victory lifted Alty to third place. Their next game is away to Warrington Wolverines, next Sunday (6th November).

Report to follow...

RESERVES

YOUTH MATCH POSTPONED

In the National League U19 Alliance Division J, the next match for Altrincham's youth education team is at home to MMU on Wednesday, 2nd November.

WORCESTER CITY 3 ALTRINCHAM 0

Match report here.

Right: Wayne Thomas marshals the Altrincham defence on his debut.

OPPOSITION VIEW

Lee Hughes gave City the lead in the 8th minute, finding himself on the end of a pinpoint Cieron Keane cross, heading home from only a few yards out.

Only 2 minutes later, Hughes found himself through on goal and was hauled over by Alan Goodall. The Altrincham defender was shown a straight red card, meaning the vistors were down to 10 men for the remaining 80 minutes of the game...

Cieron Keane then doubled their lead on the half hour mark...

City put the game to bed in the 75th minute as Ebby Nelson-Addy found himself free on a rebound from a Chekaine Steele header. He volleyed in to the roof of the net from only a yard out".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Harrogate suffered a fourth straight league defeat as Darlington strolled to a 4-1 victory at the CNG Stadium... The afternoon got worse for Simon Weaver’s men as skipper Danny Ellis was shown a straight red card for a foul as the last man...

Kidderminster Harriers are third after a 1-0 win at Edgeley Park against mid-table Stockport County... Chorley are fourth but will be hugely disappointed not to have won at the Impact Arena against Alfreton Town after leading 2-0 at half-time and facing a Reds` side who had only ten-men for 58 minutes!

Fifth-placed FC Halifax Town’s seven-game winning run came to an end at The Shay against surprise side Brackley Town, who are now seventh. The Saints produced a stirring second half comeback to win 3-1 and retain their own unbeaten record on their travels...

` Sixth-placed Gloucester City continued their good record against FC United of Manchester with a comfortable 4-1 victory at Broadhurst Park. It didn`t look good for the Tigers though when Jason Gilchrist headed past Jasbir Singh with less than 60 seconds gone on the clock...

FC United`s neighbours Salford City returned to winning ways after a seven-game win-less run after beating AFC Telford United 2-0 at the New Buck's Heade...

Curzon Ashton failed to build on their midweek draw against high-flying Chorley after they were beaten 2-1 by Gainsborough Trinity at the Tameside Stadium...

Nuneaton Town battled back from two goals down as a last-minute goal from Jordan Nicholson rescued them a point at home to Boston United...

The battle between the teams starting the day in bottom and second-bottom spot saw Stalybridge Celtic earn three crucial points at the Horsfall Stadium against Bradford Park Avenue to move above Altrincham into third-bottom".

RESULTS AND GATES

SATURDAY LEAGUE FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde v Stalybridge Celtic
• AFC Telford Utd v Boston United
• Chorley v Nuneaton Town
• FC United Of Manchester v Bradford Park Avenue
• Salford City v Harrogate Town
• Tamworth v Darlington 1883

FA CUP FIXTURES

Saturday, 5 November:

• Dagenham & Redbridge v FC Halifax Town
• Gillingham v Brackley Town
• Lincoln City v Altrincham
• Stockport County v Woking
• Westfields v Curzon Ashton

Sunday, 6 November:

• Alfreton Town v Newport County AFC - BBC Highlights
• Blackpool v Kidderminster Harriers - BBC Live single camera footage

FA CUP OPPONENTS

Ryan Astles [gave] Chester the lead. City looked for a quick response... The pressure eventually paid off in the 41st minute when a deep Sam Habergham corner was met at the far post by MATT RHEAD who deservedly headed City level...

Habergham was harshly adjudged to have pushed his man in the box. Referee Anthony Backhouse, although slightly unsighted, pointed to the spot. Skipper Tom Shaw duly sent Farman the wrong way to put his side back in front.

The heads didn't drop though and with almost the last touch of the half, an Arnold corner was headed across the box by Rhead and there to nod home was SEAN RAGGETT to level matters for a second time...

Less than three minutes into the second period a clever free-kick saw Arnold curl the ball in and when the ball fell loose there was MATT RHEAD to net with a neat finish from just inside the box... An excellent one-two between JACK MULDOON and Rhead saw the former fire home superbly...

Rhead was involved again as a sublime touch saw him release HARRY ANDERSON who slotted past the advancing Lynch to make it 5-2. Terry Hawkridge replaced Rhead a couple of minutes later; the City number nine receiving a standing ovation from the Impsfans and even some locals applauded him off the pitch following his superb effort...

LINCOLN CITY: 1 Paul FARMAN, 2 Bradley WOOD, 3 Sam HABERGHAM, 5 Luke WATERFALL, 8 Alan POWER, 9 Matt RHEAD, 12 Harry ANDERSON, 25 Sean RAGGETT, 28 Nathan ARNOLD, 30 Alex WOODYARD, 31 Theo ROBINSON. Subs 4 Elliott WHITEHOUSE, 7 Jack MULDOON, 11 Terry HAWKRIDGE, 14 Taylor MILES, 27 Jamie McCOMBE".

OLD BOYS

In the FA Trophy on Saturday, the score was Warrington Town 0-2 Nantwich Town.

The game featured several ex-Alty players. For Warrington Town, Steven Gillespie was a second-half substitute, Danny Hattersley played thefull match as did ex-Alty reserve Scott Metcalfe.

For Nantwich Town, Dave Parton was in goal and former youth player Osebi Abadaki was subbed in the second half by debutant Joe Mwasile.

WORCESTER AT FULL STRENGTH FOR ALTY VISIT

Before Saturday's game, Worcester City confirm that "Former City defender, Wayne Thomas has joined Altrincham on a month's loan and will go in to the squad ahead of tomorrow's game. The City squad is at full strength and all will be available for selection and looking to bounce back following last week's defeat away to Darlington.

Last 5 Games: City: L-W-D-L-L, Altrincham: L-L-W-L-L"

Admission prices are...

• Adults: £13
• Concession: £9 - (Over 60 & Unemployed - with current ID)
• Young Adult: £6 - (16 years to under 21 - with current ID)
• Junior: £3 - (Under 16's)

Don't forget that Worcester now play at The Victoria Ground, Birmingham Road, BROMSGROVE, Worcestershire B61 0DR

The Worcester News adds that "City boss Carl Heeley is demanding a 'reaction' from his players in tomorrow’s battle against struggling Altrincham... City’s defensive frailties against balls whipped into the box were exposed in last Saturday’s 5-1 drubbing at high-flying Darlington...

Heeley believes Altrincham will provide a 'tough test' for City... 'It’s going to be a tough test for us, make no bones about it', said Heeley... 'It’s tough when you are down towards the bottom of the league and Altrincham will be scrapping for their lives. Equally, it’s an important game for us because we are desperate to pick up points and get back to what we were doing prior to the Darlington game'...

According to Heeley, City have no new injuries to worry about and centre-half Tom Sharpe should be available after missing last Saturday due to 'personal reasons'...

Heeley said, 'Altrincham came down from the National League last season and it’s a bit of a surprise to see where they are in the table at the moment. At the beginning of the season, and with the players they had, I thought they would be a top-10 side. They still have a number of players who were with them when they came up from the North the previous time, so it is a surprise to see where they are. But Jimmy [Harvey] is a vastly experienced manager and there’s probably no one more experienced than him in this league. He was appointed in September and will be aspiring to improve their results'".

The News also reports that "New father Tyler Weir will have a break from changing nappies when he takes the field for Worcester City... against struggling Altrincham. The 25-year-old was on tenterhooks in City’s 5-1 battering at high-flying Darlington last weekend with a car on standby to ferry him back to Herefordshire if his partner went into labour... The former Hereford United and Gloucester City defender became a father for the first time on Monday night.

'When you have your first child, it’s an anxious time', said City boss Heeley, a married father with three daughters... 'Hopefully he will be able to relax now safe in the knowledge his baby has arrived safe and well'...

Heeley admitted he was frustrated with his side’s defending in their heavy defeat at promotion-chasing Darlington. 'It was a strange game for us because we competed quite well in open play and had chances in the game,' he said. 'We were not caused many problems in open play but Darlington were very effective from set-pieces and we did not defend them at all well. We did not deal at all well with corners or the second-phase play and they took advantage and showed how effective they are in that area. We kept two clean sheets prior to the Darlington game and that’s the erratic nature of us'...

According to Heeley... there are no plans to bring in fresh faces before tomorrow’s match at the Victoria Ground... Worcester trio Connor Gater, Joe Bates and Nathan Olukanmi remain on loan at Stourbridge, Tividale and Leamington respectively. Heeley believes third-choice keeper Nathan Draper could benefit from a spell away from the club too".

NEW LOAN SIGNING

His professional career started at Torquay United (1995-2000), where he made more than 100 first-team appearances. Almost 200 outings with Stoke City followed, before 50 games for Burnley in 2005-07.

2007–2010 was spent with Southampton who paid £1.2 million for his services. This was followed by a spell at Doncaster Rovers. After a spell playing abroad (Greece) he briefly joined Luton Town in 2013 before he experienced a loan spell at Rochdale. 2013–2014 saw him at Tamworth and 2014–2016 at Worcester City (where he even kept goal once) before he moved to the Harriers in 2016.

WORCESTER CITY v ALTRINCHAM: LIVE COVERAGE

Brian Flynn announces that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full, live commentary of Saturday's game.

The commentators are Laurence Howarth and Ian Wilkinson and the match summariser is John Edwards.

Coverage starts at 2.55pm with the game kicking off at 3.00pm. You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com.

Mike Garnett's records summarise previous results between our clubs:

• Home: P11-W8-D1-L2-F27-A13
• Away: P12-W4-D3-L5-F15-A15
• All: P23-W12-D4-L7-F42-A28

SUPPORT ALTY IN THE CUP!

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Twenty-four-year-old midfielder Chris Atkinson has signed on at Moor Lane and is available for selection for tomorrow's trip to AFC Telford United. Atkinson started out with Huddersfield Town and had loan spells with Darlington, Chesterfield, Tranmere Rovers and Bradford City. A move to Crewe Alexandra followed in July 2014 and since then there has been another loan spell, with Crawley Town.

[As previously reported] Jack Deaman is the other new signing, initially on a month's loan from league rivals Gloucester City...

Leaving the club this week is defender Harry Worley, who signed earlier in the season. Unfortunately, the latest in a string of injuries has led to Worley contemplating his retirement from the game after just a handful of appearances for the Ammies.

Also departing is experienced midfielder Richie Wellens, who [has] played nine games for the club since signing earlier this season, scoring one goal.

Striker Josh Hine has also left Moor Lane, but only temporarily as the former Chorley and Clitheroe man begins a one-month loan spell with league rivals Stalybridge Celtic."

Over in Tameside, "Steve Halford and Paul Phillips, joint-managers of Stalybridge Celtic, have snapped up another familiar face in winger Adam Morning. Twenty-nine-year-old Morning moves to Bower Fold from Colne FC. He had only recently made the switch to the Lancastrian outfit from Ashton United, for whom he had been signed by Halford and Phillips in the summer of 2015.

The much-travelled Morning started out with Manchester City before moving to Mossley AFC where he made more than 100 appearances spread over two spells. He then turned out for a number of non-League sides, including Salford City... as well as Bradford Park Avenue, Witton Albion, Woodley Sports, Northwich Victoria, FC Halifax Town, Ramsbottom United and New Mills. A mercurial match-winner, he started the 2014/15 season with Droylsden before making the move back to Salford in January 2015. "

BT SPORT COVERAGE

• Saturday Dec 17th: Macclesfield Town v Bromley (12.15pm ko)
• Monday Dec 26th: Aldershot Town v Woking (12.15pm)
• Tuesday Dec 27th: Eastleigh v Boreham Wood (7.45pm ko) – moved from Dec 26th
• Sunday Jan 1st: Maidstone United v Dover Athletic (6pm ko).
• Monday Jan 2nd: Dagenham & Redbridge v Braintree Town (7.45pm ko) - moved from Jan 1st
• Friday January 20th: Lincoln City v Dover Athletic (7.45pm ko - from 21st January)

NEXT OPPONENTS: WORCESTER CITY

The Blue and Whites put four past 21st-placed Stalybridge Celtic in their last home clash and Heeley will be hoping for more of the same when the 20th-placed Robins come to town...

Heeley’s men will go into the game needing a boost after a 5-1 reverse at high-flying Darlington last Saturday. But the City boss believes his side have exhibited more confidence at their adopted Bromsgrove home when they have hit the back of the net.

'Confidence has come from scoring goals, especially against Stalybridge, when they start moving the ball as they did they have shown they are a very good side', he said. 'If we can keep scoring goals, like we have done all season, then we can climb the table. If we took all the sloppy mistakes we have made this season out we’d probably be in the play-off positions so it is frustrating but were we in are in mid-table.'

City had an afternoon to forget in Bishop Auckland against Darlington as they fell to their heaviest defeat of the season. The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute when defender Gary Brown rose highest from a corner and Mark Beck repeated the trick seven minutes later...

Just before the break, Beck once again got his head to the ball, powering it past City keeper Ryan Boot to make it 3-0 at half time... Darlington won a corner and Beck smashed home to complete his hat-trick on 47 minutes... Substitute David Syers completed the rout before City managed to grab a consolation through Ebby Nelson-Addy".

The News selected Oji as "the pick of his team’s defenders for the second week running, clearing the danger when possible and remaining composed".

It adds that "Despite seeing his team’s recent good league form end emphatically at Darlington, Worcester City boss Carl Heeley was in pragmatic mood at full-time...

'We’ve come up against a good side, we can’t do anything about that, so we move on to the next game,' said Heeley, whose team had lost only one of their previous seven league fixtures. 'It doesn’t matter whether we’re playing against a team at the top or the bottom, we try to win the game. The next opportunity will be next weekend, it won’t be easy. We’ll be against another side desperate for points... Darlington have got some big lads who are brave and go to head the ball,' added Heeley.

'The quality is decent from set-pieces but we gave away a number of cheap free-kicks and corners and ultimately they punished us. It’s going to be tough for every team who come here, they’re going to find it incredibly difficult... It will take a good side to finish above Darlington'.

Heeley withdrew veteran striker Lee Hughes on the hour, replacing him with midfielder Danny Jackman, and the manager explained... 'I took one of the forwards off as it was a case of damage limitation but we started to get more ball in the middle of the park and got ourselves a consolation goal. But we were well beaten, no complaints'...

Heeley explained defender Tom Sharpe did not travel to the north-east, adding, 'He’s not available. We hope to get him back shortly'".

FA CUP OPPONENTS: LINCOLN CITY

Cowley is confident he will play again... 'Back in the day, if you had this type of injury, it would be over for you. Now, with modern technology and surgery, you'll not only able to get back, but get back in super-fast time'".

LAST OPPONENTS' VERDICT

The hosts had taken the lead into half time thanks to a stunning goal from James Lawrie before Avenue blew them away in the second period, Sean Miller testing the nerves as he pulled one back with five minutes to play...

Former Bradford man Sam Patterson was allowed to race forward through the centre of the pitch, and he slipped the ball to Lawrie who beautifully curled the ball first time, finding the corner from 20 yards...

Bower’s side were playing some good stuff... After half time Avenue came out with even more attacking impetus and drew level six minutes into the second period courtesy of a neat set-piece. Wroe and Boshell stood over a free kick just outside the box, and as Boshell ran over the ball, Wroe squared across to McKenna who took a touch and curled a wonderful strike into the top corner from 20 yards...

Bradford were well on top and Sinclair had yet another opening as he raced through on goal once more, this time rounding Deasy before lashing the ball over the bar under pressure from John Cyrus.

However two minutes later the former Altrincham striker finally put Avenue in front. He got the wrong side of Cyrus before cutting inside, working some space with a touch round Alan Goodall before wrong-footing Deasy with a neat finish at the near post...

But with 15 minutes to play, Avenue all-but sealed the game with a third goal on the end of a fabulous move... Tthe incoming Wroe confidently side-footed home with his left foot...

Out of nowhere, Altrincham pulled a goal back with six minutes to play, Miller picking up the ball outside the box and hitting a wonderful effort over Worsnop from 25 yards".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

He has not been a regular for City in recent weeks and the move to Salford could be made permanent if he impresses during the initial one-month loan deal... With their vast resources, Gloucester were unable to stand in Deaman's way...

Gloucester boss Tim Harris said, 'Jack is a very talented footballer and is a good acquisition, he still has to develop as a player. He has recently been out of the side, an opportunity to go out and gets some games at Salford has presented itself... As a club we have little resources compared to the level we are competing at and, whilst at times like this it's frustrating, if it's right for all parties then we move on'"

The Boston Standard states that "There may be a great divide at Boston United, but Dennis Greene is staying on whether you like it or not... The Pilgrims boss left the Jakemans' Stadium on a cliffhanger following Saturday’s heavy loss to FC Halifax Town, shaking a few hands and telling us it would be ‘doubtful’ he would manage the club again... It was time for someone else to have a go. Fed up of the abuse.

But by Monday, following talks with chairman David Newton, things had gone full circle. It was Greene for stay... He is a character who can live very much in the moment, as many of his in-game substitutions have proven, and lives and dies by decisions he makes on the spot. Often a gambler, a risk-taker...

When you conduct your on-field business like this, the highs are higher and the lows are lower... So while I believe that Greene meant the words which came out of his mouth after that defeat, there was always a possibility that, if the chairman so wished, the position could change...

It’s a strange situation at the Jakemans Stadium right now. Yes, the manager is getting stick from sections of his own fans... Greene... often doesn’t shy away from giving some back, on the pitch and online, which rarely helps such situations but raises questions about how passive people in sport should be when facing criticism. But this week he has also received a large amount of support from fans keen for him to stay".

From the Midlands we learn from the Tamworth Herald that "Tamworth FC have been rocked by a defensive injury crisis... Skipper Paul Green could miss six to eight weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage during training. And Stephen Tomassen (concussion) and Louis Ezewele (hamstring) both had to be replaced as the Lambs were beaten 1-0 at Halesowen in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

It means manager Andy Morrell has a selection headache... 'It's not ideal with the injuries', he said. 'We have lost Greeny for a while... We then lost Louis and Tommo on Tuesday night... We ended Salford's unbeaten home record so there's no reason why we can't end Fylde's record'...

Morrell is well aware of main dangerman Danny Rowe, who has 20 goals to his name already this season... Morrell added... 'To get to 20 goals before November is ridiculous.... He has a really good touch and a shot like a rocket'...

Meanwhile, Morrell has recalled Lee Smith from his loan spell at Sutton Coldfield Town.... 'He is comfortable at that level but we want him to come back here and push himself to make an impact at our level... We want him to be dominant and organised in there, in the middle of the park. As I have said before, it's about belief with Lee and I believe he can make an impact here'".

Elsewhere, Curzon Ashton "are delighted to announce the signing of striker Adam Morgan. Morgan, 22, is a former England youth international who came through the ranks at Liverpool, where he made two competitive starts...

This year, he has briefly played for Hemel Hempstead Town and Colwyn Bay in a bid to maintain his fitness while looking for a new club".

"DEFENSIVELY, WE WERE SHOCKING" SAYS JIM

Right, we see Sean Miller shooting at goal in an image from MIke Ripley of Michael Ripley Photography

Brian Flynn conducted a post-match interview with Jim Harvey after the defeat by Bradford Park Avenue. Amongst the Alty boss's comments on the game were "Defensively we were shocking... As a team we don't read the game... Players were looking to blame everyone else, which is a sign of a team that's struggling". Jim added "I'll have to look into the loan market... we are fire-fighting now". The full interview is here.

TASC SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL TO NEXT TWO GAMES

This season Worcester City are playing at Bromsgrove Sporting's ground and not, as in recent years, at Kidderminster.

COMEDY NIGHT AT ALTY

FOUR MORE GREAT EVENTS AT THE CSH!

• SATURDAY 29th OCTOBER 4.00-6.00pm (4-7yo), 6.00-8.00pm (7-11yo): 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.

DISABILITY FOOTBALL COURSE

A new disability football course has begun (on Wednesdays) at Altrincham FC (see above image).

• This is a six-week course, whose dates are: 26/10, 2/11, 9/11, 23/11, 30/11, 7/12
• Players need to attend ALL six dates to qualify for the course. (This is part of our grant requirements)
• The course is free, but places MUST be booked in advance by e-mail. The eligible age range is 17-25 (approx.), which is a part of the grant requirements.
• The course takes place indoor at the Altrincham FC Community Sports Hall, J Davidson Stadium , Moss Lane, Altrincham WA15 8AP.

ALTRINCHAM 2 BRADFORD P.A. 3

Playing against bottom club, winless Bradford Park Avenue, Altrincham got off to a good start as James Lawrie's fine goal put them ahead in only the eighth minute...

Match report here

TUESDAY GAMES

• Altrincham 2-3 Bradford Park Avenue (att 756)
• FC Halifax Town 3-1 FC United Of Manchester (1,938)
• Harrogate Town 0-2 Kidderminster Harriers (728)

LADIES' NEXT MATCH

BUCKET COLLECTION

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEGAUE NORTH NEWS

Truelove played for Curzon on loan from Oldham Athletic during last season. He returns to the Nash to provide cover for the weeks ahead, with crucial league and cup ties taking place. He returned to the side in Monday's draw with Chorley."

"PERFECT TIME TO MEET FELLOW STRUGGLERS" SAYS BOWER

'The lads are desperate to get that first win', Bower said. 'We played well enough on Saturday to take three points, and now it’s the perfect time for these two games to come around. We go into the two games against the other teams in the bottom three with as big an incentive as there could possibly be to break the duck. I think as soon as we get that one win, the next one will follow. Just like if we’d got the equaliser at Gloucester, we’d have gone on and won the game.

'It’s becoming a long, long time now and we’ve just got to get that first win no matter how it comes about. If we play like we did on Saturday, then something will go for us and we’ll get that win.'

