ALTRINCHAM v BLYTH SPARTANS

"Altrincham v Blyth Spartans: Postponement of tonight's FA Trophy tie

Altrincham Football Club is very disappointed that tonight's scheduled Buildbase FA Trophy tie against Blyth Spartans has been postponed for a second time in four days, due to a frozen pitch and, in the interests of clear communication, would like to confirm the actions that took place leading up to the game being called off and subsequently re-scheduled for Tuesday December 6th @ 7.45pm.

Grahame Rowley, Chairman, arrived at the ground at 8.30am to check the pitch and then phone the secretary at Blyth Spartans, who was advised that the whole pitch was white but reasonably soft underneath and that he would be updated at 12.30pm ahead of travelling at 1pm.

During the morning, Grahame Rowley contacted the Football Association (F.A.) to discuss the situation. The F.A. asked if the game could be delayed by 24 hours and whilst this was agreeable to us, Blyth were not in a position to do this, due to work commitments of both players and management.

Having also contacted the match referee, who requested a pitch inspection at 12.30pm, Grahame Rowley got in touch with eight local referees, all of whom were unable to carry out an inspection. The FA also provided a further list of local refs, who were contacted but to no avail, which was not ideal, but understandable due to work commitments.

At 12.30pm the Chairman contacted Blyth to explain the situation and whilst both clubs agreed that conditions would probably not be ideal, they were happy to travel and duly set off at 1pm.

Throughout the afternoon a number of people worked on the pitch, removed all of the frost, leaving a playing surface that was hard but playable and, with the forecast indicating that temperatures would drop no lower than -1 degree celsius, we felt confident that the game would go ahead.

The match referee arrived around 5pm and following an inspection, deemed that the pitch was too frozen to play on, stating that on the basis of the cold temperature, he had to err on the side of caution for safety reasons.

The club did everything in its power to try to get the game played, including communicating frequently with our opposition, who were very supportive of our actions".

Footnote: As the tie will now be played on Tuesday 6 December, it means the league game at Brackley will have to be postponed from that date.

FA TROPHY MIDWEEK

Monday, 28 November

• Curzon Ashton 1-2 Worcester City

Tuesday, 29 November

• Altrincham v Blyth Spartans POSTPONED
• Chorley v Stafford Rangers POSTPONED
• FC United of Manchester v Nuneaton Town POSTPONED
• Witton Albion v Boston United POSTPONED

Tuesday, 29 November

FA Trophy 3QR replays:

• Brackley Town 3-1 Mickleover Sports
• FC Halifax Town 2-3 Matlock Town
• Marine v Darlington 1883 POSTPONED
• Salford C. v Harrogate T. POSTPONED
• Stalybridge Celtic v Stocksbridge Park Steels POSTPONED
• Tamworth 0-4 Farsley Celtic

Wednesday 30 November

FA Trophy 3QR replay

• Alfreton Town v Gainsborough Trinity

FA TROPHY ROUND ONE

• Gateshead v King's Lynn Town
• Farsley Celtic or Tamworth v Southport
• Solihull Moors v Matlock Town or FC Halifax Town
• Shaw Lane Association v Lincoln City
• Gainsborough Trinity or Alfreton Town v North Ferriby United
• Kidderminster Harriers v AFC Telford United
• FC United Of Manchester or Nuneaton Town v Stocksbridge Park Steels or Stalybridge Celtic
• Harrogate Town or Salford City v Barrow
• AFC Fylde v Mickleover Sports or Brackley Town
• York City v Curzon Ashton or Worcester City
• Chorley or Stafford Rangers v Guiseley
• Witton Albion or Boston United v Chester
• Wrexham v Tranmere Rovers
• ALTRINCHAM or Blyth Spartans v Macclesfield Town
• Stockport County v Darlington 1883 or Marine
• Ebbsfleet United v Woking
• Chelmsford City v Hitchin Town
• Dagenham & Redbridge v Worthing or Hemel Hempstead Town
• Harlow Town v Eastleigh
• Whitehawk or St Albans City v Poole Town or Weymouth
• Braintree Town v Torquay United
• Margate or East Thurrock United v Aldershot Town
• Dulwich Hamlet v Hampton & Richmond Borough or Royston Town
• Welling United v Hythe Town
• Maidenhead United or Wealdstone v Wingate & Finchley
• Dartford v Dover Athletic
• South Park v North Leigh
• AFC Sudbury v Gosport Borough
• Sutton United v Bath City
• Forest Green Rovers v Truro City
• Boreham Wood v Maidstone United
• Bromley v Leiston or Eastbourne Borough

LADIES' FIXTURES

And Phil Taylor advises us that the Ladies will be away to Birkenhead in the next round of the Cheshire Cup.

NW NEWS

Northwich Victoria owner Martin Rushe informed the NPL of his decision in a statement on Saturday evening following the club’s 2-2 draw at Carlton Town. In a statement the Northwich owner said he regretted the decision and hoped the sale of the club 'can be achieved quickly so that it can continue into the future'. The legal notice is due to expire on Wednesday, 30th November when it is likely an Administrator will be appointed. The proposed Administrator has held preliminary talks regarding the sale of the club with interested parties."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

From the Kidderminster Shuttle, "Kidderminster chairman Colin Gordon admits the club is bracing itself for firm interest in a host of their talented young players in the new year. Harriers have been making their mark in National League North this season due to their style of play and array of potential stars.

The likes of Elton Ngwatala, Tyrell Waite and Arthur Gnahoua have all bagged the headlines with their goalscoring prowess. Gordon thinks it's inevitable that interest will soon be shown in the youngsters. He said, 'We know people are looking over our fence but that's the basis of what we do. Our average age of the team is 22 and everyone is aware of that. Every player is attracting attention at the moment, especially because of the way we play the game, the way the manager believes the game should be played and the way the club have set out our philosophy right the way through, be that the academy or our youth teams.

'That is the only way you can showcase talent. You can't do that if the ball is up in the clouds all the time. If we then have the opportunity to move that talent on then we can't stand in their way when an opportunity comes. We recruited them because we said we'd be able to create that opportunity for them. What we have to do is get the best value. When that happens you have to have others that are ready to come into the side. You have to know who the next one is.

'I think we will have a few bids but what we need to do is balance our current position financially with the necessity of accepting bids. We also have a moral responsibility to those players to help them progress, but without losing the ability to win football matches. It's a difficult balance to have and I know fans will be worried about losing players but we are not out of the woods yet as regards to the structure and funds we have to support the club. It'll still take a couple of years to build that up. If we do sell a couple of players it will because we need to.'"

MIXED DAY

However, a goal from Laura Kelly gave Altrincham FC Ladies a 1-0 home win in their cup match against Witton Albion on Sunday afternoon.

THROUGH THE YEARS

GREAT EVENTS AT THE CSH!

• 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.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Their improvement continued last weekend as a stoppage time winner from James Knowles sealed an impressive away win at Stockport County... Bower said, 'I think we have ticked off a few firsts in the past few weeks. We had our first win of the season at Altrincham, then our first home win against Alfreton, which was the first clean sheet as well... Once we got that first win we gained confidence, we started picking up more points and got ourselves back in touch with the clubs that are looking up towards mid-table. We have given ourselves a chance, but that's all it is'..

'You can't have ten home games and win only one. We can't go through the final eleven home games with that sort of form because if we do we will be in big, big trouble. It is a very unique place to play football and it throws up a few different challenges for ourselves and opposing teams. Hopefully we can become more used to it than the opposition and adapt quicker'...

When Bower replaced Alex Meechan at the Avenue helm, he inherited an experienced squad and one with a number of familiar faces. The likes of Liam Dickinson, Nicky Boshell and Emile Sinclair all worked under Bower during his time with Guiseley. Football League experience is provided by players like Nicky Wroe and Matt Hill, meaning Bower possesses a squad capable of moving away from the drop zone...

'I think the biggest test was the way we bounced back from the defeat against Stalybridge Celtic', admitted Bower. 'That came after a good win at Altrincham and it felt like it was back to square one... We certainly aren't the youngest side in the league, we have that experience to fall back on'... Although high on experience, the Avenue squad is short on quality according to the man charged with keeping them in the National League North...

Bower hopes their improvement in league form can attract the neccassary players to improve on the quality and strength-in-depth of his squad. 'We need more changes. We don't have the quality in-depth in the squad that we would like. "Throughout the winter you start to pick up suspensions and injuries and we know we need a stronger squad. It's tricky because the transfer window in the Football League is making it harder for clubs at our level. Football League clubs aren't allowing players to move on loan because they can't replace them, that filters down the league and it's just not happening. Hopefully come January we will be in a better position in the league because we need to make ourselves a more attractive proposition for potential new signings. We were nine points adrift at the bottom of the league at one point, it would be difficult to bring players in on the back of that...

'When that window opens we have a chance and it's one that we have to take to make this squad stronger for the second half of the season'".

The National League reports that "Mark Shelton has completed a move from Ilkeston FC to neighbours Alfreton Town. Shelton was a regular member of Paul Holland’s squad and scored vital goals in the wins over Barwell in the league and the Emirates FA Cup. Shelton was released by Burton Albion at the end of the 2015/16 season and made the move to Ilkeston shortly after.

LADIES' MATCH DEFINITELY ON

TWO SIGN DUAL REGISTRATION FORMS

REDUCED PRICES ON TUESDAY

Admission prices to all parts of the J. Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane, WA15 8AP...

• Adult admission: £10
• Concessionaries: £5
• Under-12s £2

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

It told members, 'Our finances are behind where we expected in a number of areas. The board needs to alert supporters to the possibility that the club will need to apply for an overdraft around December 2016. We are in a worrying financial position.'

The club is heading towards making a loss this year that, in addition to needing an overdraft, will leave it unable to meet obligations for further development of their Broadhurst Park ground at the end of the season and leave it with insufficient funds to pay other lenders. Among the reasons given for FC United's financial plight are a staffing structure deemed 'not fit for purpose' and an 'unrealistic' financial plan for 2015-16 and beyond.

The club hoped to avoid such a dire scenario when it appointed a new board in the summer, ending a period of bitter infighting that had led to a number of well-established figures at FC United relinquishing their roles. At the time, officials spoke optimistically about the future but this season, their second at Broadhurst Park, which cost £6.3m, average league attendances have dropped from 3,208 to 2,440. In addition the club failed to match last term's run to the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, which brought in £150,000".

FA TROPHY REVIEW

No less than eight other National League North or South sides face midweek replays against lower league opposition. Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North side Farsley Celtic were seconds away from producing an upset over Tamworth in a thrilling cup tie at Throstle Nest but sub Dan Newton, newly of Jamie Vardy's V9 Academy, struck in the 4th minute of stoppage time to break Celtic hearts. Earlier, James Walshaw had given Farsley the breakthrough...

Brackley Town, who have enjoyed a terrific Emirates FA Cup run, were almost victims of an upset themselves as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Northern Premier League Premier Division Mickleover Sports. The hosts looked to have won it when Adam Baskerville finally opened the account for the afternoon in the 90th minute. But a minute into stoppage time, Alex Gudger grabbed an equaliser to earn the Saints a home replay...

National League North sides FC Halifax Town and Stalybridge Celtic also live to fight another day after drawing at lower league opposition. The Shaymen, defending their crown they won in May against Grimsby Town, were behind to Curtis Morrison`s goal right on half-time for NPL Premier Division side Matlock Town, the 1975 winners, but Alex Simmons equalised 10 minutes from time to earn a Shay replay.

NPL First Division South side Stocksbridge Park Steels must have fancied their chances at Bracken Moor against strugglers Stalybridge... Biggins gave Steels a second go at Bower Fold with a 73rd minute leveller...

Other National League North winners against lower league opponents were AFC Telford United – 2-0 winners... against NPL First Division North outfit Ramsbottom United... and Kidderminster Harriers, who were 3-1 Aggborough winners over NPL First Division South side Lincoln United...

All-National League North ties saw wins for Stockport County and leaders AFC Fylde. A crowd of 1,164 saw Stockport beat Bradford Park Avenue 2-0 at Edgeley Park... while the Coasters edged a five-goal thriller at Whaddon Road against Gloucester City, whose Lewis Hall opened the scoring after just 2 minutes. Danny Rowe – who else! – equalised from the spot after 18 minutes and, after Joe Parker had restored the Tigers` lead just before the hour-mark, went on to complete yet another hat-trick in the 88th and then 4 minutes into time added on...

National league North rivals Gainsborough Trinity and Alfreton Town couldn`t manage a goal between them at the Northolme, while Harrogate Town and Salford City shared four at the CNG Stadium...

The tie between National League North side Boston United and NPL First Division South side Witton Albion was abandoned at half-time at Wincham Park because of fog...

NPL First Division South club Shaw Lane AFC shocked NPL Premier Division Nantwich Town 3-1 at home".

FA TROPHY GATES

• Farsley v Tamworth 227
• Kidderminster H. v Lincoln Utd. 916
• Matlock T. v FC Halifax Town 483
• Mickleover Sports v Brackley 150
• Ramsbottom U. v AFC Telford Utd 319
• Shaw Lane Assn v Nantwich T. 215
• Stocksbridge PS v Stalybridge C.142
• Gainsborough Trinity v Alfreton T. 308
• Stockport Co. v Bradford PA 1164
• Gloucester C. v AFC Fylde 240

NW GAMES DECIMATED BY WEATHER

Below, right, is the scene at the J Davidson Stadium at 3pm when it was not possible to see from one end of the pitch to the other, according to Club Caterer, Richie Bentley - and the pitch was still frozen.

• 1 Stocksbridge Park Steels 2-2 Stalybridge Celtic
• 2 Harrogate Town 2-2 Salford City
• 3 Witton Albion A-A Boston United (Albion were leading 1-0)
• 4 Mickleover Sports 1-1 Brackley Town
• 5 Gainsborough Trinity 0-0 Alfreton Town
• 6 King's Lynn Town 1-0 St Ives Town
• 7 Shaw Lane Association 3-1 Nantwich Town
• 8 Altrincham P-P Blyth Spartans - now on Tuesday 7.45pm
• 9 Ramsbottom Utd 0-2 AFC Telford United
• 10 Matlock Town 1-1 FC Halifax Town
• 11 Farsley Celtic 2-2 Tamworth
• 12 Chorley P-P Stafford Rangers
• 13 Kidderminster Harriers 3-1 Lincoln Utd
• 14 Curzon Ashton P-P Worcester City
• 15 FC United of Manchester P-P Nuneaton Town
• 16 Stockport County 2-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)
• 17 Gloucester City 2-3 AFC Fylde
• 18 Darlington 1883 v Marine Playing on Sunday
• 19 Ebbsfleet United 4-2 Harrow Borough
• 20 Slough Town 2-4 Wingate & Finchley
• 21 Truro City 6-1 Frome Town
• 22 Hampton & Richmond Borough 0-0 Royston Town
• 23 Concord Rangers 0-1 Welling United
• 24 Kings Langley 1-3 AFC Sudbury
• 25 Weston Super Mare 2-4 Dartford
• 26 Worthing 1-1 Hemel Hempstead Town
• 27 Hungerford Town 0-1 Gosport Borough
• 28 Oxford City 1-2 South Park
• 29 Bath City 2-0 Basingstoke Town
• 30 Chelmsford City 1-0 Taunton Town
• 31 Margate 1-1 East Thurrock United
• 32 Leiston 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
• 33 Poole Town 1-1 Weymouth
• 34 Havant & Waterlooville 1-3 Harlow Town
• 35 Winchester City 0-1 Dulwich Hamlet
• 36 Maidenhead United v Wealdstone
• 37 Burgess Hill Town 0-3 Hitchin Town
• 38 Whitehawk 1-1 St Albans City
• 39 North Leigh 1-0 Kingstonian
• 40 Hythe Town 4-2 Bishop's Stortford

TODAY'S MATCH IS POSTPONED

After heavy overnight frost and temperatures down below minus three centigrade in Altrincham, a pitch inspection at the J. Davidson Stadium was carried out at 9.30am by Premier League referee Anthony Taylor (as pictured above). Unfortunately, the frost on the pitch has meant that he has had to call the game off.

with Blyth having to set off by 9.30am, an early decision had to be taken and, in view of a forecast temperature of only one degree centigrade and persistent fog in addition to the frost, there was no alternative but to call the match off.

The match has been rescheduled for Tuesday 29 November at 7.45pm.

TV IN SPORTS HALL

SATURDAY'S REFEREE

EARLY STARTS

And the Youth team is in action at Hale Country Club against Curzon Ashton with a 1.30pm start.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH

From the Lancashire Evening Post comes news that manager "Dave Challinor could be forgiven for basking in the glory of his side’s stunning victory over Boston United last weekend... scoring an amazing nine goals as they put the visitors to the sword...

Challinor could certainly not be accused of resting on his laurels. Indeed, his response to the club’s record-breaking scoreline – which included a four-goal salvo from ace marksman Danny Rowe – was to go out and sign another striker! Former Chorley ace Darren Stephenson joined the club on loan from Tranmere Rovers until January...

'Signing Darren has been in the offing for a couple of weeks to be honest,” said Challinor. “After scoring nine goals on Saturday, people might think we don’t need another striker, but it’s a deal that could have happened for the last couple of weeks. Tranmere had a few injuries and suspensions which held it up'...

'Darren is something different to what we have got already', Challinor revealed. 'He is here until January 7 for the FC United game... [Tranmere] spent big money on him in the summer. There has been a change of manager there but I know Micky Mellon (current Tranmere manager) likes the look of him and he’s still only young'...

'I think if you ask any team in our division, they will say the Trophy is their best chance of getting to Wembley,', he said. 'You are relying on the look of the draw, but I don’t think there is much difference between teams in the National League North and the National League this year. Gloucester away is probably not a great one from a travelling fan’s point of view, but it’s a Football League-standard ground with a decent pitch and one we are looking forward to'.

Challinor revealed midfielder Caspar Hughes is his only injury doubt".

Meanwhile, Darlington 1883 "have signed goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski from Hartlepool United on a month’s loan. Manager Martin Gray has moved quickly to sign a temporary replacement for Peter Jameson, who is serving a three game ban for his dismissal at Telford last weekend.

Ben, 21, started his career at Kingstonian in London, before moving to Durham University to study for a Sports Science degree. He played for Tow Law, Ashington and Durham City in the Northern League before a successful trial at Hartlepool during the summer".

According to the Football Conference, "Stalybridge Celtic have signed defender Keil O`Brien on a permanent basis following his release by Southport earlier this month. O`Brien spent a four-game loan spell from Port at Bower Fold in October. O’Brien started his career at Manchester United’s youth academy.

After being released from Old Trafford, he joined Glossop North End in 2009, making three appearances. In 2010 he joined Northwich Victoria, spending time on loan with Radcliffe Borough. It was at Mossley AFC where he shone, joining the Lillywhites in 2011 going on to make sixty appearances... In 2012 he moved to Chorley for two seasons, making fifty-nine appearances and scoring 3 times, before he got a move up the pyramid to join Bury in 2014.

He made thirty-two League appearances for the Shakers and scored twice, despite spending a month on loan at FC Halifax Town, making four appearances. After joining Southport in the summer he was sent out on loan again to Halifax and then to us"

We learn from NL Pitchero that "Giant defender Exodus Geohaghon has re-joined Nuneaton Town as player-coach. The 31-year-old, 6'5" Geohaghon, who has a couple of England C caps, joins after leaving Torquay United...

He signed for Mansfield Town in 2012/13 and played a key role as the Stags returned to The Football League. Short spells with Worcester City, Braintree Town, Solihull Moors, Nuenaton and Whitehawk followed before he ended the 2014/15 season with Stourbridge, signing for the Gulls in the summer of 2015".

LANDMARK FOR THE ALTY LADIES

He adds, "Over the past six months we have been working hard with Rachel (Girls' football co-ordinator), the Junior Girls' section of the club and specifically the Under-17s to try and bridge the gap between junior and senior football. We have had, (and will continue to do so), girls from Steve and Andrew's team down to our training sessions on a Thursday night to get them used to the transition.

All the girls have trained hard and, as Steve and Andrew have said, it's now showing and benefiting the girls when they play for their own team on a Saturday. Last night, a bit of history was made as Megan Rowley became the first player to make the transition into our squad, Megan (or her new nickname 'Junior' as we have christened her) has excelled when she has been down and I'm sure will continue to flourish with us over the coming season. She will still continue to play for her team on a Saturday but will also work with us on a Thursday and Sunday to continue her build-up into women's football and will be available for our squad selection. Megan will take the No.12 squad number".

TASC "OVER 50s'" CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Our Christmas Chef is Richie Bentley and the menu is as follows:-

• Cream of Fresh Vegetable Soup
• Roast Cheshire Turkey (Chipolata Sausages/Chestnut Stuffing) with Sprouts, Parsnips and Roast Potatoes
• Christmas Pudding & Cream
• Traditional Mince Pies
• Tea or Coffee

Red or White wine and soft drinks will be served with the meal.

All this for a remarkable pre-Brexit price of just £10!

TASC is very grateful to Richie Bentley Catering and to Bidvest Foodservice who are sponsoring the costs of putting on this event, therefore all funds raised will be donated directly by TASC to Altrincham Football Club.

To reserve your place at this festive culinary extravaganza simply pick up the phone and call the Football Club on 0161 928 1045 or send an e-mail".

And, especially for Mark Eckersall, Santa makes an early appearance on the website, above!

WAYNE THOMAS RETURNS TO KIDDY

Wayne's loan started on 28 October 2016, after he had appeared three times for the Midlands club earlier in the season. He made two league starts for Alty but his parent club withheld approval for his involvement in cup matches. The Club thanks Wayne for his services.