Since taking charge of the club, Bower has taken just one point from four games...

'These games are massive, there’s no question,' the 39-year-old stated. 'If we lose these two games then that gap to safety will just grow and grow. But a win at Altrincham will get us off the bottom, follow that up with a win on Saturday and, who knows, we could be within touching distance of those outside the bottom three. From what I’ve seen of the lads, they are capable of it, and it would be nice if we can give the fans something to cheer about'...

Avenue go into Tuesday’s match off the back of an extremely unfortunate defeat at Gloucester on Saturday. After a delayed four-and-a-half hour journey down south, Bradford put in a dominant performance and saw a Shane Killock header disallowed, slipping to an 11th defeat of the season.

'We deserved something from the game,' Bower said... 'After the first 20 minutes, where the late arrival probably affected us and we were still getting to grips with their formation, we were the better team... There were plenty of positives from Gloucester to take forward'...

Jon Worsnop became the fifth new addition since Bower took charge, making his third Avenue debut on Saturday, and the new boss isn’t done there... The Avenue manager explained, 'A few lads have gone out which has freed up a little bit of space, but we’ve got to get the right ones in... There’s not a lot of players out there waiting for us to take. We’ve been working for a couple of weeks on one or two in particular so, maybe, something will happen this week, maybe not'".

FA CUP COMES TO ALTRINCHAM

The award includes the following:-

• 2 Tickets for the Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday May 27th 2017.
• 5 Nike training balls.
• 4 crates of Budweiser
• £500 paid Social Media support.
• Award for 'Club Of The Round for The Emirates FA Cup 16/17 Fourth Round Qualifying'.
• Visit of the Emirates FA Cup.

The Emirates FA Cup will be at The J.Davidson Stadium for Tuesday night's game against Bradford Park Avenue and the presentation of the Club Of The Round for The Emirates FA Cup 16/17 Fourth Round Qualifying, will take place on the pitch before the game.

There will be an opportunity for fans to have a picture taken with the Emirates FA Cup, in the Community Sports Hall, pre-match between 6.30-7.15pm and again during the half-time interval".

BRADFORD PARK AVENUE: BEFORE THE GAME WITH ALTY

Gloucester City's young squad showed their resiliency [sic] and experience as they ground out a hard fought victory against a Bradford Park Avenue side that went back to Yorkshire knowing they should have taken something from the game.

The Tigers were off to a flying start as they took the lead... Adam Nowakowski curled a 25 yard effort into the hands of Jasbir Singh, as Bradford came back into the game.

[Ex-Alty striker] Emile Sinclair was causing a few problems for the Tigers defence as he turned and shot on the edge of the box but Singh held the ball well.

City got away with one with the help of the assistant referee as Shane Killock's header was ruled out for offside somewhat controversially, as it looked like the Avenue defender was onside... Sinclair snatched at a chance as he picked up the loose ball in the City penalty area, as he fired straight at Singh who saved with his legs...

City were getting away with it as they soaked up the pressure. Luke Dean fired straight down the throat of Singh, anywhere else and it would have gone in...

Bradford PA: Worsnop, Toulson (capt), Hill, Nowakowski, Killock, Knowles, Wroe, D. Boshell (Dean 57'), Sinclair (Ryan 72'), Sharp (McKenna 46'), N. Boshell Subs: Kearns, Spires"

As well as Sinclair, there are of course two other ex-Alty men in the BPA team, midfielder Danny Boshell and defender Ryan Toulson.

EXTRA TRAINING

'The boys need to prove themselves,' said Harvey, who admits he is still getting the measure of the squad he inherited from Neil Young. Asked which areas of the squad need improvement, Harvey simply replied, 'All areas'”.

ALTY TV: TELFORD GAME

The Shropshire Star adds that "The Bucks picked up their first away win of the National League North season on Saturday, winning 2-0 at Altrincham thanks to goals from Connor McCarthy and Bradley Reid.

After back-to-back wins, Smith’s charges have moved up seven places to 12th in the league table.

Meanwhile, the Telford United Supporters Trust are set to hold a special general meeting, where it will be proposed the Trust sells its 1,000 shares back to the football club to make way for new investment. On the future of the club, Smith said, 'I have been saying to players that I think there are good things around the corner for the club, I really do. I am not just saying that. I believe it. We have got to start producing on the pitch, and that’s what we have done.'

'We have got a small squad but we are very together at the moment, and I really fancied us to get the win. I fancied us on the way up and, all over the park, they delivered'".

YOUTH CUP REPORT

Above: Alty line up before kick-off.

A report on Sunday evening's game between Altrincham and Tranmere Rovers in the FA Youth Cup is here.

Tranmere Rovers report that "Tom Croughan scored five goals as Tranmere U18s claimed a comprehensive 7-1 win at Altrincham in the FA Youth Cup on Sunday night... Andy Parkinson's side will now play at home to Doncaster Rovers in the first round, details of which will follow next week".

LADIES' BOSS'S VIEW

"Sunday's Argyle Sports League Cup First Round tie ended in a 2-4 defeat for the Ladies.

In a game which we started off so well and in which we took the lead through a great finish by Jade Hesketh, we seemed to have 20/30 minutes of 'indecision' and made some mistakes from which Stingers capitalised, so we went in at the interval 1-4 down!

Our second half performance was much better, with crisp, sharper passing and we really took the game to them. An early goal was needed and we got it through another fine strike from Megan Wright to make it 2-4. Game on!

We turned the screw now and we had Stingers rocking although, being a Premier League side, they were still dangerous on the break and they had a couple of chances to increase their lead, (thankfully wasted),

In the closing stages two one-on-ones with the Stingers' keeper were missed and, no matter how much we tried, our opportunity to advance into Round Two was over. I can't fault the girls' attitude and workrate as we took the game to them and nearly pulled it off. A massive thank you also to the sizeable crowd that are turning up to support us each game now. We do really appreciate it. Thank you!

Manager's Player of the Match went to Megan Wright for her non-stop work up front and a great goal.

We go again this coming Sunday with another home game, down at Mersey Valley at 2pm, versus Northwich Vixens. We'd love to see you there".

Pictured, right is Laura Kelly closing down a Stingers defender.

MONDAY SCORE

• Curzon Ashton 1 Chorley 1

IMPS PREPARE FOR ALTY GAME

"Adam Marriott could return to Lincoln City's squad for the FA Cup clash with Altrincham. The striker has been sidelined with an elbow injury picked up in a practice match against Peterborough United and hasn't played since the 2-0 defeat at Dover Athletic a month ago.

It was initially feared Marriott had suffered a break and may need an operation but, after visiting a specialist last week, he has been given the green light to resume training. Manager Danny Cowley is targeting the FA Cup first round clash with Alty on November 5, when an extra two substitutes are permitted, to reintroduce Marriott to the match-day squad...

Said Cowley, 'There's no actual skeletal damage, although there is a bit of soft tissue damage. He's now able to run, twist, turn and do ball work. He can't do any impact stuff at the moment, but he can do everything else. We're hoping that he's around two weeks away [from playing again] and I'd like to have him available for the Altrincham game. It would be great to have him back for that game but we'll have to see.'

In more good news on the injury front, midfielder Taylor Miles has stepped up his training as he recovers from the fractured ankle he suffered on the opening day of the season.

'Taylor has had three days of full training now,' said Cowley... 'The rule of thumb is that if they've been out for a week, they need at least a day's training going into a game. If they've been out for two weeks then they need two days of training, and so forth. needs a few more days' training before he can be considered for a game but he's making good progress'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Greene has been left disillusioned by the Pilgrims' poor start to the season, a mountain of injuries and stinging criticism from a section of supporters, and fears he has taken the club as far as he can.

Following Saturday's defeat, which saw striker Gregg Smith sent off and key midfielder Liam Agnew suffer a suspected broken foot, Greene said it was possible, but unlikely, that Newton will be able to persuade him to stay...

Said Greene, who has guided United to the National League North play-offs in the last two seasons, 'I'll have a word with the chairman, but I think it might be time to move on and let someone else have a go. I've been thinking about it for a little while, I don't think I can take the club any further. We're trying, [but] we haven't got the quality, what can we do?

'It's just really frustrating. I'm not enjoying it. Look at the pitch today, it was poor. We've got Halifax [fans] in our end (the Town End, which traditionally [is] reserved for home supporters unless there is a large away following), when we're supposed to be at home. How can I take this club forward? Everything is going against us and I'm just not enjoying it'".

From NL Pitchero we learn that "Witton Albion have confirmed the loan signing of 24-year-old forward Steven Tames from Stalybridge Celtic. Tames joined Celtic from Warrington Town, signed by former boss Liam Watson, who he had him with him at Southport, having joined from Prescot Cables, where he scored 19 goals in 2012.

He went on to make forty appearances and score four times for Port. In 2013 he joined Vauxhall Motors on loan, eventually making the move permanent in in 2014... He joined Hyde United for the 2014/15 season upon Motors' voluntary resignation from the league. After falling out of favour at Hyde, he joined Warrington, where he made 13 appearances.

He arrives at The NetDec Stadium for a three-month period".

The same source also reports an arrival at the Bower Fold as "Stalybridge Celtic have signed 25-year-old goalkeeper Grant Shenton, who becomes the latest to make the switch from Tameside neighbours Ashton United. Shenton first came to the fore with FC United of Manchester, where he spent four years.

He moved to Ramsbottom United in August 2011 and went on to make in excess of 200 appearances, many of them as skipper... He switched to Ashton United in the summer of 2016 but broke his arm in a pre-season game and missed the start of the campaign as a result."

Also, "Stalybridge Celtic [have] announced the signing of striker Scott Spencer from Stockport County, but he will be most familiar to the Celtic faithful from his time at Hyde United where he scored in his first nine games. Spencer came through the youth ranks at his home-town club of Oldham Athletic... Everton eventually lured him to Goodison in 2006. Although he didn't make it to the first-team for the Toffees, he was sent out on loan in 2008 to first Yeovil and then Macclesfield Town, before signing for Rochdale in 2009 where he made four first-team appearances.

In 2010 he joined Southend United, making seventeen appearances... In 2011 he made the switch to Lincoln City, going on to make nine appearances, but was unable to find a goal, and moved to Hyde in 2011, where he spent three seasons and became a crowd favourite scoring 50 goals... He made 102 appearances, helping Hyde to the title and promotion.

In 2014 he made three loan appearances for FC Halifax Town... before returning to Hyde and finishing their first season in non-League's top flight with 35 goals and the player of the season award. He made a season-long switch to Stockport County in 2014, before returning in 2015 to Hyde... In 2016 he moved back to Stockport from where he joins Celtic.

Spencer is looking forward to the challenge ahead and said, 'I've no illusions about what I've been brought here to do and that's score and make the goals that we need to lift us up the table. There's a great spirit here'...

He got off to a personal good start for his new club, scoring against Alfreton Town on Saturday".

Elsewhere, "FC United of Manchester have taken a punt on signing former Workington AFC striker Gareth Arnison. Workington recently announced that 30-year-old Arnison would not feature in their first-team plans for the foreseeable future. It was a difficult, delicate decision to make but necessary in view of the uncertainty regarding Arnison’s health issues, a type of Crohn`s desease.

Through no fault of his own, the player had been unable to train for much of pre-season, didn’t featured in any of the pre-season games and could give no guarantees when his fitness will attain a level to enable him to resume playing. In three separate spells at the club, Arnison scored 127 goals in 265 (plus 81 as substitute) appearances. In between stints with the Reds, Arnison turned out for Kendal Town and Barrow AFC."

More news from the North West is that "Midfielder Jack Lynch has joined Colne on an initial one-month loan from Chorley. A young player with huge potential, Lynch joined the Magpies in the summer of 2014 following his release from Carlisle United. He was a regular squad member last season... The loan expires on November 19th and Lynch cannot be recalled until this date, but there is the potentially that the spell can be extended beyond the initial 28-days. "

DANNY DEPARTS

Before joining Altrincham, Danny (24) played for FC Halifax Town, though he was previously loaned for two months to Chester FC from November 2015. Danny had joined the Shaymen on loan in September 2014 before signing for them in February 2015. His previous clubs included Southport, who signed him in June 2013 after a loan spell, from Stockport County for an undisclosed fee. He was with The Hatters in 2012-13. He made his Altrincham debut on 13 August 2016 at Harrogate Town.

All at the Club wish him well in his future career.

ALTY BOW OUT OF FA YOUTH CUP

Alty only trailed 0-2 at the interval but with Rovers' striker Tom Croughan finishing the game with five goals Altrincham had no answer to the visitors' pace, strength and movement off the ball.

However, Darius Palmer did score a fine consolation goal for The Robins and the team had done well to get through three previous rounds of the competition with some accomplished football.

Report to follow.

ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH (Red and white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks): 1. Cameron TERRY, 2. Tom KELLY, 3. Sam BOWN, 4. Deklan HILL, 5. Harry SHERIDAN (capt), 6. Peter IACOVOU, 7. Jordan MILNE, 8. Dylan SCANLON, 9. Enis HOLTI, 11, Darius PALMER. Subs: 12. Reiss HUGHES, 14. Jordan HENRY, 15. Andy MATISHI, 16. Aaron CLAYTON, 20. Matthew LOIZOU (gk).

TRANMERE ROVERS (All green): 1. Parick WHARTON, 2. James GALLOWAY, 3. Eddie CLARKE, 4. Callum LACY, 5. James DEVINE, 6. Declan DRYSDALE, 7. Jamie HERON, 8. Ethan DEVINE, 9. Udoyen AKPAN, 10. Tom CROUGHAN (capt), 11. Scott MEDLAN. Subs: 12. Kevin CRINGLE, 14. Jack FLEMING, 15. Joe BRETT, 16. Ben KERR, 17. Nick LONG.

LADIES' CUP LOSS

"NOTHING POSITIVE FROM US" SAYS JIM:
ALTRINCHAM 0 AFC TELFORD UNITED 2

"I didn't expect that today" said Jim Harvey in the above post-match interview with Brian Flynn. "There is nothing positive to talk about. It was very poor".

Four wins in five games, albeit three of them in the FA Cup, had engendered some optimism at the J. Davidson Stadium, but Saturday afternoon was a dose of harsh reality.

Match report here.

Right: Mike Ripley's image shows Andy McWilliams, who made a sound debut for Altrincham on Saturday.

• Team sheet.

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith has praised his charges for a 'perfect performance' at Altrincham....

It was the first time the side has won an away game this season, and they have now moved up to 12th in the table after registering back-to-back victories...

'I thought it was a professional performance, a perfect performance away from home,' said Smith... 'The team is fresh with the youngsters in it, and I think it showed. There is a little bit of nous and there is youngsters with enthusiasm in there as well. I am really pleased for all of the supporters. I has been a tough time, they have turned up in their numbers again and, for once, we have repaid them on the road'".

The Star adds that ""AFC Telford United broke the hoodoo on the road with a 2-0 win against Altrincham... Luca Havern, who missed the FC United of Manchester game last weekend through suspension, returned to the starting line-up against the club where he spent four seasons... The Bucks reverted to a 5-3-2 system. It paid dividends as the Altrincham defence simply could not cope with the pace and power of Connor McCarthy and Bradley Reid up top.

The former opened the scoring inside the 24th minute following an error by Robins captain Alan Goodall, who was then substituted 10 minutes later. Reid, who along with Ben O’Hanlon is on loan from Wolves, hit the woodwork on two occasions before opening his Bucks account with a lovely lob just before the hour mark.

Understandably, with the home side hardly troubling them, Telford took their foot off the gas in the last half-hour... You could certainly argue that it was Telford's best performance of the season".

MATLOCK GAME ON RADIO ROBINS

CALLUM CHARLTON LEAVES

All at Moss Lane wish him well at Brighouse.

AWAY WIN FOR RESERVES

Their next match is at home to league leaders Whaley Bridge, next Saturday.

NEXT OPPONENTS: BRADFORD PARK AVENUE

That was after spells at Chester, Aberystwyth Town, Droylsden, Leigh Genesis, Witton Albion and Ossett Town, Worsnop coming through the ranks at Bradford City and making one League appearance for the Bantams. Since his second spell at Avenue, the goalkeeper, known affectionately by supporters as `Spider` has enjoyed playing slightly higher up in the non-League Pyramid.

He moved to Guiseley AFC from the Horsfall, before a two-year stint at Worksop Town. From there he moved to FC United of Manchester and then to Alfreton Town before joining Chester in 2014. Worsnop has made eighty appearances in the Conference/National League at the Deva Stadium since. He had signed a two-year contract at the start of this season but left by mutual consent in late September, having fallen out of favour following the signing of young stopper Liam Roberts in a loan deal from Walsall.

He has briefly been on the books at Warrington Town since leaving the Blues...

Upon his return to Avenue, Worsnop said, 'It feels great to be back somewhere I previously had a great time and left with great memories having won player of the year. I've known Mark Bower since we played together at Bradford City and I know he is an honest, hard-working manager who will get the club back to where it needs to be. I've had a great few years at Chester and it was a tough decision to leave but I'm looking forward to getting back on the pitch'".

GATES AND SCORES

• Att: 1935. AFC Fylde 2-1 Harrogate Town
• Att: 1074. Altrincham 0-2 AFC Telford Utd
• Att: 1236. Boston United 1-4 FC Halifax Town
• Att: 326. Brackley Town 2-0 Curzon Ashton
• Att: 2464. Chorley 0-1 Stockport County
• Att: 1479. Darlington 1883 5-1 Worcester City
• Att: TBA. Gainsborough Trinity 2-2 Nuneaton Town
• Att: 380. Gloucester City 1-0 Bradford Park Avenue
• Att: 2177. Kidderminster Harriers 0-2 FC United Of Manchester
• Att: TBA Salford City 1-2 Tamworth
• Att: 456. Stalybridge Celtic 2-3 Alfreton Town

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The Coasters pulled back on level terms in the 62nd minute when a tame Sam Finley shot trickled through the arms of Peter Crook and over the line. Four minutes later James Hardy turned the game on its head, springing the offside trap before rounding Crook and sliding into an empty net...

Darlington 1883 are second and it was an afternoon to forget for visiting Worcester City, who fell to their heaviest defeat (5-1) of the season... City managed to grab a consolation through Ebby Nelson-Addy 19 minutes from time.

Third-placed Chorley fell to a 1-0 Victory Park defeat to a Stockport County side who are now ninth and just three points off a top five spot. Top scorer Danny Lloyd bagged the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute to stretch County`s winning run to four matches...

Boston United suffered a miserable afternoon as they went down 4-1 at home to fourth-placed FC Halifax Town. Tom Denton and former loan Pilgrim Alex Simmons both struck braces...

FC United of Manchester caused an upset by winning 2-0 at sixth-placed Kidderminster Harriers. The Reds were second best for the majority of the game... They took a 22nd minute lead courtesy of an own goal and then Luke Ashworth headed the second on 63 minutes.

Gloucester City are now seventh after edging out bottom-markers Bradford Park Avenue at Whaddon Road. It was a hard-fought victory against an improved Avenue side... Ed Williams claimed he got the final touch as the ball flew past Avenue`s new keeper Jon Worsnop.

Brackley Town show no signs of blowing up and are a place below but level on points with Gloucester after winning 2-0 at St James`s Park against lowly Curzon Ashton...

Tamworth moved level on points with tenth-placed Salford City after grabbing a 2-1 win at Moor Lane...

Stalybridge Celtic remain second-bottom after losing a best-of-five-goal game at Bower Fold against Alfreton Town. The visiting Reds led 2-0 at the break... Celtic fought back and levelled through Scott Spencer on 53 minutes and then Aiden Chippendale on 65 minutes. But well-travelled striker Liam Hearn popped up with Alfreton`s winner in stoppage time...

Saturday`s other game between Gainsborough Trinity and Nuneaton Town ended all-square at the Northolme... It ended 2-2".

The Boston Standard says that "Boston United boss Dennis Greene says he is considering quitting the club. Following today’s 4-1 home defeat to FC Halifax United, the manager dropped the bombshell, suggesting he can’t take the club any further.

'It’s my fault because I brought these players into the football club. It’s deflating,' he said... 'I’m seriously thinking about calling it a day. I’ll have a word with the chairman tomorrow but I think it might be time for me to move on and let somebody else have a go.'

Greene, who guided the Pilgrims to the play-offs in the past two seasons, has struggled to find a winning formula this campaign. 'I’ve been thinking about it for a while, I don’t think I can take the club any further,' he added. 'You’re down to 10 men, you’ve got people abusing you, there’s nothing you can do. I’m really frustrated. How do I progress this club forward? I’m just not enjoying it.'

When asked if chairman David Newton can change his mind, Greene concluded, 'I don’t think he can. I doubt I’ll be in the dug-out at Nuneaton next week.'

Meanwhile, it is believed that Boston captain Liam Agnew has broken his foot following a first-half collision with Scott Garner".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde 2-1 Harrogate Town
• Altrincham 0-2 AFC Telford Utd
• Boston United 1-4 FC Halifax Town
• Brackley Town 2-0 Curzon Ashton
• Chorley 0-1 Stockport County
• Darlington 1883 5-1 Worcester City
• Gainsborough Trinity 2-2 Nuneaton Town
• Gloucester City 1-0 Bradford Park Avenue
• Kidderminster Harriers 0-2 FC United Of Manchester
• Salford City 1-2 Tamworth
• Stalybridge Celtic 2-3 Alfreton Town

REPLAY DATE

JIM'S UPDATE

'I was very pleased to make progress in the FA Cup last Saturday, but I’m not kidding myself that everything in the garden is rosy… it clearly isn’t and there is a lot of work to be done and a long way to go between where we are and where we are aiming for...

We have three massive league games, starting with the visit of Telford on Saturday. Danny Hall is available for this game, which means that I will have a full squad to choose from, other than Shaun Densmore. We have signed Andy McWiliams from Bradford Park Avenue during the week, whilst Fabio Bassangue has departed.

Andy did well for me at left-back at Stalybridge and that is a position that we needed to fill, as Josh Doherty has returned to Leyton Orient following a successful one-month loan, during which we won four out of the six games that he was involved in. Josh has done well and looks to have a good career ahead of him.

Telford do not score too many, but are tight defensively and had a very important 1-0 win last Saturday against FC United of Manchester, which has moved them up the table five places, from 19th to 14th. We need to be much quicker out of the blocks than we were against Matlock and if we can achieve that, then there is no reason why we can’t secure all three points against the Shropshire side and Bradford Park Avenue, who are at The J Davidson Stadium on Tuesday evening for a 7.45pm kick off".

WINNERS!

TASC SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL

This season Worcester City are playing at Bromsgrove Sporting's ground and not, as in recent years, at Kidderminster.

As Wikipedia informs us "Bromsgrove Sporting was founded in 2009 as a supporters' consortium, with the plan to buy Bromsgrove Rovers and take them out of administration. When another owner was found for Rovers it was decided to create a new club instead. On 2 June 2010 Sporting were offered the lease of Victoria Ground after they had promised to make the ground available to Bromsgrove Rovers too.[1] In August 2010, Bromsgrove Rovers were expelled from the Southern League and were dissolved".

Altrincham played Bromsgrove Rovers from 1992/93 season to 1996/97 when both our clubs were relegated. In 1993 Bromsgrove had finished second in the Conference so almost becoame a Football League club. Alty played five league matches at Bromsgrove, winning two, losing (heavily) in two and drawing once.

FA YOUTH CUP DRAW

The FA reports that "The draw for the first round of The FA Youth Cup has been made at Wembley Stadium. All First Round ties must be played by Saturday 5 November.

• Altrincham or Tranmere Rovers v Doncaster Rovers

FA CUP CHANGES

BEFORE SATURDAY'S GAME

Jim Harvey... delivered Alty’s first league win of the season a fortnight ago at Stalybridge Celtic. The 2-0 triumph also saw the Robins notch their first clean sheet in the National League North this term – having previously conceded 34 goals in their first 12 games, Alty have one of the leakiest defences in the league...

With the Robins in FA Cup action last weekend, Rob Smith’s men took the chance to put some distance between themselves and their rivals from Greater Manchester. The 1-0 win over FC United saw the Bucks move eight points clear of the Robins, who currently occupy the last relegation place.

Another win this Saturday would give Telford an even bigger cushion and could lift the Bucks as high as 12th in the table. And the game will carry extra significance for Luca Havern. Telford’s skipper spent the last four seasons at Moss Lane where he made 182 appearances for Alty before switching to the New Buck's Head this summer."

More comes from the Shropshire Star which says that "AFC Telford United skipper Luca Havern is aiming for ‘nothing but the three points’ as he heads to former club Altrincham... on the back of a 1-0 win against FC United of Manchester last weekend.

Havern, who missed that game through suspension, spent four years with Alty and enjoyed a promotion to the National League in the 2013/14 season via the play-offs... Havern said, 'It’s always nice to go back to an old club. This time around it’s different going there though, as I am with Telford and the aim is to come away from the game with nothing but the three points. It’s a local one for myself and I still have a few friends down there. But the focus is on going there and picking up another win.'

In the absence of Havern last weekend, the returning Paul McCone played alongside Ben Bailey in central defence and was one of the side’s stand-out performers. Havern will hope to reclaim his place but Bailey, McCone and Dan Preston have all impressed so far this term.

'There is good competition for places and it is healthy competition as well between all four of us, we are all working hard and pushing each other', added Havern. 'It’s very rare to have four centre-halves at one club at this level but we are all eager and ready to be called upon. It was great to see Macca come back in last weekend and play well as everyone knows how hard he has worked... Obviously with what has been happening off the pitch, the lads needed to show how much it meant and they did...

'I am feeling good, we have had some good sessions this week. There is a great togetherness in the squad and the sessions put on for us this week have been first class, so credit to Rob Smith and Larry Chambers for that'".

Meanwhile, "AFC Telford United full-back Darren Campion has joined Sutton Coldfield Town on a short-term loan deal. The Bucks left-back, who turned 28 last week, has been left out of Rob Smith's matchday squad for the last two games. The New Buck's Head chief cited personal reasons as explaining Campion's absence... The Bucks recently secured the short-term services of Wolves prospect Ben O'Hanlon - who has impressed while filling in at left-back".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde v Harrogate Town
• Altrincham v AFC Telford Utd
• Boston United v FC Halifax Town
• Brackley Town v Curzon Ashton
• Chorley v Stockport County
• Darlington 1883 v Worcester City
• Gainsborough Trinity v Nuneaton Town
• Gloucester City v Bradford Park Avenue
• Kidderminster Harriers v FC United Of Manchester
• Salford City v Tamworth
• Stalybridge Celtic v Alfreton Town

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Morgan, who came through the Anfield academy... has won seventeen caps for the England under-17s side and played in the 2011 UEFA Under-17 World Cup in Mexico... He has also won five caps for the England under-19`s, alongside Liverpool club mate Raheem Stirling. Liverpool sent him out on loan to Rotherham, where he later signed, and since then he has had spells with Yeovil Town, St Johnstone... and Accrington Stanley.

In March 2016 he signed for Colwyn Bay"

Elsewhere, "Kennedy Digie and Richard Sho Silva have extended their loan spells with Halesowen Town from Kidderminster Harriers... Both will stay with the Yeltz until 15th November".

Also "Darren Mullings says that he didn’t have to think twice when Tim Harris asked him to re-sign for Gloucester City from Weston-super-Mare. Having started his career at Bristol Rovers, Mullings, now 29, came to the Tigers originally in 2010 and was with them until March 2014, before moving on to Oxford City...

'It was the call from the gaffer that made me come back', Mullings said... Mullings quickly became a fans` favourite during his first spell with the Tigers...

'Gloucester have a great fan base and it’s the thing I’ve missed the most since I left so it will be really good to see everyone again and hopefully I can put in the performances that I showed first time around' he said...

City boss Tim Harris said, 'As we know, Chris Knowles has been injured for a few weeks and he’s at least another six weeks away. With Calvin Dinsley out on loan, and doing very well I might add, and Tom Owen-Evans only with us until January, we’ve got to make sure we don’t leave ourselves short in that department. He’s 29 years old, has bags of experience and he knows the club. When he left in 2014 just after I came back as manager, I didn’t want him to leave but he had a young family and couldn’t turn down the opportunity he got offered'..

During Mullings’ first spell with the Tigers, he became somewhat renowned for his trademark flick-on from corner kicks... 'It is one of my trademarks though, I like to get in front of people at the near post but if it’s a near or back post header whatever it may be, so long as I can help the team out and get on the scoresheet that’ll be brilliant'".

Meanwhile, "King's Lynn Town have announced a three-month loan signing of Sam Warburton from Nuneaton Town... [and] Luke Shorthouse has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Nuneaton Town. The 22-year-old striker joined in the summer after an impressive season with neighbours Nuneaton Griff, scoring 44 goals in just fifty appearances. Boro boss Kevin Wilson said, 'He was a player that I thought would develop and, unfortunately, Luke feels that working full-time and playing part-time is the route for him to go, to provide him with the opportunity to play football on a regular basis'. Shorthouse has subsequently joined Coleshill Town."

NEXT OPPONENTS: AFC TELFORD UNITED

It was huge for them to get that win against FC United of Manchester. The confidence will start flooding back through the players and it was a massive result for Rob Smith and Larry Chambers. The little things, like Connor McCarthy getting his first goal since returning, mount up... I’m sure the result will act as a catalyst for them on the pitch in terms of picking up points. It’s difficult to get a win when you’re struggling, particularly off the pitch, so it’ll do them a world of good...

They moved from 19th to 14th in the National League North with that win, it just shows how compact things are. All you need is a couple of wins on the bounce."

FA YOUTH CUP OPPONENTS: TRANMERE ROVERS

Tranmere Rovers report that they "advanced to the next round of the FA Youth Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win over Durham City in the Second Qualifying Round at Prenton Park.

Ethan Devine opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Udoyen Akpan was fouled by visiting goalkeeper Kieran Stoker. Akpan then took centre stage, bagging a brace to ensure progress in the competition for Andy Parkinson's side...

Tranmere: Wharton; Solomon-Davies (Galloway, 65), J Devine, Drysdale, Clarke; Heron, Lucy, E Devine (Fleming, 85), Medlan; Akpan, Croughan (Brett, 69). Subs not used: Passant, Molyneux".

Also, "Tranmere youth scholar Josh Solomon-Davies made his international debut for St Lucia Under-20 last weekend as they defeated La Clery 4-0. The 16-year-old played in the match which was a warm-up game for St Lucia's Caribbean Football Union finals in Curacao which are to start in the coming week".

FA CUP OPPONENTS: LINCOLN CITY

He has joined for an undisclosed fee on a deal that will run until the end of the 2017/18 season. Worksop-born Whitehouse was captain of the Sheffield United youth team... and made his first-team debut for the Blades on New Year's Day 2013... Having gained experience during loan spells with York City and Alfreton Town, he linked up with Notts County following his release by Sheffield United in the summer of 2014...

He had a brief loan stint at Nuneaton before signing for Halifax at the end of the 2014/15 season. 'The signing of Elliott is fantastic for the club,' said Imps' manager Danny Cowley. 'He is exactly the profile of player that we are looking to bring to the club. He is young, talented and has a burning ambition to improve and be the best he can be. He will bring an energy, combination play and goals to the group. It provides us with flexibility regarding formations as he can play in the middle of midfield, at the top of a midfield or as a second striker. He is a local lad and we were only able to sign him due to his desire to want to come here.

'Nuneaton had substantially bigger offers from other clubs and Elliott could have earned more money elsewhere. However, he was adamant that this is where he wanted to play his football. I think as a club that is something that we should be really proud of'".

FA CUP TELEVISED MATCHES

There will be an FA Cup Football Focus special and Final Score on Sunday with eight games, a highlights programme and the Second Round draw on BBC Two. Eastleigh donated the proceeds from their qualifying round win over North Leigh to their eighth-tier opponents.

BT Sport will broadcast Merstham v Oxford United (Saturday, 12:30 GMT) and Southport v Fleetwood Town (Monday, 19:45 GMT)".

The National League confirms that "The live FA broadcast fee is £67,500 per club. Prize fund payment for the winners is £18,000". So you can lose a televised match and get nearly four times as much as an un-televised winning club!

The National League also says that "Details of the matches selected for highlights, overseas broadcast and live, single-camera footage will be circulated in due course".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

An FA statement said, 'It is alleged that in or around the 70th minute of the fixture, Gloucester City FC failed to ensure that its players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour'. Gloucester lost the game 3-1, which was their first away defeat of the season. Manager Tim Harris said, 'We will wait and see the outcome from the FA in regards to the charge'".

ENGLAND C SQUAD

The full squad: Nick Arnold (Aldershot Town), Luke Coulson (Eastleigh), Joel Dixon (Barrow), Morgan Ferrier (Boreham Wood), Jake Gallagher (Aldershot Town), Sam Habergham (Lincoln City), James Hardy (AFC Fylde), Oliver Hawkins (Dagenham & Redbridge), Ethan Pinnock (Forest Green Rovers), Sean Raggett (Lincoln City), Matthew Robinson (Dagenham & Redbridge), Grant Smith (Boreham Wood), Elliot Whitehouse (Nuneaton Town [now Lincoln City]), Jordan Williams (Barrow), Dan Wishart (Forest Green Rovers), Alex Woodyard (Lincoln City)".

DISABILITY FOOTBALL COURSE

A new disability football course begins next Wednesday at Altrincham FC (see adjacent image).

• This is a six-week course, whose dates are: 26/10, 2/11, 9/11, 23/11, 30/11, 7/12
• Players need to attend ALL six dates to qualify for the course. (This is part of our grant requirements)
• The course is free, but places MUST be booked in advance by e-mail. The eligible age range is 17-25 (approx.), which is a part of the grant requirements.
• The course takes place indoor at the Altrincham FC Community Sports Hall, J Davidson Stadium , Moss Lane, Altrincham WA15 8AP.

VOTE TIM, AND VOTE SAM!

Tim Deasy is a finalist for 'Player of The Year-The National League' with the other finalists being Ben Heneghan (Chester), Danny Livesey (Barrow), George Pilkington (Macclesfield Town) and James Norwood (Tranmere Rovers). Sam Heathcote is a finalist for 'Rising Star of The Year' alongside the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City), Emre Can (Liverpool) & Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).

Voting is open until noon on Friday October 21st. You can vote here.

HOSE GOING TO WIN?

ALTY SIGN LEFT-BACK McWILLIAMS

The Altrincham manager has moved swiftly to fill the gap left by on-loan left-back Josh Doherty's return to his parent club Leyton Orient by snapping up McWilliams in time for Saturday's Vanarama National League North game against AFC Telford United at The J.Davidson Stadium.

McWilliams, who turns 27 on November 5, is available for the visit of Telford and could even face his former club three days later, when Bradford make the trip to The J.Davidson. In an additional boost to Alty's hopes of maintaining their recent revival, he is not Cup-tied and will be available for the FA Cup First Round tie at Lincoln City on his 27th birthday. He was on the bench for the Second Qualifying Round tie with Fylde, but did not appear, as Bradford went out 1-0.

Described as a pacey left-back who can also operate on the left of midfield, McWilliams graduated from York City's youth system and made 26 first-team appearances before going on to play for Guiseley, Stalybridge, Barrow, Harrogate and Bradford. He is well known to Harvey, who is confident he will make a favourable impression and help Alty continue an upturn in fortunes that has included a welcome league win at Stalybridge and three straight Cup victories".

MIKE'S MATLOCK MEMORIES

THE RECORD

• At home: P13 W11 D1 L1 F28 A8
• Away: P12 W4 D2 L6 F19 A25
• All: P25 W15 D3 L7 F47 A33

THE TOWN The River Derwent rises in the Peak District, not far from Glossop, and makes its way southwards via Bamford, Baslow, Matlock and Derby among other places to join the Trent south of the last-named city. The river was an important factor in the development of Matlock’s mills and the spa developed after the discovery of thermal springs at the end of the 17th century. Causeway Lane, home to both the football and cricket clubs, is the lowest point in Matlock, less than 100 metres above sea level, in sharp contrast to Riber Castle and the Heights of Abraham which overlook the town.

THE MEMORIES It is now thirty years (less just short of a month) since the Robins and the Gladiators last met, the occasion being a 1st Round GMAC Challenge Cup-tie on this ground on November 11th 1986. This competition had replaced the Bob Lord Trophy and included not only GM Vauxhall Conference clubs but also members of its ‘feeder leagues’. Matlock gave Alty a real run for their money that evening. Eddie Bishop beat the visitors’ offside trap to open the scoring on the half-hour with a 20-yard lob over keeper Wilson, but our guests equalised within seven minutes as Ron Wetton followed up when Ian Helliwell’s shot was only half saved by Phil Jackson. Bishop’s close-range shot restored the Robins’ lead just before the hour but it was not until Paul Reid scored five minutes from time that the game was made safe for the home side.

Altrincham: Jackson; Farrelly, Densmore, Jones, Cuddy, Gardner, Hamill (sub Ellis, 74), Bishop, Johnson (sub Reid, 63), Anderson, Edwards. Matlock: Wilson; Franklin, Bolton, Bradshaw, Bircumshaw, Dawson, Kersley, Sheppard, Wetton, Helliwell, Travis. Subs (not used): Chambers & Mitchell. Referee: Norman Ellis (Maghull) Attendance: 739

(By the way, the Densmore wearing no. 3 for Alty was Shaun’s Dad, just in case anyone gets any ideas!)

The two clubs have met on four other occasions in knock-out competitions but never before in the FA Cup. The Robins defeated the Gladiators in successive seasons in FA Trophy 3rd Round ties, Mick Moore’s goal being all that separated the sides on February 26th 1977, and a year and a day later Jeff Johnson’s brace secured Alty’s passage following a 1-1 draw at Causeway Lane two days earlier. The Robins’ scorer on that very wet afternoon was Ian Morris, though many who were there held that the winger’s attempted cross found its way into the net somewhat fortuitously! Matlock won an NPL Cup 2nd Round tie in Derbyshire in 1976.

We first met the Gladiators when they joined the Northern Premier League in 1969 as Midland League champions and they were regular (and redoubtable) rivals for the next ten years, the Fenoughty brothers being particularly doughty opponents in a side with a strong Sheffield connection. They won the FA Trophy in 1975 and the NPL Cup three years later, and finished in the top four of the League table three times between 1975-79. The legend that was Jack Swindells ended his time at Alty with a goal in the 2-0 home win on April 26th 1971, and while games on this ground tended to go the way of the home side the margin of victory only twice exceeded two goals. This afternoon’s game will no doubt be just as hard fought as were many of its predecessors – may the better team win!"

PHIL'S LADIES' MATCH REPORT

FA CUP OPPONENTS

Theo Robinson showed why he was playing in the Championship just a couple of years ago by firing Lincoln City into the First [Round] proper of the FA Cup. It is mystery that a player of his ability finds himself playing in a qualifying round of the competition with a National League side. The way he took his goals at Guiseley illustrated why he belongs at a much higher level.

His first goal five minutes before half-time was a wonderful curling shot into the top corner of the net. His second goal, a side-foot finish following Matt Rhead's knockdown looked easy, but only because Robinson made it look so. Many players would have rushed the effort but a composed Robinson stroked it into the corner of the net. It is too early to start talking about a permanent deal for the former Derby County and Huddersfield Town striker...

But, who knows, he could turn out to be the long-term replacement for [ex-Alty loanee] Jonny Margetts. 'He certainly looked like he could be', said Imps' boss Danny Cowley. 'He was excellent. He played with a real energy and purpose. His movement ahead of the ball was excellent and his finishes were of high quality'.

The Imps should have booked their first round date with Altrincham with far more ease than they eventually did. Continuing the theme from the second half of Saturday's first game at Sincil Bank, City dominated for almost an hour and should have been further ahead by the time Adam Boyes pulled [a] goal back for Guiseley. That goal seemed to galvanise the Lions, who despite seeing Connor Brown dismissed for a poor challenge on Sam Habergham, roared back into the contest.

The Imps lost control of the game which swung from end to end in the closing stages...

'Guiseley scored with one of their first efforts and all of a sudden it became as cup tie', added Cowley. 'In the last half-an-hour we could have managed the game better if we're being critical of ourselves. But it's hard to be critical because we put an awful lot of energy into the game. And, for 60 minutes, that was as good as we've played this season'".

Imps: Farman; Beever, Waterfall, Raggett, Habergham; H.Anderson, Wood Waterfall, Hawkridge; Rhead (Muldoon 77), Robinson (Power 80). Subs not used: Fixter, McMenemy, McCombe, L.Anderson, Walker (gk).

The same source reports that "Danny Cowley made one change to the side, with recent signing Robinson replacing Jack Muldoon up front... After 130 minutes of trying, the Imps finally found the net against Guiseley, and the goal was worth the wait. A panicked Guiseley clearance went straight to Robinson, who took aim from around 20 yards and curled a wonderful shot into the top corner of the net...

Out of nowhere, the Lions pulled a goal back just seven minutes later when [ex-Alty man] Clee's errant shot landed at the feet of Adam Boyes, who took a touch before firing under Farman and into the net... The game took another twist midway through the half when Brown was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Habergham. The decision incensed the home fans".

FAC4QR REPLAY

• Gateshead 2-3 Alfreton Town (after extra time)

NEXT OPPONENTS: AFC TELFORD UNITED

Wolves loanee Reid celebrated his 21st birthday by starring in the 1-0 win against FC United of Manchester at New Buck's Head on Saturday... He impressed Bucks fans with his eager running and hold-up play...

He said, 'We could have won by more and I had a few chances to score but it just didn’t quite go for me. I will be working hard and hopefully we can take the result and use it when we go to Altrincham on Saturday'.

Reid was snapped up by Wolves from Wrexham in 2013. He has had two spells back on loan at the Dragons and even had a stint at New Buck's Head last year, albeit brief... and said, '“More under-21 and under-23 players should try out the National League North as every game is life or death; people’s livelihoods are on the line'".

OLD FOES: STEVENAGE

"Where do Altrincham stand in the grand scheme of things?

If we had been one of the leading betting websites for most of our time in the Conference, Alty would, with good reason, be one of our nailed-on picks for the drop. After all, the Greater Manchester side were there waiting for us when we got to the Conference in 1994. And they were there when we finally broke through the glass ceiling and into the League in 2010. But what about in-between? Hmm, not so much. Our record of just 18 meetings in 16 years (all league) goes a long way to putting that all into stark context for you there…

Now, it may seem like we’re being unfair on Altrincham here. And yet, during our time at the top table of non-league kick-the-ball, they were relegated twice and would have been sent down on three(!) other occasions but for the plight of others. In the 2005-6 season, Alty were 14 points adrift at the foot of the table. But they were saved after Canvey resigned and Scabby were booted out. In the 2006-7 season, salvation again after Boston United’s bubble burst. And in the 2007-8 campaign, the demise of Halifax Town came to their rescue.

And it doesn’t bother us, even if the 2006-7 season saw them complete a league double over us. It’s the only two times we were on the wrong side of a result against them. 12 wins and four draws, by the way…

But, we’ll play fair for a moment. Alty did technically earn enough points in the first of those three miraculous escapes. It was just that 18 came off their final tally. They were using a lad who wasn’t technically eligible for ’em, you see. After finally taking the hint, however, Alty stuck around with us for our last two hurrahs in non-league football. But we’re going to keep playing fair because, before relegation in 1997, it wasn’t always the case that our Northern chums found life challenging in the Conference. Far from it, actually.

In 1979, Altrincham were one of the founder members of the Alliance Premier League, later to be the Conference, clearly. That’s why we’re mentioning it. In 1980, Altrincham were the first daddies of the Alliance Premier League. The reward, these days at least, is a place in the Football League. But, back then, the competition was as progressive as, well, it is now. Alty came within one vote of election to the League in 1980. So, winning the title again in 1981 was surely going to clinch it? No. This was the Football League, remember.