GREAT HOSPITALITY OFFER FOR BLYTH GAME

For just £27.50 not only will you gain admission to the match (entry to which is NOT included in Altrincham FC season tickets) but you will also enjoy a two-course meal prepared by Club Caterer, Richie Bentley, along with a complimentary drink and a free matchday programme, as well as a reserved seat in the Smart Storage Family Stand. In addition, the Altrincham FC manager or a member of the playing/coaching staff will speak to guests about the game, before kick-off. A free hot drink and biscuits, at half-time, are also included in the package. So it's a great value offer!

To book your place, please contact Barry on 07957 456375 or by e-mail as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. The package begins at 1.30pm

FA TROPHY OPPONENTS: BLYTH SPARTANS

Above: Shaun Densmore takes a freekick in our last meeting with Blyth Spartans in November 2014.

Our FA Trophy opponents, Blyth Spartans report on their recent 11 – 1 local cup win over Bedlington Terriers. " The 11-1 scoreline could have been even more emphatic if not for some eye-catching saves by the Terriers goalkeeper Jak Wells... Blyth took the lead on four minutes... and Terriers’ striker Jack Foalle did well to lob over Adam McHugh in the Blyth goal to equalise.

The Spartans took this set-back in their strike and went on to dominate the half, and the game...

Half-time must have come as a welcome relief for Bedlington. But their heads must have sunk after the break when Blyth brought on three top quality substitutes in the form of Robbie Dale, Matty Pattison and Nathan Buddle. Unsurprisingly the subjugation of Bedlington continued unabated and, indeed, it intensified...

Blyth Spartans: McHugh, Cartwright (Buddle 45), Liddle (Pattison 45), Wade, Caines, Hutchinson, Rivers, Hooks, Maguire (Dale), Reid, Richardson. Subs not used: Turnbull... Spartans Man of the Match: Jarrett Rivers"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

'I'm delighted that Neil Aspin has allowed Reece to come here and play some games,' said Wright, who replaced Kevin Wilson as Boro manager last week, 'He's a player I know well from our time together at Forest Green and a player I've always admired. He's like a bull in a china shop, he will give everybody at the club a lift, his work rate and desire is infectious on a football pitch and I'm hoping that spreads through the side. He should be playing in the Football League in my opinion, and he comes here hungry and ready to score goals.'

Styche started his career at Hednesford Town and played for multiple local clubs before enjoying his longest spell at Forest Green Rovers between 2010 and 2014 making over 100 starts... Boro are also in talks with two other players who cannot be named at this stage".

Boston United "have snapped up Doncaster Rovers striker Joe Pugh on a youth loan deal which runs until January. The 19-year-old, who has already featured in a loan spell for Hyde United this season, has linked up with the Pilgrims until New Year's Day initially... He is the son of former United head of youth Daral Pugh."

According to the Chorley Citizen, "Chorley FC boss Matt Jansen believes the club is building success at Victory Park. The Magpies moved up to second in the Vanarama National League North after a 4-1 victory against fellow promotion rivals Gloucester City.

Jansen said, 'Everybody was fantastic, the midfield, the back three, the wing backs were all great. Jason Walker’s movement was clever and you need that... But more important than that, is the type of dressing room we have got, as they all want to pull together for each other and they are all friends. They are demanding stuff from each other and they are all mates. There is a great team spirit and that is what is building this success and you cannot buy that'...

Jansen said, 'We had pressed and took the game to Gloucester and were always on the front foot and were clinical in front of goal'.... Jansen admits that the goal by Jake Cotterill was a wonder-strike... ' was a fantastic strike, he deserved it because his work-rate was phenomenal [and he] covers every blade of grass'...

One of the highlights was striker Alex Samizadeh taking his tally to two goals in as many matches. Jansen said, 'He is a goalscorer and is a little pocket rocket, impact player. He is brilliant and is so loveable, great character and is such a nice lad.... Hopefully we can have him for a few more weeks'.

On Saturday, the Magpies entertain Stafford Rangers at Victory Park in the Buildbase FA Trophy third qualifying round. Jansen said, 'It is a nice distraction because it is financially beneficial to the club'".

We learn from the Gainsborough Standard that "Gainsborough Trinity boss Dom Roma has signed former Matlock Town midfielder Laurie Wilson. Wilson, the son of Chesterfield manager Danny Wilson, signs following a short spell at Frickley. Wilson won the National League North title in 2011 whilst with Alfreton Town..

Wilson said, 'I’ve got some fond memories of my time at Alfreton, I took a lot from my time there and hope I can pass on some of that experience to the youngsters here at Gainsborough'".

TASC RELAUNCH MEETING

"TASC (The Altrincham Supporters Club) met on Tuesday evening to discuss a potential re-launch with the aim of being more representative of fans and redefining its role in helping the the club.

The meeting was well attended, with around twenty supporters present, and the discussion focused on where TASC is now and what it could look like in the future. The discussion identified specific successes that TASC had achieved since its formation in 2007 and also areas that could be improved upon going forward.

From this discussion, a number of core obectives for a new-look supporters' group were agreed and there was a discussion relating to the roles that are deemed to be needed within that group, including agreeing that these roles would be filled by a combination of some individuals continuing to carry out their existing jobs within the new group, whilst other existing and new roles would be opened up for supporters to put themselves forward for.

Further details will be published of the meeting within the next few days, although it was agreed that the re-launch of TASC, which would probably take place in January, would be the best time to reveal the complete plan to take TASC forward, including objectives".

BILLY HASLER-CREGG MOVES ON

The 20-year old former Rochdale Academy prospect signed last summer but is now on the look-out for a fresh start after it was agreed his starting opportunities at Alty were likely to remain limited. He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club. The news comes hard on the heels of versatile defender Curtis Obeng's departure, after he decided he wanted to accept the opportunity of joining Vanarama National League side Solihull Moors".

Footnote: Billy Hasler-Cregg made three substitute appearances for Altrincham, the last arising after a one-month loan at Droylsden. His exit is the thirteenth departure of a player from Altrincham this season.

Billy is one of 37 players to have been named in an Altrincham squad so far this season and he is the thirteenth player to depart this season. In addition four loanees have returned to their parent clubs.

BLYTH SPARTANS, SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS

We last met in an FA Cup First Round match on Sunday, 9 November 2014 when the Northumbrians won 4-1. The goals that day came from:

• 4 mins: Robbie DALE (penalty) (Blyth Spartans 1 ALTRINCHAM 0)
• 61 mins: Daniel MAGUIRE (Blyth Spartans 2 ALTRINCHAM 0)
• 73 mins: Kyle PERRY (Blyth Spartans 2 ALTRINCHAM 1)
• 84 mins: Robbie DALE (Blyth Spartans 3 ALTRINCHAM 1)
• 88 mins: Daniel MAGUIRE (Blyth Spartans 4 ALTRINCHAM 1)

Altrincham were without Nicky Clee (broken toe) that day and their squad comprised 1. Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (c), 5. Gianluca Havern, 16. Tom Marshall, 6. Scott Leather, 8. Simon Richman, 4. Jake Moult; 18. Sean Williams, 3. Adam Griffin, 7. James Lawrie, 10. Damian Reeves. Subs: 9. Steven Gillespie, 14. Kyle Perry, 15. Greg Wilkinson, 20. Joel Swift, 17. Dave Parton, 25. Peter Cavanagh, 19. Ryan Crowther.

The only players from that squad who are still at Moss Lane are Richman, Moult, Lawrie, Reeves and Wilkinson.

Blyth's squad for the 2014 match was: 1. Peter Jeffries, 2. Alex Nicholson, 3. Jordan Watson, 4. Ryan Hutchinson, 5. Nathan Buddle, 6. Stephen Turnbull, 7. Jarrett Rivers, 8. Daniel Hawkins, 9. Daniel Maguire, 10. Matthew Wade 11. Robert Dale. Subs: 12. Arran Wearmouth, 14. Neal Hooks, 15. Jonathyn Quinn, 16. Damon Mullen 17. Joel Dixon, 18. Danny Parker, 19. Niall Harrison

In the last round of the FA Trophy the Blyth squad was named as follows; Paul Woolston, Andrew Cartwright (Alex Nicholson 82), Chris Bell, Damen Mullen, Richard Pell, Nathan Buddle, Jarrett Rivers (Michael Richardson 73), Stephen Turnbull, Daniel Maguire, Luke Armstrong, Robbie Dale (Matty Pattison 72). Subs not used: Matthew Wade, Gavin Caines.

For the Spartans' recent game against in the EvoStik League's cup competition the squad was Adam McHugh (gk), Alex Nicholson, Chris Bell, Michael Liddle, Matthew Wade , Gavin Caines, Ryan Hutchinson, Jarrett Rivers, Neal Hooks, Michael Richardson, Matty Pattison, Damen Mullen, Robbie Dale, Chris Bell, Luke Armstrong, Paul Woolston (gk)

Mike Garnett provides a statistical summary of our previous encounters:

• Home P7 W5 D1 L1 F14 A7
• Away P10 W2 D5 L3 F14 A15
• Overall P17 W7 D6 L4 F28 A22

In their 11- 1 win over Bedlington Terriers in midweek in the Northumberland Senior Cup 16-17, Blyth Spartans' scorers were Michael Richardson (4), Sean Reid (2) Jarrett Rivers (3), Matty Pattison and Robbie Dale.

MONTHLY DRAW

There is still time to join the scheme in time for the December draw, where the 1st prize will be £1,000. Leaflets about the draw will be available in the Community Sports Hall on Saturday; why not pick up a leaflet? Alternatively, details can be had from the AFC Office, and they can also be found here. The date and time for this fantastic draw will be announced in due course.

Remember-you've got to be in it to win it!"

OLD BOY

LADIES' NEXT MATCH

The social club at Mersey Valley will be open throughout the day from 12 noon.

BLYTH HIT ELEVEN

TUESDAY SCORES

• Kidderminster Harriers 3 Gloucester City 0
• Tamworth 2 Stockport County 2

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

'To be honest, it was a frustrating game for everyone because as soon as it went to ten men, they just tried to park the bus', said Newton. 'We just couldn't get through as they put all eleven men behind the ball and then they took the lead. It was just really frustrating, but it was nice to get back in the game early. We knew we could break them down and it was good to equalise early doors and get the goal that got us back in the match.

'James Belshaw made some fantastic saves throughout the game and really kept us in it. I would say he won us the game, as some of the saves he pulled off were amazing... Andy Burns also did a great job at the back stopping their forwards getting near the goal, they both contributed massively to the win'.

Newton got Tamworth's first against Stalybridge before Greg Mills slotted home a penalty, one minute later, to take the lead... Despite some resistance from the visiting team, who almost equalised in the 90th minute, had it not been for a reaction save from Belshaw, the Lambs hung on to take the win. Tamworth FC have now moved up to fourth in the National League North table... They are also unbeaten in the last four home games, with just one defeat this season in front of their home fans...

Newton continued, 'We are not afraid of anyone in this league, we have beaten some of the best and biggest team[s] in this season and have won five on the bounce'".

From the Worcester News we learn that "Worcester City boss Carl Heeley fears the 'gulf between the big-spending teams and the rest in Vanarama National League North will 'continue to get bigger'.

Heeley raised his concerns after his side lost 3-0 at well-backed Salford City and leaders AFC Fylde thrashed 17th-placed Boston United 9-2 on Saturday. Worcester’s defeat at Moor Lane means they have only picked up four points against nine of the top 11 teams. However, Heeley insisted it would be a 'different story' if he had the type of budget he was aware other managers had in the division...

'You have got to look at things philosophically,' said Heeley... 'If you look at Salford, they are in a great situation. They have got five very successful (former) Premier League players who have realised, to take the club to where they want, their money is not enough, so they bring a billionaire along to complement it'.

Apart from claiming a 2-0 win at Brackley and drawing 2-2 against Harrogate, the Blue and Whites have come away empty-handed against sides in the top half...

But Heeley refused to get despondent... 'If I had some of the budgets those teams in the top half have, it would be a different story but I haven’t,' he said. 'We do the best with what we have got and that’s it'...

Last season, City... secured a 3-2 win and 2-2 draw against high-flying AFC Fylde. This term, however, the ambitious Lancashire side, who moved into a new 6,000-seater stadium in the summer, are four points clear at the top and Heeley said he was unsurprised by their rise. 'Fylde scored nine goals (against Boston on Saturday),' he said. 'How do you do that? You get top players to do it. That’s how. Of course (the gap is getting bigger) and it will continue to get bigger. It is massive. I don’t get despondent because I know what we have got and I know what other clubs have got.

'Of course there is a gulf but it is what it is. Everybody knows what clubs like Worcester have got to contend with, so we are doing well to compete... I am confident, with the budget we have, we have got the most quality possible. They are good, honest lads and want to do well for this football club and that’s good enough for me'".

In the wood national division, Boreham Wood state that "After years of watching our local newspaper’s sports coverage disintegrate into nothing more than internet articles being rehashed, Boreham Wood Football Club have, with a heavy heart, decided to cease dealing with the Times Newspaper Group.

A club spokesman said, 'We’ve spoken to the paper’s Sports Editor, and he’s explained their financial state is chronic and they do not have the resources or staff to cover the club. We feel, as the highest placed non league club throughout Hertfordshire that the paper could do more but we have to now move on and for us they are now yesterday’s news. For many years, we have tried to help them by providing our own reporters and quite often even a photographer. We have had to almost beg them, though, to agree contra deals, so we could pay these people a couple of quid in expenses. It’s fair to say though, it’s not our job to do their sports reporting and we are happy for them to continue to take our reports, regurgitate them as their own, while never attending a game, as that’s how they now choose to work.

'With the rise of Facebook, twitter, plus other social media mediums, there is now a clamour for instant news, and the reality is that the internet gives us that. As such it now perhaps leaves the once much-loved weekly local newspaper redundant? If they are losing their staff, their advertising revenue and their readership is plummeting, then things must be grave but we must respect their decision and move on. Quite frankly the work involved for us to do their job has felt like an unappreciated pressure, and it’s no fun to work with people who clearly do not appreciate our staff’s efforts.

'The Times Group, it seems, are far more interested in the football clubs of Watford, Barnet, St Albans, Hendon and others. They have no real interest in Boreham Wood Football Club so, as everyone can see with the lack of old fashioned journalism, now is as good a time as any to part company. We will now try to give our supporters a better-run club website, and we hope you all remain committed to your hometown community club. We’ll try to provide the townsfolk through our website with as much information as possible, and we are trying to create an easy access “BWTV highlights and interview channel” for everyone’s enjoyment.

'We’ll look at ways to increase both traffic and investment into our website, we’ll look into our reporting and into creating more employment for local people. We’ll perhaps advertise for people to run our news, our twitter page and we’ll explore the possibilities of local commercial opportunities and partnerships with local people and local businesses. We now get over 350,000 hits a year on our club website and have almost 500,000 people either playing, visiting, attending functions, being coached or simply watching football at our football club per annum

'We are now establishing ourselves as a National League club, and we are regularly featured on both local radio, while being shown on various National and regional TV sports channels... Finally we genuinely wish the local newspaper and the very few loyal staff that it has left good luck in the future and for those of us old enough to remember, we fondly recall the time that the Borehamwood Post and then Times, served its local community and its sporting clubs very well. Unfortunately, that time has now long since passed".

CURTIS OBENG LEAVES

Curtis only joined Altrincham on 4 November 2016 after an even shorter spell with Macclesfield Town. He made one start for Altrincham plus one appearance from the bench, last Saturday at Alfreton. All at Moss Lane wish him well for the future.

Q & A WITH GRAHAME ROWLEY

Q: When and how did the idea first arise and has it turned out as initially envisaged?

GR: It came about after the Olympics in London. The Government were talking about leaving a legacy for sportsmen and women of the future, and we just thought wouldn't it be great to do something similar? I remember sitting down with Pete Foster and Ian Watmore at my house, along with my wife, and Ian Foden was there as well, and we chatted about what we could do as a club to leave some sort of legacy from the Olympics that would also count as a project we could all be proud of and would benefit the club. One factor that kept cropping up in our discussions was whether we could improve our facilities. The bar area was cramped and inadequate compared to other clubs and the state of the changing rooms was a cause for concern.

Manchester United had been using our ground for a few years but had stipulations on what they wanted and what they considered acceptable. The away changing room was very borderline in that respect, so the feeling was, OK, let's see what we can do about building something new that's going to benefit us and take us forward as a club. We got Ian Foden involved on a consultancy basis, and as one of The Flaggers, he threw himself into it enthusiastically and offered his services free of charge.

We talked things over and looked at what kind of drawings we could do and what could be built on the space available. That's one thing that amazed me, the size of the building compared to the area it was going on. Before we started, we looked at the mausoleum and couldn't help wondering: is that going to be big enough? Are we building something for the sake of it? It's not going to be all that big, is it? Is it going to be a lot of money for something not that great?

But when you see it now and realise it's 25mx12m, you appreciate it is quite a size. A lot of people have said they can't quite believe we've managed to get that much on to what looked a fairly small space. A lot of hard work went into reaching that stage, though. We were the first club outside the Football League to gain a grant from the FA Facilities Fund. Prior to us, it had only been Premier League clubs. Pete Foster led the way on that by ploughing through a mountain of paper work to make it happen. It entailed a lot of hours and a lot of jumping through hoops.

For all that, we were still a bit short of the amount needed, but the last piece in the jigsaw was a grant from the landfill company Viridor. It was a big breakthrough getting just over £100,000 from them, but it wasn't exactly straightforward. Because they want to be sure buildings their grants are used for aren't knocked down five years later, they told us an 80-year lease on the ground had to be in place. We had just extended our 20-odd-year lease to 40 years but had to go back to the council to try and get it extended to 80. I could write a book on my various meetings with the council over that. Suffice to say it caused problems, but we got there in the end.

Q: Why a Community Sports Hall rather than Altrincham FC social club?

GR: I think at least partly because we see the football club as the centre of the community. We had a thriving community section as it was, in terms of people going out and coaching in the community, but we didn't have anywhere that could be used to bring people into the club. The thinking was, if we could bring people in through the door, it might integrate them into the club itself, and I think that has been borne out by the increase in attendances. I know it's hard to verify where people have come from when you analyse crowd figures, or what has attracted them, but I think people coming into the ground to use the new facility, seeing there is a football club here and a pitch out in the middle does actually encourage them to come along to games and support the team. I know many of the 2-5-year old mini-kickers on a Saturday morning are back at the ground in the afternoon for the game, along with their parents. I have been accused of taking my eye off the football side of things, but the community board and trust are run by a separate group of people. I have no influence on that board whatsoever. They have their own plans and carry them out as they see fit. But what is beyond dispute is that the facility is a huge benefit for the football club. If you look at the money we have taken from the increased size of the bar, better catering and the club shop being inside the hall, you will see it has gone up and up.

Look at the accounts, and it has risen exponentially since the hall first opened. It is a registered charity, a non-profit-making business, so they have to reinvest money they make into expanding the facilities there. But that helps us as well, because the more schools and individuals engaged in activities there, the more likely it is those people are going to come and watch the team. Another factor in the CSH project being chosen was the availability of Grant Funding – we would not have been able to raise anywhere near the same amount of Grant Funding for a Social Club.

The following questions were supplied by Matt Taylor: Q: Why is Grahame Rowley holding a Q&A regarding the CSH? I thought we had a completely separate and independent CSH board who I assume would be better placed to answer such questions?

GR: I am quite happy and able to field questions about the hall because I was in on the project from its inception to its completion. Equally, I readily acknowledge that Pete Foster is better qualified to provide in-depth information about finances and how it is going generally, and he will do that, where required. I would like to add I just think it's a shame the Hall is coming in for so much stick because the team are not doing well on the pitch. People are looking for a reason why the team have not done better since the building appeared, and are linking the two, but you can't correlate one with the other.

Q: How many paid employees are employed by the CSH? Including full-time staff, part-time staff, community positions, ad-hoc/permanent/contracted coaches, on-going contractors (catering etc.)?

Pete Foster: There are two full-time administrators and one part-time, and three regular coaches. I wouldn't say the coaches are full-time exactly, but they are regular. Additionally, there are session coaches who may be pulled in

Q: Have all of these jobs/contracts been advertised externally to ensure that we have the best candidate or financial deal in place?

PF: The administrator positions were all advertised externally. The interview panel was chaired by Ian Watmore. The coaches have been appointed based on their performance at Fun Weeks where we need a number of session coaches. One of them is Sam Heathcote and another is Andrew Jones, and as players, they are exceptionally popular with the kids. To my mind, that makes them very good appointments.

Q: While I understand that the CSH is providing the football club with a revenue stream through the bar sales, the cost of having the CSH to the football club would appear to be that the football club has lost a lot of its fundraisers over the past few years, when the focus has switched to raising funding for the CSH. Would you say that net-net the football club is still ahead of where we were in the days of the Noel White Suite? How much has football club fundraising fallen over the past 5 years? This is something that was alluded to by the chairman at a previous fans forum.

GR: Yes, I would say for sure we are ahead of where we were before. We had to organise fund-raisers to pay off the debt that was outstanding on the hall, but if you look at where we are now, we are miles ahead. The income brought in over the past two years has put us way ahead of where we would be if the hall had not been built. There is so much going on that is benefiting us.

Alan Green only charged a small fee to be guest speaker at a recent dinner after I spoke to Jonathan Wall at the BBC. It was similar to when we had Robbie Savage here, and it was because they realised it was the for Community Sports Hall, (I.e. for a charity). Roy Keane was probably the most successful dinner we've had so far, and he did it for free, again, because he wanted to raise funds for the hall. But even on these evenings, when they are essentially fund-raisers, all the bar profits go to the club, so it really is a win-win situation for the football club.

If you look at events such as the Beer Festival – because of the new facility, far more profitable than ‘pre-CSH’. We have also agreed an excellent brewery sponsorship deal on the basis of the CSH bar sales. If you pick over the bones, you will see we are all working in the same direction, for the good of the club. We want to involve the community and raise our profile locally, but above all, we are looking after the football club and its long-term future.

Q: Given that the CSH already appears to be used regularly, is the football club now at capacity in terms of revenue that can be generated through the CSH (excluding bar price increases)? Is there actually the physical capacity to increase bar takings in excess of their current level, to further support the football club? Or is that it?

GR: It's not at full capacity. Last time we looked, it was at about 60 per cent, but I'm not sure you can go much above 70-75 per cent because of cross-overs and time needed to set things up. But it has become more and more popular, and the more people use the facility, the more they realise how useful it is. In November and December, there isn't a single Friday or Saturday still free, so it is getting busier and busier. There is still potential to increase some of

Q: While the bar may be bringing revenue in on a match-day, I would have concerns at how much money we are actually missing out on at half-time or pre-match due to people being put off by the queues and the speed of service (even on match-days with moderate crowds). That’s not a criticism of the bar staff, who can only work as fast as the tools allow them to. Could we introduce one of those machines that pour multiple pints on the back-bar (for use on match-days)? Or have a dedicated ‘bottle-lane’ at the bar to reduce congestion and maximise revenue during the limited half-time window?

GR: When you compare what we do now on match-days to what we did in the old bar, I would say takings have increased by over 50 per cent. The old bar could hold 60-70 people, whereas the new one can cater for 200-300, but you are going to get queues wherever you are, unfortunately. On the concourse at Old Trafford or any ground in the country, there are going to be queues at a bar or food outlet. But we do want to alleviate that as much as possible, and that's why people such as myself, Steve Foster and Stuart Buchan will go behind the bar to help out at half-time or after the game to try and ensure people are served as quickly as possible.

Of course, there are only so many tills and pumps that can be used at once, but when it is a peak time, we are always looking to minimise inconvenience. I know what you are saying about multi-pump devices and so on. We try and ease waiting times as it is by having half-time orders that can be picked up at half-time. We are trying to improve things, and we take people's concerns on board. It is difficult to think of an ideal solution to this, but we always welcome ideas and suggestions.

Q: Apologies if I have missed them, but why don’t we have large adverts around the CSH advertising football club initiatives such as the new-Yankee scheme (sorry, it’s name escapes me…probably due to it’s woefully low profile) to the parents of the kids using the hall during the week? Have leaflets been distributed inviting them to join? Is anything else in place to try and use the CSH activities to raise further funds for the ‘football club’? For example, do we have a mailing list with CSH users (non-supporters) signed up, in order to communicate ‘football club’ fund raising schemes, or is everything focused on CSH fund raising?

One idea could be a £5 a week (might appear expensive, but consider the audience) bonus-ball scheme that could raise funds for the ‘football club’? It appears that the local community is getting a lot out of the Sports Hall, and so it wouldn’t seem unfair to start asking for a bit back in return.

GR: I will take that on board. We do have leaflets out and about for some of the schemes that are going on. And we do actually give out monthly draws in packs when we have a fun week and when we do Saturday morning clubs. Parents are given them. We try our hardest to be proactive and give out things. Also, as mentioned at the AGM, we are planning to produce a newsletter and want people to email in and sign up to that, so we can give information out to them.

We do a bonus ball scheme at the moment for £1 a week. I advertised it on the club website, but only one or two people came forward and took the opportunity to join it. We need people to come forward and help run these sort of schemes. It's all right saying the club should do this and the club should do that, but who is the club? The club is everyone involved. If you have some ideas and want to run with them, I would welcome it, and others here would be happy to help oversee them.

Q: Without wanting to labour the point on football club revenue, do takings from the club shop go to the football club or to the CSH? Slightly off topic, but are there plans to locate this somewhere more permanent, or is it working well enough to be left where it is?

GR: The club shop is run on behalf of the football club and is nothing to do with the Community Sports Hall. I think the reason it is in the hall is because it is a nice environment in there, as opposed to some cold hut outside, and sales have shown, by increasing probably three-fold, that it works a lot better there. All takings from the club shop go to the football club and, of course, there is no rental for using the hall to sell merchandise. It is working superbly where it is. It's in the eyeline of supporters while they are having a drink, rather than having to rely on people going into a separate facility to inspect what's on offer, and there seems no reason why it should be anywhere else.

Q: Why don’t we have more football club memorabilia around the CSH? In all the years I’ve followed Alty, I’ve never been in a football club social club on a match-day that feels less connected with the football club.

GR: Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, but the simple reason is because it is a sports hall. People have asked why can't we put pictures up round the hall, but we can't because they would get damaged. We have schools and clubs and others playing sports in the hall, and that often entails a football flying through the air. We've had to use toughened glass to make sure the windows don't get broken, but there's still been the odd instance of ceiling tiles being damaged after being hit by a ball. I'm afraid framed photos wouldn't last long at all. It just wouldn't be practical.

The following two questions were sent in by John Henderson:

Q: What additional income streams or ‘in kind’ benefits do the Football Club now derive from the Community Hall and where cash, are the proceeds made available to the Board immediately?

GR: The income streams are from catering and the bar from all functions that are held in the hall, and it goes directly into the club's accounts.

Q: Secondly, given your comments at the agm about the club subsidising £20,000 of the CSH’s initial staffing costs, could you confirm their recent repayment was funded from CSH income and not from any monies due to the football club in any case?

GR: It was done all from CSH income that they generated over the previous year. It was a straight repayment of what we put up front in the first place.

Final question: Who is on the Board of the AFC Community Sports Co?

GR: The Board members of the Community Sports Co are Tony Collier (Managing Partner, MBL), Carole Nash (OBE), Fred Nash, Geoff Morris, Karen Rowley, Phil Taylor, Peter Foster"

TASC MEETING

TASC chairman Brian Flynn adds, "We'd love to know what fans think of TASC - the good, the bad and the ugly - and how it could work better. We'll be meeting on Tuesday 22nd November in the Vice Presidents' Lounge at The J.Davidson Stadium and welcome all fans to attend to give their opinion.

Any ideas/views on how the supporters' club should be organised and operated are welcome".

The time of the meeting has now been confirmed as 7.30pm.

EUROPA LEAGUE AUCTION

"The winner of corporate seats and dining for two people in the Manchester Suite for Manchester United's final Europa League, Group Stage, game at Old Trafford on Thursday is David Peek. The winning bid was £110. The money raised from the winning bid will be used to purchase equipment for Alty TV, therefore David can enjoy his prize and know that his money is going towards helping Alty TV maintain and improve its exceptionally high service standards.

Thanks go to the people who made bids and congratulations to David, a Bury-based Alty fan, who will be contacted by a TASC representative to organise his prize".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

However, a statement by the club revealed that there remains work to be done on completing the upgrade of facilities at Blackwell, including new changing rooms and toilets. Therefore, Quakers will play at least twice more at Heritage Park: on Sunday in the FA Trophy against Marine (3pm) and also versus Salford.

Should they advance in the Trophy, the next round is on December 10 so a home draw could represent Darlington’s maiden match at Blackwell. Alternatively, assuming the club do move in December, the first fixture will be on Boxing Day against Halifax Town.

The statement read, 'Last week the first formal inspections of the Blackwell Meadows stadium were undertaken by both the Football Association and the Safety Advisory Group while discussions were also held with the National League regarding our return to Darlington. Both inspections went well, while the National League formally approved the move to Blackwell and importantly our mid-season return to Darlington subject to the ground achieving Category B approval prior to our first match.

'To achieve this, there are a number of outstanding items that need completion over the next few weeks including the completion of the new changing rooms, officials’ areas and installation of the modular spectator toilet blocks. Due to timing requirements for these works plus the time to certify the ground for both Safety and FA requirements, the Salford game on Saturday 3rd December will take place at Heritage Park. As announced at the last fans’ forum, the club remains on track to host its first game in Darlington in December and we want to thank all the fans for their patience and support.

'The club will issue a further update in due course as works progress and further inspections are undertaken.'"

Curzon Ashton reported yesterday that "Monday night's trip to Stalybridge Celtic in the Manchester Premier Cup has been called off. The game has unfortunately succumbed to the heavy rain around the local area".

TROPHY OPPONENTS

'We should have won,' he said. 'We had a mad 20 minutes that let them in to the game. Other than that, we got to grips with them well. To be honest, the lads should have dealt with them better in that poor period but, what I loved was that they didn’t pack in. They dug in and kept going...

'Overall I thought we were a bit slow to get going in the first half, but we changed a few things at half time and were much better. But, although I was chuffed with our goals, we should have had the game won at 2-0. We always seem to get a bit nervous at 2-0. We’re a young side that is a bit naive at times and we’re unable to kill a game off, but I love the way they want to learn, to get better and do well. It’s a learning curve for some of our lads.

'We were up against good opposition in Stafford. They came with a game plan and stuck with it. Every one of their players knew their roles and responsibilities. They are definitely a decent side who will be in the top half of the league at the end of the season'".

JOB VACANCY AT NATIONAL LEAGUE

Are you, or do you know anyone, who is seeking to work in a football and event environment?

The National League is seeking to recruit a new member of staff to work alongside our current executive staff.

This position will be based in the Competition offices in the centre of Birmingham.

This opportunity will enable the individual to learn and contribute to all aspects of football administration combined with event and organisational tasks. Closing date: 7th December 2016

Full details of the job description and how to apply are here.

"MUCH MORE LIKE IT" SAYS JIM

Q: It must have been galling to see the points slip away right at the end after we had dominated for long periods and played so well?

Above: Simon Richman was in good form at Alfreton and here he makes a typically committed midfield challenge, watched by Greg Wilkinson.

A: Oh it was, extremely. I thought today the boys were excellent, and maybe for the first time in a lot of weeks, I felt as if what I was watching was good, much more like it, much better. There were still things we could improve on and do better, but that's fine, we can work on that, that's OK. Generally, across the board, we were excellent. The boys were terrific, the shape was good, the work-rate and effort was good, we really were playing well. We were unlucky not to have scored another couple of goals, but the way we conceded in the last five minutes or so was really poor.

Considering the effort put in and the way we played, to come off losing the game was so disappointing. But, as I have said to them in there, I have been going home recently thinking where are we going to go next? Today, I'm going home thinking right, that's good, now there's a platform, now we will hold on to this. Those boys who played today have done well enough to stay in next week. Unless something ridiculous happens, it's going to be pretty much the same. They have turned up today with a really good spirit, a really good mentality.

There are things we can work on now and improve within the squad, and I'm in a much more positive frame of mind tonight, even though we have conceded late goals to lose the game. The boys are disappointed with what happened at the end, especially as they deserved so much more.

Q: You have been looking for a formation that might work, and there seems to be general agreement that today's looked the part, but what do you about giving it all away at the end like that?

A: I have to look at my goalkeeper (Andrew Dawber) in situations like that. He is young and inexperienced and still learning the game but when a big, long, looping throw-in comes dropping into our six-yard box, I'm expecting the goalkeeper to come and command that and dominate the area. The last couple of goals, maybe all three, were similar, all scored from two yards out. That needs to be stopped. He needs to be more dominant in there and better than what he has done today.

Q: There may well be an air of frustration and despondency that we've come away empty-handed, but can you see cause for optimism overall?

A: Look, I can sympathise wholeheartedly with the supporters who have turned up today, expecting the team to win and being encouraged and heartened by so much of what they've seen and then being kicked in the goolies in the last five minutes. They must be going home up the road there tearing their hair out, and I understand that.

But what I will say to that is OK, it's another defeat for us, and we don't like that, but the signs were there that these boys are fighting. There was a good shape about us, we played good football, we scored goals and could have had a couple more, there is something to build on. When we get over the disappointment of losing, we can look at it and say hang on, actually that was pretty good today in so many ways. From my point of view, that is a positive, but in the coming weeks, we have to reproduce that same level.

That will be my job now, to make sure they stay focused on doing that and also to work on improving some areas where we were weak and made mistakes. There is reason for optimism. I saw a lot of good points that will keep me optimistic. But what I would also say is the goals we conceded were too cheap, and that has to stop.

Q: Given our position in the table, we couldn't have afforded to wait much longer for signs of a formation coming together, could we?

A: What encouraged me was that the way we played suited all the individuals concerned. They were all comfortable in the roles they were asked to fill. More importantly from my point of view, they all committed to it. They all went into it wanting to put a performance in. Across the board, at different moments, we have made mistakes, but they were far outweighed by the good things we did. That's fine, we are all going to make little mistakes. That's the level we are at, but there were so many good things about today, and that's terrific. It is encouraging and heartening. There were things they did today they are more than capable of reproducing in the weeks ahead, and that is so important.

Q: To come away and score twice, and see Sean Miller hit the post and Damian Reeves go close with a header, shows good attacking intent, doesn't it?

A: When the cross comes over to Damian, of all people, and it's on his head in that situation, you just think wow, here goes. For it not to go in, he'll be devastated tonight, but there you go, these things happen. Sean's effort hits the post, and Greg Wilkinson goes through with a great opportunity as well. Again, some of our attacking play takes us into really good areas and, perhaps on one or two occasions, we haven't made the most of them. But we were threatening, and, for me, they were on the rocks. Had it been a boxing match, it might have been stopped but, of course, it wasn't, so it really was up to us to keep it going.

Q: How good was it to have Tom Hannigan back and see him complete a full 90 minutes?

A: Well, it was good, of course, but we were concerned at one point in the first half, because we thought he might have done his ligaments when he went down and looked in a bit of pain. But, apparently, it was just the two bones in his knee have banged together, so there is a bit of bone bruising there. It was very painful for him, but there is no damage, so thankfully he is OK. He hasn't played a lot in the last couple or three months, so he will be blowing and tired and will sleep well tonight, but it really is great to have him back. He has come through OK and will be fine for next week.

Q: Just to wrap it up, Jim, is there a message for supporters? Do you understand their frustration, and can you reassure them that there is still cause to be optimistic or at least hopeful?

A: I would say to them, the ones who have travelled today, I'm really disappointed for you. You have travelled down here and seen a good performance. You must have been heartened by that, but then you get a kick in the teeth. I feel for you, just as I do myself and everyone else connected with the club. But when we get over that disappointment, we will look at the positives, and we can all be encouraged that, right, there is still fight in this team, there is still reason for optimism. There is no getting away from the fact we are bottom of the pile and have a lot of work to do, but there were signs today that give us hope.

There is fight and commitment. That's all we are asking for, that we have that fight and commitment, so come on boys, let's stick together and keep it going. I would say to the supporters I have seen evidence today that we can do it. Recently, when interviewed afterwards, I haven't seen it and have been a little bit downbeat and concerned about what has gone on. I'm not saying by any stretch that we are suddenly the finished article, but there were signs of improvement, and I would say, more than anything at this moment, we are all in this together.

It's the club. You, the supporters, are the ones who make the noise, who turn out in numbers and get behind the team. We have to go out there and make sure we give you the encouragement to respond and encourage us back again. The boys will play all the better for that, because they feed off that vocal backing. Certainly, everyone was putting in 100 per cent today. I will make sure that happens every week, and if you can stay with us and keep supporting us, it is going to make a difference".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

While at United, he played in an FA Youth Cup winning side which included Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard. He spent time on loan at Royal Antwerp, Sheffield United and Notts County before his release from Old Trafford in 2013. Unsuccessful spells at Barnsley, Molde, Crawley and Wrexham followed...

Cofie joined Telford in January of this year and his pace impressed supporters, grabbing 4 goals in seventeen National League North appearances. He has made eight appearances in the National League this season, just three from the start, failing to grab a goal so far... His initial loan period with the club lasts until the home game with Brackley Town on December 17th".

NL Daily reports that The price of supporting a local non-League club has on average dropped, an annual BBC 'Price of Football' survey has revealed. The study calculated figures across Britain and Europe from over 200 clubs to analyse the cost of following the national game.

The report found that on average, the price of season tickets across the top tier of the National League has fallen from £255.13 to 236.64, a year-on-year reduction of 7%. Newly promoted Sutton United boast the cheapest season ticket within England’s top five leagues, offering those renewing early 23 league home games for £85...

Once in the ground, supporters of last seasons play off semi-finalists Braintree will have the luxury of the leagues cheapest pie at just £2. Whilst followers of Forest Green, Maidstone and Tranmere will expect to pay £3.50 for a half time snack... The league's cheapest programme prices are those of North Ferriby and Gateshead; both charged at £2...

The National League’s cheapest ticket, that of Macclesfield Town, would allow entry to 10 of the selected European clubs included within the study, such as Valencia, Marseille and Bayern Munich. Furthermore, there are 17 National League clubs charging the same price or more for a junior replica jersey than top flight clubs Burnley and Bournemouth". Although progress has been made both on and off the pitch at non league level, clubs must resist the urge to punish the supporter in the stand in favour of any kind of commercial success, at all costs.

GREAT EVENTS AT THE CSH!

• 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.

ALFRETON TOWN 3 ALTRINCHAM 2

Alty celebrate Greg Wilkinson's opening goal.

Altrincham supporters have become accustomed to seeing their side lose this season, with 12 losses in the league before today's game, but this thirteenth defeat was the hardest to take as the Robins largely dominated the game only to concede three poor goals in the closing 14 minutes after making substitutions.

Wilkinson's deflected shot had given Alty a 31st minute lead before they dominated the second half. But the nearest they came to a second goal was when Miller hit the post.

With Altrincham in control, Jim Harvey brought on Marsh for Reeves (68 mins) and then Obeng for Lawrie on 75 minutes. A minute later, McGowan nodded down a freekick taken from near the centre circle and Monkhouse poked the ball home, much against the run of play to make it 1-1.

An excellent Moult header from a Miller cross made it 2-1 to Alty and a second league victory of the season looked on the cards (82 mins). Alty then made a further change as Goodall replaced McWilliams at left-back. Then two scrambled goals, both credited by the tannoy to Monkhouse, (though the winner was later correctly assigned to Hearn), in the 86th and 90th minutes from balls into the Alty goalmouth stole the points for Alfreton. It was an unlikely outcome to the game given what had happened over the first 85 minutes.

Match report here

LADIES' MATCH POSTPONED

TROPHY WATCH

RESERVES' LOSS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

AFC Fylde moved four points clear at the top of the Vanarama National League North table in emphatic fashion on Saturday! The Coasters hammered Boston United 9-2 at Mill Farm!....

Amazingly, Jay Rollins put the away side in front in the 10th minute, and the Pilgrims had several chances to increase their lead before Brendon Daniels equalised 5 minutes later. And staggeringly, given the start, Fylde led 6-1 by half-time with goals from Andy Bond, James Hardy and an inevitable hat-trick from top scorer Danny Rowe...

But the Pilgrims pulled one back on 48 minutes with Rollins's second of the day. But 9 minutes into the second half Rowe scored his fourth and Daniels his second, with Josh Langley netting the ninth...

To make it an even better afternoon for AFC Fylde, they returned to the dressing room to hear that second-placed Darlington 1883 had been beaten by lowly AFC Telford United. It was goalless until the 69th minute when Darlington `keeper Peter Jameson was sent-off for raising his hands to Dave Hibbert in the area. Josh Wilson took the resulting penalty and duly beat substitute keeper Mike Bell. Bradley Reid then made it 2-0 to the Bucks in the 76th minute to end the game as a contest..

Chorley leap-frogged Darlington into second after a 4-1 win against play-off chasing Gloucester City... The Tigers were well in the game until the final 8 minutes or so. They found themselves 2-0 down though to goals from Jake Cottrell after 19 minutes and Marcus Carver in the 26th minute. Luke Hopper brought the visitors back into the game in the 68th minute.

However, goals in the 82nd minute from recent recruit Alex Samizadeh and an 85th minute penalty converted by Jason Walker took the game beyond Gloucester.

Tamworth came back from behind to secure their fifth successive win against second-bottom Stalybridge Celtic at The Lamb to move into fourth spot... Stalybridge pushed the Lambs all the way though after taking the lead in the 49th minute through Scott Spencer.

Kidderminster Harriers complete the top five after a comfortable 3-0 Aggborough win against a now fifth-bottom Gainsborough Trinity...

FC Halifax Town are now sixth after losing an amazing game at the Tameside Stadium against Curzon Ashton, who finished the game with only eight men!... The Nash had Alex Brown, Cummins and Jamie Stott sent-off for different incidents...

Salford City maintained their challenge for a top five spot with a 3-0 Moor Lane victory over Worcester City. Kick-off was delayed by 45 minutes due to Worcester's coach getting stuck in heavy traffic on the way to the ground...

Brackley Town also maintained their challenge with a 2-1 win against a Harrogate Town side who were in desperate need of the points to re-kindle their hopes...

Stockport County were looking for a victory at Edgeley Park against lowly Bradford Park Avenue that would push them back up towards the play-off places. However, instead they suffered a 2-1 defeat, Avenue's third successive win, that has lifted them to within a point of the safety-mark. In front of a terrific crowd of 3,246, Kayode Odejayi gave the Hatters a 26th minute lead.

Emile Sinclair eventually pulled Avenue back on level terms after 69 minutes. And as stoppage time approached, up popped James Knowles with the visitors' winner. Mark Bower`s Avenue side are now level on points with fourth-bottom Nuneaton Town after they suffered a 3-0 defeat at FC United of Manchester in Tommy Wright`s first game in charge".