In the second vote, an even greater reward for failure in the League as the vote went very, very firmly against Altrincham. And that’s about it. The club has never won the title since, reaching the dizzy heights of third and no higher. In 1997, their unbroken time in the Conference was at an end. It should go some way to explain why, despite our first and last encounters being 16 years apart, they aren’t on the list of Boro’s 10 most played teams".

For the record, whilst Altrincham were enjoying 1979-97 in the top flight of non-League, knocking twelve league teams out of the FA Cup, and visiting Wembley to lift the FA Trophy twice, Stevenage were in the Chiltern Youth League (1976-79), South Combination, United Counties (1980-84) and the Isthmian League (1984-94).

FA CUP REPLAYS - IT'S LINCOLN

Mike Garnett informs us of our only previous meeting with Lincoln City in the FA Cup, on Saturday, November 19th, 1988, also in the First Round Proper, when Altrincham won 3-2 at Moss Lane.

Overall, Mike tells us, the results between the club are:

• Home p. 4 w. 1 d. 2 l. 1 f. 7 a. 7
• Away p. 3 w. 1 d. 1 l. 1 f. 3 a. 7
• Overall p. 7 w. 2 d. 3 l. 2 f. 10 a. 14

Monday 17 October

• Curzon Ashton 2-1 York City

Tuesday 18 October

• Guiseley 1-2 Lincoln City
• Wrexham 2-3 Stamford (a.e.t. 2-2 at full-time)
• Woking 2-1 Torquay United
• Hemel Hempstead Town 0-1 Taunton Town
• Margate 1-3 Harrow Borough

LADIES ARE MADE OF THE WRIGHT STUFF

A 90th minute speculative strike from Altrincham’s Megan Wright made sure there was a share of the spoils when they drew 3-3 against Liverpool Feds at Mersey Valley in the North West Regional Division 1 South.

It was a match of two halves which saw the visitors take the lead on three occasions, only to be cancelled out by the Robins.

Altrincham played 4-5-1 in the first half, which saw them struggle to get a foothold, especially by the high standards they have set themselves this campaign. Liverpool repeatedly played the ball behind the hosts’ back-line which resulted in the opening goal. Captain Bliss Molyneaux was looking to shepherd the ball back to goalkeeper Lizzie Brereton, Levi Walmsley nipped in ahead to poke the ball into the net.

Altrincham’s only chance in the first half saw them score with 26 minutes played. Jade Hesketh slipped a pass to Jess Hartopp on the right who unleashed a trade-mark long range effort that flew into the roof of the goal.

However, the Feds restored their advantage, Carina Mendes received a through-ball and guided her shot into the net.

Brereton pulled off a great save before the interval, however, the Robins levelled for the second occasion on 51 minutes. Kate Bryan collected a Georgia Plant pass, side-stepped her marker and drillrd a low shot just inside the left post.

Liverpool scored for the third time following a corner wasn’t cleared. Jade Moore poked home from close range.

Alty pushed forward for another equaliser. Hartopp had a header cleared off the line, the Feds’ goalkeeper pulled off saves denying Plant and Wright.

On 90 minutes, Altrincham got their deserved equaliser. Plant’s corner was half-cleared, Wright unleashed a long range strike that landed into the roof of the goal and saw them maintain their fourth place in the league.

Player of the Match: Georgia Plant".

Keith adds that, below, we see (left) captain Bliss Molyneaux, leading out the team with mascots Faye (U11s) and Lucy (U8s) from our junior girls' teams and, right, Laura Dodds in typical midfield action.

SHAUN UPDATE

With no definitive indication of a reason why, he has put the "grey matter" of the group to good investigative use. We await their observations, optimistically".

OLD BOY

GUISELEY'S HOPES OF BEATING ALTY DASHED

The Lions' boss, whose side welcome Lincoln City in a fourth-qualifying round replay tonight, admits that the club’s mere presence in the draw all adds to the feel-good factor being generated at Nethermoor.

While a prospective home game in round one on Bonfire Night against National League North strugglers Altrincham, managed by ex-Halifax boss Jim Harvey, is not exactly box office for the Lions, being afforded home comforts does provide incentive and a winnable game, should they progress tonight.

Lockwood’s side earned a second bite of the cherry against the Red Imps following a gutsy display in a 0-0 at Sincil Bank on Saturday to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches with their determination and defiance earning praise from the one-time Doncaster Rovers centre-half...

Lockwood said, 'To be in the draw is nice for the fans. Some of the lads have probably never been on an FA Cup run or been around a team who have been on one. I have told the lads that, if they are, it is great for clubs and individuals. You can get a lot of good times and memories from it. It does not change what we do in the league or anything like that and we prepare the same. But if you get success, it is a great reward for the fans and the club and everyone connected with the club, who put so much effort in...

To be honest, every game, whether a youth-team, under-21 or reserve team game –we want to win them and breed a winning habit. You could see out there on Saturday that the guys really wanted to hold on and come away with a clean sheet and we did do. We are taking steps and that pleases me.'"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

NL Pitchero tells us that "Paul Holleran, manager of Leamington, has revealed he has brought winger Nathan Olukanmi to the Phillips 66 Community Stadium in a short-term loan deal from Worcester City."

FA CUP ROUND ONE DRAW

• Sheffield United v Leyton Orient
• Millwall v Southend United
• Dagenham and Redbridge v FC Halifax Town
• Merstham v Oxford United
• Taunton Town v Barrow
• Southport v Fleetwood Town
• Yeovil Town v Solihull Moors
• Stockport County v Woking
• Dartford v Sutton United
• Walsall v Macclesfield Town
• Port Vale v Stevenage
• Northampton Town v Harrow Borough
• Cambridge United v Dover Athletic
• Westfields v Curzon Ashton
• MK Dons v Spennymoor Town
• Gillingham v Brackley Town
• Alfreton Town v Newport County
• Portsmouth v Wycombe Wanderers
• Maidstone United v Rochdale
• Bury v AFC Wimbledon
• St Albans City v Carlisle United
• Boreham Wood v Notts County
• Mansfield Town v Plymouth Argyle
• Braintree Town v Eastbourne Borough
• Hartlepool United v Stamford
• Bolton Wanderers v Grimsby Town
• Bradford City v Accrington Stanley
• Oldham Athletic v Doncaster Rovers
• Eastleigh v Swindon Town
• Shrewsbury Town v Barnet
• Morecambe v Coventry City
• Crawley Town v Bristol Rovers
• Whitehawk v Stourbridge
• Colchester United v Chesterfield
• Lincoln City v ALTRINCHAM
• Exeter City v Luton Town
• Charlton Athletic v Scunthorpe United
• Cheltenham Town v Crewe Alexandra
• Peterborough United v Chesham United
• Blackpool v Kidderminster Harriers

SECOND £500 MONTHLY DRAW WINNER

Altrincham Football Club's record appearance holder, Stuart Coburn pulled out the winning tickets and October's winners are as follows:-

• 6th place - Number 460-F Norton - Club Polo Shirt
• 5th place -Number 283 - Mrs Ball - Replica Shirt
• 4th place - Number 53 - Ruth Gallagher - Hospitality for two in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge
• 3rd place - Number 315 - E.P. Kelly - £25
• 2nd place - Number 74 - Paul Wild - £75 and ...
• 1st place - Number 196 - David Jones - £500

Congratulations to each of the winners and, especially, to David Jones on being our second winner of the new £500 jackpot!

Get your chance to join the Draw by picking up a leaflet from the Community Sports Hall or downloading a copy from this website; full details of the scheme are here.

You've got to be in it to win it!"

TOM GETS THREE-MATCH BAN

After seeing the fit-again centre-back shown a straight red card for a late, high challenge on Matlock midfielder Michael Williams, manager Jim Harvey said he feared the sanction would be a three-match ban.

He was proved correct today (Monday) when FA disciplinary chiefs confirmed Alty's summer signing from Fylde would miss three games, starting with Saturday's home fixture with AFC Telford United in the Vanarama National League North. Hannigan will also sit out next Tuesday's rearranged home game with Bradford Park Avenue and the following Saturday's trip to Worcester City.

He will at least be available, however, to bolster Harvey's defensive options, as Alty return to Cup action in the first round proper on Saturday, November 5".

THANK YOU!

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The Bucks moved up to 14th in the National League North table with a 1-0 much-needed win against FC United of Manchester at the New Bucks Head on Saturday. Buckets were present at the ground for fans to make cash donations, with the 1,706 on hand doing their part to raise around £2,500. The club needs to raise £25,000 by the end of the month, and the same amount for November.

On the win, Smith said, 'It has been difficult to take the attention away from everything else that has been going on and we tried to put the focus back on the players... I thought there was a bit of that old spirit there... With 1,700 shouting you on like that, it spurs you on even when you are tired. I have got a player out there in Paul McCone who has not played for 18 months and he looked like he had never been out of the side.'

Connor McCarthy struck inside the 66th minute, which was enough to see Telford through to claim the three points.

Smith praised the fans... 'We need the numbers. If we can get a 1,700-strong crowd every week, it’s a different story here at the club,' he said. 'That extra 700 is big money to us and we need the support. In return, we have got to repay the supporters with performances. The more people that come through the gate; the more I can strengthen the squad; the better we get'...

When asked if the club will still be in existence in the months to come, Smith added, 'There is absolutely no doubt about it. You can see the spirit around this place... I am more than confident we will still be here – bigger and stronger'".

The Star also has a video update.

YOUTHS WIN NINE-GOAL THRILLER

Above: The Alty Youth team management watch proceedings on Sunday. Left to right, standing, we see Paul Fay, Adam Nuttall and Graham Houghton peering into the sun at Clay Lane.

In a thrilling nine-goal match at Clay Lane, Altrincham emerged the 5-4 winners against Warrington Town. A match report is here.

The league table is here.

JIM: "IT'S GOING TO TAKE A WHILE TO TURN THIS ROUND"

"Q: It was eventful to say the least, Jim, with Matlock going ahead in the first half, us looking to have it wrapped up at 3-1 but then having to endure a few scares after Tom Hannigan's sending-off. How would you sum it up?

A: We were really poor in the first half. Having shown signs of improvement and getting it together, the first half was really disappointing. In fact, my feeling at half-time was that Damian Reeves's goal had kept us in the competition. That was a big goal for me, because if they had scored a second before we got our first, I think it would have been game over, really. However, we came out in the second half, and for 10 minutes, you could see the potential of the team.

They really got on the front foot, got forward and got after them. We got our noses in front, got control of the game, and that pretty much looked like game over. But then Matlock threw caution to the wind and stepped forward and, all of a sudden, we found ourselves having to defend the lead. We did that, by hook or by crook, and we are into the next round but, again, you could see we are not the best team in the world. We are down near the bottom of the league, and confidence has been poor.

We are trying to put that right. There were signs there that they have the potential to do it, but there were also signs that, jeez, it's not there yet. It's going to take a while to turn this round. But here's what you've got to do. You've got to win your games. So, from that point of view, terrific. It's in the FA Cup, there's extra money, it's three wins on the bounce with only one goal conceded, so, yes, there are signs of improvement. But no one is kidding anyone; there's a long way to go with it.

Left: Sean Miller during the game against Matlock.

Q: It was some goal by Damian, wasn't it?

A: It certainly was. It was a terrific goal, a great goal. At no time did you ever think, 'This is going to end up in the net.' It was out of nothing, but there you are. That is Damian Reeves. From nowhere, he had the control, ability and bang, in it went. A terrific goal, excellent.

Q: No player likes being substituted but Damian seems to dislike it more than most. You had a quiet word in his ear when he came off. What did you say?

A: Well, I don't like to see that show of disappointment. The disappointment is obvious but I don't like that. It's a team game, and it is about the team, and, if you are disappointed, well fine, but I don't particularly like it coming across like that. Get off the field, and if you have got a problem with it, come and see me in my office or whatever. Any playing up to the crowd or showing all this... I don't like it.

Q: So that was the message, presumably?

A: Yeah, yeah. That was it. The point was made, and that's that. It's all fine.

Q: The second half could hardly have started any better, with those two Sean Miller goals, could it?

A: No, the players were excellent, really good. I said to Sean at half-time that I'd had it in mind to bring him off and substitute him for the start of the second half. But, just before half-time, he showed me two runs for the first time in the game, and that earned him a reprieve. I said to him, 'Look, I don't mind if you fail in your endeavours to try and create something. I can live with that. But you are not even trying. I was going to take you off, but you've gone on a couple of runs, so I'll give you that. Maybe you are warming into the game.'

He repaid me with a couple of goals, which is good, but it's still an important point. I don't mind if you fail at what you are trying to do, but you have got to have a go. That's what you are out there for, to have a go at making things happen. He was not doing that but, in the second half, he came out and did have a go and did really well, until suffering a bit of cramp or whatever it was and having to come off. It's nothing serious. He missed a lot of pre-season, apparently, and his fitness levels are perhaps not what they might be, leaving him susceptible to this type of thing.

But he's OK, and he did really well for me, though it was a concern to begin with, because you have got to want to be playing and contributing every minute of every game. Otherwise, your place will be under threat, and Sean's was at half-time. He responded well, with two goals and the Man-of-the-Match award, so hopefully that shows he has taken it on board.

Q: It should have been plain sailing at 3-1 up but there were a few hairy moments late on, weren't there?

A: Oh, it was shocking at times. For instance, I can't defend Tom's challenge for the sending-off. He was late but he has been out six-to-eight weeks now and is a little bit rusty coming back in. The fact is, though, he has made a bad decision. He tried to get across to their player but realised he wasn't going to get there. He has still decided to go for it and, because he's committed himself, he's in no-man's land, and he got suckered and thought, rather than let him past, I'll take him out. That's exactly what happened, and I can't help thinking if Tom had had a few games under his belt, he would have made a better decision.

It is unfortunate but, now, he has to pay the consequences. So that was poor, and it put us under a wee bit of pressure. They got a penalty kick, which fortunately they missed. But, you know, it's the same old thing with us. When you go 3-1 up, it should be game over but, instead ,they throw caution to the wind and come after us, and we have to defend our position.

As a unit, are we all together, and do we know how to play this game out? No, we don't. Sometimes we get stretched, going chasing lost causes. We let them get after us and the whole mentality of the game changes. Do we understand that? No. Do we have a lot to learn? Yes. Is it going to take us time? Yes. There are lots of things to work on but, for now, we have to say it's a great win, we are in the next round, we will look forward to that, and it gives me the chance to work on more things. There is still a lot of work to do.

Q: Three wins out of three has to be good for confidence and morale, presumably?

A: Well, we hadn't won for 12 or 13 games, or whatever it was, so yes, of course, reeling off three straight wins is great, as is only conceding one goal in that time. Eight goals scored in those three games, that is good. It is a big turnaround to how things were. All those little things are helping with confidence, but I'm under no illusions, it's going to be a tough one. The good thing is, there are things there from the game that I can learn from and talk to the boys about.

Q: No complaints, then, about the card for Tom being red, rather than yellow, and do you know how long the ban will be?

A: No, I've no complaints about that, none at all. It will probably be a three-match ban, but we are waiting for confirmation. On the injury front, there are no new concerns. Danny Hall will hopefully start training again this week, so we'll see how he goes from there".

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.

LADIES DRAW

RESERVES' CUP DEFEAT

MATLOCK CUP TIE

From the Derbyshire Times comes news that "Matlock’s FA Cup run ended after a gallant showing at renowned cup fighters Altrincham.

Having gone in front through Niall McManus's first goal of the season, it was all square at the interval as Damian Reeves equalised five minutes later but the game was settled in the opening seven minutes of the second half when a Sean Miller brace gave Alty a degree of breathing space.

Matlock then missed chances to earn a replay, notably failing from the penalty spot for the fourth time this season and Alty were reduced to ten men late on when substitute Tom Hannigan clattered unnecessarily into Michael Williams.

So for Matlock it was a tale of what if... But Matlock can still emerge from the disappointment of defeat with their heads held high, as can their 150 fans who made the trip and gave them tremendous vocal support... But Matlock’s joy lasted only five minutes thanks to a finish and skill of the highest quality from Reeves...

Just two minutes after the restart Matlock found themselves outnumbered as Lawrie broke down the right and picked out Miller who had the easiest of chances to shoot into a vacant net and put the Robins in front...

Alty opened up a two goal lead, Miller having too much time and space centrally as he shot comfortably past Barnes. Matlock had conceded two poor goals. Matlock, to their credit though, would not give up... On 82 minutes came probably their best chance when Moult was lucky to stay on the field as he sent Dinanga sprawling in the box.

Newsham’s penalty though was more akin to rugby league as it cleared the bar by some distance. Two minutes later came Hannigan’s dreadful tackle and deserved red card that left Williams limping with a dead leg to be replaced by Nicky Travis... Had they made the most of their chances and not had a mad seven or so minutes straight after half time, it would probably have been the Gladiators in Monday night’s First Round Proper draw".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

When required by the first-team manager, assistance will also be provided by the chairman and chief executive, especially in relation to certain financial aspects of the playing budget.

A statement from the club reads, 'It is imperative that we support the new first-team manager by taking away the non-playing issues so he can focus on results. It has become abundantly clear that a full-time chief executive is required at York City Football Club and Jackie is keen to implement and conclude the work we began to overhaul the club from top to bottom confirmed in the chairman’s statement in April this year.

The appointment of Jackie McNamara will also allow the chairman, who will still be responsible for Football Club strategy, to focus more of his time to JM Packaging Ltd, which has seen substantial growth over the last six months.. This will enable the chairman to ensure there is financial security and longevity for both JM Packaging and York City Football Club.”

Meanwhile, York have confirmed that McNamara`s former assistant-manager Simon Donnelly has left the club by mutual consent'".

And "York City have announced the appointment of Gary Mills as first-team manager. Mills will take up his role immediately... He will be assisted by youth team manager Steve Torpey. The club received a deluge of applications from candidates at all levels in football who were both available immediately and also currently working as managers.

After careful consideration and upon completion of the interview process with a selection of potential candidates, it was decided that Gary Mills was the person most qualified to take the team forward... Once the terms of his employment had been agreed with the chairman, a meeting was arranged, at short notice, with Jackie McNamara to discuss his assessment of the current playing squad.

Mills is looking forward to returning to York City".

NW NEWS

The appointment of Taylor, who supports non-league Altrincham, was criticised by Keith Hackett, the ex-head of the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd. The decision has also been questioned by Liverpool fans on social media... Mourinho... described Taylor, 37, as 'a very good referee'".

ALTRINCHAM 3 MATLOCK TOWN 1

Above: Sean Miller scores against Matlock. Image courtesy of Mike Ripley of Michael Ripley Photography.

Match report here.

Team sheet here.

BRACKLEY GAME TO BE MOVED

FA CUP 4QR GATES & SCORES

Saturday 15 October.

• 1 Southport 1-0 Chester FC (gate 1,674)
• 2 Alfreton Town 2-2 Gateshead (457)
• 3 North Ferriby United 1-4 Macclesfield Town (395)
• 4 Harrogate Town 0-2 FC Halifax Town (1,791)
• 5 Stockport County 2-0 Bishop Auckland (2,770)
• 6 Barrow 2-1 Tranmere Rovers (2,133)
• 7 Nantwich Town 1-3 Stourbridge
• 8 ALTRINCHAM 3-1 Matlock Town (1,071)
• 9 Lincoln City 0-0 Guiseley (2,629)
• 10 Lincoln United 0-3 Spennymoor Town (578)
• 11 Stamford 1-1 Wrexham (1,264)
• 12 York City 1-1 Curzon Ashton (1,307)
• 13 Welling United 0-1 Whitehawk (515)
• 14 Westfields 2-1 Leiston
• 15 Sutton United 2-1 Forest Green Rovers (751)
• 16 Chesham United 1-0 Potters Bar Town (755)
• 17 Dagenham & Redbridge 3-1 Wealdstone (1,224)
• 18 Torquay United 1-1 Woking (1,348)
• 19 Taunton Town 0-0 Hemel Hempstead Town (1,282)
• 20 Braintree Town 4-2 Bromley
• 21 Beaconsfield SYCOB 0-5 Brackley Town (495)
• 22 Tonbridge Angels 0-3 Dartford (1,391)
• 23 Egham Town 0-1 St Albans City (327)
• 24 Boreham Wood 3-2 Hendon (457)
• 25 Aldershot Town 1-2 Eastbourne Borough (1,443)
• 26 Harrow Borough 2-2 Margate (302)
• 27 Maidstone United 3-1 Billericay Town (1,428)
• 28 Kidderminster Harriers 6-0 Weymouth (1,382)
• 29 Solihull Moors 3-1 Kettering Town (769)
• 30 Burgess Hill Town 0-5 Dover Athletic (629)
• 31 Merstham 2-1 Ebbsfleet United (646)
• 32 Eastleigh 6-0 North Leigh (889)

The BBC reports that "Westfields are the lowest-ranked side remaining in the FA Cup after beating Leiston 2-1 to go into the first-round proper draw for the first time. Labourer Richard Greaves scored the winner against a side that plays two levels higher. Victory ensured they remain the only side in the top nine tiers with a 100% record in league and cup.

Ninth-tier Westfields, formed following England's 1966 World Cup triumph, have won six matches to get to this stage. A winning run as good as that by a Premier League side would be enough to lift the trophy at Wembley. They were one of two clubs in the fourth qualifying round who had started with an extra preliminary tie in the first week of August.

More than two months later the Midlands Football League Premier Division leaders are among 26 non-league sides to go though to the first round proper, while 618 have gone out and six ties from this round have gone to a replay."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The result moves them up to 14th in the National League North table ahead of the trip to Altrincham next weekend.

In terms of off-field matters, the club needs to raise £25,000 by the end of the month, and the same figure by the end of next month. Buckets were dotted around the ground for fans to hand in cash donations, with around £2,500 raised. On the week, and capping it off with a win, Smith said, 'It has been very emotional, what I have seen on social media and what has happened around the club has got to us all really. I said to the players'".