Boston Standard adds that manager "Dennis Greene said he was embarrassed after watching his Boston United side taken apart at AFC Fylde. Today’s 9-2 drubbing was the club’s heaviest defeat since an 8-0 dismantling at Bath City in 1999.

'Every single goal was basically not tracking runners or picking up people in the box,', the manager said. 'It was like a Sunday morning, "you have a shot this time". We were our own worst enemy today, but the positives we can take is going away from home we can score goals. If we can just defend as a team, it’s not just the defenders, then we can cut this out... I’m embarassed, I feel sorry for the fans', Greene added. 'All of us today weren’t up for it, whether it’s poor from me for playing three at the back, or whatever, we didn’t have the desire'".

From the Halifax Courier we learn that "FC Halifax Town slipped to a 4-2 defeat against eight-man Curzon Ashton in an extraordinary game as the hosts won at home in the league for the first time this season. The Shaymen... never got going against a Curzon team who were sharper, quicker and hungrier on the day.

Halifax conceded the first goal... which was soon added to by the impressive Adam Morgan. Cliff Moyo halved the deficit just after half-time, but Morgan scored an excellent third as Town took one step forward and two back, with Joe Guest adding a barely-believable fourth on a miserable afternoon for The Shaymen, who only added a bit of respectability to the score-line thanks to an own-goal by Connor Hampson.

Curzon, who already had captain Alex Brown dismissed, then remarkably had both Cummins and Jamie Stott sent-off... Town were slow out of the blocks; a little ponderous on the ball and wasteful in possession - a shadow of the team that swept aside Dagenham and Redbridge in midweek...

The game mostly consisted of both teams conceding possession through a combination of aimless high balls and hard work from the opposition... Curzon were then their own worst enemies as, first, Hampson scored an own-goal when trying to chest the ball back to the keeper, and then Cummins was shown a second booking for a dive.

By the time Stott was dismissed late on for his part in a massive melee that broke out involving both benches and most, if not all, the players, after a poor tackle on Josh Wilde by Liam Tomsett, there was little more the game could conjure up".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH GATES

• Att: 1503: AFC Fylde 9 v 2 Boston United
• Att: 1136: AFC Telford Utd 2 v 0 Darlington 1883
• Att: 474: Alfreton Town 3 v 2 Altrincham
• Att: 415: Brackley Town 2 v 1 Harrogate Town
• Att: 918: Chorley 4 v 1 Gloucester City
• Att: 654: Curzon Ashton 4 v 2 FC Halifax Town
• Att: 2313: FC United Of Manchester 3 v 0 Nuneaton Town
• Att: 1465: Kidderminster Harriers 3 v 0 Gainsborough Trinity
• Att: 1077: Salford City 3 v 0 Worcester City
• Att: 3246: Stockport County 1 v 2 Bradford Park Avenue
• Att: 702: Tamworth 2 v 1 Stalybridge Celtic

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH FIXTURES

• Kidderminster Harriers v Gloucester City
• Tamworth v Stockport County

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde 9-2 Boston United
• AFC Telford Utd 2-0 Darlington 1883
• Alfreton Town 3-2 Altrincham
• Brackley Town 2-1 Harrogate Town
• Chorley 4-1 Gloucester City
• Curzon Ashton 4-2 FC Halifax Town
• FC United of Manchester 3-0 Nuneaton Town
• Kidderminster Harriers 3-0 Gainsborough Trinity
• Salford City 3-0 Worcester City
• Stockport County 1-2 Bradford Park Avenue
• Tamworth 2-1 Stalybridge Celtic

ALFRETON TOWN v ALTRINCHAM: LIVE COVERAGE

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

The commentators are Ian Wilkinson and Brian Flynn 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."

"IT'S GOING TO BE A TOUGH JOB", SAYS JIM

'Their little number 10 is a really good player who caused us problems, but he will if you give him that much space,' said the Alty boss. 'The instruction went out to tighten up on him, but it wasn't carried out. We didn't do the job required on him, and that's why I had to make a change midway through the first half. It was even mentioned in the pre-match talk that he was likely to be the main threat and we had to be aware of it but we just didn't deal with it well enough and that was disappointing.

'I was hoping we were going to turn it round here sooner rather than later, but the way things are looking it's going to be a tough job. Unless we realise that and start playing to instruction, I don't think it's going to get better quickly. There is talent there but we have to take ownership of our performances. I know if I'd been out there playing I wouldn't have been happy and would have had a few words. I wouldn't have been happy with myself either and would want to do better next week. That's what we need; everyone to up their game and follow instructions more closely.

'I'm still searching for a team and formation that we can come together with and develop. At the moment, I'm struggling to find that. In the meantime, we need to win our battles all over the park then be smarter in possession'".

GREAT HOSPITALITY OFFER FOR BLYTH GAME

For just £27.50 not only will you gain admission to the match (entry to which is NOT included in Altrincham FC season tickets) but you will also enjoy a two-course meal prepared by Club Caterer, Richie Bentley, along with a complimentary drink and a free matchday programme, as well as a reserved seat in the Smart Storage Family Stand. In addition, the Altrincham FC manager or a member of the playing/coaching staff will speak to guests about the game, before kick-off. A free hot drink and biscuits, at half-time, are also included in the package. So it's a great value offer!

To book your place, please contact Barry on 07957 456375 or by e-mail as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. The package begins at 1.30pm

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Nuneaton News adds that "Despite some early season promise, Boro failed to make the play-offs in Wilson's first campaign by a single point, with a three-point deduction not helping their cause. A raft of player departures in the summer has seen Boro struggle in the first half of the season, winning just three of their eighteen games to lie just three points and a place above the relegation zone.

Former Corby Town player-manager Tommy Wright, who joined the club recently as a player-coach, has been appointed first-team manager with Steve Chettle staying on as first-team coach".

More comes from NL Pitchero to the effect that "Chairman Lee Thorn said,'This week we have been implementing a new structure at the club and Kevin was offered the role of Director of Football with Tommy Wright becoming first-team manager. Kevin informed me that although he appreciated this opportunity, he would not be accepting the role as he joined the club as a manager, and wanted to leave as a manager.

'Kevin is an honourable man and a family friend. I want to thank him for all he has done while at the club and wish him well for the future. He will always be welcome here. I’ve admired Tommy as a player and football manager for some time. He won the league with Corby Town and I’m sure he will do well for the Boro. He is still registered as a player but he is here to manage the team and his first priority is push us up the league table. Steve Chettle will continue as first-team coach and be Tommy’s assistant. There will be no change in how the club conducts its daily business or routines.'

Earlier this week Guy Branston reluctantly left his role as football operations manager to pursue a personal business venture. Thorn added, 'Guy is an ambitious football person and businessman who is in the process of developing a new app and he leaves with the club’s blessing and good wishes. We are currently seeking a suitable replacement for him'.

Tommy Wright is clear about what he wants to achieve at the club. He said, 'I came to Nuneaton as a player-coach to support Kevin and Steve, which is a role I’ve enjoyed immensely, though it was frustrating to miss pitch time through injury. I wasn’t expecting to become the club’s new manager and, although I’m proud and delighted, the way it has come about is unfortunate and tinged with sadness. I’ve been in the game long enough to know that football dishes out highs and lows and I’ve been involved in both.

I’m good friends with Kevin. I was happy to be here as his player-coach and help him in any way I could. It’s been very tough to see him go, but I respect his reasons. He didn’t want the Director of Football role that was offered to him and told me he came here as a manager, and wanted to leave as a manager. He’s a good man who I admire very much. He has set up a great structure at the club and given me a platform to build on. Having Steve Chettle here gives us some continuity and our aim is to push the club up the league and do well in the FA Trophy, which we play in next weekend...

'I have my own ideas on how I want to see them play and have already given them instructions ahead of the game at FC United of Manchester tomorrow... The lads have all been very supportive and are raring to go. They are clear about what is expected of them and will go into the game tomorrow with a plan to get a positive result. I won’t accept second best. They have to take responsibility once they cross the white line and put in an honest, hard-working performance. They have the ability and now they have to show it and get the club moving in the right direction again.

'This is a brilliant challenge for me and a top job in non-league football. I’ve been given an unexpected opportunity and I intend to seize it with both hands'".

Elsewhere, "AFC Telford United have announced the signing of John-Paul Kissock on a short-term loan from Ebbsfleet United."

From NL Pitchero we learn that "Gainsborough Trinity have signed young striker Jack McGovern from neighbours Lincoln United. A highly-rated player, McGovern is tall and athletic and he possesses real quality and an eye for goal. Released from Lincoln City the 21-year-old lists Spalding United, Stamford AFC, Grantham Town, King`s Lynn Town and Coalville Town as his previous clubs.

Originally a midfielder, he has recently been successfully converted to a striker and, despite a lengthy period out of the Whites' team last season through injury, McGovern still ended the campaign as their leading scorer with 22 goals."

Elsewhere "FC Halifax Town have signed Danny Clarke from North Ferriby United on an eighteen-month contract" reports NL Pitchero. "Clarke has achieved so much in football, especially at North Ferriby. Recent highlights have been playing at Wembley, winning the FA Trophy, skippering the side and then getting promotion to the fifth tier of English football. He can play in midfield or lead the attack and previous clubs include Winterton Rangers, Hall Road Rangers, Frickley Athletic and Hull United".

ALTY SUPPORT TOY APPEAL

"With Christmas fast approaching, Altrincham have joined forces with one of their main sponsors to try and bring some cheer to local children who would otherwise be facing a bleak festive period.

Paul Whittaker (pictured, right), group sales manager of Smart Storage, launched the company's latest Christmas Toy Appeal earlier this week and was delighted to announce that Alty have responded by opening their doors and urging local people to turn the reception area at The J.Davidson Stadium into a Santa's grotto.

The incentive for anyone thinking of donating a toy, according to Paul, is the knowledge it will light up a young face that would otherwise be desolate on Christmas morning.

'We are basically appealing for any toys, ideally new and still in their boxes, for children aged between zero and 16, because there are an unbelievable number of kids out there who would otherwise go without at Christmas,' he said. 'You don't expect it in this area, because we are very lucky where we live, but, let me tell you, just round the corner, there are children and families who have nothing.

'Children who have nothing and adults who have nothing to give them at Christmas, and as someone fortunate enough to have four children, I can't bear that thought.

'Children with nothing is the big thing for me, what I look for most of all. A lot of appeals nowadays give to hospitals, and that is fantastic. But those children tend to have something already. My passion is trying to provide help, at this time of year, for kids who don't have anything.

'Believe me, there are plenty of them, and some of the stories I hear and feedback I get, after the toys and presents have gone out, make me cry. You can feel the emotion, and that's why I keep doing this year after year and keep hoping the final figure we raise will exceed the previous one.

'Last year, we collected over 10,000 toys in the run-up to Christmas. That's a phenomenal response from the local public, and every single toy was distributed to a deserving recipient, whether it be a youngster suffering from some sort of disability or one who would otherwise have had nothing.

'We genuinely believe we are making people's Christmases. Children who would not otherwise have a toy at least have a few things to open and a few things to play with on Christmas Day. This is the 11th year of the Toy Appeal, and with the help of Altrincham FC and all our other supporters and partners, I'm hoping we can beat last year's figure.

'The official launch was last Monday, and it's fantastic that Alty have offered to be a drop-off centre, so anyone who has a toy or gift can pop in to reception at the ground and hand it over. The club have also agreed to make the Tamworth home game on December 3 a special collection event, where supporters are encouraged to come along and bring a toy with them.

'We are also working in conjunction with the Ladies' team, who are holding collections at their games, so let's see what we can do for needy, underprivileged youngsters in the space of the next month.

'All the toys will be either distributed or picked up from our Altrincham headquarters in Craven Road in the week building up to Christmas. There's never a shortage of homes for them, but I want to stress massively that if there are more individuals or charities out there who feel they would benefit from our appeal, we want to hear from them.

'We will always try to help, so if anyone hears of any families or children going through a particularly hard time, coming up to Christmas, please let me know on 07703 348481 or by e-mail. Just contact me directly, and I'll do all I can.'"

TASC SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL TO ALFRETON

LADIES' REPORT

"A view from a Manx Man" by Paul Hatton (Port Erin Isle of Man)

Altrincham FC Ladies 0 Curzon Ashton FC Ladies 1

Altrincham Fc Women’s team have now lost two consecutive league matches, after they were defeated 1-0 against bottom-of-the-table Curzon Ashton at Mersey Valley last Sunday.

The two teams had met in a pre-season game, which the Robins had won convincingly 4-1. However, this was a different footballing side which Curzon fielded last weekend.

Right: Laura Dodds taking on the Curzon defence.

In a match that Altrincham dominated throughout, they were made to pay for their profligacy, for not converting a host of chances.

The first half hour was a scrappy affair with both sides locked in a midfield battle with through-balls from both sides either over-hit or swallowed up by the opposing defences. The only chance on target fell to the visitors, from which they scored via a long range strike on 20 minutes.

As the first half drew to close, Altrincham created the chances. Georgia Plant’s low, angled shot forced the Curzon goalkeeper into making an impressive save, Jess Hartopp had a strike that was headed cleared off the line, whilst subsitute Laura Kelly came close, steering just wide with her first touch.

After the break, Altrincham continued to dominate. Plant had a free-kick that hit the side-netting whilst Hartopp found shooting space, but drove her shot straight at the keeper.

Brogan Walsh came off the subs’ bench. She, too, had a shot that was thwarted by the visiting goalkeeper. Kelly also came close when her shot was pushed onto the post and, from the lingering danger, Walsh curled wide.

The Curzon net-minder continued to perform heroics in the closing stages, superbly repelling Laura Dodds's shot.

But the Robins couldn’t find a way through as all three points were clinched by the visitors come the final whistle.

The two teams will meet again in the league on the 27th November where Alty will be looking to redress the balance".

FA TROPHY OPPONENTS: BLYTH SPARTANS

"An unfamiliar Spartans side bowed out of the Integro Doodson Sports Cup at the first attempt, as Shaw Lane AFC ended Blyth’s unbeaten run with their 11th consecutive win in all competitions. Shaw Lane finally broke the deadlock on 49 minutes, when Jack Touhy headed home from Ben Algar’s corner. The hosts then doubled up through Joel Purkiss’ looping header just three minutes later. Spartans’ disappointment was then further compounded when Matty Pattison saw his 66th minute penalty saved, as Blyth had no answer for their Evo-Stik Premier League Division One South opponents.

Alun Armstrong named a much-changed side for the tie in Barnsley, with captain Robert Dale dispatched at centre-back alongside the returning Ryan Hutchinson and Gavin Caines in a three-man defence. With Daniel Maguire among the absentees, Jarrett Rivers took his place up top and was flanked by Michael Richardson and Matty Pattison...

Dale might have been deployed in an unfamiliar defensive position, but that didn’t stop him from striking one from Pattison’s short corner after 24 minutes. While he connected well with the outside of his foot, the ball went straight to a grateful Zaniewski once more...

Blyth were incensed when a back pass decision was not given by Smith, but the referee made amends for the Spartans when he awarded a penalty in the 66th minute, after Alex Nicholson was brought down in the box. Pattison stepped up looking to halve the deficit and drilled his spot-kick down the middle of the goal, but Zaniewski saved well to his right... Having seen their nine-game unbeaten run come to an end, Spartans will look to go again when they welcome Stafford Rangers to Croft Park for an Evo-Stik Premier League encounter on Saturday.

Shaw Lane AFC deployes ex-Alty man Keiran Lugsden as a late sub whilst his twin brother, Kelvin played the entire match for the Yorkshiremen.

Blyth Spartans' team was: McHugh, Nicholson, Bell, Liddle, Wade (Armstrong 80), Caines, Hutchinson, Rivers (Bell 61), Hooks, Richardson, Pattison (Mullen 83), Dale. Subs not used: Woolston."

LADIES' AID TOY APPEAL

"The Cheshire Cup begins...

We build up this week to the start of the Cheshire Cup and welcome Witton Albion to Mersey Valley this coming Sunday. This game is a 1pm kick-off and the usual facilities will be open from 12 noon. We always look forward to this cup as it's a huge competition and, if you win it, you can justifiably be called the 'Pride of Cheshire'. If you can, why not pop down and cheer the girls on to the next round? Also, we are proud to be helping our training kit sponsor Smart Storage and this year's Toy Appeal. If you can donate a toy to this fantastic appeal then please bring it along to Mersey Valley on Sunday. Thanks".

Full details of the Smart Storage toy appeal are here. Smart Storage are sponsors of the Altrincham FC Family Stand.

The match is at Mersey Valley, Banky Lane, Sale, M33 5SL. Any problems please contact me on 07711 961101 asap. We look forward to welcoming you down to Mersey Valley on Sunday.

NEXT OPPONENTS: ALFRETON TOWN

It was 1-1 after 90 minutes but in extra time Jordan Green gave Newport a 97th-minute lead before Josh Sheehan and Jazzi Barnum Bobb scored in the second period to seal the victory. The game had gone to extra time after Adam Priestley had thrown the Reds a lifeline in the 75th minute, heading home an equaliser...

Healey eventually made the breakthrough in the second half with a fine curling effort but Alfreton refused to throw in the towel and Priestley levelled within six minutes. The Reds had to defend heroically and in the third minute of added time Green went close for Newport. Sam Smith almost gave Alfreton the lead in the first period of extra time but his shot was blocked superbly.

But the Reds has to be on their toes at the other end too, making some incredible blocks to keep the score level. And in the 97th minute Newport were back in front when Green bundled the ball home before Sheehan and Bobb sealed the win".

From the other side, the South Wales Argus adds that "Newport County AFC scrapped their way through to the second round of the FA Cup thanks to extra-time strikes... They struggled to cope with the favourites' tag here, just as they did in the 1-1 draw at Alfreton on November 6...

The National League North side got the goal their dogged display deserved... with a fine diving header from Adam Priestley to force the extra half hour. As Alfreton tired, County finally discovered their ruthless streak... The visitors were hit by injury and could only name three subs but they clearly came to have a go at County, dominating possession and territory in the opening five minutes...

The deadlock was finally broken by Healey with a scrappy goal as he curled in what looked like a cross that was missed by everyone and crept inside the far post... A swift Alfreton break saw Adam Smith’s cross from the right met with a powerful diving header by Priestley that gave Day no chance and the match was all square once again just five minutes after the opener...

The non-Leaguers began to believe they could cause an upset. Substitute Green almost won it in the fourth and final minute of time added on but his 25-yard shot whistled past the post and the match went to extra-time... The visitors looked out on their feet at the end as Green pounced seven minutes into extra-time and the sub then made the third for Sheehan before Barnum-Bobb added the fourth to settle matters after 117 minutes...

Attendance: 1,189 (47 Alfreton)".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

This comes after the Football Association (FA) informed them they were no longer prepared to consider re-scheduling FA Cup fixtures into midweek slots.

The decision has been taken with significant regret and disappointment and brings to an end the EFL-led debate on the possibility of the single biggest reform of the English League structure since the inception of the Premier League in 1992.

In order for the Whole Game Solution to be viable, it required the English football authorities to look collectively at the fixture schedules and create additional weekends for League football...

Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive, said, 'The Board has been left with no option but to end the Whole Game Solution discussions as, in its current form, it is no longer viable... The stance the FA has adopted has brought the discussions to a premature end, before fully understanding what the financial outcome from the creation of a new distribution model could be. If the FA are willing to change its [their] position then we are, of course, open to re-engaging in what is a hugely important debate that was designed to help shape the future of football in this country'.

The National League will make no comment until its Board meets to discuss [it]".

On the pitch, "England C faced Estonia under-23s in the International Challenge Trophy at the A Le Coq Arena in Tallinn looking for the one point that will see them progress into the final of the tournament. And England got off to a fantastic start when, after just 7 minutes, Lincoln City`s Elliott Whitehouse headed home a James Hardy cross.

However, the lead didn`t last long before Estonian equalised. But on 13 minutes Paul Fairclough`s side were back in front when Jamal Lowe got on the end of another Hardy assist... But, despite some late pressure, England held firm to reach the final.

England C: Brandon Hall, Nick Arnold, Jack Holland, Ethan Pinnock, Dan Wishart, Jake Gallagher, Alex Woodyard (capt), Kingsley James, Elliott Whitehouse (sub: Kieffer Moore 90m), Jamal Lowe (sub: Cheye Alexander 86m), James Hardy (sub: Blair Turgott 68m). Subs: Jake Caprice, Jim Montgomery"

FA TROPHY 2QR REPLAYS

• Slough Town 2-0 Merthyr Town
• St Neots Town 2-4 Marine (AET, 2-2 at the end of normal time)
• Stafford Rangers 2-1 Hednesford Town (AET, 1-1 at the end of normal time)
• Ramsbottom United 4-1 Redditch United
• Lincoln United 2-0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds
• Brightlingsea Regent 1-1 -Harlow Town
• Merstham 0-3 Hythe Town
• Burgess Hill Town 2-2 Chalfont St Peter
• Tonbridge Angels 1-2 Kingstonian

Trophy replay fixtures...

Wednesday, 16 November:

• South Park v Hastings United

Tuesday 22 November:

• Harlow Town v Brightlingsea Regent
• Chalfont St Peter v Burgess Hill Town

FA CUP 1 REPLAY

• Brackley Town 4 Gillingham 3 (AET, 2 - 2 at the end of normal time)

GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

The address - newsletter@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk - is operational now and has been set up so that every incoming email is directed to me. I will be sitting down with Grahame, or another board member, on a regular basis to present your questions to him and record his answers. A full transcript will then appear on the club's website. If there is a reason why a question cannot be answered, due to confidentiality or whatever, it will be explained, rather than simply ignored.

To get the ball rolling, the first topic is the Community Sports Hall, and any question you may have, from how the idea first came to light to how it is faring now, will be put to Grahame, provided it is submitted to the above email address by last thing Friday night. All being well, a full account, in Q&A form, will then appear on the website next week. After that, you set the agenda. Any query, complaint or even compliment, on any topic can be emailed in, and an answer will be sought and published here as quickly as possible. It is hoped, should the response justify it, that this will become a weekly event and that, by providing greater clarity, it will help bring club and supporters closer together".

NEXT OPPONENTS: ALFRETON TOWN

The South Wales Argus reported that "Newport County AFC will not be taking anything for granted in Tuesday night’s FA Cup 1st round replay with manager Graham Westley insisting his side will have to play very well to see off non-league Alfreton Town...

After the 1-1 draw in Derbyshire nine days ago, Westley is expecting another tough test when the National League North side come to Rodney Parade tonight...

Said the Exiles' boss, 'We’ve got tough opposition coming here. We played them first time round and I knew that they would bring qualities with them. They’ve got an excellent centre-back in Terry Kennedy who was playing League One football with Sheffield United. They’ve got an excellent front boy who was scoring goals at Walsall not so long ago in Craig Westcarr.

'And they’ve got many more players besides. I single those two out just because they’re obvious but they’ve got plenty of quality throughout their unit. We’re going to have to play very well to win the game and we know that'.

Alfreton also have Gibraltar international striker Adam Priestley, who caused County problems in the first tie. He was in action for his international side as they lost 3-1 in Cyprus on Sunday evening but should be back in time to feature at Rodney Parade. The winners of tonight’s replay will travel to League Two leaders Plymouth Argyle in the Second Round in the first weekend of December.

Alfreton have lost both league matches since holding the Exiles at home on November 6 when Kennedy’s late leveller cancelled out Josh Sheehan’s opener for the visitors. Nicky Law’s side lost 2-0 at home to Tim Harris’s Gloucester City last Tuesday and 1-0 at Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday. They are 17th in the table, just four points above the relegation zone, albeit with two games in hand due to their cup exploits".

ALTY WIN "NON-LEAGUE CHALLENGE"

Winning this competition brings a prize of £2,000 and we will announce how this money is to be used as soon as we can.

A massive thanks is due to Andrew Flynn and Jack Jolly, who did a brilliant job in creating and executing a social media strategy that delivered this superb prize".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH RESULT

• Stockport County 1-0 Gainsborough Trinity (att. 2,112)

FA CUP REPLAYS

• FC Halifax Town 2-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Barrow 2-1 Taunton Town
• Rochdale 2-0 Maidstone United
• AFC Wimbledon 5-0 Bury
• Notts County 2-0 Boreham Wood
• Swindon Town 1-3 Eastleigh
• Crewe Alexandra 1-4 Cheltenham Town
• Bristol Rovers 4-2 Crawley Town 2 AET
• Coventry City 2-1 Morecambe
• Fleetwood 4-1 Southport AET
• Newport County 4-1 Alfreton T. AET
• Solihull Moors 1-1 Yeovil Town -solihull won 4-2 on penalties.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

But with the same process required for November, progress has been 'significantly' slower and included funds raised from the visit of Boston United and website takings, the Bucks have raised just £247.

Telford are keen to drum up significant interest for Saturday's visit of high-profile outfit Darlington 1883, themselves a phoenix club of former Football League side Darlington FC. A boosted attendance of 1,706 against FC United on October 15 played a big part in helping Telford reach their October mark. A crowd of 1,841 then descended on the New Buck's Head at the end of the month as interest thrived.

But a significant drop of just 1,021 were present for the visit of Boston. The club admitted they did not predict the drop in crowd. A Bucks' statement said, 'November has been considerably slower and we have raised a very small sum of incremental income just £247, this arising from donations at the Boston game and this is included in the donations counter on our website. Thank you to all who made a donation at the Boston game...

'We anticipated a fall in attendance for the Boston game, but the fall to 1,021 (compared with the Chorley attendance of 1,030) was a faster fall to the 1,000 level than we had anticipated and takings were almost exactly identical to the Chorley game, very marginally less in fact, so the Boston game did not contribute towards the November incremental income target, other than the donations stated above, which we were grateful for'.

Meanwhile, Telford's board have completed their consultations in the proposed issue of new shares in the football club and are hopeful to issue these by November 19, with interest from potential investors and supporters described as 'very good'".

POPPY SHIRTS RAISE ALMOST £1,000

"FIFA may have done their best to prevent England and Scotland players wearing poppies on their shirts but nothing was going to stop Altrincham showing the rest of football how to commemorate Remembrance weekend.

World football's governing body caused uproar after threatening the English and Scottish associations with sanctions for defying their poppy ban at Wembley on Friday night.

There were no such restrictions at club level, though, and no one did more than Alty goalkeeping coach and kit supplier, Ian Senior, to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day in fitting style.

Right: Ian Senior with the framed, signed Remembrance shirt.

While most clubs settled for weaving a poppy into their normal strip, SKkits boss Ian devised and produced a special one-off shirt for Alty's Vanarama National League North game with Salford City at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday. Bearing a huge poppy in the centre, with Lest We Forget underneath, the shirts were then auctioned in an initiative that raised nearly £1,000 for the British Legion.

'I produced 20 shirts in all,' said Ian. 'One was signed by all the staff and framed, and that went for £205 on its own. The others went for £630 altogether, then a raffle for one other shirt raised £135, so that's £970 in total, which isn't a bad effort at all.

'All the fuss from FIFA really spurred me on to do this. It seemed very apt for memorial weekend, and I just couldn't see what the issue was with FIFA.

'I don't get their problem at all but, at least, we've made a statement as Altrincham Football Club by wearing these shirts and holding a minute's silence. We've shown our respect for those who lost their lives serving our country, and that's how it should be. It just felt right that, finally, we should auction the shirts to raise funds for the British Legion, and well done to everyone who took part.'

A British Legion spokesperson said, 'The Royal British Legion would like to thank all at Altrincham FC for their fantastic fundraising for the Poppy Appeal this year. The money raised will help the Legion to continue to help the whole Armed Forces' community in the local area.'"

BUCKET COLLECTION

BUILDBASE FA TROPHY OPPONENTS

Blyth will hope to fare better against the Robins than their Emirates FA Cup conquerors Morpeth Town, who bowed out to Jim Harvey’s men in the next round. Spartans will take heart from the last meeting between the two sides, though, as braces from both Daniel Maguire and captain Robert Dale secured a 4-1 win at Croft Park in the Emirates FA Cup First Round back in 2014/15".

Meanwhile, "Alun Armstrong was left “flabbergasted” at the final whistle on Saturday, after seeing his Blyth Spartans side squander a two-goal lead, before finally beating fellow Evo-Stik Premier League side Halesowen Town 4-3 in their Buildbase FA Trophy second qualifying round clash. Nathan Buddle and Daniel Maguire had put the hosts ahead at half-time, but Halesowen hit back after the break and went ahead through captain Jay Denny and a brace from substitute Ethan Delaney just after the hour mark.

Matty Pattison came off the bench to pull Spartans back level with a fantastic goal with less than ten minutes to go, before smashing home from close range in the last minute to claim what was an astounding cup tie for Blyth...

He said, 'I was just flabbergasted after the match, I really was. We were comfortable in the first half, totally dominant and I asked the lads to come out with the same intensity in the second half and carry on in the same way. All of a sudden, it just went flat after they threw two up front and really went for it. They went 3-5-2 and that should have released our wide players, but it never happened and our wide players started dropping too deep. It was poor and I had to change it, so that’s why I brought Patta [Pattison] and Michael [Richardson] on. That gave us a bit more impetus and, thankfully it worked wonders, as Patta scored two great goals.'

Despite the positive end to the game, the Blyth boss was still bewildered by how his side had let Halesowen back into the tie so easily... Armstrong stated, 'We should never have been in that position to begin with. The lads know that and we had a discussion after the game...

'They know what they did wrong, we know what they did wrong and we can’t carry on having that same mentality of ‘Right, this is how we see a game through’ and it’s not. We’re best when we’re getting at people and everyone knows that. We have so'...

The 41-year-old added, 'The character they showed to come back was absolutely outstanding. I thought they did magnificently. I could hear people moaning and that from behind and I just thought "Let the lads get on with it". I had every faith in them... We can go and kill teams off when it’s against us but it’s when we’re in front that we struggle to work that out. To come back and win the game after going from 2-0 up to 3-2 down, scoring two goals in the last eight minutes, showed tremendous character'...

Armstrong took the decision to rest the likes of Ryan Hutchinson and Michael Liddle for Saturday’s game, while Pattison was dropped to the bench, after scoring both goals in Blyth’s 2-0 win over Barwell. The Spartans’ gaffer had planned to avoid using the South African midfielder, but felt he had no choice once he was facing Buildbase FA Trophy elimination.

Armstrong admitted, 'Without a doubt, I felt that my hand was forced by putting Patta on. I spoke to him before the game and, even though he scored two great goals at Barwell last week, I told him that I didn’t want to use him unless I had to... He’s got top top quality, but you have to use him sparingly. He’s got an unbelievable left foot and he’s already got a fair few goals this season, so he could get another 10 goals before the end of the season and I expect him to'...

Spartans now move onto another cup competition on Tuesday night, as they travel to Shaw Lane AFC for an Integro Doodson Cup meeting. Armstrong is expecting a difficult game against Whitby Town’s Buildbase FA Trophy conquerors and his cause isn’t helped by a few of his players being unavailable for the trip to the Evo-Stik Premier League Division One North side.

He said, 'Some of the lads that were rested against Halesowen will be back for Shaw Lane but there’s a few that can’t make it because of work and that. I’m going to have a look at them though and maybe try something different with them. It’s going to be a tough game. Shaw Lane are certainly no mugs, as they’re currently second in their league with games in hand, and they beat [EvoStik Premier league leaders] Whitby 3-0 on Saturday'".

FA CUP REPLAYS

• Curzon Ashton 3 Westfields 1 (att. 1,075)
• Stourbridge 3 Whitehawk 0 (att. 1,993)

FA TROPHY DRAW

The full draw is...

• 1 Stocksbridge Park Steels v Stalybridge Celtic
• 2 Harrogate Town v Salford City
• 3 Witton Albion v Boston United
• 4 Mickleover Sports v Brackley Town
• 5 Gainsborough Trinity v Alfreton Town
• 6 King's Lynn Town v St Ives Town
• 7 Shaw Lane Association v Nantwich Town
• 8 Altrincham v Blyth Spartans AFC
• 9 Ramsbottom / Redditch v AFC Telford United
• 10 Matlock Town v FC Halifax Town
• 11 Farsley Celtic v Tamworth
• 12 Chorley v Hednesford T / Stafford R
• 13 Kidderminster Harriers v AFC Rushden & Diamonds / Lincoln U
• 14 Curzon Ashton v Worcester City
• 15 FC United Of Manchester v Nuneaton Town
• 16 Stockport County v Bradford (Park Avenue)
• 17 Gloucester City v AFC Fylde
• 18 Darlington 1883 v Marine / St Neots T
• 19 Ebbsfleet United v Harrow Borough
• 20 Merthyr / Slough Town v Wingate & Finchley
• 21 Truro City v Frome Town
• 22 Hampton & Richmond Borough v Royston Town
• 23 Concord Rangers v Welling United
• 24 Kings Langley v AFC Sudbury
• 25 Weston Super Mare v Dartford
• 26 Worthing v Hemel Hempstead Town
• 27 Hungerford Town v Gosport Borough
• 28 Oxford City v Hastings U / South Park
• 29 Bath City v Basingstoke Town
• 30 Chelmsford City v Taunton Town
• 31 Margate v East Thurrock United
• 32 Leiston v Eastbourne Borough
• 33 Poole Town v Weymouth
• 34 Havant & Waterlooville v Brightlingsea Regent / Harlow Town
• 35 Winchester City v Dulwich Hamlet
• 36 Maidenhead United v Wealdstone
• 37 Burgess H / Chalfont StP v Bigg'wade T / Hitchin T
• 38 Whitehawk v St Albans City
• 39 North Leigh v Kingstonian / Tonbridge A
• 40 Merstham / Hythe Town v Bishop's Stortford

EUROPA LEAGUE TICKET AUCTION

The value of this event is over £150. To make a bid for the two corporate tickets and dining package for this game, please email Geoff Morris here.

The closing date for bids is as follows:- Monday November 21st @ 6pm. N.B. This is a change from the original closing time & date advised.

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

The auction for tickets and dining at the Manchester United v Fenerbahçe hospitality match last month was won by Grahame Rowley who has emailed the following about his experience:-

'The Manchester United v Fenerbahçe hospitality was a great experience for my son and I, once I won the auction for a pair of tickets. The food in the Trafford Suite was first class with plenty of choice and on a serve yourself as much as you want basis. An excellent 'sweet' island included an ice cream factory and chocolate fountain. Drinks (pay as you go) were waitress served and half time / full time orders could be placed in advance.

The padded seats were situated in tier one and near the half-way line opposite the Directors' box, a great viewing position. Could recommend this package for any game, a great experience and one worth trying'".

SAM AT AWARDS NIGHT

Sam is a finalist in the category of 'Rising Star of The Year' Award and the list of finalists can be seen here.

GEORGE AND JENNY HONOURED

Above, courtesy of Mike Ripley of Michael Ripley Photography we see Altrincham FC Director, Neil Faulkner, making a presentation to Jenny and George Heslop who have both given many years of service to the Football Club. Jenny was manager of the Bar and of the Club's Saturday Yankee lottery as well as carrying out numerous other tasks, not least the laundering of the team's kit.

For his part, George has also occupied numerous roles at Moss Lane. He has been, over many years, the Club's most successful Youth Team Manager as well as the Club's Company Secretary. Indeed, George's achievements have been marked by his being named President of Youth Football at the Club.

In addition, George also hosted many social events at the Club whilst Jenny put in countless hours running the bar at social events which brought much-needed income to the Club.

There was also a public presentation to Jenny and George on the pitch at half-time in Saturday's game with Salford City at which Altrincham FC Chairman, Grahame Rowley, paid tribute to the couple's dedicated work on behalf of the Club.

All at Altrincham FC wish them both a happy retirement.

FITNESS UPDATE

Craig Hobson will have another week of re-hab for his broken metatarsal...

Tom Hannigan had an assessment on Tuesday. The verdict was far better then initially thought. The pain being experienced is more bone than ligament".

MAN OF THE MATCH

A deserved Altrincham Man of the Match on Saturday was left-back Andy McWilliams. He is pictured, right, during the game, by Mike Ripley. He is shown in the special Remembrance shirt devised by Alty goalkeeping coach and kit supplier, Ian Senior, who raised funds for the British Legion by auctioning the shirts after the game.

ALTRINCHAM 0 SALFORD CITY 2

And Brian Flynn's post-match interview with manager Jim Harvey is here.

From Salford City we learn that "Salford City kept a third consecutive clean sheet and goals from Mike Phenix and Richie Allen were enough to overcome Altrincham... The game would produce a plethora of chances but... it was the more clinical side who took home the points.

There was a single change from the side who were held to a goalless draw by Harrogate Town last Saturday, with Nick Haughton taking the number 10 shirt and Matt Warburton dropping down to the bench. For those of us who remember the seventies and eighties Altrincham are still ‘the’ non-league club and there was a real sense of occasion at Moss Lane as a crowd of almost 2,500 (including over 400 travelling Ammies) assembled for this local derby...

Altrincham had lost their three previous matches – including a morale sapping home defeat to fellow strugglers Bradford (Park Avenue) – but Jim Harvey’s side looked capable of causing problems. The lively James Lawrie had a low shot from the left-hand angle of the area blocked by Salford skipper Simon Grand and then he pushed towards the line on the same flank before knocking a low ball across the 6-yard box. Curtis Obeng was inches away from providing a finishing touch...

Nick Haughton impressed Salford’s supporters last week after coming on as substitute following his loan move from Fleetwood Town and would enhance his reputation further this afternoon...

It looked as if Salford would end an enterprising half empty-handed but the goal they had been threatening for so long arrived on the stroke of half-time. Jordan Hulme got up well to flick a ball out to the right into the path of Phenix who outpaced his marker as he cut into the area. The angle was tight but the finish was unerring as a smashed shot gave Dawber little chance to make a save...

The Ammies scored their 2nd goal of the afternoon. Nottingham’s shot from right-of-centre took a block, with the ball falling for Allen, on the edge of the box and left-of-centre. The former Fylde marksman hasn’t enjoyed the best of fortune in front of goal this season but this time his finish was top quality as the ball nestled into the far bottom corner.

Alty manager Jim Harvey responded by sending on talismanic striker Damian Reeves for defender Wayne Thomas...

The Robins would have some success on the left flank... and with 21 minutes to play Miller’s run took him into the area, with the cross dropping for Obeng in the middle. There was space for the Robins’ number 9 but his header rose high before dropping gently into the arms of Lynch...

The second half had belonged to Salford so far but Altrincham have been galvanised since Harvey took the managerial reins and they spent the last 10 minutes pressing determinedly... Seven minutes from time Miller made it into the area from the left and almost halved Salford’s lead as his gently curling effort clipped the base of the far post before going out for a goal kick.

If that one had gone in the last few minutes may have been nervous for the travelling supporters...

There was an encouraging energy about this performance and on a luckier afternoon they might have ended up with half-a-dozen goals... Some of Altrincham's play this afternoon belied their precarious league position and they managed to carve out a number of decent opportunities... They seem to have enough about them to suggest a revival might be on the cards".

MORE GOLDS FOR JOHN

A superb collection, from a superb performance, by a superb sportsman. well done John... Proud of you, once again".

LADIES' LOSS

YOUTHS DEFEATED

Meanwhile, Alty's EDP team are at home on Wednesday (16th) to bottom club, Gateshead.

ALTRINCHAM 0 SALFORD CITY 2

Alty's three league debutants, Luis Morrison-Derbyshire, Simon Lenighan and Curtis Obeng line up in the special Remembrance Day shirts before kick off.

Manager Jim Harvey rang the changes, leaving senior players Jake Moult, Damian Reeves, Simon Richman and Alan Goodall on the bench as Altrincham started with only one player who had been at the club last season (James Lawrie). There were three league debutants for this match (Obeng, Lenighan and Morrison-Derbyshire) but the afternoon ended with another defeat and The Robins are now nine points from safety.

Salford started the better but Altrincham were growing into the game when the visitors took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Phenix got in behind the defence, to the right of goal, and put his side ahead after goalkeeper Dawber had earlier made a couple of fine stops to keep the Ammies out.

Hope of a revival were undone as early as eight minutes after the interval when Allen's low shot from outside the box found the net.

Although Altrincham enjoyed some belated forward momentum late in the game, Miller's fine shot which hit the upright was the nearest they game to taking anything from the match.

Match report here.

SAM AT HYDE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Chorley moved level on points with Darlington in third after winning 2-0 at the Northolme against mid-table Gainsborough Trinity. The home side managed to frustrate Matt Jansen`s side until 16 minutes from time when Dale Whitham broke the deadlock to give the Magpies the lead. And then in the 83rd minute, Friday recruit from Bolton Wanderers, Alex Samizadeh, popped up to make sure with Chorley`s second.

FC Halifax Town are fourth after beating a Kidderminster Harriers side who started the afternoon in the top five. A crowd of 1,704 at The Shay saw Matty Kosylo break the deadlock 5 minutes into the second half to give the Shaymen the lead. And then 3 minutes into stoppage time at the end of the match, Richard Peniket doubled the home side`s lead...

Tamworth moved into fifth spot after winning a seven-goal thriller, their fourth successive win, against a Harrogate Town side who haven`t won in seven games now and have dropped down to tenth... Newton levelled things up with less than 4 minutes to go before scoring a dramatic winner in stoppage time.

Gloucester City are seventh, but suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Curzon Ashton. Liam Tomsett gave Curzon the lead in the 36th minute before Gloucester goalkeeper Jasbir Singh was sent-off for handling the ball outside of the area. But despite the man advantage, and having outfield player Joe Hanks in goal, Gloucester dominated the second half, and almost levelled the game in stoppage time. Cameron Mason was on hand to deny Karnell Chambers, before sending Adam Morgan clear to break and seal a vital three points for the Nash...

Brackley Town`s excellent season continued with a 3-2 win at the Jakemans Stadium against mid-table Boston United... Stockport County are now eleventh after a 1-1 draw at Liberty Way against a Nuneaton Town side who are hovering just above the drop zone...

Worcester City moved into twelfth in the table after edging out AFC Telford United 2-1 at Bromsgrove... The Bucks pulled back on level terms in the 77th minute when Gianluca Havern headed in from a corner. But 2 minutes into stoppage time, City won it...

FC United of Manchester moved up to thirteenth in the table after condemning second-bottom Stalybridge Celtic to a 4-2 Bower Fold defeat.... Brian Summerskill reduced the arrears to just one 7 minutes after the interval, but a second for Gilchrist on 63 minutes eventually ensured the points went to the visitors.