FA CUP 4QR FIXTURES

Saturday 15 October.

• 1 Southport 1-0 Chester
• 2 Alfreton Town 2-2 Gateshead
• 3 North Ferriby United 1-4 Macclesfield Town
• 4 Harrogate Town 0-2 FC Halifax Town
• 5 Stockport County 2-0 Bishop Auckland
• 6 Barrow 2-1 Tranmere Rovers
• 7 Nantwich Town 1-3 Stourbridge
• 8 ALTRINCHAM 3-1 Matlock Town
• 9 Lincoln City 0-0 Guiseley
• 10 Lincoln United 0-3 Spennymoor Town
• 11 Stamford 1-1 Wrexham
• 12 York City 1-1 Curzon Ashton
• 13 Welling United 0-1 Whitehawk
• 14 Westfields 2-1 Leiston
• 15 Sutton United 2-1 Forest Green Rovers
• 16 Chesham United 1-0 Potters Bar Town
• 17 Dagenham & Redbridge 3-1 Wealdstone
• 18 Torquay United 1-1 Woking
• 19 Taunton Town 0-0 Hemel Hempstead Town
• 20 Braintree Town 4-2 Bromley
• 21 Beaconsfield SYCOB 0-5 Brackley Town
• 22 Tonbridge Angels 0-3 Dartford
• 23 Egham Town 0-1 St Albans City
• 24 Boreham Wood 3-2 Hendon
• 25 Aldershot Town 1-2 Eastbourne Borough
• 26 Harrow Borough 2-2 Margate
• 27 Maidstone United 3-1 Billericay Town
• 28 Kidderminster Harriers 6-0 Weymouth
• 29 Solihull Moors 3-1 Kettering Town
• 30 Burgess Hill Town 0-5 Dover Athletic
• 31 Merstham 2-1 Ebbsfleet United
• 32 Eastleigh 6-0 North Leigh

The FA states that "The ball numbers have been confirmed ahead of the draw for the First Round proper of the 2016-17 Emirates FA Cup. The fourth round qualifying takes place this weekend, with the 32 winners being joined by 48 teams from the lower two divisions of the EFL in the hat.

The draw takes place on Monday 17 October at approximately 7.10pm, live on BT Sport and BBC 2. Number 56 is Altrincham".

SATURDAY'S LEAGUE MATCHES

• AFC Fylde 2-1 Nuneaton Town
• AFC Telford Utd 1-0 FC United Of Manchester
• Bradford Park Avenue 0-3 Chorley
• Darlington 1883 5-2 Gainsborough Trinity
• Salford City 3-3 Boston United
• Worcester City 4-0 Stalybridge Celtic

FA CUP PRICES

• Adults: £14
• Concessionaries: £9
• Aged 12-16: £5
• Under 12: £2

REPORT ON SUNDAY'S WIN

ALTY LADIES' PLAYER HONOURED

Laura began studying on Edge Hill’s Dip HE Paramedic Practice course in 2013 and immediately highlighted to her tutors that she struggled in the past with her academic work due to her dyslexia. Despite this, Laura put 100% effort into her work and successfully completed the first semester scoring good grades in each of the assessments.

As the main carer for a relative, Laura dedicates a vast proportion of her time to helping support her family at home, and struggled with balancing her home commitments and study for her examinations. She was determined to persevere with her studies however, and successfully passed the examinations and assessments.

During this period and throughout the course, Laura also helped her peers who were struggling with their own work... Laura also attended external Continual Professional Development days and became a British Heart Foundation Heart start instructor, running sessions teaching lifesaving skills in the local community.

As well as receiving a certificate at an official presentation, Laura’s name will be added to the Roll of Honour on the College of Paramedics records and website, and included in their Annual Report. Laura is now completing a BSc (Hons) Clinical and Professional Paramedic Practice".href="http://www.northwestfootballawards.com/vote/" target="_blank">here.

Once the votes have been counted, a shortlist for each category will be announced & the MBNA Northwest Football Awards Ceremony takes place on Monday, 14th November 2016 at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford.

FUNDRAISING FOR ALTY TV - UPDATE

To make a bid for this event, please email Geoff Morris. Closing dates for bids is midnight on October 16th.

The money raised from the winning bids will be used to purchase equipment for Alty TV, therefore the winners can enjoy their prizes and know that their money is going towards helping Alty TV maintain and improve its exceptionally high service standards".

OLD BOY

Moran, who joins initially on a month-long loan, is a highly-rated teenage defender who was previously playing in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division for Nantwich Town. He is a product of the hugely successful Crewe Alexandra academy set-up".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Having enjoyed their stay at Bower Fold in their first season of Championship rugby league, Oldham were 'delighted' to successfully conclude another agreement with Celtic, said club chairman Chris Hamilton. He added, 'From day one we enjoyed an excellent partnership with our hosts. Celtic are willing and helpful partners and we have worked well together behind the scenes. Within our own club, we've had good feedback from all levels about the excellence of the facilities at Bower Fold and the warmth of Celtic's welcome. The playing surface is top class and to cap it all we enjoyed a very good home record'...

Ian Milligan, Stalybridge Celtic chief executive, commented, 'The arrangement has worked well all round'"...

And on the footballing side, "Striker Liam Dickinson has re-joined Stalybridge Celtic on a month’s loan from rivals Bradford Park Avenue. The front man, who has scored twice so far this campaign, returns to Bower Fold for a second spell at the club, having scored 9 goals in thirty-two games for Celtic in 2014... The 30-year-old was probably involved in the most memorable event of last season, as he started in goal when Avenue travelled to Boston United in April due to the fact no other goalkeepers were available".

INCIDENT AT STALYBRIDGE: PLEASE HELP

Altrincham FC views such behaviour extremely seriously and, to that end, it is appealing to any supporters who may have information regarding the incident to contact the Club as soon as possible. All information will be handled in the strictest confidence. If you can help, please contact the club by e-mail or phone (0161 928-1045)

FA YOUTH CUP

CUP FOES: MATLOCK TOWN

A 3-1 replay win at Workington in the third qualifying round saw them qualify to meet the National League North Robins at Moss Lane and a league visit to the same Borough Park venue just four days later remarkably saw them beat the Reds again by the exact same scoreline. Then on Tuesday, Matlock dominated the home clash with Blyth Spartans to such an extent that if it had been a boxing match, the contest would surely have been stopped. Spartans goalkeeper Adam McHugh denied the hosts time and time again, and also saved a Michael Williams penalty as the North Easterners held on grimly and by the skin of their teeth for an underserved scoreless draw.

'We’re disappointed to be honest not to get the three points against Blyth', said Kirkwood. 'But, on the flip side, our good run continues against a really good side and it shows just how far we’ve come... [Against Workington] Marcus (Dinanga) was superb so it was disappointing he had to miss out against Blyth. He got a brilliant goal and caused them all sorts of problems but everyone played their part in a brilliant team performance, capped by Ted’s (Cribley) unbelievable wonder goal at the end where it seemed as if he beat twelve players if that’s possible'...

We had to make three changes (Alex Pursehouse and Curtis Morrison replacing Jake Green and Marcus Dinanga who were victims of a sickness bug, and Nico de Girolamo replacing Liam Marsden with a tight hamstring)... Kirkwood says the cup game will 'be an unbelievably tough tie', despite Alty’s poor start to the season...

'They’re in the league above but league positions go out of the window in the FA Cup. We’ve not seen them play but we’ve got a good few friends who manage in that league so there’ll be a few phone calls and we’ll find out as much as we can about them. The FA Cup is so special and if we can catch Altrincham on a bad day then who knows? We’re going to go there confident and give it a good go'...

Marsden remains a doubt for the weekend but Dinanga and Green should recover in time as Kirkwood and co-manager Hopkins may have some difficult selection posers ahead of the tie. If the game ends in a draw, the replay will be at Matlock on Wednesday night and not the usual Tuesday as, with Matlock scheduled to be visiting Halesowen in the league, there is a long standing function on in the Social Club...

For Matlock Town’s physio Mark Mullins... 'Confidence is increasing all the time and if we can play as well as we know we can then I rate our chances highly. A lot of our players are playing very well at the moment '"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

'We would like to apologise for the delay in issuing this information. We fully accept that the delay in communications has led to speculation and concern amongst loyal supporters. This delay has not been down to the board being inactive, the Directors are engaged in daily conversation and actions. We met for five and a half hours last night.

Our primary objective has always been to try and deliver the best football club we possibly can and to ensure football remains alive in Telford. Fulfilling this objective has become increasingly difficult over the last 12 months, increasingly more so in the last few months with the loss of key personnel and a reducing number of Directors to share the load.

The club is now in a position where cash flow is extremely difficult. Income has fallen, particularly from gate receipts, and some key costs have risen. An example of this is the safety regime now in place at the Stadium which has added the cost equivalent of 400 full, paying adults for one game, for one test to the barriers. Many other costs are increasing too. Some income streams have remained flat including commercial income. We have tried to provide the upmost support to ensure the team on the field is successful, but there is at least one income stream that was budgeted to support this which has as yet failed to materialise.

For the record, there is no winding up order against the club nor are we aware of one pending. Players and off-field staff were paid on time at end of September. Any other outstanding payroll will be paid over the coming days as usual.

The club does have trade creditors though and we are concerned that club has a reducing ability to pay these unless urgent action is taken. Our projections for October, November, December raise these same concerns. Ideally, we need to raise £25k between now and the end of October, and the same by end of November. The primary way this can be done is obviously by generating as big a crowd as possible for this Saturday’s game.

In the meantime, the Board will continue to action a number of things to help stabilise the club.

We have set the following action plan:

• (a) We urge everyone who cares about the club to come along to the game on Saturday. Every penny through the turnstiles will help the club massively in the short term.
• (b) Alongside this, we will be taking immediate action to continue to restructure the business to relentlessly focus on generating income but also to reduce unnecessary costs. We have always tried to maintain this fundamental discipline, but it has been more and more difficult as the years have progressed. Once we saw patterns in income falling after the first quarter of the financial year, we started to take more stringent action.

  Part of this included looking at team travel. Regarding Saturday a decision was taken with the management team to travel independently as over half of the number of playing personnel due to attend on Saturday were already making their own way to Bradford. Bearing this in mind, the opportunity was taken to save the cost of travelling.

  With the situation we now find ourselves in it is paramount we keep a team on the field but also do whatever is necessary to set in place a plan that attempts to reverse some of the long term patterns. We are adamant that the current management team will remain at the club whilst we do this and then come through the other side in a better position. We hope to release some news on this shortly.

• (c) Today, and perhaps most importantly, we have also urged the Trust Board to put in place a process to enable urgent changes to the ownership model of the club which would allow external investment.

  It would not be right for us to comment at this stage on the limitations of the model that we currently operate which we believe are currently hindering the business. We respect the Trustees; they are, like us, fans who have always tried to do their very best to keep a club going that the fans can be proud of.

  The format that this change takes will of course be subject to debate but we have urged that this happens this week. Delay in allowing the change could prove fatal to the business.

As we explained, we are currently very short on numbers. We therefore need help.

• (a) We need volunteers to assist with promoting Saturday’s game and then beyond that help co-ordinate an effort to generate support for the club and its fundraising activities. Anyone with graphic design skills, good at social media or who would be happy to do some targeted kids' ticket giveaways and all that entails; we would love to hear from you. This list isn’t exclusive and we’d be happy to hear from anyone, not just with ideas but also with time to spare to help.
• (b) We also would like to hear from anyone who feels they have the relevant business skills and can help with a number of tasks that the club need to action including helping promote facilities and generate income for the club in the short term...

Finally, we are determined to fight our way out of this position. We are determined to bring the club together in order to fight our way out this position. We require focus, passion and pride more than ever; we hope that all negative feelings can be put to one side while we focus on this task.

Let’s be clear: The club is not in a terminal state; however, we need to pull together now in order to avoid that possibility becoming a reality. We must come together to keep the dream alive."

Following this, the Shropshire Star tells us that "AFC Telford United have been 'overwhelmed with offers of help and support' since announcing their financial struggles... The club posted on Twitter, 'After yesterday’s statement from the club, the office has been overwhelmed with offers of help and support. We are working through them all...

'We have received donations from our own supporters, and also supporters from other clubs and a former player. Spread the word. Posters are being designed to promote our forthcoming fixtures for you to place in your local shops & pubs'".

And another Midlands club looking for input is Nuneaton Town who have issued a brochure to attract interest.

Meanwhile the National League reports that "Nuneaton Town have moved quickly to announce the arrival of Tommy Wright as player-coach. Shortly after leaving as player-manager of Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division side Corby Town, Wright has joined Boro manager Kevin Wilson in a player-coach role.

The 32-year-old guided Corby to promotion into the National League North in the 2014/15 season. However, last season the club were relegated into the NPL Premier Division".

Harrogate Town report that "We are pleased to confirm the signing of young striker Reece Webb-Foster on loan from Bradford City...

Manager Simon Weaver commented, 'He is a young player with bags of ability and I am excited to see what he will bring to our group. With Dom Knowles and Jordan Robertson still some way from returning to full fitness, it was clear that we needed to address the composition of the squad, especially in such a key area'...

Webb-Foster, originally from Keighley, has made five appearances for The Bantams, including a start in their Checkatrade Trophy win over Stoke Under-23s in August. As well as a brief stint at National League outfit Guiseley earlier this season, the 18-year-old striker spent time on loan at Bradford Park Avenue last term...The loan deal bringing Reece to The CNG Stadium stretches for an initial three months, until 10th December."

The BBC confirms that "Wrexham manager Gary Mills has left the club after 18 months in charge... Wrexham missed out on the play-offs during his first season in charge and are currently 15th, having lost four of their last six games...

The club said in a statement... 'We have not made the progress expected towards that aim, falling short of the play off places last season, and currently out of touch with the table leaders with a third of the season already gone'... Reserve team manager Joey Jones, head of youth Andy Davies and former club captain Dean Keates will be in charge for Saturday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Stamford".

From the Evesham Journal we learn that "A hunt for 'alternative' sites for a new Worcester City FC stadium was dramatically suspended today, with a crunch decision over Perdiswell now looming. After months of private talks with club officials, Worcester City Council says it has halted the search after investigating more than 12 other locations.

The decision came after the club’s directors said they were close to submitting all the paperwork for the council to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a proposed 4,100-capacity ground at Perdiswell Park. A slightly revised plan is due to be handed over this month, triggering a fresh 21-day consultation period before it then goes to the planning committee.

The city’s Labour leadership now says it wants a decision made over Perdiswell one way or the other, suspending any more work on considering other sites. A vote could be on the cards as soon as December, although the administration would only go as far as saying 'in the near future'.

Both the club and politicians have come together five times since the summer and warned there are now only 'a small number' of options on the table if Perdiswell ultimately fails...

Anthony Hampson, the club’s chairman, said...'We’ve taken a detailed second look at sites that had been ruled out before'...

Petitions both for and against the Perdiswell stadium bid have attracted 1,000 names each, with the club's fans increasingly desperate to get the team back home".

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.

COMEDY NIGHT AT ALTY

Friday 18th November is the date for a Comedy and Curry Night in the Community Sports Hall at Altrincham FC. Details are shown, right.

For information about more of the great events in the CSH, see the Events page.

OUR CUP OPPONENTS: MATLOCK TOWN

Mike Garnett reminds us of the historical record of games between Matlock and ALtrincham..

• At home: P13 W11 D1 L1 F28 A8
• Away: P12 W4 D2 L6 F19 A25
• All: P25 W15 D3 L7 F47 A33

Matlock Town tell us that they have joint managers, Craig Hopkins and Glenn Kirkwood.

"Glenn and Craig need no introduction to Matlock followers, both being crowd favourites playing in successful and entertaining Matlock teams of a decade ago. The Chesterfield based duo had their first taste of management by taking charge of Matlock Town’s reserve side and then had a short spell as joint caretaker managers of the first team before Mark Atkins was appointed... in the 2008/09 season.

'Kirky and Hoppo' then had a three and a half years stint at Heanor Town guiding them to promotion to the Northern Counties East League as title winners. Mickleover Sports was their next port of call for another three and a half years. After narrowly avoiding relegation from the Evostik NPL First Division South in 2012/13, Mickleover lost in the play off final at Belper Town in the following season before Mickleover raced to the title twelve months later to earn promotion to the Premier Division.

They resigned shortly after Sports’ successfully battled against relegation".

Their coach is Danny Cox. "Danny has worked with joint managers Kirkwood and Hopkins for the past four years, first with Heanor Town and then again at Mickleover Sports".

A familiar face to Alty fans is Matlock's goalkeeping coach, Adam Sollitt, who faced The Robins several times. "Adam began his playing career in 1995 and had a career that took in teams like Barnsley FC, Gainsborough Trinty, Kettering Town, Northampton Town, Rushden and Diamonds, Scarborough FC, Morecambe FC and Worksop Town before joining the Gladiators in the 2009/2010 season making the number one shirt his own and in his three years and eighty six appearances he became a fan favourite".

Mark Mullins is the club's Sports Therapist. "'Mugger' as he’s known by many at Causeway Lane is a club legend who added his name to Gladiators folklore in his playing days and has gone on to establish his own successful business in the sports therapy field".

"CHANGING FOR THE BETTER" SAYS JIM

Q: Crucial to have got our first league win of the season against opponents who are down there with us, Jim - how would you assess the performance and result?

A: I'm happy enough that, in recent weeks, things have been turning our way and changing for the better. That's two clean sheets on the bounce, our first win in the league this season and first away win for 10 months or so apparently, I've just been informed, so the signs are good. We are not perfect, we are not brilliant, but we are certainly turning the corner.

There were periods in the game when we were very good. We scored two excellent goals, having to go all the way to get them, and I was delighted with that. There is no doubt we are at the wrong end of the league and struggling, but the signs are we are moving in the right direction. The green shoots of recovery are showing.

Q: How concerned were you with the first 15-20 minutes, when they seemed very much in the ascendancy?

A: Well, this is a new team we've got, and we are coming away to opponents who were all fired up, with a lot of new faces in their side and new management as well. It was a big game for them, and their style is very direct. It's just launch it and work. That can be quite awesome, and I was a wee bit concerned early on. I was thinking, 'You've got to waken up to this, boys, and get a bit smarter to it.' But we can learn from that, and it's important we do, because a lot of teams will play like that, and, flippin' 'eck, we have to compete with it and clear our lines when the ball comes flying in at us.

It took about 20 minutes for the game to settle down and for us to get into it, but we then proved we can cope with it. The fact is, though, we have to start the game a bit quicker and a bit brighter.

Q: We eventually started imposing our passing style on the game, but you have to earn the right to play, don't you?

A: Absolutely so. I don't think they (Stalybridge) play an awful lot (of football). It's a direct style they've got. A lot of big boys who will compete for set-pieces and long throws, which is not perhaps our strength. But you have to compete in those situations. We did that and increasingly came out and played our football whenever we could. The goals may have come late, but they were excellent, both well worked. I was delighted for Greg Wilkinson, getting the second.

Again he looks a stand-out player to me, and he has finished this time with an excellent goal. It's a small step, and we've got a long, long way to go in the journey, but it's a start. There is plenty there for me to work on and look to improve, and the longer I can spend with them, the better our understanding of how we are trying to play will become. As that happens, we will become more consistent and better able to deal with situations like the first 20 minutes here today.

Q: I was going to ask you about Greg (right), because everything seems to be going through him at the moment. He has so much to offer, hasn't he?

A: He has. I had him here at Stalybridge and put him in the first team when he was 17 or 18. While I was here, Manchester United enquired about him, because they wanted to have a look at him. That fell through, but all it was doing was recognising that this feller's got talent, which he has, but unfortunately he hasn't played for nearly a year. No one has given him a game. He started a job at a bank but couldn't get a club anywhere. As soon as I got fixed up here at Altrincham, the first thing I did was ring Greg and say, 'Come on, let's get you playing again.' He jumped at the chance and has wasted no time showing what a talent he is.

Q: The thing is, Jim, he'll always be remembered at Alty for his famous play-off winner against Guiseley but, apart from that, we never really saw the sort of stuff he's producing now. So how has that happened?

A: It's down to understanding the player and what he can offer you, if you allow him to come into the framework you have and allow him to do what he is good at. That's when you get the best out of your players. It's what I do generally, and certainly it's what I'm doing now with Greg. Yes, there are deficiencies in his game, but I have covered that with the rest of the team, and I allow him to do what he is very good at. He is very good in possession, driving forward, creating chances for others and creating and taking chances for himself. For us, at this level, he is exceptional.

Q: His goal was something else, wasn't it, because it seemed for all the world he was trying to run the clock down in the corner, before suddenly exploding into life and scoring from a seemingly impossible angle?

A: He scored a goal like that against Stockport for me when he was at Stalybridge, so it wasn't something he hasn't done before. He has an eye for goal, and that was evident more than once today. Earlier in the second half, he bent one just wide of the far post, when just a little bit more curl or starting it a little nearer the post, and it would have been in. He has that ability, and I'm delighted we've got him.

Q: And your thoughts on the opener by Sam Patterson (pictured left)?

A: He likes to get forward, and his energy, work-rate and desire for the game is terrific. It is infectious, and he is not without ability. He is very comfortable in possession, and I'm delighted for him that he got his goal. For him to drive into the box like that and have the confidence to decide not to cross but cut back inside and have a go at goal was brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

It is a pleasure to have Sam at the club, because his work-rate and appetite for the game is excellent. As I say, it's infectious, and it rubs off on the rest of the boys.

Q: How important was the win from a psychological viewpoint, given we've got Bradford Park Avenue and Telford coming up?

A: It's important, vitally important. The win had to come at some point, and it has, otherwise you are waiting and waiting, and that's not good. Recently, I have seen enough evidence in the team that they are capable of playing football and creating chances.