Bradford Park Avenue followed up last weekend`s win over FC United by earning their first home win and first clean sheet of the season in beating Alfreton Town 1-0 at the Horsfall Stadium... Avenue so nearly doubled their lead right at the end of the match when sub Emile Sinclair rounded Reds` keeper Fabian Spiess, but Ryan Wilson slid in to cut out his shot. Third-bottom Avenue are now only two points adrift of fourth-bottom Nuneaton. "

SATURDAY'S GATES

• Att: 2403 Altrincham 0-2 Salford City
• Att:1092 Boston United 2-3 Brackley Town
• Att:322 Bradford Park Avenue 1-0 Alfreton Town
• Att:2001 Darlington 1883 1-1 AFC Fylde
• Att:1704 FC Halifax Town 2-0 Kidderminster Harriers
• Att:586 Gainsborough Trinity 0-2 Chorley
• Att:439 Gloucester City 0-2 Curzon Ashton
• Att:975 Harrogate Town 3-4 Tamworth
• Att:806 Nuneaton Town 1-1 Stockport County
• Att:1466 Stalybridge Celtic 2-4 FC United Of Manchester
• Att:652 Worcester City 2-1 AFC Telford Utd

OLD BOYS

The same source also confirms that Sean Williams has moved from AFC Telford United to Warrington Town. The Shropshire Star adds that "It is reported that Sean Williams has left the club because of work commitments."

Sean joins other ex-Alty faces at Warrington Town where on 29 October "new manager Paul Carden started his reign with a 2-0 home defeat against Nantwich Town in the FA Trophy. The size of the job in front of the former Tranmere man was perhaps evident in this match... Goals either side of half-time from [ex-Alty Youth] Osebi Abadaki and Curtis Jones were enough for Nantwich...

Carden’s first line-up in charge featured new signings in [ex-Alty] striker Danny Hattersley and centre-back Kristian Platt, who deputised for James McCarten [ex-Alty trialist], suspended... McCarten joined an ever-increasing list of first teamers on the sidelines, with injury victims Danny Ventre, Gerard Kinsella, [ex-Alty striker] Ben Deegan and Lewis Codling still missing.

Debutant Hattersley perhaps should have opened his Yellows account within 13 minutes, hitting the post from close range after captain Ciaran Kilheeney had flicked on [ex-Alty Reserve] Scott Metcalfe’s cross. Metcalfe looked the most likely to make something happen for the Yellows...

Tricky striker Abadaki pounced as the Yellows surrendered possession in their own half, and after he had held off Peter Wylie, he found the bottom corner despite the best efforts of Karl Wills... A change at the break saw [ex-Alty striker] Steven Gillespie introduced in midfield in place of Michael Grogan, and within seven minutes of the restart, the Yellows hit the woodwork for a second time. Kilheeney this time stooping to get his head to the ball which came back off the far post before being cleared...

Wylie and Simon Lenighan [now at Alty] had long-range shots fly over the bar".

RESERVES' MATCH OFF

YOUTH EDUCATION FIXTURE

SATURDAY RESULTS

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

£5 ENTRY OFFER

This game will be segregated and it is a requirement that both the relevant season ticket and valid I.D. are produced when entering at the turnstiles.

BEFORE THE GAME

Assuming new signings Curtis Obeng, Simon Lenighan and Luis Morrison-Derbyshire are named in the squad to face Salford City, they will bring to 37 the number of players named this season in an Altrincham league squad. And the three will bring to 31 the number of players to make a (first or second) debut in either league or cup for the club in this campaign. (Three players have returned to the club in 2016-17 to make their second debuts; Tim Deasy, Danny Hall and Greg Wilkinson).

And if any of the above three named players is involved on Saturday, which is Alty's 17th league match, it will mean that in just one league fixture this season (away to Gloucester City) Altrincham have not had a potential league debutant in their named sixteen players. In 15 of their 17 league matches, one or more debutants has made it onto the pitch either from the start or from the bench.

REMEMBRANCE SHIRT

Having gained approval from the National League and the club’s main sponsor, J.Davidson Scrap Metal Processors, the Robins will be wearing a special shirt featuring a large poppy with the words ‘Lest We Forget’ in the centre of the shirt.

The special shirts have been supplied by Altrincham FC’s kit supplier, Ian Senior of SKkits.

'I have had the sample shirt signed by all the staff. I will be getting it framed to auction, with monies going to the Royal British Legion. The reserve bid is £100 and bids can be registered by contacting me on 07960 137232. My intentions with the playing shirts are to auction them after the game in The Altrincham FC Community Sports Hall, again with all proceeds going to The Royal British Legion".

The match takes place at the J.Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane, Altrincham & kick-off is at 3pm".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

The tie will be played in the week commencing 9th January 2017, most likely on Wednesday 11th January."

FA CUP TELEVISED TIES

On the Sunday, BT Sport will show the game involving the winners of the two replayed ties between Curzon Ashton and Westfields plus Bury and AFC Wimbledon.

Second Round weekend concludes with National League side Lincoln City hosting League One Oldham Athletic, live on BT Sport.

FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER 2016: Macclesfield Town v Oxford United (7.55pm) – Live on BBC Two

SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER 2016: Westfields v AFC Wimbledon (Sunday 12pm) OR Curzon Ashton v AFC Wimbledon (Sunday 12pm) OR Westfields v Bury (Sunday 12pm) OR Curzon Ashton v Bury (Sunday 6pm) – Live on BT Sport 1

MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2016: Lincoln City v Oldham Athletic (7.45pm) – Live on BT Sport 1"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Kearns, 20, was the captain of Crewe Alexandra’s youth academy under-18 side and signed professional terms with the club in May 2015. Kearns, who can operate at right-back but is naturally a centre-half, signed for Southport in August".

At Harrogate Town, "Manager Simon Weaver reshuffles his pack ahead of Tamworth visit. Louie Swain re-signs for Town as Purkiss, Gascoigne and Stewart depart. We are delighted to welcome Louie back to The CNG Stadium, after his brief spell with Spennymoor Town. Swain, who joined Town as a striker in 2014, was redeployed as a left-back by Weaver, and went on to enjoy a regular place in his back-four during 2015/16. It is expected that Louie's registration will be completed in order for him to be eligible to face Tamworth on Saturday.

Elsewhere, midfielders Joel Purkiss and Andy Gascoigne, and goalkeeper Tom Stewart have left the club in search of more regular first-team football.

Gascoigne, who started Harrogate Town's opening two matches of the season, was sent out to Frickley earlier in the season and went on to make just five league appearances this year... Both Joel Purkiss and Tom Stewart had found it more difficult to secure their places in the first-team".

And from the National League we learn that "Alex Samizadeh has joined Chorley on a 'work experience' loan deal from Bolton Wanderers. Samizadeh... last season attracted interest from Derby County... The Iran-born forward, who turned 18 on Thursday, will go straight into the Chorley side for tomorrow's match at Gainsborough Trinity... Samizadeh joins Chorley boss Matt Jansen`s other loan signing from Bolton`s league rivals Fleetwood Town, Nathan Sheron, who signed on loan earlier today".

SAM GOES ON LOAN

NEW SIGNING, AND A DEPARTURE

"Manager Jim Harvey has continued to reshape Altrincham's defence by signing one centre-back and releasing another.

Coming into The J.Davidson Stadium is 6ft 3in former Arsenal schoolboy Luis Morrison-Derbyshire, while Danny Hall is leaving after a brief second stint with the club.

Morrison-Derbyshire has signed after impressing in training this week and is available for tomorrow's (Saturday) Vanarama National League North game against Salford City at The J.Davidson Stadium.

On schoolboy forms at Arsenal, he played for Farnborough before gaining experience abroad in Finland and Sweden and then returning to England for a trial spell at Leeds United, where he turned out for the development squad. Hall, initially signed in the summer of 2012, has been released just over two months after leaving Curzon Ashton for a second spell at The J.Davidson".

Footnote: After starting out with Arsenal and Stevenage, according to Soccerway, he was playing for Jalkapalloseura FC YPA in Finland (2013-14) (and also Umea in Sweden) then joined Farnborough (Jan. 2014) before moving to Maidenhead United in September 2014, and that same month moved on to Hampton & Richmond. At the end of 2014 he went to Grays before joining Concord Rangers in August 2015.

Greenwich Borough announced his signing on 23 September 2016 saying "Greenwich Borough are delighted to announce the signing of centre-back Luis Morrison, after he departed Canvey Island. The tall defender joins the Borough, after making 10 appearances for Canvey Island this season already...

Morrison began his career playing for Arsenal and Stevenage before moving over to Finland and Sweden to get league experience. He returned to England, where he trialled for Leeds United and Newcastle, before enjoying spells at Farnborough, Hereford United, Maidenhead, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Grays Athletic and Concord Rangers before signing for Canvey Island in the summer of 2016.

The 6 foot 3 inch defender also achieved fame outside the world of football, after appearing on reality TV show Love Island". 11 November 2016

AWAY DRAW IN CSC

The full First Round draw is:

• 1874 Northwich FC v Northwich Victoria
• Barnton v Witton Albion
• Chester FC v Hyde United
• Crewe Alexandra v Stalybridge Celtic
• Runcorn Linnets v Nantwich Town
• Runcorn Town v Altrincham
• Stockport County v Winsford United
• Warrington Town v Tranmere Rovers

Macclesfield Town Football Club have forfeited their place in the Cheshire County FA Senior Cup First Round after admitting to fielding an ineligible player in our Preliminary Round tie last week. As a result, our opponents Winsford United have progressed to the First Round of the competition."

Macc had won the tie 4-3 after extra time.

Wednesday CSC Preliminary Round game: Sandbach United 1 Witton Albion 1, Witton Albion win 6-5 on penalties AET, attendance 140

NEXT OPPONENTS

The closest they have come to getting into the League was back in 1980 when they won the inaugural Alliance Premier League season, but missed out on election by one vote to Rochdale. More recently Alty have been up and down between the Conference and Conference North, and were relegated at the end of last season after finishing 22nd, however it hasn’t been a seamless re-introduction to the National League North…..

Defeats to Fylde (0-6), Gainsborough (0-2) and Curzon Ashton (2-4) led to Neil Young,appointed immediately after the club were relegated, resigning and retiring from football. He was replaced by former Halifax Town boss Jim Harvey, who won the FA Trophy with the Shaymen last season after being relegated alongside Alty, but has picked up just one win in his eight league games in charge; away at Stalybridge.

However he remains optimistic that as he assembles his own squad his side will pick up, and avoid successive relegations for the first time in their history.

Salford will be arriving at Moss Lane sensing their chance to pick up another three points against a bottom half side, with all of their seven victories this season coming against seven of the bottom nine, but Alty are one of three teams yet to win at home and that is something they will be keen to correct against The Ammies".

CHANGES TO LADIES' FIXTURES

TASC MEETING NOTES

OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

ALTRINCHAM'S REMEMBRANCE SHIRT

Ian informs us that "I have had the sample shirt signed by all the staff. I will be getting it framed this week to auction, with monies going to the Royal British Legion. Please send bids to Ian Senior. The reserve bid is £100. My intentions with the playing shirts are to auction them after the game in The Community Hall, again with all proceeds going to The British Legion".

LADIES' MIXED FORTUNES

TUESDAY SCORE

• Alfreton Town 0 Gloucester City 2

CSC

• Alsager Town 0 Nantwich Town 5, Att.88
• Sandbach United v Witton Albion (playing Wednesday 9 November)

NEXT AWAY OPPONENTS

Even with a few changes to the side, notably with Tom Allan, Liam Hearn and George Edmundson all returning to the starting line-up, there was an air of lethargy on a bitterly cold and damp evening in front of the lowest gate of the season. There was also a run out for new signing midfielder Andre Olukanmi, whose pace was evident when he came on at the start of the second half, but there were few positives otherwise...

The Reds were hit by a brace of goals, against the run of play, to go into the break with a 0-2 deficit. Kotwica broke the deadlock with an untidy back post header from Keiran Thomas’s 39th minute cross, then in added time Joe Parker was invited to pick his spot after running unchallenged on to an Edward Williams through-ball...

There were a couple of chances for the Reds around the 70 minute mark, Hearn thwarted by Singh as he tried to walk the ball around the keeper from Allan’s cross, then Niall Heaton’s header from a Ryan Wilson corner was hacked off the line. The remainder of the game was taken up by delaying tactics utilised by the visitors at every opportunity, as well as Luke Hopper’s goal in stoppage time being ruled out for off-side as Gloucester ran out facile [!] victors.

ALFRETON: Spiess; Mantack, McGowan, Edmundson, Heaton, Wilson, Monkhouse, Nyoni (Olukanmi HT), Allan, Hearn, Westcarr (S.Smith 63). Subs not used: A. Smith, Kennedy... Attendance: 344."

FA CUP

If the Imps' FA Cup Second Round tie with League One Oldham Athletic is selected for live television coverage by the BBC or BT Sport, the club will net around £70,000. That would take City's FA Cup earnings to almost £100,000 after pocketing £30,000 in prize money by beating Guiseley in the Fourth Qualifying Round and Altrincham in the First Round proper.

Three or four second round matches will be screened live by the BBC and BT Sport over the first weekend in December. The broadcasters are likely to announce their picks before the weekend.

Imps boss Danny Cowley hopes the Imps' tie with the Latics is selected. 'We're hoping that we've caught the imagination of the BBC and BT Sport with our performances so far this season,' said Cowley. 'We're very thankful to BT Sport for the coverage they give to our level. A TV game would be fantastic for the profile of the club, for the players and for the finances of the club. That type of money is huge to us, it can make a significant difference. We're hoping for that, but it's not budgeted for, so if it does come it's very much a bonus.'

City's managing director Kevin Cooke believes City's clash with Oldham has all the ingredients for what broadcasters are looking for in a cup tie. 'It's got non-League versus Football League,' said Cooke. 'It's a non-league team doing really well against a League side that is struggling. That's what the broadcasters like. We're doing well financially, certainly compared to a year of two ago, but any money that comes into the club is welcome.'

Two upcoming National League matches involving the Imps will be screened live by BT Sport, the trip to leaders Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, November 19 and the home clash with Dover Athletic, which has been moved to Friday, January 20 (7.45pm)."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

23-year-old Craig has found it difficult to break into the first team at Edgeley Park this season, and says County's current midfield is capable of being one of the best in the league.

Craig said, 'I've always backed myself, but it's been difficult because my time at County has coincided with the team going on a winning run and they've built up a lot of momentum together. The manager has a settled side and has his players in mind to take the club forward now, so it's the right time to move on. I'm sure they'll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.'

But Craig says he has no regrets about joining the Hatters in the summer. 'It's difficult to come on as a sub sometimes, depending on the state and stage of the game, and make an impact to then warrant a starting berth for the next game, but, ultimately, I need more minutes and to be able to build up a rhythm. I always worked hard and tried to show a lot of heart, but I really do need more minutes on the pitch.'

Craig, who works as a cover supervisor in a secondary school in Lancashire, has made nine appearances this season, all of them off the bench. During pre-season he caught the manager's eye, scoring a couple of goals, and Craig says it's given him a hunger to play in the Vanarama League. Craig said, 'I still think I can play at this level, so I will be speaking to Jim again to see what's out there. In the short term, I'm delighted to be able to carry on playing for Phil Brown at Lancaster City where I've been on dual registration recently.'

Manager Jim Gannon said, 'Craig has been a model professional, it's just unfortunate for him that we haven't been able to give him more time on the pitch. We do have a settled midfield, and I'm also conscious of the fact that we have one or two injuries clearing up with Scott Duxbury, George West and Ryan Ellison all returning to action, so Craig's options were narrowing even further... He'll not be short of offers'"

FA CUP REPLAYS: ROUND ONE

• Curzon Ashton v Westfields
• Stourbridge v Whitehawk

Tuesday 15th November 2016

• Wimbledon v Bury
• Barrow v Taunton Town
• Bristol Rovers v Crawley T.
• Coventry C.v Morecambe
• Crewe A. v Cheltenham T.
• FC Halifax v Dagenham & Redbridge
• Fleetwood T. v Southport
• Newport Co. v Alfreton T.
• Notts County v Boreham Wood
• Rochdale v Maidstone United
• Solihull Moors v Yeovil T.
• Swindon T. v Eastleigh

Wednesday 16th November 2016

• Brackley Town v Gillingham

Thursday 17th November 2016

• Dover A. v Cambridge U.

GREAT EVENTS AT THE CSH!

• 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.

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, below...

JIM'S VERDICT

Q:: Disappointing though it is to have gone out, should we be encouraged by the way we took the game to Lincoln in the second half?

A: The whole game plan worked very well. We had to defend in the first half, which we did, apart from the goal, when the feller pulled off from a corner and the marking was poor. He had a free header, so that has to go down as a mistake because we should have dealt with it. But we otherwise limited them to very few chances, and anything Andrew Dawber saved you would expect him to save, so it was a case at half-time of right, OK, we are 1-0 down against the wind away to Lincoln, who are second in the National League, that's not a bad effort, let's go for it in the second half.

But another mistake let them in for a second goal, and it really was an absolutely unforced error from John Cyrus. He has had a good game overall but, unfortunately, he has given the ball away and they have capitalised. We opened up after that and took the game to them, but the forward players did not produce for me what I would expect from them. I wanted them to be a bit more courageous and show up and produce some football for us. But I have to say the attitude in the second half was excellent, and to pull a goal back and wobble them and get them worried with the way we were going at them and responding to another exceptional away support was very good.

We finished very much in the ascendancy, which is a plus, because that is the sort of attitude, commitment and drive we need, if we are to pick up points in our league. We may have done enough overall for a draw and a replay, which would have been interesting. But what we will build on now is that second-half performance and take that forward into the league. There are one or two individuals who will need to do better but it is a team game and, collectively as a team, we have come out on top of average. It's something we can look to grab hold of, that spirit, drive and commitment, allied to our football, and make sure we take it forward.

Q:: So it's a case of carrying on where we left off when Salford visit us next Saturday?

A: Yes, for sure. There is a standard and yardstick for us now, and we have to maintain that. That is the level we expect to take into every game.

Q:: They were running the clock down near the end, which shows they were far from comfortable, doesn't it?

A: Oh they were, without doubt. That's fine. When we were going forward, if we had made better decisions in possession, we could have opened them up even more. This is what I'm saying, the forward players have broken into good positions then squandered the opportunities. I was disappointed with that, because I would expect them to do better in situations like that. But to come here to Lincoln and put in a performance like that is encouraging, and we can take heart from it.

The spirit was really good, and it's spirit that is going to take us through the winter months, so that is a plus. It's a start, though it was offset by another injury for Tom Hannigan (left). When you have to make changes like that, and it's one in one out all the time, it doesn't help in terms of finding some consistency. But I still feel I can go away tonight feeling fairly confident with the group and the spirit they are showing and how they performed. We have to look to capture that now and keep hold of it.

Q:: How is it looking for Tom?

A: Well, it's the other leg, not the one that kept him out after the Halifax game. It has been giving him a bit of trouble, and it went weak on him, so we took him off. I don't think it's particularly serious, and I think it was a sensible precaution more than anything else. We will see how it settles down with a view to next weekend.

Q:: He's had shocking luck with injuries, hasn't he?

A: He has, but he is a good, solid competitor. I know him from his time at Vauxhall, and he has always impressed me as a really good, solid competitor. When he's not out there, we miss him, because of what he brings to the team and also the positive effect he has on those around him. He is a warrior, and we need a few more of them.

Q:: What was your view on the two debutants, Curtis Obeng and Simon Lenighan?

A: It was a difficult game for them to come into, but I was a little bit disappointed, if I'm being honest. It was difficult stepping up a level for Simon, and while Curtis held his end up well in the first half, maybe fitness crept in a little bit after that through lack of games. Both of them probably felt that a little bit, because for Simon, it was a faster level of game than he has been playing. It's OK, but I will expect more from them as we go on.

Q:: To sum up, then, the way we finished the game has given us something to build on?

A: I would hope so. That is what I will be driving into them now. I will highlight the good areas and indicate one or two things that need to be better. I will be demanding that level of performance and drive and commitment going forward.

Q:: One last thing, Jim, might there be more new signings?

A: Yes, I'm always looking and will continue to until we get to winning games and get on to the level required. I will be looking to make changes until that happens. If people are not performing, I will have to look for ways of making us better. I'm talking to one or two, so there could be more changes, and I will keep doing that until we get a team good enough to win games and get the points we need to move forward.

From that point of view, the chairman has been terrific. He has really supported me, and I have got to be thankful for that, because it has given us the opportunity to do something about the situation we are in by looking to improve the squad".

ALTRINCHAM FC AGM

The Chairman's AGM statement is reproduced below...

"The 2015-16 season was a disappointing one for all involved with Altrincham Football Club culminating in our relegation to the National League North.

With 4 long term injuries the team struggled throughout the season and manager Lee Sinnott left the club in March, being replaced by assistant manager Neil Tolson for the last 11 games. However he was unable to improve the club’s fortunes and relegation ensued. The club’s Board backed the management throughout the season and made the maximum amounts of funds available but to no avail.

Upon relegation, Neil Tolson was relieved of his duties and, following an extensive interview process, the Board of Altrincham Football Club appointed Neil Young as their new manager – a candidate with great credentials and a proven track record at this level of Football.

The Board of Altrincham Football Club would like to record their thanks to George and Jenny Heslop for the many years of service which they have given to the Football Club. Following a lengthy spell of illness, George Heslop left his position as Company Secretary and with no legal need to replace him the Club decided not to. George was rewarded for all his services to the Football Club by being appointed as Honorary President of the Youth Section. Jenny Heslop has also retired from her position as Bar / Lottery manager and she has been rewarded for her service by being made a Vice president of the Football Club.

The financial position of the Football Club was enhanced by £20k at the year end with the Community Sports Company agreeing to pay back the initial wages of the staff on start up – this amount having been returned before this AGM.

I thank you for your attendance this evening".

After completing the AGM itself, which covered the year to 31 May 2016 only, the floor was thrown open to questions about the Club since June 2016. Before that began, Graham Rowley stated that...

"1) The Community Sports Hall [CSH] and Trust are run independently of the Football Club. Its Board members include Carole and Fred Nash and Tony Collier (accountant). The Board of Altrincham FC have no influence on their operation. I do however, personally help them out as much as I can as I want it to be a success.

2) The CSH is having a huge benefit to the Football Club's finances which in turn will lead us to be able to compete for better players

3) Neil Young's appointment, in hindsight, didn't work out but there was a lot of enthusiasm and positive feedback from the majority of supporters when he was appointed. However, we now have total faith in Jim Harvey turning things around.

4) Mistakes have been made and we put our hands up to that but the key thing now is to rectify them and create a more positive atmosphere around the club with everyone pulling in the same direction

5) We want to address the suggestion that the Board are oblivious to the feelings of the supporters - their hopes and aspirations - because first and foremost we are "fans" and nothing could be further from the truth.

6) With communication in mind, we are launching a regular Q & A session between John Edwards and members of the Board to address topics of public concern and open lines of communication for supporters to email questions directly to him. A newsletter also being set up to be sent out via email to all who sign up to receive it. The first one will hopefully be out before Christmas - covering all sections of the Football Club.

This is all evidence that we are determined to get the club functioning as efficiently and successfully as possible and to everyone's satisfaction".

In this final section of the meeting, Ian Foden raised the need to address social media criticism of the Club. Andrew Shaw (Vice-Chairman) reported that fellow Board member Paul Daine had met with Jack Jolly. Paul confirmed that he was seeing Jack again this week to draw up priorities in the social media area.

Derek Wilshaw. who chaired the AGM, paid tribute to Grahame Rowley and his family for the time and effort that they put into running the club.

Graham Heathcote expressed his appreciation of the excellent job that the Club was doing in "running the business". Graham had been manager and Club Secretary in a period when the finances were in a poor state and he appreciated the transformation to its present financially stable state.

Jacquie Forster thanked the Board for holding an AGM, as such a meeting is not legally required. She also hoped that more affordable events would be run by the Club to help Altrincham "become a happier club" by bringing supporters into closer contact with the Club.

Graham Rowley said that he was aware that the Club had not "blown its own trumpet" sufficiently which was due to the pressure of "firefighting" and of having to move from one initiative to another too quickly. He announced that to address the longer-term future, the Club had commissioned a "strategic review". The chairman stated "We are undertaking a Strategic Review of the Football Club. This is being conducted by Nicky Watmore as a consultant to the Board at nil cost, with Peter Foster providing day to day contact with the rest of the Club. It will run for the next three months.

Our objective from the review will be to identify all the opportunities that could enable the club to reach its potential over the next five years and to make sure we are structured and equipped to take advantage of these opportunities.

The process will include interviews with people from all areas of the Football Club, including supporters, volunteers, Board members, the manager, major shareholders, donors and sponsors. Clearly, Nicky won't be able to interview everyone. However, we will give everyone interested the opportunity to contribute to the review via a questionnaire. We will ensure that the conclusions of the review are available to everyone interested. We expect the review to start in the next week or so".

Finally, asked by a shareholder if the need to move players on during the season to date had impacted adversely on the funding available to Jim Harvey, the Chairman said that some players had moved on without costs but in other cases sums had had to be paid to those concerned, though these were not large amounts. However, income from the Duncan Watmore "add-ons" and from our FA Cup run had meant that Jim had been given a more than decent budget.

YOUTHS' OPEN CUP WIN

FA CUP

NW NEWS

The National League side have earned £30,500 so far in prize money from two games, and will also get a percentage of gate receipts from those matches.

'It is massive as it means we can pay the VAT bill this week', said Askey. The 52-year-old told BBC Sport, 'We've not got a benefactor; there are a lot of clubs in our league that have, but we haven't. It is only through the generosity of the supporters that we're able to compete like we do... The FA Cup has saved the club numerous times', Askey added. 'I remember when we played West Ham one year and if we hadn't got them in the Cup, we could've gone under as a club. We would like one of the lower teams really [in the next round]. We want to try and get to the Third Round and, if we can, then obviously you are looking for one of the big boys'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In the Yorkshire Evening Post, we learn that "Harrogate Town ended their run of five successive defeats with a gritty display in a goalless draw at Salford City on Saturday in Nationwide North. The result was all the more admirable as City... had scored in their last 15 games at Moor Lane...

Bradford Park Avenue made it back-to-back wins to move up to third-bottom after a 3-2 win at FC United of Manchester."

LINCOLN MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Above, Lincoln City's management duo, the Cowley brothers, look on as Alty's James Lawrie and Curtis Obeng await a throw-in.

Highlights of Lincoln City v Altrincham can be found on the BBC.

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP MATCHES

• 08/11/16 : Alsager Town v Nantwich Town
• 09/11/16 : Sandbach United v Witton Albion

NEXT UP: SALFORD CITY

Salford's team on Saturday comprised 1. Jay Lynch, 2. Michael Nottingham, 3. Patrick Brough, 4. Scott Burton, 5. Simon Grand (c), 6. Jack Deaman, 7. Jordan Hulme, 8. Sam Walker, 9. Mike Phenix, 10. Matt Warburton, 11. Richie Allen, 12. Steve O'Halloran, 14. Billy Priestley, 15. Chris Atkinson, 16. Craig King, 17. Nick Haughton.

Salford City reported that "Salford's winless run at Moor Lane enters its third month as Harrogate hold out for a goalless draw... Bonfire night it might well be, but there were few fireworks at Moor Lane on another frustrating afternoon for Salford City. An even, if uninspired, first half gave way to a second period where Salford dictated the play without managing to crack open a determined visiting defence. There were positives for the managers to take out of this game but the failure to score, despite overwhelming second half possession, will be a cause for concern.

There were two changes from the line-up that started at Telford last week, starting in defence where new loan signing Patrick Brough replaced Steve O’Halloran at left-back. With James Poole currently injured, Matt Warburton was restored to the starting eleven and this week’s other loan signing, Nick Haughton, was amongst the substitutes...

Three minutes before half-time Scott Burton picked up his 7th yellow card of the season following a foul on Town striker Chib Chilaka. The vocal travelling support were displeased at that verdict, convinced that Burton was the last man but in truth the offence took place 40 yards from goal with quite a bit of defensive cover in the vicinity.

That was about that for a disappointing first half. Salford had put together some decent approach play at times without particularly stretching the type of well drilled defence that many of the sides at this level seem to have...

Just past the hour Salford made their first substitution of the afternoon as Nick Haughton replaced Allen, and the Fleetwood midfielder very nearly made an immediate impact... Salford were having nearly all of the play at this stage and although they often seemed to be on the verge of breaking through, there was a real composure about a Harrogate side who stuck doggedly to their task...

Salford were going for their first home win since Alfreton Town were beaten 2 months ago... It is probably true to say that Salford deserved a winner for their second half performance, but that must be balanced against the statistics. Harrogate keeper Crook’s second half duties were largely to pluck harmless free-kicks and crosses out of the air, and to collect overhit passes as the Ammies never quite got their entire act together. If the delivery was lacking at times it’s probably also fair to add that a direct striker with sharp instincts in front of goal would make a huge amount of difference".

From the other side, Harrogate Town add that "Simon Weaver’s men put in a gritty performance to prevent The Ammies finding the net at Moor Lane for the first time in 15 games.... Simon Weaver made five changes from last weekend’s loss to Darlington and handed a first start to midweek signing Nicky Clee"

LADIES LOSE AT WARRINGTON

The Ladies' next match is at home (at Mersey Valley FC) to Curzon Ashton next Sunday (2pm).

ALTY YOUTH ADVANCE IN OPEN CUP

In the next Round Altrincham are at home to Barrow AFC. Their next league fixture (Sunday 13 November) is away to AFC Fylde.

DRAW FOR RESERVES

FA CUP ROUND ONE SUNDAY AND MONDAY

• Taunton Town 2-2 Barrow
• Southport v Fleetwood Town MONDAY
• Alfreton Town 1-1 Newport County
• Portsmouth 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers
• Maidstone United 1-1 Rochdale
• St Albans City 3-5 Carlisle United
• Boreham Wood 2-2 Notts County
• Hartlepool United 3-0 Stamford
• Morecambe 1-1 Coventry City
• Blackpool 2-0 Kidderminster Harriers

LINCOLN CITY 2 ALTRINCHAM 1

Above: Tom Hannigan gets in some exercise as Alty captain Jake Moult goes through the pre-match formalities before kick-off with his counterpart, ex-Alty loanee Luke Waterfall. Sadly, Tom was unable to complete the game, being subbed at half-time after needing treatment late in the first half.

A fine second half from Altrincham ensured they left Sincil Bank with their heads held high...

Match report here.

But Altrincham dropped to bottom of the league after BPA's win in Saturday's league match.

IMPS' VIEW ON SATURDAY

City won their fifth corner in the first of three added minutes and in the closing stages of the half there was a yellow card for Altrincham left-back Andy McWilliams after he grabbed hold of the ball following a tangle with Anderson. The resultant free-kick was headed goalwards by Rhead before referee Rushton spotted a push on 'keeper Dawber as the ball looped into the net.

Whilst the Imps emerged unchanged for the start of the second half, the visitors made a change with Sam Patterson replacing Tom Hannigan...

The Imps eventually doubled their lead; Arnold intercepting a poor John Cyrus clearance before playing in ALAN POWER who slotted neatly past the advancing Dawber for his first of the season...

As the game ticked into its final quarter hour, the visitors got in their first effort on target and it resulted in a goal; an inswinging corner being headed home by centre-back John Cyrus at the back post.

The goal clearly lifted Altrincham whose tails were well and truly up all of a sudden, forcing the City defence into action on a number of occasions. The back-line repelled things well though and there was a sense of relief in their [ranks?] as referee Rushton blew for time after four additional minutes of play, which included a booking for Hawkridge for kicking the ball away".

Lincolnshire Live adds that "For more than 70 minutes, Lincoln City's FA Cup clash with Altrincham was going according to plan from Danny Cowley's point of view. The Imps were 2-0 up thanks to goals from Sean Raggett and Alan Power and seemingly coasting towards a place in round two.

City were so dominant, it look like they were playing a side from the Lincoln Sunday League[!!], not one from just the division below the National League. Up to that point, the only fault you could find with Lincoln's performance was that they weren't even further ahead, given chasm in quality between the sides.

But then Altrincham stunned everyone inside Sincil Bank by scoring from their first, and only, shot on target of the whole game and from one of just six touches they had inside the Imps' box. Suddenly nerves became frayed and home side even resorted to holding the ball near the visitors' corner flag to protect their lead in added time. The unnecessarily edgy nature of the final stages marred the victory for the Imps manager.

'I'm frustrated because we got sloppy in the last 20 minutes', said Cowley, the National League's manager of the month for October. 'For 70 minutes we looked in control, played the game in their half and had chance after chance. I'm disappointed for the players because we should have been celebrating a professional performance, because that's what it was for 70 minutes. Instead we were in there [the dressing room] after the game moaning about our sloppiness. We dropped our standards in the last 20 minutes and we can't afford to do that. As soon as we do that, we become an average team very quickly.'

Left-back Sam Habergham...agreed... 'We've come away from the game disappointed because of that last 20 minutes. It shouldn't have been like that,' said the former Braintree Town defender. 'We created chances, had a 2-0 lead and played some really good stuff but then we fell away'".

Also from LIncolnshire Live we learn that "John Cyrus's late goal gave the National League North strugglers a lifeline and the home fans had to endure a nervy final 15 minutes before they could eventually celebrate a place in the draw for round two, which takes place on Monday night... As you would expect against a side in the lower reaches of National League North, City dominated possession early on, with Alty trying to be organised and hard to break down...

City finally broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. A poor clearance from nervy-looking keeper Andrew Dawber fell to Anderson, whose electric pace saw him win another corner. The set-piece was taken by Habergham and headed home by the towering Raggett via the underside of the bar...

City continued their domination of the game in the second half... Lincoln's second goal finally arrived on the hour mark. A poor clearance by Cyrus went straight to Arnold, who slipped the ball through to Power and he produced the kind of finish a striker would have been proud of, slotting beyond Dawber with aplomb...

However, having been totally dominant, the Imps suddenly conceded when Cyrus redeemed for his earlier error by heading home a corner with 15 minutes to go. However, the visitors never looked like forcing a replay as Lincoln saw out the tie."

MIDWEEK LEAGUE GAME

• Alfreton Town v Gloucester City

SATURDAY LEAGUE GATES

• Att: 1647: AFC Fylde v Stalybridge Celtic
• Att: 1021: AFC Telford Utd v Boston United
• Att: 969: Chorley v Nuneaton Town
• Att: 2379: FC United of Manchester v Bradford Park Avenue
• Att: 1173: Salford City v Harrogate Town
• Att: 914: Tamworth v Darlington 1883

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH

• AFC Fylde 5 Stalybridge 0
• AFC Telford Utd 1 Boston Utd 2
• Chorley 1 Nuneaton Town 0
• FC United of Manchester 2 Bradford PA 3
• Salford City 0 Harrogate Town 0
• Tamworth 2 Darlington 1

FA CUP ROUND ONE

• Sheffield United v Leyton Orient
• Millwall 1-0 Southend United (played Friday)
• Dagenham and Redbridge 0-0 FC Halifax Town
• Merstham 0-5 Oxford United
• Taunton Town v Barrow SUNDAY
• Southport v Fleetwood Town MONDAY
• Yeovil Town 2-2 Solihull Moors
• Stockport County 2-4 Woking
• Dartford 3-6 Sutton United
• Walsall 0-1 Macclesfield Town
• Port Vale 1-0 Stevenage
• Northampton Town 6-0 Harrow Borough
• Cambridge United 1-1 Dover Athletic
• Westfields 1-1 Curzon Ashton
• MK Dons 3-2 Spennymoor Town
• Gillingham 2-2 Brackley Town
• Alfreton Town v Newport County SUNDAY
• Portsmouth 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers SUNDAY
• Maidstone United v Rochdale SUNDAY
• Bury 2-2 AFC Wimbledon
• St Albans City v Carlisle United SUNDAY
• Boreham Wood v Notts County SUNDAY
• Mansfield Town 1-2 Plymouth Argyle
• Braintree Town 7-0 Eastbourne Borough
• Hartlepool United v Stamford SUNDAY
• Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Grimsby Town
• Bradford City 1-2 Accrington Stanley
• Oldham Athletic 2-1 Doncaster Rovers
• Eastleigh 1-1 Swindon Town (played Friday)
• Shrewsbury Town 3-0 Barnet
• Morecambe v Coventry City SUNDAY
• Crawley Town 1-1 Bristol Rovers
• Whitehawk 1-1 Stourbridge
• Colchester United 1-2 Chesterfield
• Lincoln City 2-1 ALTRINCHAM
• Exeter City 1-3 Luton Town
• Charlton Athletic 3-1 Scunthorpe United
• Cheltenham Town 1-1 Crewe Alexandra
• Peterborough United 2-1 Chesham United
• Blackpool v Kidderminster Harriers SUNDAY

LINCOLN CITY'S REDUCED PRICES

• Adults : £10
• Concessions 60+ : £5
• Students with ID : £5
• Juniors U18: £2

THE EMIRATES FA CUP FINAL TICKET NUMBER 00001 UP FOR GRABS

Press release:

• The first pair of Emirates FA Cup Final tickets is set to be given away 200 days before The Final on May 27th 2017
• Ahead of this weekend’s First Round fixtures, fans encouraged to share video clips of their match day adventures using #CupStory
• Fans to vote for the winner on Wednesday 9 November 2016 – 28 weeks before the showcase event at Wembley Stadium connected by EE

From Eastleigh to Blackpool and Merstham to Taunton, this weekend The Emirates FA Cup adventure returns to the terraces. Fans attending one of the 40 First Round ties will be in with the chance to get their hands on the first pair of Emirates FA Cup Final tickets, numbered 00001 and 00002.

To win the first printed tickets to the Final, fans are being encouraged to share their First Round match day adventures using the hashtag, #CupStory. The best video clip or image – as voted for by the fans – will win the special prize 200 days before The Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on 27 May 2017.

Fans wanting to enter can share their adventure videos across 14 different social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and can enter more than once.

The Emirates FA Cup has already seen 612 Extra Preliminary Round ties take place and The FA is calling on fans throughout the rest of the competition to get involved and show them the fans’ Emirates FA Cup adventure.

Lucy Roberts-Hartley, Senior Brand Manager for The Emirates FA Cup said; “First Round is a special time for football fans, pitting the likes of Ryman League Premier Division Merstham against League One’s Oxford United offers great drama on the pitch, but what we’re interested in is seeing the fans’ adventure at matches like this.”

We want to see what The Emirates FA Cup means to the fans, everything from the pre-match build up, demonstrating their passion and pride in supporting their team and jubilation or dejection on their journey home.

These are all emotions and experiences that make The Emirates FA Cup the competition that it is, and we can’t wait to see a varied collection of match day stories from fans from the First Round through the Final on 27 May.”

The Emirates FA Cup official Twitter channel, @EmiratesFACup will host the videos on Wednesday 9 November with fans getting to vote for their winner.

Throughout the rest of the competition, The FA will be giving away prizes after each round for the best video shared using #CupStory. For more information on this season’s Emirates FA Cup adventure, visit TheFA.com/TheEmiratesFACup."

TASC MEETING

OLD BOY

'I felt very proud, two or three weeks ago, when I was asked by Alan Tarbuck whether I’d like to be named in Chester FC’s Hall of Fame', Young said. 'And last Saturday’s whole experience was overwhelming and I felt very proud when I walked in front of the Harry McNally terrace and the Main Stand and saw a few old faces. Times flies and it’s hard to believe it was three years ago when I was the Chester manager, but I was absolutely amazed with the outstanding reception I got on Saturday.

'I like to think that it was a chance to say thank you to all Chester’s fabulous supporters, and to share the experience with my wife, sister and kids felt brilliant, and I’m sure my family won’t forget that day in a hurry... I can still remember my first day as manager six years ago because Chester were told they would be playing in the North West Counties League and I had no keys to the ground! I don’t think many people realise how far this football club has come both on and off the field in all that time...

'It’s been great to see where Chester are now. The club has money in the bank, they are being watched by 2,500 crowds, they are in the top half of the Conference, and there is a real feel good factor around the place'...

Young had spells in charge at Stockport County and Altrincham after departing Chester and has no immediate plans of taking another job in football management".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The National League reports that "Over the last couple of months both Forest Green Rovers and Chester FC have been keeping an above average number of clean sheets in Vanarama National fixtures. Whereas the Blues have shared their 'keeper duties, it has been solely Sam Russell between the sticks for the league leaders.

He was agonisingly just 16 minutes away with his team-mates, on the last Saturday of October, from equalising [sic] the league record of eight consecutive matches without conceding a goal but nevertheless he personally chalked up an amazing 744 minutes between picking the ball out the net [sic].

Frustratingly too he was also just 34 minutes away from setting a new personal goalkeeping league record. So whilst he must start all over again, the Player of the Month award is hopefully some consolation and due recognition of his efforts".

"As October concluded the top two teams in the Vanarama National each earned 14 points during a very busy month but, whereas leaders Forest Green Rovers may top the table, they lost in the FA Cup. So, with the Red Imps winning their tie, albeit via a replay, they claimed the edge over Rovers. As both played other Vanarama National clubs, it was a fair comparison which on this occasion leads to success for Danny Cowley, who picks up his first trophy since joining his new club mid-summer.

It will be a massive meeting between the two clubs later in November but, for the time being, the monthly award is on its way to the Lincoln City boss. "

The National League also tells us that "Brackley Town have had a phenomenal October not only in the Vanarama North but two wins in the FA Cup to set up a First Round clash against Gillingham. Though that tie will be away from home, their results on the road have seen them unbeaten all season and they recorded a fantastic victory at The Shay to defeat FC Halifax Town, who themselves were on a great unbeaten League run.

Kevin Wilkin is very experienced though and, under his guidance, he has brought in a number of acquisitions to supplement the squad he started building last season. They are a hard-working and committed group and under his astute leadership who would bet against them not springing a surprise this coming weekend?"

Elsewhere, "The rise of Darlington from the ashes of years back now seems to be almost over with a new ground likely to become their permanent home in the next few months. That has been achieved by hard work off the field but the impetus has been mirrored on the field with Martin Gray taking his charges into second place in the Vanarama North at the end of October.

The player award for the month also clearly recognises the hard work, ethos and commitment on the field and Josh Gillies has been clearly instrumental in some excellent personal performances and a lynch pin pocket dynamo in midfield supplying passes to his strikers."

Elsewhere "Midfielder Lee Cox has signed for Brackley Town in time to feature in the Emirates FA Cup this weekend. A native of Leicester, Cox started out his career with his home-town club... He went out to Yeovil Town on loan in January 2009... After Leicester let him go, Cox moved north of the border. He started to rebuild his career with Inverness Caledonian Thistle...

Swindon Town was the team to bring him back from Scotland, but didn't make huge use of his services. The midfielder joined Oxford United on loan for the first half of the 2012-3 campaign. Cox returned to Swindon... A month later, he went to Plymouth Argyle for the rest of the campaign... Torn shoulder ligaments forced the midfielder out of action for six months, before being deemed surplus to requirements at Swindon. He returned to Plymouth in May 2014... Cox was sent out to Stevenage... Cox was released by Boro in the summer of 2016".

Closer to home, Alty's next league opponents "Salford City have announced their second loan signing of the week in midfielder Nick Haughton from Fleetwood Town... The youngster began his playing career with Runcorn Town, with his form attracting interest from Fleetwood. Once confirmed as a Fleetwood player, the Mancunian was immediately loaned out to Nantwich Town... Haughton returned to the Fylde coast... [and] made twenty-two appearances for Town in his debut campaign...