The problem we have had has perhaps been conceding too many goals, but defenders are coming back. When I have a bit more time working with them collectively as a unit, then we sort out the defending and I know then we are good enough to go out and win matches. But to go back to your question, getting that monkey off our backs is going to have a beneficial effect on our mental state. We kept a clean sheet as well, and all those little things build your confidence and belief.

I've no doubt that as the weeks turn into months, we will get better and better and start to climb the table. It couldn't have happened at a better place for me, coming back to Stalybridge, so I'm doubly pleased.

Q: Should we have had a penalty in the first half, when Damian Reeves turned their centre-half just inside the area and was hauled down?

A: Without a doubt we should. Initially, I wasn't sure whether Damian was inside the area or not, but it was without question a foul. I told the referee at half-time that it was all well and good stopping someone stealing a yard at a throw-in, but he's got to get decisions like that right. It was a penalty kick, clear as you like.

Q: Could we have an update on injuries, please?

A: Tim Deasy came through OK. His kicking was absolutely fine, which was good news.

That's just as well, because Andrew Dawber (right) rang up this morning to say he's got some sort of water infection on his kidneys and was heading into hospital for some treatment. We don't know how long he will be out, but those infections can make you feel poorly.

With Tom Hannigan, we thought it was a problem with the same knee ligament but, fortunately, it's not. It was a kick in the same area that has come up in a bruise, so that's OK. He might have been able to play today at a pinch, but we thought it better to save him for the FA Cup next week and be sure he is all right.

Danny Hall's back was out of synch, but it has been knocked back in to how it should be, and he should be available next week. Shaun Densmore is continuing to work at building up the muscles round his injury, so we are getting defenders back, which is good.

Q: Finally, Jim, what did you make of the support from travelling Alty fans today?

A: It was excellent, absolutely excellent. I'm delighted we provided a win for them, and they can be proud of the part they played. A huge thanks from all of us for the way they got behind the lads and maintained such a level of vocal backing, especially in the second half, you would have thought we were the home team. It makes all the difference in the world, I can tell you. It lifts the players, and we all appreciated it".

3-1 WIN FOR LADIES

Above: Laura Dodds celebrates after her goal (left) and Megan Wright takes on the Liverpool defence (right).

Altrincham Ladies defeated Liverpool City 3-1, away, today. The goals came from Laura Dodds, Jade Hesketh and Kate Bryan. The Ladies are now fourth in the league and host fifth-placed Liverpool Marshalls Feds Reserves next Sunday at Mersey Valley, on Sunday at 2pm.

Manager Keith Edleston writes, "Just a few words from Sunday's game against Liverpool City LFC,

We travelled up onto Merseyside where you are always guaranteed a tough game, in whatever competition you are in, and today was to be no exception.

Liverpool have got a fair few new players in this season, so they were going to be a bit of an unknown qauntity to us but we knew, if we stuck to our game, then we should be OK. A text-book goal from Laura Dodds, after some lovely play where we swung play from one side of the pitch to the other, sent Jess scampering down the right to the by-line and she cut a perfect pass back to Doddsy where she gratefully smashed the ball into the net... 1-0.

A harsh penalty, converted just on half time for Liverpool meant we went in 1-1 at the interval. A few points were made and, within two minutes of the restart, a through ball sent Kate Bryan away and she finished to the keeper's left. A further goal from Jade Hesketh saw us see the game out without too many worries but, boy, there are games when you have to earn the win and we certainly did earn this one!

It was a good, gritty team performance today from the girls and now we take this on to our next match, this coming Sunday, down at Mersey Valley Sports Club in a 2pm kick-off, where we entertain another team from Merseyside in Liverpool Feds Reserves.

Players' Player of the Match: Laura Dodds".

CUP WIN FOR RESERVES

YOUTH GAME

OLD BOYS

UPDATE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The club now sees him as the ideal man to take charge of the team as it embarks upon a new exciting period in the club’s history with the imminent move back to Blackwell Meadows in the town. Gray, who recently passed the 200-game landmark in charge, said, 'The biggest reason why I signed a new deal was because of the club’s impending return to Darlington and all the potential that goes with it. I have been approached by a Football League club and a National League club in the last six months, and I have turned them both down for that reason. My desire for this club is far greater than the opportunities which came up.

'Moving to Blackwell Meadows means that we can continue to build the club on the foundations that we’ve laid over the last four years. As manager, I also have aspirations of taking the club back to the Football League, which is the job I set out to do back in 2012. I am happy with the way the club is going. It has made great progress over the last six months in many different ways on and off the field. We have a great board, a hard working bunch of volunteers and fantastic supporters, who have stood by the club in many ways since we were relegated to the Northern League”.

Trafford FC announce that they have "signed midfielder Callum Bagshaw from Stalybridge Celtic". Also signing for EvoStik clubs from National League North are Thomas Guest from FC Halifax Town to Ossett Albion and Dale Wright from Stalybridge Celtic to Prescot Cables.

LOCAL ROAD CLOSURES

During the same period, the roundabout at junction 19 of the M6 will be closed from ?pm to 5am, excluding Saturday and Sunday nights. Drivers on the northbound M6 will be able to leave at junction 19 but only to access the southbound A556 for Northwich. The entry slip road onto the eastbound M56 at junction 7 will be closed from 9pm on Wednesday October 12 to 5am on Thursday October 13.

The work forms part of the new £192 million A556 Knutsford to Bowdon dual carriageway between the M6 and M56, which is due to open in the Spring... Highways England provides live traffic information via its website.

200 UP FOR JAMES

STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 0 ALTRINCHAM 2

Above, Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography's image shows Alty celebrating their second goal with their supporters at the Bower Fold.

The thirteenth league game of the season produced Altrincham's first win of the campaign and a first clean sheet...

Below, Mike Ripley of Michael Ripley Photography shows Alty captain, Alan Goodall, in action against Stalybridge's Andy Owens. Alan's experience and versatility in the Alty team have been outstanding in recent weeks.

Match report here

SATURDAY RESULTS

Right: Sam Patterson, centre, is congratulated on the opening goal. Saturday 8 October.

• Boston United 0-0 Worcester City (att. 1138)
• Brackley Town 2-2 Darlington 1883 (642)
• Bradford Park Avenue 1-1 AFC Telford Utd (318)
• Chorley 1-0 Harrogate Town (1,214)
• FC United Of Manchester 4-3 Alfreton Town (2,528)
• Gainsborough Trinity 3-2 Tamworth (538)
• Gloucester City 0-2 FC Halifax Town (545)
• Kidderminster Harriers 3-3 AFC Fylde (1,970)
• Nuneaton Town 0-1 Curzon Ashton (588)
• Stalybridge Celtic 0-2 Altrincham (777)
• Stockport County 2-1 Salford City (3,830)

CELTIC VIEW

The early running was all Celtic, with Altrincham too afraid of losing to venture forward much...

Altrincham started to get a little more adventurous, but apart from James Lawrie’s effort, Tony McMillan was largely a spectator, catching Lawerie’s shot comfortably. At the other end, Andy Owens powered down the line and forced a decent stop from Deacy whilst Altrincham defenders tried to muscle him away. Just before the interval, Damien Reeves got to the near post and tried to turn Sean Miller’s low cross in, but McMillan pulled off a great reaction stop to deny him and keep the game even at half time.

The second half was much more even. A Reeves header straight down McMillan’s throat, whilst Deacy was equal to Aidan Chippendale’s first sniff of the ball after coming on for Brian Summerskill, blocking the curling shot well, the ball coming out to Andy Owens at an awkward height, making the shot difficult, and he fired wide...

Two more former Celts were brought on, Phil Marsh and Craig Hobson joining Greg Wilkinson, up front, and it almost paid dividends...

As the game went into the final few minutes, the deadlock was broken. Sam Patterson overlapped Lawrie, was fed the ball, cut inside with a neat trick to wrong foot Danny Wisdom and create an angle for a shot, firing past McMillan into the opposite top corner.

Searching for the equaliser, Celtic pushed forward. Andy Owens flicked a header from a Chippendale lobbed cross towards goal but Deasy read it well, and Chippendale himself went close, but lacked the power through a crowd to worry Deacy.

With stoppage time remaining, Altrincham looked content to hold the ball in the corner but, when Widom won the ball it looked like it might go for a goal kick, but Greg Wilkinson kept it in, raced down the line and from ten yards out, at a very acute angle powered his shot past McMillan to give Altrincham their first win of the season, and leave Celtic wondering where the points will come from."

OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Also, it was announced prior to the game that Micah Evans has left the club to join rivals Worcester City. On the situation, manager Smith said, 'Nothing changes and we are just concentrating on the football side of things. What else goes on, goes on. There was not a coach today for whatever reason, I don't know. I just don't think we could get one. Nothing changes from our perspective, everything else will look after itself'...

On the game, Smith added, 'It was not a great game of football. It was two teams that are struggling to get a win under their belt, and it showed... It was two teams feeling sorry for themselves but it was important we came away without losing'".

Also from the Shropshire Star we learn that "AFC Telford United... had only scored eight league goals while Avenue were bottom of the National League North table and had conceded 33 goals. Very few people would have expected a classic and it certainly was not, with a dull first period followed up by a slightly better second.

Before the game started, word spread that the players had to make their own way to the ground as there was no team coach provided... Telford brought in in Ben O'Hanlon, who was signed on loan from Wolves on Friday, and Jordan Sangha in place of Josh Wilson and Darren Campion, who was not included in the squad. It was a bleak first half, with very few chances for either side, but the game sprang into life for a short spell in the second...

The same old story for Telford - fairly solid at the back but lacking in quality going forward".

In its match report the Star says "32 minutes: Avenue striker [ex-Alty man] Emile Sinclair... completely fools Telford skipper [ex-Alty] Luca Havern with a neat turn. He bursts through on goal and shoots, when others were there to pass to, and James Montgomery makes the save...

Man of the Match Ben Bailey. His best game in a Telford shirt since signing over the summer from Hednesford Town. The centre-half made a number of important tackles and also got Telford's equaliser, heading home after a James Hurst cross".

Alty play both clubs in the near future. On Saturday their sides were: Bradford PA (4-5-1): Cracknell; Toulson, Killock, Nowakowski, Hill; Sharp (McKenna, 83), D.Boshell, Dean, McWilliams (Spires, 60), N.Boshell; Sinclair. Subs: Coates, Eccles, Ryan.

Telford (4-3-3): Montgomery; Samuels, Havern (c), Bailey, O'Hanlon; Rea, Williams (McCone, 90), Sangha; Hurst, Hibbert (Reid, 73) , McCarthy (Reynolds, 79). Subs unused: Preston, Wilson".

In its Saturday review, the National League says that "AFC Fylde were held to a 3-3 draw at Aggborough by improving Kidderminster Harriers... but still managed to increase their lead at the top of the table. That was because second-placed Harrogate Town were beaten 1-0 at Chorley...

Harrogate could not find a way through the division's strongest defence... The Magpies, celebrating Matt Jansen`s award of manager of the month for September, hit the bar early on, but just when it looked as though the visitors had weathered the storm, they fell behind to a 76th minute penalty. Jason Walker was brought down by Luke Shiels, conceding a spot-kick and being shown a straight red card.

Adam Blakeman converted the penalty and sent Town to defeat and lifted Chorley up to fourth in the table.

Darlington 1883 are third, level on points with Harrogate, but were unable to hold on to victory against Brackley Town, although their unbeaten away record remains intact. They drew 2-2 ...

FC Halifax Town moved up to sixth in the table after beating Gloucester City 2-0 at Whaddon Road... Stockport County followed up their Emirates FA Cup victory over Salford City seven days ago by coming from behind to defeat the same opponents at Edgeley Park in the league. In front of a terrific crowd of 3,830 boosted by no Premier League games in the area, Gary Stopforth’s equaliser on the half-hour mark had cancelled out an early 7th minute strike for the Ammies by Richie Wellens.

But Max Cartwright marked his first game for County with the winning goal on 66 minutes, having entered the fray as a substitute only 13 minutes earlier.

Gainsborough Trinity moved themselves up to thirteenth in the table after a best-of-five win against a Tamworth side who are now eleventh...

There were even more goals at Broadhurst Park in front of a crowd of 2,528 as FC United of Manchester edged out Alfreton Town 4-3... Worcester City came away from The Jakemans Stadium with a hard-earned point from a goalless draw against Boston United. A tough and bruising encounter saw the two rivals cancel each other out...

AFC Telford United remain without a win on the road after managing a 1-1 draw against bottom-markers Bradford Park Avenue. It was a bleak first half, with very few chances for either side...

Nuneaton Town got exactly what they deserved against Curzon Ashton as they failed to pick up any points in a dour encounter at the Coombe Abbey Arena. A 23rd minute goal from Niall Cummins was enough to give the Tameside visitors all three points in a game that won`t last long in the memory of the 588 who saw it.

Altrincham found thirteen lucky as it's game number thirteen produced a first win of the season at fellow strugglers Stalybridge Celtic, who dropped below the Robins into second-bottom spot as a result of a 2-0 defeat at Bower Fold."

BEFORE THE GAME AT STALYBRIDGE

• At home: P65-W36-D15-L14-F129-A80
• Away: P70-W19-D12-L39-F110-A148
• Neutral: P5-W1-D1-L3-F5-A7
• All: P140-W56-D28-L56-F244-A235

And Howard Watts's Through the Years statistics provide us with Alty results on Saturday's date, 8 October.

Stalybridge Celtic report that, on Saturday, they "host fellow strugglers Altrincham in what has become a must-win match for both teams... Although they have scored thirteen goals, four more than Celtic, they have the worst defence in the league, having conceded thirty-four at a rate of 2.8 per game...

They have lost three on the bounce, the most recent defeat a home loss to Boston, which finished 1-0. The last time the two teams met competitively was in the Cheshire Senior Cup in March 2014, when Altrincham won, at Moss Lane, 2-1. They had already beaten us twice in the league that season, both times stuffing us 5-0... In their last twenty visits, Altrincham have won five, Celtic thirteen and there have been two draws.

There are a couple of familiar faces in the Altrincham team who should feature on Saturday: Former Celtic midfielder, Greg Wilkinson and former Celtic striker, Craig Hobson. They will be without Ashley Knowles and Josh Graham, both of whom are suspended for Saturday’s game. [These are both youth players so not in the squad anyway]

[Celtic's] Sam Tatum is definitely out of the Altrincham match after being on the wrong end of a horror tackle in our last match away at Droylsden in the Manchester Premier Cup. It’s unlikely he’ll feature again this season, with a compound fracture of the ankle...

Something has to give on Saturday: Celtic have the second worst attack in the league (only Telford have scored fewer) and Altrincham the worst defence. Both teams are desperate for a win to get their seasons back on track. Celtic have a better home record than Altrincham’s away record, having won our last league game at home, when we beat Gainsborough Trinity 3-2 back at the start of September. We also won in our last match at Bower Fold, beating Witton 2-1 in the FA Cup at the end of September. A win for Celtic would not lift us out of the bottom three, but it would close the gap that’s forming between us and Curzon Ashton in nineteenth".

ALTY GET HOME DRAW IN FAYC

The full draw is:

• 1 Altrincham v Tranmere Rovers
• 2 Hyde United or Ashton Athletic v Irlam
• 3 York City v Barton Town Old Boys
• 4 Ryton & Crawcrook Albion v Darlington 1883
• 5 Newcastle Benfield v Chester
• 6 Pontefract Collieries v Wrexham
• 7 Guiseley or FC Halifax Town v AFC Fylde
• 8 Nostell MW v FC United Of Manchester
• 9 Romulus v Kettering Town
• 10 Kimberley MW v Boston United
• 11 Lincoln City or Dunkirk v Alfreton Town
• 12 Hereford v Newcastle Town
• 13 Wolverhampton Casuals v Solihull Moors
• 14 Ely City v Bedworth United
• 15 Braintree Town v Dagenham & Redbridge
• 16 Biggleswade Town v Beaconsfield SYCOB
• 17 Woodbridge Town v AFC Sudbury
• 18 Uxbridge v North Greenford United
• 19 Aveley v FC Broxbourne Borough
• 20 AFC Hornchurch v Rushden & Higham United
• 21 Framlingham Town v Leiston
• 22 Boreham Wood v Wealdstone
• 23 Ware v Bedfont Sports
• 24 Hampton or Richmond Borough v Metropolitan Police
• 25 Ashford United v Folkestone Invicta
• 26 Tonbridge Angles v Maidstone United
• 27 Sutton United v Corinthian
• 28 Worthing v Meridian VP
• 29 Merstham v Ebbsfleet United
• 30 Eastleigh v Hungerford Town
• 31 Bath City v Gloucester City
• 32 Poole Town v Bracknell Town
• 33 Woking v Radstock Town
• 34 Salisbury v Bitton
• 35 Gosport Borough v Andover Town
• 36 Forest Green Rovers v Oxford City

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The centre-back played four times in an Avenue shirt, his last appearance coming in the 4-0 loss to Halifax on September 24. Shires, also a central defender, returns to parent club Mansfield following the end of his loan spell, having played just twice in green and white. He featured in the away match at Brackley early in September but limped off, going on to play just once more in the FA Cup defeat to Salford City".

From the Yorkshire Evening Post we learn that "Basement outfit Bradford Park Avenue can secure their first league success of the season against another struggling side AFC Telford, writes Toby Bilton. After drawing their first three games of the season [like Alty], the Horsfall Stadium side have suffered 10 succesive defeats in the Conference North.

In serious danger of falling behind at the foot of the table, on Saturday they entertain 18th-placed Telford who have not won since the first week of September. Clearly in need of some inspiration, manager Mark Bower has added utility midfielder Adam Nowakowski to his side, the ex-Harrogate Town player who has joined them on an initial one-month loan from Darlington...

Halifax have, arguably, been disappointing so far considering last season’s relegation, and in eighth place they are just two places from the play-offs. They face a tough away trip to Gloucester City, who, after 12 games have an identical record to the Shaymen."

In the Derbyshire Times we learn that "Alfreton Town boss Nicky Law has strengthened his small squad with two new signings. Law, whose side are unbeaten in three matches after a fourth clean sheet last Saturday helped them to a 2-0 FA Cup win at King's Lynn, has brought in former Chesterfield and Mansfield Town winger Adam Smith and experienced midfielder Paul Marshall.

Smith, who has joined from Guiseley AFC, came through the youth ranks at Chesterfield...

Marshall, a product of the Manchester City Youth Academy, where he also scored four goals in eight starts for the reserve side, has Football League experience with Walsall, Rochdale and Port Vale. After spells at Stockport County and FC Halifax Town, Marshall's last club was the Reds' league rivals, Bradford Park Avenue."

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith is wary of a potential banana skin as his side head to Bradford Park Avenue tomorrow. Telford’s problems in front of goal have been well-documented so far this season but Avenue are rock-bottom in the National League North...

'They have a new manager in Mark Bower, a man who I know well from his time at Guiseley', he said... 'He’s a good manager. Like us, they didn’t have a game last weekend so he has had a fortnight to work with the squad and it is probably the worst time to be facing them'. Smith has also urged the players to be prepared for the Horsfall Stadium, which has a running track all the way around the pitch. 'You have to, as a player, make sure you are prepared properly for it,' said Smith.

'I have said to them, it’s not like playing at home at New Buck's Head... We need to be out of trouble by the end of October and moving up the table, and I am confident we will be'...

In terms of the squad, Smith is set to welcome back defender Dan Preston, who was not included in the squad for the last match against Chorley. Long-term absentee Paul McCone has also trained this week and the boss is hopeful he can be included in the 16-man squad. McCone has spent almost a year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury."

The National League announces that "The Vanarama National League Player of the Month award goes again to Danny Rowe of AFC Fylde. The achievements of Chorley boss Matt Jansen have been rewarded with the Manager of the Month award for the Vanarama National League North for September."

JOIN THE BONUS BALL COMPETITION!

If you would like to join please e-mail the Club with your preference for number(s).

FA YOUTH CUP COMMENTARY

At half-time there is an interview with first-team boss Jim Harvey, who is very impressed with the youth team.

NEXT OPPOSITION: STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

However the game was marred by a serious injury to the Stalybridge full-back Sam Tattum, who was carried from the field in the first half after a clash with Bloods' striker Steve Lewis. The game was held up for nearly eight minutes while the player was attended to on the pitch.

As for the action, Bloods had taken the lead a few minutes earlier when a superb cross field ball from inside his own half by [Alty's] Billy Hasler Cregg found Steve Lewis on the left, the striker cutting inside and his shot beating [player/joint manager] Philips on his near post in the Stalybridge goal...

Five minutes into first half injury time, the visitors equalised, Nick Ryan shooting from the edge of the area.

Stalybridge were the stronger team after the break, an unmarked [ex-Alty reserve and youth] Sam Madeley heading wide from a corner just after the resumption...

As the second half drew to a close, the visitors were having the better chances, Wisdom, Wilkins and Chippendale all going close but penalties loomed.

The first six all easily converted before Phil Clarke’s effort for the Bloods came back off the post, Nick Ryan converting the final spot kick to send Stalybridge in the next round."

ALTY'S CUP OPPONENTS: MATLOCK TOWN

The third qualifying round replay at Borough Park booked them a trip to Altrincham in the fourth and final qualifying round. The club last reached the First Round proper in 1989 when they lost at Scunthorpe United and Wright also urged the club's fans to make sure they turn out in numbers for the trip to the National League North club's Moss Lane home home on Saturday 15 October.

Wright said, 'What a great battling performance from everyone involved. They all deserve all the credit that's going, to sit four and a half hours on a coach after a day at work and produce a performance and result like that speaks volumes for their commitment to this football club and we're all very proud of them.'

Club officials are organising coach transport to help fans make the trip and he added, 'I'd urge our fans to get to Altrincham in their numbers and get behind the team. It would be fantastic if we could make the First Round proper and pull out a really plum tie but we have to deal with Altrincham first. So, come on, the players need and deserve your support'...

Joint managers Craig Hopkins and Glenn Kirkwood were also delighted with the... performances of their players. Hopkins, whose side retrace their steps to Borough Park in the league on Saturday for a third successive game [between the clubs], said, 'We were okay in the first half but played really well in the second half. We scored our goals at good times but also defended extremely well, the back five including Barnesy were outstanding. We passed it better in the second half and got what we deserved against a very good side'...

Matlock Town are one of six EVO-STIK NPL clubs bidding to reach the First Round proper with Stamford hosting Wrexham and Lincoln United and Nantwich Town hosting Spennymoor Town and Stourbridge respectively in all-league ties on Saturday week (October 15)."

Should the FA Cup4QR tie on Saturday 15 October end in a draw, the replay would be on Tuesday, 18 October at 7.45pm at the Reynolds Stadium, Causeway Lane, Matlock. Admission would be £10 for adults, £6.50 for concessionaries, £3 for students (with ID) and £2 for under-12s.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Smith signed for Wrexham in the summer of 2015 after leaving FC Halifax Town, for whom he made eighty appearances... Formerly with Lincoln City, Mansfield Town and York City, Smith agreed a new deal at Nethermoor Park in June."

ALTY YOUTH ADVANCE IMPRESSIVELY

Above: Alty line up before kick-off.

Altrincham FC Youth advanced to the final qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup with a 5-1 away win over Southport at Haig Avenue on Wednesday evening. Three goals in the match's opening nine minutes left Altrincham ahead 2-1. Hoti opened the scoring inside thirty seconds when Palmer's freekick was fumbled by the keeper. Less than two minutes later, Parker levelled for the Sandgrounders after Alty keeper Terry and defender Kelly had collided. Next, Pembele was upended in the box and Jambaya converted the spot kick to make it 2-1 to the visitors at the interval.

Jambaya made it 3-1 with a neat lob over the keeper from Pembele's flick-on, in the 52nd minute. Port wasted several chances with poor shooting before two goals in a minute wrapped the game up for Altrincham. First, nine minutes from time, substitute Henry charged down the Port keeper's attempted kicked clearance, leaving himself with an open goal into which to roll the ball. Then Palmer converted a fine, low cross from Jambaya to complete the scoring.

This impressive win was witnessed by first-team boss, Jim Harvey.

Match report here.

FUNDRAISING FOR ALTY TV

• October 20th: Manchester United v Fenerbahçe S.K.
• November 24th: Manchester United v Feyenoord

Details are here. Both games kick off at 20:05.

We are very grateful to the Altrincham supporter who has given us the opportunity to auction these great footballing experiences. The value of each event is over £150 and there will be two separate auctions. To make a bid for either or both events, please email Geoff Morris here

Closing dates for bids are as follows:-

• October 16th @ Midnight: Manchester United v Fenerbahçe S.K.
• November 20th @ Midnight: Manchester United v Feyenoord

The money raised from the winning bids will be used to purchase equipment for Alty TV. Therefore, the winners can enjoy their prizes and know that their money is going towards helping Alty TV maintain and improve its exceptionally high service standards".

ALTY YOUTH AT SOUTHPORT ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Wednesday night's game. The commentators are Ian Wilkinson and Brian Flynn. Coverage starts at 7.40pm with the game kicking off at 7.45pm and you can listen to Radio Robins on the internet here.

IT'S MATLOCK TOWN

Other replay results were:

• Nantwich Town 2-1 Halesowen Town
• Harrogate Town 2-0 FC United Of Manchester
• Egham Town 1-0 Faversham Town
• Hemel Hempstead Town 2-0 Gloucester City

The revised FAC4QR draw includes...

• 1 Southport v Chester
• 2 Alfreton Town v Gateshead
• 3 North Ferriby United v Macclesfield Town
• 4 Harrogate Town v FC Halifax Town
• 5 Stockport County v Bishop Auckland
• 6 Barrow v Tranmere Rovers
• 7 Nantwich Town v Stourbridge
• 8 ALTRINCHAM v Matlock Town
• 9 Lincoln City v Guiseley
• 10 Lincoln United v Spennymoor Town
• 11 Stamford v Wrexham
• 12 York City v Curzon Ashton
• 13 Welling United v Whitehawk
• 14 Westfields v Leiston
• 15 Sutton United v Forest Green Rovers
• 16 Chesham United v Potters Bar Town or Bath City
• 17 Dagenham & Redbridge v Wealdstone
• 18 Torquay United v Woking
• 19 Taunton Town v Hemel Hempstead Town
• 20 Braintree Town v Bromley
• 21 Beaconsfield SYCOB v Brackley Town
• 22 Tonbridge Angels v Dartford
• 23 Egham Town v St Albans City
• 24 Boreham Wood v Hendon
• 25 Aldershot Town v Eastbourne Borough or Hadley
• 26 Harrow Borough v Margate or Hastings United
• 27 Maidstone United v Billericay Town
• 28 Kidderminster Harriers v Weymouth
• 29 Solihull Moors v Kettering Town
• 30 Burgess Hill Town v Dover Athletic
• 31 Merstham v Ebbsfleet United
• 32 Eastleigh v North Leigh

DAMIAN INTERVIEWED

Brian spoke to Damian Reeves after his 300th Altrincham appearance in Saturday's FA Cup match against Morpeth Town. Click on above image to see it on AltyTV.

Brian also advises us that Matt Bullin has an article on Damian Reeves on Quays News.

LADIES' MATCH REPORT

Right: Jess Hartopp unleashes a rocket into the net.

Phil Taylor has filed his customary excellent report on the Altrincham FC Ladies' latest match. This time it was a home game against FCUM last Sunday. It can be read here Next up for the Ladies is a trip to take on Liverpool City Ladies on Sunday, 8 October (2pm).

And manager Keith Edleston has also provided "a guest report from a friend (and reporter from the Isle of Man) Paul Hatton...

A View from the Isle of Man

Despite being Altrincham Fc’s first home defeat of the season, losing 3-2 to top of the league table FC United of Manchester, the Robins can take a lot of positives from this performance last Sunday at Mersey Valley.

Considering that Alty finished with only six points and narrowly avoided relegation last season, their fortunes on the pitch have dramatically improved. Flying high in the league table, last Sunday, the Robins fought right to the end and gave FC United a scare.

Alty made the first impression, Georgia Plant came close to opening the scoring with a long range effort just over the crossbar. At the other side, Lizzie Brereton pulled off a great save from point bank range.

However, the visitors got their break-through on 20 minutes, Allisha Marsh’s pass across goal was converted by Chloe Wilde at the far post.

The Robins cranked up the gears, Megan Wright’s low shot was well saved, just before the half hour mark, they got a deserved equaliser. Jess Hartopp latched onto a through-ball and unleashed a long range effort into the net.

With the match in added time, the visitors recaptured their lead. A near carbon copy of their first goal, Marsh crossed from the left for Nicole Hatcliffe to slot home on the right.

With the match in the early phases of the second half, the visitors extended their lead further, Marsh raced clear from the left and convert their third.

Left: The FCUM keeper saves well at Laura Kelly's feet.

Although the visitors enjoyed swathes of possession, captain Bliss Molyneaux was superbly leading the troops and organising the back four and Brereton pulled off another impressive save. The Robins pushed forward and reduced their deficit on 87 minutes. Following a free-kick that was half-cleared, Jade Hesketh pounced on the loose ball and expertly placed her shot into the net.

However, the Alty were denied a last minute equaliser; Kyeisha Brown’s long-range shot was superbly saved by the FC United goalkeeper".

Keith adds that Players' PoM went to Bliss Molyneux. Staff PoM went to Louise Edleston.

Next up for the girls is a visit to Merseyside to take on Liverpool City Ladies at Admiral Park, Liverpool, L8 8JN. It's a 2pm kick off and we would love to see you there to cheer the girls on".

SPONSOR A PLAYER!

CELTIC TUNE UP FOR ALTY

Droylsden are currently eighteenth in the Evo-Stik Division 1 North, with ten points from eighteen games... [Last time out, ex-Alty man] Sean Clancy made his debut for the Bloods also playing in this match was Adam Farrell, who is on loan with Droylsden. In that match, they... [also included two others with Alty connections] James Coates and Billy Hasler-Cregg.

Celtic’s line up for the Droylsden match will differ from league matches, due to the rules on signing dates and loan players in the Premier Cup. Celtic currently are looking at Jay Gorton’s knock from Saturday’s FA Cup match, but he should be fit to play. With Aidan Chippendale making a return in that match, the squad is injury free, if a bit knocked about from Saturday. In that match, that finished 2-1 to Halifax, Celtic lined up... [with some more players with past Alty connections, Tony McMillan, Aaron Chalmers, Andy Owens].

This match is a chance for the players to have a competitive game without as much riding on it, after a tough start to the season, and help them prepare for Saturday’s vital league clash with Altrincham."

RR ON MORPETH

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Away from football, Davis also owns The Point Cafe, Bar and Restaurant at Meridian Point and has also recently opened a second venue on the site of the former Mama's Joomla restaurant in St Peter's Avenue and says joining Marcus Newell's side will give him more time to focus on those ventures."

From NL Pitchero we learn that Barnsley club "Shaw Lane AFC have signed midfielder Jake Scott from Gainsborough Trinity. Scott joined Trinity in May from league rivals Bradford Park Avenue. The former Barnsley prospect previously had National League North experience in the form of a loan spell at Guiseley AFC earlier in his fledgling career. The 22-year-old joined Avenue in October 2015 and featured a total of twenty-one times".

News of another ex-Alty player comes from the Shropshire Star, which tells us that "Luca Havern is happy with AFC Telford United’s work at the back and believes they will only continue to improve. A big talker on the pitch, skipper Havern has been a hit with the fans since his arrival from Altrincham over the summer.

The backline have been in decent form this season, conceding just 13 goals in 12 National League North games and keeping five clean sheets – six counting the FA Cup... Havern said, 'I am really enjoying it. We have got five or six clean sheets so far. We are building up good partnerships in defence and developing an understanding all of the time as a unit. I am feeling good in myself, fit and sharp. Now, hopefully, we can start putting some results together'...

Telford’s problem has not been in defence... They have netted just nine times across all competitions... and need to end their current three-game winless run in National League North...

'We want to be solid, we want to be hard to beat, but we are looking to create more going forward and score more goals,' Havern said... 'The harder we work at it, the sooner it will come'... After a weekend without a game, Telford make the trip to Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday. 'We haven’t picked up an away win so of course we want to change that', added Havern".

Over the Pennines, the Halifax Courier reports that "Chairman David Bosomworth has told the Town troublemakers to stay away after banning orders were issued against some supporters. Unruly behavour by a minority of Halifax fans has included them encroaching onto the pitch at Nuneaton and Fylde, while Bradford Park Avenue supporters were subjected to threats and abuse after their team’s 4-0 defeat at The Shay two weeks ago.

Bosomworth used his programmes notes on Saturday to say, 'Some Bradford PA fans leaving the ground last Saturday were apparently threatened and abused. Why can’t fans go watch a game, wear their club colours and win, lose or draw, enjoy the day? We have started a process of meeting identified culprits initiating and enforcing disciplinary outcomes. 16 have been identified so far and six officially issued with banning orders or signed an acceptable behaviour certificate. An ongoing identification process is being initiated to help eradicate this problem for the future.'

After the game, he told the Courier, 'It’s important we nip it in the bud... We are working on it with the police and the council... If parents think "I don’t want to take my children down because there’s some people who don’t want to respect others", then it’s not good for us... The ones that have been banned, that’s until the end of the season. Whether it’s reviewed at that point or not, I don’t know... We’ve got 98 or 99 per cent of the crowd that don’t want them here.'...

Bosomworth also said there were no meetings in the pipeline with Calderdale Council after Halifax RLFC held talks with the council over their future at The Shay. Bosomworth admits there are still improvements to be made on the pitch this season after a steady if unspectacular start. 'I think it’s a work-in-progress,' he added. 'We’re probably a few points behind where we thought we might be, a win from where we wanted to be after 12 games. If we’d got 24 points after the first 12 games we’d have been happy with that. That would have got us into the top five...

'We’ve brought Alex Simmons and David Lynch in and that might address a couple of things the manager was trying to do, but I’m not saying that’s all of it'".

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

NEXT OPPONENTS

Referee Paul Marsden struggled to control the game, with a melee breaking out at one point and several contentious decisions..

'In the first-half we were outstanding for the first 35 minutes,', Heath said. 'We should have been out of sight, played some really good stuff... Then it got dragged into being very bitty, very broken up. That’s how Stalybridge like to play and we got dragged into it a bit. It was stop-start, stop-start, and then we got the goal... Then it became a war of attrition and we stood up to that. We fought fire with fire'...

Heath was pleased his team didn’t cower against Stalybridge’s physical approach, but warned the Town fans not to expect champagne football after another disjointed 90 minutes... Said Heath, 'In the first 45 minutes I think they had one effort, but it wasn’t even a shot on goal. The free-kick came in and I think Denton’s headed it into his own net. But that’s the only attempt they had on goal... But you have to dig in against Stalybridge and they ask you a lot of physical questions. They make it difficult for you to play and you have to stand up to that, and I think we did'...

Heath... said Gary Gee should have been sent-off for his elbow on Town’s [ex-Alty midfielder] David Lynch... On Lynch, who had to be taken off after the challenge, Heath said, 'We were very concerned because his cheekbone swelled. But it’s gone down now. He’s a tough cookie and he wanted to stay on but sometimes you have to protect players from themselves at times. He’s fine and he’ll be fine for next Saturday'".

BUCKET

YOUTH REPORT

Pictured, right, Jambaya (yellow, no.17) threads a pass between two opponents.

FA CUP OPPONENTS

Marc Newsham had put the Gladiators in front shortly before the interval in a cracking cup tie which saw open, attacking football from both sides. The tie attracted Matlock’s best crowd of the season so far, including a good following from the visitors, and they will surely want to come back for more after watching an enthralling tie which was in the balance throughout the ninety or so minutes.

Jake Green and Laurie Wilson were in the starting line up for Matlock as Alex Pursehouse and Marcus Dinanga dropped to the bench, which also included latest loan signing Curtis Morrison, a young striker from Chesterfield...

A Newsham acrobatic effort.. sailed over the bar but the Matlock number nine would draw first blood two minutes before the interval. Matlock won a free kick on the left which Wilson floated in and NEWSHAM dived forward to head in for a beautifully taken goal... Then on 64 minutes Newsham drove inches wide... Within a further two minutes, Barnes superbly flicked a long range strike from Robert Wilson over the bar but from the corner, KYLE MAY headed into the top corner, the ball actually striking the stancion to level the score...

A pulsating cup tie ended on an unsavoury note as Workington midfielder James Earl stamped on Doyle-Charles and received a red card, for which he could have no complaint...

MATLOCK TOWN: 1 Phil Barnes 2 Liam Marsden 3 Jake Green 4 Joe Doyle-Charles 5 Adam Yates 6 Dwayne Wiley 7 Niall Mc Manus (17 Jamie Yates 81) 8 Laurie Wilson (16 Curtis Morrison 75) 9 Marc Newsham (15 Marcus Dinanga 75), 10 Michael Williams 11 Ted Cribley Other subs: 12 Alex Pursehouse 14 Nico de Girolamo 18 Arron Jameson

WORKINGTON: 1 Aaron Taylor 2 Jacob Simpson 3 Sam Smith 4 Kyle May 5 Matthew Douglas 6 James Earl 7 David Symington 8 Robert Wilson 9 Scott Allison (14 Tom Kilifin 27) 10 Joe McGee 11 Conor Tinnion Other subs: 12 Nathan Waterston 15 Callum Henderson 16 Jamie Bethwaite 17 Thomas Fowler".

Meanwhile, Workington say that "Either Reds or Matlock will travel to Moss Lane on Saturday week for the Fourth Round Qualifying tie. Altrincham have a great Cup pedigree but are struggling in National North at the moment... Still plenty of work to do before contemplating the prospect of taking on Alty and, once again, Reds will have to shuffle the pack ahead of Tuesday’s second instalment against the Gladiators.

Josh Calvert will miss the tie while Scott Allison, who limped out of Saturday’s game, is a major doubt. James Earl will be able to play before his suspension starts at the weekend. Phil McLuckie and Robbie Hebson, who both missed the 1-1 draw in Derbyshire, could return to the squad. Coverage of the River Derwent ‘derby’ will be obtainable via the Live Scoreboard facility on the website with updates from John Walsh on BBC Radio Cumbria’s match night."

QUAYS REPORT

LADIES' GAME

This early October fixture, bathed in warm sunshine more akin to the middle of August, was always going to prove difficult with the hosts having won three of their first four games. After the abandonment of last season’s corresponding fixture with the scores at 1-1, due to an injury to the home keeper, there was an air of unfinished business about this latest clash.

United took the lead through Chloe Wild with Jess Hartopp drawing the home side level before debutant Nicole Hatcliffe restored a deserved lead going into the break. Allisha Marsh gave United a perfect start to the second half extending the lead to 3-1 before Altrincham rallied in the latter stages pulling one back in the last 10 minutes through Jade Hesketh with the Reds nervously holding on to seal the three points and maintain their perfect start to the season..

On the quarter hour, Jade Parker controlled a pass flicked the ball up and volleyed speculatively from 25 yards with Altrincham’s keeper, Lizzie Brereton catching well underneath her cross bar... The deadlock was finally broken with FC United seizing the initiative in a well-balanced contest. Wild picked up the ball on half way wide right and cut in field driving incisively towards the penalty area feeding the ball to Hatcliffe whose strength left her defender on the ground as the striker fired the ball across the six-yard area where Wild rushed in at the back post to fire high into the roof of the net.

Looking for a swift reply the home side enjoyed a positive spell with the dangerous Kelly breaking through the FC defence but the pace and recovery attributes of Fran Davies and Chelsea Patient thwarted the home striker. As Altrincham continued to press, excellent defending by Jess McCarrick and Patient saw the Captain release Mia Holden who crafted a pass to Parker who controlled superbly and fired past Brereton only for effort to be ruled off side. The home pressure finally paid dividends as they exploited gaps in midfield to play Jess Hartopp through on goal, firing early and true beyond the dive of Williams to equalise on 35 minutes.

United reacted well, looking to restore their lead with Greenhalgh and Parker forcing saves from Brereton but as the half entered added time Parker beat the offside trap slid a short pass into the path of Marsh who took the ball to the by-line crossing beyond the back post where Hatcliffe arrived to score on her debut finding the roof of the net taking United into the break with a slender lead.

Following the break, Altrincham earned an early free kick on the right flank and as the ball was swept into the danger area, McCarrick produced a vital defensive header with the ball breaking to Greenhalgh to spring defence into attack; the midfielder slid her pass inside the Altrincham full back in the sure knowledge that Marsh’s pace would see the winger in behind the defence and through on goal. Sure enough, Marsh obliged, shooting across Brereton to give United a two-goal cushion with the half only three minutes old...

Altrincham tightened up and rebutted United with legal aggression on several occasions always looking to force an opening themselves... With just five minutes of normal time left, Altrincham set up a grandstand finish curling a free kick in from the right with the ball breaking kindly to substitute Jade Hesketh who half-volleyed, low and hard, across Williams and into the bottom corner from 15 yards...

Altrincham however sensed they could retrieve something from the contest and in the fourth minute of added time Davies had to be at her very best to clear up a dangerous foray... The hosts were not done and full back Kyesha Brown overlapped down the left with United’s defence outnumbered and she lofted a long range shot on target destined for the top corner but Williams rose superbly plucking the ball out of the air".

FCUM Ladies: 1. Chloe Williams, 17. Jess McCarrick, 2. Fran Davies, 5. Chelsea Patient (Capt), 3. Abbie Carrington, 4. Olivia Greenhalgh, 6. Mia Holden, 15. Jade Parker, 14. Allisha Marsh (goal 48 mins), 11. Chloe Wild (goal 20 mins), 10. Nicole Hatcliffe (goal 45+1 mins). Subs: 8. Adora Yau (not used), 9. Shellby Wolstencroft (for No 11 61 mins), 12. Olivia Gannon (not used), 16. Charlie Evans (for No10 74 mins), 18. Beth Scholey (for No4 67 mins)

Altrincham Ladies: 1. Lizzie Brereton, 2. Kyesha Brown, 18. Lucy Smith, 14. Megan Wright, 5. Louise Edleston, 16. Bliss Molyneaux, 7. Jess Hartopp, 8. Gail Simpson, 9. Laura Kelly, 10. Laura Dodds, 11. Georgia Plant. Subs: 3. Heather Scott (not used), 6. Judy Henson (not used), 15. Jade Hesketh (for No.9 80 mins & goal 85 mins), 23. Brogan Walsh (for No.14 72mins).

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

He returned north and joined Stalybridge in July, making six appearances".

Elsewhere, "Warrington Town have signed Tom Peers from AFC Telford United. AFC Telford completed the signing of former Chester FC forward Peers in July. The 20-year-old Warrington-born Peers had been with Chester since 2010 and his prolific scoring record for the club's youth teams led former manager Neil Young to give him his first-team debut aged 17.

Peers had a productive spell on loan at 1874 Northwich in 2013/14... which was then followed by a move [to] Hednesford Town... Peers bagged 8 goals in just nine games for Marine AFC and that prompted Steve Burr to recall him in March 2015".

The Shropshire Star reports that "AFC Telford United chief Rob Smith has admitted that one or two more players could follow Tom Peers out of the club as the budget is reduced... He started just four games and found himself on the bench in recent weeks, despite Smith admitting that the club did not want to lose the striker.

'That’s what happens with non-contract players, if seven-days comes in then it’s their choice', said Peers [i.e. Smith?]. 'He lives that way and I suppose he is after more regular football. He’d done OK for us but with Connor (McCarthy) coming in, him and Hibbo (Dave Hibbert) were first choice'.

Smith revealed Peers’ departure does little to free up room in the budget, adding that other squad members could find themselves on the way out to reduce expenditure... Telford’s squad now contains 15 senior players, with a further two in on loan. Academy graduates Tom Edge and Ben Osei have been picking up minutes at Market Drayton Town.

'There’s no more money', added Smith. 'We are reducing the budget and the squad. The money is tight. That is where we’re at. I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two more went this week. We are looking to tinker to improve the results and find that winning formula. With Connor coming in, numbers-wise we are not bad; we didn’t ask Tom to go'.

On Edge, who played 90 minutes for Drayton in their 3-2 defeat at Gresley, and Osei, who came on for 17 minutes as a substitute, Smith added, 'The timing has been good to get them out there, it’s ideal'".

BPA GAME RE-ARRANGED

STALYBRIDGE ON SATURDAY

“As in previous seasons, it will not financially viable to run supporters' travel to Stalybridge on Saturday 8th October. The minimum cost of vehicle hire means that the fares we would need to charge would make it impractical for people to use the service if they had another way of getting there. From past experience, we have tried and had our fingers burnt by attempting to provide a coach and have seen that we have still taken good numbers to Bower Fold on the last three occasions when no TASC travel has been arranged.

The journey is 20 miles and around 30 minutes from Altrincham in the car and well served by regular tram/trains taking around an hour. We will be providing travel to Worcester City (at Bromsgrove) on Saturday 29th October and hope you can join us for that fixture, details to be announced later in the month.”

FA CUP

Mike Garnett reminds us of previous encounters with our potential opponents...

Cup games v Matlock:

• 2.10.1976 NPL Cup 2nd Rd A L 1-3
• 26.2.1977 FA Trophy 3rd Rd H W 1-0
• 25.2.1978 FA Trophy 3rd Rd A D 1-1
• 27.2.1978 FA Trophy 3rd Rd Replay H W 2-0
• 11.11.1986 GMAC Cup 1st Rd H W 3-1

Cup games v Workington:

• 14.1.1978 FA Trophy 1st Rd A D 0-0
• 16.1.1978 FA Trophy 1st Rd Replay H W 4-0
• 18.11.2003 Unibond LCC 2nd Rd A D 0-0 (Alty won 3-1 on penalties)

YOUTHS' CUP WIN

Report to follow.

LADIES LOSE CLOSE GAME

SATURDAY'S GOALS

MORPETH'S VIEW

Michael Chilton played the ball into the overlapping Paul Robinson, who carried the ball before firing into the side netting. Liam Henderson struck a fierce shot into the arms of Andrew Dawber and then the hosts came to life and started to turn the screw...

Reeves, who was making his 300th appearance for the Robins, headed inches wide. It was Altrincham that were on top at this point and the chance, arguably, should have been put away, but the hosts did take the lead four minutes before the break... [when Damian Reeves scored].

Morpeth started the better after the break, Robinson flicked Ben Sayer’s free-kick at goal before substitute Steven Anderson had a glorious effort to level the game. Sean Taylor curled in a brilliant cross, Dawber approached, but missed and Anderson headed down and inches wide...

The Robins found their second goal of the afternoon. Phil Marsh had only been on the pitch a matter of seconds before crossing for Miller, who tapped in from close range.

Chilton suffered a serious blow on 82 minutes, and Morpeth should have been awarded a penalty, but nothing was awarded and they had to play the rest of the game with 10 men. The forward didn’t move for five minutes before being stretchered off, and the Robins made the extra man count as they found a third deep into additional time...

Morpeth fought valiantly from start to finish and the scoreline didn’t reflect the pattern of the game".

NEXT OPPONENTS: STALYBRIDGE CELTIC

The Shaymen opened the scoring through Josh Wilde, only for former Town loan player Keil O’Brien to equalise on his return to the MBi Shay Stadium to go into half-time at 1-1. Luckily for Town, Danny Hone found space in the box to head home the winner...

'We were outstanding in the first half for about 35 minutes and should have been out of sight. We played some really good stuff then they had a good spell just before half time which you can expect. Then it got very broken up, that’s how Stalybridge like to play and we got dragged in'.

'I think we deserved to win the game, even from the first 35 minutes, because we were very good. It then became a war of attrition and we stood up to that. We fought fire with fire and, at the end of the day, we got the goal'...

Town seemed to enjoy the more creative side of the game, producing more opportunities than the visitors. Although, ‘Bridge brought an intense, physical side to the game with the aim of breaking up Town’s play...

'We totally dominated really. In the 45 minutes I don’t think they had a shot on goal, it was only the free kick that came in and unfortunately ‘Dents’ headed it into his own net but that was the only attempt they had on goal. You have to dig in against Stalybridge because they ask you a lot of physical questions. They make it difficult for you to play, you have to stand up to that'...

However, the physical battle brought with it some rising tensions. Stalybridge’s Andy Owens was caught in a tussle on several occasions with Hone... For the referee it was difficult for him to handle at times because it was a physical game...

'When things aren’t as fluent as you would like it to be you have to dig in and stop the opponent playing'...

FC Halifax Town defender Daniel Hone... headed in the winner... 'It was a frustrating afternoon for the home side as the game was constantly being pulled back for fouls and stoppages disrupting the flow of the football. Stalybridge came into the game as the underdogs having won only two out of their previous ten games so the stoppages in play better suited the away team' said Hone

'when it’s just stop and start it gets frustrating. We would rather have a competitive game but a free flowing game... When you’ve got Jordan Sinnott who can stick a dead ball on a sixpence I told the lads to go front post and I’ll go back post. I stuck at it and just nodded the ball in. It was an easy finish in the end but it’s more important that the team won...

'It’s never an easy game when you play Stalybridge, as we saw. They’re a physical team'...

Many of the fans who attended the game were not happy with the disjointed nature of play'".

Stalybridge add that "with three Celtic players making debuts, Halifax the stronger team, with a better league record this season, we were always going to be up against it... At times the game threatened to boil over, and it seemed a question of who would be sent off, before Halifax secured their win from a set-piece

Stalybridge's team was 1. McMillan, Tony, 2. O'Brien, Keil, 3. Wisdom, Danny, 4. Gorton, Jay, 5. Hughes, Matty, 6. Chalmers, Aaron, 7. McKnight, Darren, 8/ Gee, Gary, 9. Owens, Andy, 10. Tames, Steve, 11. Pilkington, Danny, 12/ Summerskill, Brian, 0 14. Ryan, Nick, 15. Chippendale, Aidan, 16. Bagshaw, Callum, 17. Tatum, Sam, 18. Platt, Kristian, 19. Halford, Steve."

CLUB AND SOCIAL EVENTS

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 (4-7yo), 6.00-8.00pm (7-11yo): 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.

ALTRINCHAM 3 MORPETH TOWN 0

Above, Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography captures Man of the Match Greg Wilkinson in action against Morpeth Town.

The final score was rather flattering to Altrincham who, for much of the game, laboured to impose themselves on their visitors from Northumberland. The Highwayman had the better of the opening exchanges. But, four minutes before the end of the first 45, a magnificent ball into the box from Greg Wilkinson was met by a fine header from Damian Reeves, playing his 300th game for the club. His header, back across goal, looped in off the upright. Earlier Alty had lost Tom Hannigan to injury in his first game back after a long lay-off.

Right, Mike Ripley of Michael Ripley Photography shows Damian Reeves during his 300th game for Altrincham, against Morpeth Town.

Altrincham improved in the second half but were still far from fluent and they failed to add to their lead till the 76th minute. Just a minute after coming on for his debut, as a substitute, Phil Marsh put in a fine, low cross, from right of goal, which Miller converted from close range.

Morpeth's afternoon was marred by a bad-looking injury to Chilton. After lengthy treatment he was stretchered off in a neck brace after being caught in the back in a melee in the Alty goalmouth. Alty took advantage of the one-man advantage to net a third, against the ten men, as Marsh's shot was pushed onto the post by the keeper, only for Richman to net the loose ball in the fourth minute of added time.

Match report here

Team sheet here.

LADIES ON SUNDAY

YOUTH ACTION

On Wednesday evening, Alty Youth are away at Haig Avenue against Southport in the FA Youth Cup (7.45pm). Admission prices are £5 for adults and £3 for concessionaries.

FA CUP CONSEQUENCES

The FA Cup 4QR draw will be sometime on Monday morning. It will be posted here when known.

RESERVES

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Glen Taylor`s 63rd minute effort eventually proved enough to earn Spennymoor Town their passage into Monday`s draw against Chorley at the Brewery Field.

Kettering Town met old rivals in Boston United at Latimer Park and won 2-0. The Poppies received a boost when the Pilgrims were reduced to ten-men after just 22 minutes with Joe Maguire being dismissed for two bookable offences...

National League sides to survive any upsets against lower league rivals included struggling North outfit Altrincham, who saw off FA Vase holders Morpeth Town 3-0 at Moss Lane...

Curzon Ashton booked their place in the next round after a comfortable 4-0 victory over Bedworth United at Tameside. As a result, the Nash have now reached their furthest point in the competition since 2008.

Alfreton Town came through a tricky test at The Walks against King`s Lynn Town. Two first half goals from Gibraltar international Adam Priestley sealed the Reds win.

Alfreton`s league rivals Kidderminster Harriers were given a stern test at the Giant Axe by Lancaster City before triumphing by the odd goal in five...

In all-National League North ties, in-form Brackley Town win 3-0 at Bromsgrove against Worcester City... The derby at Edgeley Park saw Stockport County beat neighbours Salford City 2-0 in front of 3,181...

Not too far away at Broadhurst Park, FC United of Manchester and Harrogate Town played out a 3-3 thriller.... Substitute Andy Gascoigne headed home Joe Leesley’s corner with just over 10 minutes to go before [Harrogate's] Joe Colbeck smashed home Pittman’s pass at the back post in the 6th minute of added time.

FC Halifax Town are also through after beating struggling visitors Stalybridge Celtic 2-1 at The Shay". attds FA Cup .

FIXTURES

Right: Charlie Joyce in action against Morpeth..

Saturday 8 October.

• Boston United v Worcester City
• Brackley Town v Darlington 1883
• Bradford Park Avenue v AFC Telford Utd
• Chorley v Harrogate Town
• FC United Of Manchester v Alfreton Town
• Gainsborough Trinity v Tamworth
• Gloucester City v FC Halifax Town
• Kidderminster Harriers v AFC Fylde
• Nuneaton Town v Curzon Ashton
• Stalybridge Celtic v Altrincham
• Stockport County v Salford City

FA CUP3QR RESULTS & GATES

• ALTRINCHAM 3-0 Morpeth T. (att.658)
• Kettering T. 2-0 Boston U (att.628)
• Halesowen T. 1-1 Nantwich T.
• Lincoln U. 3-1 Handsworth
• Farsley C. 0-1 Bishop Auckland
• FC Halifax Town 2-1 Stalybridge C. (att.964)
• Worcester C 0-3 Brackley T. (att. 628)
• King's Lynn 0-2 Alfreton (att.847)
• Curzon Ashton 4-0 Bedworth (att.207)
• Ilkeston T. 1-2 Stourbridge
• Lancaster C. 2-3 Kidderminster H. (att.570)
• Matlock T. 1-1 Workington
• Stockport C. 2-0 Salford C. (att.3181)
• Spennymoor 1-0 Chorley (att.713)
• FC United of M/cr 3-3 Harrogate T. (att.1541)
• AFC Mansfield 1-2 Stamford

FA CUP ON SUNDAY

• Gloucester City v Hemel Hempstead T

OLD BOY

PHIL MARSH AVAILABLE

It’s the FA Cup this weekend and we welcome Morpeth Town to the J Davidson Stadium for a 3rd Qualifying Round game.

I’m pleased to confirm that Phil Marsh is available for this game after his international clearance came through from the FA of Wales. Phil did very well for me at Stalybridge five years ago and I’m hoping that he can recapture that form, now that we have signed him from Bala Town, who play in the League of Wales. We also received international clearance for another player, who has been training with us recently, but we are not progressing that particular signing.

Tom Hannigan has come through training well this week and is also available, which is a big boost. I was at the game at Halifax in early August when Tom sustained his medial ligament injury and I know what a good player he is and how much he has been missed in the 11 games that he hasn’t featured in since then.

Simon Richman is also fit again and Charlie Joyce is available after his one-match suspension, so things are certainly improving on the availability front.

I know that Morpeth are a capable side and this FA Cup tie is certainly unique in that it pits together two managers who won at Wembley on the same day!

Nick Gray oversaw the Northumberland side’s greatest hour in their long history as the Highwaymen recovered from conceding a very early goal to strong favourites, Hereford FC, to turn things round dramatically to win by four goals to one, just hours before I had one of the best days of my footballing life, as FC Halifax Town overcame another strong favourite, Grimsby Town, with a single second-half goal settling the outcome in our favour.

I saw the closing minutes of Morpeth’s victory that day and I know that they are certainly capable of scoring lots of goals, although do concede fairly freely as well, so it promises to be an entertaining game and definitely good value for money, with reduced admission prices of £10 for adults and £5 concessions, throughout the ground.

We know that our visitors will be very fired up for this game and we will need to match that on the day. If we can, then I am confident that we will progress into the final qualifying round, the draw for which is on Monday".

MORPETH TOWN AIM TO RISE TO THE OCCASION

The 45-year-old, who has come back from three heart operations to continue his non-League career, is preparing for this weekend’s third round qualifying clash with Altrincham with history on his mind. Never before have the Highwaymen made the first round of The FA Cup but after their Vase victory last season, confidence is high...

Swailes, who became the oldest man to score in a final at the new Wembley in May as Morpeth lifted The Vase, and his team-mates, have a taste for the big time however.

'It seems to help us playing against tougher opposition; as a squad we perfect that and lift our level,' he said. 'We have beaten Colwyn Bay and Blyth Spartans who are two leagues above, we get up for those big games... For these games there is no pressure and we like a bit of a crowd, the more the merrier. Altrincham should beat us, they are three leagues above. But it would be brilliant to get to the First Round and we will give it our best shot'...

Did Swailes ever consider retiring on top? 'I had a couple of weeks after The Final to think about it. When you are successful you get greedy and I knew I wanted to return; the legs feel OK and I don’t want to be stuck in the house on a Saturday afternoon!' he added".

Admission prices on Saturday have been reduced and will be...

• Standing: Adults £10 Concessions £5
• Seating: Adults £10 Concessions £5
• Disabled with Helper: Combined price £10
• 12-16 year olds: £5
• Under 12: £2

Please remember that Altrincham FC season tickets do NOT cover cup matches.

ALTY TV 100 UPDATE

We are very pleased to advise that the funds raised from these 42 fans, combined with a £200 contribution to Alty TV and Radio Robins, made during the close season by a Midlands-based supporter and the revenue from the 2016/17 season sponsorship of Radio Robins by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, have enabled us to purchase a new camera and some required accessories.

This means that normal service will be resumed for tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Morpeth Town.

This has been a superbly generous effort by each contributor, some of whom have dug really deep to help out. Each contributor will be recognised on the 'Alty TV Wall of Fame' which will be shown at the end of highlights packages that Mark Bennett will put together from tomorrow until the end of the season.

We have also recognised that it is unlikely that we will reach the 100 contributors that we initially set out to achieve. Perhaps it was always an aspirational target for a club with a core fanbase of around 800 people to find 100 who could contribute £50. At the TASC meeting on Tuesday, we discussed rebranding the 'Alty TV 100' to the 'Alty TV 50' and looking at other ways to raise funds, going forward, to enable the service to survive and grow.

There will be an announcement next week regarding further fundraising for Alty TV and, in the meantime, there are still a few places up for grabs to become a member of the 'Alty TV 50'".

OLD BOY

'I didn’t think I was treated right there', he said of his short stint at Altrincham, who are managed by ex-Town boss Jim Harvey... 'I had a couple of clubs ring me saying they’d circulated my name for loan without speaking to me. When I was there, a lot of the supporters were disgruntled because of the performances. If results were going well it would be a totally different story. But because you’re a young lad and you’re new to the club, you become a bit of a scapegoat. One or two other lads had stepped up two leagues, like me, and got all the stick because we were Neil Young’s players, but some of the other lads who had been there a long time were immune from criticism.

'I wouldn’t say I was pulling up trees there but I thought my performances were decent. But it’s so refreshing to be here now, it’s a fantastic opportunity and one I’m keen to grab with both hands. I didn’t like the environment there', he said. 'I felt there were far too many people there passing the buck and too many new players were getting blamed for results when certain people should have been looking at themselves. I know I can play at this level. I believe in my ability. It’s just a case of working hard.

'Many teams are similar in this league but we’ve got that added quality as well and, if you’ve got every player pressing, you saw the work rate on Saturday, if you go to press, look round and see your team-mate doing it as well, it makes your job so much easier'.

Lynch, who says there were 'one or two' other offers from National League North clubs, feels right at home at The Shay after struggling to get a clear answer on his future from Harvey while at Altrincham. 'The chairman and everyone at the club were fantastic but the new manager that came in, he just didn’t want to give me a straight answer', Lynch said. 'Even when I rang him and asked him what was happening. It was a good opportunity for me. I took it under Neil Young, who I’d like to put on record my thanks for giving me the chance at this level. I’m just really looking forward to being here and playing under Billy (Heath). I know I’m the sort of player he likes; I work hard.

'You can tell everyone’s playing for him, he’s got every player on side. There’s no egos or any big-time Charlies, it’s a great environment to be around'.

Lynch captained Clitheroe aged just 21 and won the manager’s Player of the Year award in 2014-15 from ex-Halifax midfielder Simon Garner. He then stepped up two levels to join Altrincham in the summer, but took it upon himself to leave just four months later.

'I always knew, without being big-headed, that I could push myself to this level,' he said. 'But if I don’t think things are working, I won’t just sit there. I’m delighted to have joined this fantastic football club. The one thing I’m about is hard work. First and foremost when I go onto that pitch I try to run my heart out. When people are paying good money, that’s what people want to see. I’m never going to be one that dribbles round five players and puts one in the top corner, but I try to do the basics, get it and give it, and let the likes of Jake Hibbs, Jordan Sinnott and Liam King go on and play.'

Lynch was at Burnley for 10 years, three of those as a full-time professional, and captained their youth team as well as training with Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez and Tottenham’s and Kieran Trippier 'I got a good grounding there, but Eddie Howe came in and, if you’re not pushing towards the first-team, you’re surplus to requirements,' he reflected. 'I think it’s getting more and more difficult for lads to break through because of the money that’s involved. Some lads go under in that situation but I’ve always thought if I could get to this level, maybe I can get to the Conference National and take it from there...

'I dropped down (to Clitheroe) due to work commitments but I thought to myself "If I don’t have another go at that level I’m going to regret it". I’ve had that professional background and I want to push myself to the highest level I possibly can'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

'We're trying to give him the opportunity to get the coaching hours in and get the experience,' he said. But the former Bulgarian international has opted not take the deal as he works on attaining his coaching badges. Petrov retired from football in 2013 after being diagnosed with an acute form of leukaemia a year earlier. After making a full recovery, Petrov, who made 218 appearances for Villa, trained with Roberto Di Matteo's side over the summer...

Nuneaton are understood to be instead hopeful of signing veteran Premier League striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher".

From the National League, we learn that "Stockport County manager James Gannon has moved quickly to strengthen his squad, bringing in left-back Max Cartwright following injuries to Scott Duxbury and Adam Etches...

The 20-year-old defender was released by Fleetwood Town at the end of last season and joins the Hatters following a brief spell with FC United of Manchester. He played against County last November during a loan spell with Chorley... He previously played for the Magpies during their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League title-winning campaign in 2013/14 and enjoyed a loan spell with Southport in the National League last season.

The new signing comes in the wake of a serious injury to attacking midfielder Adam Etches, who dislocated his ankle and broke his calf bone following a poor challenge whilst playing for County's under-19s this week. The manager also has to cover for the enforced absence of Scott Duxbury, who was stretchered off with a head injury during the home clash with AFC Fylde on Tuesday night and will be out for at least a fortnight.

Eighteen-year-old Etches, who made his debut for Gannon's first-team in the final game of last season against Curzon Ashton, faces up to six months out of action. With Adam Thomas and Ryan Ellison also facing extended spells on the sidelines, the manager was keen to add depth to his squad.

Gannon said, 'On Wednesday afternoon following another really bad challenge, unfortunately, Adam Etches dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula, so that poor young lad's going to be out for the best part of this season, and he's another player that would have benefited from being on the bench tomorrow. But we've lost him, so we've recalled Craig Carney and George West, as well as registering four young players from the Academy to make sure we have enough bodies'.

The manager registered four of Alan Lord's highly-rated academy players... they include midfielders Jordan Peach and Alex Jackson, full-back Liam O'Brien and 6`4” centre-half Jordan Downing, who captains the under-19s".

According to Gloucestershire Live, "Gloucester City have signed striker Eli Phipps on a 28-day loan from Cardiff City. Phipps has been with Cardiff for 10 years, signing a professional contract in 2015, and he is the top scorer in their Under-23 side this season. The 19-year-old joins the Tigers... with top scorer Luke Hopper ruled out due to a knee injury ...

Gloucester City manager Tim Harris said, 'He's a very clinical finisher and, with the news that Luke Hopper is going to be out, we needed to move quickly to give us some options for the FA Cup game with Hemel Hempstead'".

Alty's next league game is away at the Bower Fold where the National League confirms that "Stalybridge Celtic have added two more new players to their squad. Midfielders Darren McKnight and [ex-Alty midfielder] Brian Summerskill have both moved to Bower Fold.

Morecambe signed McKnight in March 2016 on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The Northern Ireland under-21 international, 20, started out as a trainee at Barnsley without making any first-team appearances. He joined Shrewsbury Town in the summer of 2015, but was released the following January. He was released by the Shrimps at the end of last season.

Twenty-five-year-old Summerskill has been a stalwart for Northwich Victoria, staying loyal through several ups and downs since joining in November 2012. His previous clubs were Altrincham and Droylsden as well as a loan spell with Nantwich Town. "