He moves to Moor Lane until January 8th 2017 and follows the Ammies' earlier loan recruit, Patrick Brough from Carlisle United".

Over the Pennines "Bradford Park Avenue have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of Oli Johnson from neighbours Guiseley AFC... on an initial one-month loan deal... He made thirty-four appearances, scoring 8 goals as the Nethermoor side were promoted to non-League’s top flight in 2015. While coming through as a striker, the 28-year-old has often featured in a `number 10` role for the Lions in behind a main front man.

Born in Wakefield, the 6′ tall attacker started his career with Nostell Miners Welfare before attracting the attentions of Stockport County in 2008. Johnson spent just over twelve months at Edgeley Park, netting 7 goals in thirty-eight League One appearances before joining Norwich City in January 2010 for an undisclosed fee, singing a two-and-a-half year deal. Starts were limited at Norwich however, and despite netting four times in four starts and thirteen short substitute appearances as City earned promotion to the Championship, Johnson found himself slipping down the pecking order.

He left Carrow Road initially on loan, with two spells at Yeovil Town across two seasons, before joining Oxford United permanently in January 2012... and then injuries hampered a season at York City before Johnson joined Guiseley in 2013... In four years at Nethermoor, and across two divisions, Johnson has netted 14 goals in forty-four starts".

ALTY SIGN TWO

The new players are:

• Curtis Obeng (d.o.b. 14 Feb. 1989): Curtis will be best known to Alty fans as a former Wrexham defender. He had very recently joined Macclesfield Town (27 October 2016) from Swansea City.

  Curtis was at Wrexham from summer 2009 till January 2012 when he moved up to Swansea City and he spent nearly five years at the Premiership club. He was released in October 2016 but, whilst with the Welsh club, he had loan spells at four Football League clubs, namely Fleetwood Town (3 months), York City (one month), Stevenage (more than 3 months) and Newport County (3 months)

• Simon Lenighan (d.o.b. 13 May 1994): Midfielder Simon joins Altrincham from Warrington Town. He started out with Leeds United (2012-15). From Elland Road he had loan spells with FC Halifax Town (February -June 2014) and Alfreton Town (February to April 2015). He then joined Rotherham United on a free transfer.

SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL TO LINCOLN

Please book your seat as soon as possible by ringing the club on (0161) 928-1045.

LINCOLN TAKING ALTY SERIOUSLY

The Imps are heavy favourites to defeat to the National League North strugglers... But Cowley insists Alty, now managed by the wily Jim Harvey, who won the FA Trophy with FC Halifax Town last season, will pose a serious threat to the Imps, who are unbeaten in eight in all competitions.

'They were in our league last season and have kept most of their squad together and now Jim Harvey has come in there', said Cowley. 'He's a cup manager, as we saw with Halifax winning the FA Trophy last season. Sometimes, when a team is having a difficult spell in the league, the cup can give them a bit of freedom. And the magic of the Cup is that it creates heroes and moments that individuals maybe otherwise wouldn't have been able to do'.

Cowley... could have Adam Marriott among his seven substitutes. The striker has been out since September with an elbow injury.

'We always look to try and play the strongest team available. That will always be our approach in every competition', promised Cowley.

'We're respectful of that and we need to make sure we reach our levels because we desperately want to be in the Second Round. We'll prepare very professionally for what will be a tough game'".

For their part, Altrincham will have Tom Hannigan available after suspension but Alan Goodall is sidelined by his ban following last week's sending off against Worcester City."

MANX MAN ON LADIES' WIN

A View From a Manx Man: ALTRINCHAM 3 NORTHWICH VIXENS 0

Altrincham FC Women’s team charted new territory, reaching their highest league position to date since the club was formed five years ago, following a 3-0 victory over Northwich Vixens at Mersey Valley last Sunday.

Alty now occupy third position within the North West Regional Division 1 South after registering their fifth win this season. However, this victory wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed. After dominating the first half, the Robins couldn’t convert a series of chances and the half finished goalless after a frustrating opening forty five.

The Vixens’ goalkeeper pulled off a number of impressive saves, denying Jess Hartopp with the first attack of the match and minutes later, repelling Kyeshia Brown’s strike.

However, Alty, on one occasion, were caught off-guard, a visiting player was clean through, only to see her effort superbly saved by Lizzie Brereton. Just before the interval, the hosts thought they had scored. Georgia Plant’s impressive free-kick saw the Vixens’ goalkeeper somehow clawing away the danger.

On resumption, Plant was unlucky not to score again, her strike hitting the crossbar.

The breakthrough arrived on 52 minutes. Jade Hesketh intercepted an opposing goal-kick and drilled it into the bottom right to make it 1-0.

Altrincham doubled their lead on 71 minutes. Plant’s corner was curled in and Laura Dodds directed home a header from close range.

Brogan Walsh came close to adding a third with an effort that went narrowly over the crossbar, so too Laura Kelly when her low strike was pushed onto the post.

Alty got their third with the last attack of the match. Following another Plant corner, the ball skimmed off Kelly’s head, directing her effort home at the near post to complete the scoring.

Player of the Match (voted by the players) was a three-way tie between Louise Edleston, Bliss Molyneaux and Georgia Plant. Manager's Player of the Match went to Jade Hesketh.

Onto this Sunday, when we are on our travels to Grappenhall Sports Club, where we take on Warrington Wolverines with a 2pm kick-off. This will be another tough game, and they come thick and fast, but we will be up for this as ever. Why not pop over to support the girls in their quest for another 3 points?

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

He hobbled off late on in Bradford’s victory at Altrincham last Tuesday, and as a result, was forced to watch from the sidelines as his team-mates slipped to a narrow defeat against Stalybridge Celtic at the weekend...

Nowakowski’s loan now expires on December 3rd".

The Halifax Courier reports that "Town boss Billy Heath believes The Shaymen are capable of causing an FA Cup upset at Dagenham and Redbridge...

Halifax had kept four clean sheets in five games before conceding in each of their last three matches...

When asked what the decisive factor could be in achieving a victory on Saturday, Heath replied, 'Keeping a clean sheet. If we can do that, we’re always capable of scoring. The pleasing thing at the minute is that we’re not just relying on our attackers to score. Jordan Sinnott has got seven, Alex Simmons has chipped in.

'That gives us a chance, and it would be very pleasing to go there and keep a clean sheet'.

It will be the first time Heath has managed a team in the First Round of the FA Cup... 'We [North Ferriby United] were 30 seconds away last year and then Bohan Dixon smashed one in from 35 yards for Stalybridge to equalise and then we lost the replay', Heath recalled.

'Players want to play in the FA Cup. Liam King will be jumping off the walls because he’s never played in the First Round Proper. Sometimes it does get lost the further up the pyramid you go and it becomes a distraction for some teams. That can’t be right, but that’s the way it is nowadays...

'If we can start right, get ourselves a foothold into the game, then I think we can cause an upset'".

Curzon Ashton state that "The Nash will look to emulate the class of 2008 by making the Second Round of the FA Cup

Curzon Ashton manager John Flanagan insists the Nash will not take Westfields lightly... Curzon reached the First Round Proper following an impressive 2-1 replay win over York City...

Meanwhile, Westfields, the lowest ranked team currently left in this season’s competition, and who play in the ninth tier of English football, reached this stage following a 2-1 win over Isthmian League Premier Division side Leiston FC in the fourth qualifying round...

Flanagan is really looking forward to the tie... 'We’ve got what, on paper, is a good draw although I have no doubt that it’s going to be very tough... I don’t expect us to have a lot of time on the ball', he said. 'I think, with the level of football they play, the pitch side will be very close to the fans and I’ve no doubt that there’ll be plenty of people screaming for Westfields'.

He then added, 'I think that’ll put us under a lot of pressure for a bit longer than we would be normally. I’m anticipating not a lot of time on the ball, initially, and we’ve got to think about how we deal with that. We’ve got to be strong, we’ve got to expect it and we’ve got to try and have a game plan that’s going to be appropriate for the setting and the type of opposition we’re playing'...

Speaking about his feelings towards the competition, Flanagan said... 'It’s a fantastic thing and non-league clubs get so nearly there and drop off most of the time... We, as a club, have been there before. It was before my time so for me to do it, I’m really, really delighted...

I love the opportunity to play in big games. I used to love it as a player; I used to find another level with something at stake. Hopefully the players will rise to the challenge like they did against York...

'We’ve just got to be really careful that we don’t go there and remotely underestimate their position. We’ve got to fully respect them. At the end of the day, it’s 11 against 11. There’s many a banana skin in the FA Cup and Hereford were one of them all those years ago against Newcastle United, and that’s about 300 yards away from where we’re playing'.

The Nash haven’t had the best of times leading up to the tie – managing just a point in their last two games... Despite this though, Flanagan has every confidence that his side can bounce back...

He said, 'We’ve got good players; we know we can be capable of very good performances at times. It’s just getting that consistency. We are what we are and we’ve got to make the best of what we’ve got and that means us motivating people, telling them off once or twice because that’s required at times as well in order to remind people.

'At the end of the day, we’re all human beings. We’ve got a great bunch of lads, we’re really looking forward to it and it’ll be a nice trip back if we can get a win and a sad one if we don’t, but we’ll be giving it our very, very best that’s for sure...

He said, 'We took plenty of fans up to York. I was really pleased and the players really responded to the following that we had so I really want to say thankyou to everybody that came that day and hopefully come again to Westfields'...

BBC Sport will be hosting their Football Focus programme live from All:pay Park at lunchtime on Saturday, before Match of the Day shows extended highlights of the game in the evening. BT Sport will also show hour-long highlights of the match at 9pm on Saturday night."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The club’s proposed new football ground at Eco Park near Eastington would be the first all-wooden stadium anywhere in the world...

While no planning permission has yet been secured for the overall concept of Eco Park or its stadium, the club are hoping Stroud District Council will give them the green light later this year. "

Meanwhile, "The architects behind the proposed new stadium for Forest Green that will be built entirely from wood insist it will be safe.

The worst fire disaster in the history of football occurred at Bradford City's Valley Parade Stadium, which had a wooden roof in their main stand, with 56 people being killed when attending a match against Lincoln City in 1985.

However, Jim Heverin, director at Zaha Hadid Architects, explained, 'We're talking about engineered timber so we're moving on a long way from the stadiums that were built in the 50s and 60s and we're talking about design which is very conservative in terms of escape from the seats.

'The timber will be treated so it's fire protected and all the smoke issues would be dealt with so it would be a very safe stadium'".

CLEE DEAL FALLS THROUGH FOR ALTY...

"Altrincham have done their utmost to bring Nicky Clee back to The J.Davidson Stadium but been forced to concede defeat after Harrogate Town moved in with a counter-offer far beyond the Robins' financial means.

Desperate for proven reinforcements to lift the team out of the Vanarama National League North relegation zone, Alty sprang into action the moment Clee's Guiseley contract ended and drew up a package aimed at luring him back across the Pennines.

Club bosses held talks with him and thought they were on the verge of a significant breakthrough after the talented winger indicated the substantial terms placed before him more than matched his aspirations.

But, just as it seemed his wing wizardry was Alty-bound, wealthy Harrogate flexed their financial muscle with an offer way in excess of the one already on the table to effectively finish the battle for his services.

The fact that Alty's bid was accepted in principle, prior to Harrogate's intervention, underlined it was no token gesture, as the club strives to recruit the signings needed for a push towards safety in the table. With an FA Cup First Round tie at Lincoln looming this Saturday, Alty will redouble their efforts to identify and land the players manager Jim Harvey feels he needs for Vanarama North status to be safeguarded".

... AND FOR TRINITY, TOO!

The Blues' boss insists his side is not very far away from establishing themselves in the top 10 of the National League North. Having risen to 13th in the table following last Saturday's 2-1 win at Curzon Ashton, Roma admits he saw Clee as another important piece of the Trinity jigsaw.

'It was disappointing in the end, but understandable,' said the Blues boss. 'He is based in the Leeds area so I suppose if he were to join Harrogate, it would make a lot more sense for Nicky and his family than playing his football in Lincolnshire. Nicky can play in a number of positions so he would have given us a few options. But that's football for you'.

With one door closing, Roma revealed another could be about to open. The Blues' boss has revealed that an experienced midfielder with more than 250 Football League appearances is currently training with the club and looks set to sign a deal. 'He has had quite a bit on his plate in his personal life over the last few weeks, so he is not quite on the pace fitness-wise, but he has the quality to improve us, without a doubt,' said Roma. 'He is only 26 and to have played more than 200 times in the Football League shows he has what it takes. He looks very good in training and I expect him to sign for us at some point'.

Meanwhile, Roma has revealed he has money left from his playing budget and will continue to keep his eyes open for players who could help unlock his side's potential. 'We are not far away from being a real threat in this division', said Roma. 'One or two additions of the right calibre and I'm sure we can push on. I have a few quid left in the budget so I am always on the look-out for players. It's not a case of the chairman offering me anything extra, we are not one of those clubs. But we do have a bit left and I am determined to keep looking'".

PLAYER NEWS

It is also confirmed that midfielder Charlie Joyce (right) and Altrincham FC have mutually agreed the termination of his contract. All at the Club wish Charlie well for the future. Charlie (24) was Neil Young's first signing for Altrincham when his capture was announced on 8 May 2016. He made his Altrincham debut on 13 August 2016 at Harrogate and made a total of 3(+3) appearances for Altrincham.

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

• Congleton Town 1 - 4 1874 Northwich FC
• Stockport Town 0 - 6 Crewe Alexandra FC
• Winsford United 3 - 4 Macclesfield Town FC
• Stalybridge Celtic FC 7 - 3 Cammell Laird 1907 FC (after extra time, 3-3 after 90 mins)

Altrincham are yet to enter the competition.

FOLK NIGHT AT ALTY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

But he has a growth on his heel which will need to be removed by surgery next week, which is expected to keep him out of action for a further six to eight weeks. Town boss Billy Heath said, 'It’s a big blow. he would have been in the squad on Saturday. Danny Hone is still two weeks away so we’re very thin on the ground defensively. He’s worked very hard on his fitness. He just felt something nipping on the back of his ankle and we thought it might need an injection. We sent him for a scan and found he had a growth there'.

Josh Wilde will be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup first round clash at Dagenham and Redbridge, despite appearing to injure his shoulder late-on against Brackley. On long-term injury-victim Scott McManus, Heath said, 'He saw his surgeon last week and he was pleased with how it’s going... but he won’t return until after Christmas'.

Matty Kosylo came through training unscathed on Tuesday and Heath reported he was 'looking sharp' and that he will be in the squad on Saturday".

The Shropshire Star reports that "AFC Telford United have suspended a player over what is believed to be series of tweets. In a brief statement released on its website last night the club said it had suspended James Hurst pending an investigation into the events of the weekend of October 29 and 30. It is believed to be related to comments made by the player on social networking site Twitter.

On Saturday the defender was embroiled in a spat with supporters following the side’s loss to Salford City. The 24-year-old, who joined the Bucks over the summer, was sent off in the game at the New Buck's Head for two bookable offences. The former West Bromwich Albion defender was then engaged in an exchange with a number of supporters and wrote a series of posts.

Hurst wrote 'I feel like a surgeon stacking shelfs [sic] in this league'. In another post to the same supporter, he wrote, 'U paid to watch me today'. Hurst then went on to delete the tweets from his verified @hursty43 account but did post on Sunday, 'Oh god, what happened? I can say some NAUGHTY things to trolls'".

BRACKLEY DATE

CHARITY GAME AT THE J. DAVIDSON STADIUM

Taking place at Altrincham Football Club’s J Davidson Stadium, the match will see some of the biggest names in the Manchester business scene compete over 90 minutes to see who the real winners are.

Manchester United legend, Gary Neville, is managing the Reds on the day with Manchester City icon, Dennis Tueart, in charge of the Blues.

Some of the names signed up to the United squad include Rob Cotton (NCC Group), Steve Bartlett (Social Chain) and Alex Russell (Property Alliance Group). The City line up features the likes of Pat Loftus (Deloitte), Steve Oliver (Music Magpie) and Danny Schweiger (Character World)...

The match is being held to raise funds to help us provide further support for disadvantaged children and young people from Manchester. It’s sure to be a great event so come down and show your support! Adult tickets cost £5 and under 18’s receive free entry.

Should you wish to take part, please contact Phil Ascott on 0161 203 5333 or by e-mail.

Full details are below:

• Date – Friday 4th November
• Kick off – 3pm
• Venue – Altrincham Football Club
• Fee to play in the game – £250
• Maximum of 17 players in each squad"

ALTY'S NORWEGIAN SUPPORTERS

He said, 'Altrincham had just been relegated from the National League, and it seemed like a great club to start with. That was the start of me falling in love with the club'. After following the club for five years, keeping track of games through a combination of Altrincham’s Twitter account and live coverage of matches on Radio Robins, Tonning took his support to the next level by creating his own Norwegian supporter’s account titled Altrincham FC Norway.

'The fans of this club are incredible and only made me fall even more in love. There is something beautiful about non-league football that you just don’t get in the Premier League. I decided to create a Twitter account to show that the club were recognized across the world'. Since his Twitter page began in September 2015, Tonning has managed to find three fellow Norwegians that support the club... Speaking about them, he said, 'They had started a Facebook page a couple of years earlier, and there had been some more Norwegians sharing their experience. I think there are between five and ten Norwegians that has been active on the Facebook-page and Twitter...

'I got in touch with the club and their kit-supplier and goalkeeping-coach, Ian Senior. He was wonderful and helped me with buying my first ever non-league kit. I was (and still am) probably the proudest Norwegian, wearing a kit from a team that almost no other Norwegian has ever heard of; I love it. I am incredibly proud to be able to show the Altrincham colours to everyone'...

He supports Altrincham’s Ladies’ Football Team in equal measures; ahead of their first home game this season, a Norwegian supporters' flag was unveiled and put up at Mersey Valley Sports Club.

'The flag was Keith Edleston’s idea, the manager of the Ladies’ team', said Tonning. 'He reached out to me and asked if we wanted to show our love even more, and it was a no-brainer to say yes. I love what he has done to the flag, and I love to show the club that they have our support; juniors or seniors, ladies or men, it does not matter. We are a part of one big family'...

Living in Norway does mean that going to watch a home game at Moss Lane becomes an improbable challenge, and up to this point the distance and cost has proved too much for Tonning... 'This is one of my main goals in the next year, to clear my schedule and travel over the sea to watch my favourite team play live. I have, however, seen two games on my computer. The first one was the wonderful Barnsley game in the FA Cup, that was shown through one of the main broadcasters in Norway. My whole family was watching this game, and when Damian Reeves netted and sent us through to the second round [it was] probably one of the greatest moments I have ever experienced as an Altrincham fan.

'I also got to watch the last game of last season, when BT Sport streamed it live. Unfortunately, we were relegated, but I hope and believe that we will be back in the National League soon, with me on the stands at Moss Lane'".

OLD BOY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Chairman Richard Park said, 'We will not be revealing the exact figure in public, simply because this could potentially weaken our position in any future negotiations with other clubs or players, but supporters can be assured that we have handed a significant additional sum to Jim Gan

In addition to this, our FA Cup success this season has generated significant additional revenue. When these two factors are combined with the club's aim to invest the maximum achievable amount in the playing budget, it is totally right and proper that the management team should be the direct beneficiaries. We will also consider additional increments to the budget if we are successful in progressing further in the FA Cup this season'...

Gannon said, 'I'm obviously pleased that the Board recognise the progress we've made as a team this season, and they're entrusting me with a very healthy increase to what was already a competitive budget. The additional funds are available to me immediately, but I am not planning to go out and spend the money overnight. The existing squad have made great strides since we kicked-off the campaign back in August and they deserve the opportunity to continue to build on the momentum they've created already.

'I'm also conscious that there is a limited amount of quality out there at the moment in the areas where I might have considered making additions'...

Park added, 'We're not gambling with the club's finances, because we still intend to at least break even at the end of this season'".

We learn from the Harrogate Advertiser that "Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver says that there is no need to panic following his side’s fifth successive defeat... [He] is confident that his side will return to form once they get past the current injury crisis that is plaguing the club.

'We’ve had a tough sequence of fixtures against four of the strongest sides in this league in recent weeks', Weaver said... 'Things won’t stay like this, we can’t keep having the bad luck with the injuries, the deflected goals and refereeing decisions. Once we get two or three players back from injury, you’re looking at a different side...

'“It was always going to be difficult playing a team as good as Darlington when you’ve got to bring squad players and young lads in to the side, but I thought we did okay'".

Lincolnshore Live reports that "Dennis Greene says he has been given the go-ahead to strengthen his squad after his clear-the-air meeting with chairman David Newton. The Boston United boss, who returned to work as normal last weekend after dropping his threat to resign, led his side to a 2-2 draw with Nuneaton Town...

'The meeting was never about money', said Greene. 'I never asked about having more money, that was never my intention. However, the chairman can see we have 10 first-team players out due to injury, so he has said if I need to bring in a couple to get us through a difficult period I can do that. All four of our contracted central midfielders, Grant Roberts, Shane Clarke, Liam Agnew and Herve Pepe-Ngoma, are injured. So we might need to address that and look to bring someone in, but it's not as easy as it sounds.

'You first have to identify someone who would improve us, who is based within an hour-and-a-half away and we could get on a free transfer... We should see that happen in the next few weeks... It's been plain crazy', he said. 'I have never known anything like it [the injuries] and it's been pretty much going on right from the start of the season and has not let up... It's difficult enough when you have changed your team totally as we had to in the summer, but to then be hit by so many injuries makes it really hard'".

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

• Stalybridge Celtic 7 Cammell Laird 1907 3

WORCESTER GAME

MONTHLY DRAW

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS